As part of his most recent clemency actions, President Donald Trump commuted the federal sentence of one of the most notorious crime bosses in history. Larry Hoover has been locked behind bars since the ‘70s, and despite Trump’s clemency agreement, he won’t be getting out anytime soon.
Outside of rapper Rick Ross’ reference to the gang leader in his song “B.M.F.” (I think I’m Big Meech, Larry Hoover), most folks don’t know much about Hoover or the Gangster Disciples— one of Chicago’s most powerful gangs. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the now 74-year-old gangster and his complicated history with law enforcement.
Founding the Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciples (GDs) were founded in the mid ‘60s by Hoover and David Barksdale— known as King David. Initially, the GDs were the result of a merge between the Black Disciples and Supreme Gangsters gangs of Chicago, according to reports. After Barksdale death in 1974, Hoover took over.
The gang soon grew from a ragtag team of young Black men to almost 30,000 members in Chicago alone, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Today, the Gangsters Disciples are represented in at least 35 different states, raking in $100 million in estimated annual revenue.
Murder of Pooky Young
Over the years, police linked the GDs to countless murders, robberies, extortions and drug crimes across the country. So when the state of Illinois decided to go after the gang, Hoover ultimately became the face of the enterprise.
In 1973, Hoover was convicted for the murder of 19-year-old drug dealer named William “Pooky” Young, according to court documents. He was sentenced to 150 to 200 years in prison, which many advocates argued did not justly fit the crime committed.
State prosecutors saw Young’s murder as the only time they’d be able to stick Hoover with crimes connected to his gang. So once they saw an opportunity to finally stop the crime boss, they threw the book at him.
"I would love to actually be able to hold my father."
Larry Hoover’s son speaks out after Donald Trump commuted his father’s federal sentence, which released Larry Hoover from federal custody, and reveals they’re trying to reach out to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to let him… pic.twitter.com/je3digEUXb
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 29, 2025
Federal Sting and Conviction
Despite being behind bars, Hoover was still calling the shots as the head of the GDs. This led to a joint investigation by Illinois correctional officers and the FBI and ATF in 1995.
Federal sentencing for Hoover came in 1998. He was convicted on charges alleging he helped operate a widespread nationwide drug operation through the Gangster Disciples. So with conspiracy, extortion and money laundering charges, Hoover was sentenced to three life sentences.
Since then, he has been housed in solitary confinement at the supermax prison in Colorado where all furniture is made of poured concrete, according to NBC Chicago. This is the same prison where Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is located.
Kanye West’s Connection to Trump, Hoover
The 74-yer-old felon might have one man to thank for the president finally hearing his case. Chicago rapper Kanye “Ye” West began a campaign to #FreeLarryHoover in 2021. He even planned a benefit concert with Drake as a special guest.
WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR OUR DEVOTED ENDURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FOR FREEING LARRY HOOVER
Ye gave Drizzy his props, writing on X “Thank you Drake for for helping to bring Larry Hoover home.” He continued thanking Trump saying, “WORDS CAN’T EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE FOR OUR DEVOTED ENDURING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FOR FREEING LARRY HOOVER.”
Although Hoover’s federal sentence is commuted, he still has to serve out his 200-year sentence in Illinois. The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied Hoover’s request for early release last year. The board won’t hear his case for another four years.
It appears things may be on the up and up when it comes to the relationship between comedian Mo’Nique and her estranged son Shalon Jackson. But unfortunately, some people online aren’t too convinced of their rekindling.
As we previously reported back in Feb 2024, Jackson had some pretty incredulous and harsh words for his mom following her viral interview on Shannon Sharpe’s “Club Shay Shay” podcast. At the time, he claimed that his mother’s sentiment of praying to universe to fix their relationship was a false narrative because they both were aware of the fact that their relationship had been estranged for years as she has allegedly had no interest in him as her son for a while now.
Jackson also said that his mother admitted to not being the best mother growing up and shared, though she does a good job at acknowledging where she fell short, she’s yet to fully take accountability for it. Additionally, he revealed that he learned how not to love from the example his actress mother set.
