#MAGFAB: Kenny Germé Captures Femme Fatales for Numéro 260 March 2026
Paris-based photographer Kenny Germé throws down the gauntlet, double-daring us to say one negative word about this scalding second cover story for Numéro #260 March 2026.
Photographer Germé, originally from Martinique, stresses the importance of emotional storytelling in his images. No lie!
We also have a reminder that narratives take many forms — like a taut-tension violin performance seemingly devoid of emotion. And then the truth of the ensemble’s mission reveals itself.
Paris-based photographer Kenny Germé throws down the gauntlet, double-daring us to say one negative word about this scalding second cover story for Numéro #260 March 2026.
We also have a reminder that narratives take many forms — like a taut-tension violin performance seemingly devoid of emotion. And then the truth of the ensemble’s mission reveals itself.
Models Ateta Jok Deng, Balat Pal and Fatou Kebbeh take no prisoners in ‘Les Infiltrées’, styled by Edem Dossou./ Hair by Dalibor Vrtina; makeup by Hicham Ababsa
Fatou Kebbeh wears Gucci on the cover, she was one of 15 models to walk the FW 2026 Prada show in Milan
Fatou Kebbeh wears Gucci on the cover, she was one of 15 models to walk the FW 2026 Prada show in Milan
#RHOA: Drew Sidora unpacks social media feud with Kelli Ferrell
“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Drew Sidora is setting the record straight on her headline-making social media spat with castmate Kelli Ferrell.
During an exclusive chat with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Sidora addresses the drama that ignited after she attempted to visit Ferrell’s now-closed Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles location — only to find it locked up.
“I tried to [visit],” Sidora tells us. “There was a lockbox on the door.”
The “Badder” singer initially documented the moment on her Instagram Story while trying to treat her kids to a meal at the restaurant.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star unpacked her recent social media spat with castmate Kelli Ferrell. Brian Zak/Page Six
“I am so confused because I did not get the memo. My kids wanted chicken and waffles, so I came to support my girl,” she said in the video. “So, I get here and it is a lockbox on the door. No one is here, no one is answering the phones. There is no one inside. Did anyone know about this? Because I didn’t.”
Sidora explained that her visit wasn’t shady — it was convenient. She and her children had just been shopping at a nearby Target in the same shopping center.
“One thing I’ve always done is eaten the chicken and waffles. OK, let’s just put that out there,” she said with a laugh.
“What I’m gonna do is eat, and my kids, they love the chicken and waffles. So it’s like, I’m gonna do it for the kids. We were at the Target, which is in the same [shopping center] — well, it was, I don’t even know anymore because it ain’t there anymore. But I was like, ‘We’re here.’ And I was just like, ‘Wow.’”
The moment quickly escalated into a social media back-and-forth, with Ferrell taking aim at Sidora online in a succession of heated Instagram Story posts. But the longtime “Housewife” insists she’s been nothing but supportive of Ferrell, who joined the franchise in last year’s Season 16.
“And I think this is the thing, is as much as she’s come for me and given me all this smoke, I don’t know what Kelli’s issue is with me really, truly,” Sidora says. “But I’ve always tried to be supportive.”
She adds bluntly, “But I feel like that’s what you get girl. I mean, I didn’t do it. I don’t know why she’s mad at me. I didn’t close the restaurant down.”
According to Sidora, the tension didn’t begin with the restaurant visit. She believes Ferrell entered the Bravo series eager to secure her spot — and chose her as a target.
Despite their now-rocky relationship, the ladies (pictured here at an Atlanta movie premiere in April 2025), were once close. Getty Images for Lionsgate
The next season of “RHOA” is expected to receive a premiere date soon. Gizelle Hernandez/James Bianchi/Bravo
“I feel like she came in really trying to find her place. She came in having to look up a lot and she was just trying to figure out, like, ‘Where do I fit in?’ And she decided to come for me,” Sidora explains. “I am always an open book, I am always willing to try.”
As for Ferrell’s online jabs? “She’s bothered. It was almost, like, obsessed a little bit. I’m like, ‘Girl, are you OK?’ It was like spicy Chihuahua,” Sidora quips. “I’m always surrounded by dogs and puppies for some reason. Am I a veterinarian at this point? Y’all know I have dog bones and doggie treats, what’s up?”
Despite the drama, Sidora is channeling her energy into something more constructive. Alongside relationship expert Chanel Nicole Scott — host of CheMinistry — she spoke with “Virtual Reali-Tea” while promoting their upcoming “Kicks & Conversations” event on Feb. 21.
Powered by CheMinistry, the immersive experience is designed for singles and couples seeking more than surface-level advice. Blending honest dialogue, expert insight and lived experience, the event will explore intimacy, trust, boundaries and connection in a modern world that often rewards visibility over vulnerability.
If Sidora has her way, the real tea — and the real growth — is just getting started.
During an exclusive chat with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” Sidora addresses the drama that ignited after she attempted to visit Ferrell’s now-closed Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles location — only to find it locked up.
“I tried to [visit],” Sidora tells us. “There was a lockbox on the door.”
The “Badder” singer initially documented the moment on her Instagram Story while trying to treat her kids to a meal at the restaurant.
The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star unpacked her recent social media spat with castmate Kelli Ferrell. Brian Zak/Page Six
“I am so confused because I did not get the memo. My kids wanted chicken and waffles, so I came to support my girl,” she said in the video. “So, I get here and it is a lockbox on the door. No one is here, no one is answering the phones. There is no one inside. Did anyone know about this? Because I didn’t.”
Sidora explained that her visit wasn’t shady — it was convenient. She and her children had just been shopping at a nearby Target in the same shopping center.
“One thing I’ve always done is eaten the chicken and waffles. OK, let’s just put that out there,” she said with a laugh.
“What I’m gonna do is eat, and my kids, they love the chicken and waffles. So it’s like, I’m gonna do it for the kids. We were at the Target, which is in the same [shopping center] — well, it was, I don’t even know anymore because it ain’t there anymore. But I was like, ‘We’re here.’ And I was just like, ‘Wow.’”
The moment quickly escalated into a social media back-and-forth, with Ferrell taking aim at Sidora online in a succession of heated Instagram Story posts. But the longtime “Housewife” insists she’s been nothing but supportive of Ferrell, who joined the franchise in last year’s Season 16.
“And I think this is the thing, is as much as she’s come for me and given me all this smoke, I don’t know what Kelli’s issue is with me really, truly,” Sidora says. “But I’ve always tried to be supportive.”
She adds bluntly, “But I feel like that’s what you get girl. I mean, I didn’t do it. I don’t know why she’s mad at me. I didn’t close the restaurant down.”
According to Sidora, the tension didn’t begin with the restaurant visit. She believes Ferrell entered the Bravo series eager to secure her spot — and chose her as a target.
