8/1/24

The Daily Buzz For Aug 2☕📰☕

#MAGFAB: Actor Liu Shishi Covers V Magazine China 'The Olympic Issue' Summer 2024!

Chinese actor Liu Shishi [IG] is styled by Evan Feng in a beautiful fashion story having little to do with the Olympics. The Fufu Collective photographs the gorgeous fashion images in a staccato visual presentation with natural-world elements for V Magazine China’s [IG] Olympic Issue./ Hair by Isaac Yu; makeup by Wang Yafai
Nice!


#BIDENWINS:Evan Gershkovich, Paul Whelan, Alsu Kurmasheva Are BACK HOME in the U.S. After Russia Prisoner Swap

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and two others arrived home to the United States late Thursday night after a landmark prisoner exchange with Russia.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris greeted the group at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. Those freed include former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, 54, who was arrested in 2018; Alsu Kurmasheva, 47, a Russian-American editor for Radio Free Europe, who was arrested last year; and Vladimir Kara-Murza, 42, a political activist, journalist and permanent U.S. resident who was arrested in April 2022.

Gershkovich, Whelan and Kurmasheva all touched down just after 11:30 p.m. Eastern time and were greeted by their families. Kara-Murza was scheduled to go to Germany first before coming to the U.S. at a later date.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” one of Kurmasheva’s daughters said as she ran up to her mother with tears in her eyes.
Gershkovich embraced his mother and swung her around in the air, later heading to the press line to speak with reporters, many his colleagues.
Biden said it was “wonderful” to have the Americans home, praising U.S. allies’ work behind the scenes to push the deal forward. He pointed to difficult decisions from Germany and Slovenia that were essential to secure the swap.

“The toughest call on this one was for other countries, because I asked them to do some things that were against their immediate self-interests — and it was very difficult for them to do,” he said.
When asked what his message to Putin would be, Biden had a terse response: “Stop.”
Reporter Evan Gershkovich hugs his mother Ella Milman, left, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., following his release. 

Their release ended a years-long saga for some amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s policy of hostage diplomacy. The deal, which involved seven countries, has been hailed as the largest of its size since the fall of the Soviet Union.

Russia released a total of 16 people while other nations agreed to hand over eight to Moscow, many of whom had been convicted of serious crimes. The most notorious was Vadim Kraskiov, a convicted assassin freed by Germany. He had been identified as a key piece of the puzzle by the Kremlin.
Gershkovich, 32, was arrested on allegations of espionage, charges he and the Journal fiercely denied. He was imprisoned for 16 months after being sentenced in a secret trial to 16 years in a penal colony.

His family thanked Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as “every U.S. or foreign government official who helped get Evan released.”
“We have waited 491 days for Evan’s release, and it’s hard to describe what today feels like,” his family said in a statement after the deal was made public. “We can’t wait to give him the biggest hug and see his sweet and brave smile up close. Most important now is taking care of Evan and being together again. No family should have to go through this, and so we share relief and joy today with Paul and Alsu’s families.”

One family that will not be reunited after the prisoner exchange is that of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. He was one of Putin’s biggest critics and survived a poisoning in 2020 only to be sentenced to serve more than 30 years in jail.
He suddenly died in prison in February at the age of 47.
His widow, Yulia Navalnaya, said Thursday that every “released political prisoner is a huge victory and a reason to celebrate.”

“No one should be held hostage by Putin, subjected to torture, or left to die in his prisons,” Navalnaya said in a statement.
Harris said she spoke to her following the release.
“I thanked Yulia for her courage in continuing her husband’s work and reaffirmed my commitment to stand with those fighting for freedom in Russia and around the world,” the vice president wrote on the X social media platform.


#RHOA: Sheree Whitfield Says S16 of RHOA is ‘Sinking’ Without Kenya Moore

Over the weekend, Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Sheree Whitfield made that clear that Kenya Moore’s exit from season 16 is anything but gone with the wind fabulous.
While shopping, the 54-year-old former RHOA star reacted to the news of Kenya’s departure from the franchise.

