Tuesday, March 11, 2025

The Daily Buzz For Mar 12☕📰☕

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#MAGFAB: Queen Muva Angela Bassett Covers Town & Country’s March 2025 Issue
ZERO DAY Star Angela Bassett covers the March 2025 issue of TOWN & COUNTRY magazine photographed by Ruvén Afanador and styled by Jennifer Austin.
On working with Robert De Niro: “Being intimidated by him is easy. He’s so serious, all business. We don’t waste any of his time. You want to show up and be ready to go.”
On her early days in the business: “You’re just trying to find little pieces where you are, little moments of daylight to be able to do this. So no matter how small it was, it was just a joy and a blessing. I wonder if that’s why, when I get the opportunity, whatever opportunity it is, to perform or to be in front of an audience, to me it’s daylight. It’s really…You don’t take it for granted.”

On her commitment to bringing take-no-prisoners Black female characters alive onscreen: “All of that, I think, was thrown into the pot that is my life, the gumbo that is my life, and seasoned it, so that my choices were a strong woman who was in control of herself and her situation. So that appealed to me. Gentle is something different. But weak? She never takes command of her situations? That didn’t appeal to me.”

On suffering from impostor syndrome while at Yale (and even now): “They didn’t have that term for it then. But I felt a little of that. I still do feel that. But you put on a face, and you go, and you do it anyway. Courage is doing it even when you’re scared to do it, right?”

On losing the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Jamie Lee Curtis in 2023: “I found it interesting. Interesting that I wouldn’t be allowed to be disappointed at an outcome where I thought I was deserving.” While she may have moved past the episode, she hasn’t forgotten it. “I love applauding people. But in that moment…” She trails off, talks about how she had thought she had put in the work to be recognized, then corrects herself. “No, I have put in: put in the time, put in good work over time. I didn’t think that was a gift. I thought it was a given.”

On newsstands now.


#RHOA: Season-Premiere Recap: Sweet Sixteen
Let’s give a round of applause to the senior staff at Bravo for hearing our grievances and pleas for a return to form for the city that helped put Housewives on the map. After production kept the show on ice for a year, RHOA returns with a mini-facelift — not a full snatch and staple, but one you can pass off to your friends as a healthy dose of Botox and a strict skincare routine. For the season-16 premiere, we get new wives, old faces, breadcrumbs of a scandal between newbies and veterans, some physical comedy involving a donkey booty, and a wig mishap, making it feel more Atlanta than ever.

I may be ahead of myself as we’re only one episode in, but if Shamea can refer to herself as “the female Jamie Foxx,” I think I’m allowed to be a little delusionally optimistic, too. Shamea is a great place to start as we venture into the season because somehow, Shimmy Shimmy Coco Puff, as Kenya once snarkily described her, is now the group’s nucleus. Considering how well promoting another long-time friend-of went last time, it feels like a random, if not flat-out dangerous, move. But Shamea has something Marlo doesn’t: a shit ton of money. Surprisingly, Shamea is living the life a lot of past Atlanta Housewives fought for with her rich African husband Gerald (who doesn’t seem to speak and has a real job, what a dream!), two beautiful babies, and a sprawling mansion.

The security of Shamea’s lifestyle already sets her apart from Marlo, but her quirky personality — she’s a lot sillier than I realized — and connections to everyone on the cast make her integral to the potential of this revamp. Her elevated status as a full-timer allows her bestie Porsha’s return to feel more natural, and she has solid relationships with Cynthia and Kenya from years of filming. Shamea also has friendships with the newbies and already-established besties, Kelli Ferrell and Brit Eady, from running around the same circles. However, these Atlanta circles are noticeably different from the ones that originated the series comprised of stay-at-home moms, trophy wives, and socialites; this cast feels more youthful and contemporary, reflecting a modern version of the city. Remember in season five, when Cynthia and Phaedra filmed with their husbands at the strip club? And how the comedic value of the scene hinged on how out of place the wives looked in the setting? Well, fast forward to tonight and we see Porsha and Shamea filming at a strip club, looking as natural and comfortable as could be. It’s a new era.

In their first one-on-one scene, the two seasoned cast members get straight to work stirring the pot when Shamea relays information from her group dinner with Kelli and Brit regarding Kelli’s shots thrown at Porsha about the tea surrounding her divorce. The last time we saw Ms. Porsha soon-to-be-Williams-again, she was fighting off Bolo allegations before leaving the show and riding off into the sunset with Simon Guibodia, the same month he began his divorce from RHOA friend-of Falyn. The timeline is murky at best, though by walking away from the show and conveniently returning during her divorce process — the Randy Kessler appearance plus the side-by-side of her twelve years ago was hilarious — Porsha dodged having to truly defend her union on television (that messy ass spin-off doesn’t count). But Kelli isn’t having it — as someone who dealt with infidelity in her own now-severed marriage, she brings the “Porsha stole Falyn’s man” narrative to the table.