Despite their now-rocky relationship, the ladies (pictured here at an Atlanta movie premiere in April 2025), were once close. Getty Images for Lionsgate
The next season of “RHOA” is expected to receive a premiere date soon. Gizelle Hernandez/James Bianchi/Bravo
“I feel like she came in really trying to find her place. She came in having to look up a lot and she was just trying to figure out, like, ‘Where do I fit in?’ And she decided to come for me,” Sidora explains. “I am always an open book, I am always willing to try.”
As for Ferrell’s online jabs? “She’s bothered. It was almost, like, obsessed a little bit. I’m like, ‘Girl, are you OK?’ It was like spicy Chihuahua,” Sidora quips. “I’m always surrounded by dogs and puppies for some reason. Am I a veterinarian at this point? Y’all know I have dog bones and doggie treats, what’s up?”
Despite the drama, Sidora is channeling her energy into something more constructive. Alongside relationship expert Chanel Nicole Scott — host of CheMinistry — she spoke with “Virtual Reali-Tea” while promoting their upcoming “Kicks & Conversations” event on Feb. 21.
Powered by CheMinistry, the immersive experience is designed for singles and couples seeking more than surface-level advice. Blending honest dialogue, expert insight and lived experience, the event will explore intimacy, trust, boundaries and connection in a modern world that often rewards visibility over vulnerability.
If Sidora has her way, the real tea — and the real growth — is just getting started.
#MusicNews: Jill Scott Announces “To Whom This May Concern” World Tour
Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and actress Jill Scott, in partnership with Live Nation Urban, has officially announced the “To Whom This May Concern World Tour.”
The monumental 36-date global run will span the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, marking a major return to the international stage for the Philadelphia native.The tour kicks off in Nashville before hitting major domestic markets including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Scott’s hometown of Philadelphia.
International legs across the UK, Europe, and South Africa are scheduled to follow.
Tickets for the “To Whom This May Concern” tour will be released according to the following schedule:
Artist Presale: Tuesday, March 10, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time.
General Onsale: Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00 AM local time via MissJillScott.com.
Moving away from traditional arena formats, the tour will emphasize residency-style performances. Scott aims to prioritize live band instrumentation and intentional storytelling to foster deeper connections with her audience.”Music is a conversation, and the stage is where we come together to share truth, joy, and the beauty of being alive,” Scott stated regarding the tour’s curated approach. Known for live vocals that frequently exceed her studio recordings, Scott will be backed by a premier live ensemble to deliver her signature “grown-and-sexy” energy.
The tour announcement follows the February 13 release of Scott’s sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern (Blues Babe/Human Re Sources), her first studio project in over a decade.
This release marks Scott’s ninth career entry into the Top 10 of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, further solidifying her status as a foundational pillar of modern soul and R&B.
U.S. TOUR DATES
June 4 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
June 5 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
June 11 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 13 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 14 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 16 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
June 18 Raleigh, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
July 10 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre Atlanta
July 11 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre Atlanta
July 16 New York, NY Kings Theatre
July 18 New York, NY Kings Theatre
July 19 New York, NY Kings Theatre
July 24 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
July 25 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
July 27 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
August 6 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
August 7 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
August 11 Los Angeles, CA YouTube Theatre
August 12 Los Angeles, CA YouTube Theatre
August 15 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Theater
August 20 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
August 22 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
August 23 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
August 26 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
August 30 Houston, TX Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
September 3 Irving, TX The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory
EUROPE & UK TOUR DATES
September 29 Birmingham, UK O2 Academy
October 1 Manchester, UK O2 Apollo Manchester
October 5 Brussels, BE BOZAR
October 6 Berlin, DE Tempodrom
October 9 Paris, FR Zenith
October 10 Amsterdam, NL AFAS Live
October 13 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
October 14 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
SOUTH AFRICA TOUR DATES
November 7 Pretoria, South Africa SunBet Arena
November 11 Cape Town, South Africa GrandWest Arena
Three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist and actress Jill Scott, in partnership with Live Nation Urban, has officially announced the “To Whom This May Concern World Tour.”
The monumental 36-date global run will span the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, marking a major return to the international stage for the Philadelphia native.The tour kicks off in Nashville before hitting major domestic markets including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Scott’s hometown of Philadelphia.
International legs across the UK, Europe, and South Africa are scheduled to follow.
Tickets for the “To Whom This May Concern” tour will be released according to the following schedule:
Artist Presale: Tuesday, March 10, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time.
General Onsale: Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00 AM local time via MissJillScott.com.
Moving away from traditional arena formats, the tour will emphasize residency-style performances. Scott aims to prioritize live band instrumentation and intentional storytelling to foster deeper connections with her audience.”Music is a conversation, and the stage is where we come together to share truth, joy, and the beauty of being alive,” Scott stated regarding the tour’s curated approach. Known for live vocals that frequently exceed her studio recordings, Scott will be backed by a premier live ensemble to deliver her signature “grown-and-sexy” energy.
The tour announcement follows the February 13 release of Scott’s sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern (Blues Babe/Human Re Sources), her first studio project in over a decade.
This release marks Scott’s ninth career entry into the Top 10 of the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, further solidifying her status as a foundational pillar of modern soul and R&B.
U.S. TOUR DATES
June 4 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
June 5 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
June 11 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 13 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 14 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
June 16 Charlotte, NC Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
June 18 Raleigh, NC Durham Performing Arts Center
July 10 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre Atlanta
July 11 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre Atlanta
July 16 New York, NY Kings Theatre
July 18 New York, NY Kings Theatre
July 19 New York, NY Kings Theatre
July 24 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
July 25 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
July 27 Philadelphia, PA The Met Philadelphia
August 6 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
August 7 Oakland, CA Paramount Theatre
August 11 Los Angeles, CA YouTube Theatre
August 12 Los Angeles, CA YouTube Theatre
August 15 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Theater
August 20 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
August 22 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
August 23 Chicago, IL The Chicago Theatre
August 26 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
August 30 Houston, TX Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
September 3 Irving, TX The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory
EUROPE & UK TOUR DATES
September 29 Birmingham, UK O2 Academy
October 1 Manchester, UK O2 Apollo Manchester
October 5 Brussels, BE BOZAR
October 6 Berlin, DE Tempodrom
October 9 Paris, FR Zenith
October 10 Amsterdam, NL AFAS Live
October 13 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
October 14 London, UK Royal Albert Hall
SOUTH AFRICA TOUR DATES
November 7 Pretoria, South Africa SunBet Arena
November 11 Cape Town, South Africa GrandWest Arena
#HipHopNews: Questlove Teases A Soulquarians Comeback
Questlove has teased the long-awaited return of the Soulquarians, the soul-steeped movement that he spearheaded in the late 1990s and early 2000s alongside the likes of D’Angelo and J Dilla.