“I hate to see my girl Kenya go out like that,” Sheree told TMZ.
“As an OG, it’s kind of hard to sit back and watch the show kind of slowly sink the way it is, so I’m not happy. I don’t like it.”
As previously reported, Kenya was officially fired from the Real Housewives of Atlanta following her brief suspension from the show while filming season 16.

As Bravo fans know, Kenya was suspended from filming for season 16 after she allegedly displayed posters of newcomer Brittany Eady performing sexual acts.
Kenya has maintained her innocence and insists that she never engaged in revenge porn.

“The rumors and narrative about me randomly showing nudes or revenge p is 1000% untrue. I have proof and will share soon,” Kenya said in an Instagram post last month.


#MusicNews: Boyz II Men Unveil Summer and Fall 2024 Concert Dates
Legendary R&B group Boyz II Men has announced dates for a series of shows featuring Robin Thicke as a very special guest.
The North American outing begins Aug. 2 at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tennessee, and will include stops in Atlantic City, Raleigh, Los Angeles, and Tampa.

Boyz II Men and Thicke will spend additional time together at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, where they will perform a four-night residency.
Boyz II Men’s new batch of shows will support their third album, II, which marks its 30th anniversary on Aug. 30 this year.
In addition to their concerts with Thicke, Boyz II Men will perform other shows from August to December.
Thicke, who is a judge on Fox’s The Masked Singer, may preview music from his upcoming ninth studio album, which has not been titled yet.

There are not many other details about Thicke’s upcoming album at this time.
In September 2022, Thicke released “Brown Liquor” featuring rapper Yo Gotti. He co-wrote the song with Rook Monroe and co-produced with Rich Skillz. An accompanying video was released in May of the following year.

Thicke commemorated the 20th anniversary of his debut album, A Beautiful World, with a deluxe edition in spring 2023.
His last studio album, On Earth, and in Heaven, was released in 2021.

See Boyz II Men’s tour dates below. 
Boyz II Men’s Summer and Fall 2024 Concert Dates
Aug 2 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater *
Aug 3 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
Aug 4 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre *
Aug 16 – Atlantic City, NJ @ Borgata Event Center
Aug 17 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap
Aug 18 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap
Aug 23 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas *
Aug 24 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas *
Aug 30 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas *
Aug 31 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas *
Sep 6 – Raleigh, NC @ Coastal Credit Union Park at Walnut Creek *
Sep 7 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion *
Sep 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
Sep 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
Sep 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
Sep 28 – Bridgeport, CT @ Soundside Music Festival
Sep 29 – Ocean City, MD @ Oceans Calling 2024
Oct 3 – Tampa, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Oct 4 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place
Oct 5 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood FL
Oct 10 – Southaven, MS @ BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove *
Get them tix!


#HipHopNews Sexyy Red Addresses Rumors She's Performing At Donald Trump Campaign Rally

Sexyy Red is addressing reports that she’d be taking the stage to perform at a forthcoming rally for Donald Trump.
Earlier this week, a post circulated on X stating the “Get It Sexyy” rapper would perform at Trump’s rally in Atlanta on Saturday (August 3).
Quickly responding with a retweet, Sexyy denied any involvement.
“Dey fakin dats cap,” she wrote.
Last month, Sexyy Red distanced herself from any affiliation with Trump after catching backlash for performing with a giant MAGA hat during her set at the 2024 Roots Picnic. While the hat did read “Make America Sexyy Again” as opposed to Trump’s signature phrase, many fans weren’t feeling her seemingly endorsing the controversial figure.

“It’s Sexyy Red 4 President [American flag emoji] I’m my own candidate I’m not endorsing anybody period [kiss emoji],” she wrote on X the following day.
Back in October, Sexyy Red talked about her affinity for Trump during an interview on comedian Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast. She claimed that the hood loves Trump due to him freeing Black people from prison and providing stimulus checks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I like Trump,” she said. “Yeah, they support him in the hood. At first I don’t think people was fucking with him. They thought he was racist, saying little shit against women
“But once he started getting Black people out of jail and giving people that free money. Aww baby, we love Trump. We need him back in office. We need him back because, baby, them checks. Them stimulus checks. Trump, we miss you.”

