THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM

Monday, October 2, 2023

The Daily Buzz For Oct 3 ☕📰☕

#FASHIONFILES: Tiffany and Co’s “Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue” High Jewelry in Grazia International

Photographer Axle Jozeph [IG] captures “Age of Aquarius”, a GRAZIA International [IG] high jewelry story featuring Tiffany and Co’s “Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue” collection. The precious pieces celebrate Jean Schlumberger’s fascination with fantastical creatures of the deep blue sea.

The focus of GRAZIA’s 15th print edition is “Elemental” and sea creatures-inspired high jewelry is perfectly harmonized with the theme. Anna Castan styles the ‘“Age of Aquarius” story with model Milly [IG]. Dane Stojanovic provides creative direction to this strikingly gorgeous story./ Makeup by Maina Militza; hair by Alexis Parente

Tiffany & Co hosted a fashion show styled by Carine Roitfeld at its landmark Fifth Avenue location at the September launch of New York Fashion Week.

About 25 pieces from the “Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue” collection were featured with select ready-to-wear and haute couture ensembles from the LVMH-owned Givenchy Fall/Winter 2023 collection.

The full fall 2023 presentation of the collection designed by Nathalie Verdeille, Tiffany & Co.'s chief artistic officer of jewelry and high jewelry, officially launches in October in Shanghai. In addition to the existing themes of Shell, Coral, Pisces, Star Urchin, and Starfish, a new theme of Sea Anemone is explored.

"The theme captures the unfettered imagination inherent in all of Jean Schlumberger's meditations on wildlife. Balancing restraint with inhibition, grace and complexity, this chapter goes far beyond the familiar as we explore the sea creature through a fantastical aperture," Verdeille explained in a press briefing at the event.

The artistic director was joined by Tiffany & Co. chief gemologist and vice president of high jewelry gemstone acquisition Victoria Wirth Reynolds.

#RHOA: NeNe Leakes Claims ‘Black Girls’ Are Treated Differently to White Real Housewives

Bethenny Frankel’s “reality reckoning” continues, and now, she has an ally in NeNe Leakes. The former star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta sat down for a lengthy interview on Bethenny’s podcast this week. There’s nothing better than two former employees getting together to trash their former employer. They have nothing to lose, and that’s when they’re at their best.

During the chat, Bethenny gave NeNe the opportunity to speak on her discrimination complaint against Bravo. It’s been well over a year since NeNe first called out Bravo and Andy Cohen for unfair treatment. But, this is the first time another person from within the Bravo universe allowed NeNe to fully air out her complaints. On the podcast, NeNe didn’t mince any words. She fully believes that the Black Real Housewives are treated differently than the white ones.

A behind-the-scenes double standard

During the interview, Nene reflected on the infamous RHOA scene where she grabbed the cameraman by the t-shirt to prevent him from going into her closet. That moment didn’t do NeNe any favors, and it was the beginning of NeNe’s fall from grace. In contrast, NeNe explained to Bethenny how white Housewives have gotten away with much more egregious behavior.

“This is where I think we get different treatment and there’s a difference in how we’re treated because there are so many girls doing things. You had Teresa [Giudice] flipping a table, Teresa pushing Andy down, you had girls busting glasses. You got people doing all kinds of stuff, but me grabbing the camera guy’s shirt, they acted as if it was so freaking major,” NeNe explained.

Comparing peaches to oranges

NeNe continued to reflect on her final days of negotiations before ultimately deciding to leave RHOA. According to her, she was only being offered six episodes for Season 13. The producers chopped it up to the fact that she seemed “unhappy.” NeNe felt like her status on the show should have guaranteed her better treatment. Or, at least, it should have guaranteed her a more valid reason for being demoted. In comparison, she referenced how when Teresa went to jail, The Real Housewives of New Jersey went on pause until she returned.

NeNe argued, “I’m the only original housewife on the show, and all the original housewives on their shows, all white women, and they are all given full episodes, and I’m the only Black original on my show, and I was given less. I was given six, and they were given 18.”

According to NeNe, she was willing to sign on for the part-time role. She gave credit to the encouragement of Gregg Leakes and her team at the time. But, things changed when she got into a meeting with the network executives. She claimed they tried to pressure her into feuding with Kandi Burruss upon her return to the show. NeNe didn’t want to do that. She felt that because it was the height of the Black Lives Matter movement, it was an inappropriate request.

NeNe claimed, “I think we had some issues the season prior to and they wanted to make sure I confronted her and addressed her and I said, ‘No, I really don’t want to do that. This is Black Lives Matter and I don’t want to do that.’ And I didn’t do it. I felt like it was Black Lives Matter. I should have been there, they were trying to push me out at a time that was very important in the Black culture and if I appeared that season they wanted me to argue with Kandi and that was something I did not want to do.”

Retaliation after Season 13

When discussing the racial disparities among Housewives, another sticking point for NeNe was her notorious reunion exit from Season 13. It was the virtual reunion because of the pandemic. Famously, Nene slammed her laptop shut and left the reunion out of frustration. According to her, she’s been blacklisted ever since.

On the other hand, she referenced the fact that Kim Zolciak walked off from RHOA in the middle of the season and ended up being rewarded with a spinoff show. Similarly, Lisa Vanderpump skipped her final reunion on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, yet continued to be rewarded with spinoff shows on Bravo and beyond.

NeNe told Bethenny that behind the scenes, she had been complaining to the network about this kind of unfair treatment for years, but her complaints were ignored. Even after NeNe raised the legal complaint about Bravo’s discriminatory behavior, she never once heard from anyone at the network.

“I don’t know their response [to the lawsuit] because I have worked with this company for a long time. I had issues, you would think that someone there would have said, ‘Let’s pick up the phone and talk to her and see what’s happening.’ They never picked up the phone. No one ever wanted to speak to me,” NeNe alleged.

At this point, her complaints are loud and clear. She’s years removed from the show at this point, so she has nothing to lose. They ignored her before, but will anyone listen now that she has Bethenny’s cosign?

#MusicNews: Usher headlining Detroit Jingle Ball in December

Before he graces the Super Bowl halftime stage in February, Usher will touch down in Detroit for Jingle Ball in December.

The superstar performer is headlining Channel 955's (WKQI-FM) holiday concert at Little Caesars Arena on Dec. 5, venue officials announced Friday. He'll lead a lineup that also includes Jelly Roll, Lil Durk, Big Time Rush, Flo Rida, Doechii, Kaliiii and (G)I-DLE.

Usher performs at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Nov. 4, 2014.

Pre-sale tickets go on sale for Capital One cardholders beginning at 10 a.m. Tuesday, and tickets go on sale to the general public via Ticketmaster at 12 p.m. Oct. 6.

The concert is part of a national run of Jingle Ball showcases, which also includes dates in Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Boston and more.

Each ticket sold will include a $1 donation to the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which benefits children.

On Sept. 24, Usher was announced as the halftime entertainment for the 2024 Super Bowl, which will take place Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

#HipHopNews: Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg Show Up For U2's Opening Of New Las Vegas Venue

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg have long since established themselves as one of the most iconic duos in the realm of Hip Hop. So, it’s only natural that excitement would ensue whenever these two luminaries reunite.

