The Daily Buzz For Aug 27☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Jaafar Jackson Is Playing King for GQ Middle East

FAB Read the article HERE https://www.gqmiddleeast.com/article/jaafar-jackson-is-playing-king!

#RHOA: Where Do Porsha Williams and Dennis McKinley Stand Today?

Porsha Williams is continuing to co-parent her daughter, Pilar Jhena "PJ" McKinley, with her ex-fiancé, Dennis McKinley. The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member is very happy in her new relationship with Patrice "Sway" McKinney, while still maintaining a strong relationship with her ex.

Porsha opened up about her relationship with Dennis during RHOA Season 17, Episode 11. "Even though Dennis can be Dennis the Menace, I love him, and he's a really good father," she admitted during a confessional. "I really couldn't ask for anything else other than that, even if we're not together."
She continued, revealing how they're able to be so amicable for Pilar. "In a perfect world, [I'd] love to be back with Dennis," she stated. "There is just another side to us that happens when we're together that I just don't like. I don't ever want to be arguing in front of Pilar. I have never introduced her to a toxic household at all."

Porsha and Dennis were together in August 2026, where they sent PJ off to her first day of second grade. Porsha took to her Instagram account on Aug. 18, where she posted a series of photos of PJ standing in front of a balloon backdrop at their Georgia home, which has been a tradition for their sweet daughter. Porsha took to the caption of the post, where she gave credit to her mom and Dennis for being there for PJ, who were there that morning to send her off to school. "Pilar, Mommy is SO proud of the smart, beautiful, sweet girl you are! You have an amazing village surrounding you with so much love, support, and prayer," Porsha noted.

Dennis also took to Instagram to post photos from PJ's first day of school, where it was revealed that she loves art, donuts, and wants to own a restaurant in the future, just like her dad. "PJ went back to school last week, but more importantly, she said she wanted to open a restaurant when she gets older! (I'll never let her do it but still)," he wrote in the caption of the post.

Dennis has continued to remain close with Porsha's family, including her mom, Ms. Diane Williams. Dennis appeared during RHOBH Season 17, Episode 16, when Porsha surprised her mom by buying her a new home in cash and inviting their loved ones to come over to see it. "I'm excited to be in the loop," Dennis told Porsha at the house unveiling.
Porsha continued, revealing why she invited Dennis to join them. "At the end of the day, Dennis is Pilar's father. He loves my mom, my family, and so I just wanted to include him," she explained in a confessional during the episode.

Porsha and Dennis first started dating in 2018, years after her divorce from her first husband, Kordell Stewart.
Porsha and Dennis got engaged in October 2018, following her announcement that she was expecting her first child with Dennis. The couple called off their engagement shortly after welcoming PJ into the world in March 2019, but were back together and got re-engaged by December 2019.

Porsha confirmed that she and Dennis had officially called it quits during a December 2020 appearance on WWHL. During RHOBH Season 12, Episode 2, Porsha confirmed that Dennis had been unfaithful to her while she was pregnant. "To be disrespected at the most sacred time in life is like, I just can't forgive that," she explained during the episode. "I'm looking at my daughter, telling her, 'I'm going to work it out. I'm going to work it out.' But some stuff is not forgivable, and I don't think she would want me to have to deal with certain things. But I don't think she'd want that."

Porsha is now dating someone new and has been adamant that she will not be getting back together with Dennis. "I've tried. I've thought about it," Porsha admitted during a March 2025 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. "I've prayed about it. But it's just not in the stars for us."

#NewMusic from Lucky Daye and Leon Thomas “Fly U Out”

GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Lucky Daye has officially unveiled his latest single, “Fly U Out.” Available now via Warner Records, the sumptuous, low-lit track serves as a magnetic collaboration with fellow multi-hyphenate GRAMMY® winner Leon Thomas, exploring the timeless pursuit of love across physical distance.

“Fly U Out” is constructed on a foundation of misty acoustic guitars, a deep, rumbling low end, and hushed percussion. The production sets the stage for a romantic dialogue between two individuals exhausted by pretending they don’t miss each other.

Daye initiates the track with a straightforward proposition: “All of these texts ain’t enough, all of these pictures / Just because I ain’t wit ya… Baby take off, hurry up / Need your attention, I’ll be sending your ticket.”
Thomas subsequently responds with a dose of romantic hesitation, leaving the possibility of a deeper connection hanging in the balance: “Yeah, you all about me, but you ain’t mine…”

LISTEN HERE: 

The single continues to highlight Daye’s signature artistry—pushing the boundaries of modern R&B without severing ties to the genre’s deeply rooted traditions of live-band  soul, emotional precision, and lush romance.
“Fly U Out” arrives as the second glimpse into Daye’s highly anticipated forthcoming studio album. It follows the release of “Nowhere Fast,” the D’Mile-produced track that served as Daye’s debut release since joining the Warner Records roster. While “Nowhere Fast” introduced a minimal, emotionally open sound that asked listeners to slow down, “Fly U Out” actively pulls them closer, showcasing the expansive, sensual creative universe promised on the upcoming project.

The new release arrives during a remarkably prolific season for the R&B auteur. Earlier this year, Daye joined Ms. Lauryn Hill for a star-studded tribute to D’Angelo at the 68th Annual GRAMMY® Awards. He also secured his second GRAMMY® win in 2025 (Best Traditional R&B Performance) for “That’s You,” the lead single from his acclaimed third album, Algorithm.

His collaborative footprint has also continued to expand, featuring recent work with Chris Brown (“Slow Jamz”), Teyana Taylor (“Hard Part”), Alessia Cara, and Tori Kelly. Over the course of his career, which includes standout projects like 2019’s Painted and 2022’s Candydrip, Daye has amassed an impressive 13 GRAMMY® nominations across his own projects and his songwriting work for artists like Mary J. Blige.

Looking ahead, Daye is preparing to bring his new era to the stage. He is slated to headline Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Live in Brooklyn on September 10, marking one of his most significant live showcases of the year.
“Fly U Out” is available to stream and download now across all major digital platforms.

#HipHopNews: Trae Tha Truth Brings Food And Supplies To Gary, Indiana To Help During Devastating Power Outages

Trae Tha Truth has pulled up to help amid the ongoing crisis in Gary, Ind., where severe storms have left parts of the city facing widespread damage and prolonged power outages.
Storms with winds up to 100 mph hit Gary on Aug. 11, and 8,600 residents have remained without power for nearly two weeks as of this writing, according to NBC News. Last Sunday (Aug. 23), Trae arrived in Gary and announced he'd be assisting residents through his Relief Gang organization. Along with distributing food, cleaning supplies and other necessities to families in need, Trae and his team have been helping remove fallen trees from homes and streets as the community continues to recover from the storm.

Gary, Ind. native Freddie Gibbs has also been doing his part, and spoke with MS NOW about the conditions in his hometown to make sure their issues aren't ignored.
"This wasn’t a problem that started with the storm," he said. "We are a predominately Black city that tends to get ignored when it comes to certain things. It's just sad that it takes a national crisis for us to get some type of attention whatsoever."

He went on to praise the current mayor, Eddie Melton, noting that Eddie has been making sure Gary gets the help and attention they need in this crisis.
According to the AP, Northern Indiana Public Service Co., the area's electricity provider, said Monday that more than 370,000 customers lost power and that more than 364,000 have had their service restored. The remaining customers should have power back by Tuesday.

Dolly Parton’s Cause of Death Revealed by Reps. It was a brief battle with cancer

Dolly Parton's team broke their silence on what led to the country legend's death at 80. Her representatives shared details about her final days and the diagnosis she faced before passing on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Dolly Parton's reps reveal she died after a 'brief battle with cancer'
Dolly Parton's representatives told PEOPLE that the iconic country singer died following a "brief battle with cancer" at 80 on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Her team chose not to reveal the specific cancer type. She spent her final days at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville after being admitted on Friday, Aug. 21.

Her nephew Bryan Seaver shared the news through an Instagram video that same day. He identified himself as "son of Cassie Parton" and stated he was "representing the Parton and Owens family." Seaver described the announcement as "something Dolly asked of me years ago, before I fully absorbed it as a future reality."