She added: “I love Trump. He funny to me. I used to be watching him talking to people. He used to be calling people fat. He just bold. He funny. We need people like him.”
The response on social media wasn’t great, considering Trump’s presidency was plagued by accusations of racism, misogyny and election interference.

“Clearly some people don’t know how the stimulus checks worked, who’s money it actually was/is and how it go distributed… People believe anything,” Hot 97 and Apple Music’s Ebro Darden wrote on X.
Another person said: “Disappointed to see this, she can’t be my fave new rapper no more. But she is right, them stimulus checks was kinda all it took for a lot of ppl to hop on the Trump train smh.”


Jonathan Majors Reportedly “Heartbroken” Over Robert Downey Jr.’s Villain Casting In New ‘Avengers’ Film
Just days after Robert Downey Jr. was unveiled as villain Dr. Victor Von Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, Jonathan Majors revealed his reaction about the surprise news to TMZ.
“Heartbroken, of course,” Majors confessed after being asked him if he was hurt over Marvel’s “new direction.” He expressed, “I love Kang, but Dr. Doom is wicked, though.”

Instead of replacing Majors as Kang The Conqueror in Avengers: Kang Dynasty — a character that was first introduced in 2023’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania — Marvel opted to scrap the film altogether.

When later asked about Downey’s legal troubles as well as Ezra Miller in comparison to his and the subsequent fallout, Majors’s facial expression alluded to the response difference being a race issue, but stated, “Damn, I think it’s fair that Mr. Downey is being and has been greeted with patience and curiosity and love, and that Mr. Miller has gotten the same treatment and that they’re being allowed to work their art and be creative at that level. You know? I didn’t really get that.”
Majors was arrested in March 2023 on assault and harassment charges from his then-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. The Creed III star was hit with more accusations and was ultimately found guilty on two misdemeanor counts. He was sentenced to probation and required to participate in a one-year domestic violence treatment program.

Coincidentally, the month prior, he spoke on his desire for a Kang/Iron Man crossover. Downey famously played the superhero was sacrificed himself in Avengers: Endgame.
Majors told Lifehacker, “He’s one of the originals. I’m just such a huge fan of him as an actor. I think what he did with Iron Man was such a gift to the culture at large. I would love to be across from him on screen to see how our philosophies, acting-wise and character-wise, just personally, match up. I find him to be such a fascinating artist, which is why Iron Man is so fascinating.”

He gushed, “His portrayal of Iron Man is so fascinating, and he represents a very clear worldview and energy of the Avengers. And I think Kang represents a different era. It’d be really interesting to see those two come together and have a bit of conversation.”

The fallen actor admittedly would love to return to the MCU, if the opportunity presented itself.
“Hell yeah! Hell yeah! Hell yeah! I love him. I love Kang,” Majors declared when asked. “If that’s what the fans want, if that’s what Marvel wants, then let’s roll. Hell yeah.”

As of June 2024, his next role will be in the upcoming sci-fi revenge thriller, Merciless, but there are currently no plans for him to reunite with Marvel.


Simone Biles Gets Blocked After Shading MyKayla Skinner

Gymnastics G.O.A.T. Simone Biles was hit with a swift block after she shaded her former teammate MyKayla Skinner.
You may recall that MyKayla, who competed alongside Simone in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, threw major shade at Team USA when she said, “Beside Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t, like, what it used to be.”

She also criticized their work ethic saying the “girls just don’t work as hard.” 
Well, after Team USA scooped the Gold in the Paris Olympics on Tuesday, Simone Biles tapped into her inner “Petty LaBelle” and took to Instagram writing, “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions ❤️🥇🇺🇸”

Chile, MyKayla Skinner caught that direct shot and hit Simone with the swift block!
Simone took to Twitter to react. 
Retired artistic gymnast McKayla Maroney took to Instagram in support of Simone Biles writing:
It doesn’t get more iconic than this…She f’d around n found out fr.
Feels like I need to apologize just to redeem my first name. 


Angel Reese sparks romance rumors with NBA player Jalen Duren

After defeating the Atlanta Dream 85-77 on July 2, Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese smiles while receiving a question. She was just named a WNBA All-Star moments before (Photo credit: Rashad Milligan for rolling out)
Social media is buzzing with speculation after Angel Reese, the talented pro basketball player, shared a now-deleted photo on her Instagram Story that hinted at a possible romantic connection with NBA player Jalen Duren.