On Friday, (September 29) the pair made their way to the opening night of Las Vegas’ immersive new Sphere venue, where rock band U2 held the inaugural show.

“N*gga came to see U2 man,” began Snoop in a video clip shared via Instagram, highlighting the venue space.

According to Billboard, the evening was chock-full of magic, including floor-to-ceiling graphics, an intimate conversation with Bono, a tribute to U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. (who sat out the gig as he recovered from surgery), and a setlist full of old classics.

Other celebrities in attendance included Bryan Cranston, Sir Paul McCartney, executive (and longtime Dr. Dre business partner) Jimmy Iovine, Diplo, Luke Wilson, Jon Hamm, Dakota Fanning, Aaron Paul, Elizabeth Banks, Josh Duhamel, and many more.

In music news, the dynamic duo have been hard at work conjuring up their forthcoming album, Missionary.

In June, Snoop shared a photo of Dre sitting behind the boards, coffee in hand, as he chipped away at some new tunes.

The pair were previously spotted reuniting in the studio last March, with Snoop announcing on Instagram: “The Chronic is bac home.” Snoop then confirmed during a red carpet appearance last summer with ET that the two were in fact “cooking up” something new.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with From The Desk Of Lo, The D.O.C.,who was enlisted to help the pair put the final touches on the project, revealed it sounds like the perfect balance between old and new.

“I plan on going to LA for a week next week to help Snoop and Dre finish Snoop’s Missionary album,” the former N.W.A affiliate said. “We all haven’t worked together seriously — where we’re all in a creative space — in a long time. And we’re all in a space where we wanna do something great so it should be a cool week. We should come up with two or three really great records since we’re all in this kind of space.”

He added: “We love each other. Y’know, those are my brothers — I want them to win and they want me to win. We work for each other’s wins and that’s just what that is. We’re lucky if everybody’s in the right headspace, that’s the tricky part. But right now, in this moment, I think we’re all in that space where we’re ready to do some new shit.”

About the upcoming album feeling like a family reunion, he said, “It sounds like what Snoop’s next record would’ve been like on Death Row, that’s what it sounds like.”

IT’S HERE! Beyonce Unveils Dramatic Trailer For 'Renaissance' Concert Film

Beyonce Knowles has officially announced her upcoming "Renaissance" concert film. Shortly after concluding the world tour in Kansas City, Missouri on Sunday, December 1, she dropped the first trailer for the movie titled "Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce".

The dramatic trailer highlights Beyonce's vision and goal for the "Renaissance" world tour. "The goal for this tour was to create a place where everyone is free, and no one is judged," the R&B diva says in the video, followed by the word "unique" echoing.

Offering glimpses of her epic costumes and stage performances, the trailer also gives an intimate look at Bey's family, including her husband Jay-Z, eldest daughter Blue Ivy as well as twins Sir and Rumi, who has been following and supporting her during the tour.

WATCH

"When I am performing, I am nothing but free," the 42-year-old says in the trailer. At the end of the two-minute video, she concludes, "I feel liberated. I have transitioned into a new animal."

According to the official synopsis, the film "accentuates the journey of 'RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR', from its inception, to the opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyonce's intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyonce's 'RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR' created a sanctuary for freedom, and shared joy, for more than 2.7 million fans."

"Renaissance: A Film by Beyonce" is set to hit theaters on December 1. Tickets for the film are available for purchase now. Posting the trailer on her Instagram page, Bey teased her followers as she wrote in the caption, "Be careful what you ask for, 'cause I just might comply."

Prior to the release of the trailer, it was reported that Beyonce was in final talks to release the concert film through AMC theaters.

#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Paw Patrol’ Sequel Leads Weekend Box Office Beats ‘Saw X’ as it Takes #2

PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie brought in $23 million during its first weekend in North American theaters, making almost double the $13 million its 2021 predecessor—titled PAW Patrol: The Movie—brought in on its opening weekend, though it also debuted on Paramount+ at the time.

Saw X brought in about $18 million, which also reported the new film in the franchise was below the horror series’ average opening weekend of $23 million—though it did do better than the debuts of the franchise’s 2021 and 2017 installments, according to data from Box Office Mojo.

The Creator, a Gareth Edwards film about a war between humans and artificial intelligence, took the third spot at the box office, bringing in $14 million.

In fourth place was The Nun 2, another horror flick that brought in just $4.7 million in its fourth weekend, Box Office Mojo reported, after holding the No. 1 box office spot for its first three weekends in theaters.

Saw III had the biggest debut weekend of the franchise’s now-10 films, bringing in $33.6 million, according to Box Office Mojo. Saw X is on track to have the fourth-lowest opening weekend, following Spiral (the ninth installment that brought in $8.7 million), Saw VI (which brought in $14 million) and Jigsaw (the eighth installment that brought in $16.6 million). The 10th installment is on track to open just behind the original Saw, which brought in $18.2 million with its 2004 debut.

Though Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie opened much stronger than PAW Patrol: The Movie, the two films—which are based on the animated kids’ TV show PAW Patrol—are looking almost identical in terms of audience and critics’ ratings. On Rotten Tomatoes, the original film drew a critics score of 80% and an audience score of 97%, and the sequel—as of Sunday afternoon—has a critics score of 81% and an audience score of 94%.

$231 million. That’s how much The Nun 2 has grossed globally—$76.7 million of which has been domestic—despite its slower fourth weekend. It’s trailing behind 2018’s The Nun, which brought in $117 million in North America and $366 million globally, according to Box Office Mojo data.

Billy Porter has 'survivor's guilt' over living with HIV

"It's not lost on me that I am part of the generation that has kicked the door down, and I get to walk through that door – that doesn’t happen often."

Initially, the'Pose' star believed he "should have known better" and felt shame in contracting the disease, but has since become more optimistic.

He said: Now I understand that I'm here to speak for that generation and remind the world of who we are and [who we have] always been.

"Our contributions will be honoured and I get to be a part of making sure that happens and that is a gift to me."

Billy has also taken the responsibility of educating the younger generations on acceptance, love and unity through all communities.

He explained: "We've been living in such a progressive space for so long, there is a full generation of young people that were born into rights that you didn't know didn’t even exist 10 or 20 years ago."

The star wants to continue his teachings with 'The Black Mona Lisa' album, on which his songs are filled with messages of acceptance and support.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the record, he said: "I grew up with protest music. There's not a lot of that anymore. Everybody is so afraid to speak.

"This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilisations heal."

See Greg Mathis Jr.'s Boyfriend Elliott Pop the Question on Mathis Family Matters

Greg Mathis Jr.'s longtime boyfriend Elliott Cooper has a very special question for him on the season finale of E!'s Mathis Family Matters.

"Greg, you know I love you, so I wanted to ask you something," Elliott tells Greg Jr. while at dinner with the rest of the Mathis family in this sneak peek. Kneeling down on one knee, he hands Greg Jr. a box, saying, "Take this."

As the family watches in anticipation, Elliott continues, "We've been together for a very long time. We've been through a whole lot together. I couldn't be here without you, and with that, I wanted to ask, will you…move to L.A. with me?"

The entire dinner table erupts in laughter as Greg Jr. accepts his boyfriend's proposal with an enthusiastic, "I sure will!" Inside the box is a set of matching grills, one for him and one for Elliott.