Kelli isn’t shy at all in her introduction to the show; we meet her at her daughter Chloe’s birthday party where she showers the teenager with seventeen designer bags, one for each year she’s been alive, helping Shamea bring displays of wealth back to RHOA. She also uses this scene to segue her relationship woes, involving a potentially violent ex-husband and contemptuous divorce. Despite still reeling from the dissolution of her marriage and how it affects her four daughters, Kelli brings boss bitch energy through her waffle empire consisting of the restaurant Nana’s Chicken and Waffles, cookbooks, and a mimosa mix. Brit, on the other hand, is currently an insurance agent also known for her work as a video vixen … and for being the girl involved with Kenya’s significantly reduced presence on the show. Both ladies are bubbly, fashionable, and clearly outspoken with Kelli immediately diving into the drama by bringing up Porsha’s drama to Shamea and Brit’s forthcoming beef with RHOA’s most infamous villain.

Once Shamea tells Porsha what happened at dinner during their strip club meet-up, sparks of potential discord between the returning champ and one of the freshmen ignite. But, let’s be honest, we don’t really care about all that at the moment. It’s Brit’s nascent discord with Kenya that’s the biggest behind-the-scenes headline of the season thus far. And most superfans are watching with a fine tooth comb asking: Where the fuck is Kenya Moore? During filming this summer, news broke that Bravo demoted Kenya (though many reports said fired/suspended) after an incident involving posters of Brit caught in an act of fellatio — assumably what Brit was referring to in the “Now, I have to talk about sucking dick with my mother” voice over at the beginning of the episode. Brit took to Instagram, posting about “hazing” and referencing Georgia laws about distributing “sexually explicit images” without consent.

Kenya vehemently denies any engagement in revenge porn, stating in interviews that she’s “still under contract” with Bravo. There is, however, leaked audio of Kenya calling Brit an escort. But all of this information is from press updates, blogs, and social media, so we still don’t know what actually led to the fight. From this episode alone, what we do know is that Kenya royally pissed off the network as she has no solo scenes or confessionals and isn’t included in any promotional group photos of the cast. Cynthia Bailey has more solo screen time than Kenya, leaving Drew Sidora, of all people, as the only remaining Housewife from season 15 (let’s give a moment of silence to Kandi Burruss for finally stepping down! Her heart wasn’t in it anymore but what a run!). Not much has changed in Drew’s world: she’s still arguing with Ralph, who has now been banished to the basement by the divorce court, and she’s still running questionable businesses out of her home with a plethora of staff and entourage members constantly in her orbit. The latest addition to Drew’s entourage is her “music partner” … Porsha’s ex, Dennis McKinnley?

Apparently, the hot dog king has been a “guiding light” for Drew during her breakup, with their studio sessions sometimes being the only thing getting her out of bed. Now, this is the first I’ve heard of Dennis’s “passion” for music as a producer, but according to Drew, he’s been at it for “a very long time,” which could mean anything since we know Drew has a complicated relationship with the truth. All of this seems like another contrived storyline from Drew and an excuse for Dennis to be on TV, but we’ll see how it plays out. He’s saved in her phone as “Dennis Bro,” and Drew claims Porsha fully supports the pair, but during Porsha’s one-on-one with Shamea, there are hints that things may not be strictly platonic. Armed with the tea about Drew and Dennis, and the knowledge that Kelli is already talking about her, Porsha heads into the first group event of the season on the defense.

Shamea hosts the gathering at her home, Sterling Hall (another indication of how rich she is; when is the last time we had a house so big it had its own name à la Vanderpump’s Villa Rosa?), for her birthday. Here, we meet the third new Housewife, Angela Oakley, wife of basketball legend Charles Oakley. She’s kind of shoehorned into the end of the episode and hasn’t left much of an impression on me yet outside of sweating out her hair, but I thoroughly enjoy any type of wig malfunction on Housewives, so thanks for that! Everyone slowly makes their way to the party, sniffing each other out as if it’s the first day of high school. The tension is extra apparent when Kenya enters, exchanging an awkward hello with Brit and Kelli. On the surface, their exchanges seem innocuous enough, but — and maybe this is because we know what is to come — there is a somewhat cold energy between Kenya and the newbies, which darkens like a storm cloud when Kenya inquires about Brit’s ring.

