#FASHIONFAB: Dame Helen Mirren for Stella McCartney’s Ryder Bag Ad Campaign
The Ryder Bag. Cruelty-free craft. A new level of luxury, without leather. The Ryder bag – worn here by friend of the house and Oscar-winning actor Dame Helen Mirren – is handwoven in Italy from laser-cut panels.
The Stella McCartney Ryder bag is an iconic emblem of the founder’s commitment to cruelty-free fashion. With a refined silhouette rooted in equestrian design codes and a vegan composition, it beautifully marries elegance and ethics. The Ryder bag is inspired by the undulating curve of a horse’s nape and neck and crafted from innovative grape-based alternatives to animal leather. Available as a tote, crossbody, or mini bag, it is a storied and sophisticated accessory.
#RHOA: New Reality Series Featuring Kenya Moore, Kim Zolciak & Tamar Braxton Officially Coming To Amazon Prime Video
And the cast? Stacked. Along with Kenya, Kim, and Tamar, the lineup reportedly includes RHONJ’s Margaret Josephs, Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn, Vanderpump Rules and The Valley star Brittany Cartwright, The Bachelorette’s Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jenn Tran, plus Julie and Savannah Chrisley and Hilaria Baldwin. The series is expected to drop sometime next year.
#NewMusic from Bruno Mars Releases “Lo Arriesgo Todo”, A Spanish Version of Hit Single “Risk It All”
16-time GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars has expanded his global reach with the release of “Lo Arriesgo Todo,” the official Spanish-language version of his hit single “Risk It All.” The track is now available across all major streaming platforms via Atlantic Records, with a commemorative 7-inch vinyl featuring both versions currently open for pre-order.
The release arrives amid a historic commercial run for Mars. His fourth solo effort, The Romantic, recently secured the biggest debut of his career, marking his first album to premiere at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The project has maintained a dominant global presence, hitting the top spot on both Apple and Spotify’s global album charts.
16-time GRAMMY® Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars has expanded his global reach with the release of “Lo Arriesgo Todo,” the official Spanish-language version of his hit single “Risk It All.” The track is now available across all major streaming platforms via Atlantic Records, with a commemorative 7-inch vinyl featuring both versions currently open for pre-order.
The release arrives amid a historic commercial run for Mars. His fourth solo effort, The Romantic, recently secured the biggest debut of his career, marking his first album to premiere at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The project has maintained a dominant global presence, hitting the top spot on both Apple and Spotify’s global album charts.
Listen HERE:
Record-Breaking Chart Performance
The Spanish-language debut follows a series of unprecedented milestones for Mars in the 2024–2026 cycle:
“I Just Might”: Secured Mars’ 10th Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and his inaugural No. 1 debut.
“Risk It All”: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Streaming Songs lists, marking his 22nd career Top 10 hit.
“Die With A Smile” (with Lady Gaga): Named the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams.
“APT.” (with ROSÉ): Recognized as the IFPI’s biggest-selling global single of 2025 and Apple Music’s most-streamed song of the same year.
“The Romantic” Global Tour and Civic Honors
Mars recently launched The Romantic Tour—his first full headlining trek in nearly a decade—with two sold-out performances at Allegiant Stadium. In recognition of his cultural impact, Clark County officials officially declared April 10 as “Bruno Mars Day” and presented the artist with a key to the Las Vegas Strip.
In a rare tribute to his lasting legacy, Park Avenue was officially renamed Bruno Mars Drive, placing him alongside iconic figures such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra who have received similar honors in the city.
A Legacy of Global Dominance
As of 2026, Mars has further solidified his status as an industry vanguard. In January 2025, he became the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 150 million monthly listeners. He also holds the record for the most RIAA Diamond-certified singles by any artist, with seven certifications to date.
Notably, his hallmark hit “Just the Way You Are” has become the highest-certified song in RIAA history at 21x Platinum, while his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, continues to hold the record for the longest-running studio album by a solo male artist on the Billboard 200.
The Romantic and the new single “Lo Arriesgo Todo” are available now on all major digital service providers.
Record-Breaking Chart Performance
The Spanish-language debut follows a series of unprecedented milestones for Mars in the 2024–2026 cycle:
“I Just Might”: Secured Mars’ 10th Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and his inaugural No. 1 debut.
“Risk It All”: Peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Streaming Songs lists, marking his 22nd career Top 10 hit.
“Die With A Smile” (with Lady Gaga): Named the fastest song in Spotify history to reach 1 billion streams.
“APT.” (with ROSÉ): Recognized as the IFPI’s biggest-selling global single of 2025 and Apple Music’s most-streamed song of the same year.
“The Romantic” Global Tour and Civic Honors
Mars recently launched The Romantic Tour—his first full headlining trek in nearly a decade—with two sold-out performances at Allegiant Stadium. In recognition of his cultural impact, Clark County officials officially declared April 10 as “Bruno Mars Day” and presented the artist with a key to the Las Vegas Strip.
In a rare tribute to his lasting legacy, Park Avenue was officially renamed Bruno Mars Drive, placing him alongside iconic figures such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra who have received similar honors in the city.
A Legacy of Global Dominance
As of 2026, Mars has further solidified his status as an industry vanguard. In January 2025, he became the first artist in Spotify history to surpass 150 million monthly listeners. He also holds the record for the most RIAA Diamond-certified singles by any artist, with seven certifications to date.