During a recent episode of his podcast The Questlove Show, the longtime Roots drummer and award-winning filmmaker revealed plans for a stripped-down Soulquarians comeback featuring the few original members that are left including himself, R&B legend Bilal and acclaimed producer/multi-instrumentalist James Poyser.
“James [Poyser], myself, Bilal — the fragments that are left of the Soulquarians… we spoke. The family’s going to get back together,” he said.
Questlove added that since the deaths of Prince and D’Angelo in 2016 and 2025, respectively, he feels pressure to “see the mission through” of keeping thoughtful, analog-driven music alive.
“Now that [D’Angelo] is not here, I feel that responsibility more than ever,” he shared.
It’s unclear if other living Soulquarians such as Erykah Badu, Common, Q-Tip and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) will be involved.
Headquartered at Jimi Hendrix’s famed Electric Lady Studios in New York City, the original Soulquarians movement birthed a whole wave of classic hip-hop and R&B albums that remain hugely influential to this day.
Between 1999 and 2002, the lineup of like-minded, left-of-center creatives came together to produce masterpieces like D’Angelo’s Voodoo, Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun and Common’s Like Water For Chocolate.
“In my head it was this utopian paradise I had always envisioned, the Native Tongues movement recreated,” Questlove wrote of the Soulquarians in his 2013 memoir Mo’ Meta Blues.
However, things began to fall apart just as the group was hitting its peak thanks to a 2000 VIBE magazine article that sought to spotlight the Soulquarians, but sadly backfired.
“I was in Chicago for a D’Angelo show … Someone came up and tapped me on the shoulder. ‘Ahmir, it’s Mos [Def]. He wants to talk to you,'” Quest recalled in Mo’ Meta Blues.
“[Mos said], ‘I’m not an Aquarian … Does that mean I’m not a real Soulquarian?’ Later, Q-Tip called. ‘Yo,’ he said. ‘This article makes it look like I work for you.’ Then Erykah called, and she had a problem with the piece, too.”
He added: “When I [checked out the story], I could see their point … It was at that moment that I realized that the paradise I had imagined wasn’t headed in a good direction.”
Jesse Jackson’s Son Swipes at Obama and Biden After Politically-Charged Eulogies: They ‘Do Not Know Jesse Jackson’
Jesse Jackson Jr. took a not-so-subtle swipe at three former Democratic presidents who spoke at his father’s memorial service — Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden — saying they did not know the real Jesse Jackson.
“Yesterday I listened for several hours of three United States presidents who do not know Jesse Jackson,” he said on Saturday.
Jackson Jr. continued, “He maintained a tense relationship with the political order, not because the presidents were White or Black, but the demands of our message, the demands of speaking for the least of these — those who are disinherited, the damned, the dispossessed, the disrespected — demanded not Democratic or Republican solutions, but demanded a consistent, prophetic voice that at no point in time sold us out as a people.”
The sharp opening to his eulogy was made in front of a crowd at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
Jackson Jr. — who served as a Democratic representative from Illinois between 1995 and 2012 — made his remarks a day after the ex-presidents honored his father. Obama’s speech was the most political of the three former presidents, with Obama clearly dissing President Donald Trump at one point, without mentioning him by name.
“Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don’t even count at all,” Obama said. “Everywhere we see greed and bigotry, being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength.”
Ex-Vice President Kamala Harris made similar comments, saying it was hard to believe Jackson was not around to help America “get through” Trump’s presidency.
Clinton was less focused on politics, saying he was there “more as a friend than a former president. [Jackson] was my friend when I needed him.”
And Biden went viral on X for saying at one point he was “a hell of a lot smarter than most of you” — apparently aimed at people who laughed at him as a kid for having a stutter.
Dionne Warwick announces final album, lead single featuring Cynthia Erivo
Dionne Warwick will be giving fans a new album one last time. Billboard reports that after 65 years in the music industry, she’s announced her final album, Dwuets, which will see her collaborate with some high-profile duet partners.
The first two letters of the title are in celebration of her first time working with Diane Warren, with whom she shares the same initials, according to the publication. Announced features on the project include Cynthia Erivo, who guests on the lead single “Ocean in the Desert,” and Kehlani, who will appear on the album’s second single.
“It was such a joy to be in the studio harmonizing with such a talented entertainer as Cynthia. We immediately bonded and had so much fun recording this beautiful song,” Dionne says of “Ocean in the Desert,” as per Billboard.
Erivo also enjoyed the experience. She said in her own statement, “It was so warm being in the studio with Dionne; it was like a mother-daughter relationship. This experience was like the godmother of music coming in and saying to me ‘I knight you.’”
In a joint Instagram post, she recalled their first interaction and the moment Warwick asked her to be on the song.
“Ocean in the Desert” is set to arrive on March 20; the release for Dwuets, and additional features, will be announced at a later time.
Warwick’s son and manager, Damon Elliott, produced the album, according to Billboard. Physical art pieces accompanying the project will be up for auction.
Jesse Jackson Jr. took a not-so-subtle swipe at three former Democratic presidents who spoke at his father’s memorial service — Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden — saying they did not know the real Jesse Jackson.
“Yesterday I listened for several hours of three United States presidents who do not know Jesse Jackson,” he said on Saturday.
Jackson Jr. continued, “He maintained a tense relationship with the political order, not because the presidents were White or Black, but the demands of our message, the demands of speaking for the least of these — those who are disinherited, the damned, the dispossessed, the disrespected — demanded not Democratic or Republican solutions, but demanded a consistent, prophetic voice that at no point in time sold us out as a people.”
The sharp opening to his eulogy was made in front of a crowd at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters in Chicago.
Jackson Jr. — who served as a Democratic representative from Illinois between 1995 and 2012 — made his remarks a day after the ex-presidents honored his father. Obama’s speech was the most political of the three former presidents, with Obama clearly dissing President Donald Trump at one point, without mentioning him by name.
“Each day, we’re told by those in high office to fear each other and to turn on each other, and that some Americans count more than others, and that some don’t even count at all,” Obama said. “Everywhere we see greed and bigotry, being celebrated and bullying and mockery masquerading as strength.”
Ex-Vice President Kamala Harris made similar comments, saying it was hard to believe Jackson was not around to help America “get through” Trump’s presidency.
Clinton was less focused on politics, saying he was there “more as a friend than a former president. [Jackson] was my friend when I needed him.”
And Biden went viral on X for saying at one point he was “a hell of a lot smarter than most of you” — apparently aimed at people who laughed at him as a kid for having a stutter.
Dionne Warwick announces final album, lead single featuring Cynthia Erivo
The first two letters of the title are in celebration of her first time working with Diane Warren, with whom she shares the same initials, according to the publication. Announced features on the project include Cynthia Erivo, who guests on the lead single “Ocean in the Desert,” and Kehlani, who will appear on the album’s second single.