Brit is instantly offended by Kenya’s comment, questioning if this is her first marriage. Though I didn’t find Kenya’s questions all that deep taken at face value, considering the awkward vibes of the scene, plus Kenya’s larger-than-life reputation as a villain, I can see why Brit views it as “nice/nasty.” The drama continues to unfold when Porsha arrives hours late, interrupting Gerald as he bestows Shamea with a Rolls Royce. She breaks through the audience during the grand gesture as guests look on curiously, another instance of unspoken contention brewing just below the surface. Shamea and Porsha allow their tension to simmer through whispered apologies behind closed doors while Brit decides to unearth hers by pulling Kenya aside directly. Kenya swerves the attempt at sparring from a newbie by deflecting and bringing up Kelli’s drama with Porsha.

Porsha sits down, boxing gloves on, as the entire cast convenes on one of Shamea’s couches and Kelli admits to asking why Porsha “took that woman’s husband.” Not missing a beat, Porsha responds with “Wait, what is your name again?” and the two have a quick ping-pong back and forth before moving on as quickly as the Atlanta ladies always do, with Drew now in the hot seat. Shamea starts by questioning why she didn’t get an invitation to Drew’s birthday party before passing the ball to Porsha who asks why she received her invite from her baby daddy. Drew begins to deny and deflect, but Shamea stays on her neck (with some good ole instigating from the peanut gallery), prefacing her next blow by saying she’d be “inauthentic” if she didn’t ask. As the credits roll, she goes for the final shot and asks, “Are you dating Dennis now?” The episode of course ends with a “To be continued…” leaving us ample drama for the weeks to come. Welcome back, ladies!


#MusicNews: Ledisi Releases New Single “BLKWMN”

R&B superstar Ledisi has just shared her latest single “BLKWMN”. The empowerment anthem is a soul-stirring tribute to the resilience, integrity, and unwavering strength of Black women.

Accompanying the new single is a video produced by Tyler Perry and Kyle Johnson. The visual features iconic imagery of trailblazing Black women throughout history, from Harriet Tubman, Coretta Scott King, and Maya Angelou, to modern-day icons like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Angela Bassett. The tribute also includes powerful snapshots of Tracy Ellis Ross, Octavia Spencer, Lynn Whitfield, and more, celebrating the contributions of Black women across generations. Ledisi adds:

“BLKWMN is more than just a song—it’s an anthem. It’s about honoring the brilliance, power, and perseverance that Black women embody every single day. From our history to our present, we’re still standing tall, creating, leading, and shaping the world.”
The new song is part of the lead up to Ledisi’s upcoming album “The Crown” which is set to release this spring. The project will also include the previously released single “Love You Too”.

LISTEN HERE: 
Ledisi will also kick off her “Love You Too” starting May 28th along with special guest Marsha Ambrosius.


#HipHopNews: 2Pac: Unreleased Music Up For Sale For $250K
2Pac‘s extremely rare lyrics and recordings have now been put on sale to the highest bidder.
TMZ was the first major outlet to notice that the online auction site Moments In Time is selling what they’re billing as “Unknown Tupac Songs and Recordings.”

The auction site explains: “In late 1990/early1991 Tuapc composed and recorded an unreleased album for a group called Jesse and the Kidz. It was never released due to the tragic death of one of the band members. Not only are the lyrics totally unknown-the recordings of 3 of the album’s songs with Tupac in the lead are as well.”

Photos reveal that the package comes with handwritten lyrics and a cassette containing three songs: “Leave Us Kidz Alone,” “Streetz Got Ya Babies” and “Bedtime Storiez.”.
No price is listed on the auction site, but TMZ reports that the lyrics and recordings are available for $250,000. That price gets the buyer only the lyrics and recordings — not the rights to reproduce or profit from them.

In other recent Pac news, his alleged killer Duane “Keefe D” Davis has claimed that he is innocent of the crime and has instead accused a former security guard for Suge Knight of orchestrating the rapper’s murder.
Speaking to ABC News in his first interview since being arrested in 2023, the former gang leader maintained that he was not involved in the 1996 killing of the “California Love” hitmaker.

“I did not do it,” he said, before downplaying prosecutors’ case against him. “They don’t have nothing. And they know they don’t have nothing. They can’t even place me out here. They don’t have no gun, no car, no Keefe D, no nothing.”
Keefe D also claimed that he was hundreds of miles away in Los Angeles the night 2Pac was fatally shot on the Las Vegas strip — and has “about 20 or 30 people” who can corroborate his alibi at trial.