Notably, his hallmark hit “Just the Way You Are” has become the highest-certified song in RIAA history at 21x Platinum, while his debut album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, continues to hold the record for the longest-running studio album by a solo male artist on the Billboard 200.
The Romantic and the new single “Lo Arriesgo Todo” are available now on all major digital service providers.
#HipHopNews: Kendrick Lamar Returns To His Former High School For Groundbreaking Ceremony With Dr. Dre And Will.I.Am
Kendrick Lamar returns to his former high school for a groundbreaking ceremony along with Dr. Dre and Will.i.am.
On Thursday (May 7), Kendrick Lamar returned to his high school alma mater Centennial High School in Compton, Calif., to help celebrate a new construction project on the campus. Also in attendance was veteran hitmakers Dr. Dre and Will.i.am, who are also supporting the school's new transformation.
K-Dot graduated from CHS in 2005, while Dre attended the school during his freshman year in 1979, but transferred to Fremont High School in South Central Los Angeles due to poor grades. Other CHS alumni include West Coast hip-hop pioneer Alonzo "Lonzo" Williams, producer DJ Quik and rapper-songwriter Jason "Problem" Martin.
This will be Centennial High School's first major building project in 70 years and the new facility is reportedly projected to cost $270 million. Slated to open in 2029, this modern, state-of-the-art campus will serve about 1,800 students and replace the existing school building.
"Sometimes you hear that term full-circle. Well, this is a full-circle moment for me because I did actually attend this high school," said Dr. Dre during his speech. "Well, sometimes I attended," he jokingly added.
"On this day, I'm making a commitment and that commitment is to let go of the notion of giving back. Instead, I'm embracing the power of investing forward," he continued. "Now you may not know this about me, but I only in invest in things that have a powerful impact."
"And today isn't just about a new building, it's about the promise I kept to the city that made me, point, blank, period. And this groundbreaking is where the vision we shared for years finally hits the pavement," he added.
Kendrick didn't speak at the ceremony, but his beaming smile revealed his stamp of approval for this new state-of-art school for his alma mater.
On Thursday (May 7), Kendrick Lamar returned to his high school alma mater Centennial High School in Compton, Calif., to help celebrate a new construction project on the campus. Also in attendance was veteran hitmakers Dr. Dre and Will.i.am, who are also supporting the school's new transformation.
K-Dot graduated from CHS in 2005, while Dre attended the school during his freshman year in 1979, but transferred to Fremont High School in South Central Los Angeles due to poor grades. Other CHS alumni include West Coast hip-hop pioneer Alonzo "Lonzo" Williams, producer DJ Quik and rapper-songwriter Jason "Problem" Martin.
This will be Centennial High School's first major building project in 70 years and the new facility is reportedly projected to cost $270 million. Slated to open in 2029, this modern, state-of-the-art campus will serve about 1,800 students and replace the existing school building.
"Sometimes you hear that term full-circle. Well, this is a full-circle moment for me because I did actually attend this high school," said Dr. Dre during his speech. "Well, sometimes I attended," he jokingly added.
"On this day, I'm making a commitment and that commitment is to let go of the notion of giving back. Instead, I'm embracing the power of investing forward," he continued. "Now you may not know this about me, but I only in invest in things that have a powerful impact."
"And today isn't just about a new building, it's about the promise I kept to the city that made me, point, blank, period. And this groundbreaking is where the vision we shared for years finally hits the pavement," he added.
Kendrick didn't speak at the ceremony, but his beaming smile revealed his stamp of approval for this new state-of-art school for his alma mater.
Who Won ‘American Idol’ 2026? Season 24 Winner Revealed in May 11 Grand Finale (Spoiler ALERT)
The winner of American Idol‘s latest season has been crowned! The 24th season of Idol aired on ABC from January through May, with the three-hour live finale happening on Monday (May 11).
Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan led the latest season and they all performed during the live finale alongside a long roster of guest artists, many of whom did duets with the Top 10 contestants.
The Top 3 contestants this year were Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. The finale began with them each performing two songs before the first elimination of the night.
Keyla was voted off in third place, leaving Hannah and Jordan to perform two more times while trying to earn more votes from America. The final results were revealed at the end of the night.
And the winner of American Idol season 24 is…
Hannah Harper – Winner / First Place
Country singer Hannah Harper, a 25-year-old mom of three from Missouri, was announced as the winner of the season. She tearfully performed an encore rendition of “At The Cross” as her coronation song, but couldn’t get many words out as she was so overcome with emotion.
The winner of American Idol‘s latest season has been crowned! The 24th season of Idol aired on ABC from January through May, with the three-hour live finale happening on Monday (May 11).
Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan led the latest season and they all performed during the live finale alongside a long roster of guest artists, many of whom did duets with the Top 10 contestants.
The Top 3 contestants this year were Hannah Harper, Jordan McCullough, and Keyla Richardson. The finale began with them each performing two songs before the first elimination of the night.
Keyla was voted off in third place, leaving Hannah and Jordan to perform two more times while trying to earn more votes from America. The final results were revealed at the end of the night.
And the winner of American Idol season 24 is…
Hannah Harper – Winner / First Place
Country singer Hannah Harper, a 25-year-old mom of three from Missouri, was announced as the winner of the season. She tearfully performed an encore rendition of “At The Cross” as her coronation song, but couldn’t get many words out as she was so overcome with emotion.