It's not long before the group realizes Greg Jr. was in on the whole thing, as he turns around with his shiny teeth and announces, "We're moving to L.A.!"

Fans of the show know that the couple had moved to California after living together in Washington D.C., and even bought a house with Greg Jr.'s sister Jade Mathis. But it wasn't until now that they decided to make the move permanent.

Expecting a marriage proposal, Camara Mathis grills Greg Jr. in a confessional, saying, "You can't take my emotions on a roller coaster like that. I mean, how rude."

Back at the dinner table, Amir Mathis asks his brother why he and Elliott chose grills to cement their latest relationship milestone. "It's more edgy," Greg Jr. says. "It's more L.A."

"I've never seen one person with a grill in L.A.," Amir responds, to which Greg Jr. jokingly claps back, "Well, that's because you hang out in the bougie part."

Catch the season finale of Mathis Family Matters this Sunday, Aug. 14, at 10 p.m. on E!.

Gov. Gavin Newsom chooses Laphonza Butler to fill Dianne Feinstein's Senate seat

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has chosen Laphonza Butler, the president of EMILY's List, to fill the seat of the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the governor's office confirmed to NBC News.

She will be the third Black woman to ever serve in the Senate, as well as the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the chamber. Politico first reported Newsom's choice of Butler.

Feinstein, the longest-serving woman in the Senate, died Thursday at age 90.

In California, the governor has the power to appoint a senator to serve until the next regularly scheduled statewide general election. That means Butler will serve until the next senator, whom voters will choose in the November 2024 election, is sworn in.

Butler has led EMILY's List, which works to elect Democratic women, since 2021, when she became the first Black woman to lead the organization. On Friday, she posted a tribute to Feinstein on social media, calling her "a titan in the Senate" and "a legendary figure for women in politics and around the country."

Butler's professional career has been rooted in California, where she led SEIU Local 2015, the largest union in the state. She has also been a longtime ally of Vice President Kamala Harris, a member of the University of California Board of Regents and the director of public policy and campaigns in North America for Airbnb.

Butler currently lives in Maryland, but, the governor's office said, she owns a home in California and will switch her voter registration.

Newsom, a Democrat, had provided substantial clues in recent months about how he'd choose Feinstein's replacement if her seat were to become vacant.

He had said that he would appoint a Black woman if either of California’s Senate seats opened up. He also said on NBC News' “Meet the Press” last month that while he “didn’t want to make another appointment," it knew it was his "responsibility."

Newsom also said that his choice would amount to an “interim” appointment and that he wouldn't appoint any of the candidates who had been running to succeed Feinstein in 2024. They include Reps. Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff and Katie Porter.

Choosing any of them, Newsom said, “would be completely unfair” to the candidates “who have worked their tails off” in their campaigns.

Butler, however, won't have any constraints on her plans and will be free to run for the seat if she chooses. A spokesperson for EMILY's List didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

It's not yet clear when she will be sworn in; the earliest it could happen is Tuesday afternoon, when the Senate goes back into session.

The Congressional Black Caucus had urged Newsom to appoint Lee, saying she was the "only person with the courage, the vision, and the record to eradicate poverty, face down the fossil fuel industry, defend our democracy, and tirelessly advance the progressive agenda.

Newsom previously appointed then-California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to the Senate seat left vacant after Harris was elected vice president; the latest appointment means he will have chosen both senators in the state.

Aside from Harris and now Butler, Carol Moseley Braun of Illinois was the only other Black female senator.

Voters in the state will head to the polls in a March 5 Senate primary election. California uses a blanket primary, meaning all candidates from all parties appear on the same primary ballot, with the two top vote-getters advancing to the general election in November, regardless of their political parties.

Feinstein, who had been the oldest member of the Senate, as well as the longest-serving female senator and the longest-serving senator from California, announced in February that she’d planned to retire at the end of 2024, when her term was up.

But she had faced repeated calls to resign over concerns about her health. After Feinstein missed votes in February, her spokesperson said days later that "the senator is in California this week dealing with a health matter” and “hopes to return to Washington soon.”

Feinstein had also faced pressure in recent years to step down to make way for younger lawmakers. In April 2022, she pushed back against a news report in the San Francisco Chronicle citing multiple anonymous colleagues' expressing worries that she was mentally unfit to serve. “I remain committed to do what I said I would when I was re-elected in 2018: fight for Californians,” she said then.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman says he activated fire alarm by mistake before budget vote

Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York says he mistakenly triggered a fire alarm in a congressional office building Saturday afternoon as elected officials were preparing to vote on a spending bill to avert a potential government shutdown.

Republicans alleged that Bowman was trying to delay the vote and have called for him to be punished, but the Democrat said in a statement that the incident occurred as he was rushing to cast his vote and arrived at a closed door that is usually open.

"I am embarrassed to admit that I activated the fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open the door," he said. "I regret this and sincerely apologize for any confusion this caused."

Congress passes spending stopgap, averting a shutdown hours before midnight deadline

Bowman emphasized that he was not attempting to hold up the House vote. "It was the exact opposite — I was trying urgently to get to a vote, which I ultimately did and joined my colleagues in a bipartisan effort to keep our government open."

The Associated Press reported that the fire alarm sounded as House Democrats were hoping to delay a vote on the 71-page stopgap spending measure proposed by Republicans so they could have more time to read the bill.

Both chambers ultimately approved a spending bill Saturday, and President Biden signed it shortly before the midnight deadline, avoiding a government shutdown.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican from California, suggested that Bowman triggered the fire alarm on purpose to force a government shutdown and said the House Ethics Committee should review what happened.

McCarthy also made reference to the rioters who stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election won by Biden.

"When you think of how other people are treated when they wanted to come in and change the course of what was happening in this building," McCarthy said.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York, said on Saturday that he hadn't seen the video of Bowman pulling the fire alarm and "until I see the video I'll have no further comment."

Paul Starks, a spokesperson for the United States Capitol Police, said a fire alarm was activated at 12:05 p.m. Saturday on the second floor of the Cannon House Office Building. USCP officers initiated an evacuation and checked the building, he added.

"The building was reopened after it was determined that there was not a threat," Starks said. "An investigation into what happened and why continues."

Bowman said he met with the Sergeant at Arms and the Capitol Police after the vote to explain what occurred.

Supermodel Iman Says She Boycotted Celine Bags After Claiming the Designer Made Racist Remarks After Feeling ‘Forced’ to Hire Black Models

Iman is not shelling out money to support designers who refuse or push back on hiring Black models. In her own way, the fashion icon has been quietly boycotting a luxury brand’s coveted handbags after an encounter that took place a decade ago.

A “Sway’s Universe” interview from 2022 has begun recirculating on Twitter, where the Somalian beauty shared her story.

In it, she explained how her Diversity Coalition — which includes Naomi Campbell and former model Bethann Hardison — put fashion houses and the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. on notice about their lack of non-white models in shows heading into the 2013 New York Fashion Week.

Iman claimed that runway casting agents were reaching out to agencies in search of only white talent. The agents “would say, ‘We’re not seeing Black models this season.’ As if we were a trend to be disposed of,” she claimed.