“Faith without work is dead and neither one of us care to put forth any effort to reconcile with the other. We are ‘separate’ as she put it because she doesn’t care to be my mother any more than I care to be her son. Neither one of us have had the desire to reach out to the other in a very long time and I don’t think that either of us anticipates that feeling ever returning,” he said.
Back then, Mo’Nique failed to give a full response to Jackson’s words, opting instead to “watch it play out” as she would be shown to be on the right side of things, much like she was in her previous legal battles. Her husband Sidney Hicks also chimed in at the time, revealing that they helped Jackson out monetarily with his first child and helped him purchase a new car—despite his inferences that his mother and Sidney weren’t in good-standing with him.
Now, over a year and some change later, Jackson is walking back him comments and formally apologizing to his mom for the hurtful comments her made. In an over four-minute long video posted on social media, Jackson began by expressing gratitude over the patience and grace that his parents gave him at the time. He went on to describe the videos he made last year as a “betrayal” and talked about how much better things are between him and his famous mom.
Mo'Nique’s son records a video apologizing to his mother, Mo'Nique, for going off on her in a series of videos back in 2024, and calls his actions a betrayal to the family, admitting that he had a mental health condition at the time.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) May 29, 2025
“Making those videos a year ago was a betrayal against our family. And I have to take full accountability for it…I made them and I shouldn’t have. Period,” he said in part.
He went on to say that the “Precious” star and Hicks were justified in addressing his mental health issues at the time and that he only took issue with it because he didn’t like it. Jackson apologized for any furthering of the narrative that his mother was difficult to work with and thanked others at the time who told him to stay quiet and deal with his familial issues privately.
“I owe it to my family to make this apology public due to the fact that I made our family business public. Though the road to family redemption is hard, I’m looking forward to it,” he said as he began to close.
Jackson ended his video by showing photos of him and his child hugged up on Mo’Nique and Hicks. The “Almost Christmas” star also posted a series of photos with Jackson on het official Instagram page with the simple caption: “GRATEFUL.”
But while that may be sweet, some people on social media weren’t too quick to believe their reconciliation, with some feeling as if it’s just a money grab while others felt like it was forced and prompted by his parents.
“Begging Mommy For The [money bag emoji],” wrote one user on X/Twitter.
Another commentator added, “Mo’Nique behind the camera holding the cue cards.”
“It’s the reading the script for me. You could have just called your Mom and apologized,” wrote one other user.
However, there were some that took Jackson’s words as geuine and applauded him for taking this big step.
“Instead of criticizing his apology delivery, how about we congratulate him, Mo’Nique, Sydney, and the family for getting back together? We need more Black family togetherness being shown,” one user wrote.
Added another, “They sat[sic] let the apology be as loud as the disrespect. It was entertaining to people to see him bashing his mom online now everyone talking about call her and get offline. Nah he not wrong for this public apology. You only got 1 mama! Honor her!”
If Mother Nature could smile, she’d be beaming right now. After five long years, Atlanta native Julian Brown has launched an innovation as powerful as it is sustainable. Declaring a war on waste, this self-starter is working to turn pollution into power with his company, Naturejab — and he’s just getting started.
This revolutionary process didn’t happen overnight. The 21-year-old nature-lover began working with his hands at a young age with an affinity for building and taking things apart. Intrigued by hands-on discovery early on, it’s no wonder he’s grasped the mechanics of Pyrolysis, recycling plastic waste into a fuel he calls “Plastidiesel.” If we’re on our way to destroying that Texas-sized island of trash floating in the ocean called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (yes, it has a name), then sign the planet up…expeditiously.
What Is Pyrolysis?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pyrolysis is a technology which allows one to convert biomass to a liquid product using temperatures at or above 500 °C in the absence of oxygen. This intense thermal energy is what’s being used to deconstruct waste, rendering the remains a cleaner source of energy which can be used for fuel.
“The very issue we have is the production of plastic,” Brown, 21, told The Root. “The reason why recycling hasn’t been done is because it hasn’t been profitable. But now, we are able to make a product of super high value out of something that otherwise is just seen as waste.”