“It was such a joy to be in the studio harmonizing with such a talented entertainer as Cynthia. We immediately bonded and had so much fun recording this beautiful song,” Dionne says of “Ocean in the Desert,” as per Billboard.
Erivo also enjoyed the experience. She said in her own statement, “It was so warm being in the studio with Dionne; it was like a mother-daughter relationship. This experience was like the godmother of music coming in and saying to me ‘I knight you.’”
In a joint Instagram post, she recalled their first interaction and the moment Warwick asked her to be on the song.
“Ocean in the Desert” is set to arrive on March 20; the release for Dwuets, and additional features, will be announced at a later time.
Warwick’s son and manager, Damon Elliott, produced the album, according to Billboard. Physical art pieces accompanying the project will be up for auction.
Jennifer Hudson Says Boyfriend Common & Son David Are Inspiring Her New Music
EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson says the men closest to her are helping shape her creative spark. The singer recently revealed that both her teenage son and boyfriend Common have been inspiring her musically.
Hudson shared the update while speaking with People. The 44-year-old star said she’s currently preparing to head back on tour this summer — and hinted that fans might hear new music along the way.
“My voice is a tree of many branches,” Hudson explained. “I am a music lover, as well as a singer [and] artist, so it’s going to display all of that, right? So yes, you may hear new material.”
The “Spotlight” singer also revealed that her teenage son David Daniel Otunga Jr. has been experimenting with music production — and even reworking some of her songs.
“My son is also a producer, and he’s been recreating some of my songs, so I’m inspired by that,” Hudson said. She added that being around both her son and Common has fueled her creativity.
“And then of course, the man Common, being around them both, they are so musical,” Hudson said. “It’s inspired me in so many unique ways.”
EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson says the men closest to her are helping shape her creative spark. The singer recently revealed that both her teenage son and boyfriend Common have been inspiring her musically.
Hudson shared the update while speaking with People. The 44-year-old star said she’s currently preparing to head back on tour this summer — and hinted that fans might hear new music along the way.
“My voice is a tree of many branches,” Hudson explained. “I am a music lover, as well as a singer [and] artist, so it’s going to display all of that, right? So yes, you may hear new material.”
The “Spotlight” singer also revealed that her teenage son David Daniel Otunga Jr. has been experimenting with music production — and even reworking some of her songs.
“My son is also a producer, and he’s been recreating some of my songs, so I’m inspired by that,” Hudson said. She added that being around both her son and Common has fueled her creativity.
“And then of course, the man Common, being around them both, they are so musical,” Hudson said. “It’s inspired me in so many unique ways.”
Comedian Gary Owen Marries Brianna Johnson In Houston Wedding
Stand-up comedian Gary Owen is officially off the market. The comic tied the knot with partner Brianna Johnson during a ceremony in Houston over the weekend.
The couple exchanged vows on March 7 at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, hosting roughly 170 guests for the black-and-white themed celebration. The star-studded guest list included Owen’s Think Like a Man co-stars Terrence J, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara, and Michael Ealy, with filmmaker Will Packer serving as one of the groomsmen.
The ceremony featured dramatic candlelight, bold black drapery and a violin performance as Johnson walked down the aisle in a shimmering Galia Lahav gown. In a sentimental moment, Johnson’s 92-year-old grandmother served as the couple’s “flower gram.”
The pair’s 2-year-old twin sons, Royal and Rome, also played a role in the ceremony as ring bearers. The twins later joined their parents on the dance floor during the couple’s first dance, symbolizing the blending of their family.
The reception turned into a full-blown celebration, featuring a champagne tower, caviar service, and an espresso martini ice luge. Bun B emceed the festivities, while guests were treated to performances, stand-up style toasts, and a surprise video message from comedian Kevin Hart.
The couple exchanged vows on March 7 at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, hosting roughly 170 guests for the black-and-white themed celebration. The star-studded guest list included Owen’s Think Like a Man co-stars Terrence J, Romany Malco, Jerry Ferrara, and Michael Ealy, with filmmaker Will Packer serving as one of the groomsmen.
The ceremony featured dramatic candlelight, bold black drapery and a violin performance as Johnson walked down the aisle in a shimmering Galia Lahav gown. In a sentimental moment, Johnson’s 92-year-old grandmother served as the couple’s “flower gram.”
The pair’s 2-year-old twin sons, Royal and Rome, also played a role in the ceremony as ring bearers. The twins later joined their parents on the dance floor during the couple’s first dance, symbolizing the blending of their family.
The reception turned into a full-blown celebration, featuring a champagne tower, caviar service, and an espresso martini ice luge. Bun B emceed the festivities, while guests were treated to performances, stand-up style toasts, and a surprise video message from comedian Kevin Hart.
NBA Cancels Atlanta Hawks' Magic City Strip Club Theme Night Following Backlash
Magic City Monday has been shut down. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday (March 9) that “Magic City Monday,” the Atlanta Hawks’ theme night scheduled for March 16, has been cancelled by the NBA.
The NBA has cancelled the Atlanta Hawks' Magic City game promotion on March 16.
Per ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement:
“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
Statement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver: “When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have Show more
The Hawks said in a statement that it is “very disappointed” but will “fully respect” the NBA’s decision.
s announced that T.I. will still perform at halftime.
◾️ Legendary rapper and ‘King of the South’ T.I. will perform at halftime as scheduled.
◾️ The limited-edition Peachtree themed hoodie will no longer be available for purchase at the game on March 16th. All pre-ordered merchandise will be honored and Show more
The cancellation comes after San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet shared a public letter in which he asked the NBA to cancel the promotion celebrating the well-known Atlanta strip club.
Kornet argued that Magic City Monday would “reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
His statement received the support of former Boston Celtics teammate Al Horford, who posted the letter, adding, “Well said Luke.”
Magic City Monday has also had its fair share of enthusiastic advocates, such as Cam’ron and Killer Mike.
Magic City Monday has been shut down. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Monday (March 9) that “Magic City Monday,” the Atlanta Hawks’ theme night scheduled for March 16, has been cancelled by the NBA.
The NBA has cancelled the Atlanta Hawks' Magic City game promotion on March 16.
Per ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement:
“When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have heard significant concerns from a broad array of league stakeholders, including fans, partners and employees. I believe canceling this promotion is the right decision for the broader NBA community.”
Statement from NBA commissioner Adam Silver: “When we became aware of the Atlanta Hawks’ scheduled promotion, we reached out to Hawks leadership to better understand their plans and rationale. While we appreciate the team’s perspective and their desire to move forward, we have Show more
The Hawks said in a statement that it is “very disappointed” but will “fully respect” the NBA’s decision.
s announced that T.I. will still perform at halftime.
