culture
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Ex-Gang Member Loses $111,432 Illinois Corrections Job
Illinois has long been known for its history of political shenanigans, but a recent story is still likely to turn heads. The Illinois prison director’s chief of staff reportedly approved the hiring of a former gang member to a high-paying job last year—just one day after the agency’s own background screening determined he was not…
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Will Oprah Stop Appearing on the Cover of O?
For years Oprah Winfrey has literally been the face of O magazine, gracing the cover since its inception. But the gruelingly long shoots may be taking a toll. Winfrey is reportedly thinking about bringing an end to her days as a cover girl for the magazine she famously founded in 2000, because she is worn…
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White Texas Man Indicted in ‘Knockout’ Attack Against Elderly Black Man
In a case that has drawn national attention, a 27-year-old white Houston-area man accused of punching an elderly black man has been indicted on a hate-crime charge, CBS Houston reports. Conrad Alvin Barrett was indicted Thursday by federal grand jury in Houston. Investigators allege that he punched the 79-year-old victim, breaking his jaw in two…
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Feds Target Rodman for Gifts to Kim Jong Un
Dennis Rodman’s month likely couldn’t get any worse. First, he was hit by global condemnation for being friendly with a dictator. Then he entered rehab upon his return home from Korea after an outburst during an interview. The Hall of Famer became angry when an interviewer asked him if he would use a trip to…
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The Apollo Theater: Celebrating 80 Years of History
From its inception 80 years ago this Sunday, the Apollo Theater probably exerted a greater influence on popular culture than any other entertainment venue in the world. Throughout the years the Apollo, and the thousands of great entertainers who have performed there, have led the way in the presentation of swing, bebop, rhythm and blues,…
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New Investigation Demanded in Mysterious Death of Alfred Wright
The Department of Justice is being asked to join a family’s fight for truth regarding the mysterious disappearance and death of Alfred Wright, CNN reports. The 28-year-old Jasper, Texas, father disappeared last November. After the police called off their search, Wright’s family took up the cause, launching their own search team. His family found his…
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AP Sends George Zimmerman Cease-and-Desist Letter Over ‘Photo’ Painting
George Zimmerman’s latest painting of Florida State Attorney Angela Corey doesn’t impress the folks over at the Associated Press, because the way they see it, it is a direct copy of a photo taken by one of their photographers, Rick Wilson, Talking Points Memo reports. The news wire has since sent a cease-and-desist letter to…
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Ex-Dallas Cowboy Josh Brent Gets 180 Days for DWI Crash That Killed Teammate
Former Dallas Cowboys player Josh Brent was sentenced to 180 days in prison and 10 years’ probation on Friday for the car crash that killed friend and fellow teammate Jerry Brown, the Associated Press reports. The ruling comes just two days after Brent was convicted of intoxication manslaughter for the fiery December 2012 crash, which…
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Chadwick Boseman to Play James Brown in New Biopic
Actor Chadwick Boseman is set to showcase the diversity of his talent as he switches things up to become James Brown in the upcoming biopic Get on Up, and by all accounts he is having fun with it, Entertainment Weekly reports. Boseman, who played Jackie Robinson in the film 42, is serving up a completely…
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Mary J. Blige's Father Stabbed in Neck, In Critical Condition
The father of R&B singer Mary J. Blige is in critical condition after being stabbed in the neck after what police have called a domestic dispute with a former girlfriend. Police said that they were called to Thomas Blige’s Battle Creek, Michigan apartment around 6:58 a.m. Thursday. They found Blige in his apartment with three…