What sparked the rumors?
Earlier this week, Reese posted a picture of herself lounging poolside, enjoying a beautiful sunset. Shortly after, Duren shared a video on his Instagram Story that showcased a similar poolside view, leading fans to believe the two might be spending time together. As the speculation grew, social media users flocked to comment sections to share their thoughts.

Angel Reese’s relationship history
Previously, Reese made headlines when she announced her breakup with Florida State Seminoles player Cam’Ron Fletcher in March. She confirmed their romance in June 2023 but later decided to focus on her career and studies.

In addition, Reese was recently spotted with rapper G Herbo, which also sparked dating rumors. The two were seen together in Chicago, and while they never confirmed their relationship, Reese playfully addressed the speculation through social media.
As fans continue to speculate about her relationship with Jalen Duren, it’s clear that Angel Reese is living her life in the spotlight. Whether it’s romance or just friendship, one thing is for sure: her journey is captivating the attention of many.


Kim Porter's Alleged Posthumous Memoir Exposing Diddy Disputed By Late Model's Friend
Kim Porter did not plan to bring down Sean "P. Diddy" Combs with a bombshell memoir, according to her friend. Contrary to recent reports, a close friend of the late model has denied that Kim ever wrote a memoir mentioning alleged abuse by the hip-hop mogul.
Eboni Elektra, who apparently had a longterm friendship with Kim before her death in 2018, addressed the allegations on her social media account, warning Internet users to be weary of fabricated stories. "I'm gonna say this as loud as I can.. KIM PORTER NEVER DRAFTED NOR WROTE A BOOK, MEMOIR, or MANUSCRIPT...," she wrote. "Quick lesson: ALLEGEDLY means When something is SAID TO BE TRUE but has not been PROVED."

The entrepreneur slammed media which spread the unconfirmed rumors, saying, "Credible journalists use this word EVERYDAY to maintain their integrity and value while reporting 'news'…HOWEVER, people will go to GREAT LENGTHS to achieve fame and notoriety, most times to the detriment of others."

"THERE IS NO BOOK! There never was," she stressed. "Several people continue to speak about and spread blatant lies regarding this 'mystery manuscript' as if it were true. People...... IT'S NOT. Kim would never do such a thing, and that's the honest to God truth."
"GOD knows the truth and so does she," Eboni insisted, before explaining why she felt compelled to address the rumors. "As for me, I couldn't have another person call my phone or send me a text about this without clearing the air. Any negative feedback or comments on this post will receive no response except God bless you. The truth is the truth. Be blessed. #kimporterstrong."

Eboni gave a eulogy at Kim's funeral. She spoke up on behalf of her late friend after RadarOnline.com published a report claiming that it obtained 40-page document of the alleged never-before-seen memoir from an anonymous source. The file was reportedly found on a flash drive.

In the alleged memoir, Diddy is described as "jealous" and short-tempered. It also details an alleged incident in which the Bad Boy Records founder sent Kim to the hospital after beating her with a chair.


‘The Facts of Life’ Fans Point to Kim Fields as the ‘Greedy B–ch’ Mindy Cohn Claims Ruined Chances of Reboot Because Tootie Wanted a Spinoff
A classic show almost made its way back to television. “The Facts of Life” actress Mindy Cohn claims plans for a reboot of the 1980s sitcom were halted because a “greedy” co-star backed out over money.
Mindy Cohn played Natalie Green on “The Facts of Life” for nine seasons on NBC. The program also featured Nancy McKeon (Jo Polniaczek), Lisa Whelchel (Blair Warner), Kim Fields (Dorothy “Tootie” Ramsey), and the late Charlotte Rae (Edna Garrett). All four ladies participated in the show’s reunion in 2001.

Cohn appeared on the July 19 episode of Sirius XM’s “Jeff Lewis Live” earlier this month, where she claimed an unnamed person “went behind our backs” and caused the revival’s cancellation.
“Some people are so desperate for either money or fame that it causes them to do things that to me, I guess, I’m still not that jaded. It shocks me,” Cohn said.