Prince album with new music dropping this summer
Prince fans, brace yourselves: The attorney who helped build Prince’s legacy says the late musician’s music vault is vast, and the world is finally about to hear what’s inside.
A new album of original, previously unreleased Prince material is coming this summer, according to L. Londell McMillan, the attorney who has been central to managing and protecting the late artist’s estate.
“We’re going to have new songs this summer,” McMillan confirmed exclusively to The Scoop. “This is going to be new songs.”
A new album of original, previously unreleased Prince material is coming this summer, according to L. Londell McMillan, the attorney who has been central to managing and protecting the late artist’s estate.
“We’re going to have new songs this summer,” McMillan confirmed exclusively to The Scoop. “This is going to be new songs.”
Savannah Guthrie will host new ‘Wordle’ game show produced by Jimmy Fallon
Savannah Guthrie, a devoted Wordle player, has been announced as the host of a new show that will bring the online game to life.
On Monday, Jimmy Fallon stopped by “TODAY” to announce that he will be an executive producer of the “Wordle” game show, in partnership with The New York Times.
“We’ve been developing Wordle as a game show for the past two and a half years with the New York Times, and it’s official, we are making Wordle game show with our host, Savannah Guthrie!” Fallon said.
“We’ve been holding this secret between us for a long time now,” Guthrie added.
Fallon said it was a no-brainer for Savannah to host the show.
“We were looking, we’re like, ‘Who’s the perfect host for this? We need to have someone that looks like they play Wordle, someone that knows how to run a show and host it.’ And we did the pilot, and you are amazing,” he said.
Wordle, which launched in 2021 and was acquired by The New York Times a year later, has become a global phenomenon as players try to solve a new puzzle daily.
Guthrie has been a voracious Wordle player for years. In March 2025, she took on “every word nerd’s dream and possible nightmare” when she solved a mega-sized Wordle game on Time Square’s Mega-Zilla screen.
Before guessing the correct word, Guthrie, who called Wordle her “daily gaming obsession,” visited The New York Times’ offices for a behind-the-scenes look at how wordsmiths create the puzzles. At the time, Carson Daly mentioned turning Wordle into a game show, and she liked the idea.
Reacting to the news of her new gig, Daly said Guthrie is perfect for the job.
“She’s a perfect host. Loves games, super smart, awesome on TV. It’s going to be great,” he said.
The “TODAY” co-anchor will begin filming the “Wordle” game show this summer — and viewers can stay tuned about an air date.
Guthrie said the show was originally meant to film in March, and she thanked NBC, Fallon, The New York Times and Universal for pausing production amid the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie stepped away from “TODAY” to be with her family before returning on April 6.
“When everything happened with me and my family, they just stopped everything and said, ‘We’ll wait for you,’” Guthrie said. “And Hollywood is like a really tough business, as you know, and I didn’t expect that. And I just want to say, thank you. It means so much to me.”
“We can’t do it without you,” Fallon responded. “We need you, bud. You’re so good, and it’s so fun. I can’t wait for everyone to see it. It’s fantastic.”
Casting for the show is currently open. Applicants can visit https://wordle.castingcrane.com to apply. The deadline is May 29 at 5 p.m. PT.
Tamron Hall Reveals She Walked Away from $2 Million Contract with NBC When the “Today” Show Ended
Tamron Hall knew when to walk away. The 55-year-old journalist and talk show host reflected on her decision to leave NBC in 2017 in a new interview with Scott Evans during a live show of his House Guest series.
“A text message came from my then-agent and he said, ‘They're making a big change. You're no longer in. Here's what they're offering,' ” Hall recalled, noting that she also worked at Dateline and MSNBC Live at the time. “And he proceeded to bullet point in a text all these things that they were offering to keep me.”
Hall said she was on her way to MSNBC and about to go live in the 11 o'clock hour.
“I sit in a chair and I go, I'm almost, like, blacking out because your whole life is flashing before you,” she said. “I gotta text my mama. That's the first person I text. I text my mom and I said, ‘It's done.' ”
Sharing that she was being offered a $2 million a year contract, Hall said, “I wrote my agent back and I said, ‘I'll pass.' ”
When Evans expressed shock over Hall's decision, she replied, “All money's not good money. It's not.”
She also shared the message her mom, Mary Newton, gave her at the time.
“She said to me, ‘I am so proud of you because do you know how many times we've had to get off the sidewalk for someone else to walk?' I thought about all the other young Black women in journalism, and I said, ‘If they see me lose, they may think they can't win.' And that day is why I turned it down,” she explained. "I'm not trying to sound like I'm a scrifice or anything ... and I understood that that did not define me."
Hall was cut from Today in favor of Megyn Kelly, who replaced her 9 a.m. slot on the NBC morning show. At the time the TV personality and NBC released a joint statement, saying “We are disappointed that she has chosen to leave but we wish her all of the best,” with Hall adding that she was “excited about the next chapter.”
At the time, a source told PEOPLE, “Tamron was told many months ago, a long-term commitment could not be made to her regarding the 9 a.m. hour, but she was offered many millions of dollars to remain at Today and the network,” adding, “The staff is hurt and bewildered, and thinks once again Tamron has put herself above the team.”