◾️ Legendary rapper and ‘King of the South’ T.I. will perform at halftime as scheduled.
◾️ The limited-edition Peachtree themed hoodie will no longer be available for purchase at the game on March 16th. All pre-ordered merchandise will be honored and Show more
The cancellation comes after San Antonio Spurs center Luke Kornet shared a public letter in which he asked the NBA to cancel the promotion celebrating the well-known Atlanta strip club.
Kornet argued that Magic City Monday would “reflect poorly on us as an NBA community, specifically in being complicit in the potential objectification and mistreatment of women in our society.”
His statement received the support of former Boston Celtics teammate Al Horford, who posted the letter, adding, “Well said Luke.”
Magic City Monday has also had its fair share of enthusiastic advocates, such as Cam’ron and Killer Mike.
Woman Who Allegedly Shot Rihanna's House Arrested and Charged With Attempted Murder
The woman who allegedly shot the Los Angeles home of Rihanna has been identified.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, 35-year-old Lisette Ortiz was booked by the Los Angeles Police Department for attempted murder after being named a suspect in the Sunday (March 8) shooting. Ortiz’s bail has been set at $10,225,000. Following her arrest, her social media posts surfaced, many of which showed her talking about Rihanna disparagingly. Ortiz has been arrested at least twice before, and her LinkedIn page shows that she resides in Orlando, Florida, and is a speech-language pathologist.
This is Ivanna Ortiz, the woman who tried to take Rihanna’s life. Here she is in a video from a month ago expressing her dislike for Rihanna….
The Brief about the b!tch who fired multiple shots with a AR-15-style rifle into Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Beverly Crest home on Sunday.
1. The suspect has been identified by the LAPD as 35-year-old Ivana Lisette Ortiz.
2. 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz from Orlando, Florida Show more
Ivana Lisette Ortiz, accused of attempted murder for shooting at Rihanna's house, recently posted about her on Facebook.
Authorities are still investigating the shooting of Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home, which she was in at the time that gunfire was reported outside the residence. Out of multiple rounds being aimed at the home, at least one bullet struck the mansion. No injuries were reported, and it remains unclear whether Rihanna’s longtime partner, rapper ASAP Rocky, was there, along with their three children, RZA, 3, Riot Rose, 2, and Rocki Irish, who was born last September.
Police responded to the scene around 1:21 p.m. yesterday afternoon, when it was reported that shots were fired from a white Tesla car, which sped off. The suspect was trailed by LAPD officers to a parking lot in Sherman Oaks. According to multiple reports, rounds were fired from an AR-15 style rifle, although authorities have not confirmed details about the weapon.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, 35-year-old Lisette Ortiz was booked by the Los Angeles Police Department for attempted murder after being named a suspect in the Sunday (March 8) shooting. Ortiz’s bail has been set at $10,225,000. Following her arrest, her social media posts surfaced, many of which showed her talking about Rihanna disparagingly. Ortiz has been arrested at least twice before, and her LinkedIn page shows that she resides in Orlando, Florida, and is a speech-language pathologist.
This is Ivanna Ortiz, the woman who tried to take Rihanna’s life. Here she is in a video from a month ago expressing her dislike for Rihanna….
The Brief about the b!tch who fired multiple shots with a AR-15-style rifle into Rihanna and A$AP Rocky's Beverly Crest home on Sunday.
1. The suspect has been identified by the LAPD as 35-year-old Ivana Lisette Ortiz.
2. 35-year-old Ivanna Lisette Ortiz from Orlando, Florida Show more
Ivana Lisette Ortiz, accused of attempted murder for shooting at Rihanna's house, recently posted about her on Facebook.
Authorities are still investigating the shooting of Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home, which she was in at the time that gunfire was reported outside the residence. Out of multiple rounds being aimed at the home, at least one bullet struck the mansion. No injuries were reported, and it remains unclear whether Rihanna’s longtime partner, rapper ASAP Rocky, was there, along with their three children, RZA, 3, Riot Rose, 2, and Rocki Irish, who was born last September.
Police responded to the scene around 1:21 p.m. yesterday afternoon, when it was reported that shots were fired from a white Tesla car, which sped off. The suspect was trailed by LAPD officers to a parking lot in Sherman Oaks. According to multiple reports, rounds were fired from an AR-15 style rifle, although authorities have not confirmed details about the weapon.
Ohio State University President Ted Carter Resigns Over 'Inappropriate Relationship'
Leadership at Ohio State University is changing again after President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. abruptly stepped down following the disclosure of what the university described as an “inappropriate relationship.”
According to NBC News, the school announced that its Board of Trustees accepted Carter’s resignation after he informed them he had allowed improper access to university leadership by someone seeking public resources to support a personal business.
The resignation came after concerns were brought forward by someone outside the university, according to Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson. Trustees then convened an emergency meeting that lasted roughly three hours before accepting Carter’s offer to step down.
Carter did not attend the meeting. The university also confirmed it has opened an investigation into the alleged misconduct, though officials have not publicly detailed the nature of the relationship.
In a statement released by the school, Carter acknowledged the situation and said he chose to leave his position voluntarily.
“For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University,” he said. “I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.”
Carter added that he and his wife were leaving the campus community with appreciation for the role they had served in.
Carter had been one of the highest-paid leaders in the Big Ten, earning close to $1.2 million annually. His contract was scheduled to run through December 2028 and required six months’ notice before resignation, though the board approved his departure within a day.
He had also recently received a raise and had his fringe benefits expanded shortly before the resignation was announced.
Before arriving in Columbus, Carter built a long career in public service and higher education. A Rhode Island native and retired vice admiral, he previously served as superintendent of the United States Naval Academy and later as president of the University of Nebraska System from 2020 until 2023.
During his time in Nebraska, Carter helped guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed for a two-year tuition freeze while securing state funding support.
Ohio State announced Carter as its 17th president in August 2023, and he officially began the role in January 2024. In that time, the university credited his administration with launching the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, expanding scholarship programs, and increasing research funding.
His sudden resignation continues a turbulent stretch for the university’s leadership. Carter took over after former president Kristina Johnson stepped down in 2022, and Ohio State has now cycled through multiple presidents and an interim leader since 2020.
Leadership at Ohio State University is changing again after President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr. abruptly stepped down following the disclosure of what the university described as an “inappropriate relationship.”
According to NBC News, the school announced that its Board of Trustees accepted Carter’s resignation after he informed them he had allowed improper access to university leadership by someone seeking public resources to support a personal business.
The resignation came after concerns were brought forward by someone outside the university, according to Ohio State spokesperson Ben Johnson. Trustees then convened an emergency meeting that lasted roughly three hours before accepting Carter’s offer to step down.