ASAP Labs Testing
Brown isn’t just tooting his own horn either. The entrepreneur recently returned from a trip to Vancouver, Washington for the purpose of testing his recycled diesel with some heavyweights in fuel testing, ASAP Labs. While some claimed his alternative energy was “horrible fuel” that would “destroy engines,” his samples passed with flying colors on May 22, showing more favorable results than its industry competitors. Boom.
“It looks like it definitely burned cleaner,” an employee at ASAP Labs confirmed in a documentation of the fuel’s results Friday. “It appears that this diesel probably burns cleaner than typical diesel.” While the lab employee admitted he was skeptical, he revealed they run thousands of tests, and “the results don’t lie.”
“Someone protect this man. Pioneering true renewable energy,” one fan responded in the comment section. “Glad I get to live at the same time [as] this man. Truly a marvel of his craft and the future,” a second added. “Good, KEEP GOING! Now you gotta get the solar situation figured out!,” a third added, and they aren’t wrong.
It’s going to take some coin to keep this sustainability train chugging, and he’s calling on anyone willing to jump on board to support his solar-powered operation. “Help me invent the world’s first continuous, solar, microwave pyrolysis reactor of plastic waste!” Brown’s call-to-action reads. “I will create alternatives to gasoline and diesel while destroying plastic for > $1 a gallon!”
The Importance Of Hands-On Skills
The Tennessee born visionary began welding at 17 years old in high school, and encouraged the importance of hands-on skill and trade work. It’s these skills that gave him the tools he needed to create the technology that could change the world as we know it.
“In order to build a plastic into a fuel reactor, you need to know how to weld,” Brown told The Root. “It’s great to have these skills because they can be used in your personal life, just as much as they can in business.”
“Beyond all I do, I really want the impact to go far beyond anything physical,” Brown said. He added that we as an entire species would progress in every type of issue if we found it within us to find a solution, together. “If we immediately give up in our own minds before we even begin to find a solution, then how are we gonna get anywhere?” he asked. “Instead, we should come at it from a mindset of ‘How can this be done’ instead of ‘Can this be done.’”
Fueling The Future
According to Julian Brown, as long as he’s around, “there will be no such thing as plastic waste — only untapped energy.” With sky-high ambition rooted in his childhood and a deep sense of gratitude for how his journey has unfolded, Brown is stepping into his purpose on the world stage. And we’re here for it.
“When I was five years old, I told my mom that I was gonna create something that would change the world,” he recalls. “It’s always been within me — I just never knew what it was gonna be.” Now, he knows. And the world is sure to benefit from these next-level achievements.
If you have a Gemini in your life, you already know that from May 21 to June 20, it’s all about their birthday. They’ve been waiting all year to celebrate, and if you’re lucky enough to be in their inner circle, they expect you to come along for the ride.
People born under this air sign are usually natural charmers who are known to be the life of the party. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself under their spell without a warning. But they can also be known to give it to you straight, so be prepared to hear what they have to say with no filter.
Since they have a whole month to celebrate, here are some things you better know before you find yourself involved with a Gemini.
They’re the Life of the Party
If you’re having a party, make sure you have at least one Gemini on the guest list. Known for being charming and witty, you better believe they’ll find a smooth way to insert themselves into the conversation…and keep everyone in the room hanging on to their every word.
Good luck catching a Gemini off guard. They take that quick wit and charm with them everywhere they go and are known for their uncanny ability to adapt in almost any situation.
Gemini may be the sign of twins, but it doesn’t mean they’re two-faced. In fact, you can always count on them to keep it all the way real. And when they’re speaking their mind to you, get ready for all of the smoke.
One thing about Gemini, they love to debate. So if you’re dealing with one and they aren’t saying anything, you should definitely be worried that they’d rather be elsewhere.
“They love talking, debating, bouncing ideas around,” says TikToker @legendaryjoy. “But if their responses are short, dull or very dismissive, that is a clear indication that that Gemini do not like you.”
They Need Their Space
Although Gemini have no problem engaging with others, they still need to have a little time for themselves. So be warned, don’t roll up on the Geminis in your life without calling first, you just might be interrupting their “me time.”
Naturally curious, Gemini are going to have the answer. And if they don’t, they will spend hours trying to find it. They love asking questions and showing off what they know to everyone around them.