Seaver spoke about his deep connection to his aunt during the video. "As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment but haven't truly felt it until now," he shared. He expressed that "Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents and countless others."

Parton had spoken about her health just four days before dying. "I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl," she told PEOPLE. She recalled earlier battles, saying she "was down for several months with female issues" during the early 1980s.

Her team celebrated her legacy in their official statement. "Her unmatched generosity reached the lives of countless people whom she would never meet, yet she was always there to offer a helping hand," they wrote. They spotlighted her Imagination Library and her contributions to lifesaving vaccine research. Parton's husband, Carl Dean, died in March 2025 after nearly 60 years of marriage.

Peacock Greenlights New 3-Part Wendy Williams Docuseries

Peacock has greenlit a three-part documentary exploring the legacy of Wendy Williams. Her iconic daytime talk show, its massive pop-culture influence, and unforgettable moments will be featured in the documentary.
​According to PEOPLE, Suzanne Bass, who spent 13 seasons as an executive producer on the hit daytime show, will serve as an executive producer. Bass and more than 20 former staffers “will also share their behind-the-scenes experiences and memories.”

​Her experience brings invaluable insight and a firsthand account of the show’s unique place in pop culture,” the press release reads.
​The series will chronicle Williams’ “skyrocketing from unlikely beginnings as a radio host.”  “While praising Williams’ TV reign, the documentary also sheds light on the complicated truths about the cost of fame and answers long-lingering questions surrounding the infamous exit from her own show.”

​Debuting in 2008, The Wendy Williams Show permanently altered the daytime television landscape. The show translated Williams’ signature, filter-free radio personality into a nationally syndicated powerhouse.
​Centered on her iconic “Hot Topics” segment, her famous purple chair, and her candid “How you doin’?” catchphrase, the series redefined celebrity gossip coverage. It delivered unfiltered, unapologetic commentary that captivated millions.

​However, after 13 successful seasons, the show’s run came to a quiet and complex conclusion in June 2022. Health complications—including severe struggles with Graves’ disease, lymphedema, and progressing cognitive impairment that was later diagnosed as primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia. Her health issues forced her to take an extended leave of absence during season 13.

​Following months of rotating guest hosts, production company Debmar-Mercury officially canceled the program. A replacement show hosted by guest host Sherri Shepherd took it’s place.
​In the end, Williams was unable to host or even appear in the final episode. A tribute highlight reel that honored the 14-year legacy of a true daytime TV pioneer.

Sidney Starr Denied Bond Despite “Good Nature” Defense In Alleged Assault Of 13-Year-Old

Sidney Starr faced a courtroom in Georgia where her defense team argued her “good nature” should secure her release, but the judge and the alleged victim’s family had other ideas.
The transsexual “Love & Hip Hop” alum was denied bond after being charged with sodomy, sexual battery against a child under 16, and aggravated child molestation.

The state had already recommended she remain locked up without the possibility of bail, and the court agreed.
During the hearing, the alleged 13-year-old victim’s mother delivered emotional testimony that painted a picture of a family torn apart

She told the judge her son now requires intensive therapy to process what happened to him.
“At this age, when he should feel safe, innocent, and protected, he is now forced to cope with trauma that no child should have to ever endure,” she said.
The mother continued, explaining how the family’s sense of security had been shattered by the allegations.

The defense strategy centered on Starr’s personal history and community ties. Her legal team emphasized that she has no prior criminal record and maintains strong connections to Georgia, making her unlikely to flee.
They painted a picture of someone with deep roots in the community who posed no flight risk. But the judge wasn’t swayed by these arguments.
An investigator testified about the specifics of what Starr allegedly told detectives.

According to the testimony, Starr admitted to engaging in sexual contact with someone she referred to as “Larry.”
The investigator explained that this person is a minor who later left the room and was subsequently identified as Starr. Starr’s account to police was that the male entered an elevator with her at the Embassy Suites Hotel and came to her room after claiming he was 18 years old.
Despite acknowledging that Starr has no prior criminal history, the judge ultimately sided with the prosecution and the victim’s family.

The decision means Starr will remain in custody as her case moves forward through the Georgia court system.

Lauren London Joins Snoop Dogg Biopic As Iconic Mother Beverly Tate

Lauren London is stepping into one of Hip-Hop’s most important family stories, taking on the role of Beverly Tate in Universal’s upcoming Snoop biopic, simply titled “Snoop.”
The film follows the Long Beach legend’s rise from Calvin Broadus Jr. to becoming one of the biggest cultural icons of the 1990s and beyond.
According to Deadline, Jonathan Daviss will portray Snoop himself while Myles Bullock takes on the role of Dr. Dre, the legendary producer who launched Snoop’s career.
Beverly Tate, Snoop’s mother, was a church choir director whose influence shaped the man Calvin Broadus would become
The nickname “Snoop” actually came from her love of the Peanuts cartoon, as she’d call young Calvin “Snoopy” because he reminded her of the beloved character.

This personal connection makes London’s casting particularly meaningful, as she’ll be portraying the woman who literally gave Snoop his name and instilled values that would define his entire life and career.
London brings serious credentials to the project. She’s known for her breakout role in the 2006 film “ATL,” followed by memorable performances in “This Christmas,” “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” “Baggage Claim,” and the Netflix series “You People.”

Beyond acting, she’s become a passionate mental health advocate and inspirational speaker dedicated to promoting wellness and healing. Her connection to Hip-Hop runs deep.
She worked with Snoop on various music videos during the early 2000s, creating a full-circle moment for both artists. London was also in a long-term relationship with rapper Nipsey Hussle from 2013 until his tragic death in 2019, and they share a son together named Kross.

Craig Brewer, who recently directed Song Sung Blue for Focus Features, is helming the project.
The film will incorporate music from Snoop’s vast catalog, and it’s being produced by Snoop himself alongside Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker.
Brian Grazer and Allan Mandelbaum from Imagine Entertainment are also producing.

This marks the first project under Death Row Pictures’ overall deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment.
Universal’s track record with Hip-Hop biopics is strong, as evidenced by 2015’s Straight Outta Compton, which grossed over $200 million and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
The film is set to hit theaters on August 6, 2027, giving fans nearly a year to anticipate this definitive look at one of rap’s most influential figures and the family that shaped him.

‘Project Runway’ Model Liris Crosse Says Her ‘Spirit Was Broken’ After Designer Put Her in Allegedly Dirty Trash Bag

Project Runway model Liris Crosse is speaking out about a look that left her visibly unhappy on the runway.
The 47-year-old model reflected on working with season 22 designer Bryan Barrientos during the “Battle of the Seasons” episode, which featured an unconventional-materials challenge.
In a YouTube video uploaded Monday (August 24), Liris said the experience ultimately left her feeling disrespected.

“It just felt thoughtless. It felt like he just had no idea. It felt careless. It felt lazy. My spirit, in that moment, was broken,” she said.
Judges Nina Garcia and Iman also commented on Liris‘ demeanor while evaluating the finished look. Nina observed that the model did not appear happy, while Iman said she appeared “miserable.”
Liris alleges the designer used a garbage bag from the floor

Liris explained that Bryan initially planned to use bubble wrap before mentor Christian Siriano reminded him that the outfit needed to fit the episode’s technology theme. He then began creating a halter-style garment from heavy electrical cords.
According to Liris, Bryan later asked whether she would rather walk the runway in her bra and underwear with the cords placed over her. She declined, after which he used tape and a black garbage bag to cover her body.
Liris alleged that the bag had previously been lying on the floor while some of the cords were being spray-painted. She said she did not realize where it came from until she later watched the episode and noticed paint on the material.