The Iman Cosmetics founder further explained that highlighting the racist practices “was not about calling them out or canceling them out. Was actually calling them in and making them understand first. I’m giving you the opportunity to know what casting agents are saying on your behalf. Now, if you’re okay with that, then I’m going to call you words.”

The “Star Trek VI” actress alleged that designer Phoebe Philo was especially resistant to the thought of having a diverse cast of models represent the Celine brand. Philo served as creative director from 2008 until 2018, when she retired. Under her guidance, Celine’s bags became a must-have item among celebrities and the wealthy.

“Every woman, Black, white, of every age that I know of coveted Céline bags. You know, it was always on a wait list, wait list, wait list,” said Iman. Philo had never used Black models to represent the line. Her response to the Diversity Coalition’s call to action made it clear she was uninterested in changing course.

“She said, ‘Am I going to be forced to use Black models?’ I said, ‘No. There’s gotta be the right Black model for you. You know, there can’t be no Black model that’s not right for you,’” recalled Iman.

“Just by she saying that, I said — and I did this because I’ve done it but I never said it, you know, publicly — I said for the action that she’s saying she has to have the choice not to use Black models, that’s why I have never bought a Celine bag.”

“She has the right to her runway, and I have a right to my pocketbook … that’s what I mean by boycott. It’s like it’s lots of bags I can own. I don’t need a Celine bag, especially if she feels nothing for me,” continued the icon.

Philo is expected to make her fashion return with the reported launch of her eponymous line by the end of the month. More of Iman’s stories of the industry can be found in the “Supreme Models” documentary on YouTube.

Liberty advance to WNBA Finals to set up super-team matchup with Aces

The MVP chants rang loud through Mohegan Sun Arena from the large pockets of seafoam green-clad New York Liberty fans spread in different sections. They were meant for Breanna Stewart, the first MVP in franchise history, as she kept stepping to the free-throw line in front of a harsh sea of Connecticut Sun orange.

It would be easy to believe they were for a former MVP on their roster.

Jonquel Jones won the 2021 MVP award playing in that very arena, but when she came to Connecticut for the weekend, it was in seafoam green as the first offseason move in the Liberty’s super-team era. Her free throws, steal and defensive rebound in the final minute of Game 4 secured a 87-84 win for the No. 2 seed and New York’s first trip to the Finals since 2002.

“JJ has been amazing, so we continue to make sure we’re throwing the ball into her,” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello said. “But it wasn’t just in the post-ups. It was the big 3s and the free throws, so well done.”

“The steal was nice,” Stewart, who won MVP in 2018 and again last week in a tight three-person race, interjected to quick agreement from Brondello.

Jones had 25 points, 15 rebounds, four blocks, two assists and the final steal that mattered the most to ensure a meeting of the appointed super-teams. She was 9-of-12 from the free-throw line and made 2-of-3 3s. The No. 1 seed Las Vegas Aces clinched their berth on Friday with a sweep of the Dallas Wings. The best-of-five Finals series tips off Sunday (3 p.m. ET, ABC) in Las Vegas. Game 1 is already sold out, the Aces announced.

It’s a massive stat line showcasing Jones’ importance to this team of five All-Stars. Stewart led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds. Betnijah Laney had 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. All five starters, which included Sabrina Ionescu and Courtney Vandersloot, hit at least one 3 to finish 45.5% from beyond the arc.

The only time the Liberty lost when Jones had a double-double this season was Game 1 of the semifinals against the Sun. Jones had a quiet start to her first season in New York and was hampered by a foot injury. Part of it was melding a team of stars together for the first time, and Brondello credited the center for letting the game come to her in recent weeks and months.

“What about just JJ working really bloody hard to get positioned?” Brondello said. “That’s how it works. She had a lot of people around her at different times, but she was just massive.”

The Liberty held a three-point lead thanks to her two free throws with 45 seconds left and the Sun inbounding the ball. Connecticut had stormed back from as many as 11 points down and created a thrilling final four minutes for the 8,196 in attendance and more watching on ABC. Jones prevented Connecticut’s chance to tie by tipping away the pass meant for Alyssa Thomas up top.

“I just felt like [Thomas] was gonna pop out and try to get the ball and I felt like I was in a really good position to make the play and I just went and did it,” Jones said.

The 6-foot-6 center was fouled on the layup attempt and added two more free throws. She went 1-of-2 on the next set when she was fouled on the rebound to give the Liberty enough distance. Ty Harris hit a 3-pointer to cut it to a one-point deficit and New York ran out the final 9.4 seconds.

Her mini moments, such as the late steal, made the difference in a game the Liberty wanted to be rid of the always troublesome Sun and enjoy a week of rest from games before the Finals.

With time ticking off the first half, Jones blocked DeWanna Bonner for Laney to collect the defensive rebound. It was her second thunderous block of the day. Laney hit Ionescu in transition, whose bucket with 0.7 seconds left gave New York a 45-44 lead at the break. The Liberty scored the first seven points of the second half, which included two free throws by Jones, to provide a cushion until the Sun took the lead back with four minutes to go.

“[It was] massive. It’s like momentum changes,” Brondello said.

Jones did the same with a 3-pointer at 3:25 of the fourth quarter on an assist from Ionescu. The wide-open look gave the Liberty the lead back, 74-72, right after they lost it for the first time since that block. When Thomas answered on a drive that tied the game for a fourth time, Stewart hit a 3 on an assist from Vandersloot at 2:08 that gave New York a lead it didn’t relinquish despite constant Sun pushes.

Brondello said the theme of the day was “relentlessly persistent.”

“Because that’s what Game 4s require,” she said. “This is a day I’m really proud of. When you bring all these amazing players together, we work a lot on our culture. And I think you can see where it connected. Because when you have connection, you have commitment. And these girls are committed to each other and this program and how we want to play so it’s great to watch.”

Jones was acquired in a trade with the Sun in January, kick-starting the commitment the front office made to winning a title this year. Stewart and Vandersloot signed in free agency the following month. They already won the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup against Vegas in August, which was the first team trophy won in franchise history.

When she was done with her broadcast interview, Jones went over to her fiancée in the family section at the corner of the stands. As they embraced, the fans in Liberty jerseys who have waited 27 years and counting for a WNBA title roared and didn’t stop until she exited the tunnel.

The seventh-year veteran has been here in this exact spot before, leaving this arena with a championship in reach. The Sun made it to the semifinals for a fifth consecutive season. Thomas, the engine of their success, posted another postseason triple-double with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists. Four other Sun players reached double-digit scoring, but as DiJonai Carrington (14 points) noted postgame, it was two All-Stars on their team versus five on the Liberty. And five on the Aces.

Jones has also left the arena knowing it’s over. The Sun have never won a championship, though they went to two Finals in her time. Her 2022 season, which ended up being her last of a six-year run in Connecticut, ceased at Mohegan when the Aces edged the Sun in Game 4 of the Finals.

“I just remember a lot of emotions. Obviously, disappointment and all of that,” said Jones, who was the last to leave the court after that Sun loss. “And I think it’s a blessing, the beauty of sports to be able to be with this team and be able to be going into Finals and having the opportunity again.”

