#MAGFAB: Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, and Louisa Jacobson for Town & Country Magazine
For two seasons, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, and Louisa Jacobson have served as witnesses to all the opulence and melodrama of THE GILDED AGE’s grande dames. Now, it’s their turn. “THE GILDED AGE Girls Step into the Spotlight,” a special TOWN & COUNTRY digital cover story, is available on townandcountrymag.com now.
For two seasons, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, and Louisa Jacobson have served as witnesses to all the opulence and melodrama of THE GILDED AGE’s grande dames. Now, it’s their turn. “THE GILDED AGE Girls Step into the Spotlight,” a special TOWN & COUNTRY digital cover story, is available on townandcountrymag.com now.
Denée Benton on her fellow cast members: “We are getting to sit at the feet of legends. I feel like I’ve gotten to apprentice a masterclass of performance, getting to work with Audra [McDonald, who plays her mother Dorothy] and John [Douglas Thompson, her on-screen father] and Phylicia [Rashad, who joins The Gilded Age this season as the mother of Peggy’s new love interest]. Christine [Baranski] had us over and was talking about, ‘Oh, Steve Sondheim gifted me this’ and how she would take the bus two hours in and out of the city every day when she was on Broadway but also raising her kids. You’re just getting gold. I’ve all asked them to coach me on auditions; John has coached me on a Shakespeare audition. Cynthia [Nixon] coached me on my Gypsy audition; I’m just mining them for their genius all the time.”
Taissa Farmiga on her onscreen family: “My parents, my God, I am just so grateful because on the show, you kind of work in groupings, you know what I mean? And I’m very grateful that my bubble is a f*cking fantastic bubble. Carrie [Coon], Morgan Spector, just incredibly intellectual people, super witty and funny, but kind. And their chemistry is so intoxicating, just like their friendship in real life and then their romance on the show. I don’t feel like I have to pretend much when we’re doing our family scenes,” she says, acknowledging that while most people are going to say they enjoy who they work with during press interviews, on their set, “there is this higher sense of comradery and gratitude.”
Taissa Farmiga on the similarities between herself and her character: “Gladys reminds me of my young teen self. The thing Gladys craves the most is freedom. It’s something I craved very much when I was a teenager, and she especially craves freedom from her mother. And in the season, the manner in which she finds that freedom actually brings her closer to her mother Bertha, which is not something that was expected.”
Denée Benton on Peggy’s happy ending this season: Peggy is introduced to Newport society by way of a potential love interest, and Benton confirms that her character does have a happy ending this season—perhaps with the strapping gentleman whose arm she takes in the trailer, but that doesn’t mean she won’t face some challenges, particularly in regards to her relationship with her parents. “So much of what your parents do is trying to keep you safe. Their version of what it means to keep you safe. And that’s what Peggy goes through with her parents. But so often what keeps you safe also keeps you sheltered from your destiny,” Benton says. “So Peggy’s is definitely a story about getting free. A lot of the women I play all end up sort of being stories about getting free, which I feel like has been my journey as a woman.”
Louisa Jacobson on the season ahead for her character, Marian: “Things that you think are going to happen might happen, but then something else is going to really twist it up.”
Louisa Jacobson on being in the public eye (as an actress and as the youngest child of Meryl Streep and Don Gummer) like her character: “There are certain things in Marion’s journey that I can relate to. Back then, society was a very public place and the stakes were high if word got out that you f*cked up two engagements. So there’s a level of public pressure that women were under, and I can relate to that in some sense because of the way that I grew up and the way that I currently live. It’s funny because in season one she was like, ‘I don’t care what society thinks,’ but actually, I think she does discover that it is important. The optics of how you are living your life are important. And she’s working through this process of building her own path that feels authentic to her and that feels meaningful to her and that aligns with her values as opposed to following the path of her aunts or the other young women in society. And I can relate to that.”
Taissa Farmiga on the parallels between the Gilded Age and today: “The Gilded Age is a period piece, but we haven’t traveled that far from the same societal battles that they were fighting then that we’re fighting now: the fight for equality, women’s rights, people of color, for us in the queer community. We’re still going for the same thing even though it’s 140, 150 years later.”
Louisa Jacobson on broadening the scope of the story in future seasons: “I think Sarah Paulson needs to be the show’s first lesbian.”
#RHOA: Angela Oakley Reacts to Charles Cheating Bombshell: "Trying To Hold It Together"
Angela Oakley revealed what happened when she "confronted" Charles Oakley about new cheating rumors on The Real Housewives of Atlanta After Show.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Angela Oakley had good reason for doing all she could to keep her cool when a man confronted her with an explosive new Charles Oakley cheating bombshell.
While her retired NBA star husband was busy throwing down in the kitchen amid a friendly cooking competition with Kelli Ferrell in Season 16, Episode 16, a mystery man approached Angela, asking her to speak off-camera about something "important" that she "might not know" about Charles that allegedly happened at his restaurant.
Though Phaedra Parks later observed that Angela was "visibly shaken" by this, she seemed to keep her composure, even though that appeared to become increasingly difficult, especially as the man who identified himself as Marcus went on to make a toast — "Cheers if your name is Angela and your husband's cheating on you" — prior to Kelli's security team escorting him out of the public event at Williams Sonoma.
"I am most definitely trying to hold it together and not make a scene because I don't want to get my husband involved," Angela explained in a confessional. "I'm afraid to bring s–t like this to him because he's a pit bull and he will tear his ass up. Since Madison Square Garden, he's been extremely calm. But, baby, he does not play when it comes to disrespect."
In the moment, Phaedra declared, "The devil is a liar," but, later in a confessional, she claimed to not have any insight on the validity of the unknown man's claims.
"I don't know what Charles is doin'. I have no idea," she said. "It's against my religion to be in people's business, honey."
Kelli, who was part of the gentleman's toast, added, "I knew Charles didn't hear him because if Charles did hear him, I think [there] would've been a frying pan across his head."
She's ultimately the one who requested the man be removed from her cooking event, which a stunned Drew Sidora also attended.
"I don't know where this guy came from, but he was no friend to me," Kelli insisted in a producer interview. "Me and Angela might not be the best of the best, but I do not do disrespect."
In The Real Housewives of Atlanta After Show video above, Angela shared that Phaedra was "consoling" her during the event, encouraging her not to react.
"I said, 'Never give anybody attention like that,'" Phaedra explained.
Later at Phaedra’s black glove shopping affair, Angela updated the group on what happened after Kelli and Charles' waffle-making competition and how she uncovered Marcus' identity.
"I did my own research to find out who he was," Angela explained. "And because I have people who do not play about me or my husband, they decided to pay him a visit. And what I found out is he was paid to be there."
Angela went on to share that Marcus had subsequently given them "a description of the gentleman who told him to be there," adding that she was in the process of figuring out who this other guy is and who allegedly paid him.
"We're not the people to play with," Angela warned in a confessional.
Angela Oakley reveals how Charles Oakley reacted to the cheating rumors
In The Real Housewives of Atlanta After Show video above, Angela shared what happened when she told Charles about the rumors swirling. "I confronted my husband," she said. "I was like, 'This whole event was about you and you missed it.'...He was just so aloof. He was like, 'Well you know it was set up.' He was immediately dismissive."
"I did believe Charles," she concluded. "I did know it was some bulls--t."
As you stay tuned for more intel on what happened behind the scenes, don’t miss what Angela already revealed about how Charles' past infidelity once led to "the fight of [her] life."
The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Angela Oakley had good reason for doing all she could to keep her cool when a man confronted her with an explosive new Charles Oakley cheating bombshell.
While her retired NBA star husband was busy throwing down in the kitchen amid a friendly cooking competition with Kelli Ferrell in Season 16, Episode 16, a mystery man approached Angela, asking her to speak off-camera about something "important" that she "might not know" about Charles that allegedly happened at his restaurant.
Though Phaedra Parks later observed that Angela was "visibly shaken" by this, she seemed to keep her composure, even though that appeared to become increasingly difficult, especially as the man who identified himself as Marcus went on to make a toast — "Cheers if your name is Angela and your husband's cheating on you" — prior to Kelli's security team escorting him out of the public event at Williams Sonoma.
"I am most definitely trying to hold it together and not make a scene because I don't want to get my husband involved," Angela explained in a confessional. "I'm afraid to bring s–t like this to him because he's a pit bull and he will tear his ass up. Since Madison Square Garden, he's been extremely calm. But, baby, he does not play when it comes to disrespect."
In the moment, Phaedra declared, "The devil is a liar," but, later in a confessional, she claimed to not have any insight on the validity of the unknown man's claims.
"I don't know what Charles is doin'. I have no idea," she said. "It's against my religion to be in people's business, honey."
Kelli, who was part of the gentleman's toast, added, "I knew Charles didn't hear him because if Charles did hear him, I think [there] would've been a frying pan across his head."
She's ultimately the one who requested the man be removed from her cooking event, which a stunned Drew Sidora also attended.
"I don't know where this guy came from, but he was no friend to me," Kelli insisted in a producer interview. "Me and Angela might not be the best of the best, but I do not do disrespect."
In The Real Housewives of Atlanta After Show video above, Angela shared that Phaedra was "consoling" her during the event, encouraging her not to react.
"I said, 'Never give anybody attention like that,'" Phaedra explained.