“I had no clue that was the garbage bag he had on the ground when he was spray painting some of the cords. But if you go back to the episode, you can see there is spray paint on the plastic bag I’m wearing,” she said.
Knowing he didn’t have much time, he then started the taping process.
“So, he starts to tape me up. And truthfully, in my heart of hearts, in that moment, I almost didn’t really care about the fact that he was taping me up because I did not want to go out there in my bra and panties,” the model shared.
She also recalled Christian telling them that the taped construction was unacceptable. Liris was then cut out of the garment while Bryan attempted to reconstruct it and add a zipper before the runway presentation.

The judges criticized the finished result, although the episode ended on a cliffhanger. Bryan entered the challenge with immunity following a previous win.
She says she appreciates the support she received from Project Runway fans
“My heart was broken that day, but it has been filled by so many of the Project Runway viewers who have backed me up and shown so much love with their messages of support,” Liris said in an exclusive statement to People.
She added that this one stood out because audiences read it as “thoughtless, unintentional and lazy.”

Liris also claimed that Bryan had not contacted her about the experience as of the publication of her video.

Chaka Khan Gets Candid About Her Sexuality: ‘What’s the Straight Part?’

Music legend Chaka Khan objected to being labeled a "straight icon" and declined to define her sexuality. The 73-year-old music legend made it clear that she prefers to keep that aspect of her life private, saying it is nobody else's business.
Chaka Khan rejected assumptions about her sexuality and said she keeps that part of her life private
During an August 20 interview with the U.K.'s Observer, Khan rejected the idea that she identifies as straight. The longtime LGBTQ+ ally said, "A straight icon? What's the straight part? What do you mean, straight in what way?"

After the reporter explained that "straight" referred to being "heterosexual," the Queen of Funk pushed back against the label, saying, "Am I? How do you know what the f**k I am? I don't ever share that part of my life. That's nobody's business but mine." She further stated, "I am for everybody. I don't care what you sleep with at night. If your heart is in the right place, that's all I care about."

Khan may reject the label, but she is widely loved and a well-known figure in the queer community. The Rufus alum has been a longtime ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her 1978 hit I'm Every Woman continues to be a beloved anthem among the queer community.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member also made it clear she has no plans to get married again. "I'm not looking for that. I'm partnered out," she said. Khan married Hassan Khan at the age of 17 in 1970. Their marriage ended in divorce the following year. She later married Richard Holland in 1976. The couple welcomed a son, Damien, during their marriage. They remained married for four years before divorcing in 1980.

The 10-time Grammy winner began her music career by singing with local groups as a teenager. She later rose to fame as a member of Rufus. Khan's performances caught the attention of Stevie Wonder, who went on to write Tell Me Something Good, one of Rufus' biggest hits. The song earned Khan her first Grammy Award. The singer is currently preparing to release her 13th solo album, Chakzilla, in September.

YouTube Creator Kevin Langue Is Bringing His Comedy Channels to Netflix

Kevin Langue, the YouTube comedy creator who boasts that he’s “the world’s best guesser,” is the latest internet content creator to sign a deal with Netflix.
Netflix announced a pact with Langue to bring his two YouTube channels — The Kevin Langue Show and Kevin Langue 2 — to the service. Beginning Sept. 5, Netflix will offer a collection of older episodes from each of his channels, with new episodes dropping day-and-date alongside YouTube going forward, available to subscribers worldwide.

Langue has more than 13.5 million followers across online platforms, including 5.4 million subscribers to his main YouTube channel. The Kevin Langue Show centers on guessing-game and social-experiment premises shot with his circle of comedian friends, as they question a lineup of contestants to try to find the secret liar. His second channel, Kevin Langue 2, offers fans a more “intimate, personality-driven look at Kevin” through candid, unscripted content, according to Netflix.
“The Kevin Langue Show” is also distributed as an audio podcast on platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
In a statement, Langue said: “The fans have been the driving force behind this opportunity and to see what we’ve built now also on Netflix is incredibly special. I’m just so excited to continue bringing the energy of our shows to even more people around the world!”

Over the past year, Netflix has signed deals with big-name YouTubers including Mark Rober and Alan Chikin Chow for original shows. YouTube has been unhappy about Netflix’s move to ink deals with YouTube-native creators, and is now offering to fund creators’ video projects if they agree to exclusive windows, as Bloomberg initially reported.
Langue is repped at 3 Arts Entertainment and WME. “The Kevin Langue Show” is executive produced by Langue and Zane Helberg alongside associate producer Katherine Tompkins.
This summer, Langue launched an 18-city live tour that sold over 30,000 tickets. The tour kicked off in Los Angeles as part of the Netflix Is a Joke Fest, with each stop featuring a different guessing game created for each market.

LeBron James Family Foundation, PGA TOUR announce new partnership at Firestone Country Club in Akron

NBA legend and Akron native LeBron James is bringing his passion for golf to his hometown.
The LeBron James Family Foundation and the PGA TOUR announced Tuesday a new partnership that will create youth opportunities through golf and continue the PGA TOUR's presence at historic Firestone Country Club in Akron.
The partnership's centerpiece will be the inaugural LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational at Firestone Country Club, scheduled for July 6-7, 2027. The two-day event will combine professional golf, youth engagement, mentorship and fundraising in James' hometown of Akron, according to the PGA TOUR and LeBron James Family Foundation.

“He loves the competition of it. He loves the mind game. He just, he loves it," said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "We want to expand that field of play and get young golfers more exposure, get our students more exposure to the game of golf, and have more access.”

The event will include mentorship opportunities connecting students in the LeBron James Family Foundation's I PROMISE program with professional golfers who advanced through the PGA TOUR's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program. Competitions featuring amateurs and professionals from the Pro-Bound Five program also will be held on Firestone Country Club's South Course.

“It's really fun that we're going to have the opportunity to have LeBron and and some of his friends and more of a celebrity kind of amateur setting and we think those two pieces come together to create a really fun event," said Andy Weitz, the PGA Tour's chief marketing officer. 

The I PROMISE program serves Akron-area students and their families by providing educational programs, support and resources aimed at helping them succeed in school and beyond.
"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don’t even know exist,” James said. “This partnership with the PGA TOUR gives my Foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."

The partnership comes as James has increasingly shared his interest in golf, including through his recently launched YouTube golf channel.
The partnership keeps PGA Tour golf in Akron, after it was announced earlier this year the Champions tour event was moving to California. 

Akron's Mayor Shammas Malik weighed in on the announcement on Tuesday. 
"It's really been this uncertainty of, is all that going to go away? And now knowing that there's a future path there, and PGA Tour is recommitting with the LeBron James Family Foundation is amazing. And not just the economic input of people, you know, staying at hotels and spending money at restaurants, but also the focus on charities," said Malik. "I've always been inspired by him [LeBron.] I think our youth and people across our city are going to be inspired seeing kind of the next chapter that he's bringing to the city.” 

In July, James signed a two-year contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, ending speculation that he could return to Cleveland. The announcement came as many Cavaliers fans had hoped for a reunion with the Akron native

OH NO! ‘Dreamgirls’ revival is not opening on Broadway Fall 2026

PEOPLE magazine is reporting that the highly anticipated revival of the 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls will not open during the Fall 2026 season.
Last fall, it was announced that the Tony Award-winning musical, which was adapted into a feature film in 2006, was holding open casting calls to find the next members of the “Dreams,” the all-girl singing group at the center of the story. Camille A. Brown was tapped to direct and choreograph the production.

EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, who starred as Effie White in the 2006 film adaptation, was also set to produce the Broadway revival.
However, in recent months, there has been little information released about the upcoming production, raising questions about its status.

“The new Broadway production of Dreamgirls, directed and choreographed by Camille A. Brown, is absolutely moving forward,” producers told PEOPLE. “As with any major Broadway production, schedules evolve as the various elements come together, and the production will no longer open in Fall 2026. We look forward to announcing the theatre, dates and casting when they are confirmed.”

Issa Rae Heads Back to HBO With Vegas Boxing Comedy

HBO ordered a pilot for Issa Rae’s Untitled Male Friendship Show, a half-hour comedy set in Las Vegas’ professional boxing scene. The series follows aspiring sports manager Menzel and rising boxer JB as ambition, money, insecurity, and success strain their friendship.
Rae will write and executive produce, while Insecure collaborator Prentice Penny will serve as showrunner, executive producer, and pilot director.

