#TVFAB: A League Of Their Own Official Trailer and Images
Look, the idea of a series about the famed All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is a fantastic idea, regardless of whether it’s attached to the only other notable onscreen depiction of the league, the much-loved classic A League of Their Own, directed by Penny Marshall and starring Geena Davis, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell and Tom Hanks. Sure, they could have taken this series as far away from Marshall’s film as possible and still had a viable show, but it looks to us like they might have threaded the needle on this one particularly well. This isn’t an adaptation of the film and the main cast appear to be all-new characters. What makes this stand out a bit is that the series is willing to take a beloved film and use it as a launching point to highlight the stories of Black and queer women in sports, something Marshall’s film largely avoided or only referred to in passing. There’s a lot of story possibilities there and we’re really liking how this looks so far.
The cast look great, the costumes are on point, and we’re looking forward to watching the stories of women whose stories don’t often got told in TV series.
A League of Their Own evokes the joyful spirit of Penny Marshall’s beloved classic, while widening the lens to tell the story of an entire generation of women who dreamed of playing professional baseball. The show takes a deeper look at race and sexuality, following the journey of a whole new ensemble of characters as they carve their own paths towards the field, both in the league and outside of it.
With Abbi Jacobson as Carson, Chanté Adams as Max, D’Arcy Carden as Greta, Gbemisola Ikumelo as Clance, Roberta Colindrez as Lupe, Nick Offerman as Dove, Saidah Arrika Ekulona as Toni, Kate Berlant as Shirley, Kendall Johnson as Gary, Kelly McCormack as Jess, Alex Désert as Edgar, Priscilla Delgado as Esti, Aaron Jennings as Guy, Molly Ephraim as Maybelle, Melanie Field as Jo, Dale Dickey as Beverly.
A League of Their Own is from Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television in association with Field Trip Productions. The series is co-created and executive produced by Will Graham and Abbi Jacobson. Field Trip’s Hailey Wierengo and Desta Tedros Reff also serve as executive producers. Jamie Babbit directed the pilot and also serves as executive producer. Based on the motion picture Screenplay by Lowell Ganz & Babaloo Mandel. Based on a Story by Kim Wilson & Kelly Candaele.
All eight episodes of the anticipated series premiere August 12 on Prime Video.
#RHOA: Kandi Burruss Says Kenya Moore And Marlo Hampton's Fight Was Edited And That Hampton Brought Up Moore's Daughter
Kandi Burruss says Kenya Moore and Marlo Hampton’s fight was more intense than what was shown in the recent RHOA episode, including Hampton talking about Moore’s’ daughter.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta stars have a lot to say to each other while on vacation in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
During the latest episode of her YouTube series Speak On It, Burruss sat down with Fatum Alford – both of whom were present during the fight – to talk about the dramatic argument, much of which was edited out.
Kandi Burruss called Kenya and Marlo's argument "crazy".
“It was a lot more than what you guys saw,” Kandi revealed. “That argument that they had was so crazy, they were so disrespectful at some of the stuff they were saying to each other… They didn’t even show some of the stuff that [Marlo] was saying to Kenya… I felt they showed more of what Kenya said to her, but they didn’t play any of the comments that Marlo was saying about—”
“—her daughter,” answered Fatum. “That was brutal, that was brutal. I was just like, ‘no, don’t do that.’”
Kandi added, “It was crazy… They didn’t show that… Some of the things that Marlo was saying was going way below. And yeah it was very bad. I’m not even gonna repeat some of that stuff.”
Kandi added, “It was crazy… They didn’t show that… Some of the things that Marlo was saying was going way below. And yeah it was very bad. I’m not even gonna repeat some of that stuff.”
Marlo Hampton has questioned the conception of Kenya’s daughter in the past.
Though Kandi didn’t share what exactly was edited out of her co-stars’ fight, it’s being alleged that the two women got into it over Marlo’s comments about the conception of Kenya’s daughter.
During a recent episode of 'On Out Loud with Claudia Jordan' Marlo claimed that Kenya didn’t use her own eggs when conceiving her daughter Brooklyn.
The star insinuated that Moore changes her story for the camera.
“Everyone wants to live this life, and they don’t want people to know this, but they want them to know this,” she said. “Tell the real deal. It’s a reality show. Live in your reality. Live in your reality or don’t do the show. It’s not a soap opera. It’s not a script that I have to rehearse every day.”
#MusicNews: Chaka Khan Returns With New Single “Woman Like Me”
Legendary singer Chaka Khan is back with a brand new single called “Woman Like Me”.
The iconic artist has become known for delivering the world female empowerment songs over the years. She new delivers yet another female anthem with “Woman Like Me”.
The song releases via the SRG-ILS Group/UMG label imprint. “WOMAN LIKE ME” was written by Gregg Pagani, Francesca Richard, and Jeffrey Anderson and produced by Gregg Pagani. Chaka adds about her partnership with the label:
“I am very proud to be with The SRG/ILS Group, a company that is run by a real musician who understands the needs of artists that have been overlooked for years.”
LISTEN HERE
Chaka is currently wrapping up production of new music that is both contemporary and every bit classic Chaka Khan. Stay tuned.
#HipHopNews: Nicki Minaj Shares Trailer For Documentary Series 'Nicki'
Nicki Minaj is finally giving her fans the documentary they’ve been waiting for.
On Thursday, the rap queen shared the first trailer for her six-part docuseries Nicki, which captures her meteoric rise to becoming one of the biggest stars on the planet.