The accused killer went on to accuse Reggie Wright Jr., an ex-Compton police officer and former head of security at Death Row Records, of being the mastermind behind the murder, labeling him and his security company “mercenaries.”
Wright Jr., who previously testified in front of the grand jury that would charge Keefe D with 2Pac’s murder, hit back at the claims.
“It’s heartbreaking they keep dragging in my name. I didn’t have anything to do with that. One of the worst days of my life when I heard that that happened,” he told ABC News.
“Keefe D confessed to Tupac’s murder to the LAPD in 2008, to the Las Vegas Metro PD in 2009 and then publicly from 2018-2023 on BET, multiple YouTube interviews, and in a book about his life, and is only now using the media to slander me because he finally got arrested and has no other defense.”

Keefe D further disputed prosecutors’ claims that orchestrated the killing of 2Pac by saying that the author of his 2019 memoir Compton Street Legend had embellished the facts.
“I’ve never read the book,” he said. “I just gave him details of my life. And he went and did his little investigation and wrote the book on his own.”
The 61-year-old also claimed that he only confessed to the killing to detectives so that he and others could avoid drug charges.

“That’s the only way you’re walking free. It would’ve been selfish to let everybody go down because of me,” he said.


Southwest Airlines to charge for checked bags, ending decades-long 'bags fly free' policy

Months after ditching its open seating policy, Southwest Airlines is ending its most recognizable perks: Free checked baggage.
The airline will begin charging for the first and second checked bag beginning on May 28, Southwest announced Tuesday. However, members of its A-List loyalty program or those traveling on a business fare will be exempt from the fees.
“We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don’t compete for today, and return to the levels of profitability that both we and our shareholders expect,” said Bob Jordan, CEO of Southwest, in a press release.

It’s a seismic shift for the Southwest, which has always offered free checked bags since the airline started about 60 years ago and kept the policy in place when its competitors starting adding and increasing fees. In fact, the carrier has trademarked “bags fly free” slogan and it’s been a key part of its advertising.
Jordan told investors on an analyst call last year that it had no plans to start charging for the first two bags being checked. He said the no fees for the first two bags is “a big part of what attracts people to Southwest.”

“After fare and schedule, bags fly free is cited as the number one issue in terms of why customers choose Southwest. So, it’s not something under consideration right now,” Jordan said at the time.
He also said that there are costs, and not just revenue, that come from charging for bags. It slows the time it takes to load a plane as passengers take more time to look for space in overhead bins for carry-on bags. Also, some bags have to be moved from the cabin to the cargo hold once there is no longer any room available in the overhead bins.
Southwest didn’t immediately reveal how much the checked bags will cost. Regardless of the price, it will likely instantly boost its bottom line because Southwest has two to three times as many checked bags as other airlines.

Shares of Southwest soared nearly 6% in premarket trading.
Southwest has introduced a number of changes since Elliott Investment Management took a $1.9 billion stake in the carrier last year. The activist investor called for leadership changes and an operations overhaul to boost profitability.

Other hallmarks that Southwest has changed include its cabin. Assigned seating will soon be introduced, as well as premium seats, bringing it in line with traditional carriers. The airline also rolled out red-eye flights.
Southwest said customers were clamoring for those changes. When people switch to a competitor from Southwest, the company said the No. 1 reason passengers cite is open seating. But the change will also help the company charge some passengers more for their tickets.
The airline has also changed the way it sells tickets. Traditionally it only sold them on Southwest.com, but recently said they would sell them on Expedia in an attempt to attract more customers.

Southwest also announced Tuesday it will also start selling “basic economy” fares in May, which are low-priced tickets but with tons of restrictions.
Last month, Southwest cut 15% of its corporate workforce, or 1,750 people — the first mass layoffs in the company’s history. The layoffs will save the company $210 million this year and $300 million in 2026.
The company started the year with a new chief financial officer, Tom Doxey, who most recently was president of Breeze Airways. Southwest’s previous chief financial officer Tammy Romo and chief administration officer Linda Rutherford will retire from their positions in April.


Wendy Williams Passes Mental Capacity Test After Being Labeled “Cognitively Impaired”
Hours after entering New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital Monday (March 11), Wendy Williams passed her psychological evaluation — known as a capacity test — TMZ reports.
Sources with direct knowledge told the celebrity news outlet that the former talk show host scored a 10 out of 10 on the exam that involved accessing if she is currently “alert” and “oriented.”

The results contradict the running narrative from her guardian, Sabrina Morrissey, who has been in charge of Williams’ well-being and finances since 2022. Morrissey claimed in November 2024 court docs that Williams’ frontotemporal dementia diagnosis has resulted in her becoming “cognitively impaired, permanently disabled, and legally incapacitated.” Williams has since disputed the diagnosis.