Jones and the Liberty will look to steal a game against A’ja Wilson, a two-time MVP, and the Aces when the clash of the super-teams tips off after a season of expecting it.

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are basically Instagram official after starring in a new Gucci campaign together

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny have made their rumored relationship Instagram official.

The duo star in a new Gucci campaign released across social media on Saturday. A video, first shared by the official Gucci account, shows Jenner and Bad Bunny running through an airport together carrying monogrammed Gucci luggage and wearing coordinated looks.

Also posted by Gucci were several still images of Jenner and Bad Bunny posing together, one of which showed him with a coy smile as he pushed a luggage cart Jenner is sitting on.

Both "The Kardashians" star and the Puerto Rican chart-topping singer shared images and videos of the campaign on their respective Instagrams.

The new campaign is the most Jenner and Bad Bunny have done to confirm speculation they are in a relationship since they were first linked by celebrity gossip account DeuxMoi in February.

Since then, the pair have been spotted at Drake concert together, horse riding, enjoying a Lakers game, on vacation, and hanging out with mutual friends.

But in separate interviews both Jenner and Bad Bunny have maintained a desire to keep their personal relationships out of the spotlight.

In June, Jenner told The Wall Street Journal "no comment" when asked about her relationship with the musician before explaining that she tries to "find the balance of keeping things private and keeping things sacred."

"I'll go out of my way to do things as privately as possible because I just think that that's the healthier way of dealing with relationships anyway," she added.

Jenner's sentiments were echoed by Bad Bunny in an interview with Rolling Stone published the same day.

"People know everything about me, so what's left for me to protect? My private life, my personal life," he said.

Representatives for Jenner and Bad Bunny did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.

Girl Scout Cookies Prices Have Increased Again Due To The Rise Of Inflation

Inflation has affected everything from gas to groceries and now Girl Scout cookies!

Cookies from certain troops are now being priced at $6 per box, which is an increase from last year’s $5 per package. While some newer cookies, such as S’mores and Toffee-tastic, were already priced at $6, this cost hike now applies to other sought-after cookie varieties in regions like New York and Massachusetts.\

The rise in cookie prices is a result of inflation affecting the costs of ingredients and various aspects of the cookie-making process. The Girl Scouts have a history of selling cookies for over a century to fund local council and troop activities. Initially, these treats were sold for 25 cents to 30 cents per dozen, with the aim of teaching members skills such as business ethics and marketing.

“Each of our 111 Girl Scout councils sets local Girl Scout Cookie prices based on several factors,” a GS spokesperson said. “In some instances, councils are faced with the tough decision to raise the prices. Though prices have remained steady in many areas for a number of years.”

Last month, inflation experienced a yearly increase of 3.7%, marking a decrease from the peak of 9.1% reported in June 2022. The cookies, typically available for sale from January to April, were priced at approximately $4 per box back in 2014.

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

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Sunday, October 1, 2023

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#FASHIONFILES: Yara Shahidi for Jean Paul Gaultier’s ‘Divine’ Fragrance Ad Campaign

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#RHOA: NeNe Leakes Says ‘Everything Is Fake’ on Real Housewives Nowadays

NeNe Leakes recently sat down with Bethenny Frankel for a two-part interview. They dished on all things Housewives and reality reckoning. Of course, NeNe took some time to dish on the current status of the show. With rumors of a full-on reboot coming for The Real Housewives of Atlanta, everyone’s eyes on on the current lineup of peaches.

NeNe dished on the current state of affairs in Atlanta, and she admitted that the new crop of girls isn’t living up to her expectations. She didn’t name any names, but you probably have some ideas on who she might be talking about.
RHOA just wrapped up Season 15, which was the third consecutive season without NeNe. Although Drew Sidora’s divorce drama kept us glued to our screens, everyone from the fans to Kenya Moore has complained that the dynamic just isn’t what it once was. NeNe chopped that up to the fact that they just aren’t as authentic as they were in her day.

“I think for us (the OG RHOA cast) the relationships started changing, the stories to me, Season 4 or 5. We were real. I often look at them and say that everybody on there is making sh*t up,” NeNe said.

Of course, this isn’t the first time NeNe expressed this sentiment about the current status of RHOA. When she appeared on former RHOA producer Carlos King’s podcast, she shaded the entire cast, from Kandi Burruss to Shereé Whitfield. Now, Nene has accused the cast of being performative and inauthentic.

“I’m telling you, when we entered, we were so good because we were real. It was authentic, we were real,” NeNe continued. “So now everybody has a fake boyfriend, a fake everything. Everything is fake, everything. They have all these stories they made up, I don’t even know how they came up [with them].”

Of course, Bravo isn’t taking any notes from NeNe when it comes to casting, but there are rumors that the producers are interviewing women for a potential RHOA reboot. If NeNe thinks the current girls are inauthentic. What would she possibly think about an all-new batch of peaches?

#MusicNews: Eric Roberson Releases Video For Latest Single “I Apologize”
Check out the visual for Eric Roberson’s latest single “I Apologize”.
The song released earlier this month and was written by Roberson along with Jairus Mozee, Brett “B Dubb” Baker and Rodney Jones. On the inspiration for the song, Roberson mentions:

“The song is inspired by the creative gumbo that feeds my music. The theatrical musicality of Stevie Wonder, heartfelt word play of Commissioned and the unapologetic low end approach of A Tribe Called Quest.”

WATCH HERE

The whimsical and entertaining music video was directed by Steven Jon and provides a humorous companion to the song.
Eric Roberson has been releasing a new song each month and intends to do so for the remainder of 2023. He will also kick off his “Chasing A Feeling” winter tour next month.

#HipHopNews: Meek Mill And Rick Ross Announce Joint Album 'Too Good To Be True'

Rick Ross and Meek Mill dropped major news during their recent appearance on Ebro Darden’s Rap Life Radio today (Sept. 29). Celebrating their latest single, “SHAQ & KOBE,” the duo announced an upcoming collaboration album called Too Good To Be True. According to the pair, it’s set to release “ASAP.”

“We won already,” Ross said during the show. “We’re playing with what? The house’s money, and it’s only one way to explain that or describe that. It’s Too Good To Be True, which is the name of the project me and Meek Mill will be releasing.”
The Philadelphia native added context to the excitement. “When me and Rozay got in the studio, it was all about real energy, organic motivation. This Rozay, I’m rapping next to, too. This Rozay, top five dead or alive right now. I don’t know who wants to argue with that,” he explained.

The LP took a mere two and a half months to complete. It’s not surprising given their history, considering Meek signed with Ross’ Maybach Music Group since 2011. They’ve worked on a number of tracks over the past decade, including “I’ma Boss,” “Off The Corner,” and Wale’s “Ambition.”

Both rappers also spoke about more than just music. A noticeable shift was their commitment to health, which they admitted is often overlooked in hip hop. Opening up about his past struggles, Meek stated, “I wasn’t healthy. I was drinking liquor every day. My stomach was bent over for a year and a half. I came home in 2019; I couldn’t smoke weed or really drink liquor like that. And before 2019, I was off the lean and all that.”