“A story so raw it can only be told by a legend this real,” reads the teaser.
The two-minute clip opens with a young Onika Tanya Maraj rapping her “Dirty Money (Freestyle)” and includes never-before-seen footage from her 15-year career.
“I think the woman back then, she wasn’t afraid to fail,” says Nicki, who also speaks on her impact. “Female rappers weren’t really charting at the time. I’m fighting for the girls who never thought they could win.”
She also shares the struggles of being a female rapper in a male-dominated industry. “I simply just don’t get the respect that men do.”
Plus, Nicki gives fans a peek into her home life with her husband, Kenneth Petty, and their son, Papa Bear. “It was time for me to grow up and start loving myself,” says Nicki. “I became the strongest I’ve ever been in my life.”
There is no release date for Nicki, but she has assured fans that it’s “coming soon.” The series is produced by BRON Life and directed by Michael John Warren, who helmed JAY-Z’s Fade to Black and Minaj’s previous documentaries for MTV. Back in 2020, Nicki announced that it would air on HBO Max, but there was not mention of HBO in the trailer.
Barbz have been patiently waiting for a new Minaj documentary. Back in 2018, she teased her Queen doc for Apple Music, but it was never released.
Nicki has a busy month ahead. She is also set to relaunch her Queen Radio show on Amazon’s Amp app and drop her new single “Freaky Girl” on Aug. 12.
BREAKING: NBA Icon and Civil Rights Activist Bill Russell has died at 88
NBA legend Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics and the first Black head coach in the league, passed away “peacefully” Sunday, according to a family statement from his verified Twitter account. He was 88.
“It is with a very heavy heart we would like to pass along to all of Bill’s friends, fans, & followers,” the statement reads. “Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side. Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon.
“Bill’s two state championships in high school offered a glimmer of the incomparable run of pure team accomplishment to come: twice an NCAA champion; captain of a gold-medal-winning US Olympic team; 11 times an NBA champion; and at the helm for two NBA championships as the first black head coach of any North American professional sports team.
“Along the way, Bill earned a string of individual awards that stands unprecedented as it went unmentioned by him. In 2009, the award for the NBA Finals most valuable player was renamed after two- time Hall of Famer as the ‘Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award.’
“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”
Russell won 11 championships with the Celtics, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. He was a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star.
As a coach for the Celtics, he led Boston to two titles, becoming the first Black head coach to win an NBA championship.
The Celtics issued a statement lauding Russell and his contribution to both the team and the sport as a whole.
“To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was,” the statement read.
“Bill Russell’s DNA is woven through every element of the Celtics organization, from the relentless pursuit of excellence, to the celebration of team rewards over individual glory, to a commitment to social justice and civil rights off the court. Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond.”
Fellow NBA legend Michael Jordan – widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time – said, “Bill Russell was a pioneer – as a player, as a champion, as the NBA’s first Black head coach and as an activist. He paved the way and set an example for every Black player who came into the league after him, including me. The world has lost a legend. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”
Former US President Barack Obama took to social media to praise Russell’s contribution to basketball and society: “Today, we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher – both as a player and as a person. Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer – marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali.
“For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life. Michelle and I send our love to Bill’s family, and everyone who admired him.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also shared his condolences.
“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports,” Silver said in a statement. “The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics – including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards – only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society.
“Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps. Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
BREAKING: Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek,' dies at 89
Actor Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek series and in later Star Trek movies, has died at the age of 89. Her death was announced by her son, Kyle Johnson, on her Facebook page:
"I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.
"Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration," the post read.
Nichols broke ground and paved the way for Black actors in Hollywood with her character.
Castmate George Takei was among those to react publicly to the news of her death.
"My heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend," he wrote. "We lived long and prospered together.".”
Chris Rock Jokes He Was 'Smacked By Suge Smith' After Will Smith Apology
Chris Rock continues to find humor in Will Smith’s Oscars slap.
Just hours after Smith released a video, in which he said he was “deeply remorseful” for slapping Rock during the Academy Awards, the comedian referenced the incident during his “Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour” in Atlanta on Friday night.
“Everybody is trying to be a fu**ing victim. If everybody claims to be a victim, then nobody will hear the real victims,” Rock told the crowd, according to CNN.
“Even me getting smacked by Suge Smith … I went to work the next day, I got kids,” he said, comparing the King Richard star to Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight.
He later joked, “Anyone who says words hurt has never been punched in the face.”
On Friday, Smith released a six-minute video in which he addressed the slap and apologized to Rock and his family including his brother, Tony Rock, as well as his fellow Oscar nominees.
“I am deeply remorseful and I’m trying to be remorseful without being ashamed of myself,” he said. “I’m human and I made a mistake and I’m trying not to think of myself as a piece of shit.”
Pinkett was seen on camera rolling her eyes after Rock made his joke about her hairstyle, but Smith says his wife did nothing to provoke the attack.
“I made a choice on my own, from my own experiences, from my history with Chris,” he said. “Jada had nothing to do with it. I’m sorry, babe. I want to say sorry to my kids and my family for the heat that I brought on all of us.”
Rock has made subtle nods to the slap at his comedy shows, but he hasn’t addressed it at length. “I’ve reached out to Chris and the message that came back is that he’s not ready to talk and when he is, he will reach out,” Smith said in his video.
