Fred Alexander Jr., Longtime Lakeside Drummer and Architect of ‘Fantastic Voyage,’ Passes Away
The funk and R&B community is mourning the loss of longtime Lakeside drummer and administrator Fred Alexander Jr., who passed away after nearly five decades with the legendary Dayton, Ohio-based band. The news of his death was announced on June 15, leaving fans and fellow musicians reflecting on his immense contributions to one of funk music’s…
Michaela Coel Set to Reimagine ‘Bloodsport’ for A24
Award-winning writer, actress, and filmmaker Michaela Coel is stepping into the world of martial arts action. The acclaimed creator of I May Destroy You has signed on to write and direct a reimagining of the 1988 cult classic Bloodsport for A24. The original Bloodsport, directed by Newt Arnold, starred Jean-Claude Van Damme as Frank Dux, a U.S. Army soldier who enters the underground martial…
Disney and Higher Ground Team Up for New Animated Fantasy Series ‘Journey’
Disney Branded Television and Higher Ground, the production company founded by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama, are joining forces on a new animated fantasy series titled Journey. The upcoming series, which is currently in development, is based on the acclaimed novel Journey to Jo’burg by South African author Beverley Naidoo. The animated adaptation will introduce a new…
Dawn Richard’s Lawsuit Against Sean “Diddy” Combs Dismissed by Federal Judge
Singer and former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard has suffered a legal setback in her lawsuit against music mogul Sean Combs, after a federal judge dismissed the majority of her claims against him. According to court documents released Monday, U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla ruled that most of Richard’s allegations—including claims of emotional abuse, physical abuse,…
Family Mourns 21-Month-Old Gloria Elikana Following Tragic Amtrak Train Accident in Springfield
A Massachusetts family is grieving the heartbreaking loss of 21-month-old Gloria Elikana, who died after being struck by an Amtrak train in Springfield, leaving a community devastated and searching for answers. The tragic incident occurred on the evening of June 10, when Gloria was struck by an Amtrak train near the railroad tracks in Springfield. Emergency…
Faith Evans Honored With Street Naming Ceremony in Newark
Grammy Award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, author, and producer Faith Evans has received one of her hometown’s highest honors with the ceremonial naming of a Newark street in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to music and the community. On Saturday, June 13, city officials, family members, friends, and supporters gathered in Newark for the unveiling of “Faith Evans Way,” a…
Danny Simmons, Painter, Philanthropist, and Brother of Russell Simmons and Rev Run, Dies at 72
The Simmons family is mourning the loss of Danny Simmons, the acclaimed abstract painter, author, philanthropist, and older brother of Russell Simmons and Joseph ‘Rev Run’ Simmons. He was 72. The heartbreaking news was announced Monday, June 15, through a statement shared by the family on social media. “It is with a profound sense of…
‘Bodies in Motion’ Fitness Icon Gilad Janklowicz Dies at 71
The fitness world is mourning the loss of legendary exercise pioneer and television personality Gilad Janklowicz, who passed away suddenly on June 9, 2026, at the age of 71. Janklowicz’s family announced his death in a heartfelt statement shared on social media. “We are devastated and shocked to announce the sudden passing of our beloved…
5-Year-Old Girl Swept Into Ocean Identified After Body Recovered in Laguna Beach
A heartbreaking search for a missing 5-year-old girl came to a tragic end Thursday after authorities recovered her body off the coast of Laguna Beach, California. The child, identified by her father as Amada Mia Brown, was swept into the ocean Tuesday evening after a powerful wave struck her family near Treasure Island Beach during dangerous…
Teyana Taylor to Receive Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards
Multi-talented entertainer Teyana Taylor is adding another major achievement to her already impressive résumé. BET has announced that the singer, actress, director, choreographer, and fashion visionary will be honored with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, recognizing her extraordinary impact on music, film, fashion, and culture. The award celebrates artists whose…