Later at Phaedra’s black glove shopping affair, Angela updated the group on what happened after Kelli and Charles' waffle-making competition and how she uncovered Marcus' identity.
"I did my own research to find out who he was," Angela explained. "And because I have people who do not play about me or my husband, they decided to pay him a visit. And what I found out is he was paid to be there."
Angela went on to share that Marcus had subsequently given them "a description of the gentleman who told him to be there," adding that she was in the process of figuring out who this other guy is and who allegedly paid him.
"We're not the people to play with," Angela warned in a confessional.
Angela Oakley reveals how Charles Oakley reacted to the cheating rumors
In The Real Housewives of Atlanta After Show video above, Angela shared what happened when she told Charles about the rumors swirling. "I confronted my husband," she said. "I was like, 'This whole event was about you and you missed it.'...He was just so aloof. He was like, 'Well you know it was set up.' He was immediately dismissive."
"I did believe Charles," she concluded. "I did know it was some bulls--t."
As you stay tuned for more intel on what happened behind the scenes, don’t miss what Angela already revealed about how Charles' past infidelity once led to "the fight of [her] life."
#NewMusic from LaTocha (formerly of Xscape) “Love Changes”
LaTocha (from the legendary group Xscape) has just unleashed her brand new solo single “Love Changes”.
This follows up the solo album she released back in 2023 called “The Invitation: A Conversation With God”.
LaTocha (from the legendary group Xscape) has just unleashed her brand new solo single “Love Changes”.
This follows up the solo album she released back in 2023 called “The Invitation: A Conversation With God”.
LISTEN HERE:
LaTocha plans on continue delivering soulful R&B music as a solo artist, promising soulful and captivating songs that build on her legacy.:
LaTocha plans on continue delivering soulful R&B music as a solo artist, promising soulful and captivating songs that build on her legacy.:
#HipHopNews: Cardi B Returns with new track titled “Outside”
It’s been more than seven years since Cardi B released her full-length debut Invasion Of Privacy, and that’s still her only album. But Cardi has never gone away. Instead, she’s remained visible by cranking out a series of one-off singles, some of which have become massive hits, as well as guest appearances on other people’s songs. Today, Cardi follows 2024’s “Enough (Miami),” her last solo single, with “Outside,” a new one that sure seems to be aimed at her ex-husband Offset.
On “Outside,” Cardi jumps on a sample of the classic “Triggaman” beat and talks shit about hooking up with whoever she wants. If you wanted, you could hear this whole song as Cardi taunting her ex: “Good for nothing, low-down dirty dogs, I’m convinced/ Next time you see your mama, tell her how she raised a bitch.” But you don’t have to be invested in celebrity-relationship narratives to have fun hearing Cardi in larger-than-life snarl mode.
Listen HERE:
Perhaps not coincidentally, Offset has his own new single out today. His new one “Bodies” is a collaboration with fellow Atlanta rap technician JID, and it’s built on a Drowning Pool sample, which works better than it probably should. Here’s that one:
“Outside” is out now on Atlantic. “Bodies” is out now on UMG.
NBA Final OKC Thunder beat Indiana Pacers for NBA title now are NBA champions.
Oklahoma City capped a thrilling NBA Finals Sunday night with a dominant second half in Game 7 to secure a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers and the franchise's first NBA title since it moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008.
A Pacers team that rallied for multiple unlikely wins throughout the playoffs kept pressure on in the fourth quarter after digging a 22-point hole. But without injured star Tyrese Haliburton, they couldn't complete the comeback.
The win caps a brilliant season in which the Thunder posted a league-best 68 wins and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named league MVP for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander powered the Thunder effort Sunday night to put away a Pacers team that pushed them to the brink.
Gilgeous-Alexander was Oklahoma City's only reliable source of offense in the first half with 16 points, as his teammates struggled to produce against an aggressive Pacers defense that carried Indiana to a one-point halftime lead.
He continued to pace the Thunder after halftime as they seized control of the game and finished Game 7 with 29 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal. It marked a fitting end to one of the great individual seasons in NBA history.
The result in addition to securing the NBA title was a Finals MVP trophy for Gilgeous-Alexander to add to his trophy case.
"It doesn't feel real," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN after the game. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief.
"It's crazy to know that we're all here. This group worked for it. This group put in the hours. And we deserve this."
The game was marred by a significant injury to Haliburton in the first quarter. Haliburton had hit three quick 3s and appeared on pace for a big game with a team-high nine points early on. But devastation struck late in the quarter.
Haliburton fell to the floor after reinjuring the same leg that previously sustained a calf strain in Game 5. He was in immediate and obvious pain, prompting his teammates to surround him on the court.
He needed help off the floor with the aid of a trainer and teammate. He couldn't put weight on his injured right leg as he was helped to the tunnel with a towel over his face.
Before halftime, his father, John Haliburton confirmed the fear to ESPN's Lisa Salters that Haliburton had sustained an Achilles tendon injury. The precise nature of the injury wasn't made clear, but a ruptured Achilles tendon could sideline Haliburton for a significant part, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.
His night in the biggest game of the NBA season and the biggest game of his career was clearly done. And without his services in the second half, the Pacers were overwhelmed.
The Pacers didn't wilt in the aftermath of the injury and continued to push the Thunder through the first half en route to a 48-47 halftime lead. But a Pacers team playing without its star didn't have enough in the tank to compete after the break.
The swarming defense that has become Oklahoma City's trademark took over after halftime as the Thunder repeatedly turned Pacers turnovers into transition points.
For the game, Oklahoma City won the turnover battle 21-7 while securing 14 steals. The result was a 32-10 advantage in points off turnovers for the Thunder.
As usual, it was a team effort with OKC's top defenders taking turns in frustrating Indiana's offense. Alex Caruso (10 points, three rebounds), Cason Wallace (10 points, two rebounds) and Luguentz Dort (nine points, seven rebounds) came up with three steals each, and each player in Oklahoma City's starting lineup logged at least one.
And after posting just five points each in the first half, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren joined the party after halftime to help bring the title home. Williams finished the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Holmgren added 18 points and 8 rebounds and was a defensive force at the rim with 5 blocks.
The result was a 34-20 OKC edge in the third quarter that turned Indiana's one-point halftime lead into an 81-68 Pacers deficit. The largest lead of the game at the time set up the fourth quarter as a coronation for the Thunder in front of a raucous home crowd.
The Thunder delivered with a 9-0 run to start the fourth that added up to a knockout blow to an otherwise sensational Pacers season that ends in the heartbreak of a Game 7 loss and an injury to their star player that could cast a pall over the 2025-26 season.
Haliburton injury too much for Pacers to overcome
The Pacers got this far as the No. 4 seed in the East thanks to a remarkable playoff run that featured repeated remarkable comebacks from double-digit deficits. Those rallies were capped by Haliburton shots to win or force overtime in a win in each round of the playoffs, including Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
Indiana continued to fight after trailing by as many as 22 points at 90-68 in the fourth quarter and cut the OKC lead to 10 points. Bennedict Mathurin picked up the slack from Haliburton's absence with a team-high 24 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.
Pascal Siakam (16 points, 4 rebounds), Andrew Nembhard (15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and T.J. McConnell (16 points, 6 rebounds, 7 turnovers) helped keep the Pacers in the game early. But without Haliburton, they didn't have the firepower to complete the rally that they have so many times before in this postseason.
The Thunder held on to celebrate the first major professional championship in Oklahoma City history in front of their home crowd.
Oklahoma City capped a thrilling NBA Finals Sunday night with a dominant second half in Game 7 to secure a 103-91 win over the Indiana Pacers and the franchise's first NBA title since it moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City in 2008.
A Pacers team that rallied for multiple unlikely wins throughout the playoffs kept pressure on in the fourth quarter after digging a 22-point hole. But without injured star Tyrese Haliburton, they couldn't complete the comeback.
The win caps a brilliant season in which the Thunder posted a league-best 68 wins and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named league MVP for the first time. Gilgeous-Alexander powered the Thunder effort Sunday night to put away a Pacers team that pushed them to the brink.
Gilgeous-Alexander was Oklahoma City's only reliable source of offense in the first half with 16 points, as his teammates struggled to produce against an aggressive Pacers defense that carried Indiana to a one-point halftime lead.
He continued to pace the Thunder after halftime as they seized control of the game and finished Game 7 with 29 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 steal. It marked a fitting end to one of the great individual seasons in NBA history.
The result in addition to securing the NBA title was a Finals MVP trophy for Gilgeous-Alexander to add to his trophy case.
"It doesn't feel real," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN after the game. "So many hours. So many moments. So many emotions. So many nights of disbelief. So many nights of belief.
"It's crazy to know that we're all here. This group worked for it. This group put in the hours. And we deserve this."
The game was marred by a significant injury to Haliburton in the first quarter. Haliburton had hit three quick 3s and appeared on pace for a big game with a team-high nine points early on. But devastation struck late in the quarter.
Haliburton fell to the floor after reinjuring the same leg that previously sustained a calf strain in Game 5. He was in immediate and obvious pain, prompting his teammates to surround him on the court.
He needed help off the floor with the aid of a trainer and teammate. He couldn't put weight on his injured right leg as he was helped to the tunnel with a towel over his face.
Before halftime, his father, John Haliburton confirmed the fear to ESPN's Lisa Salters that Haliburton had sustained an Achilles tendon injury. The precise nature of the injury wasn't made clear, but a ruptured Achilles tendon could sideline Haliburton for a significant part, if not all, of the 2025-26 season.