Smith, who was banned from Academy events for the next 10 years, remains focused on the future. “I know it was confusing, I know it was shocking,” he said. “But I promise you, I am deeply devoted and committed to putting light and love and joy into the world. And, you know, if you hang on, I promise we’ll be able to be friends again.”
Spanish Prosecutors to seek 8-year prison term for Shakira
MADRID (AP) — Prosecutors in Spain said Friday they would ask a court to sentence Colombian pop star Shakira to eight years and two months in prison, if she is convicted in her expected trial for alleged tax fraud.
Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, is charged with failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014. The prosecutors said they would also seek a fine of 24 million euros ($24 million).
The indictment details six charges against Shakira. The singer this week rejected a settlement deal offered by prosecutors, opting to go to trial instead. A trial date has yet to be set.
Her publicists in London said in a statement Friday that Shakira “has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer.” The publicists accused the Spanish Tax Agency of violating her rights.
Shakira’s Spanish public relations team said earlier this week that the artist has deposited the amount she is said to owe, including 3 million euros in interest.
Prosecutors in Barcelona have alleged the Grammy winner spent more than half of each year between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country.
Shakira recently ended an 11-year-long relationship with FC Barcelona star Gerard Piqué, with whom she has two children. The family used to live in Barcelona.
New York State Health Department Declares Monkeypox Outbreak As "Imminent Threat" To Public Health
As concerns around the rise of monkeypox continue, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has declared that the disease is an “imminent threat to public health,” WKBW reports.
Per the declaration, local health departments are allowed to access additional state reimbursement once additional federal and state funding sources have been exhausted to prevent the spread of monkeypox.
“Anyone can get monkeypox, which is primarily spread through close, physical contact between people, said the NYSDOH in a statement. “The current global outbreak looks to be driven by exposure related to intimate, sexual contact. Certain populations currently are more affected than others, including men who have sex with men. Previous outbreak experience elsewhere suggests that elderly, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, and children under 8 years of age may be at heightened risk for severe outcomes.”
Reports reveal that the state of New York currently has 1,341 monkeypox cases with the majority of the outbreaks falling within the NYC area.
The New York State Commissioner also released a statement with a plan of action for preventing more monkeypox outbreaks across the state.
“This declaration means that local health departments engaged in response and prevention activities will be able to access additional state reimbursement, after other federal and state funding sources are maximized, to protect all New Yorkers and ultimately limit the spread of monkeypox in our communities,” said New York State Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary T. Bassett in the official release.
The declaration will cover monkeypox prevention response and activities dating back to June 1 and up through December 31, 2022.
According to Dr. Bruce Hirsch of Northwell Health, the cases that he has seen are already “at the tip of an iceberg.” In addition to that, he reported that 110,000 doses of vaccines are being rolled out in New York to prevent the spread of the “rare disease.”
Questlove compares Beyoncé's 'RENAISSANCE' to a Michael Jackson classic
Beyoncé’s new album, RENAISSANCE, is hitting all the right notes with fans. The 16-track album was released at midnight on July 29 and has proceeded to keep social media in a chokehold. Across social platforms, the body of work is being praised as one of the singer’s best albums to date.
Thus far, the album’s highest praise may have come from fellow musician Questlove. In an Instagram post, he shared that he had the album on repeat. “I still maintain that a good 4 weeks has to go by before you give a rating. I definitely have walked back many a high rating album some 20 years after the fact. I listened 7 times. Which is 8 times more than the last time I listened to anyone’s record from start to finish,” he wrote.
The Summer of Soul documentarian went on to declare that the “Energy” singer has seemingly reached the pinnacle of dance music just as Michael Jackson did four decades ago. “She definitely made her ‘Off The Wall’ with this one (dance album of the year———this being 2022 we can’t give her decade accolades but so far the mix, quality, etc are so dope,” wrote the Roots band member. He continued by adding, “This will hold high in her cannon. Love the growth: made classics in her teens, her 20s her 30s & getting better.”
Jackson’s Off the Wall included hits such as “Workin’ Day and Night,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” and of course “Off the Wall.” In 2008, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Beyoncé’s dance-inspired album is her first solo studio release in six years. Two days before the album’s scheduled release, all 16 tracks were leaked. Fans also shared that the album had been sold early in Europe.
“So, the album leaked, and you all actually waited until the proper release time so you can all enjoy it together. I’ve never seen anything like it. … I appreciate you for calling out anyone that was trying to sneak into the club early. It means the world to me. … Thank you for being patient. … I will continue to give my all and do my best to bring you joy,” Beyoncé wrote in a message to fans expressing gratitude. RENAISSANCE serves as the first of a three-album installment. The singer has not released any details of when fans can expect parts two and three to be released.
Ne-Yo's Wife Crystal Renay Slams Him on Instagram, Accuses the Singer of Cheating
“8 years. 8 years of lies and deception. 8 years of unknowingly sharing my life and my husband with numerous women who sell their bodies to him unprotected…every last one of them!” Crystal wrote on Instagram. “To say I’m heartbroken and disgusted is a understatement.”
“To ask me to stay and accept it is absolutely insane. The mentality of a narcissist,” Crystal continued. “I will no longer lie to the public or pretend that this is something it isn’t.” I choose me, I choose my happiness and health and my respect I gained 3 beautiful children out of this but nothing else but wasted years and heartache.
Crystal went on to ask fans and followers to stop sending her videos of Ne-Yo out with other women.