Carter did not attend the meeting. The university also confirmed it has opened an investigation into the alleged misconduct, though officials have not publicly detailed the nature of the relationship.
In a statement released by the school, Carter acknowledged the situation and said he chose to leave his position voluntarily.
“For personal reasons, I have made the difficult decision to resign from my role as president of The Ohio State University,” he said. “I disclosed to the board of trustees that I made a mistake in allowing inappropriate access to Ohio State leadership.”
Carter added that he and his wife were leaving the campus community with appreciation for the role they had served in.
Carter had been one of the highest-paid leaders in the Big Ten, earning close to $1.2 million annually. His contract was scheduled to run through December 2028 and required six months’ notice before resignation, though the board approved his departure within a day.
He had also recently received a raise and had his fringe benefits expanded shortly before the resignation was announced.
Before arriving in Columbus, Carter built a long career in public service and higher education. A Rhode Island native and retired vice admiral, he previously served as superintendent of the United States Naval Academy and later as president of the University of Nebraska System from 2020 until 2023.
During his time in Nebraska, Carter helped guide the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and pushed for a two-year tuition freeze while securing state funding support.
Ohio State announced Carter as its 17th president in August 2023, and he officially began the role in January 2024. In that time, the university credited his administration with launching the Education for Citizenship 2035 strategic plan, expanding scholarship programs, and increasing research funding.
His sudden resignation continues a turbulent stretch for the university’s leadership. Carter took over after former president Kristina Johnson stepped down in 2022, and Ohio State has now cycled through multiple presidents and an interim leader since 2020.
Mo'Nique Calls Out Whoopi Goldberg in Open Letter Over 2018 'The View' Disagreement
Mo’Nique has written an open letter to Whoopi Goldberg related to a disagreement they had on The View in 2018.
In her letter, posted to her Instagram on Monday (March 9), Mo’Nique asks Whoopi if her “feelings changed since that time,” now that the “tone of comments” is different than it was eight years ago.
For context, during a visit to The View in February 2018, Mo’Nique spoke about her boycott against Netflix because she was only being offered $500,000 for her comedy special despite many of her peers earning millions for theirs. She later sued them in 2019 and Netflix settled it with her in 2022.
During the segment on the daytime talk show, Joy Behar asked Mo’Nique if the financial discrepancy may have been caused by her getting labeled “difficult” by Hollywood, something that stemmed back to her 2009 film Precious and her decision not to promote it overseas.
“On that film I received $50,000 and that was not my argument or my fight because that’s what I signed up for,” Mo’Nique explained at the time. “They wanted me to come work for free to go over to Cannes and promote this film internationally. I said to them, ‘Guys my deal is with Lee Daniels, and I’ve done my job’ and they all agreed.”
She detailed a specific pay arrangement with director Lee Daniels in which she was obligated to promote the film domestically only, and anything international would have been her working without pay.
To that, Whoopi responded, “I’m going to stop you because contractually, when you make a movie, regardless of who you sign the deal with, your job is to go and promote said movie. When they wanted you to come, and we’ve had this conversation, I said, ‘If you had called me, I could have schooled you on what was expected.’”
Now, in her letter, Mo’Nique says she learned there was an attempt to sue Whoopi in 1993 for allegedly backing out of a verbal agreement to star in the film Theodore Rex.
“You can imagine how confused I was when I discovered this, especially since when I explained that my only contractual obligation was to Lee Daniels, it didn’t sway your opinion enough to stop you from saying you could have ‘schooled’ me on doing what they expected from me,” Mo’Nique wrote in her open letter.
She went on to say, “Now I don’t know if your opinion of my actions was influenced by your former Executive Producer, Candi Carter’s relationship with Oprah, or by your professional ties with Tyler Perry. But what is interesting is hearing you now speak about the importance of standing up for what’s right. My question is: is your stance truly about standing up against wrongs, or is it about standing with the ‘right people’?”
Read Mo’Nique’s letter in full below.
Hello Sister Whoopi,
I’m encouraged to send you this open letter after recently seeing the video of our last conversation on your show. The tone of the comments today seems different from the energy eight years ago, with many people now agreeing with my sentiments about not working for people or entities I don’t owe anything to. I wonder, have your feelings changed since that time?
I was also intrigued to learn that in 1993 there was an attempt to sue you regarding Theodore Rex, because it was alleged that you had made a verbal commitment to the film. Your defense was that you never actually committed. You can imagine how confused I was when I discovered this, especially since when I explained that my only contractual obligation was to Lee Daniels, it didn’t sway your opinion enough to stop you from saying you could have “schooled” me on doing what they expected from me.
Even though Tyler Perry privately admitted on audio that he was wrong saying I was difficult to work with, to this day he has not publicly corrected it. The reason I said we must look out for the little girl coming behind us is because of situations like Epstein Island and other powerful people avoiding accountability. People like Tyler Perry refused to take responsibility, while I had to take responsibility for refusing to sign up for an act of slavery against my will. The worst part is that another woman chastised me on a platform meant to empower women.
Now I don’t know if your opinion of my actions was influenced by your former Executive Producer, Candi Carter’s relationship with Oprah, or by your professional ties with Tyler Perry. But what is interesting is hearing you now speak about the importance of standing up for what’s right. My question is: is your stance truly about standing up against wrong, or is it about standing with the “right people”?
I’ll await your reply about whether you still feel you schooled me correctly. But I caution you: if you admit you were wrong, you know you’d be going against all the “right people.” So, are you willing to do what’s right for the little girls coming behind us, or is your position still “F” the little girl coming behind us? I look forward to finding out.
Because I was the little girl coming behind you.
Love You To Life,
Mo’Nique
In her letter, posted to her Instagram on Monday (March 9), Mo’Nique asks Whoopi if her “feelings changed since that time,” now that the “tone of comments” is different than it was eight years ago.
For context, during a visit to The View in February 2018, Mo’Nique spoke about her boycott against Netflix because she was only being offered $500,000 for her comedy special despite many of her peers earning millions for theirs. She later sued them in 2019 and Netflix settled it with her in 2022.
During the segment on the daytime talk show, Joy Behar asked Mo’Nique if the financial discrepancy may have been caused by her getting labeled “difficult” by Hollywood, something that stemmed back to her 2009 film Precious and her decision not to promote it overseas.
“On that film I received $50,000 and that was not my argument or my fight because that’s what I signed up for,” Mo’Nique explained at the time. “They wanted me to come work for free to go over to Cannes and promote this film internationally. I said to them, ‘Guys my deal is with Lee Daniels, and I’ve done my job’ and they all agreed.”
She detailed a specific pay arrangement with director Lee Daniels in which she was obligated to promote the film domestically only, and anything international would have been her working without pay.