In addition, the 58-year-old L.A. native alleged the holdout attempted to land a solo spinoff show rather than commit to “The Facts of Life” reboot. Cohn agreed with “Jeff Lewis Live” guest Michael Hitchcock when he called the former cast mate a “greedy b— h.”
The Loyola Marymount University graduate continued, “You’re going to do that over money or that over becoming famous? It always just kind of freaks me out that people will do that. Throw friendships, deep true friendships, under the bus for a dollar.”

Many online fans began to speculate that Cohn was talking about Fields as the cast member who declined the gig. In response, YouTube commenters expressed appreciation for Fields.
“It can only be Kim Fields. She’s the only one that has stayed famous. Out of the ‘four’ women. Kim is the only star. Mindy should know, It’s called show ‘Business’ not show ‘Friendship’. People got bills to pay,” one person wrote in the comments of a YouTube video.

Another supporter added, “I’m thinking it was Kim. It seems out of character for her but she has steadily been working and producing. I think she is the only one that can intelligently negotiate a contract.”
In addition, someone in disbelief wrote, “Kim Fields has been booked and busy since her childhood so we know it’s not her. Not acknowledging that is weird.”

Some critics pointed the finger at another character, writing, “It seems to be Lisa Whelchel that played Blair. Mindy stated many times how Kim and Nancy talk so often and how she admires them.”
“The only one that would be qualified for their own sitcom is Kim Fields (‘Tootie’ & ‘Regine’). Proven excellence,” one person wrote.

One X user took screenshots from Cohn’s Instagram page, noting the last time she socially interacted with her castmates.
“If you look at Mindy’s IG you can see she declares her love for Nancy McKeon on April 4, 2024 and another of her, Nancy, and Lisa Whelchel together on the DB show from Feb 22, 2024. Her last post about Kim Fields was on Sept 9, 2022,” another commenter said.
After “The Facts of Life,” Fields held lead roles in other comedies like “Living Single” and “The Upshaws,” a star on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and executive produced several movies and series.

Apparently, discussion about filming new editions of “The Facts of Life” started after the “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” special aired in December 2021, with Gabrielle Union as “Tootie.” Meetings about the reboot supposedly began during the COVID-19 pandemic before someone backed out.
The rumors of a falling out between Mindy Cohn and Kim Fields come after the two women appeared together on TV over the last fifteen years. For example, Cohn and Fields showed up on Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live” in 2012.

The Kim Fields-produced “You Light Up My Christmas” presented a “Facts of Life” mini-reunion. Fields, Lisa Whelchel, Nancy McKeon, and Mindy Cohn took on roles for the 2019 Lifetime television movie.
“Well, we’ve been around each other all the time,” Fields stated in a People magazine interview. However, years later in June 2023, the mother of two spoke about being wary of going back to “The Facts of Life” story.

“I think you have to be really careful with reboots because if you don’t get it right, you are messing with people’s beloved characters,” Fields said on the “TODAY” show. She also joked, “And thankfully everybody’s busy — I got a new show I’m doing!”
Internet users also weighed in on a network potentially reviving “The Facts of Life” for a new television generation. YouTube provided mixed reactions to Jo, Natalie, Blair, and Tootie possibly reconnecting on screen.

“’Facts of Life’ is a classic, leave it alone, reboots never work,” a detractor insisted. In contrast, a fan showed enthusiasm by commenting, “I think there should be a reboot. Just make all this drama that happened and turn it into a show. It would be fabulous!!”
While the series reboot seems to be a long way from ever returning, Mindy Cohn continues to find work. She recently acted in Apple TV+’s “Palm Royale” drama series and the “Mother Father Sister Brother Frank” thriller comedy film.


American Idol: Carrie Underwood Replacing Katy Perry as New Judge in Season 23
Prepare to be blown away by this American Idol news: Carrie Underwood is reportedly closing a deal to replace Katy Perry as a judge for Season 23, according to TMZ.
The news, which has not been confirmed by ABC, would mark a full-circle journey for Underwood, who became the fourth winner of Idol back in 2005.