“I ask that you all please stop sending me videos and information of him cheating because what he does is no longer my concern. I am not a victim,” Crystal concluded. “I’m choosing to stand tall with my head held high. If someone can’t love you the way you deserve then it’s up to you to love yourself. With no hate in my heart I wish him nothing but the best.”
Ne-Yo and Crystal have been married since 2016 and share three kids – sons Shaffer, 6, and Roman, 4, along with daughter Isabella, 13 months. They briefly split in early 2020, but reconciled a few months later.
As of right now, Ne-Yo has not responded to Crystal‘s accusations.
Kenan Thompson Reveals When He Thinks 'Saturday Night Live' Should End
Kenan Thompson is addressing the end of Saturday Night Live.
During an appearance on Comedy Central’s Hell of a Week, the 44-year-old actor – who is SNL‘s longest-running cast member, shared his thoughts on when he thinks the show should end, and it’s soon.
While chatting with host Charlamagne tha God, Kenan addressed the rumor that SNL is ending after the 50th season, which would premiere in fall of 2024 and wrap up in the spring of 2025.
That rumor first started in December 2021 when SNL creator Lorne Michaels, 77, said that he’s considering retiring and leaving the comedy variety show behind after the 50th season.
“Is that the rumor? All right, well, I need to start planning,” Kenan said. “There could be a lot of validity to that rumor, because 50 is a good number to stop at… That’s an incredible package. He will be, probably, close to 80-years-old at that point, and you know, he’s the one who’s had his touch on the whole thing.”
While discussing what the show would be like if Lorne leaves, Kenan said, “If somebody tries to come into [Michaels’] shoes,” it would be a “good opportunity for NBC to save money…They might slash the budget and then at that point, you can’t really do the same kind of show.”
“So that’s unfair to watch it just really go down kind of in flames for real because of those restrictions,” Kenan continued. “Capping it at 50 might not be a bad idea.”
If you didn’t know, there are tons of stars that have been banned from appearing on SNL.
Season 48 of Saturday Night Live will premiere this fall on NBC.
Watch Billy Porter Give an Impromptu 'Dreamgirls' Performance for Jimmy Fallon!
Billy Porter is going back to his musical theatre roots! The 52-year-old Emmy-winning and Tony-winning actor belted out a song from Dreamgirls during his appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Thursday (July 28) in New York City.
Billy was on the show to promote his directorial debut Anything’s Possible, which is now streaming on Prime Video.
During the interview, Jimmy said, “We always have a spare mic, just in case. Is there a song? What are you thinking, what are you feeling, what would you like to express?”
LOOK
Billy then broke out into “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” which Jennifer Hudson sang in the movie version and Jennifer Holliday performed on Broadway.
Ludacris Launches ‘Karma’s World’ Dolls To Celebrate Natural Black Hair
In celebration of the premiere of the third season of Ludacris‘ Netflix children’s series, Karma’s World, the rapper has partnered with Mattel to launch a series of dolls inspired by the show. The collection will feature dolls modeled after three of the show’s characters, whose namesake is based on Ludacris‘ daughter, Karma.
In an interview with Billboard, Ludacris detailed the process of creating the dolls with Mattell.
“Mattel was so outstanding with their pitch compared to the other toy brands,” Ludacris said. “Mattel blew us away with their presentation and one of the things that took us over the top was they hired someone specifically for Black hair…Myself, Mattel and our resources took so much of our time getting the absolute most authentic feel and look of the hair with premium quality. Even the hair roots are top-notch. When you touch the hair and texture, it will blow you away because of the quality developments within the hair fibers.”
Karma’s World is centered around a young named Karma, who is gifted with outstanding rapping ability. The show also focuses on family dynamics and social justice issues.
“As soon as you have kids,” said Ludacris in an interview with The Root, “you start thinking about the next generation and stop thinking so much about yourself.”
The Karma’s World dolls are available for purchase at Target and Walmart stores.
Joey Badass Defends Chris Brown Collab: “People Make Mistakes”
Joey Bada$$ has defended working with Chris Brown on “Welcome Back,” a track that appears on the Brooklyn rapper’s long-awaited new album 2000.
Joey’s latest album, 2000, features a collaboration with Chris Brown that has proven to be divisive among his fanbase. When he answered a fan who questioned why the singer appeared on the record, Joey’s response called him “one of the most talented musicians of all time” and he questioned whether his fans critical of the decision “were perfect” themselves. His response was downvoted over 1,500 times, and in a new interview with TMZ he’s expanded upon his thoughts on the minor backlash.
“Yeah, I mean… Like I said, I think Chris Brown is one of the best artists of this generation, of our times… Of all times, know what I mean?” he said when asked if he was “surprised” he was asked to defend his decision to work with the controversial pop star. “So, for me personally, it was an honor working with him. You know, I’ve been a fan of him as long as I can remember. Since I was a kid, you know, and… People make mistakes, and I’m not justifying anybody’s mistakes in any type of way, but… after a while there’s a growing opportunity for everybody.”
He added that he believes “everybody” deserves the chance to grow and move past their mistakes. “My fans can be fickle and like, you know, they have this idea… It’s actually a lot of respect, really,” he continued. “They got so much respect for me and they hold me in such a high regard that they want everything that I do to be super clean. They don’t want to feel like I aligned with something or someone who necessarily, I don’t know… I look at it as more of a reverence thing. They’re very sensitive over me, so it’s not a bad thing but I need them to understand that I have my own interest in favorites and things that I’m into as just a person.”