He continued, “I changed my lifestyle. Well, I thought I changed. [I tried] to change over to the liquor every day. I’m being on tour, afterparty. That kind of ruined my stomach. So I had to sit down for a minute [and] let my s**t build up. That was another human trial that we go through on the inside, and they’re like, ‘Yo, when you dropping?’ I’m telling my own family, ‘Yo, my stomach f**ked up.’”

Congress passes 45-day funding bill to avert government shutdown
About three hours before a midnight deadline, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan bill Saturday evening to keep the government funded for 45 days, on a vote of 88 to 9, just before a government shutdown was to go into effect.

The bill, which funds the government through Nov. 17, was signed into law by President Biden late Saturday night, the White House confirmed.
"Tonight, bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate voted to keep the government open, preventing an unnecessary crisis that would have inflicted needless pain on millions of hardworking Americans," Mr. Biden said in a statement after the passage. "This bill ensures that active-duty troops will continue to get paid, travelers will be spared airport delays, millions of women and children will continue to have access to vital nutrition assistance, and so much more. This is good news for the American people."

No Democratic senators voted against the measure, with all nine no votes from Republicans.
"It's been a day full of twists and turns, but the American people can breath a sigh of relief," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor after the vote. "There will be no government shutdown."

The House passed the bill by a 335-91 margin Saturday afternoon, after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced in the morning that he would try to push the short-term funding bill through the House with Democratic help — a move that could keep the government open but would put his speakership at risk.

The bill ultimately won support from more Democrats than Republicans in the House, with 90 Republicans voting no. Just one Democrat voted against the measure.
Noticeably absent from the bill however, is funding for Ukraine that was sought by Democrats but opposed by many Republicans. The measure does include spending for disaster relief.

McCarthy was forced to rely on Democrats for passage because the speaker's hard-right flank said it would oppose any short-term measure. The speaker set up a process for voting requiring a two-thirds supermajority, about 290 votes in the 435-member House for passage. Republicans hold a 221-212 majority, with two vacancies.
Before the vote, McCarthy indicated that the cost of a shutdown to Americans, particularly those in uniform, was too high. "I am asking Republicans and Democrats alike, put your partisanship away, focus on the American public," he said. "How can you in good conscience — think of the men and women who volunteer to risk their lives to defend us — to say they can't be paid, be while we work out our differences — that is unfair. I cannot do that to our men and women in uniform."

Ukraine funding not included in short-term spending bill
In his statement, Mr. Biden addressed the absence of Ukraine funding in the bill, saying that "we cannot under any circumstances allow American support for Ukraine to be interrupted. I fully expect the Speaker will keep his commitment to the people of Ukraine and secure passage of the support needed to help Ukraine at this critical moment."

Prior to the Senate vote, Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat, had put a hold on the continuing resolution over the Ukraine funding issue, according to two congressional sources.
The White House earlier welcomed passage of the House bill, noting that it "keeps the government open at a higher funding levels" than a version the Senate had earlier been considering, "and includes disaster relief and FAA authorization," a White House official said.

Two Senate GOP aides told CBS News that last Sunday, national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken told McConnell that the Biden administration had exhausted nearly all available security assistance funding for Ukraine and could not make it through a 45-day period based alone on existing drawdown authorities, the mechanism used to transfer military equipment to Ukraine. Based on that guidance and despite the knowledge that it would draw House opposition, McConnell agreed to support the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's continuing resolution, which contained $6 billion in support for Ukraine for 45 days.

A House lawmaker with knowledge of the Ukraine funding issue confirmed to CBS News that the Biden administration had given House lawmakers a similar message and said something would have to be done relatively quickly to move on a supplemental Ukraine aid bill before the 45 days are up. But Republican House leaders are confident that there's bipartisan support for this.

Republican Sen. Mike Rounds, of South Dakota, said Ukrainians "should not take anything negative" from the vote Saturday and added, "we can do border security and a supplemental on Ukraine in a connected type of approach somewhere in a very short time period, whether that's over the next two days, three days, 10 days."
The Senate had been working on advancing its own bill that was initially supported by Democrats and Republicans and would fund the government through Nov. 17.

But once the House plan emerged, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged his members to vote no on advancing the Senate version to see whether the House could get its temporary funding measure passed.

Funding bill may keep government open but risks McCarthy's speakership
McCarthy announced Saturday morning he would try to push the 45-day funding bill through the House with Democratic help — a move that could keep government open but would put his speakership at risk.
"The House is going to act so government will not shut down," McCarthy said, after an early-morning meeting with the Republican conference Saturday. He told reporters that it would give lawmakers more time to finish work on individual appropriations bills.

Relying on Democratic votes and leaving his right-flank behind is something that the hard-right lawmakers have warned would risk McCarthy's job as speaker. They are almost certain to quickly file a motion to try to remove McCarthy from that office, though it is not at all certain there would be enough votes to topple the speaker.

"If somebody wants to remove because I want to be the adult in the room, go ahead and try," McCarthy said of the threat to oust him. "But I think this country is too important."
The quick pivot to Saturday's bill came after the collapse Friday of McCarthy's earlier plan to pass a Republican-only bill including severe border security provisions and steep spending cuts up to 30% to most government agencies that the White House and Democrats rejected as too extreme. It failed because of opposition from a faction of 21 hard-right holdouts.

Catering to his hard-right flank, McCarthy had returned to the spending limits the conservatives demanded back in January as part of the deal-making to help him become the House speaker.
Some of the Republican holdouts, including Gaetz, are allies of former President Donald Trump, who is Biden's chief rival in the 2024 race. Trump has been encouraging the Republicans to fight hard for their priorities and even to "shut it down."

Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour in talks with AMC for a concert film

Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour may be coming to a theater near you.Makers of a concert film based on the smash-hit concert are reportedly in advanced talks to directly distribute the movie through AMC Theaters, according to a Variety report. Major talent firm CAA started preliminary talks with big movie studios and streamers two weeks ago, according to the report.

The film, which has apparently been in the works for years, would feature footage from Beyoncé's live concerts, along with background on how the show came to be.

AMC and CAA did not immediately respond to requests for comment
The news comes as Taylor Swift's own concert film nears its release date of Oct. 13. The movie, based on her Eras Tour, will be globally distributed through AMC and is set to be a blockbuster. First-day ticket sales for Swift's movie got to $26 million and some estimate the film will top $100 million the weekend it opens.

According to Variety, Beyoncé's deal structure could follow a similar one as Swift's, who will pocket over half of the box receipts from the movie. Sources told Variety that Beyoncé's deal terms are subject to change.
Both Beyoncé and Swift have been partially responsible for a bump in consumer spending this summer despite the pressure of inflation on consumers' wallets. The Grammy-award-winning artists have also been credited for boosting local economies worldwide while they toured around the globe.

Some industry analysts are banking on the presence of the music icons to have a similar effect on the film industry where movie theaters and ticket sales have been struggling, exacerbated by a historic strike by writers and actors in Hollywood that put a pause on some production.

Jada Pinkett Smith Hopeful For 'Closure' After Tupac Shakur's Murder Suspect Is Charged
Jada Pinkett Smith is praying for "closure" after a man was charged with the murder of Tupac Shakur. The 52-year-old actress went to the Baltimore School for the Arts in her youth with the tragic rap star - who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1996 - and following the news on Friday, September 29 that Duane "Keffe D" Davis, 60, was indicted by a grand jury in Nevada on one count of murder with a deadly weapon, she took to social media to speak out.