Test results are said to be headed to the judge in Williams’ guardianship case, and will likely improve her chances of being released.
Williams was taken to the hospital Monday for evaluation following a wellness check at the assisted living facility where she currently resides. Earlier in the day, Williams dropped a troubling note down from her window to a paparazzo asking for assistance, as the message simply read, “HELP! WENDY!!”

The New Jersey native, 60, has previously compared living in the facility to “prison,” telling The Breakfast Club, “I am not cognitively impaired. But I feel like I am in prison…I’m in this place where the people are in their 90s and their 80s and their 70s. There’s something wrong with these people here on this floor.”
In February, Williams signed an affidavit requesting her guardianship be terminated, and is currently inquiring about the services of A$AP Rocky’s trial attorney, Joe Tacopina, to make it happen.\


Stevie Wonder, Ms. Lauryn Hill and others Honor Roberta Flack At Her Celebration Of Life in NYC

In a fitting tribute to her lasting influence, Roberta Flack‘s memorial service featured performances from musicians whom she’d inspired. According to Billboard, both Stevie Wonder, Wyclef Jean, and Ms. Lauryn Hill performed at the acclaimed singer’s celebration of life on Monday (March 10) at Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York.

A clip shared on social media highlighted the moment Ms. Lauryn Hill performed an emotional tribute to Flack. Taking the microphone, the singer delivered a live rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Billboard reported that Hill and Jean also performed The Fugees “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” with Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica.

“We weren’t formally asked to do this because I think they were a little shy in asking us to attend,” Hill explained, per Billboard “So we kind of bum-rushed the service because it really wouldn’t be possible for us to just stand by and not participate… The artistry of Ms. Roberta Flack was beyond trailblazing.”

Ms. Hill’s speech continued, “Like Nina Simone, she carved out for me a pathway of soulful Black intellectual sublime beauty that not only spoke to Black resistance directly in lyric and statement, but was Black resistance in in to racism, bigotry and limitations by virtue of its existence… She didn’t just write about the beauty; she was the beauty. She didn’t just write about resistance; her existence was a form of resistance. She wrote our stories in forms the established authorities of the time could not deny; compositions wrapped with graceful classical forms and nuances that would not nor could not be dismissed… I thank my parents for introducing me to her masterful music. Thank you to our Father in Heaven, to our God on high for blessing and enriching all of our lives with her presence and undeniable gifts. Roberta Flack is legend.”

Stevie Wonder also shared touching words before singing to an emotional crowd. He sang “If It’s Magic” for his late friend, as well as “I Can See the Sun.”

“The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity in being able to see even better with your heart,” the 74-year-old elaborated. “So I knew how beautiful Roberta was. I celebrate that because I see that so much of the world and yes, this nation too, must be blind at this point… and it breaks my heart. And Roberta, I want to just say to you in spirit, I thank you for letting me hear your voice, letting me know your spirit, letting me know your heart and letting me be able to share with you songs that I was writing.”

Towards the end of the program, video clips dedicated with the life and career of Roberta Flack were played with words from Clive Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Peabo Bryson, Dionne Warwick, Les McCann and Yoko Ono. Additionally, Letters from former Vice President Kamala Harris and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. were read as well. Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy; presiding over the memorial service was Abyssinian’s Rev. Dr. Kevin Johnson. 

You can watch the full service HERE 

Roberta Flack passed away last month. According to a statement, the North Carolina native “died peacefully, surrounded by her family.” In 2022, Flack revealed she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a condition commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
According to the New York Times, Flack died en route to the hospital, with the official cause of death named cardiac arrest.


Othello Sets Broadway Box Office Record
Last year Kandi Burruss and husband Todd Tucker joined the producers group for the Broadway revival of Othello, starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal 

This week Othello became the top grossing play in Broadway history...
From Deadline
Othello, now in previews at Broadway‘s Barrymore Theatre and starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal had a weekly gross last week of $2,818,297, making the revival the top-grossing (eight performance) play in Broadway history.
The previous record-holder was Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which grossed $2,718,488 for the week ending December 31, 2023.
Othello‘s number also improves on its own previous weekly take, when it took $2,637,158 for its first seven previews for the week ending March 2. The production also carried that week’s top ticket price, by far, at $361.90, more than twice the average price of other big-selling shows.
Othello, directed by Kenny Leon, opens Sunday, March 23, for a strictly limited engagement through Sunday, June 8 at the Barrymore.


Kanye West Settles Donda Academy Lawsuit

Two years ago three former Donda Christian Academy teachers sued Kanye West for wrongful termination. Ye settles the case just weeks before the trial was set to begin...