His night in the biggest game of the NBA season and the biggest game of his career was clearly done. And without his services in the second half, the Pacers were overwhelmed.
The Pacers didn't wilt in the aftermath of the injury and continued to push the Thunder through the first half en route to a 48-47 halftime lead. But a Pacers team playing without its star didn't have enough in the tank to compete after the break.
The swarming defense that has become Oklahoma City's trademark took over after halftime as the Thunder repeatedly turned Pacers turnovers into transition points.
For the game, Oklahoma City won the turnover battle 21-7 while securing 14 steals. The result was a 32-10 advantage in points off turnovers for the Thunder.
As usual, it was a team effort with OKC's top defenders taking turns in frustrating Indiana's offense. Alex Caruso (10 points, three rebounds), Cason Wallace (10 points, two rebounds) and Luguentz Dort (nine points, seven rebounds) came up with three steals each, and each player in Oklahoma City's starting lineup logged at least one.
And after posting just five points each in the first half, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren joined the party after halftime to help bring the title home. Williams finished the game with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Holmgren added 18 points and 8 rebounds and was a defensive force at the rim with 5 blocks.
The result was a 34-20 OKC edge in the third quarter that turned Indiana's one-point halftime lead into an 81-68 Pacers deficit. The largest lead of the game at the time set up the fourth quarter as a coronation for the Thunder in front of a raucous home crowd.
The Thunder delivered with a 9-0 run to start the fourth that added up to a knockout blow to an otherwise sensational Pacers season that ends in the heartbreak of a Game 7 loss and an injury to their star player that could cast a pall over the 2025-26 season.
Haliburton injury too much for Pacers to overcome
The Pacers got this far as the No. 4 seed in the East thanks to a remarkable playoff run that featured repeated remarkable comebacks from double-digit deficits. Those rallies were capped by Haliburton shots to win or force overtime in a win in each round of the playoffs, including Game 1 against Oklahoma City.
Indiana continued to fight after trailing by as many as 22 points at 90-68 in the fourth quarter and cut the OKC lead to 10 points. Bennedict Mathurin picked up the slack from Haliburton's absence with a team-high 24 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.
Pascal Siakam (16 points, 4 rebounds), Andrew Nembhard (15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and T.J. McConnell (16 points, 6 rebounds, 7 turnovers) helped keep the Pacers in the game early. But without Haliburton, they didn't have the firepower to complete the rally that they have so many times before in this postseason.
The Thunder held on to celebrate the first major professional championship in Oklahoma City history in front of their home crowd.
Cassie Told Diddy He Treats Her “Like A Hooker,” Court Text Messages Reveal
As Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex trafficking trial races to an end, prosecutors continue to attempt show the jury a perceived pattern of control the Bad Boy founder allegedly had over people. In court today (June 20), prosecutors read alleged text messages between Diddy and ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, where the latter accused the former of treating her like a sex worker.
“You treat me like a hooker to be honest. You always want to call one and you have one. This hooker has been here for 10 years,” the message read. They said Diddy responded, “Wow.”
Per NBC, they also entered a conversation from May 2, 2017, into evidence where Cassie seemingly referenced the infamous 2016 hotel assault and being beaten by him throughout their relationship. “That’s not love, that’s possession,” Ventura wrote to him. “As soon as you get f**ked up you drag me down the hall by my hair.”
Diddy allegedly replied that “everyone else sees you acting like a b**ch” and “if I did that for another girl she would’ve been so nice and happy.” He also said he wished “I didn’t waste my time and energy” on her.
The defense submitted a text from Cassie to Diddy that read: “I love our FO’s, when we both want it.” According to the news outlet, the defense has “taken every opportunity to show some element of dual consent when it comes to Combs and his girlfriends having sex.”
Diddy’s former assistant, Brendan Paul, testified today and spoke about his experience working under the mogul. Other people who have testified in the trial so far include Kid Cudi, Cassie and her mother, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, Diddy’s former assistant David James, hotel security guard Israel Florez, multiple sex workers who worked for Diddy, special agent Gerard Gannon, clinical psychologist Dawn Hughes, and others.
The father of seven is facing one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in NYC on Sept. 16, 2024, and was held at MDC Brooklyn without bail. The trial is expected to go into July.
“You treat me like a hooker to be honest. You always want to call one and you have one. This hooker has been here for 10 years,” the message read. They said Diddy responded, “Wow.”
Per NBC, they also entered a conversation from May 2, 2017, into evidence where Cassie seemingly referenced the infamous 2016 hotel assault and being beaten by him throughout their relationship. “That’s not love, that’s possession,” Ventura wrote to him. “As soon as you get f**ked up you drag me down the hall by my hair.”
Diddy allegedly replied that “everyone else sees you acting like a b**ch” and “if I did that for another girl she would’ve been so nice and happy.” He also said he wished “I didn’t waste my time and energy” on her.
The defense submitted a text from Cassie to Diddy that read: “I love our FO’s, when we both want it.” According to the news outlet, the defense has “taken every opportunity to show some element of dual consent when it comes to Combs and his girlfriends having sex.”
Diddy’s former assistant, Brendan Paul, testified today and spoke about his experience working under the mogul. Other people who have testified in the trial so far include Kid Cudi, Cassie and her mother, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, Diddy’s former assistant David James, hotel security guard Israel Florez, multiple sex workers who worked for Diddy, special agent Gerard Gannon, clinical psychologist Dawn Hughes, and others.
The father of seven is facing one count of racketeering conspiracy; two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. He was arrested in NYC on Sept. 16, 2024, and was held at MDC Brooklyn without bail. The trial is expected to go into July.
Timbaland Apologizes To Producer For Using Their Record In An AI Tool Without Permission
Timbaland has been criticized for using AI in music, and now, he is issuing an apology to one producer.
Days ago, news surfaced that producer K Fresh was made aware that Timbaland used their record to test out Suno, an AI music system.
On Friday, Timbaland shared an apology to K Fresh. He claims he was unaware that K Fresh created the song and only used it to demonstrate Suno’s capabilities.
“I’d like to formally apologize to KFresh. I should have done my due diligence before using it. Regardless of the intent, I recognize that not everyone involved was aware or onboard, and I take full responsibility for that oversight. If you know me, you know l’ve spent years collaborating with artists across all levels. My goal has always been to empower creatives, not to take from them,” he wrote in part.
The National Baptist Convention is being called a sellout after accepting a $300,000 donation from retail giant Target.
The National Baptist Convention USA (NBCUSA), the oldest and largest historically Black denomination in the United States, is under fire after accepting a $300,000 donation from retail giant Target. The backlash is swift and fierce, coming amid a national boycott of the company following its rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. NBCUSA represents over 31,000 churches and 7.5 million members nationwide, many of whom are expressing deep disappointment with the timing and optics of the deal. While the denomination framed the three-year partnership as a collaborative effort to promote community empowerment, critics are calling it a betrayal.
At the center of the storm is journalist and commentator Roland Martin, who has publicly condemned the convention’s decision and accused it of compromising the values and needs of the Black community for a relatively modest corporate donation.
“I know for a fact they’ve received $300,000 from Target,” Martin said in a recent broadcast. “And so what you have is the National Baptist Convention, USA, selling out Black America with Target… I use names. I tag your ass on social media.”
Martin, known for his unflinching commentary on Black politics and social justice, did not mince words, pointing out that $300,000 spread across 31,000 churches amounts to just $9.67 per church.
“They sold out 31,000 churches for less than ten bucks a piece,” he said. “That’s the cost of a value meal.”
The timing couldn’t be worse. Target has been the focus of boycotts and criticism from both conservative and progressive circles—first for its pride merchandise and later for appearing to backpedal on DEI efforts under pressure. Many in the Black community have been leading or supporting the boycott, seeing Target’s recent actions as part of a broader corporate retreat from racial justice commitments made in the wake of the George Floyd protests.
In an official press release, NBCUSA stated: “The National Baptist Convention USA is committed to ensuring that corporations that do business in our communities give back to help rebuild and stabilize neighborhoods. The partnership with Target is based on our shared commitment to community empowerment through small business and entrepreneurial development, investments in education and student support, and workforce and skill development that unlocks growth.”
But to many, including longtime NBCUSA members and grassroots faith leaders, the message rings hollow.
“It’s about accountability,” said Rev. Theresa Martin of Houston. “We’re not saying don’t ever work with corporate partners. We’re saying don’t ignore the larger context. This is a moment that called for discernment and solidarity, not quiet deals.”
The controversy has sparked broader questions about how faith institutions manage corporate relationships—especially at a time when public trust in both sectors is waning. For a denomination that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement and remains a moral voice in American life, endorsing a company currently under boycott carries significant reputational risk.
Social media has only amplified the criticism. Hashtags like #NotMyNBC and #BoycottTargetAgain have begun circulating among frustrated members. Some have even called for an internal audit of the denomination’s partnerships and financial decision-making processes.
Despite the storm, NBCUSA leadership has yet to release a follow-up statement or indicate whether it will reconsider the partnership.
As the convention prepares for its annual session later this year, pressure is mounting for greater transparency and alignment with the moral convictions that have historically defined its legacy.