For what it’s worth (and we think it’s worth a lot), Underwood was among TVLine’s picks for Perry’s potential replacement. Here’s what we wrote at the time: “Not only is she an Idol winner, therefore capable of speaking to the contestants from a place of experience, but Underwood also has lots of TV hosting practice under belt via multiple CMA Award ceremonies. Maybe we’ll let Jesus take the wheel on this one.” And now, Jesus has (reportedly) steered Underwood straight to the judges’ panel.
Perry shocked fans in February when she announced on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that Season 22 of American Idol would be her last.
“I think this will probably be my last season for Idol,” she said at the time. “I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat.”

The singer had already drummed up a bit of excitement (and even more confusion) on Instagram earlier that night, where she teased her Kimmel appearance with the following: “Let’s play two truths and a lie: 1. I beat Usher at Monopoly Deal. 2. I’m headlining Rock in Rio this September. 3. This is my last season on American Idol.”

Perry had been a judge on American Idol since the competition was rebooted by ABC in 2018. Her final episode, which aired in May, featured a special performance of her 2020 song “What Makes a Woman,” for which she wore a dress patterned with the faces of Idol contestants whose journeys she has shepherded during her time on the show.

Neither Luke Bryan nor Lionel Richie, both of whom sat beside Perry for all six of her seasons, have confirmed their future with the show, though TMZ reports that both are expected to return for Season 23.
How do you feel about Underwood possibly rejoining the Idol family, this time as a judge?


‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Sets December Release; Series to End with Season 3 in 2025
Let the games begin. “Squid Game” will come back for its second season on December 26, 2024, Netflix announced on Wednesday. And series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk additionally confirmed that a third, previously unannounced season of “Squid Game” will be its last, arriving in 2025.

Here’s the official synopsis for Season 2 of the Korean drama, which picks up where Season 1 left off:
“Three years after winning Squid Game, Player 456 remains determined to find the people behind the game and put an end to their vicious sport. Using this fortune to fund his search, Gi-hun starts with the most obvious of places: look for the man in a sharp suit playing ddakji in the subway. But when his efforts finally yield results, the path toward taking down the organization proves to be deadlier than he imagined: to end the game, he needs to re-enter it.”

Returning to the cast are Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Gong Yoo, and Wi Ha-jun. Newcomers for “Squid Game” Season 2 include Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Jo Yu-ri, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

Hwang is returning as writer, director, and executive producer. He was the first Asian director to win the Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series prize at the Emmys. He also wrote a statement about the release of the new season, which you can see in an image below.

“Squid Game” is Netflix’s most popular show of all time and it isn’t even close. It tops the list of non-English series with 265.2 million views and 2.2 billion hours viewed, dwarfing the next highest title (“Money Heist: Part 4” with just 106 million views), and it even beats out English-language hits like “Wednesday” (252.1 million views) and “Stranger Things 4” (140.7 million views).

The series tells the story of a down-on-his-luck, cash strapped man who is one of 456 players seduced to take part in a competition to win 45.6 billion Korean won, all by playing a series of games intended for children, only for the losers to be killed one by one. The wild success and colorful iconography of the series has been spun off by Netflix with live pop-up experiences and as a reality competition show that used the same premise as the series.


Adut Akech is Pregnant, Model Expecting First Child with Partner Samuel Elkhier
Adut Akech is going to be a mom! On Wednesday (July 31), the 24-year-old South Sudanese-Australian supermodel announced that she and partner Samuel Elkhier are expecting their first child.
In a new profile with Vogue, Adut opened up about finding out she was pregnant and revealed when she’s due.
“I was picking up my car from the service center — with my bag of oranges! — and when driving back home, I started feeling like I was going to throw up,” Adut recalled.
After having dreams that her sister was pregnant, Adut took five tests, which all confirmed that she was pregnant.

“I always said I wanted to be a young mom because I love the idea of growing up with your kids,” Adut shared. “I’m excited. I can’t wait. I’m like—can they just come already? I’m kind of over it and I’m just halfway.”
Adut went on to reveal that she has about 10 weeks left in her pregnancy. She also said that her pregnancy so far has been a “beautiful feeling, but a mental and physical rollercoaster. Nothing really ever prepares you for it.”