Further talking about the difference between him as a person and him as an artist, he stressed that this was a decision he made completely on his own. “There’s Joey Badass and then there’s Jo-Vaughn [his government name],” he explained. “Jo-Vaughn is a huge Chris Brown fan.”
Mega Millions $1.28B Jackpot Winning Ticket Sold In Illinois, Lottery Website Says
Welp, the winning numbers for Friday’s Mega Millions drawing for an estimated $1.28 billion were 13-36-45-57-67 with a Mega Ball of 14. It was the lottery’s second-largest prize in its 20-year history, and it even came with a cash value option of $742.2 million.
As of Saturday morning, the lottery game’s website said results were still being compiled. However, according to ABC News Chicago, someone in Illinois won the $1.28 billion jackpot in Friday night’s Mega Million’s jackpot drawing. Per the outlet, the Illinois lottery website shows at least one ticket matched all five of the numbers plus the Mega Ball!
Odds for winning the Mega Millions jackpot are slim but it’s not impossible — a staggering one in 302.5 million. The next drawing is Tuesday at 11:00 p.m. ET, according to the lottery’s website.
As we previously reported, no one matched all six numbers Tuesday night to take the top prize so the giant Mega Millions lottery jackpot ballooned to $1.28 billion for Friday night’s drawing. But the game is now over and someone is ready to claim their big prize this morning.
Balenciaga Selling Trash Bags For $1,790 & Calling It A ‘Trash Pouch’
Move over Birkins, Celine, Telfar, and all other bags that have been trending! Balenciaga is dropping a new bag called the “Trash Pouch” and it’s retailing for $1,790. #Socialites are you buying?
Back in March 2022, Balenciaga creative director Demna Gvasalia unveiled the Autumn/Winter 2022 Collection across runways and people are still having a gag as the trash pouches resurface and head to retail!
The Autumn/Winter 2022 collection show featured a blizzard-y runway, where models tried their best not to fall as they trudged through a fake winter storm.
With the ground completely covered in snow and wind turbines cranked up to the max, the models clutched their expensive trash bags, while wearing black sunglasses and black clothing and black shoes.
While speaking to Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Gvasalia chuckled and admitted, “I couldn’t miss an opportunity to make the most expensive trash bag in the world, because who doesn’t love a fashion scandal?”
Apparently, the shocking gag was an effective project reflecting the plight of individuals in Gvasalia’s adoptive homeland of Ukraine, which had been invaded by Russian troops at the time of the idea’s conception.
As Ukraine continues to struggle, Balenciaga launches an identical trash bag of those back in Ukraine.
According to Balenciaga’s own website, they do not shy away from the obvious and claim that their new product is “inspired by a garbage bag.”
They also note that the bag arrives in three colors: black, blue and white. With a trash bag-style drawstring to close, the black and blue bags have a black tie, while the white has a red one.
As controversial as Balenciaga’s newest product may be, it is reported that its creative director is not the first fashion designer to think up such an idea.
It appears that back in 2017, Spanish model BIIS launched their own variety of trash bag-inspired totes made of leather. They called it the Bin Bag and it came in all sizes (small, medium and enormous). The Bin Bag retailed for $258, $346 and $422, respectively.
The Trash Pouch is also not the first controversial concept of Gvasalia’s. A few months ago, he wrapped Kim Kardashian in Balenciaga yellow and black caution tape.
Then in 2017, he also recreated an IKEA blue buying bag. While the Swedish model retails for $0.99, the Balenciaga version sold for a whopping $2,145.
Responding to the reproduction, IKEA politely replied, “We’re deeply flattered that the Balenciaga tote bag resembles the Ikea iconic sustainable blue bag for $0.99. Nothing beats the flexibility of a terrific huge blue bag.”
Kevin Aviance is grateful Beyoncé sampled him on new album
Not everyone is furious that Beyoncé sampled them on her red-hot new album.
Kelis ranted on social media about being blindsided when she discovered that the superstar sampled her “Get Along With You” on her critically acclaimed new album “Renaissance.”
But underground drag queen and musician Kevin Aviance was “overwhelmed” with joy when he found out Queen Bey sampled his 1996 song “C**ty” on the album’s “Pure/Honey.”
“I feel like someone heard me. I’m vindicated. She gets it. I’m just so honored and overwhelmed,” he told Page Six.
Aviance told us Beyoncé and her team didn’t give him a heads up that his vocal would be used. “I heard it and I was like, ‘Wow!’ The song lives and that’s all I ever wanted it to do,” he said.
Aviance said he first heard the X-rated phrase in the title of his track from queer kids hanging out at Chelsea Piers and he describes it as not a put-down but “more of… an anointment from God.”
“You’re the hottest. You’re together. You’re protected and no one can come for you,” he said.
And, “Yes! [Beyoncé] is very c**ty,” he added.
Aviance wasn’t the only artist thrilled to be part of the project. TS Madison appears to have got the heads up — and the cash — that her voice would be used on Beyonce’s black empowerment anthem “Cozy.”
“This was a secret that i had to hold for a long time,” Madison confessed in an Instagram post Friday.
“Thank you @beyonce for understanding culture and knowing my staple and place in the community… Thank you for polishing my iconic status in the world and for handling your business professionally and me getting [sic] this bag,” she wrote.
“Milkshake” singer Kelis, on the other hand, accused the singer of “theft” for sampling her 1999 song “Get Along With You.”
“People in this business have no soul or integrity and they have everyone fooled,” she fumed.