Kanye West has settled a wrongful termination and unpaid wages lawsuit against his now-shuttered Donda Academy, just weeks before the case brought forth by several former teachers was set to go to trial.
According to Los Angeles Superior Court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the rapper, listed as defendant Donda Academy, Incorporated, et al., agreed to a conditional settlement with plaintiff Cecilia Hailey, et al.
West, 47, must complete his end of the settlement within 45 days. The plaintiffs will then request a dismissal of the case to the LA Superior Court.

Attorneys for the rapper did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
The lawsuit was filed in April 2023 by Cecilia Hailey and her daughter Chekarey Byers, who were both fired as teachers at the private school West named after his late mother Donda. Timanii Meeks, a third Donda Academy teacher, joined the case on June 1, 2023 after Hailey and Byers' initial filing, per Rolling Stone.


Angie Stone’s Family Reveals Public Memorial Service Details
The family of the late R&B singer Angie Stone has announced details for her upcoming memorial services, providing fans and loved ones the opportunity to pay their respects.
Public Memorial in Austell, Georgia
A public Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 11 a.m. The event will be held at the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, located at 212 Riverside Parkway in Austell, Georgia. The family has requested that attendees register in advance to ensure adequate preparations. Registration can be completed online at the provided link.

The service is expected to feature performances and tributes from notable figures in the music and entertainment industry. Scheduled participants include Tyler Perry, Kirk Franklin, Anthony Hamilton, Keke Wyatt, Tamela Mann, Musiq Soulchild, and the Angie Stone Memorial Choir. These artists will honor Stone’s legacy through musical performances and personal reflections.

Private Ceremony in Columbia, South Carolina
Following the public memorial, a private funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 15, in Stone’s hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. The ceremony will be held at the First Nazareth Baptist Church, located at 2351 Gervais Street, where Stone began her singing career in the church choir.

The private service will include a public viewing from noon to 2 p.m., followed by the Homegoing Celebration at 2 p.m. The eulogy will be delivered by Reverend Blakely M. Scott, with officiation by LeSean Tarkington. The family has extended an invitation to all who wish to attend the public viewing and celebration.

Expressions of Sympathy
For those who wish to express their condolences through floral arrangements, deliveries can be made to First Nazareth Baptist Church at the address mentioned above. The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time and encourages fans to join in celebrating Angie Stone’s life and legacy.

Angie Stone, a pioneering figure in R&B and neo-soul music, tragically passed away on March 1 in a car accident in Alabama. She was 63 years old. Stone’s influential career spanned decades, beginning with the all-female hip-hop trio The Sequence and later flourishing as a solo artist known for hits like “Wish I Didn’t Miss You” and “Brotha.”


Justin Bieber Sparks Hair Transplant Rumors As He Ditches His Hat
Justin Bieber has triggered widespread speculation about cosmetic surgery, especially among his devoted fanbase. Known for his vibrant style choices, Bieber's ever-changing hair has become a focal point, but his latest buzz cut and attachment to hats and beanies lead many to question if he has undergone a hair transplant.
Dr. Gary Linkov, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, first sparked this conversation when he compared photos of Bieber's hairline over the years. In a viral TikTok video, Linkov suggested that the pop star may have had hair restoration surgery to address his receding hairline. Dr. Jim Harris supported this notion, stating that medication alone couldn't achieve such a significant change.

According to the surgeons, Bieber's frequent head coverings might have concealed signs of hair growth from a potential Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure - a popular method for hair restoration that Bieber likely underwent, involving the transplant of up to 1,800 follicles.

Amidst these chatters, Bieber recently ditched his hat when he was spotted displaying his buzz cut in Beverly Hills and later in New York City.
Besides the hair talk, Bieber was also hounded by rumors of drug use and marital issue with Hailey Bieber. He addressed his followers directly with a reflective post on life, declaring, "We have nothing to prove today. Just the gift of life today to accept and receive."

Sources report that Justin is in one of the best phases of his life, focusing on his family and new music projects. Despite his recent dishevelled appearances, his representatives insisted he's not battling substance abuse but is actively parenting his son, Jack, and creating new music.
Justin Bieber's candidness and evolving style continue to keep his audience engaged. Whether he's had a hair transplant or not remains unconfirmed, but one thing is clear: his journey is a testament to his ever-evolving persona, making him a relatable and dynamic figure in pop culture.


Three suspects now under arrest in connection with fraternity hazing death of Southern University student
Three suspects are now under arrest in connection with the hazing death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson. Kyle Thurman was arrested in Port Allen yesterday, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in this morning. Baton Rouge Police Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely says police had expected Thurman to turn himself in as well.