Issa Rae is getting another shot at HBO — and this time, she’s stepping into the Las Vegas boxing scene.
According to Deadline, HBO has ordered a pilot for Rae’s Untitled Male Friendship Show, a half-hour comedy she wrote and will executive produce. The project centers on Menzel, a 30-year-old barber trying to break into sports management while serving as JB’s closest friend, a boxer whose career is taking off. Against the backdrop of professional boxing in Las Vegas, the series will explore how their friendship unravels as ambition, money, insecurity, and success put pressure on both men.

The project also reunites Rae with Prentice Penny, one of her key collaborators on Insecure. Penny will serve as showrunner, executive producer and director of the pilot. He previously earned an Emmy nomination for his work on Insecure and has credits including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Happy Endings, Scrubs and Pause with Sam Jay.

Jax Clark will executive produce for Rae’s Hoorae, while Jonathan Berry and Dave Becky will executive produce through 3 Arts Entertainment.
The HBO order comes not long after Rae acknowledged that her current career moment had left her feeling restless. During an appearance on Kevin Fredericks’ Not My Best Moment podcast, she said her definition of success is closely tied to having a television project actively in production.
“I know that I appear successful to other people, but right now, no, I feel really stagnant,” Rae said. “Because I only feel successful when my sh*t is on the air. I don’t have sh*t on the air right now.”

That makes the new pilot a notable return to the network where Rae built much of her television career. Insecure, which Rae co-created with Larry Wilmore, ran for five seasons on HBO and earned 14 Emmy nominations, a Peabody Award and three Golden Globe nominations.
Rae later executive produced A Black Lady Sketch Show and created Rap Sh!t, which followed two friends trying to break into Miami’s rap industry and ran for two seasons.

Rae has also spoken about how earlier setbacks changed the way she approaches television. Looking back on the failed development of I Hate L.A. Dudes, she told Fredericks that she had become too willing to defer to people with more traditional industry experience.
“I forgot that they wanted to work with me because I’m me,” Rae said.
She eventually came away with a different understanding of what collaborators expected from her: “They want me to be as loud as possible with what I want to say.”

The new HBO pilot arrives during another transition in Rae’s business career. She signed a three-year first-look film and television deal with Paramount in January after previously holding an overall deal with HBO beginning in 2021. Deadline reported that the Vegas boxing project is believed to have been developed before the Paramount agreement.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

Walmart most wanted criminal is on the Loose

I bet that the $30 was lost by someone in law enforcement or close to law enforcement

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM 

The Daily Buzz For Aug 26☕📰☕

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#FASHIONFAB: Teyana Taylor for Alaïa - Summer/Fall 2026

Fab!

#RHOA: Pinky Cole Calls Out Claudia Jordan’s ‘Right Couch’ Pregnancy Tease

Pinky Cole is speaking out about Claudia Jordan's pregnancy tease ahead of the Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion. The Season 17 newcomer had hoped to keep her news private until the big reveal. Instead, Jordan's "right couch" clue sent RHOA fans into detective mode weeks before the reunion aired. Cole now says the hint bothered her, even though Jordan never named her.

Pinky Cole explains why Claudia Jordan's RHOA pregnancy tease bothered her before the reunion aired
During Kandi Burruss' Speak on It, Cole admitted Jordan's comment got under her skin. "She didn't [say my name], but it did bother me," Cole said. "And it bothered me because, girl, you just said 'the right couch.'"

Claudia Jordan made the original comment in June while discussing The Real Housewives of Atlanta. She said a pregnant cast member sat on the right side of Andy Cohen at the reunion.
That couch included Pinky, Shamea Morton, K. Michelle, and Kelli Potter. Cole said fans could use the "process of elimination" after considering what they already knew about the women.

Cole also understood why Shamea remained a possibility because her family-planning journey played out on the show. In fact, Shamea later revealed that her surrogate was pregnant as Season 17 ended with two baby announcements.
Still, the Claudia Jordan pregnancy tease frustrated Cole. She said she had deliberately kept a low profile because she wanted to enjoy the news privately.

"I love a good tease, but damn!" Cole said. She joked that Jordan could at least have suggested the mystery woman might sit on either couch.
Cole also wondered how Jordan learned the information. Rather than blaming a castmate, she suggested someone around the reunion set may have noticed her pregnancy and shared the news.
The mystery officially ended during Part 1 of the RHOA reunion. Cole confirmed that she and her husband, Derrick Hayes, are expecting their fourth child in December.

For Pinky Cole, however, the timing mattered. Her issue was not that Jordan named her. Instead, she felt the couch clue made her private news much easier to uncover.

#NewMusic from Coco Jones Releases New Single “Love Me Through”

GRAMMY® Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and actress Coco Jones has officially released her newest single, “Love Me Through,” via High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings. The track arrives alongside a deeply personal visualizer offering fans an exclusive look into a meaningful new chapter in her life.

“Love Me Through” pairs a catchy, magnetic melody with Jones’s signature ethereal vocals. The track captures the essence of unconditional love and the choice to embrace every side of a relationship, highlighted by the intimate lyrics: “Good, bad, and ugly / But he’s still gon’ love me.”

The accompanying visualizer brings this heartfelt sentiment to life, featuring exclusive footage from Jones’s recent wedding. The visual serves as a celebration of choosing a partner through every season of life, supplementing the inside look into her nuptials that she recently shared with VOGUE and through her YouTube mini-documentary series.

The new single continues to build out an exciting new creative era for Jones, defined by underlying themes of self-love, confidence, and vulnerability. “Love Me Through” arrives on the heels of her recently released singles, “Body So Tea” and “LUVAGIRL.”
The  music follows a monumental year for the artist. Earlier this year, Jones commanded one of the world’s largest stages, delivering a powerful and moving rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the Super Bowl.

LISTEN HERE: 

Jones has firmly transcended “rising star” status to become a leading voice in contemporary R&B and a massive crossover cultural force. Her undeniable momentum stems from the massive success of her debut album, Why Not More?, which earned her an 8th career GRAMMY nomination. Upon its release in 2025, the project secured several major chart milestones:

She subsequently released the deluxe edition, WHY NOT MORE? (MORE!)—featuring the standout Alicia Keys collaboration “Other Side of Love”—and embarked on a completely sold-out tour across the US and Europe.
Beyond her  musical dominance, Jones continues to expand her impressive acting portfolio. Her current and upcoming onscreen endeavors include:
Starring in Malcolm D. Lee’s psychological thriller Strung (currently streaming on Peacock).
Returning as the beloved Hilary Banks in the fourth and final season of Peacock’s Bel-Air.
Starring in the highly anticipated upcoming romantic comedy That’s Her.
“Love Me Through” and its accompanying visualizer are available now across all major digital streaming platforms.

#HipHopNews: #RIP Legendary Hip Hop Collective Funky 4 Plus 1 More’s Keith Keith Passes Away At 64

Hip Hop has lost another member of its foundational generation.Keith Caesar, better known as Keith Keith of the legendary Bronx collective Funky 4 + 1, passed away Friday, Aug. 21, at the age of 64. According to his family, Caesar died from medical complications. He remained a lifelong Bronx resident and was living in the Frederick Douglass Houses in Morris Heights at the time of his passing. 

For younger Hip Hop fans who may not immediately recognize Keith Keith’s name, understanding Funky 4 + 1’s place in the culture puts his contribution into perspective.
Before rap albums went platinum, before music videos, major endorsement deals and stadium tours, Funky 4 + 1 was helping establish what a Hip Hop group could even look and sound like.

The pioneering crew included Keith Keith alongside Sha-Rock, K.K. Rockwell, Jazzy Jeff, Lil’ Rodney C, DJ Breakout and DJ Baron, with Rahiem also part of the group’s earlier lineup before joining Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. The group emerged from the Bronx during Hip Hop’s formative years and became one of the first crews to take the music from parks and neighborhood parties onto commercially released records. 