But Aviance is just happy to dance again after “going through hell with all this COVID stuff.”
Kevin Hart Voices MOVE Story and Live Aid in ‘Summer of ’85’ Produced by Charlamagne
At around 6 a.m. on May 13, 1985, tear gas and water hoses created a diversion in a row home in the west section of Philadelphia. News reports stated that the blaze burned for an hour and a half, before the police called in the fire department. Several Black children were killed that day and there was only one adult survivor.
“They wanted to kill our children. The house shook, smoke was coming in. So we knew, they dropped a bomb on us,” Ramona Africa said, her voice embittered in a news special produced by VICE.
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia, famine was wreaking havoc and after seeing a BBC report from the year before, musician Bob Geldof decided to put on a benefit concert to help.
That concert would become Live Aid.
People are largely familiar with the event in England, but that same day, there was another one happening in Philadelphia at John F. Kennedy Stadium featuring Run DMC, Madonna, Ashford & Simpson, Tom Petty, The Cars, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Led Zeppelin, Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, and Patti LaBelle who is featured on the project.
Ramona is one of the subjects of the new Audible Original Summer of ’85 which was released last week and is narrated by Kevin Hart. Charlamagne serves as executive producer.
The project’s creator, Chris Morrow wondered why no one was connecting the possibility that Live Aid could have been a distraction. “Here were all these rock stars coming together in Philly to “save” Africa just two months to the day after the city had killed 11 people with the last name Africa. There was a dissonance there I wanted to explore,” he said.
“Was hosting Live Aid a way for the city to distract media attention from the MOVE bombing? Was it just a coincidence?”
Kevin Hart isn’t going to make you laugh when you hear his voice on the project, and that’s with good reason.
“With the MOVE people, it’s the perception that these people are destructive and not clean. You’re going off what’s being fed to you, and the real truth was never fed to us,” Hart said about the media’s portrayal of the organization.
MOVE assembled around 1973 under John Africa (formerly Vincent Leaphart) and was founded on the principles of abandoning a lifestyle driven by modern technologies and man-made systems. The political and religious organization was based on Africa’s manifesto entitled The Guidelines.
It was 37 years ago that Philadelphia’s first Black mayor Wilson Goode gave the order to drop the bomb on the MOVE headquarters.
Known largely for wearing their hair in dreadlocks, members of MOVE all adopted the surname Africa.
“Dreads even to this day, signal danger and terror,” Charlamagne said of the images of Blacks in media. “The Live Aid part is a negative depiction of Africa that they showed us,” he added.
Summer of ’85 takes place years after an infamous standoff between members of MOVE and the Philadelphia police under the tutelage of Mayor (and former police chief) Frank Rizzo that resulted in the death of one police officer. The MOVE 9—which included 5 men and 4 women all stood trial and were given terms of 30 to 100 years for the officer’s murder, though they all maintained they did not kill the officer. They were serving their sentences at the time of the 1985 bombing.
The attack on MOVE damaged over 61 houses and costed the city $55 million to rebuild the residences.
“They should definitely get some form of reparations. They got attacked by the United States government and the city of Philadelphia,” Charlamagne said. “There is some atonement that needs to happen.”
Ramona was charged with arson and conspiracy and served 7 years in prison.
“Everything they did, they charged me with,” she said.
Summer of ’85 was released on Audible on July 21.
Britney Spears’ Memoir is Done, But a Paper Shortage Has Delayed its Publication
Britney Spears’ long-awaited memoir, which is expected to offer a deep dive on her conservatorship, is finished but has unfortunately hit publication delays.
TMZ reports that the worldwide supply shortage has impacted publication plans. A shortage of paper and other materials means the book might not reach its currently planned January release date, which is when publisher Simon & Schuster hoped to have the book on shelves.
Since there’s no clear estimate for when the paper shortage will be resolved, the publisher has yet to confirm an alternate release date.
Per a report from Publishers Weekly in March, multiple factors have contributed to the paper shortage, including more interest in books during the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s also labor shortages impacting various stages of production, as has become increasingly evident across multiple industries.
Sam Asghari’s Ex-Girlfriend ‘Only Sees Good Things’ For Britney Spears Marriage
Spears signed a deal to publish a tell-all memoir back in February, which fetched her an astonishing $15 million advance. The deal, which was the center of a bidding war between multiple publishers, is said to be one of the biggest of all-time, just behind a book deal the Obamas signed. It’s not clear what Spears will discuss in the book, exactly, but it’s expected that she will address the collapse of her relationship with her family amid her battle to end her restrictive conservatorship. She could also discuss her upbringing as a child star, and her brief time as a judge on X Factor.
‘Shut Up and Dribble!’ Infamous Fox News Insult Trademarked by LeBron James
*LeBron James is turning an insult into a likely million-dollar brand after trademarking the phrase “Shut up and dribble!”
The comment was initially slung toward James as an insult from #FoxNews host Laura Ingraham in 2018. At the time, she slammed James for criticizing former President Donald Trump.
The #NBA icon wasn’t pleased with #Trump’s lack of leadership and said he “don’t give a f**k about the people.” Ingraham, a longtime Trump supporter, told James he needed to stay out of politics and instead, “shut up and dribble.”
James refused to “shut up and dribble,” continuing to show that he is much more than a ball player. Since Ingraham’s ridicule, James has continued to use his massive platform to speak out about social issues.