Whether this moment leads to course correction or further division remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: $300,000 has sparked a million-dollar conversation about values, leadership, and the price of influence.
At the center of the storm is journalist and commentator Roland Martin, who has publicly condemned the convention’s decision and accused it of compromising the values and needs of the Black community for a relatively modest corporate donation.
“I know for a fact they’ve received $300,000 from Target,” Martin said in a recent broadcast. “And so what you have is the National Baptist Convention, USA, selling out Black America with Target… I use names. I tag your ass on social media.”
Martin, known for his unflinching commentary on Black politics and social justice, did not mince words, pointing out that $300,000 spread across 31,000 churches amounts to just $9.67 per church.
“They sold out 31,000 churches for less than ten bucks a piece,” he said. “That’s the cost of a value meal.”
The timing couldn’t be worse. Target has been the focus of boycotts and criticism from both conservative and progressive circles—first for its pride merchandise and later for appearing to backpedal on DEI efforts under pressure. Many in the Black community have been leading or supporting the boycott, seeing Target’s recent actions as part of a broader corporate retreat from racial justice commitments made in the wake of the George Floyd protests.
In an official press release, NBCUSA stated: “The National Baptist Convention USA is committed to ensuring that corporations that do business in our communities give back to help rebuild and stabilize neighborhoods. The partnership with Target is based on our shared commitment to community empowerment through small business and entrepreneurial development, investments in education and student support, and workforce and skill development that unlocks growth.”
But to many, including longtime NBCUSA members and grassroots faith leaders, the message rings hollow.
“It’s about accountability,” said Rev. Theresa Martin of Houston. “We’re not saying don’t ever work with corporate partners. We’re saying don’t ignore the larger context. This is a moment that called for discernment and solidarity, not quiet deals.”
The controversy has sparked broader questions about how faith institutions manage corporate relationships—especially at a time when public trust in both sectors is waning. For a denomination that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement and remains a moral voice in American life, endorsing a company currently under boycott carries significant reputational risk.
Social media has only amplified the criticism. Hashtags like #NotMyNBC and #BoycottTargetAgain have begun circulating among frustrated members. Some have even called for an internal audit of the denomination’s partnerships and financial decision-making processes.
Despite the storm, NBCUSA leadership has yet to release a follow-up statement or indicate whether it will reconsider the partnership.
As the convention prepares for its annual session later this year, pressure is mounting for greater transparency and alignment with the moral convictions that have historically defined its legacy.
Whether this moment leads to course correction or further division remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: $300,000 has sparked a million-dollar conversation about values, leadership, and the price of influence.
Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace to Lead Cabaret for Its Final Weeks on Broadway
Tony Award winner Billy Porter and two-time Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace will star as Emcee and Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the August Wilson Theatre. Fresh off their run in the London production, the pair begin performances July 22 for the production’s final 13 weeks through October 19.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate this production’s incredible run on Broadway than by welcoming Billy and Marisha into the company for our final thirteen weeks,” said director Rebecca Frecknall in a statement. “They brought down the house every night on the West End, and I cannot wait for Broadway audiences to experience the electricity they generate together.”
Cabaret is currently led by country music star Orville Peck as Emcee and two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada as Sally Bowles, who will play their final performances in the production on July 20. Additionally, the cast features Calvin Leon Smith as Clifford Bradshaw, 2024 Tony Award nominee Steven Skybell as Herr Schultz, Ellen Harvey as Fraulein Schneider, Henry Gottfried as Ernst Ludwig and Michelle Aravena as Fritzie/Kost.
With a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb and a book by Joe Masteroff, Cabaret is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. It features the songs "Willkommen," "Don’t Tell Mama," "Mein Herr," "Maybe This Time," "Money" and the iconic title number. For this production, guests are invited to explore the Kit Kat Club and meet its seductive denizens before curtain time.
Cabaret is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, while scenic and costume designer Tom Scutt oversaw the August Wilson's transformation into the Kit Kat Club, earning a Tony for his efforts. The production, which collected a total of nine 2024 Tony nominations including Best Revival of a Musical, also features choreography by Julia Cheng, lighting design by Isabella Byrd, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Jennifer Whyte. Angus MacRae composed the original music for the Prologue.
Tony Award winner Billy Porter and two-time Olivier Award nominee Marisha Wallace will star as Emcee and Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the August Wilson Theatre. Fresh off their run in the London production, the pair begin performances July 22 for the production’s final 13 weeks through October 19.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate this production’s incredible run on Broadway than by welcoming Billy and Marisha into the company for our final thirteen weeks,” said director Rebecca Frecknall in a statement. “They brought down the house every night on the West End, and I cannot wait for Broadway audiences to experience the electricity they generate together.”
Cabaret is currently led by country music star Orville Peck as Emcee and two-time Tony Award nominee Eva Noblezada as Sally Bowles, who will play their final performances in the production on July 20. Additionally, the cast features Calvin Leon Smith as Clifford Bradshaw, 2024 Tony Award nominee Steven Skybell as Herr Schultz, Ellen Harvey as Fraulein Schneider, Henry Gottfried as Ernst Ludwig and Michelle Aravena as Fritzie/Kost.
With a score by John Kander and Fred Ebb and a book by Joe Masteroff, Cabaret is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. It features the songs "Willkommen," "Don’t Tell Mama," "Mein Herr," "Maybe This Time," "Money" and the iconic title number. For this production, guests are invited to explore the Kit Kat Club and meet its seductive denizens before curtain time.
Cabaret is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, while scenic and costume designer Tom Scutt oversaw the August Wilson's transformation into the Kit Kat Club, earning a Tony for his efforts. The production, which collected a total of nine 2024 Tony nominations including Best Revival of a Musical, also features choreography by Julia Cheng, lighting design by Isabella Byrd, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Jennifer Whyte. Angus MacRae composed the original music for the Prologue.
Anthony Ramos Slams Madonna’s Bad Behavior During Hamilton on WWHL
When Andy Cohen on WWHL asked Ramos to identify “the most terrifying celebrity to spot in the audience during your Hamilton days,” the 31-year-old responded candidly.
Anthony Ramos just spilled some Broadway tea. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday, the Twisters star dished on a particularly distracting audience member during his run in the original cast of Hamilton — Madonna!
When Cohen asked Ramos to name “the most terrifying celebrity to spot in the audience during your Hamilton days,” the 31-year-old didn’t hold back.
“The most terrifying was Madonna with her iPad in her face,” Ramos quipped, as he threw up a hand to mimic someone peering down at a screen. “She was like this the whole time.”
“I was like, ‘Damn, shorty,'” he continued. “‘If you not enjoying it that much, you know the door’s right there. You ain’t got to stay here.'”
Madonna has yet to publicly address Ramos’ comments — though her rep did respond to a similar claim by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who tweeted, “Tonight was the first time I asked stage management NOT to allow a celebrity (who was texting all through Act 2) backstage. #noselfieforyou.”
“It’s not true,” her rep said at the time. “She was invited backstage four different times. She texted post show when they were doing their fundraising pitch. Madonna had already made a generous donation.”
Jonathan Groff also referred to Madonna in 2015 as the “bitch was on her phone,” in an interview with Dot429 (via EW).
“You couldn’t miss it from the stage,” he told the outlet. “It was a black void of the audience in front of us and her face there perfectly lit by the light of her iPhone through three-quarters of the show.”
Ramos played both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the hit show, which debuted off-Broadway in early 2015 before transferring to Broadway later that year. Hamilton would go on to win 11 Tony Awards and cement its place in pop culture history, catapulting both Ramos and his castmates, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry and others, into stardom.
The original cast recently reunited for a special performance celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary at the 2025 Tony Awards on June 8.
As for why he was the only cast member on stage without a solo, Ramos told Cohen, “Honestly, there was a solo moment in that whole sequence, but I didn’t say yes to the Tony’s until Saturday morning and the Tony’s where on Sunday.”
He continued, “So they weren’t planning on me being there. So they cut that part, they choreographed the whole number, and then I text Lin Saturday morning like, ‘Is it too late to join y’all?’ He’s like, ‘Are you serious?’ I’m like, ‘No, yeah I’m serious.’ He’s like, ‘You got a black suit?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, I can get one.’ He’s like, ‘OK, hold.’ So they fit me where I could fit. There was a moment for me, but they had to take it out because they didn’t plan on me being there.”
As for whether it was fun to reunite with his Hamilton compatriots, Ramos undoubtedly said “yes.
“It was amazing. It was great. 10 years later just seeing everybody on stage looking as amazing as they did 10 years ago — even better,” he gushed.
Anthony Ramos just spilled some Broadway tea. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday, the Twisters star dished on a particularly distracting audience member during his run in the original cast of Hamilton — Madonna!
When Cohen asked Ramos to name “the most terrifying celebrity to spot in the audience during your Hamilton days,” the 31-year-old didn’t hold back.
“The most terrifying was Madonna with her iPad in her face,” Ramos quipped, as he threw up a hand to mimic someone peering down at a screen. “She was like this the whole time.”
“I was like, ‘Damn, shorty,'” he continued. “‘If you not enjoying it that much, you know the door’s right there. You ain’t got to stay here.'”
Madonna has yet to publicly address Ramos’ comments — though her rep did respond to a similar claim by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who tweeted, “Tonight was the first time I asked stage management NOT to allow a celebrity (who was texting all through Act 2) backstage. #noselfieforyou.”