Keith Keith was there for one of the culture’s most important early recordings, “Rappin’ and Rocking the House,”released through Enjoy Records in 1979. The group later moved to Sylvia Robinson’s Sugar Hill Records and released its signature record, “That’s the Joint,” in 1980. Keith Caesar is among the credited writers on the song. 

But Funky 4 + 1’s biggest historical moment arrived on Valentine’s Day 1981.
On Feb. 14, the group appeared on Saturday Night Live at the invitation of Blondie frontwoman Debbie Harry, becoming the first Hip Hop group to perform on national television. With much of America still unfamiliar with rap music, Keith Keith and the crew performed “That’s the Joint” on one of television’s biggest stages. 

Think about what that meant at the time. Hip Hop wasn’t yet a billion-dollar industry. There was no Yo! MTV Raps, BET’s Rap City or internet capable of taking a Bronx freestyle around the world overnight. When Funky 4 + 1 stepped onto that SNL stage, they were introducing millions of Americans to a culture that was still largely being built block by block in New York City.

The group’s importance also extended to Sha-Rock, whose presence as one of Hip Hop’s earliest female MCs helped establish from the beginning that women weren’t visitors to this culture—they were among its architects.
“That’s the Joint” would continue traveling long after the group separated, eventually being sampled by artists including the Beastie Boys and De La Soul. In 2008, VH1 ranked the record among its 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs. 
Born Feb. 15, 1962, Caesar grew up with four siblings and is survived by his brother Kevin Caesar, known as Caesar the Poet. 

As Hip Hop’s pioneering generation continues to age, preserving these names becomes even more important. Keith Keith and Funky 4 + 1 were doing this before anybody knew how far Hip Hop could go.

They didn’t inherit the culture.They helped build it. We send our condolences to the Caesar family, the Funky 4 + 1 family and everyone who knew and loved one of the Bronx’s original microphone pioneers.

Rest In Peace Keith “Keith Keith” Caesar.

#RIPDollyParton, Country Music Legend, Dies at 80

Legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton has died at age 80. Parton shared an update on her health on Friday, Aug. 21, acknowledging her recent decline after the March 2025 death of her husband, Carl Dean.

"As I've shared in video messages throughout the past year, I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn't pay attention to when I was watching over Carl. You know, this isn't the first time I've had to manage something like this. Back in the early '80s, I was down for several months with female issues, and I was struggling with my weight at the time too, so it's not like I haven't been through hard times with my health," Parton told PEOPLE.

She added: "But I think because we live in a 24/7 world with social media, everything gets magnified in ways it wasn't years ago. I used to joke that I was the Queen of the Tabloids, but now I guess I can say I'm the Queen of Social Media AI! Seriously, though, even though I'm still healin', I'm still workin'! You know me — as I've often said — I've dreamed myself into a corner and I still have so many things I want to achieve, so I'm gonna keep on working as long as I can to see everything come to life."

With a distinguished career that lasted decades, Parton is the best-selling female country music artist of all time, having sold more than 160 million albums worldwide. Her debut album was 1967's Hello, I'm Dolly, and she went on to release a slew of hits, including "I Will Always Love You," "9 to 5" and "Jolene."

Parton was born in Pittman Center, Tenn., in 1946. She had 11 siblings, and the family was poor. "We never actually starved, but sometimes we never had quite enough to eat," she told PEOPLE in 1977. At age 6, she began playing her first guitar and singing in her grandfather's church. She started writing songs a year later.
Though she was known for her glamor as an adult, she told PEOPLE in 2003 that growing up, "I had freckles and a gap in my teeth. Everything was homemade or hand-me-downs. . . . I always wanted to be prettier. I got to fixin' myself up. I wanted my clothes tight, my makeup bright, my nails long, my lips red. I got into it." Over her career, she received considerable attention for her dramatic appearance, but she was always the first one to make a joke of it.

After her high school graduation, she moved to Nashville in 1964. She played in clubs and wrote songs for other artists. She told PEOPLE in 2012, "My songs got me out of the mountains and took me everywhere I've wanted to go." Her big break came when country star Porter Wagoner hired her to be his sidekick on The Porter Wagoner Show. He helped her land a record deal, but her early successes were all duets with her costar.

"I'll always be a country musician because I'm a country girl," she told PEOPLE in 1975. "My style is my soul and my feelings. I'll tell the world in my songs what I wouldn't have told my mother."
In 1971, she had her first country No. 1 with "Joshua." "Coat of Many Colors," released the same year, reached No. 4. Then in 1973, she released "Jolene," which was a country No. 1 and also charted on Billboard's Hot 100.

Parton stopped appearing on the TV show in 1974, and she wrote "I Will Always Love You" as a goodbye to her creative partner, Wagoner. "When I got ready to go, it was not a good scene. So I went home and that song just came to me. The next morning I said, 'This is how I feel.' Tears were rolling down his face," she told PEOPLE in 2012.

The song topped the country chart twice, but it became a megahit when Whitney Houston recorded it for the 1992 film The Bodyguard. She told PEOPLE in 2015 about the first time she heard Houston's version of the song on the radio. "It was a worldwide thing. It was in a movie; it was No. 1. I thought, 'Wow. I wrote that little song,' " she said. "That's when I felt my worth as a songwriter. I thought, 'This is my gift, and I'm going to do the best I can with it.' "
Parton continued to enjoy success with hits like "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," "Here You Come Again," "Two Doors Down," "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right" and "You're the Only One."

By the end of the '70s, Parton's ambitions reached beyond Nashville; some worried she was leaving country music behind. She said in 1977, "I want people to know there is a lot more to me — good or bad — than they've seen so far. All I'm askin' is a chance to prove it. . . . . I'm not leavin' Nashville. Roots are important to me, and my roots are here."
Parton's movie career began in 1980 when she starred in 9 to 5 with Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. Her theme song for the movie became her first No. 1 single on the Hot 100. The costars became lifelong friends, and Parton later made a guest appearance on their Netflix TV series Grace and Frankie.

In 1982, she played a madam in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas alongside Burt Reynolds. "I make a better whore than a secretary," she told PEOPLE in 1982. Parton also starred in 1984's Rhinestone with Sylvester Stallone, 1989's Steel Magnolias and 2012's Joyful Noise.
In 1987, Parton released the critically acclaimed album Trio with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. She told PEOPLE in 2003 that they "were like sisters," explaining, "We didn't always agree, but we had a great sound. Our first Trio album was one of the greatest pieces of music I've ever been involved in."

During her career, Parton won an Emmy, 11 Grammy awards, 10 Country Music Association awards, seven Academy of Country Music awards, three American Music awards and earned two Academy Award nominations, as well as an honorary Oscar. She was one of only seven female artists to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award.
The music icon was also inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. During the memorable ceremony, she performed her hit song "Coat of Many Colors." Parton's close friend and "Islands in the Stream" duet partner Kenny Rogers presided over her induction.

Parton's vibrant life was adapted into a musical titled Dolly: A True Original Musical that premiered in Nashville in July 2025 with plans of transferring to Broadway in 2026.
"I wanted to see it done while I'm still around, to be able to oversee it and make sure that it's done properly in a way that I would want to see it, rather than to wait till I'm gone and let somebody else decide how they think it should be done," she said in a press conference announcing the show's premiere.
She also wrote the score for the Broadway adaptation of 9 to 5, for which she received a Tony nomination. In 2005 she received the National Medal of Arts, and in 2006 she received Kennedy Center Honors. In November 2022, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Parton frequently collaborated with younger artists, including Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter. She was also the godmother of Miley Cyrus. For the singer who once said, "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life," maintaining her personal life was very important.
"I've told her some things that I think are valuable and that she uses, but I'd rather live [as] an example," Parton told PEOPLE of her relationship with Cyrus. "[I'd rather] be an example rather than just try to tell somebody to do this, do that because I don't think that's right. Everybody's different."