Gemini always have their minds on their money. Known for being great at multitasking, they’re not afraid of hard work and almost always have some kind of serious side hustle going on.
You Can’t Keep Them in One Place For Very Long
A Gemini’s curiosity can also be the thing that makes them want to make changes in love and in life. They can get restless, so don’t expect them to stay at a job or in a relationship that doesn’t stimulate them.
Gemini love fashion almost as much as they love learning new things. For that reason, they stay on top the trends and are not afraid to experiment with new and different styles – to match their personality du jour, of course.
According to Astrologyzone.com, Gemini women are some of the best at accessorizing, so prepare to be impressed by their collection of shoes and handbags.
This air sign is usually associated with colors like light green and yellow, but contrary to popular belief, you’ll be hard pressed to find a Gemini who actually likes wearing such a bright color.
“Yo why is Gemini always yellow? My favorite colors are black, green, and purple,” wrote someone on TikTok.
According to Zodiacsign.com, when looking for love, Gemini are most compatible with Aquarius, another air sign who can fulfill their need for information and smart conversation.
“Aquarius will give Gemini so much mental stimulation and the conversation will be so deep that it takes two people to understand just how deep an Aquarius can get,“ said @marc_solo on TikTok.
If you’re in a romantic relationship with a Gemini, be ready to put in that work. According to @iamspencetaylor, loving a Gemini is about “being present, playful and mentally available every single day.“ But don’t worry, your hard work will be rewarded in the form of an amazing partner who is extremely loyal.
But Don’t Make Them Repeat Themselves
When you’re loving a Gemini, one of the worst things you can do is not listen when they’re telling you what they need. If you don’t believe us, ask @iamspencetaylor, who says “They don’t like repeating themselves.”
“I really HATE repeating myself, I’m intentional in communication. I sit and think about every angle and only relay it to you once I have clarity, why the hell wouldn’t you hear me first time? 😭🤣,” cosigned someone in the comments.
The historic manhunt for the remaining inmates who escaped from a New Orleans jail continues as only two men are still on the loose. On May 16, 10 men pulled off a successful jailbreak from Orleans Parish Justice Center, and in just under two weeks, more than 20 people, including eight of the inmates, have been arrested.
Although the race to find Derrick Groves and Antoine Massey is still ongoing, what’s interesting about the case is the help all 10 escapees got to pull off the biggest prison break in Louisiana history. From a grandmother getting involved to the violent crimes each inmate was originally charged with, The Root is taking a closer look at all the lives affected by the ingenious escape.
Kendell Myles
Screenshot: X
The 20-year-old was the first to be taken back into custody after escaping from OPJ. But interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Myles escaped from a jail. Back in 2022, Myles escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth, according to WWLTV. He was indicted on attempted murder and carjacking charges after allegedly shooting a man then jacking his car, according to WDSU. He was apprehended in the French Quarter after a brief foot chase, according to officials.
Robert Moody
Screenshot: X
Just hours after Myles’ arrest, Moody was taken into custody again. The 21-year-old was booked on weapons and drug charges. After escaping, he was found in the New Orleans neighborhood of Central City following a caller’s Crime Stoppers tip, according to FOX 8 New Orleans. By the time police caught up to Moody, he had a brand new wardrobe, wearing BAPE and Nike brands.
DKenan Dennis
Screenshot: X
Like Moody and Myles, Dennis didn’t make it too far before being caught. The third escapee was apprehended the same day he escaped from OPJ. Dennis, 24, was arrested near Chef Menteur Hwy. and Dale Street. He was booked on multiple illegal weapons charges, extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery, and theft charges, according to WDSU.
Gary Price
Screenshot: X
On Monday (May 19), the 21-year-old was arrested by police. According to reports, Price had been hiding out at a vacant home on Good Drive. “Price will ultimately be transported to a secure state facility outside of the area,” state police said Monday. He was charged with attempted first-degree murder, simple assault, criminal damage, domestic abuse and battery and assault with a weapon, according to NewsNation.