“It’s not true,” her rep said at the time. “She was invited backstage four different times. She texted post show when they were doing their fundraising pitch. Madonna had already made a generous donation.”
Jonathan Groff also referred to Madonna in 2015 as the “bitch was on her phone,” in an interview with Dot429 (via EW).
“You couldn’t miss it from the stage,” he told the outlet. “It was a black void of the audience in front of us and her face there perfectly lit by the light of her iPhone through three-quarters of the show.”
Ramos played both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the hit show, which debuted off-Broadway in early 2015 before transferring to Broadway later that year. Hamilton would go on to win 11 Tony Awards and cement its place in pop culture history, catapulting both Ramos and his castmates, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Renée Elise Goldsberry and others, into stardom.
The original cast recently reunited for a special performance celebrating the show’s 10th anniversary at the 2025 Tony Awards on June 8.
As for why he was the only cast member on stage without a solo, Ramos told Cohen, “Honestly, there was a solo moment in that whole sequence, but I didn’t say yes to the Tony’s until Saturday morning and the Tony’s where on Sunday.”
He continued, “So they weren’t planning on me being there. So they cut that part, they choreographed the whole number, and then I text Lin Saturday morning like, ‘Is it too late to join y’all?’ He’s like, ‘Are you serious?’ I’m like, ‘No, yeah I’m serious.’ He’s like, ‘You got a black suit?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, I can get one.’ He’s like, ‘OK, hold.’ So they fit me where I could fit. There was a moment for me, but they had to take it out because they didn’t plan on me being there.”
As for whether it was fun to reunite with his Hamilton compatriots, Ramos undoubtedly said “yes.
“It was amazing. It was great. 10 years later just seeing everybody on stage looking as amazing as they did 10 years ago — even better,” he gushed.
Nicki Minaj Shares the 'Real Reason' She Won't Release Music
Nicki Minaj is speaking out on social media, and seemingly dissing Roc Nation.
The 42-year-old Pink Friday rapper issued a string of tweets over the weekend, addressing the “real reason” she won’t release new music.
She referred to “distractions” working against her. “Needing the Barbz is @ an all time high for every distraction. So let me start talking about what I’ve found out. About them. Real juicy. Confirmations,” she wrote, without naming any names, adding, “#MakeABaby #BannedFromNO #PaidMoles Order in the court.”
She also alleged that an unspecified party was attempting to “tear” her husband Kenneth Petty away from their family.
“Trying to tear a husband away from his wife & family with lies & friends in high places. Yuck. No more distractions,” she wrote, adding, “no one hates a happy marriage more than ppl in an unhappy one. 🎀.”
Nicki went on to claim that some of her social media features have been “demolished,” in addition to alleging that she and the Barbz are being stalked and shadowbanned online.
“Barbz save all info on everytime you get flagged or suspended & what platform it’s on,” she warned in one message.
When one fan claimed TikTok was denying fans the ability to “defend” her, she agreed, claiming that she hadn’t changed any of her social media passwords.
“And you have no idea how disgusting it gets,” she wrote. “Enough is enough.”
Some fans felt Nicki was referring to Jay-Z after she demanded that the NFL fire “some n***as,” given that he oversees entertainment for the league, including the halftime show.
She also reposted legal documents of Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez being sued by her daughter, Demoree Hadley. The daughter is claiming that she’s being unlawfully detained in a psychiatric facility, and that her mother plotted a conspiracy against her and her husband, Javon Hadley, alleging that Desiree tried to have him arrested for abuse.
“They’ve had access to my accounts on all platforms. I didn’t change the passwords either. I let them continue doing everything they allegedly did to Demoree to MEEEEEE. And you have no idea how disgusting it gets. Enough is enough,” she wrote.
Nicki called for “Goofy Bleek to the rescue,” possibly alluding to Jay-Z‘s longtime friend and former Roc-A-Fella artist Memphis Bleek, per Complex.
“Would you continue working in a field where you were maliciously being kept away from your audience while everyone pretends to be mute?” she asked.
She also retweeted allegations that her home was repeatedly swatted.
“They don’t want you to see what I’m liking. So that feature was demolished.
Listening devices. Cameras. Car tags. Pages you don’t follow under the ‘following’ section of X now? Hmmmmmm. Do I get paid for that?” she wrote in another tweet.
Nicki Minaj is speaking out on social media, and seemingly dissing Roc Nation.
The 42-year-old Pink Friday rapper issued a string of tweets over the weekend, addressing the “real reason” she won’t release new music.
She referred to “distractions” working against her. “Needing the Barbz is @ an all time high for every distraction. So let me start talking about what I’ve found out. About them. Real juicy. Confirmations,” she wrote, without naming any names, adding, “#MakeABaby #BannedFromNO #PaidMoles Order in the court.”
She also alleged that an unspecified party was attempting to “tear” her husband Kenneth Petty away from their family.
“Trying to tear a husband away from his wife & family with lies & friends in high places. Yuck. No more distractions,” she wrote, adding, “no one hates a happy marriage more than ppl in an unhappy one. 🎀.”
Nicki went on to claim that some of her social media features have been “demolished,” in addition to alleging that she and the Barbz are being stalked and shadowbanned online.
“Barbz save all info on everytime you get flagged or suspended & what platform it’s on,” she warned in one message.
When one fan claimed TikTok was denying fans the ability to “defend” her, she agreed, claiming that she hadn’t changed any of her social media passwords.
“And you have no idea how disgusting it gets,” she wrote. “Enough is enough.”
Some fans felt Nicki was referring to Jay-Z after she demanded that the NFL fire “some n***as,” given that he oversees entertainment for the league, including the halftime show.
She also reposted legal documents of Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez being sued by her daughter, Demoree Hadley. The daughter is claiming that she’s being unlawfully detained in a psychiatric facility, and that her mother plotted a conspiracy against her and her husband, Javon Hadley, alleging that Desiree tried to have him arrested for abuse.
“They’ve had access to my accounts on all platforms. I didn’t change the passwords either. I let them continue doing everything they allegedly did to Demoree to MEEEEEE. And you have no idea how disgusting it gets. Enough is enough,” she wrote.
Nicki called for “Goofy Bleek to the rescue,” possibly alluding to Jay-Z‘s longtime friend and former Roc-A-Fella artist Memphis Bleek, per Complex.
“Would you continue working in a field where you were maliciously being kept away from your audience while everyone pretends to be mute?” she asked.
She also retweeted allegations that her home was repeatedly swatted.
“They don’t want you to see what I’m liking. So that feature was demolished.
Listening devices. Cameras. Car tags. Pages you don’t follow under the ‘following’ section of X now? Hmmmmmm. Do I get paid for that?” she wrote in another tweet.
Drake reveals a whopping $8 million in sports gambling losses
Drake admitted to losing over $8 million gambling in just one month.
He followed that loss with an $800K bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
He’s reportedly also working on a new solo LP, which speculators have dubbed Iceman.
Drake is once again putting his money — and pride — on the line.
On Wednesday (June 18), the Toronto superstar revealed that he’s lost more than $8 million in the past month from sports bets, shedding light on what he called “the other side of gambling.” Posting a screenshot of his account stats in an IG story, Drake appeared to be in the red across all recent time frames.
“Losses are so fried right now,” he wrote. “I hope I can post a big win for you all soon ‘cause I’m the only one that has never seen a max... These guys max once a week.”
While he didn’t share which specific bets led to the eye-watering total, both the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs have dominated the sports calendar in recent weeks. Earlier this month, he dropped $750,000 on a cricket match, backing Royal Challengers Bengaluru to defeat the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Drake’s $8 million gambling loss comes amid Stake partnership and high-profile NBA bets
The rapper’s losing streak coincided with his $100 million endorsement deal with online gambling platform Stake, where he regularly shares bets and streams alongside figures like Adin Ross and xQc. The partnership kept Drake at the forefront of celebrity sports betting, even as the results haven’t gone his way.
Despite the steep losses, Drake hasn’t stepped back from gambling. His next play? A total of $800,000 wagered on Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder hold a 3–2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers. He placed $600,000 on a straight Thunder win and added $200,000 on a 6–10 point victory margin, a more precise bet with higher odds.
Drake’s bet on the Thunder continues his pattern of making bold moves on headline sports events. The team — led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren — dominated Game 5 with a 120–109 victory, giving Drake hope for a much-needed bounce-back. He even tagged Gilgeous-Alexander on Instagram with the caption, “Check that box, Shai,” suggesting he wants the star to deliver.
Drake’s high-profile losses have fueled talk of the infamous “Drake Curse” — a longstanding joke about his public support jinxing teams and athletes. From the Toronto Raptors and Edmonton Oilers to Canada’s national soccer team and even Shohei Ohtani, many of Drake’s favorites have suffered major setbacks after his endorsements.
Drake is reportedly prepping the world for a new solo LP
In addition to betting, he’s also back in album mode. Fans speculate his next project may be titled Iceman, a name teased on Instagram, following his recent PARTYNEXTDOOR collaboration Some Sexy Songs 4 U. During a Kick livestream, he confirmed the solo album is on the way: “Working on a new album — it’s a slap.”
He followed that loss with an $800K bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals.
He’s reportedly also working on a new solo LP, which speculators have dubbed Iceman.
Drake is once again putting his money — and pride — on the line.