She owned the Dollywood amusement park located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. She was also heavily involved in philanthropy, most notably her Imagination Library, which mails one book a month to children from birth until kindergarten. She was inspired in part by her father, who never learned to read or write.
Parton married Carl Thomas Dean in May 1966. Dean opted to stay out of the spotlight but encouraged his wife. "He's always supporting me as long as I don't try to drag him in on it," Parton told PEOPLE. "He's always been my biggest fan behind the scenes, but he's at home. I don't think they're probably showing much of this on TV, and if they do, he might see it."

"I always joke and laugh when people ask me what's the key to my long marriage and lasting love," Parton told PEOPLE in 2018. "I always say 'Stay gone!' and there's a lot of truth to that. I travel a lot, but we really enjoy each other when we're together and the little things we do."
Dean died on March 3, 2025. Parton announced his death on Instagram writing, "Carl and I spent many wonderful years together. Words can't do justice to the love we shared for over 60 years."
Days after his death, Parton paid tribute to her late husband with a song titled "If You Hadn't Been There."

"Carl and I fell in love when I was 18 and he was 23, and like all great love stories, they never end," she wrote on Instagram announcing the song alongside a rare throwback photo of the couple.
Parton reflected on their love story and her grief in a November 2025 PEOPLE cover story.
"Ours is a great old love story. Most people don't stay that close that long," Parton said of Dean at the time. "That's a loss. Nobody can ever know that unless you've experienced it yourself. He will always be in my heart and in my memories."

Parton was set to return to Las Vegas in December 2025 for a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace — her first extended run in the city in more than 30 years — but in September of that year, she announced that the dates had been postponed due to "health challenges."
"As many of you know, I've been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000 check-up, although it's not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon!," she said in a statement shared to Instagram. "In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you.
Despite the setback, Parton reassured her fans at the time writing, "And don't worry about me quittin' the business because God hasn't said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe He is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you."

She later canceled the residency in May 2026, saying in an Instagram video that she was "responding really well to meds and treatments" and "improving every day."

Years prior, Parton told PEOPLE that even after decades in the industry there were still dreams she had left to fulfill.
"I just hope I live long enough to do more things," she said. "That's the only thing that worries me, that I may run out of time before I see so many of my dreams come true. I wake up with new dreams all the time. But I put them in a place where they can continue, even after I'm gone."

In a November 2025 cover story, Parton opened up to PEOPLE about her then-upcoming 80th birthday.
"People say, 'Well, you're going to be 80 years old.' Well, so what? Look at all I've done in 80 years. I feel like I'm just getting started," she says. "I know that sounds stupid, but unless my health gives way, which right now I seem to be doing fine . . . I think there's a lot to be said about age. If you allow yourself to get old, you will. I say, 'I ain't got time to get old!' I ain't got time to dwell on that. That's not what I'm thinking about."

She also reflected on her impact and intentions in the industry. "I'm at that point in my life where I just want to be able to do good things that can be carried on. I'm proud of my legacy so far, and I hope to just continue to do things that might be of use to other people," Parton told PEOPLE at the time.
"You know, I have just been going so fast my whole life," Parton added in the same interview. "And I just start thinking, 'How in the world did I even have a life? How did I even get it done?' I really realized when I was putting this book together just how much I had sacrificed in my life. I never had children, so at least I didn't have a guilty feeling. I'm thankful that I got to see my dreams come true."

Master P Responds to Backlash Over Slavery Comments: ‘You Can’t Twist the Truth’

Master P is responding to criticism over his recent comments about slavery, saying his message about moving forward and closing the racial wealth gap is being misrepresented.
The No Limit Records founder faced backlash after a clip from an interview with Forbes circulated across social media on Friday. In the clip, Master P argued that Black Americans shouldn't continue "going back to" or "harping on" slavery, suggesting that constantly focusing on the past can contribute to what he described as a "negative mindset."

Master P says he doesn’t harp on slavery while opening up about trying to get the negative mindset out of the culture, as he addresses Black people who are still harping on slavery and says he can’t change the past, but he can change the future.
As the remarks spread across social media, some viewers accused the New Orleans mogul of minimizing the lasting effects of slavery and systemic racism.

Master P has now pushed back against that interpretation.
"For the ones in the back that can't hear," he said in a response video. "Stop making them false narratives. I love my people."
He then clarified that his larger point wasn't about ignoring history, but instead focusing on what can be done to improve the future.
"That's what I mean about we can't change the past but we can change the future by bridging the wealth gap," he continued. "That's what Master P said, you can't twist the truth."
Master P responds to recent backlash he received‼️🧐
“I love my people, and when you talk about slavery, our ancestors have been through so much. We are not going to forget them and will keep bringing awareness, but we have to bridge the wealth gap.”

P also shared his response on Instagram and reposted the original Forbes interview clip with another message emphasizing business and personal responsibility.
"You got to have integrity, do good business…and doors will open," he wrote.
During the original interview, Master P similarly argued that integrity and strong business practices can create opportunities.
"You just gotta have integrity and do good business, and these doors will open up," he said.

His comments quickly sparked debate, particularly over whether acknowledging the continuing effects of slavery and discrimination should be considered dwelling on the past.
"He can't hear and refuses to understand that the only way to bridge the wealth gap is through reparations; that's why US Slavery, Jim Crow, legal segregation, and the government's role in those practices and policies are always part of the conversation," one X user wrote.
Another critic offered a more concise response: "Remembering is not harping tho smh Black celebrities are trippy."

He can't hear and refuses to understand that the only way to bridge the wealth gap is through reparations; that's why US Slavery, Jim Crow, legal segregation, and the government's role in those practices and policies are always part of the conversation.  No one wants to harp on Show more
Master P's perspective is rooted in a success story he's frequently discussed throughout his career. After growing up in New Orleans' Calliope Projects, he transformed No Limit Records into a music empire before expanding into numerous businesses and philanthropic efforts.

The rapper and entrepreneur has frequently encouraged financial literacy, ownership and entrepreneurship within the Black community, themes that appear to be at the center of his latest remarks.

Dr. Dre’s Stance on A.I. Draws Criticism: “It’s a new tool”

The superproducer says creative people should embrace the controversial technology.
Dr. Dre offered his take on the emergence of A.I. and the controversy surrounding the technology. In an interview with The New York Times, the legendary producer blasted critics of artificial intelligence, saying that he feels the truly creative will simply see it as a tool.

“I think the only people that see it as a threat are the people who have trouble creating,” Dr. Dre said in the interview, which was alongside Jimmy Iovine. 
Young Guru, Hip-Hop’s Tech-Forward Innovator, Shares His Concerns with AI

“I had a discussion with a few people a few days ago,” Dre said. “They were against A.I. and I’m like, ‘OK, you sound like the person that would have been against the drum machine when it came out.’ Or synthesizers, right? It’s a new tool for creativity. Some people are afraid of learning new things.”

Dre revealed that he’s using A.I. tech in music.
 “[It’s] a tool to see what it would do with what I just did.” Iovine added, “So is Timbaland — another brilliant producer. By the way, there’s a lot of closet AI producers out there.”
Dre’s words echo similar sentiments from producers like Timbaland and Rick Rubin. But many blasted the hitmaker for supporting A.I. 
“It’s the exact same script,” wrote Audiomack co-founder Brian “Z” Zisook on X. “They’re all reading from the EXACT SAME SCRIPT.” 
And Dre’s fellow West Coast superproducer DJ Quik had the opposite take. In an interview with The Shade Room, Quik criticized the use of A.I. to make music. 
“It’s a total violation of culture. It’s appropriation,” Quik said. “You can’t recreate somebody that’s still here doing what they do.”

Enes Kanter Freedom Turns WNBA Trans Debate Into Courtside Showdown

Enes Kanter Freedom’s removal adds fresh fuel to the WNBA fight over gender rules, free speech and player politics.
Enes Kanter Freedom got kicked out of a WNBA game Sunday after a courtside dispute turned his shirt into the league’s newest political flashpoint.
The former NBA center sat courtside in black, with his shirt reading, “WOMAN. Noun. Adult human female.”
Natasha Cloud walked toward Freedom after a late-third-quarter basket like she was ready to scrap, while video showed him rise, open his arms and step onto the floor.