Sterling Williams
Screenshot: La. Office of the Attorney General
Williams worked as a maintenance worker at OPJ before he was arrested on Tuesday (May 20). As we previously reported, police said Williams shut off the water to the cell where the inmates escaped. Although a simple move, Williams’ actions allowed the inmates to pull a toilet from the wall, helping them run free. The 33-year-old, is being held at the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center on 10 counts of principle to simple escape and malfeasance in office charges. He claims his life was threatened if he didn’t help the inmates.
Corey Boyd
Screenshot: X
Boyd was caught on May 20, according to reports. The 19-year-old is facing serious charges of second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, obstruction of justice and threatening a law enforcement officer, according to NOLA.com. Boyd was one of three people charged in connection with the death of a man who caught the group robbing cars.
Cortnie Harris
Screenshot: X
We reported on Friday (May 23), Harris was arrested for allegedly helping the inmates. Police say she spoke with one of the inmates before their escape and drove two of the escapees around New Orleans to avoid the police. “The idea that they’re bringing this hell— this fresh hell to your doorstep means that they don’t care,” Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams said of anyone offering help to any of the escapees.
Corvanntay Baptiste
Screenshot: X
Similarly to Harris, Baptiste was arrested for her role in helping an escapee, Boyd, once he got back into the real world. She was charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Boyd get food. “Someone had to provide that access, and that help… is a crime,” DA Williams continued.
Connie Weeden
Screenshot: X
That same day (May 23), a third woman was arrested for helping another inmate. Weeden was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center. WDSU reported Weeden allegedly contacted Jermaine Donald— her grandson and one of the escapees— before and after his escape. She allegedly wired him cash through a digital wallet app.
Emmitt Weber
Screenshot: New Orleans Police Department
The 28-year-old was arrested on May 24 after accusations he helped two inmates after they escaped. He’s been charged with accessory after the fact of simple escape.
Jermaine Donald
Two men who broke out of a New Orleans jail were recaptured by police after a high-speed pursuit in Huntsville, Texas, on Monday. The two escapees, Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald, were taken into custody and charged, the Huntsville Police Department said.
Donald was caught in Texas on Monday (May 26). As we previously reported, the 42-year-old was originally facing illegal carrying of a weapon and second-degree murder. He and another inmate, Leo Tate, were captured together after a “high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies.”
Leo Tate
Screenshot: X
The 31-year-old was already facing second-degree murder charges and attempted second-degree murder charges after a 2018 shooting where 19-year-old was killed and a 16-year-old was sent to the hospital, NOLA.com reported. Tate accepted a plea deal and was ultimately convicted of obstruction of justice and sentenced to 10 years behind bars. Now, Tate was charged with “outstanding warrants for aggravated escape and escape from custody, we previously reported.
Lenton Vanburen Jr.
Screenshot: X
Also on Memorial Day (May 26), Vanburen was apprehended by police in Baton Rouge, La. The 27-year-old was arrested in 2021 following a deadly shooting, according to New Orleans police. By the time police obtained a warrant for his arrest, Vanburen was already in custody at OPJ on armed robbery charges. He pleaded not guilty in 2022.
Lenton Vanburen Sr.
Screenshot: X
Lenton Vanburen Sr. was given a $1 million bond after being accused of helping his own son escape. The 48-year-old was also given a $2,500 bond for a theft charge, according to WDSU.
Tyshanea Randolph
Screenshot: X
The 27-year-old was accused of helping Vanburen after he escaped. According to reports, she was charged with accessory after the fact.
Angel McKay
Screenshot: X
Another woman, McKay was accused of helping Vanburen following the jailbreak. According to police, she was charged with accessory after the fact.
Casey Smith
Screenshot: X
Smith, 30, was accused of helping at least two escapees hours after their escape, according to NOPD. Officers arrested Smith before she admitted to helping the fugitives’ drive around the city. Smith was booked on accessory after the fact to simple escape.
Antoine Massey
Screenshot: Fox 8
Massey is one of only two remaining escapees. He has a long history of successfully escaping custody dating back to 2007, according to CNN. He’s reportedly escaped from detention facilities three times, and he’s cut off his ankle monitor twice. “There isn’t an ounce of this man’s history that doesn’t say ‘escape,’” Matt Dennis, an employee with the company that operates the monitors told WDSU. The 33-year-old was arrested on charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation and the theft of a car in 2024, according to New Orleans police . Massey was also charged with violating his parole.