"Now I hope we can get some answers and have some closure. R.I.P. Pac," she wrote on Instagram.
Earlier this year, the "Nutty Professor" star - who is now married to "King Richard" actor Will Smith and has Jaden Smith, 25, and 22-year-old Willow Smith with him - alluded to feelings she may have had for the "Changes" rapper and admitted she felt "sad" that she never told him how she felt about him before his death.

Speaking on "The Howard Stern Show" on SiriusXM, she said, "You know, it's so funny. Now being older, I have more of an understanding of what that was between us. When you have two young people that have very strong feelings, but there was no physical chemistry between us at all, and it wasn't even just for me! It was him too."

"There was a time when I was like, 'Just kiss me! Let's just see how this goes.' And when I tell you it had to be the most disgusting kiss for us both. The only way I can put it is, the higher power just did not want that. I don't think I was guilty as much as I felt just sadness, for not having the opportunity to tell him that I loved him. But, I know he knew that."

Marc DiGiacomo, a chief deputy district attorney in Clark County, said in court on Friday that Davis was an "on-ground, on-site commander" who "ordered the death" of the 'Changes' rapper, according to CBS news.
13 September marked the 27th anniversary of Tupac's death and the murder had gone unsolved until now. It is thought that the jury had been seated on the case for "several months" when Davis was arrested whilst walking near his home on Friday morning.
Radio host Mike Muse told ABC News after hearing the news, "Tupac was a prolific rapper, poet, actor... his lyrics today still serve such a blueprint to culture and society. This is why his death has always loomed over us for so long; over what actually happened to him."

The acclaimed rap star - who used the stage name 2Pac - sold more than 75 million records worldwide and at the time of his death had been embroiled in an infamous rivalry with fellow rapper Biggie Smalls, who himself was shot and killed six months later in March 1997.

Ne-Yo Declared Legal Father Of Sade Bagnerise's Young Kids

Ne-Yo has officially been declared the legal father of Sade Bagnerise's kids. The "Miss Independent" hitmaker has been declared the natural and biological daddy of sons Braiden and Brixton.
The two kids, aged two and seven months respectively, will reportedly have their last names changed from Bagnerise to the 43-year-old's last name, Smith. According to TMZ, the boys will also have access to the singer's inheritance although their parents are no longer dating.

In May, Ne-Yo filed legal papers to request a DNA test to make sure that Sade's younger child, Brixton, is his. While he had doubts about Brixton, the musician acknowledged that he's the father of Sade's older child, Braiden.
Ne-Yo stated in the docs that it would be the best option if he and Sade share "joint physical custody of the minor children." He additionally said he desires a "liberal parenting time schedule" with the kids.

Despite requesting the paternity test, Ne-Yo declared that he has supported the kids financially. He also wanted the court to determine the child support amounts he should pay.
Ne-Yo romanced Sade while he was still married to Crystal Smith a.k.a. Crystal Renay Williams. Crystal herself filed a divorce from him in August 2022 after six years of marriage for his infidelity. Their divorce was finalized on January 26.

The former spouses share three children Shaffer Jr., 7, Roman, 5, and Isabella, 2. He is also a father to Madilyn, 12, and Mason, 11, from his relationship with ex-girlfriend Monyetta Shaw.

Britney Spears to shock readers with revelations of her family history in upcoming memoir
Britney Spears will reportedly shock readers with her family history in her upcoming memoir.
The 41-year-old pop superstar regained control of her fortune and various aspects of her life when a conservatorship governed by her immediate family was terminated in 2021 and ahead of the release of her autobiography 'The Woman in Me', an insider has warned fans that they will have to be "patient" when they pick up a copy.

A source told PageSix: 'You read some of her family history in the book and you think ‘Oh my God, that poor girl.' You have to be really patient with somebody telling their story for the first time and not force them. She details her family history, from her grandparents to her parents to why she is the way she is."

The 'Lucky' songstress recently explained that the book – which takes its title from a lyric from her ’ 2001 hit ‘I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman - is the result of extensive therapy
on her Instagram: “Ok guys so my book is coming out very, very soon.
“I worked my a** off for this book, I had a lot of therapy to get this book done, so you guys better like it. And if you don’t like it, that’s fine too.”

Britney is the third member of her family to release a tome telling the story of her rise to fame, with her mother Lynne Spears penning 'Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World' 2008 and her younger sister Jamie Lynn having published 'Things I Should Have Said' in 2022.

Britney said in a message alongside the cover reveal of the book: “It’s coming. My story. On my terms. At Last. Are you ready? On sale 10.24.23.”

Tennessee judge to end conservatorship between Michael Oher and the Tuohys

The Associated Press reported that a Shelby County, Tennessee judge would terminate the conservatorship between Michael Oher and the Memphis couple who took him into their home when he was in high school. The decision stems from an accusation that Oher made against the Tuohy family back in August, when the retired NFL player accused his former guardians of conning him out of his money via a false adoption.

“The lie… is one upon which co-conservators Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy have enriched themselves at the expense of their ward, the undersigned Michael Oher,” the petition filed in court read. “Oher discovered this lie to his chagrin and embarrassment in February of 2023, when he learned that the conservatorship to which he consented on the basis that doing so would make him a member of the Tuohy family, in fact provided him no familial relationship with the Tuohys.”

In a response delivered to the court on Sept. 14, Sean and Leigh Anne stated that the agreement was only meant as a tool to secure Oher’s entry into college. “The NCAA made it clear that he could attend Ole Miss if he was part of the Tuohy family in some fashion,” their filing claimed. As far as the expectation of being adopted, the couple said that the term was being used “in the colloquial sense and they have never intended that reference to be viewed with legal implication.”

While the aforementioned agreement is ending, the petition is not. As ordered by Judge Kathleen Gomes, the Tuohys will have to provide any and all financial documentation that shows finances received from their 19-year custodial period with Oher. Gomes could not believe that the conservatorship was approved despite the fact that it involved an 18-year-old who had no disabilities.

Senator Dianne Feinstein's remains return home to Bay Area

Sen. Dianne Feinstein's remains return home to Bay Area Senator Dianne Feinstein's remains returned to the Bay Area Saturday night, and was transported to a funeral home in San Francisco by a procession.
The body of the trailblazing politician, was transported to the Sinai Memorial Chapel in San Francisco. Feinstein's remains were accompanied by her daughter, Katherine Feinstein, as well as Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and the senator's chief-of-staff.

Feinstein was the longest-serving female senator in U.S. history.
From the public to leadership, San Francisco paid tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the city's first woman mayor.
A pivotal figure early in her career - which she started here in San Francisco.
She was elected as the city's first woman mayor after the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Harvey Milk in 1978.

Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi was among a handful of close friends and family gathering, mourning and remembering
"We're so happy to have her have the appropriate welcome home in San Francisco," said Pelosi.
"We wanted to recognize this moment in history and in San Francisco and world history. She was a pioneer," said, Anita Beshirs, a San Francisco resident
And not too far from the funeral home, the senator's former home was marked by offerings of gratitude including this thank you note.