At the time, the National Association of Black Journalists slammed NBC's decision to trade Hall and Al Roker's show for Kelly, and accused the network of “whitewashing.” A rep for the network countered: “NBC News has a long and proven history as an industry leader in newsroom diversity.” The network later agreed to meet with representatives of NABJ to discuss the matter.
Kelly's stint on Today was famously cut short after one year following backlash over remarks she made on Megyn Kelly Today when she questioned whether wearing wearing blackface was Halloween is racist. Kelly later apologized, saying on her show, “I defended the idea, saying as long as it was respectful and part of a Halloween costume, it seemed okay. Well I am wrong and I am sorry."
Hall went on to host her self-titled talk show, The Tamron Hall Show, which debuted in 2019 and was renewed for its eighth season in March, perVariety.
“A text message came from my then-agent and he said, ‘They're making a big change. You're no longer in. Here's what they're offering,' ” Hall recalled, noting that she also worked at Dateline and MSNBC Live at the time. “And he proceeded to bullet point in a text all these things that they were offering to keep me.”
Hall said she was on her way to MSNBC and about to go live in the 11 o'clock hour.
“I sit in a chair and I go, I'm almost, like, blacking out because your whole life is flashing before you,” she said. “I gotta text my mama. That's the first person I text. I text my mom and I said, ‘It's done.' ”
Sharing that she was being offered a $2 million a year contract, Hall said, “I wrote my agent back and I said, ‘I'll pass.' ”
When Evans expressed shock over Hall's decision, she replied, “All money's not good money. It's not.”
She also shared the message her mom, Mary Newton, gave her at the time.
“She said to me, ‘I am so proud of you because do you know how many times we've had to get off the sidewalk for someone else to walk?' I thought about all the other young Black women in journalism, and I said, ‘If they see me lose, they may think they can't win.' And that day is why I turned it down,” she explained. "I'm not trying to sound like I'm a scrifice or anything ... and I understood that that did not define me."
Hall was cut from Today in favor of Megyn Kelly, who replaced her 9 a.m. slot on the NBC morning show. At the time the TV personality and NBC released a joint statement, saying “We are disappointed that she has chosen to leave but we wish her all of the best,” with Hall adding that she was “excited about the next chapter.”
At the time, a source told PEOPLE, “Tamron was told many months ago, a long-term commitment could not be made to her regarding the 9 a.m. hour, but she was offered many millions of dollars to remain at Today and the network,” adding, “The staff is hurt and bewildered, and thinks once again Tamron has put herself above the team.”
At the time, the National Association of Black Journalists slammed NBC's decision to trade Hall and Al Roker's show for Kelly, and accused the network of “whitewashing.” A rep for the network countered: “NBC News has a long and proven history as an industry leader in newsroom diversity.” The network later agreed to meet with representatives of NABJ to discuss the matter.
Kelly's stint on Today was famously cut short after one year following backlash over remarks she made on Megyn Kelly Today when she questioned whether wearing wearing blackface was Halloween is racist. Kelly later apologized, saying on her show, “I defended the idea, saying as long as it was respectful and part of a Halloween costume, it seemed okay. Well I am wrong and I am sorry."
Hall went on to host her self-titled talk show, The Tamron Hall Show, which debuted in 2019 and was renewed for its eighth season in March, perVariety.
Cynthia Erivo Sets Hollywood Bowl Return with One-Night-Only Solo Concert in October
Cynthia Erivo is returning to the Hollywood Bowl stage for a one-night-only concert later this year!
The three-time Oscar-nominated actress has performed at the famed Los Angeles venue on multiple occasions over the years, including the venue’s Opening Night event in 2024 honoring the music of Henry Mancini and the acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2025.
Now, Cynthia will headline an evening of music titled “Let Me Sing to You” on October 15, 2026.
“Los Angeles, I’m coming back to my home away from home this fall, and I can’t wait to see you there,” she wrote on Instagram.
American Express is providing eligible Card Members access to Amex Presale Tickets® for the October 15 performance, available for purchase HERE starting Tuesday, May 12 at 10 AM PT, before the general public on-sale, while supplies last. Terms apply.
Additional pre-sale opportunities begin Wednesday, May 13, at 10 AM through Thursday, May 14, at 10 PM PT.
Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, May 15, at 10 AM PT.
Cynthia Erivo is returning to the Hollywood Bowl stage for a one-night-only concert later this year!The three-time Oscar-nominated actress has performed at the famed Los Angeles venue on multiple occasions over the years, including the venue’s Opening Night event in 2024 honoring the music of Henry Mancini and the acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 2025.
Now, Cynthia will headline an evening of music titled “Let Me Sing to You” on October 15, 2026.
“Los Angeles, I’m coming back to my home away from home this fall, and I can’t wait to see you there,” she wrote on Instagram.
American Express is providing eligible Card Members access to Amex Presale Tickets® for the October 15 performance, available for purchase HERE starting Tuesday, May 12 at 10 AM PT, before the general public on-sale, while supplies last. Terms apply.
Additional pre-sale opportunities begin Wednesday, May 13, at 10 AM through Thursday, May 14, at 10 PM PT.
Tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, May 15, at 10 AM PT.
David Attenborough’s 100th Birthday Honored With Stars And Royals At Royal Albert Hall
London marked the centenary of David Attenborough with a grand celebration on Friday evening, highlighted by a special BBC event at the Royal Albert Hall. The tribute, titled David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth, celebrated the extraordinary career of the acclaimed English broadcaster, natural historian, and conservationist. The event attracted an audience of 5,000 attendees and was later broadcast on the BBC with a slight delay.