Security and Sky players separated them before Freedom was escorted out of Wintrust Arena, according to the Associated Press’s account of the game.
Freedom told OutKick he believed security targeted him because of his message: “I told her, ‘First of all, please don’t touch me because I didn’t do anything wrong. I can get myself out of the game,’” he said. “And the second, I was like, ‘Do you guys realize that you guys are only kicking me out of this game because I support women and I try to protect women?’”

No transgender woman is known to have played in the WNBA, yet Freedom had already challenged its rules by declaring for the 2027 draft.
The dispute had already spread well beyond policy language after Indiana guard Sophie Cunningham said transgender women should not compete in women’s sports.
Rapper Boosie then pushed Hip-Hop directly into the argument after AllHipHop documented the growing fight.
“PLEASE KEEP THEM JUWANNA MANS OUT THE WNBA‼️U WAS MADE A MAN TO PLAY AGAINST ONE 💯GO TRY OUT FOR THE NBA N MATCH UP AGAINST WEMBY‼️AT THIS POINT YALL R HATING ON WOMENS SPORTS‼️”

That rhetoric is colliding with the WNBA’s larger culture war over race, sexuality and politics around Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and other stars. Earlier this month, WNBA security told fans in Atlanta to cover shirts carrying both pro-transgender and anti-transgender messages before the league reversed course.
“The WNBA is aware of interactions at (Sunday) night’s game in Atlanta in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts. This should not have happened.”

Cloud answered the latest confrontation by posting support for transgender people, while Sky coach Tyler Marsh defended her as someone who protects teammates and others.
Marsh told reporters, “If you come to a game you should probably come to enjoy the basketball,” adding that WNBA players had earned that focus.

Washington Post Ordered to Rehire Columnist Karen Attiah

Karen Attiah, a longtime columnist for The Washington Post and the lone Black staffer for the publication’s opinion desk, was fired after social media posts regarding Charlie Kirk. A private arbitrator examined the matter and found that the Post had no grounds to fire Karen Attiah and has been ordered to reinstate not only her former position but lost back pay and benefits.

As reported by the Associated Press, an arbitrator determined that Karen Attiah’s firing from the Post over her posts on the Bluesky social media platform were not grounds for her to lose her role at the paper.
In last Thursday’s ruling, it was added that along with the Post not having due cause to fire Attiah, they most also restore her lost wages and benefits.

Attiah was among many public and private figures who reacted to Kirk’s September 2025 slaying at Utah Valley University. Kirk, 31, had become a right-wing firebrand known for putting forth messages promoting Christian values, family, and turning a critical eye at Black and other minorities with reportedly divisive and contradictory messaging.

Via Bluesky, Attiah mused on the reaction to Kirk’s death from targets of his frequent critiques that many in right-wing and conservative media found offensive and tasteless considering the manner in how Kirk died.
Attiah has not made a full public statement but did take to social media to celebrate the news and promised to expound on the findings. After she was fired by the Post on September 11 for gross misconduct, Attiah launched an independent column dedicated to her work as a writer and thought leader.

Read Karen Attiah’s latest Substack column regarding The Washington Post row here https://karenattiah.substack.com/p/the-washington-post-fired-me-i-foughtand

Serayah Ends Engagement with Joey Bada$$, Accuses Him of ‘Repeated Infidelity’

Serayah has announced that she and fiancé Joey Bada$$ have broken up.
On Monday (August 24), the 31-year-old singer and Empire actress revealed that she has broken off her engagement to the 31-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, alleging instances of “repeated infidelity” led to their split.

“There comes a point in a woman’s life when choosing herself is no longer an option, it becomes necessary,” Serayah began in a statement on Instagram. “After much thought, I have made the difficult decision to end my engagement and relationship with the father of my child, Joey.”

“I loved deeply, believed wholeheartedly in the life we were building, and wanted nothing more than to protect our family,” she continued. “Unfortunately, I also had to face a painful truth: there had been repeated infidelity throughout our relationship, including during some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments of my life. I share this not for sympathy, retaliation, or to publicly tear anyone down. I share it because too many women are taught to question themselves before they question what is happening right in front of them.”

Serayah and Joey first met in 2021 at a mutual friend’s birthday party. They began dating in 2022 and got engaged in July 2025, about a month after they welcomed their son.

Also in her message, Serayah shared some words of inspiration with others who may going through a similar situation.
“If your intuition is telling you something is wrong, listen to it,” she wrote. Don’t make yourself smaller to keep someone else comfortable. Don’t compromise your values because you’re afraid of losing the future you imagined. And don’t allow someone else’s choices to become a referendum on your worth.”

“Love should not require you to abandon yourself,” Serayah added. “I will always respect the fact that we share a beautiful son, and my priority will be protecting his peace, privacy and relationship with both of his parents. For that reason, I won’t be discussing the intimate details of our relationship publicly beyond what I have shared here.”
Serayah concluded her message with, “This chapter did not end the way I prayed it would. But endings can also be beginnings.”

Mary Mary’s Tina Campbell Says She Earns Less Than $5K A Month While Expenses Total Nearly $12K Amid Divorce

Mary Mary singer Tina Campbell says she brings in just under $5,000 a month — while reporting nearly $12,000 in monthly expenses — as her divorce from estranged husband Teddy Campbell moves forward.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the 52-year-old gospel singer reported working about 20 hours per week and earning approximately $4,976 per month. Her reported monthly expenses total $11,933, including $4,100 for rent, $1,800 for groceries, $2,200 for utilities and $1,308 in auto-related expenses. She also listed $400 in charitable contributions, among other costs.

Tina reportedly listed Teddy’s monthly income at approximately $7,500 from his work as a drummer. Teddy filed for divorce in April after nearly three decades together, though Tina listed their date of separation as August 2024. The pair married in August 2000.
As part of the divorce proceedings, Tina has asked the court to terminate Teddy’s ability to receive spousal support. She is also seeking legal and physical custody of their two children, with Teddy receiving visitation.

#HISTORIC: New Padres owners José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones vow to pursue San Diego's first championship

New San Diego Padres owners José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones entered their introductory news conference Monday to the rhythm of an upbeat song about the team written and performed by Jones herself, a professional singer.
That might be a baseball first, but Feliciano and Jones are much more focused on accomplishing another historic first — a championship for a team that has never won it all.

"We need to win a World Series," Feliciano said. "It's that simple, and that's what we're going to do."
Feliciano and Jones, who are married, exuded energy and excitement in their first public appearance since securing their purchase of controlling ownership in the Padres earlier this month at an MLB-record valuation of $3.9 billion. Feliciano is a private equity billionaire whose investment firm owns English soccer club Chelsea, but the Padres are his team alongside Jones, his partner in business, philanthropy and life.

Jones said the couple will throw all of its considerable passion into consistent success for the Padres, but also into the improvement of life for people and communities across San Diego and in nearby Baja California.
"José and I have built a life on understanding (how to work) together, and we are all in," Jones said. "It's not lip service. We take it as a baseline that in everything we do, we're all in. We're absolutely committed to this organization, and we are absolutely overjoyed. If you heard (the lyrics in the song), we're gonna win. We're gonna win it all! We hope it's sooner rather than later."

Feliciano and Jones are taking over the Padres during the most successful stretch in the history of a franchise that has never won it all. General manager A.J. Preller's teams have made the playoffs four times in the past six seasons, and the current group has streaked into playoff position again by winning 21 of its last 28 games.

The new owners praised the lively fan base that packs Petco Park for every home game, and they paid tribute to former owner Peter Seidler, whose aggressive pursuit of winning is still energizing San Diego even after his death in 2023.
"We want to continue that legacy that Peter left — to dream big, to do the impossible, right?" Feliciano said. "The impossible becomes possible when somebody does it, so let's do it. ... We are taking on this legacy at a great time, but I think there's always more that you can do. You can always leave the world a slightly better place than you found it. That's our aim."