Now, the 37-year-old is about to cash in on the once degrading comment. According to the #UnitedStates Trademark and Patent Office, his company, Uninterrupted, Inc., filed to trademark the phrase earlier this week.
In the filing, the company indicated that “Shut up and dribble” would be used on a variety of “downloadable virtual goods.”
These virtual goods will consist of computer programs featuring clothing, footwear, headwear, eyewear, bags, sports bags, backpacks, sports equipment, art, toys, and accessories.
Wait. There’s more …
At the time (2018), James also spoke to the Associated Press after hearing Ingraham’s rant and said ‘I will not just shut up and dribble,’ vowing to continue using his platform to ‘talk about what’s really important.’
‘I will definitely not do that,’ James said of Ingraham’s demand. ‘I mean too much to society. I mean too much to the youth. I mean too much to so many kids that feel like they don’t have a way out and they need someone to help lead them out of the situation they’re in.’
Now, James is set to increase his $1 billion net worth from the comments, and will profit from video, social media posts, music and games that include the phrase.
Tisha Campbell Life After Divorce: ‘I Keeps Me a Good (Sex) Toy Buzzing Around’
*During a recent interview, Tisha Campbell, 53, made it clear that she was happily single and not in search of love. When asked if she was looking for a man to satisfy her needs, she replied,
“Hell no! I’m looking for me!…That’s the thing about actually being uncoupled and coming from being in a long-term relationship of 26 years.”
She continued,
“I’m learning about who I am and I’m super excited about that, so that’s where I am right now. It’s about me and my kids and that’s it right now.”
When it comes to being intimate, it looks like the “#Martin” actress has that department covered. She revealed,
“Hell yeah, toys! Oh, I keeps [sic] me a good toy buzzing around every now and then. You know what I’m damn talking about. Toys, toys, toys.”
In other Tisha Campbell News … the actress/singer has removed “Martin” from her name, an act that has essentially returned her back to her maiden name two years after she divorced Duane Martin.
Campbell recently broke the news on Instagram, announcing she will no longer use his (Martin’s) last name after visiting the social security office where she reclaimed her maiden name.
“Okay, I just got my divorce decree. I know that took forever,” the 53-year-old actress posted on Instagram.
“And I just went to the social security office and I changed my name back to Tisha Campbell—on my dad’s birthday nonetheless!”
In the same breath, Campbell mentioned her dad.
“Nothing else to say???? My dad just saw this post and said, ‘My baby girl is back. Best birthday gift EVER.’ Awww dad! BTW Hey #instagram Can you to help me out and change my name pleaseeeee ??” she added.
Tyler Perry To Release ‘A Jazzman’s Blues,’ The First Screenplay He Ever Wrote While Homeless In 1995
Netflix and Tyler Perry have announced A Jazzman’s Blues, the new film will hit streaming services on September 23. Perry serves as the writer, director, and producer.
“I wrote it in 1995. It was the first screenplay I ever wrote,” Perry said. “The two characters are just trying to find their own way in the world. Initially, I wanted to play the lead role of Bayou, but that was 1995 — I aged out.”
He added, “I was in Atlanta struggling to make it. I was hungry, sleeping on my cousin’s couch, eventually getting put out and being homeless. I was trying to get my first play off the ground, and this screenplay just poured out of me. I held onto it for all of these years.”
A sweeping tale of forbidden love, A JAZZMAN’S BLUES unspools forty years of secrets and lies soundtracked by juke joint blues in the deep South. Written, directed and produced by Academy Award honoree Tyler Perry, the film stars Joshua Boone and Solea Pfeiffer as star-crossed lovers Bayou and Leanne alongside an ensemble cast that includes Amirah Vann, Austin Scott, Milauna Jemai Jackson, Brent Antonello, Brad Benedict, Kario Marcel, Lana Young and Ryan Eggold. The film features an original song performed by Ruth B., songs arranged and produced by multi-Grammy winner & two-time Academy Award nominee Terence Blanchard, music by Aaron Zigman and choreography by Debbie Allen.
A trailer has not yet bee released.
After Six Years, Prince Estate Closes, And His Heirs And Beneficiaries Take Control Of His Music And Legacy
After more than six years, the lengthy and often contentious court proceedings surrounding the Estate of world-renowned recording artist Prince Rogers Nelson have finally reached their conclusion.
Today, following a hearing at the Carver County Courthouse in Minnesota, Senior Judge Kevin Eide ordered the Prince Estate’s appointed Personal Representative, Comerica Bank & Trust N.A., to commence closure of the Estate and distribute Prince’s property to the Estate’s legally-recognized beneficiaries.
Prince died in April 2016 without a will, which placed his Estate into probate, a complex legal process used by the court to determine how a deceased person’s Estate will be distributed. In May 2017, the court formally recognized six heirs to Prince’s Estate: Prince’s half-siblings Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson, John Nelson, Alfred Jackson, and Omarr Baker, as well as his sister Tyka Nelson. Subsequently, the Estate interests of Alfred Jackson, Omarr Baker, and Tyka Nelson were acquired by Primary Wave, a private equity group specializing in receiving music publishing catalogs. Primary Wave currently owns a 50% interest in the Estate.
Before today’s distribution of Prince’s assets to the heirs and beneficiaries, Prince’s Estate’s administration continued for more than six years following his death. Sadly, during this time, two of Prince’s heirs passed away. Alfred Jackson passed away on August 19, 2019, and John Nelson died on September 3, 2021. John Nelson’s interest in the Estate will pass to a trust created during his lifetime.