The evening featured numerous prominent figures including Prince William, original Monty Python member Michael Palin, Bastille frontman Dan Smith, Icelandic band Sigur Rós, singer Sienna Spiro, and well-known naturalists such as Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham, and Anna Dimitriadis. During the event, Dimitriadis notably demonstrated a thermal imaging camera by locating actor Benedict Cumberbatch in the crowd. These guests joined David Attenborough on stage to honor his work on his actual birthday.
The festivities opened with a royal video greeting featuring King Charles III in a short film titled A Very Special Delivery. This charming piece depicted the king writing a 100th birthday letter to Attenborough, which was humorously delivered by various animals, including a hedgehog that delighted the audience with its appearance. The short film was produced by the BBC Studios’ natural history unit and added a whimsical touch to the celebrations.
Hollywood stars contributed heartfelt birthday messages through video, adding a global dimension to the tribute. Notable contributors included Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Olivia Colman, composer Hans Zimmer, and even the beloved fictional character Paddington Bear. The lineup also featured documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Glastonbury Festival organizer Emily Eavis, and music stars such as Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Raye, Camila Cabello, and Nile Rodgers.
Onstage, Michael Palin shared anecdotes about his longstanding friendship and friendly rivalry with David Attenborough. Palin humorously contrasted their travel styles, saying, "David is a more intrepid traveler than myself. When I see a swamp, I walk around it. David jumps in." Palin was the sole Monty Python member present at the event, symbolically becoming the “second python” of the evening after a snake featured in one of the highlight videos.
Prince William delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising Attenborough for transforming the public’s perception of Earth as our only home. The prince emphasized how Attenborough’s work has personally inspired him to deepen his commitment to environmental protection. He concluded by saying, "You have given us belief that positive change is still possible."
The evening featured numerous prominent figures including Prince William, original Monty Python member Michael Palin, Bastille frontman Dan Smith, Icelandic band Sigur Rós, singer Sienna Spiro, and well-known naturalists such as Steve Backshall, Liz Bonnin, Chris Packham, and Anna Dimitriadis. During the event, Dimitriadis notably demonstrated a thermal imaging camera by locating actor Benedict Cumberbatch in the crowd. These guests joined David Attenborough on stage to honor his work on his actual birthday.
The festivities opened with a royal video greeting featuring King Charles III in a short film titled A Very Special Delivery. This charming piece depicted the king writing a 100th birthday letter to Attenborough, which was humorously delivered by various animals, including a hedgehog that delighted the audience with its appearance. The short film was produced by the BBC Studios’ natural history unit and added a whimsical touch to the celebrations.
Hollywood stars contributed heartfelt birthday messages through video, adding a global dimension to the tribute. Notable contributors included Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Olivia Colman, composer Hans Zimmer, and even the beloved fictional character Paddington Bear. The lineup also featured documentary filmmaker Louis Theroux, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Glastonbury Festival organizer Emily Eavis, and music stars such as Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Raye, Camila Cabello, and Nile Rodgers.
Onstage, Michael Palin shared anecdotes about his longstanding friendship and friendly rivalry with David Attenborough. Palin humorously contrasted their travel styles, saying, "David is a more intrepid traveler than myself. When I see a swamp, I walk around it. David jumps in." Palin was the sole Monty Python member present at the event, symbolically becoming the “second python” of the evening after a snake featured in one of the highlight videos.
Prince William delivered a heartfelt tribute, praising Attenborough for transforming the public’s perception of Earth as our only home. The prince emphasized how Attenborough’s work has personally inspired him to deepen his commitment to environmental protection. He concluded by saying, "You have given us belief that positive change is still possible."
Baltimore Honors Tupac Shakur With Street Renaming And Citywide Tribute
Baltimore recently paid tribute to one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, Tupac Shakur, by renaming a key street in his honor. This significant gesture was led by Mayor Brandon Scott, who designated a section of Greenmount Avenue as Tupac Shakur Way, located in the North Baltimore neighborhood where the rapper spent his teenage years.
The dedication is more than just a new street sign; it represents the city’s recognition of Tupac Shakur’s lasting impact and his roots in Baltimore. The renamed street sits directly outside Penn Lucy, the community at the heart of Tupac’s formative years.
The celebrations began on May 8 at Camden Yards during a Baltimore Orioles game against the Athletics. Over 20,000 fans attended and received exclusive Tupac bobbleheads, a collectible that fans eagerly lined up early to obtain. This strong turnout highlighted the deep connection the city still feels toward the late artist.
Joining the event was Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, Tupac’s sister, who returned to Baltimore for the first time in 40 years. She oversees the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering peace and community development rather than violence. During the street dedication, she planted a peace pole—one of many the foundation places nationwide as a symbol of conflict resolution.
"Our plan and mission is to unify with the on-the-ground organizations here in this community. Follow students from kindergarten to college. We dedicate our resources, our brain, our heart, and income or funds to children from coming from this community, living through this community," Set shared at the ceremony.
Her commitment extends beyond words, as the foundation actively invests in Baltimore’s youth through education and community programs. This effort honors the city that shaped both her and her brother.