On Wednesday (June 18), the Toronto superstar revealed that he’s lost more than $8 million in the past month from sports bets, shedding light on what he called “the other side of gambling.” Posting a screenshot of his account stats in an IG story, Drake appeared to be in the red across all recent time frames.
“Losses are so fried right now,” he wrote. “I hope I can post a big win for you all soon ‘cause I’m the only one that has never seen a max... These guys max once a week.”
While he didn’t share which specific bets led to the eye-watering total, both the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs have dominated the sports calendar in recent weeks. Earlier this month, he dropped $750,000 on a cricket match, backing Royal Challengers Bengaluru to defeat the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Drake’s $8 million gambling loss comes amid Stake partnership and high-profile NBA bets
The rapper’s losing streak coincided with his $100 million endorsement deal with online gambling platform Stake, where he regularly shares bets and streams alongside figures like Adin Ross and xQc. The partnership kept Drake at the forefront of celebrity sports betting, even as the results haven’t gone his way.
Despite the steep losses, Drake hasn’t stepped back from gambling. His next play? A total of $800,000 wagered on Game 6 of the 2025 NBA Finals, where the Oklahoma City Thunder hold a 3–2 series lead over the Indiana Pacers. He placed $600,000 on a straight Thunder win and added $200,000 on a 6–10 point victory margin, a more precise bet with higher odds.
Drake’s bet on the Thunder continues his pattern of making bold moves on headline sports events. The team — led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren — dominated Game 5 with a 120–109 victory, giving Drake hope for a much-needed bounce-back. He even tagged Gilgeous-Alexander on Instagram with the caption, “Check that box, Shai,” suggesting he wants the star to deliver.
Drake’s high-profile losses have fueled talk of the infamous “Drake Curse” — a longstanding joke about his public support jinxing teams and athletes. From the Toronto Raptors and Edmonton Oilers to Canada’s national soccer team and even Shohei Ohtani, many of Drake’s favorites have suffered major setbacks after his endorsements.
Drake is reportedly prepping the world for a new solo LP
In addition to betting, he’s also back in album mode. Fans speculate his next project may be titled Iceman, a name teased on Instagram, following his recent PARTYNEXTDOOR collaboration Some Sexy Songs 4 U. During a Kick livestream, he confirmed the solo album is on the way: “Working on a new album — it’s a slap.”
#BoxOfficeNews: 28 Years Later’ Brings $30 Million As ‘Elio’ Lands Worst Debut in Pixar History With $21 Million
A spunky, alien-obsessed preteen and undead army were no match at the box office against a loyal, fiery dragon.
Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon” remake has remained No. 1 in North America despite the presence of two newcomers, Disney and Pixar’s intergalactic adventure “Elio” and Sony’s zombie thriller “28 Years Later.”
“Elio” has cratered in third place with $21 million from 3,750 theaters, ranking as the worst start in modern history for Pixar. Heading into the weekend, the otherworldly tale about a young boy who connects with aliens after getting mistaken for Earth’s intergalactic ambassador was aiming for $25 million to $30 million. The film, which cost $150 million to produce, added just $14 million overseas for a catastrophic global total of $35 million.
“This is a weak opening for Pixar,” says David A. Gross, who runs the FranchiseRe movie consulting firm. “These would be solid numbers for another original animation film, but this is Pixar, and by Pixar’s remarkable standard, the opening is well below average.”
Pixar’s prior low-water mark was 2023’s opposites-attract fable “Elemental,” which opened to $29.6 million domestically and $44.5 million globally. However, that film was embraced by audiences and managed to endure at the box office, ultimately ending its big screen run with $155 million domestically and $496 million globally. It was a respectable tally given the terrible opening weekend result, but nowhere near the prior heights of Pixar, the empire behind “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles” and “Finding Nemo.” The studio is hoping that “Elio” follows a similar trajectory since the animated tale was awarded an “A” grade on CinemaScore exit polls and 85% Rotten Tomatoes average.
But the bleak start for “Elio” underscores the challenges that face Pixar, which fielded last year’s record-breaking smash “Inside Out 2” ($1.69 billion) but hasn’t successfully launched a new theatrical property in ages. Original animation has struggled at the box office in post-pandemic times, and Pixar in particular has failed to live up to its own stratospheric heights — especially after several of its titles (like “Turning Red” and “Luca”) were sent directly to Disney+ while cinemas were recovering from COVID, which inadvertently trained family audiences to expect those movies at home. Though kid-friendly fare has rebounded in a big way, brand recognition has been a huge part in the triumph of recent PG winners like “Lilo & Stitch,” “A Minecraft Movie” and “How to Train Your Dragon.”
This weekend’s other new release, “28 Years Later,” opened in second place with $30 million from 3,444 venues, squarely in line with expectations. The film added an additional $30 million overseas, propelling its initial worldwide tally to $60 million. Those ticket sales mark the biggest debut in the undead series, which began with 2002’s “28 Days Later” ($10 million debut) and continued with 2007’s “28 Weeks Later” ($9.8 million). Opening weekend crowds bestowed the film a tepid “B” grade on CinemaScore exit polls.
“28 Years Later” cost $60 million and won’t require much coinage to become the highest-grossing installment in the franchise, which is presently “28 Days Later” with $75 million worldwide. But Sony has bigger commercial ambitions for the property, which revolves around a contagious rage virus that continues wreaking havoc on the world. “28 Years Later” is intended to kick off a new zombie-infested trilogy, spearheaded by “28 Days Later” creators Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. The new film was shot back-to-back with its sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” which will debut in 2026. A third film is in development, but its future could be dictated by the theatrical results of “28 Years Later.”
Without “Elio” or “28 Years Later” posing much of a threat, “How to Train Your Dragon” was able to retain the box office crown with $37 million in its sophomore frame, a 56% decline from its $83 million debut. So far, the live-action remake has generated $160.4 million in North America and $358 million worldwide.
Another notable holdover, A24’s comedic romantic drama “Materialists,” stayed strong in its second weekend with $5.8 million, marking a 48% decline from its impressive $12 million start. Celine Song’s film, which has launched a million think pieces on modern dating and realistic salaries for New Yorkers, has earned a promising $24 million to date.
Above “Materialists” on box office charts and rounding out the top five, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” collected $9.5 million while Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” added $6.55 million in their respective fifth weekends of release.
“Lilo & Stitch” has earned 386 million domestically and a blockbuster $910 million globally against a $100 million budget. “The Final Reckoning,” the eighth installment in Tom Cruise’s long-running action franchise, has grossed $178 million in North America and $540 million worldwide. However, “MI8” cost a head-spinning $400 million to produce, and since movie theater owners get to keep half of ticket sales, the action adventure won’t have the strength to climb out of the red in its theatrical run.
Overall box office comparisons to the same weekend in 2024 are tough because “Inside Out 2″ began its blockbuster run with $154 million. Prior to this weekend, revenues were 23% above last year, but the surplus has shrunk to 18%, according to Comscore. It’s up to upcoming films like Brad Pitt’s racing drama “F1,” Universal’s “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” the Warner Bros. and DC epic “Superman,” and Disney’s Marvel adventure “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” to deliver a boost to the summer box office.
“The last three weeks have not exactly blown the doors off at the box office,” says senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “Despite these June gloom headwinds, we have many notable summer films all the way through Labor Day weekend.”
A spunky, alien-obsessed preteen and undead army were no match at the box office against a loyal, fiery dragon.
Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon” remake has remained No. 1 in North America despite the presence of two newcomers, Disney and Pixar’s intergalactic adventure “Elio” and Sony’s zombie thriller “28 Years Later.”
“Elio” has cratered in third place with $21 million from 3,750 theaters, ranking as the worst start in modern history for Pixar. Heading into the weekend, the otherworldly tale about a young boy who connects with aliens after getting mistaken for Earth’s intergalactic ambassador was aiming for $25 million to $30 million. The film, which cost $150 million to produce, added just $14 million overseas for a catastrophic global total of $35 million.
“This is a weak opening for Pixar,” says David A. Gross, who runs the FranchiseRe movie consulting firm. “These would be solid numbers for another original animation film, but this is Pixar, and by Pixar’s remarkable standard, the opening is well below average.”
Pixar’s prior low-water mark was 2023’s opposites-attract fable “Elemental,” which opened to $29.6 million domestically and $44.5 million globally. However, that film was embraced by audiences and managed to endure at the box office, ultimately ending its big screen run with $155 million domestically and $496 million globally. It was a respectable tally given the terrible opening weekend result, but nowhere near the prior heights of Pixar, the empire behind “Toy Story,” “The Incredibles” and “Finding Nemo.” The studio is hoping that “Elio” follows a similar trajectory since the animated tale was awarded an “A” grade on CinemaScore exit polls and 85% Rotten Tomatoes average.
But the bleak start for “Elio” underscores the challenges that face Pixar, which fielded last year’s record-breaking smash “Inside Out 2” ($1.69 billion) but hasn’t successfully launched a new theatrical property in ages. Original animation has struggled at the box office in post-pandemic times, and Pixar in particular has failed to live up to its own stratospheric heights — especially after several of its titles (like “Turning Red” and “Luca”) were sent directly to Disney+ while cinemas were recovering from COVID, which inadvertently trained family audiences to expect those movies at home. Though kid-friendly fare has rebounded in a big way, brand recognition has been a huge part in the triumph of recent PG winners like “Lilo & Stitch,” “A Minecraft Movie” and “How to Train Your Dragon.”