Congrats to the parents-to-be! 


Maya Rudolph will reprise her fan-favorite Kamala Harris impression on Saturday Night Live

Maya Rudolph will reportedly bring back her popular impression of Vice President Kamala Harris to the new season of Saturday Night Live. Rudolph, 51, who was a regular cast member on the NBC sketch series from 2000 to 2007, made one of several returns to the show in 2019 where she debuted her portrayal of the VP. During the episode, she sparred with Woody Harrelson’s Joe Biden and riffed on Harris’s most memorable lines from the first round of Democratic primary debates.

She then famously brought back her impersonation of Harris for the show’s 46th season in 2021.
Since President Joe Biden abandoned his re-election campaign and endorsed Harris to replace him in the 2024 presidential race against Donald Trump, SNL fans have been begging for Rudolph’s return.

Now, according to Deadline, it appears fans’ wishes have been answered as Rudolph is set to reprise her Harris character for the show’s 50th season, which returns on September 28 and runs through the November 2024 presidential election.
Earlier this month, it was reported that there were no discussions about Rudolph returning to the show, as her schedule was filled with other obligations, including pre-production on season three of her Apple TV+ comedy series Loot.

However, pre-production for the show, which was scheduled to begin filming on August 26, has been halted, Deadline reports.
Members of the cast and crew told the outlet that production on the show – produced by Universal Television, a division of NBC – had been pushed back to January 3, 2025, due to scheduling reasons.
Rudolph’s representative did not immediately respond to The Independent’s request for comment.
Back in 2019, during an appearance on MSNBC, Harris joked that she intended to “keep Maya Rudolph in work for the next eight years.”

Rudolph earned her first Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her 2019 performance as Harris.
The Bridesmaids actor most recently landed four Emmy nods: two for her hosting stint on SNL’s Mother’s Day episode, one for her voice-over work in Netflix’s Big Mouth and another for her leading performance in Apple TV+’s comedy series Loot.
Harris, meanwhile, has surpassed the necessary threshold of support from delegates to secure the Democratic nomination. An official vote to ratify Harris as the nominee will begin on Thursday before concluding on Monday (August 5).

On Tuesday (August 6), she will hold a rally in Philadelphia, where she will appear with her official running mate. At the moment, there are three names who have risen to the top of Harris’ shortlist


Hakeem Jeffries Announces Book about Historic House Minority Leader Speech
The congressman will publish the book through Grand Central Publishing this fall
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is publishing a new book.
The ABCs of Democracy, which features 26 illustrations by Shaniya Carrington, details Jeffries’ first official speech as House Minority Leader on Jan. 7, 2023, one letter at a time. Utilizing “clever and memorable turns of phrase,” the book brings Jeffries’ remarks to life in a new way, per a statement from Grand Central Publishing.

“Grand Central is extremely pleased to be part of spreading this vital message,” said Colin Dickerman, senior vice president and editor-in-chief of Grand Central Publishing, in a statement. “Leader Jeffries’ speech had a tremendous impact and this book, with its charming and uplifting illustrations, is certain to help it find a whole new audience.”

Jeffries, who is serving his sixth term in Congress, currently represents New York's Eighth Congressional District, where he was born and raised. In addition to being Democratic Leader, Jeffries previously served as the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as an impeachment manager during the first Senate trial of former President Donald Trump. He made history after being selected as the first Black party leader in the U.S., after succeeding Nancy Pelosi's role as Democratic House leader.

“America is at a fork in the road and the choice we make — move the country forward or turn back the clock — will define us for decades to come,” Jeffries tells PEOPLE of his book. “This book endeavors to lay out the values that have made our nation the greatest democracy in the history of the world using powerful illustrations and the elegant lens of the alphabet.”

“It is my hope in some small way to help illuminate the road ahead in a manner that will guide our journey into a brighter future,” he adds.
The ABCs of Democracy will be published on Nov. 12, 2024 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.


Macy Gray Admits Ozempic Made Her ‘Constipated’: ‘I Can’t Go to the Bathroom’

*Macy Gray revealed she has been experiencing stomach pain and constipation since starting Ozempic for weight loss. 
In the July 23 episode of the “Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets,” the singer told co-stars Kim Zolciak and Johnny Weir that she spent the night in discomfort due to her bowel issues, Page Six reports. 