Tupac lived in Baltimore from ages 13 to 17 and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts between 1984 and 1988. These years were crucial in shaping his artistic and activist voice. The friendships he formed at the school, including with actress Jada Pinkett Smith, lasted throughout his life.
The recent events underscore how Baltimore continues to remember and celebrate Tupac Shakur decades after his passing. The city not only commemorates his legacy but also leverages it to inspire meaningful change and uplift the local community.
Baltimore recently paid tribute to one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures, Tupac Shakur, by renaming a key street in his honor. This significant gesture was led by Mayor Brandon Scott, who designated a section of Greenmount Avenue as Tupac Shakur Way, located in the North Baltimore neighborhood where the rapper spent his teenage years.
The dedication is more than just a new street sign; it represents the city’s recognition of Tupac Shakur’s lasting impact and his roots in Baltimore. The renamed street sits directly outside Penn Lucy, the community at the heart of Tupac’s formative years.
The celebrations began on May 8 at Camden Yards during a Baltimore Orioles game against the Athletics. Over 20,000 fans attended and received exclusive Tupac bobbleheads, a collectible that fans eagerly lined up early to obtain. This strong turnout highlighted the deep connection the city still feels toward the late artist.
Joining the event was Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, Tupac’s sister, who returned to Baltimore for the first time in 40 years. She oversees the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering peace and community development rather than violence. During the street dedication, she planted a peace pole—one of many the foundation places nationwide as a symbol of conflict resolution.
"Our plan and mission is to unify with the on-the-ground organizations here in this community. Follow students from kindergarten to college. We dedicate our resources, our brain, our heart, and income or funds to children from coming from this community, living through this community," Set shared at the ceremony.
Her commitment extends beyond words, as the foundation actively invests in Baltimore’s youth through education and community programs. This effort honors the city that shaped both her and her brother.
Tupac lived in Baltimore from ages 13 to 17 and attended the Baltimore School for the Arts between 1984 and 1988. These years were crucial in shaping his artistic and activist voice. The friendships he formed at the school, including with actress Jada Pinkett Smith, lasted throughout his life.
The recent events underscore how Baltimore continues to remember and celebrate Tupac Shakur decades after his passing. The city not only commemorates his legacy but also leverages it to inspire meaningful change and uplift the local community.
American cruise ship passenger tests positive for hantavirus after evacuation
A French woman and an American tested positive for the hantavirus, as nations around the world scrambled Monday to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship hit by a deadly outbreak and quarantine or isolate them.
Passengers from the ship began flying home aboard military and government planes Sunday after the MV Hondius anchored in the Canary Islands. Personnel in full-body protective gear and breathing masks escorted the travelers from ship to shore in Tenerife, an effort that continued Monday.
It is the first-ever outbreak of the rare hantavirus on a cruise ship, according to Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness. So far three cruise ship passengers have died, but health authorities continue to stress that the risk to the broader public is low.
The ship's captain, Jan Dobrogowski, issued a video message Monday praising passengers and crew for their perseverance and calling for respect for their privacy.
"I've witnessed your caring, your unity and quiet strength amongst everybody on board — guests and crew alike — and I must commend my crew for the courage and the selfless resolve that they showed time and again in the most difficult moments," he said. "I could not imagine sailing through these circumstances with a better group of people, guests and crew alike."
New cases in France, United States
The French woman tested positive for hantavirus and her health worsened in the hospital overnight, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said Monday. The woman was among five French passengers repatriated on Sunday. She developed symptoms on the flight to Paris, Rist told public broadcaster France-Inter.
One of 17 American passengers evacuated from the ship and flown to Nebraska also tested positive for the hantavirus but is not showing any symptoms, and another had mild symptoms, U.S. health officials said late Sunday. The flight landed in the early hours of Monday morning and passengers were transferred to awaiting buses and driven away from the airport.
The Americans would first be taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has a federally funded quarantine facility, to assess whether they have been in close contact with any symptomatic people and their risk levels for spreading the virus.
"One passenger will be transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit upon arrival, while other passengers will go to the National Quarantine Unit for assessment and monitoring. The passenger who is going to the Biocontainment Unit tested positive for the virus but does not have symptoms," said Kayla Thomas, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Medicine network that will help care for the passengers.
The university medical center also has a special unit for treating people with highly infectious diseases that was used early in the pandemic for COVID-19 patients and previously for Ebola patients.
The WHO recommended close monitoring of the former passengers, and many countries quarantined them.
The planes arriving in Tenerife were to fly out passengers from more than 20 countries in an evacuation effort that was due to wrap up on Monday.
A Dutch plane expected to reach Tenerife Monday afternoon will carry passengers that were previously going to be evacuated on a plane sent by Australia, Spain's Health Minister Mónica García said. On Monday, 54 passengers and crew remained on the ship, of which 22 were expected to disembark, while the remaining 32 will remain on the ship as it returns to the Netherlands.
Three people have died since the outbreak began, and six people have been infected, WHO spokesperson Sarah Tyler said Monday. She said one person from the U.S. showed inconclusive lab results.
The Hondius left the southern Argentine port of Ushuaia on April 1 and a Dutch passenger died on board April 11. It wasn't until early May that the World Health Organization said it was reacting to a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the ship, which by that time was off the West African island nation of Cape Verde.