To that, Whoopi responded, “I’m going to stop you because contractually, when you make a movie, regardless of who you sign the deal with, your job is to go and promote said movie. When they wanted you to come, and we’ve had this conversation, I said, ‘If you had called me, I could have schooled you on what was expected.’”
Now, in her letter, Mo’Nique says she learned there was an attempt to sue Whoopi in 1993 for allegedly backing out of a verbal agreement to star in the film Theodore Rex.
“You can imagine how confused I was when I discovered this, especially since when I explained that my only contractual obligation was to Lee Daniels, it didn’t sway your opinion enough to stop you from saying you could have ‘schooled’ me on doing what they expected from me,” Mo’Nique wrote in her open letter.
She went on to say, “Now I don’t know if your opinion of my actions was influenced by your former Executive Producer, Candi Carter’s relationship with Oprah, or by your professional ties with Tyler Perry. But what is interesting is hearing you now speak about the importance of standing up for what’s right. My question is: is your stance truly about standing up against wrongs, or is it about standing with the ‘right people’?”
Read Mo’Nique’s letter in full below.
Hello Sister Whoopi,
I’m encouraged to send you this open letter after recently seeing the video of our last conversation on your show. The tone of the comments today seems different from the energy eight years ago, with many people now agreeing with my sentiments about not working for people or entities I don’t owe anything to. I wonder, have your feelings changed since that time?
I was also intrigued to learn that in 1993 there was an attempt to sue you regarding Theodore Rex, because it was alleged that you had made a verbal commitment to the film. Your defense was that you never actually committed. You can imagine how confused I was when I discovered this, especially since when I explained that my only contractual obligation was to Lee Daniels, it didn’t sway your opinion enough to stop you from saying you could have “schooled” me on doing what they expected from me.
Even though Tyler Perry privately admitted on audio that he was wrong saying I was difficult to work with, to this day he has not publicly corrected it. The reason I said we must look out for the little girl coming behind us is because of situations like Epstein Island and other powerful people avoiding accountability. People like Tyler Perry refused to take responsibility, while I had to take responsibility for refusing to sign up for an act of slavery against my will. The worst part is that another woman chastised me on a platform meant to empower women.
Now I don’t know if your opinion of my actions was influenced by your former Executive Producer, Candi Carter’s relationship with Oprah, or by your professional ties with Tyler Perry. But what is interesting is hearing you now speak about the importance of standing up for what’s right. My question is: is your stance truly about standing up against wrong, or is it about standing with the “right people”?
I’ll await your reply about whether you still feel you schooled me correctly. But I caution you: if you admit you were wrong, you know you’d be going against all the “right people.” So, are you willing to do what’s right for the little girls coming behind us, or is your position still “F” the little girl coming behind us? I look forward to finding out.
Because I was the little girl coming behind you.
Love You To Life,
Mo’Nique
Francois Arnaud & Hudson Williams Explain Intent Behind Their Joint Statement Amid Some Criticism
Francois Arnaud and Hudson Williams are explaining the intent behind their joint statement after facing some criticism from social media users.
The Heated Rivalry co-stars posted the same message to their Instagram Stories, slamming all of the so-called “fans” that have been sending hateful messages to them.
“Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynistic/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind. None of us need your hateful ‘love,’” they said. “We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side. If you can’t accept that [get the f--k out of here].”
One fan called out Francois, claiming he copied Hudson‘s note without crediting him.
The person commented, “Should probably credit Hudson for his note message defending himself against the hate vs copying and pasting it to your own post acting like you drafted it.”
Francois replied, “I did draft this message and Hudson and I tweaked it together and wanted to make a joint statement. We thank you for your concern.”
Hudson responded on Threads to someone who claimed that the actor is enduring sever racial abuse without proper support from his white co-stars.
The actor replied, “It was Francois’ idea and I helped write it! I don’t scroll comments so I did not see the hate. I was vibing watching figure skating highlights.”
Francois Arnaud and Hudson Williams are explaining the intent behind their joint statement after facing some criticism from social media users.
The Heated Rivalry co-stars posted the same message to their Instagram Stories, slamming all of the so-called “fans” that have been sending hateful messages to them.
“Don’t call yourself a fan if you share racist/homophobic/biphobic/misogynistic/ageist/ableist/parasocial/bigoted comments of any kind. None of us need your hateful ‘love,’” they said. “We all respect and support and love each other and are on the same side. If you can’t accept that [get the f--k out of here].”
One fan called out Francois, claiming he copied Hudson‘s note without crediting him.
The person commented, “Should probably credit Hudson for his note message defending himself against the hate vs copying and pasting it to your own post acting like you drafted it.”
Francois replied, “I did draft this message and Hudson and I tweaked it together and wanted to make a joint statement. We thank you for your concern.”
Hudson responded on Threads to someone who claimed that the actor is enduring sever racial abuse without proper support from his white co-stars.
The actor replied, “It was Francois’ idea and I helped write it! I don’t scroll comments so I did not see the hate. I was vibing watching figure skating highlights.”
2 Bucks County, Pennsylvania, men charged in "ISIS-inspired" attack outside NYC Mayor Mamdani's residence
Two men from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, were charged in an "ISIS-inspired" attack over the weekend outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence when homemade bombs ignited as protesters clashed.
Emir Balat, 18, and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, who are both from the Philadelphia suburbs in Bucks County, were arrested after Saturday's protest. A spokesperson for Neshaminy High School said Balat is a senior there, but he was enrolled virtually and has not attended in-person classes since September. Kayumi is a 2024 graduate of Council Rock High School North, officials from the school confirmed.
On Monday, the Southern District of New York charged Balat and Kayumi with five counts, including attempted support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), use of a weapon of mass destruction and transportation of explosive material.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters Monday both admitted to being inspired by ISIS. Balat told investigators he wanted to carry out a bigger attack, Tirsch said.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, face a judge for the first time since their arrests. March 9, 2026.
Christine Cornell
"[Balat] also told investigators that he hoped to carry out an attack even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted resulted in 'only three deaths,'" Tisch said.
Tisch said that Balat and Kayumi both waived their Miranda rights, and Kayumi told police he watched ISIS propaganda on his phone. While waiving his rights, Balat wrote a statement and declared his allegiance to the Islamic State, Tisch said.
"This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens. We will not allow ISIS's poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation — our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant, as they were when these devices were brought to a protest," U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.
Officials said two of the devices found outside Mamdani's residence were improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, that could've resulted in serious injuries or death. A third device found Sunday is under investigation.
According to the indictment against Balat and Kayumi, one of the explosives was dubbed the "Mother of Satan." Preliminary testing of the device showed it contained triacetone triperoxide, which the FBI described as a volatile explosive that has been used in multiple terrorist attacks over the last decade.
"These were ISIS-inspired actions, and it's chilling that they wanted to do something more than the Boston Marathon," U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said.