“We had many communications with Thurman, and we had arranged for him to turn himself in on this past Friday,” McKneely said.
However, Lieutenant McKneely says, that never materialized.
“When he did not, then we used our available resources to locate him. After locating him, we were able to apprehend him,” McKneely said.
23-year-old Caleb McCray turned himself in last Friday. Investigators say Wilson died after being punched in the stomach during a hazing ritual with the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. McKneely says it’s possible that more arrests could be forthcoming.

“We are continuing with doing our part in the investigation. Additional charges may or may not be added to the three individuals who have been arrested,” McKneely said.


Social Media Influencer Dies In Mexico One Day Before Her 25th Birthday

Alysha Burney, a social media influencer and budding comedian with over 5 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, tragically died in Mexico on Sunday (Mar. 2)—just 1 day before her 25th birthday.
Burney’s family to Fox 4 KC that the Kansas City native passed away from an asthma attack suffered in her sleep. to her social media presence, Her social fame and large following was what compelled her brother Charles to dispel rumors about her cause of death.

“She does not do drugs. She was a self-loving and happy individual who cherished her life and was looking forward to the upcoming year’s plans. She was in Mexico to celebrate her birthday. She was a very classy young woman,” he explained.

He noted to Fox 4 KC, “There’s a spread of misinformation online, stating different things based on speculation. These sources lack credibility and should not be believed. My sister did not engage in environments that would lead to such situations.” Charles was with his sister in Mexico when she died.
Burney had her own production company, had released four projects on her YouTube channel, and had dreams of becoming a writer/director who’d return to her hometown and mentor others. Her latest film, Hot Girl Getaway, can be viewed below.

“She was not selfish with her knowledge and was a very open book about her journey,” her brother expressed. “She will always be dearly loved, and her legacy will live on forever. Alysha was very goal-oriented, creative, and passionate about giving back. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Digital Media Production and was working towards her graduate degree.”


Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour Struggles with Low Ticket Sales
Beyoncé may be facing unexpected challenges with ticket sales for her Cowboy Carter tour.
Despite the album’s success—topping the country charts and earning her a Grammy for Album of the Year—her upcoming tour has yet to sell out any shows. Tickets remain available across all dates, according to Ticketmaster and StubHub, NewsNation reports.

The issue is particularly noticeable in the U.K., where The Times reported that Ticketmaster anticipated a rush for tickets that never materialized. In the U.S., economic factors may be at play, as many fans spent heavily on her last tour and on Taylor Swift tickets.

“Her fanbase did not like Cowboy Carter—they were not impressed,” a music industry insider said. “They just blew their wad seeing her two years ago and in Taylor tickets… Bad economics right now.”
Beyoncé won three major Grammy Awards last month, including Album of the Year and Best Country Album for Cowboy Carter, which was notably snubbed by the Country Music Awards. When she announced her 22-show Cowboy Carter Tour, Nashville—a key city in country music—was absent from the lineup. Her last performance there was in July 2023 during the Renaissance Tour. The upcoming tour will include stops in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago.

We reported earlier… the iconic singer made waves across social media by sharing a captivating video on her Instagram, featuring a striking sign that boldly proclaimed “COWBOY CARTER TOUR” against a backdrop of a serene desert landscape, accompanied by a gentle wind sound effect. This visual teaser set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating concert experience.

Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” tour kicks off on April 28 at LA’s SoFi Stadium. Tickets are available via Live Nation. 

COWBOY CARTER TOUR DATES:
April 28, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 01, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 04, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 07, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium
May 15, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 17, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field
May 22, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 24, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 25, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
May 28, 2025 – East Rutherford, NJ – MetLife Stadium
June 05, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 07, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 10, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 12, 2025 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
June 19, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 21, 2025 – Paris, France – Stade de France
June 28, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
June 29, 2025 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium
July 04, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 07, 2025 – Washington, D.C. – Northwest Stadium
July 10, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium
July 11, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes Benz Stadium


Rihanna Shares Rare Delivery Room Pics With Sons: ‘Yes, I Gave Birth in Pearls and Sunglasses’

Rihanna celebrated International Women’s Day on Saturday (March 8) by sharing a rare glimpse at the two sons she shares with longtime love A$AP Rocky. The candid pics of RZA, 2 and Riot Rose, 19 months, were taken in the hospital after the singer gave birth to the children, a moment she said was the high-point of her life.

“By far the most powerful thing I’ve ever done as a woman… my little miracles! #InternationalWomensDay,” she wrote in the caption to the post, with the first pic depicting RZA Athelston Mayers laying on his mother’s chest for some crucial skin-to-skin time, with RihRih’s face only partially in the frame, her neck adorned with a pair of gold and pearl necklaces
In the second snap, Rihanna stares at the camera while rocking pink shades and a black bra as Riot Rose Mayers snuggles up to her in the hospital bed. “And yes I gave birth in pearls and sunglasses,” Rihanna wrote. “Don’t ask, a lot was happening.”