Health officials say risk to public is low
Hantavirus usually spreads from rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people. But the Andes virus detected in the cruise ship outbreak may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms — which can include fever, chills and muscle aches — usually show between one and eight weeks after exposure.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday that the general public should not be worried about the outbreak. "This is not another COVID. And the risk to the public is low. So they shouldn't be scared, and they shouldn't panic."
WHO is recommending that passengers' home countries "have active monitoring and follow-up, which means daily health checks, either at home or in a specialized facility," said Van Kerkhove, the organization's top epidemiologist.
Numerous countries have said their people will be quarantined or hospitalized for observation.
The ship's captain, Dobrogowski, said his thoughts "are with the ones that are no longer with us, and whatever I say will not ease this loss, but I'd like you to know that they are with us every day in our hearts and our thoughts."
Passengers from the ship began flying home aboard military and government planes Sunday after the MV Hondius anchored in the Canary Islands. Personnel in full-body protective gear and breathing masks escorted the travelers from ship to shore in Tenerife, an effort that continued Monday.
It is the first-ever outbreak of the rare hantavirus on a cruise ship, according to Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's director of epidemic and pandemic preparedness. So far three cruise ship passengers have died, but health authorities continue to stress that the risk to the broader public is low.
The ship's captain, Jan Dobrogowski, issued a video message Monday praising passengers and crew for their perseverance and calling for respect for their privacy.
"I've witnessed your caring, your unity and quiet strength amongst everybody on board — guests and crew alike — and I must commend my crew for the courage and the selfless resolve that they showed time and again in the most difficult moments," he said. "I could not imagine sailing through these circumstances with a better group of people, guests and crew alike."
New cases in France, United States
The French woman tested positive for hantavirus and her health worsened in the hospital overnight, French Health Minister Stephanie Rist said Monday. The woman was among five French passengers repatriated on Sunday. She developed symptoms on the flight to Paris, Rist told public broadcaster France-Inter.
One of 17 American passengers evacuated from the ship and flown to Nebraska also tested positive for the hantavirus but is not showing any symptoms, and another had mild symptoms, U.S. health officials said late Sunday. The flight landed in the early hours of Monday morning and passengers were transferred to awaiting buses and driven away from the airport.
The Americans would first be taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which has a federally funded quarantine facility, to assess whether they have been in close contact with any symptomatic people and their risk levels for spreading the virus.
"One passenger will be transported to the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit upon arrival, while other passengers will go to the National Quarantine Unit for assessment and monitoring. The passenger who is going to the Biocontainment Unit tested positive for the virus but does not have symptoms," said Kayla Thomas, a spokesperson for the Nebraska Medicine network that will help care for the passengers.
The university medical center also has a special unit for treating people with highly infectious diseases that was used early in the pandemic for COVID-19 patients and previously for Ebola patients.
The WHO recommended close monitoring of the former passengers, and many countries quarantined them.
The planes arriving in Tenerife were to fly out passengers from more than 20 countries in an evacuation effort that was due to wrap up on Monday.
A Dutch plane expected to reach Tenerife Monday afternoon will carry passengers that were previously going to be evacuated on a plane sent by Australia, Spain's Health Minister Mónica García said. On Monday, 54 passengers and crew remained on the ship, of which 22 were expected to disembark, while the remaining 32 will remain on the ship as it returns to the Netherlands.
Three people have died since the outbreak began, and six people have been infected, WHO spokesperson Sarah Tyler said Monday. She said one person from the U.S. showed inconclusive lab results.
The Hondius left the southern Argentine port of Ushuaia on April 1 and a Dutch passenger died on board April 11. It wasn't until early May that the World Health Organization said it was reacting to a suspected hantavirus outbreak on the ship, which by that time was off the West African island nation of Cape Verde.
Health officials say risk to public is low
Hantavirus usually spreads from rodent droppings and is not easily transmitted between people. But the Andes virus detected in the cruise ship outbreak may be able to spread between people in rare cases. Symptoms — which can include fever, chills and muscle aches — usually show between one and eight weeks after exposure.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Sunday that the general public should not be worried about the outbreak. "This is not another COVID. And the risk to the public is low. So they shouldn't be scared, and they shouldn't panic."
WHO is recommending that passengers' home countries "have active monitoring and follow-up, which means daily health checks, either at home or in a specialized facility," said Van Kerkhove, the organization's top epidemiologist.
Numerous countries have said their people will be quarantined or hospitalized for observation.
The ship's captain, Dobrogowski, said his thoughts "are with the ones that are no longer with us, and whatever I say will not ease this loss, but I'd like you to know that they are with us every day in our hearts and our thoughts."
Katt Williams & Kevin Hart Seemingly End Longstanding Feud During Netflix Roast
Katt Williams and Kevin Hart may finally be calling a truce. During Netflix’s live “Roast of Kevin Hart” event, Katt made a surprise appearance and joked about their long-running tension before seemingly squashing the feud onstage.
The moment quickly went viral because the comedians have publicly traded shots for years — including Katt’s explosive 2024 appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay,” where he criticized several comedians, including Hart.
Netflix’s roast special featured several celebrity appearances, including Tom Brady, who also used the opportunity to roast Hart over his personal life and previous jokes made during Brady’s own Netflix roast in 2024.
The live event was part of the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Fest and streamed from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Katt Williams and Kevin Hart may finally be calling a truce. During Netflix’s live “Roast of Kevin Hart” event, Katt made a surprise appearance and joked about their long-running tension before seemingly squashing the feud onstage.