Diamond White
Antoine Massey enjoyed his Memorial Day weekend as he continues to mock authorities and update fans with new his look. pic.twitter.com/QvaHVgdLQs
The 21-year-old was accused of helping Massey after he escaped. According to reports, she was charged with principal to aggravated escape and obstruction of justice.
Derrick Groves
Screenshot: X
Before escaping from OPJ, Groves was convicted of the 2018 killing of two people, Jamar Robinson and Byron Jackson, during Mardi Gras, according to the Orleans Parish DA’s office. According to WDSU, Groves was found guilty of two charges of second-degree murder and two charges of attempted second-degree murder. He is still on the loose.
A Georgia grand jury declined to charge a white woman who fatally shot her Black boyfriend. But Black social media is not responding how one might expect it to in this situation.
Hannah Cobb was arrested in February and charged with involuntary manslaughter after an incident in which she shot her boyfriend, Telvin Osborne, in the chest. According to police, the couple had allegedly been drinking when Cobb went to the master bedroom to check and clean her firearm and accidentally fired a fatal shot toward Osborne, as she said.
Multiple reports later revealed, the couple got into a heated argument after leaving the club, allegedly over Osborne’s infidelity. The confrontation escalated, ultimately ending in the shooting of Osborne.
Following the exoneration, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office made a post on Facebook stating that violent protests regarding the decision would not be tolerated. But though many in the Black community are obviously saddened by the loss of one of its own, some social media users have expressed mixed reactions since Osborne apparently routinely scolded Black woman on his social media profile.
X user @blackdetta highlighted past posts on Osborne’s account in which he praised White women and denounced Black women, including stating that he would rather sleep with a dog than a Black woman.
This one hurts because this is my man's family but I still gotta tell the truth
Ole boy telvin was on some coon shit with his praise of the white womens
This is just like that nigerian dude that got poked up by his white "blessing" then we found all the "akatas"
“In my honest opinion, I don’t care. Because Mr. Telvin Osborne had said a whole bunch of disgusting things about Black women,” he emphasized. “He also had tweets saying, if it ain’t snowing, he ain’t going blah, blah, blah. He even said that he would unalive for his girlfriend, who was a YT woman. He did indeed get unalived by his girlfriend, who was a YT woman. And that’s why I don’t care.”
Others, including X user @BLKLiberation84 are using this entire case as a teaching moment for Black men who hate on Black women possibly due to a lack of self love and past trauma.
Let this Telvin Osborne killing be a lesson to all the self-hating men and women of the Black community. You come out here on social media or in the real world proclaiming how much you hate the people of your community and, in his case, his hate of Black women, please know we… pic.twitter.com/eOyvnhajLu
A disturbing video shows the moment a DoorDash delivery driver approached the door of who he thought was the hungry customer he was looking for until he realized too late that it wasn’t. What happened should strike fear in the hearts of all gig service employees.
The 24-year-old DoorDasher who just moved to the U.S. from Guinea-Bissau got lost on a rural road in Chester, Orange County, ABC7 reports. His battery was also dying as he tried to make his delivery, so he asked for help before completing his stop to make sure the food got to the right place.
The report says a neighbor directed him to the home of John Reilly, a New York town official, and their interaction was intense to say the very least. Doorbell camera footage caught the whole scene. The DoorDasher walked up the door and knocked. When Reilly answered the door, the delivery driver asked if he was holding his order.
“No. Get off my property,” the official allegedly barked back, per the report.
However, as the DoorDasher turned his back to return to his vehicle, the report says Reilly began shooting at him. “Go!” the town official shouted before firing additional shots as the man drove away. The delivery driver was struck in the back as he tried to make it to his vehicle, per New York State Police. On his way out the neighborhood, he stopped by another home begging for help.
Relatives told ABC7 he stopped at a gas station before driving home to Middletown which was miles away. They said he collapsed before being rushed to the hospital. Luckily, he lived. The incident was so bizarre, the police even agreed that he didn’t pose a threat.