“Oh, boy, my stomach hurts. I’ve just been really constipated,” she said. “I took Ozempic. I can’t go to the bathroom, and I was up all night.”
“I was actually trying to take it off [the weight] before the show because I didn’t want to be super fat on TV, but here we are,” the superstar explained. 

Gray is among the latest celebrities to disclose using a Type II diabetes drug, administered weekly via injection, for weight loss.
Oprah Winfrey, Alabama Barker, Kelly Clarkson, Tracy Morgan, and Elon Musk, have also revealed their use of similar injections for weight management, according to Page Six.

It was reported in April that reality TV Marlo Hampton said she was addicted to Ozempic. In an interview with Carlos King, Hampton stated bluntly, “I had got addicted to it, b—!”
“I had lost 30 pounds, sample sizes, everybody was sending me clothes, I was like, ‘Yes! Yes!’” the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star told King.
Despite enjoying her slimmer figure, Hampton noticed the negative effect Ozempic had on her body.
“Then, I was like, ‘Alright, b—! Your menstrual acting funny, you getting a lil breakout, this s— is messing with my body,” she said while noting that constipation followed.

“I’M LITERALLY FULL OF S—!” Hampton shared. “Anyone out there doing it – I did do it for six months…I know my body.”


Legendary D.C. Drug Kingpin Rayful Edmond III Released from Prison 
Rayful Edmond III, the notorious figure once known as the “king of crack” in Washington, D.C., has been released from prison. A video circulating on social media shows Edmond declaring, “Back better than ever,” marking a new chapter for the man who once led one of the largest drug operations in U.S. history.

During the 1980s, Edmond was a key player in the crack cocaine epidemic that swept through the nation’s capital, transforming it into what was infamously dubbed the “murder capital of the United States.” His operation, in partnership with the Medellín Cartel through the Trujillo-Blanco brothers, was said to have moved between 1,000 and 2,000 kilos of cocaine weekly in 1992. This enormous influx of drugs significantly fueled the city’s crime rate, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Rayful Edmond’s release has sparked mixed reactions. As the former drug lord steps back into the public eye, many are left wondering about the implications of his statement and what “better than ever” might mean for the city he once dominated.


‘Little Miss Flint’ Reaches Her “Clean Water Fund” After Receiving Over $1 Millions In Donations

Mari Copeny, better known as ‘Little Miss Flint,’ has reached a milestone in her ongoing fight for clean water in Flint, Michigan.
The 17-year-old activist has been running her clean water race since she was 8 years old. Copeny made her mark in media after sending a letter to former President Barack Obama about the water crisis that Flint residents were experiencing. This prompted Obama to visit for himself and see the damages firsthand. Once the crisis was assessed, a $100 million relief fund was approved for the city. However, while the money may have helped out, it did not completely fix the situation, leading Copeny to continue the fight for her community.

A few years ago, Copeny launched a GoFundMe account called “Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund” with a goal of raising $1,000,000. The donation fund was created to assist Copeny with bringing clean water to Flint and providing its residents with proper water filtration systems. While Copeny did previously bring over one million water bottles to Flint families to combat the water crisis, the young activist felt like more needed to be done. According to the GoFundMe, Copeny says the donations will “eliminate the single use plastic waste that is associated with bottled water.”

As of a few days ago, Copeny has not only reached her million-dollar goal but has also surpassed it, racking in 26.3K donations totaling $1,004,607. The donations ranged from $5 to numbers as high as $500. But, the biggest donation came from NBA star Kyrie Irving. The Dallas Maverick point guard made $50,000 donation to Copeny’s fund last year. It’s said that Irving wasn’t looking for any recognition for making his contribution, seeing as though his donation wasn’t made public until other donors noticed his name amongst others who sent money. ,

Needless to say, Copeny’s journey is still not over and she still continuing her mission. But, it is nice to know that her efforts aren’t going unnoticed!


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
What do they sell at Walmart?
Obviously, A bunch of nothings!


HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ALL!!!
EFREM 

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