FBI response in Bucks County after arrests
The FBI said it was conducting a court-authorized search in connection with Balat and Kuyami's terrorism case Monday.
The feds were searching a storage facility in Langhorne on South Flowers Road, the Middletown Township Police Department said. FBI bomb technicians were seen in tactical gear and searching for more evidence in the investigation.
The FBI was searching storage lockers Monday in Langhorne on South Flowers Road in connection with Balat and Kuyami's terrorism case.
On Sunday, a large law enforcement response was seen throughout Bucks County following Saturday's protest in New York City.
Law enforcement was seen around Balat's address in Langhorne. Officers wearing tactical gear had their guns drawn in the area of Durnam and Frosty Hollow roads.
The FBI announced on a megaphone, "This is the FBI, everybody come out," and three people were seen exiting the home. Earlier, a woman who answered the door at Balat's home declined to share any additional information.
On Sunday, a large law enforcement response was seen throughout Bucks County following Saturday's protest in New York City.
CBS News Philadelphia
Newtown Township police said they assisted the FBI with an investigation Sunday afternoon at Kayumi's residence in the area of Stoopville Road and Clymer Street.
According to court documents, Kayumi was reported missing by his mother the morning of the protest in New York City.
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the lead on the investigation.
On Saturday, an anti-Islam protest near Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor's official residence, was organized by people associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer, according to Tisch.
A group of more than 100 people also gathered at the same location for a counterprotest called "Run the Nazis Out of New York City/Stand Against Hate."
According to Tisch, Balat lit and threw an ignited device toward protesters. Witnesses told police they saw flames and smoke as the device traveled through the air before it struck a barrier and extinguished itself a few feet from police officers.
NYPD officers arrest Emir Balat, 18, after he threw a homemade explosive device at a small crowd of followers of far-right influencer Jake Lang, March 7, 2026, outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. Lang was protesting the "Islamification of New York." The IED device did not explode, and no one was injured by it.
Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images
In a video from the scene, a man appears to yell "Allahu Akbar" — or "God is Most Great" — just as Balat throws the device. The CBS News Confirmed Team verified the videos. It is not clear from the videos who was shouting the words.
Tisch said Balat then ran southbound and got a second device from Kayumi. Balat allegedly lit the device and ran with it before dropping it on the west side of East End Avenue between East 86th and East 87th streets.
Three other people were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction charges.
Emir Balat, 18, and 19-year-old Ibrahim Kayumi, who are both from the Philadelphia suburbs in Bucks County, were arrested after Saturday's protest. A spokesperson for Neshaminy High School said Balat is a senior there, but he was enrolled virtually and has not attended in-person classes since September. Kayumi is a 2024 graduate of Council Rock High School North, officials from the school confirmed.
On Monday, the Southern District of New York charged Balat and Kayumi with five counts, including attempted support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS), use of a weapon of mass destruction and transportation of explosive material.
New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch told reporters Monday both admitted to being inspired by ISIS. Balat told investigators he wanted to carry out a bigger attack, Tirsch said.
Emir Balat, 18, and Ibrahim Kayumi, 19, face a judge for the first time since their arrests. March 9, 2026.
Christine Cornell
"[Balat] also told investigators that he hoped to carry out an attack even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted resulted in 'only three deaths,'" Tisch said.
Tisch said that Balat and Kayumi both waived their Miranda rights, and Kayumi told police he watched ISIS propaganda on his phone. While waiving his rights, Balat wrote a statement and declared his allegiance to the Islamic State, Tisch said.
"This was an alleged ISIS-inspired act of terrorism that could have killed American citizens. We will not allow ISIS's poisonous, anti-American ideology to threaten this nation — our law enforcement officers will remain vigilant, as they were when these devices were brought to a protest," U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.
Officials said two of the devices found outside Mamdani's residence were improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, that could've resulted in serious injuries or death. A third device found Sunday is under investigation.
According to the indictment against Balat and Kayumi, one of the explosives was dubbed the "Mother of Satan." Preliminary testing of the device showed it contained triacetone triperoxide, which the FBI described as a volatile explosive that has been used in multiple terrorist attacks over the last decade.
"These were ISIS-inspired actions, and it's chilling that they wanted to do something more than the Boston Marathon," U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said.
FBI response in Bucks County after arrests
The FBI said it was conducting a court-authorized search in connection with Balat and Kuyami's terrorism case Monday.
The feds were searching a storage facility in Langhorne on South Flowers Road, the Middletown Township Police Department said. FBI bomb technicians were seen in tactical gear and searching for more evidence in the investigation.
The FBI was searching storage lockers Monday in Langhorne on South Flowers Road in connection with Balat and Kuyami's terrorism case.
On Sunday, a large law enforcement response was seen throughout Bucks County following Saturday's protest in New York City.
Law enforcement was seen around Balat's address in Langhorne. Officers wearing tactical gear had their guns drawn in the area of Durnam and Frosty Hollow roads.
The FBI announced on a megaphone, "This is the FBI, everybody come out," and three people were seen exiting the home. Earlier, a woman who answered the door at Balat's home declined to share any additional information.
On Sunday, a large law enforcement response was seen throughout Bucks County following Saturday's protest in New York City.
CBS News Philadelphia
Newtown Township police said they assisted the FBI with an investigation Sunday afternoon at Kayumi's residence in the area of Stoopville Road and Clymer Street.
According to court documents, Kayumi was reported missing by his mother the morning of the protest in New York City.
The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force has taken the lead on the investigation.
On Saturday, an anti-Islam protest near Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor's official residence, was organized by people associated with Jake Lang, a pardoned Jan. 6 rioter and far-right influencer, according to Tisch.
A group of more than 100 people also gathered at the same location for a counterprotest called "Run the Nazis Out of New York City/Stand Against Hate."
According to Tisch, Balat lit and threw an ignited device toward protesters. Witnesses told police they saw flames and smoke as the device traveled through the air before it struck a barrier and extinguished itself a few feet from police officers.
NYPD officers arrest Emir Balat, 18, after he threw a homemade explosive device at a small crowd of followers of far-right influencer Jake Lang, March 7, 2026, outside of Gracie Mansion in New York City. Lang was protesting the "Islamification of New York." The IED device did not explode, and no one was injured by it.
Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images
In a video from the scene, a man appears to yell "Allahu Akbar" — or "God is Most Great" — just as Balat throws the device. The CBS News Confirmed Team verified the videos. It is not clear from the videos who was shouting the words.
Tisch said Balat then ran southbound and got a second device from Kayumi. Balat allegedly lit the device and ran with it before dropping it on the west side of East End Avenue between East 86th and East 87th streets.
Three other people were charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction charges.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
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Let’s prevent theft but also prevent sales
Smallest items in store, hard to securize without a cabinet, High value
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