"Tis is her city and she'll be sorely missed," said Josephine, Feinstein's neighbor.
Recalling when then Supervisor Feinstein became the city's first female mayor after the assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone.
"She led the city through a very dark time and became beacon of light and hope," she said.
President Joe Biden and other political leaders paid tribute to Sen. Dianne Feinstein's legacy Friday following her death Thursday night.

Former San Francisco resident, Anita Gramont said, "She was one of the first women to get into politics and strong enough to battle and stay there.
Going onto become the first and longest serving woman in Congress.
"The last official thing she did in Washington was to vote to advance the bill to keep the government," Pelosi said.
"She gives the word icon a whole other meaning because she was so spectacular in every way. She met every challenge with dignity, strength and elegance."

"Dianne's passage has been one that has inspired us all," Pelosi said.

Tyrese Files Lawsuit Against Teddy Pendergrass’ Widow Over Biopic Rights

*If you’ve been waiting on Tyrese Gibson to portray late soul singer Teddy Pendergrass in a biopic, you can pretty much forget it.
Apparently, things have fallen apart with respect to Gibson maintaining the rights to Pendergrass’ life story.

We know that because Gibson has filed a lawsuit against Pendergrass’ widow, Joan, whom he accuses of refusing to extend the option to the story’s rights.
“Sadly things had to come to this….Another Philadelphia legend Lee Daniels is attached direct me as Teddy. This has been 13 years+ in the making this man embraced me when he was on this earth and shared to me “No one can play me in my biopic but you Tyrese I’m sure of it”…. -TP,” Tyrese said in a rambling Instagram post (see it below).

In the suit, Tyrese claims he and his production company, Voltron Entertainment, have since invested around $450,000 into the project. However, there is very little information about just where in production the film is beyond the fact that Tyrese intends to play Pendergrass. Pendergrass, an R&B icon, passed away in 2010. That’s around the same time that Tyrese claims to have begun work on the biopic.

Angela Rye and Jalen Rose Are Instagram Official
Angela Rye and Jalen Rose are now an item. On Tuesday (September 26), the duo went Instagram Official when they shared the same photo carousel of them on their separate accounts. The post featured them in black tie attire for a night out on the town.

“#thebestplusone,” the caption of the post read in part.
The snaps highlighted their evening at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Foundation Legislative Conference Phoenix Awards in Washington, D.C. They did not come to play for their debut as a couple out and about. They each slayed from head to toe!

Angela was on total queen behavior while donning a purple gown, accentuated with a plunging neckline. She completed the look with a beautiful high bun, statement earrings, and a matching bracelet. Her dress also featured hints of red, which she embraced by adding a red bag and red pumps.
For the former NBA player, it was his turn to play on the red details. The lining within his black tuxedo was red. He also wore a black bow tie and rocked a set of cornrows.

From the candids, it appears the lovebirds had a fun night. In the photos, they are captured posing together, and in one, Rye is seen with her hand on her hip, gazing up at Rose while he smiles at her. In another, the TV host smooches his lady as he hugs her warmly.

Rye is an award-winning host, social justice advocate, and political correspondent who has appeared on CNN and The View. She is currently the host of the On One podcast.
Rose played in the NBA from 1994-2007. During the early years of his career, he became known as a member of the Fab Five along with Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson, Jimmy King, and Chris Webber. In 2011, he produced a documentary on the group, which spotlights the group’s contributions to the sport.

After retiring from the NBA, he went on to become a sports analyst for ABC and ESPN and currently serves as a host of the Jalen Rose: Renaissance Man podcast.

Omar Epps Releases New Book ‘Nubia: The Reckoning’

Omar Epps has released his new book, “Nubia: The Reckoning,” the sequel to his epic fantasy, “Nubia: The Awakening.”
The book is a powerful saga of three teens, the children of refugees from a fallen African utopia, who must navigate their newfound powers in a climate-ravaged New York City.

Zuberi, Uzochi, and Lencho were among the first of a new generation of Nubians to awaken to extraordinary powers—gifts their parents lost when they fled their island home decades ago. And now that Uzochi has been declared a Nubian catalyst, everyone expects him to lead.

But what should be a time of rebirth and celebration is instead one of turmoil. The so-called sky king, Krazen St. John, is bent on harnessing Nubian gifts for himself, and he has assembled a special, superhuman militia to do his bidding, putting a ruthless Lencho in charge.

Facing down his cousin feels insurmountable for Uzochi, even with Zuberi at his side, but now there’s more at stake than the hostile government of Tri-State East.
Uzochi’s training has led him to discover an ancient, forgotten force hungry for conquest—and it won’t stop until all of Tri-State East…and possibly the world…is under its control.

Omar Epps stopped by “Good Morning America” to chat with Michael Strahan about “Nubia: The Reckoning,” and explained that the book is about “inclusion in an organic way.”

I try to have characters that represent the world the way that it looks and people that haven’t been seen and heard.
Omar Epps is an incredibly talented actor hailing from Brooklyn, New York.
He has starred in iconic films like Juice, Higher Learning, The Wood, and Love & Basketball.
Omar has also starred in hit TV shows like “ER,” “House,” and “Shooter.”

Jeezy And Jeannie Mai Still Under One Roof Despite Divorce Filing
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai still live together, despite the rapper and entrepreneur filing for divorce from the reality star.
According to TMZ, the household may be a bit awkward as the two don’t specifically interact and only cross paths in transition in and out the house. Both parties are maintaining that their priority is their one-year-old daughter, Monaco.
Jeezy and Jeannie Mai’s seemingly sudden divorce now has additional detail. The split between the two celebrities is reportedly due to “certain family values and differences.”

According to Entertainment Tonight, an insider stated, “They had different views, and each felt like their needs weren’t being completely met.” Jeezy filed for divorce last week, citing their marriage is “irretrievably broken” in the court documents.
The filing was placed in the Fulton County Superior Court, and the two have already separated. There is a prenuptial agreement in place.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jeezy is seeking joint custody of their daughter.

If completed, the divorce would end a marriage that began in March 2021. The ceremony was at their home during the pandemic.
Recently, Mai celebrated Jeezy’s new book, Adversity for Sale: Ya Gotta Believe. “Your story has always been an inspiration to me, but seeing it in print has left me even more in awe of your strength and wisdom,” she wrote on Instagram. “You invited us into the most intimate corners of your life, where pain and triumph coexist.”

In January 2022, Jeannie and Jeezy welcomed their child. “I asked God for a life of love and happiness. He sent me my family… Baby Jenkins is Here 🍼 ❤️. ” Which included a shot of the newborn blankets sitting in the hospital baby bassinet with a sign that covered the usual name of baby, weight, length, and time of birth that simply said, Jenkins.

Best known for co-presenting the daytime talk show, Jeannie Mai began trying to start a family with Jeezy before their March 2021 wedding. After suffering a pregnancy loss, she considered in vitro fertilization but ended up conceiving naturally.
“It was the most beautiful sign that anything’s possible, that you’re not in control and God has a plan,” she told Women’s Health in September 2021 while announcing her pregnancy news.

“Being a mom is hands down the hardest role in the entire world. Now that we’re bringing another Jenkins into the picture, I have no idea what to expect.”

Be sure to watch Omar Epps in the new season of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” which premieres on December 1, 2023, on Starz.