The moment quickly went viral because the comedians have publicly traded shots for years — including Katt’s explosive 2024 appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay,” where he criticized several comedians, including Hart.
Netflix’s roast special featured several celebrity appearances, including Tom Brady, who also used the opportunity to roast Hart over his personal life and previous jokes made during Brady’s own Netflix roast in 2024.
The live event was part of the 2026 Netflix Is a Joke Fest and streamed from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.
Entertainment mogul Byron Allen to acquire Buzzfeed, HuffPost
Digital entertainment company BuzzFeed Inc. is selling its majority stake to Los Angeles entertainment mogul Byron Allen for $120 million.
BuzzFeed announced the sale late Monday, saying Allen Family Digital had agreed to pay $3 apiece for 40 million shares, representing a 52% stake in the company.
Allen will pay $20 million in cash up front, with the remaining $100 million due in five years.
Who will be late-night TV’s last man standing? Byron Allen takes his shot
Aug. 11, 2025
As part of the deal, Allen also will take over HuffPost, another internet pioneer, owned by BuzzFeed.
The sale is expected to close later this month. BuzzFeed founder and current chief Jonah Peretti will transition to a new role as president of BuzzFeed AI.
Allen will become chairman and chief executive. “This investment in our business and Byron’s management roles will provide liquidity and operational focus to BuzzFeed,” Peretti said in a statement.
Once an internet darling valued at $1.5 billion, the 20-year-old site appealed to consumers with its lists, splashy news articles and quizzes, including “Which ‘Schitt’s Creek’ character are you?”
BuzzFeed has been on the ropes, financially, for a number of years. It bought HuffPost in 2021 to bolster its readership and offerings to advertisers. Three years ago, it pulled the plug on its once-ubiquitous BuzzFeed News unit.
BuzzFeed reported a $15-million net loss in the first quarter of the year. The company generated $31.6 million in revenue, a 12.4% decline compared to the year-ago period. Ad revenue fell nearly 20% year-over-year to $17.1 million. However, content revenue grew more than 50% to $7.5 million.
BuzzFeed soon will make another round of significant cost cuts prior to Allen’s takeover, Peretti said in the statement. He added that BuzzFeed Studios and Tasty will spin off to form a new independent entity.
The deal comes at a busy time for Allen, a former stand-up comedian who is taking over CBS’ late night block later this month, replacing “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which is being canceled by CBS and its owner, Paramount Skydance.
Earlier this month, Allen sold television stations in nearly a dozen markets owned by the Allen Media Group to Atlanta-based Gray Media Inc. for about $170 million.
Allen still owns 13 network-affiliate stations in nearly a dozen markets, the Weather Channel‘s linear cable channel and digital outlets, including Pets.TV and Comedy.TV.
“Our vision is to build on the iconic foundation of BuzzFeed and HuffPost by expanding into free-streaming video, audio and user-generated content,” Allen said. “BuzzFeed is officially chasing YouTube to become another premiere free video streaming service.”
BuzzFeed announced the sale late Monday, saying Allen Family Digital had agreed to pay $3 apiece for 40 million shares, representing a 52% stake in the company.
Allen will pay $20 million in cash up front, with the remaining $100 million due in five years.
Who will be late-night TV’s last man standing? Byron Allen takes his shot
Aug. 11, 2025
As part of the deal, Allen also will take over HuffPost, another internet pioneer, owned by BuzzFeed.
The sale is expected to close later this month. BuzzFeed founder and current chief Jonah Peretti will transition to a new role as president of BuzzFeed AI.
Allen will become chairman and chief executive. “This investment in our business and Byron’s management roles will provide liquidity and operational focus to BuzzFeed,” Peretti said in a statement.
Once an internet darling valued at $1.5 billion, the 20-year-old site appealed to consumers with its lists, splashy news articles and quizzes, including “Which ‘Schitt’s Creek’ character are you?”
BuzzFeed has been on the ropes, financially, for a number of years. It bought HuffPost in 2021 to bolster its readership and offerings to advertisers. Three years ago, it pulled the plug on its once-ubiquitous BuzzFeed News unit.
BuzzFeed reported a $15-million net loss in the first quarter of the year. The company generated $31.6 million in revenue, a 12.4% decline compared to the year-ago period. Ad revenue fell nearly 20% year-over-year to $17.1 million. However, content revenue grew more than 50% to $7.5 million.
BuzzFeed soon will make another round of significant cost cuts prior to Allen’s takeover, Peretti said in the statement. He added that BuzzFeed Studios and Tasty will spin off to form a new independent entity.
The deal comes at a busy time for Allen, a former stand-up comedian who is taking over CBS’ late night block later this month, replacing “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which is being canceled by CBS and its owner, Paramount Skydance.
Earlier this month, Allen sold television stations in nearly a dozen markets owned by the Allen Media Group to Atlanta-based Gray Media Inc. for about $170 million.
Allen still owns 13 network-affiliate stations in nearly a dozen markets, the Weather Channel‘s linear cable channel and digital outlets, including Pets.TV and Comedy.TV.
“Our vision is to build on the iconic foundation of BuzzFeed and HuffPost by expanding into free-streaming video, audio and user-generated content,” Allen said. “BuzzFeed is officially chasing YouTube to become another premiere free video streaming service.”
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Ugg season in Montreal
Uggs at Walmart? Lol
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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