This weekend’s other new release, “28 Years Later,” opened in second place with $30 million from 3,444 venues, squarely in line with expectations. The film added an additional $30 million overseas, propelling its initial worldwide tally to $60 million. Those ticket sales mark the biggest debut in the undead series, which began with 2002’s “28 Days Later” ($10 million debut) and continued with 2007’s “28 Weeks Later” ($9.8 million). Opening weekend crowds bestowed the film a tepid “B” grade on CinemaScore exit polls.
“28 Years Later” cost $60 million and won’t require much coinage to become the highest-grossing installment in the franchise, which is presently “28 Days Later” with $75 million worldwide. But Sony has bigger commercial ambitions for the property, which revolves around a contagious rage virus that continues wreaking havoc on the world. “28 Years Later” is intended to kick off a new zombie-infested trilogy, spearheaded by “28 Days Later” creators Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland. The new film was shot back-to-back with its sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” which will debut in 2026. A third film is in development, but its future could be dictated by the theatrical results of “28 Years Later.”
Without “Elio” or “28 Years Later” posing much of a threat, “How to Train Your Dragon” was able to retain the box office crown with $37 million in its sophomore frame, a 56% decline from its $83 million debut. So far, the live-action remake has generated $160.4 million in North America and $358 million worldwide.
Another notable holdover, A24’s comedic romantic drama “Materialists,” stayed strong in its second weekend with $5.8 million, marking a 48% decline from its impressive $12 million start. Celine Song’s film, which has launched a million think pieces on modern dating and realistic salaries for New Yorkers, has earned a promising $24 million to date.
Above “Materialists” on box office charts and rounding out the top five, Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch” collected $9.5 million while Paramount’s “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” added $6.55 million in their respective fifth weekends of release.
“Lilo & Stitch” has earned 386 million domestically and a blockbuster $910 million globally against a $100 million budget. “The Final Reckoning,” the eighth installment in Tom Cruise’s long-running action franchise, has grossed $178 million in North America and $540 million worldwide. However, “MI8” cost a head-spinning $400 million to produce, and since movie theater owners get to keep half of ticket sales, the action adventure won’t have the strength to climb out of the red in its theatrical run.
Overall box office comparisons to the same weekend in 2024 are tough because “Inside Out 2″ began its blockbuster run with $154 million. Prior to this weekend, revenues were 23% above last year, but the surplus has shrunk to 18%, according to Comscore. It’s up to upcoming films like Brad Pitt’s racing drama “F1,” Universal’s “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” the Warner Bros. and DC epic “Superman,” and Disney’s Marvel adventure “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” to deliver a boost to the summer box office.
“The last three weeks have not exactly blown the doors off at the box office,” says senior Comscore analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “Despite these June gloom headwinds, we have many notable summer films all the way through Labor Day weekend.”
Kevin Durant Finds Out He Was Traded to Rockets While Onstage at Fanatics Fest
Kevin Durant is heading to a new city—and he found out in the most unexpected way.
The 36-year-old NBA superstar was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal on Sunday. In a surreal twist, Durant learned about the trade while sitting on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York City, surrounded by fans and fellow athletes.
Video of the moment quickly went viral, capturing Durant's seemingly stunned reaction in real time. The two-time NBA Finals MVP looked confused as someone relayed the breaking news during a panel.
When asked about his thoughts on the trade, Durant could only offer a dazed, "We're gonna see, man. We're gonna see."
He had no clue and even asked if it was real.
On his first reaction to being traded: “We’re gonna see man, we’re gonna see.”
It's a rare and bizarre sight to see a player of Durant's stature learn about a career-changing move while live on stage and without any prior notice. The trade ends a rocky tenure in Phoenix, where Durant was expected to help lead a star-studded Suns roster to a championship.
Despite strong individual numbers—26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season—the team missed the playoffs with a disappointing 36-46 record.
Houston, by contrast, is a young and rising team loaded with promising talent and assets. The Rockets are hoping Durant's experience and scoring prowess will elevate them into contention in the Western Conference. For Durant, this marks yet another chapter in a storied career that has included stops in Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.
The 36-year-old NBA superstar was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a blockbuster deal on Sunday. In a surreal twist, Durant learned about the trade while sitting on stage at Fanatics Fest in New York City, surrounded by fans and fellow athletes.
Video of the moment quickly went viral, capturing Durant's seemingly stunned reaction in real time. The two-time NBA Finals MVP looked confused as someone relayed the breaking news during a panel.
When asked about his thoughts on the trade, Durant could only offer a dazed, "We're gonna see, man. We're gonna see."
He had no clue and even asked if it was real.
On his first reaction to being traded: “We’re gonna see man, we’re gonna see.”
It's a rare and bizarre sight to see a player of Durant's stature learn about a career-changing move while live on stage and without any prior notice. The trade ends a rocky tenure in Phoenix, where Durant was expected to help lead a star-studded Suns roster to a championship.
Despite strong individual numbers—26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season—the team missed the playoffs with a disappointing 36-46 record.
Houston, by contrast, is a young and rising team loaded with promising talent and assets. The Rockets are hoping Durant's experience and scoring prowess will elevate them into contention in the Western Conference. For Durant, this marks yet another chapter in a storied career that has included stops in Oklahoma City, Golden State, Brooklyn, and Phoenix.
JoJo Siwa Bows Out of Chicago Pride Performance Says She Felt ‘Pressured’ to Call Herself a Lesbian
JoJo Siwa pulled the plug on a Pride performance after making a controversial comment about her sexuality.
The 22-year-old singer and Dance Moms alum recently bowed out from performing at Chicago’s Back Lot Bash music festival, with the event’s organizers citing a “scheduling conflict,” per Fox 32 Chicago.
Siwa’s canceled performance follows a statement she gave to You Magazine, which is owned by the Daily Mail, about how she felt “pressured” into calling herself a lesbian.
“When I came out at 17, I said: ‘I’m pansexual, because I don’t care [about gender].’ But then I kind of boxed myself in and I said: ‘I’m a lesbian.’ And I think I did that because of pressure,” the “Karma” singer told the magazine.
“In a weird way, I think it came a little bit from inside the [LGBTQ] community at times. From people I know, from partners I’ve had. You just get put in this world where you feel like, because you now have said, ‘Oh, I’m a lesbian,’ you have to be a lesbian. And the truth is, sexuality is fluid,” she continued.
The star’s sexuality has been questioned lately after she recently confirmed she was dating her 32-year-old Big Brother UK co-star Chris Hughes earlier this month, whom she recently called her “favorite person in the world.”
Siwa and nonbinary partner Kath Ebbs, 27, called it quits in April.
Miley Cyrus recently joked she would “bring [Siwa] back out” of the closet during a pre-recorded video segment at the WorldPride Festival in Washington, D.C.
Siwa responded to the joke during a lengthy Instagram post, writing, “I don’t believe what Miley said at world pride was ill intended, honestly I think it was meant to be a joke, but just not very good one haha,” she added. “I messaged miley light heartedly about it and she replied and said ‘All love. Always .’”
Per a message on her tour website, Siwa also recently postponed her entire North American concert tour. The trek was scheduled to begin on July 10 in Houston and visit major cities including New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles.
JoJo Siwa pulled the plug on a Pride performance after making a controversial comment about her sexuality.
The 22-year-old singer and Dance Moms alum recently bowed out from performing at Chicago’s Back Lot Bash music festival, with the event’s organizers citing a “scheduling conflict,” per Fox 32 Chicago.
Siwa’s canceled performance follows a statement she gave to You Magazine, which is owned by the Daily Mail, about how she felt “pressured” into calling herself a lesbian.
“When I came out at 17, I said: ‘I’m pansexual, because I don’t care [about gender].’ But then I kind of boxed myself in and I said: ‘I’m a lesbian.’ And I think I did that because of pressure,” the “Karma” singer told the magazine.
“In a weird way, I think it came a little bit from inside the [LGBTQ] community at times. From people I know, from partners I’ve had. You just get put in this world where you feel like, because you now have said, ‘Oh, I’m a lesbian,’ you have to be a lesbian. And the truth is, sexuality is fluid,” she continued.
The star’s sexuality has been questioned lately after she recently confirmed she was dating her 32-year-old Big Brother UK co-star Chris Hughes earlier this month, whom she recently called her “favorite person in the world.”
Siwa and nonbinary partner Kath Ebbs, 27, called it quits in April.
Miley Cyrus recently joked she would “bring [Siwa] back out” of the closet during a pre-recorded video segment at the WorldPride Festival in Washington, D.C.
Siwa responded to the joke during a lengthy Instagram post, writing, “I don’t believe what Miley said at world pride was ill intended, honestly I think it was meant to be a joke, but just not very good one haha,” she added. “I messaged miley light heartedly about it and she replied and said ‘All love. Always .’”
Per a message on her tour website, Siwa also recently postponed her entire North American concert tour. The trek was scheduled to begin on July 10 in Houston and visit major cities including New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles.
Mariah Carey Sends Birthday Rejection Reminder to Capital FM Co-Hosts
Mariah Carey may be the queen of Christmas, but birthdays are forever exiled from her royal celebration list.