“There’s nothing to indicate the victim had any nefarious intentions; he’s just out there doing his job, trying to make a food delivery,” said New York State Police Capt. Joseph Kolek via The New York Post.
Reilly has given no suggestion that he would step down from his role as highway superintendent. The Town Board also said they have no say in what they can do with him moving forward. However, he still got slammed with charges of first-degree assault, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm. He was booked into Orange County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
As Shannon Sharpe continues enduring the fallout behind his sexual assault filed against him in April, it seems that his latest planned venture might be the next casualty on that list. Several weeks before Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco”
Johnson were scheduled to start an eight-city “Nightcap NSFW” Tour of their popular YouTube program, the NFL Hall of Famer announced that the tour had
been postponed until 2026.
Sharpe made the announcement during a recent episode of Nightcap. The tour was scheduled to start
in Baltimore on June 13 and was slated to end in Detroit on August 16. No
details were released regarding dates in 2026.
“We’ve decided to postpone the Nightcap tour,”
Sharpe stated during the May 23 episode. “We look forward to seeing you guys in
the summer of 2026. It’s going to be even bigger, even better. But Ocho and I
have come to the conclusion that this is the best thing as of right now, was to
postpone the tour. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in
2026.”
The tour was scheduled to hit Baltimore (June 13),
Philadelphia (June 14), Charlotte (July 12), Los Angeles (July 19), Miami (July
25), New York (July 26), Chicago (August 15) and Detriot (August 16) with a
price range of $35 and $140.
The news comes as the 56-year-old former football
player-turned-podcaster/sports analyst is embroiled in a $50 million lawsuit alleging that he
sexually assaulted a woman he was in a relationship with. The woman, later identified as Gabriella Zuniga, accused him of physically abusing her and
made threats against her life during the time they were seeing each other.
Zuniga was 19 when the two met at a gym.
Marcellus Wiley comments on Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco delaying their Nightcap Tour to 2026, offering his perspective on the reasons behind the postponement. pic.twitter.com/hKTqShKNiW
— joebuddenclips/fanpage (@Chatnigga101) May 28, 2025
Sharpe has vigorously denied the allegations, although
admitting that there was a $10 million settlement offered to Zuniga before she
filed this lawsuit with Texas attorney Tony Buzbee. Buzbee is also entangled in
a lawsuit with JAY-Z after a client of his accused the billionaire rapper of
raping an underaged teenager, along with Sean “Diddy’ Combs in an alleged 2000
sexual assault.
The former Denver Broncos player decided to step aside from
his ESPN duties after the accusations were levied against him. He stated he
would return in time for the upcoming NFL season.
The fallout from the latest drama in the Broadway world continues, with Audra McDonald officially broken her silence regarding Patti LuPone’s comments heard around the world. In case you missed it, Patti LuPone, one of the biggest Broadway legends, threw some pretty serious shade towards two Broadway legends in their own right, Audra McDonald and Kecia Lewis, in a new profile in the New Yorker.
In an interview with Gayle King for CBS Mornings, McDonald shared her perspective on the drama.
“If there’s a rift between us, I don’t know what it is,” the six-time Tony winner replied to King when she was asked if LuPone’s comments “surprised” her. “That’s something you’d have to ask Patti about. You know, I haven’t seen her in about 11 years just because we’ve been busy just with life. So I don’t know what rift she’s talking about, but you’d have to ask her.”
McDonald, as well as Lewis, have certainly had support in light of all of the drama LuPone stirred up. The Broadway community and celebrities at large have taken to social media to lift up these theater legends, and are simply not having any of it.
Fellow actress Yvette Nicole Brown took to Instagram with a post showing major support towards McDonald and Lewis. “Lemme tell you what we NOT gon’ do… allow the slander of these ICONS. I don’t care WHO it is,” Brown wrote in her post, clearly referencing LuPone and her comments.
“Lawd, my heart is hurt by this mess and by who tried it,” she continued. “But then again, have we not learned what Malcolm X so eloquently tried to teach folks about Black women being the most disrespected and unprotected group of people?”