The new owners also are aware of the obstacles to building a contender in a division and a sport currently dominated by the back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers and their seemingly bottomless budget. Dodgers owner Mark Walter joined Feliciano's company in its purchase of Chelsea in 2022.
San Diego is considered a smaller market in the majors despite a local population topping 3 million, and the Padres are currently without a local media-rights deal.

Feliciano indicated his support for CEO Erik Greupner and Preller, who has long used his top prospects as currency to acquire veterans for immediate success. Feliciano also didn't say whether he wanted to emulate Seidler's ultra-aggressive spending, which has left San Diego with several veterans locked into massive long-term contracts.
"We have been blessed with a team in a city that is supporting us in a way that is allowing us to invest back in that team, in the stadium and in the city," Feliciano said. "And we're committed to doing that. We are going to live within our means, and that could mean different things in different years. But again, we want to win, and we're going to continue supporting that goal in many different ways, and that means at some moments we're going to be aggressive, but we're always going to do it with the long-term health of the team in mind."

The new owners later took the field at Petco Park during batting practice before the Padres hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates — an appropriate opponent for lifelong baseball fan Feliciano, who chose No. 21 for his new Padres jersey in honor of Roberto Clemente, a personal hero and fellow Puerto Rican.

"The Padres are one of the pillars of this city and this community," Feliciano said. "We're looking forward to engaging in many ways."
Jones spoke extensively about her desire to make the Padres even more important to the greater San Diego community. She also said her song was partly inspired by Fernando Tatis Jr.'s sensational, grand slam-denying catch against the Mets last week.

She asked Feliciano to provide backing vocals, but he declined.
"My only musical talent is my name," said a grinning Feliciano, who uses his middle initial to distinguish himself from the famous Puerto Rican singer.

49ers Owner Jed York Arrested in Ohio Prostitution Bust, Pleads No Contest

San Francisco 49ers majority owner Jed York was arrested Sunday morning in East Palestine, Ohio as part of a prostitution operation, then appeared in court the following day and walked out with a no-contest plea, a one-day sentence, and $1,150 in fines.
York, whose legal name is John Edward York, was taken into custody at approximately 9:35 a.m. ET at the Wheat Hill Mobile Home Community off state Route 170, according to KRON4. The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force led the operation, with the East Palestine Police Department assisting.

After the arrest, York was booked into Columbiana County Jail and posted a $5,000 bond. A mugshot was released through the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office.
San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York pleaded no contest to criminal charges after being arrested on suspicion of engaging in prostitution in Ohio over the weekend, according to court documents.

The State of Ohio amended the one count of engaging in prostitution to a disorderly Show more
He ultimately faced two misdemeanors: disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools. A judge sentenced him to one day in jail on each count, to be served concurrently, with credit for time already served, per the New York Post.

York was ordered to pay $150 for the disorderly conduct charge and $1,000 for possessing criminal tools. A court transaction statement confirmed both fines had been paid. The court also ordered $160 seized during the case forfeited to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force and directed that York's cell phone be returned to him, per TMZ.
York, 46, grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, about 30 miles north of East Palestine, and graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School there. He was named CEO of the 49ers in 2008 and became the franchise's principal owner in 2024 after acquiring enough shares from his mother. He is also a co-owner of Leeds United.

Kids TV Star Raquel Lee Bolleau Sues Disney, Alleges She Was Raped by Employee at Age 14

Raquel Lee Bolleau is suing Disney.The former child star, who worked on productions including Malcolm & Eddie, The Amanda Show, andThe Proud Family, is suing Disney for alleged sexual assault and rape by an adult employee when she was filming 2001’s The Poof Point at age 14.
The lawsuit alleges that Disney put her in close contact with the alleged assaulter repeatedly, and told her to “bond” with him amid filming back in 2001 in Utah, per documents obtained by TMZ.

The lawsuit alleges that the unnamed man gave Raquel alcohol in his hotel room, insisted she return alone after getting drunk, and then raped and sexually assaulted her. She also claims that crew members saw her showing up to set throughout production sick, vomiting and smelling like alcohol, but did not intervene.
Raquel claims he also assaulted her in first class on a flight back to California while she flew without her guardian.
He also allegedly “regularly whispered sexually explicit and harassing comments” into her ear while on set and “used hugs to get close to her,” per THR, and that the alleged harassment was done “in plain view of the cast and crew and could be heard by the sound technicians managing the cast’s microphones.”

She also says in the suit that Disney executives blamed her, and that one called her “out of control.” She also alleges an exec told her mom that she had “a demon inside her.”
She also says that “Disney threatened to, and did, cancel” her role in an upcoming production as well.
Raquel claims she’s endured years of emotional and psychological harm, and is suing Disney for negligence. She is asking for unspecified damages.

Disney declined to comment, while her lawyer Doug Wigdor and his colleague Jane Kim said to THR: “Over the last decade, countless child actors have come forward to bravely share their experiences of abuse by adults in entertainment. As former government prosecutors, our message to the entertainment industry is simple: This conduct is inexcusable, and those involved — directly or indirectly — must be held accountable.”
She notably appeared in 2024’s Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV as well, in which she reflected on being a Black performer on The Amanda Show. She then spoke out on TikTok about the docuseries experience, claiming the producers of the documentary didn’t invite her to a discussion afterward.

“This industry has done nothing but hurt me left and right from since I was a child…I don’t care to be on nobody’s set…I can’t do it anymore. I’ve given it all I can…I’m gonna get back to my family, my businesses, that’s what I’m focused on. Because this industry…y’all can have it,” she said.

Target Says It Is Deeply Sorry After Pulling a Kids Halloween Costume That Was Blackface

Target apologized Monday and pulled a children’s Halloween costume that was blackface, plain and simple.

The product was listed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume Bodysuit,” sold for $25 through Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique collection. It featured a black hood with a large exaggerated smile printed across it, paired with orange and black striped pants, a small hat, and black gloves. That is the visual language of minstrelsy, the blackened face and the oversized grinning mouth that white performers used to caricature Black people for more than a century.

Shoppers started circulating screenshots over the weekend. By Sunday, the product page was gone and Target’s site returned a message saying it was currently unavailable. The apology came Monday.

The company posted the statement to its corporate site and its own news account. Target said it got this wrong as a company and is deeply sorry, that the costume is offensive and should never have been part of its assortment, and that it is no longer for sale. It also said it knows this is especially hurtful for its Black guests, team members, and partners, and that removing the costume is a first step while the company looks at how this happened and what needs to change.

Give them this much: the statement names who was hurt. A lot of corporate apologies do not.

But the question the apology does not answer is the one people are actually asking. This was not a listing someone typed up in five minutes. It was designed, manufactured, photographed, written up, priced, and merchandised into a seasonal collection. It had promotional images shot for it. Every one of those steps involved a person, and none of them stopped it.

There is no evidence anyone at Target set out to make a racist product. That is somehow the worse version. It means the imagery moved through an entire retail pipeline without registering as a problem to a single person along the way.

And that is exactly the point Black shoppers made when they walked away from this company.

Black consumers boycotted Target after it rolled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments following Trump’s return to the White House. The argument then was that DEI was not a press release, it was infrastructure. It meant people in the building whose job included looking at a product before it shipped and saying this is a problem.

Target dismantled that, and this is what came through the gap. A costume like this does not survive a room with people in it who recognize minstrel imagery on sight. It got to the website because nobody in the process was positioned to stop it, and the company had already made clear that being positioned to stop it was no longer a priority.

The boycott worked, at least on the balance sheet. Executives publicly acknowledged that customer traffic and sales came under pressure. Earlier this year Target announced it was cutting roughly 500 positions across distribution centers and regional offices. Before all of this, the company had already taken criticism over its handling of its 2023 Pride Collection.

So here is where Target stands. It cut the function designed to catch things like this, lost the customers who warned them what would happen, spent a year and a half trying to win them back, and then put a minstrel costume on its website for children.

Target says it is looking closely at how this happened. Everybody already knows how it happened.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

Thief Impersonating a Walmart employee

Instead of jail time they should force him to work at Walmart for however many years he would have been incarcerated as a punishment 😂

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM