• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 6, 2023

Brandy And Ray J’s Mom Hospitalized After Bad Reaction To IV Therapy

Brandy and Ray J's mom, Sonja Norwood, is recovering after being hospitalized for a bad reaction to an at-home IV hydration session.

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Brandy and Ray J’s mom, Sonja Norwood, is recovering after being hospitalized for a bad reaction to an at-home IV hydration session.

Norwood was rushed to the hospital last month after receiving IV therapy, which is known to deliver essential vitamins and nutrients directly to the bloodstream, TMZ reports. The longtime momager was getting in on the new celebrity trend and decided to try IV therapy.

Norwood was receiving an IV drip that included a mix of vitamins B and C as well as calcium and magnesium. While it’s done to combat health ailments, side effects can include infection, rashes, blood clots, air embolism, and more.

Apparently, things went left during Norwood’s treatment when she started feeling lightheaded and experiencing rapid breathing. After a trip to the hospital, Mama Norwood was brought back to a normal state, and all was well.

In 2018, Kendall Jenner was hospitalized after a bad reaction to IV therapy, People reports. The Doctors host Dr. Travis Stork, an ER physician, says the IV therapy trend spread throughout Hollywood as a treatment for bad hangovers. Due to its mix of B vitamins, vitamin C, and magnesium, celebrities were already seeking out IV hydration even before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

“Vitamin drips and IVs after a night of drinking are an expensive option and definitely not a cure-all,” he said.

“They can provide hydration as well as electrolytes, which you may be lacking after a night of partying or over-imbibing. Despite the hype, though, there are no ‘cures’ for a hangover other than time, since many symptoms are from the buildup of toxic alcohol metabolites.”

But with the rise of private businesses providing at-home IV hydration, Stork warns that not all treatments are FDA-approved.

“Any IV usage involves a small risk of infection—you can also experience pain, bleeding, or bruising if the needle misses the vein,” he said. “More serious complications of an IV treatment can include a blood clot or inflammation of the vein. Although very rare, improperly inserted IVs can create a stroke-causing air embolism or cause the fluids to leak into nearby tissue. Additionally, some vitamins in large doses can be toxic.”

“These types of IV therapies are not FDA endorsed or regulated,” Stork continued. “The places or people that offer these treatments may not always be legit, so be careful.”

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• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 6, 2023

Will Smith Possibly Considering Musical ‘Comeback’ After Oscars Slap And Marital Scandal

Will is rumored to be thinking about returning to the music scene.

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Will Smith has dealt with back-to-back scandals that could be putting a halt to his acting career. As a result, the Fresh Prince is rumored to be considering a musical “comeback.”

The Emancipated actor is fresh off the heels of his wife’s memoir that revealed their yearslong separation and her undying love for the late rapper Tupac Shakur. Jada Pinkett Smith’s book came over one year after Smith stepped on stage at the Academy Awards to slap Chris Rock for making a joke about his “wife.”

Only to learn from Jada that the pair have been separated since 2017, and she had no idea why he would publicly refer to her as his “wife.” Smith is currently dipping back into his hip-hop persona by hosting his “Class of ’88” podcast, honoring a pivotal year in hip-hop history.

With the Fresh Prince having deep dives with the likes of his longtime partner Jazzy Jeff, Queen Latifah, Run-DMC, Salt N Pepa, and more, he is rumored to be thinking about returning to the music scene.

“Heck, in the rap world, slapping a guy across the face for dissing his wife isn’t seen as a crime; it’s a badge of honor,” an insider told the National Enquirer via Radar Online.

“No one holds it against him and it makes Will feel that is where he can make his comeback.”

Smith has enjoyed decades as an in-demand Hollywood actor. But his last film, Emancipation, came months after the Oscars slap and seemingly suffered on the promotion side as a result. Since the Apple TV film’s release, Smith has apparently paused his acting projects as he works to live out backlash over the Oscars slap.

But his wife’s memoir didn’t make things any better. It resurfaced chatter over her “entanglement” with singer August Alsina and let the public in on the marital woes they’ve been dealing with privately.

While Smith is known for keeping things PG as a rapper and not cursing in his songs, sources say the “Getting Jiggy With It” rapper could add some aggression to his rap style.

“Will’s changed a lot since the old days,” an insider said. “He could go a little harder with his content now that he’s been kicked in the teeth!”

Will has vowed to remain by Jada’s side and “hold it down” as she has done for him for nearly 30 years.

“We call it ‘brutiful,” Smith told a crowd last month. “It was brutal and beautiful at the same time.”

RELATED CONTENT: Will Smith Went On One Date With Pepa But Feared He ‘Was Gonna Get Killed’ By Treach

• News

by Iman Milner

November 6, 2023

Indiana Woman Arrested For ‘Purposely’ Driving Car Into Building Owned By Black Hebrew Israelites, Authorities Label It Anti-Semitic Hate Crime

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An Indiana woman is in custody after authorities say she drove her car into a building bearing a “Hebrew Israelite” symbol on Nov. 3. Ruba Almaghtheh allegedly backed her car into the institution while several adults and children were inside, believing it to be a Jewish school.

Authorities are labeling the attack a hate crime and are referring to the woman as a “terrorist”, Fox 59 News reported. Almaghtheh is facing a criminal recklessness charge. The building was, in fact, being used as an Israelite School of Universal and Practical Knowledge by Black Hebrew Israelites, who themselves have been labeled an anti-semitic hate group due to their belief that Black people are the “chosen people,” the outlet reported.

The 34-year-old woman reportedly drove by the building multiple times before her attack, referring to it as “the Jewish school.” The Indiana Metro Police Department alleges that Almgahtheh revealed she’d been watching coverage of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and made reference to “her people back in Palestine” before admitting to carrying out the attack “on purpose.”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis was notified by State Indiana, a Jewish community security program, of the incident and asked authorities to remain vigilant as ire towards their community continues to grow.

“Safety and security for our community is of the utmost importance, and we are more secure and prepared than ever before,” Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis officials wrote, according to Fox 59 News.

“Although a Jewish facility was not targeted, solely due to ironic misidentification, this is yet another reminder to maintain security protocols, remain vigilant of suspicious activity, and to (report promptly) to the appropriate authorities.”

Calls for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict continue. According to Al Jazeera, the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital is nearing collapse as bodies and injuries continue to mount, while resources quickly decrease.

• Celebrity News

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

November 6, 2023

Oakland Renames Section Of MacArthur Boulevard ‘Tupac Shakur Way’

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With a possible conviction for the killing of Tupac Shakur looming, the slain entertainer continues to get the recognition that escaped him when he was still alive. A street that the “All Eyez On Me” rapper lived on for some time in Oakland in the ’90s was recently renamed ‘Tupac Shakur Way’ on Nov. 3.

According to NBC Bay Area, a section between Van Buren and Grand Avenues on MacArthur Boulevard was named for the deceased rapper. A ceremony took place where his family, friends, and fans of Tupac attended.

Tupac’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, said, “On these streets, you can’t mention my brother’s name if you are still taking a Black man’s life.”

“It’s a moment that I know my brother would be proud of. Establishing love and peace in the Oakland community especially mattered to him. Being able to represent safety to his people mattered to him.”

In May, the city council voted in favor of the renamed street with a unanimous decision. The controversial artist made his way to Oakland in the early 1990s. In a 1993 video interview, he said he got his “game” from Oakland.

“When I got to Oakland, that’s when I learned the game,” he said. “I give all my love to Oakland. If I’m a claim somewhere, I’m a claim Oakland.”

The renaming ceremony coincidentally occurred a day after Duane Keith “Keffe D” Davis pleaded not guilty on Nov. 2, according to The Associated Press. County special public defenders Robert Arroyo and Charles Cano were assigned to represent Keffe D, who did not have a lawyer. The judge informed the defendant that he would not be facing the death penalty.

Tupac died on Sept. 13, 1996, after being shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996. He was in town for a boxing match featuring Mike Tyson. He was in a coma for six days before dying at 25.

• Women

by Stacy Jackson

November 6, 2023

Black Doctor Left Healthcare To Bake Some Of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Cookies

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“Kyri’s Kookies,” baked by Dr. Kyri Mosley, is part of Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things list for 2023.

“The founder behind this box of ginormous cookies—chocolate chunk, oatmeal cran-raisin, Georgia pecan turtle, and more—promises a hug in every bite. She’s not wrong,” Winfrey stated on the Oprah’s Favorite Things 2023 page. According to Oprah Daily, Mosley was full of nerves when she received the email about her feature on this year’s list.

According to the Kyri’s Kookies website, the entrepreneur opened her first brick-and-mortar store in December 2022 in the heart of Dallas, Georgia. The physical location followed the relaunch of her brand in 2021, a decision that stemmed from a story of life challenges. Mosley was diagnosed with Stage 4 Ewing Sarcoma in 2019. The trauma from the diagnosis was heavy as she underwent intense chemotherapy. Once she received news of remission, she left the healthcare field to pursue baking full-time.

The baker sent her cookies to her medical teams in New York and Georgia as a “thank you.” They returned positive feedback about her recipes and several suggestions that she should sell her cookies.

In August, Mosley shared with 11Alive that quality time in the kitchen with her grandmother when she was younger is how she found her love for baking.

“Cookies remind me of grandma’s baking,” she said. Baking kept Mosley going during times of feeling abandoned following a divorce. Baking cookies with her son led to sending coolers of treats to troops in Iraq, who she felt must have felt isolated at times, too.

“This went on for years,” Mosley told the outlet. “And just getting their feedback was encouraging because they would always tell me, ‘Why aren’t you doing this for the rest of the world? They need to taste your cookies,’ and I was like, ‘That’s never going to happen.’”

The former medical professional would distribute her cookies to her staff and other nurses and doctors while she ran her own healthcare compliance company.

Since launching, the brand has expanded from local cookie lovers to gaining the attention of national hotel chains. Kyri’s Kookies, which feature flavors such as Chocolate Chunk, Oatmeal Cran-Raisin, and Zebra Macadamia, can be purchased online or in person from the Georgia store.

• News

by Iman Milner

November 6, 2023

Brooklyn Landlord Arrested For Allegedly Setting Fire To Building Where Residents Refused To Vacate

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A Brooklyn landlord has been arrested after allegedly burning down a building he owns to force residents to vacate, CBS News reports. Rafiqul Islam now faces assault, arson, and eight counts of attempted murder charges for the incident that occurred on Sept. 26.

Investigators allege that Islam set the fire in response to the refusal of second-floor residents to either pay rent or move off of the premises. Fire marshals claim that the fire began on an interior staircase of the building, located on Forbell Street in the Cypress Hills area, according to the outlet.

“When the fire first started, people speculated it was him,” one resident said. “I just see him usually just walking around, going house to house to the houses that he owns, but I’m just shocked that he got arrested.”

Eight people were said to be on the premises when the fire was started, causing two adults to jump from the roof of the building while first responders and neighbors rescued six children.

Islam was allegedly discovered on video by fire marshals who claim the man wore a hooded sweatshirt and a mask when he arrived to start the fire, Fox 59 reports. Before the fire, Islam threatened to turn off the tenant’s gas and electricity, as well as allegedly discussed burning the building down.

“Marshals spent four weeks conducting an extensive video canvas to verify the suspect’s identity, before finally finding an image of Islam with his hood and mask down,” the Fire Department of the City of New York said.

Islam was arrested on Oct. 26; however, this is not the first time a landlord in the borough of Brooklyn has faced consequences for a fire-related incident involving residents. Evener Leon was charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree reckless engagement, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child in 2019. Eight adults and two children were trapped inside, forcing a 70-year-old resident to jump to his death. Leon was sentenced to six months in jail, according to the New York Daily News.

• Women

by Derek Major

November 6, 2023

Dawn Staley, South Carolina Gamecocks Are Ready To Make Another Final Four Run

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South Carolina Gamecocks Head Coach Dawn Staley acknowledged there are a lot of new faces on her team this year after losing six players from last year’s NCAA Final Four team, including five to the WNBA.

However, between the returning talent and who they’ve brought in this offseason, Staley believes her team is reloaded to make another Final Four run.

“It’s not a rebuild,” Staley said on ESPN’s SportsCenter last week. “I think for who we had sitting on the bench behind some of those WNBA players were really talented individuals who really just had to wait their turn. Now is their turn; now is time for them to step in…”

“They’ll take some hits, but they’re fighters.”

Fans of Staley and her Gamecocks will get their first look at the 2023-24 team on Monday as they play Notre Dame in Paris in the Aflac Oui-Play event. The game will be the first women’s college basketball game played in the City of Light.

The Gamecocks are ranked sixth to begin the season behind last year’s champion Louisiana State University, UConn, and last year’s runner-up Iowa, UCLA, and Utah.

Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist as a player and a two-time national title holder as a coach, is attempting to make her fourth consecutive Final Four appearance with the Gamecocks. Forward Kamilla Cardoso, who averaged 9.8 points per game and 8.5 rebounds last season, is expected to lead the team.