She got support from fellow pop star and mom Katy Perry, wrote commented, “The BEST.”
The singer and rapper have kept their sons out of the public eye for the most part to date, though last month Rihanna opened up to Harper’s Bazaar about being a mom and her boys’ personalities. “Riot, he’s just hilarious,” she said of her second-born. “When he wakes up, he starts to squeal, scream. Not in a crying way. He just wants to sing. And I’m like, ‘Okay, here we go!’ He’s my alarm in the morning! He’s not taking no for an answer from anyone.”

She also revealed that RZA is “just an empath. He’s so magical. He loves music. He loves melody. He loves books. He loves water. Bath time, swimming, pool, beach, anything. And Riot, he’s just hilarious. When he wakes up, he starts to squeal, scream. Not in a crying way. He just wants to sing. And I’m like, ‘Okay, here we go!’ He’s my alarm in the morning! He’s not taking no for an answer from anyone. I don’t know where he came from, dude.”


'Hollyoaks' Star Paul Danan's Cause of Death Confirmed After Tragic Death at 46

Actor Paul Danan‘s cause of death has been confirmed. The actor, who rose to fame the soap opera Hollyoaks, passed away at the age of 46 in January.
The cause of death, per the BBC, is from a “combined toxicity of heroin, methadone, coedine, pregabalin, cocaine, zopiclone, contributed to by benzodiazepine use.”

Paul began acting as a child on shows like Eastenders, but it was his role as Sol Patrick in Hollyoaks at age 19 that secured his star status.
He would also appear on The Queen’s Nose, The Basil Brush Show and Casualty before pivoting into reality TV.
He starred on Come Dine With Me, Celebrity Love Island and Celebrity Big Brother, and had a podcast called The Morning After With Paul Danan from 2019 to 2023.


Luke Evans Nearly Bares Everything While Modeling Underwear From His Clothing Brand
Luke Evans left nearly nothing to the imagination in a steamy new GRWM (get ready with me) video to promote his clothing brand.
The 45-year-old Beauty and the Beast actor started off the video in a pair of red briefs and pulled them down, almost showing everything to his fans.
“GRWM – Legs day, short shorts day. Gym time. Bringing the 80’s short shorts back!!! Don’t be scared of showing your legs off lads!!!” Luke captioned the video.

In the clip, he models his clothing brand BDXY‘s Unit Brief, Cameo Shorts, Stunt Vest, and Gaffer Cap.
Fans are thirsting over Luke in the comments. One person said, “Watching on repeat, stuck on the first frame.” Another wrote, “Ok….what is sure is that this is definitely the best Monday motivation I have ever seen on ig. 😏.”
Luke has opened up about what he loves the most about his longtime boyfriend.


Mass Layoffs Expected at Department of Education, Nearly Half of Workforce to Be Cut
The Department of Education (DOE) is preparing for significant layoffs, with “reduction in force” notices set to be distributed Tuesday evening, according to two sources who spoke with ABC News.
The notifications are expected to be sent out at 6 p.m., with nearly half of the department’s workforce reportedly facing termination.

The announcement came shortly after DOE employees were informed that their offices — including those in the National Capital Region and regional locations — would be closed for the day on Wednesday.
An internal email cited “security reasons” for the closure, stating that all employees must vacate the building by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

“All ED offices in the NCR and the regions will be closed to employees and contractor employees on Wednesday, March 12,” the email read, also instructing employees to take their laptops home. “Employees will not be permitted in any ED facility on Wednesday, March 12, for any reason. All offices will reopen on Thursday, March 13, at which time in-person presence will resume.”
Although employees with approved telework agreements may work remotely, one staff member noted that such agreements are mostly no longer in place. The DOE had called for its workforce to return to office settings late last month.

The closure and looming layoffs come as Trump reportedly considers signing an executive order to shutter the Department of Education entirely. The decision has been delayed due to concerns about the potential impact on vital programs and the resulting public backlash.

Inside the department, fear and uncertainty have gripped employees.
“People are petrified to do their jobs,” one DOE employee told ABC News. “People are worried, like, if I push back on something that somebody wants to do, and I say, ‘that’s not really what the law says or is legal,’ am I going to get a bad performance [review] and now they use that to kick me out?”
“Everyone here is holding their breath,” the employee added.


AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Quick Stop Before the Big Event

Cute Skirt Sir!


HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM

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