During an appearance last month on the U.K. radio station Capital FM, the “Vision of Love” singer reminded co-hosts Sian Welby, Jordan North and Chris Stark of her well-known stance against recognizing the day she was born. During her interview, the co-hosts each asked Carey a series of questions about what she does or does not support — including acknowledging time.
“Is it true you don’t acknowledge the passing of time?” North asked
“That is true,” Carey candidly confirmed.
Welby chimed in, asking Carey what she meant by her answer to which she said, “I just don’t believe in it.”
Still confused over Carey’s answer, Stark tried his luck with the vocalist, asking if she was referring to time zones.
“No, just time,” Carey added.
Welby then said, “So no clocks? Just not into that?” Welby said.
“Yeah. No, just let it go,” Carey nonchalantly replied.
Not wanting to just let it go, Welby brought it all home with the big question,
“Do you celebrate your birthday?”
From there, Carey drew a line recognizing the occasion she celebrates versus the one she could do without.
“I don’t have a birthday, no,” said the “Make It Happen” entertainer.
“Anniversaries, yes.”
Despite Carey’s repeated responses to the same questions, a still-puzzled Stark kept seeking clarification.
“But if we were to meet up later, how would we know when?” Coming in to save the day, North went to bat for Carey, declaring,” “It’s on Mariah’s time.”
“Yeah, I would have someone call you and figure it out,” Carey proposed.
The back and forth with the Capital FM hosts and Carey is the latest in a string of situations related to how she feels about her birthday. People cited a 2014 interview the entertainer did with Out Magazine, which found her declaring, “I’m eternally 12 years old.” Fast forward to 2019 and Carey has rebuked years in years prior as well as put levels to annual celebrations, with anniversaries jokingly superior over March 27, the day she arrived on Planet Earth.
During an appearance last month on the U.K. radio station Capital FM, the “Vision of Love” singer reminded co-hosts Sian Welby, Jordan North and Chris Stark of her well-known stance against recognizing the day she was born. During her interview, the co-hosts each asked Carey a series of questions about what she does or does not support — including acknowledging time.
“Is it true you don’t acknowledge the passing of time?” North asked
“That is true,” Carey candidly confirmed.
Welby chimed in, asking Carey what she meant by her answer to which she said, “I just don’t believe in it.”
Still confused over Carey’s answer, Stark tried his luck with the vocalist, asking if she was referring to time zones.
“No, just time,” Carey added.
Welby then said, “So no clocks? Just not into that?” Welby said.
“Yeah. No, just let it go,” Carey nonchalantly replied.
Not wanting to just let it go, Welby brought it all home with the big question,
“Do you celebrate your birthday?”
From there, Carey drew a line recognizing the occasion she celebrates versus the one she could do without.
“I don’t have a birthday, no,” said the “Make It Happen” entertainer.
“Anniversaries, yes.”
Despite Carey’s repeated responses to the same questions, a still-puzzled Stark kept seeking clarification.
“But if we were to meet up later, how would we know when?” Coming in to save the day, North went to bat for Carey, declaring,” “It’s on Mariah’s time.”
“Yeah, I would have someone call you and figure it out,” Carey proposed.
The back and forth with the Capital FM hosts and Carey is the latest in a string of situations related to how she feels about her birthday. People cited a 2014 interview the entertainer did with Out Magazine, which found her declaring, “I’m eternally 12 years old.” Fast forward to 2019 and Carey has rebuked years in years prior as well as put levels to annual celebrations, with anniversaries jokingly superior over March 27, the day she arrived on Planet Earth.
Angel Reese releases 'Mebound' clothing line, acknowledging criticism and raising money to fight cyberbullying
Angel Reese's new line of merchandise, "Mebounds," was released on Thursday as the Chicago Sky forward continues the fight against cyberbullying during her second season in the WNBA.
Reese trademarked the word "Mebound," which was initially coined to mock her rebounding her own missed shots. While embracing the criticism, Reese took the term and flipped it into a positive message.
Reese announced the merchandise line on her X account with a video showing the different designs from the latest release. The former LSU star wrote that some of the proceeds will go to the Angel C. Reese Foundation to "help fight against cyberbullying."
The line includes sweatshirts, T-shirts and hats featuring the "Mebounds" slogan, and several pieces include the line: "Anything that comes off that board, it's mine." The pieces are available on Reese's website.
On an Instagram story promoting the new clothing line, Reese restated her foundation's mission, "to help fight cyberbullying, raise awareness, and create safe online spaces for the next generation. Because every rebound — and every Mebound — is power reclaimed."
Reese has advocated against cyberbullying toward athletes and girls in general. Apart from addressing the subject on her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast, Reese has made other efforts to create safe online spaces.
In August 2024, Reese collaborated with "The Net" Mental Health Network to launch the "Block The Negativity Post Up Positivity” campaign. The partnership produced a video, later posted on the Sky's YouTube channel, highlighting that 87% of female athletes experience online harm.
The Angel C. Reese Foundation was founded in 2023 with various initiatives to empower women through education, mentorship and sports. Apart from back-to-school giveaways and plans to open basketball courts in Chicago, Reese recently partnered with the Magic Johnson Foundation to launch a financial literacy program in Baltimore, where Reese is from. "Mebound" is the latest project as Reese aims to expand her impact beyond the basketball court.
In her second year in Chicago, Reese is already averaging a double-double with 11 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. She led the WNBA in rebounds as a rookie with A'ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones sitting second and third, respectively.
The Sky sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and 11th in the WNBA with a 3-8 record.
Angel Reese's new line of merchandise, "Mebounds," was released on Thursday as the Chicago Sky forward continues the fight against cyberbullying during her second season in the WNBA.
Reese trademarked the word "Mebound," which was initially coined to mock her rebounding her own missed shots. While embracing the criticism, Reese took the term and flipped it into a positive message.
Reese announced the merchandise line on her X account with a video showing the different designs from the latest release. The former LSU star wrote that some of the proceeds will go to the Angel C. Reese Foundation to "help fight against cyberbullying."
The line includes sweatshirts, T-shirts and hats featuring the "Mebounds" slogan, and several pieces include the line: "Anything that comes off that board, it's mine." The pieces are available on Reese's website.
On an Instagram story promoting the new clothing line, Reese restated her foundation's mission, "to help fight cyberbullying, raise awareness, and create safe online spaces for the next generation. Because every rebound — and every Mebound — is power reclaimed."
Reese has advocated against cyberbullying toward athletes and girls in general. Apart from addressing the subject on her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast, Reese has made other efforts to create safe online spaces.
In August 2024, Reese collaborated with "The Net" Mental Health Network to launch the "Block The Negativity Post Up Positivity” campaign. The partnership produced a video, later posted on the Sky's YouTube channel, highlighting that 87% of female athletes experience online harm.
The Angel C. Reese Foundation was founded in 2023 with various initiatives to empower women through education, mentorship and sports. Apart from back-to-school giveaways and plans to open basketball courts in Chicago, Reese recently partnered with the Magic Johnson Foundation to launch a financial literacy program in Baltimore, where Reese is from. "Mebound" is the latest project as Reese aims to expand her impact beyond the basketball court.
In her second year in Chicago, Reese is already averaging a double-double with 11 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. She led the WNBA in rebounds as a rookie with A'ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones sitting second and third, respectively.
The Sky sit fifth in the Eastern Conference and 11th in the WNBA with a 3-8 record.
Texas Governor Officially Signs Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Every Public Classroom
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed into law a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public classroom in the state.
The measure, Senate Bill 10, passed with overwhelming support in the Texas Senate, 28-3, and now mandates that all public school classrooms display a “durable poster or framed copy” of the Christian Ten Commandments. These displays must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall and easily legible from anywhere in the room.
“The Ten Commandments are part of American heritage and remind students of the principles that form the foundation of our legal system,” supporters argue. However, opponents raised concerns about religious freedom and government overreach. Efforts to allow school boards discretion or include other ethical teachings from different faiths were rejected in the House.
Texas isn’t alone in pushing this agenda. Louisiana passed a similar bill earlier this year, but that law was struck down as unconstitutional. On Friday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision, citing First Amendment violations. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a legal battle that could soon include Texas’ new law.
This law is one of 334 bills signed by Abbott over the weekend. Other legislation includes expanding rural healthcare, mandatory financial literacy courses for high schoolers, and new protections for Texas land ownership and grid security. Senate Bill 11 also allows schools to implement voluntary prayer and scripture reading during the day.
The measure, Senate Bill 10, passed with overwhelming support in the Texas Senate, 28-3, and now mandates that all public school classrooms display a “durable poster or framed copy” of the Christian Ten Commandments. These displays must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall and easily legible from anywhere in the room.
“The Ten Commandments are part of American heritage and remind students of the principles that form the foundation of our legal system,” supporters argue. However, opponents raised concerns about religious freedom and government overreach. Efforts to allow school boards discretion or include other ethical teachings from different faiths were rejected in the House.
Texas isn’t alone in pushing this agenda. Louisiana passed a similar bill earlier this year, but that law was struck down as unconstitutional. On Friday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court’s decision, citing First Amendment violations. The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Supreme Court, setting the stage for a legal battle that could soon include Texas’ new law.
This law is one of 334 bills signed by Abbott over the weekend. Other legislation includes expanding rural healthcare, mandatory financial literacy courses for high schoolers, and new protections for Texas land ownership and grid security. Senate Bill 11 also allows schools to implement voluntary prayer and scripture reading during the day.
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