Today’s estate closing is the dawning of a new day for Prince’s legacy. Although the Estate released several reissues and compilations of Prince’s music, it has proceeded at a comparably slower pace than the catalogs for musicians such as Bob Dylan and David Bowie, and many opportunities beyond recorded music have remained unrealized. Going forward, Prince’s music and his legacy will be managed jointly by Primary Wave and Prince Legacy LLC, a company formed by Prince’s heirs and beneficiaries, including Sharon Nelson, Norinne Nelson, and The John R. Nelson Revocable Trust, as well as the heirs’ advisors L. Londell McMillan and Charles Spicer. They together own the remaining 50% of the Estate.
In a statement to The Source, Mr. McMillan said, “Prince was a great man. He was and still is the greatest artist and musician who ever lived, in my opinion.”
He added, “we look forward to managing the estate with all stakeholders to preserve Prince’s true legacy.”
President Joe Biden Tests Positive For COVID-19 Again
President Joe Biden has once again tested positive for COVID-19, just days after he tested negative for the virus.
The president announced on social media that he’d tested positive on Saturday afternoon. “Folks, today I tested positive for COVID again,” he wrote. “This happens will a small minority of folks.”
The president said that he’s asymptomatic and feeling fine. He will go back into isolation for the safety of those working in close proximity but will continue to work.
White House physician Dr. Kevin O’Connor said the president tested negative Tuesday evening, Wednesday morning, Thursday morning, and Friday morning before coming up positive on Saturday.
O’Connor called it “rebound positivity,” which some patients experience after taking Paxlovid to treat the virus. Biden was given the antiviral treatment, which is meant for those who present with symptoms and are at high risk for severe illness.
“The President has experienced no reemergence of symptoms and continues to feel quite well,” O’Connor’s statement read. “This being the case, there is no reason to reinitiate treatment at this time, but we will obviously continue close observation.”
In a follow-up video posted to Twitter, Biden reiterated that he’s feeling fine and will continue working from home.
The president returned to work earlier this week after isolating for five days following a positive test on July 21. Biden made a speech in the Rose Garden praising vaccines. He is fully vaccinated and has both his booster shots.
Applebee’s Enters Cosmetic Industry With Chicken Flavored Lip Glosses
Applebee’s has ventured into a new industry, cosmetics. The restaurant chain and makeup company Winky Lux have come together to create Saucy Gloss.
The collaboration will offer four wearable lipgloss shades that apparently taste like the restaurant’s wing sauces, the New York Post reported.
For those interested in having their lips taste like chicken, buyers can choose between the creamy coral “Get Me Hot Buffalo,” the gold-flecked deep red “Sweet Chile Kiss,” the golden “Be My Honey Pepper,” and the smoky burgundy “Honey BBQ-T.” All shades and flavors can be purchased for $18 each.
And if one flavor isn’t enough, Winky Lux sells a four-piece combo kit for $65.
The duo also made a music video to promote the glosses, directed by Hannah Lux Davis, who often works with Household names like Doja Cat, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, and Halsey.
Winky Lux founder Natalie Mackey said she got a LinkedIn message from a rep for Applebee’s a year ago, asking something along the lines of, “Are you able to make lip glosses that taste like BBQ sauce?”
The company quickly started experimenting with food-grade ingredients — including garlic oil, chamomile oil, and honey — that could be used in lip gloss.
“The entire lab smelled like BBQ sauce,” Mackey said.
Each gloss is made to resemble a real-life sauce that is served on chicken wings at the eatery, so “Be My Honey Pepper” is inspired by the chain’s Honey Pepper flavor and has a sparkly finish, while “Get Me Hot Buffalo,” like the eatery’s Classic Buffalo offering, gives off a “‘pepper aroma,’” according to Mackey.
7-Year-Old Texas Boy Found Dead In Washing Machine, Reported Missing 2 Hours Before
A 7-year-old Texas boy who was reported missing by his parents was found dead in a washing machine two hours later, authorities say.
On Thursday at 5:20 a.m., Troy Khoeler’s parents filed a missing person report, Lt. Robert Minchew of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit confirmed during a press conference.
When officers arrived on the scene, they “did a brief interview for the missing person report” with Troy’s parents, Minchew added. “Things that they observed led them to search the house thoroughly at that point. They found a deceased 7-year-old child in the washing machine in the garage.”
He said Troy was found at 7:20 a.m.
The homicide unit was then called to the home to investigate, and the child’s parents were “separated and detained, which is standard procedure,” Minchew continued.
According to authorities, the child was a foster child whom the parents possibly adopted in 2019. Authorities are working to determine if he was ever officially adopted.
When asked what prompted the search of the home, Minchew said it was “standard police procedure,” adding, “It was early in the morning, there was no indication that the door had been opened, or a window opened. After searching the neighborhood, they were unable to find the child. So the next logical step, I believe, is to search the house.”
It remains unclear if the child got into the washing machine on his own. Minchew said he “could not comment” on any potential foul play, and so far, no arrests have been made, PEOPLE reported.
“It’s obviously a traumatic situation for the family and anybody involved. It’s just more conducive to get them away from the house,” Minchew said of Troy’s parents.
Authorities are now waiting on the medical examiner’s office to determine Troy’s official cause of death. He was clothed when found in the top-loading washing machine.
Minchew could not say if its door was closed or open
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘SHE’S A GOOD MODEL’
I’d hire her anytime
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
EFREM