Brown specifically took the time to call both of these actresses “VETS,” clearly referring to LuPone’s jab in the New Yorker.
LuPone specifically shaded Lewis in the New Yorker profile based on a public back and forth the two of them got into last year. Lewis publicly called out LuPone after she complained that “Hell’s Kitchen” (the show Lewis is currently in and won a Tony for) was too loud. LuPone eventually went to the show’s theater owners and even got them to change the show’s sound cues — actions that Lewis declared as “bullying” and a sign of her “privilege.”
Responding to this in the piece, LuPone said, “She calls herself a veteran? Let’s find out how many Broadway shows Kecia Lewis has done, because she doesn’t know what the f*ck she’s talking about. She’s done seven. I’ve done 31. Don’t call yourself a vet, b*tch!”
Brown’s post clearly references this, as she rightfully refers to the actresses as veterans (Lewis has 10 Broadway credits while LuPone has 28), and tells them to “keep shining.” The post got thousands of likes, with Oscar and Tony-winning actress Viola Davis taking to the comments in support.
“Love, love them,” Davis wrote under the post. “I will fight for them as fervently as I fight for anyone I love.”
Bernice A. King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., specifically supported McDonald in her own post, writing, “Thank you for your artistry, commitment to excellence, and consistent bold brilliance. You are one of one.”
Natasha Rothwell (“Insecure,” “The White Lotus”), used her social media to defend Audra as well, sharing a personal connection between her and the six-time Tony Award-winner. In the post, Rothwell recalls when she was in college and McDonald visited her school and cheered on her fellow castmates in her school’s production of “You Can’t Take It With You.”
“A testament to her heart— she made it a point to come backstage to cheer us on and graciously received the tidal wave of admiration that followed moments before taking the stage herself. Audra had my back way back then, and I have her back now. Periodt,” Rothwell wrote.
Adrienne Warren, who won the Tony for playing Tina Turner in the “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” and currently stars in “The Last Five Years,” took to social media as well to support both Lewis and McDonald as well. “I don’t play about the women who set the blueprint and inspired generations of artists, specifically, black women,” she wrote on Instagram, thanking them for being themselves and shining “as only they can.”
She added, So many of us wouldn’t have dared to try if it weren’t for you. I thank you, Queens.”
Neither McDonald nor Lewis has publicly responded to LuPone’s digs, not that they should have to. As we reported, the internet and Broadway community at large certainly seem to be on their side, rallying behind these two queens of the American theater.
Tatyana Ali is sharing a little known fact about her time filming a popular 90’s film and a person who played a major part in making sure her experience went smoothly.
In a recent post to Instagram, Ali shared throwback pictures from a few scenes of the 1999 high school crime film, “Jawbreaker.” If you’ll remember, the story centered around a clique of popular (and mean) teenage girls who have to cover up their friend’s murder after a birthday prank goes bad. Though she had a small role, the film was somewhat apropos for Ali seeing as how she was legitimately the only person actually in high school at the time.
However, what wasn’t inappropriate was the alleged mistreatment she endured from one actress onset. In the post, the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star revealed that she had a “bully” while they were filming but one of her costars ended up stepping in and stepping up for her one day in an attempt to end all the unnecessary drama.
“These are from Jawbreaker (1999). I was the only one actually in high school when we shot this, and I dealt with a little bullying on set from one actress in particular,” Ali said. “But one day, she tried it in front of everybody… and @rosemcgowan told her to stfu in front of everybody! I will always love her for that.”
In a fun twist, McGowan herself somehow got wind of the post and found her way to Ali’s comments section to once again offer words of encouragement.
“I’d do it again. You are that foreve[r] combo- dignity, brains and beauty,” she wrote.
As noted by TikTok user The Reel for Real Podcast, the entire situation is a big ball of irony considering the movie’s focus on “the dark side of being a teenager and popularity.” For Ali to have been the youngest person on the set and to have had to go through what she went through considering the premise of the film they were shooting, it really should make whoever decided to be a mean girl in real life ashamed. Not only was it distasteful, but it just proves that they completely missed the bigger message in the film.
Shoutout to Ali for keeping her head up and McGowan for being a girl’s girl all those years ago.