The Gamecocks will also rely on five new players, including two transfers in Te-Hina Paopao and center Sakima Walker, three freshmen, and six returning players.

“We’re playing together, we’re sharing the ball,” Cardoso told ESPN.

“We want everybody to touch the ball, and I think we actually have really good chemistry right now, even though it hasn’t been a long time.”

After its game in Paris on Monday, the Gamecocks will head home to take on 14th-ranked Maryland on Saturday afternoon.

• Politics

by Daniel Johnson

November 6, 2023

Project 2025 Seeks To Institute Fascism At The Federal Level

Dubbed the "Project 2025" handbook, the 1,000 page document spells out a plan to do away with the federal government as it currently exists.

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The Associated Press reported the right-wing Heritage Foundation and former Trump administration officials are putting together a playbook for either their former boss or another candidate who aligns with their ideals.

Dubbed the “Project 2025” handbook, the 1,000-page document spells out a plan to do away with the federal government as it currently exists. Paul Dans, the director of the 2025 Presidential Transition Project and a former Trump administration official, described his motivations to the Associated Press, saying, “We need to flood the zone with conservatives. This is a clarion call to come to Washington,” Dans said. “People need to lay down their tools, and step aside from their professional life and say, ‘This is my lifetime moment to serve.'”

In the past, conservatives have pushed for a smaller, more limited federal government by cutting taxes and gutting federal spending. The Presidential Transition Project wants to replace federal employees, who the think tank believes are standing between the group and its goals, going as far as to fire 50,000 federal workers and filling their positions with employees more amenable to their philosophy. 

Project 2025 may take its cues and roots from Trump and his presidency, but the rhetoric is finding a home with other Republican candidates like Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy. Federal workers could be fired for any reason, according to the manifesto.

Mary Guy, a professor of public administration at the University of Colorado Denver, warns that their plans are a danger to democracy in general, telling the Associated Press, “It frightens me. We have a democracy that is at risk of suicide. Schedule F is just one more bullet in the gun.” 

The group sees presidential powers as broad and far-reaching, evidenced by their document’s diminishing of Congressional powers. The project even proposes to eliminate notifying Congress about the sale of arms to foreign powers. This view, however, is not shared by all conservative groups.

Phillip Wallach, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, sees the group’s plan as a bit unbelievable in their view of the powers of the president, telling the AP, “Some of these visions, they do start to just bleed into some kind of authoritarian fantasies where the president won the election, so he’s in charge, so everyone has to do what he says — and that’s just not the system the government we live under.”

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• Celebrity News

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

November 6, 2023

Pusha T’s Medical Transportation Company Scaled Into A ‘Really Lucrative’ Business

Pusha T is proud of his "lucrative" medical transportation company.

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Pusha T is a rapper and businessman who gladly joined a friend to invest in a medical transportation company that has turned into a “lucrative” opportunity.

The “Grindin” rapper recently appeared on Assets Over Liabilities, where he shared his love for the medical business Caring Hands Medical Transportation, which he launched with a close friend.

“This is my favorite business,” Pusha T said.” “I have a friend, right, you notice all my businesses come with friendship. Passion and friendship, it don’t come with just one of them.”

While Pusha’s friend was serving time in prison, he learned more about the medical transportation industry and aiding those in need by getting them to their doctor’s appointments.

“I have this friend and he ended up having this unfortunate run-in with the law…He ends up coming out and he was such a trustworthy person before he went to jail,” Pusha explained.

“He was like, ‘I’ve been researching medical transportation.’ Basically, we would get these vans and put them with wheelchair lifts and go pick up people who need rides — the elderly, handicapped, or whatever.”

After starting out small, Caring Hands Medical Transportation quickly scaled from operating two vans to 25 vehicles throughout the state of Virginia.

“We get in the car, I go buy two vans. I’m just like, ‘Here, two vans. We’ll figure out the business,’” Pusha T explained. “That business is like 25 vans strong running through seven cities [in Viriginia]. It’s called Caring Hands Medical Transportation. It has helped my mother, sick cousins, family members, and friends.”

The “Mercy” rapper has launched a number of businesses over the years. But his medical transportation company has been the most “lucrative,” he shared on The Breakfast Club in 2022.

“It’s been really lucrative and fulfilling,” Pusha T said. “It’s really dope.”

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