September 12, 2019
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Ragan Clark
Associated Press
There was a huge choir that veered from stirring, soaring gospel, then spit verses from Cardi B and sang lines from Queen Latifah’s “U.N.I.T.Y.”; a spoken word artist who reminded the audience that rock ‘n’ roll was invited by a black, queer woman; and a stunning collection of clothes that ran the gamut from casual chic to red-carpet gowns, all modeled by black or brown faces.
“Sister,” Pyer Moss’ latest production for New York Fashion Week, was a brilliant, irreverent and joyous celebration of black culture, specifically black women — a show where even the colorful, eye-catching garments proved to be just part of the story its designer, Kerby Jean-Raymond, masterfully weaved together on Sunday night.
“The whole thing is really to recognize our worth, and us as black people, what we’ve contributed to what pop society is in America,” Jean-Raymond told The Associated Press after his show ended a little before midnight. “What I aim to do is to make disenfranchised people, black people, with this series and minorities and women, know and understand how important they are to this thing called America right now.”
The first sign that the Pyer Moss was going to be something out of the ordinary was its location: Miles from Manhattan, the upstart fashion house held court on Flatbush Avenue, at the Kings Theatre, a venue sitting in one of the more culturally rich black neighborhoods in Brooklyn, New York.
Once inside the ornate and refurbished venue, a runway was fashioned in front of the stage, and in between stood a piano — another hint that clothes would be merely part of the story Jean-Raymond planned to tell.
What followed was a production that borrowed from black music, the black church and other aspects of the culture to pay loving tribute to what African Americans have achieved. Before the show began, spoken word artist Casey Gerald noted the grim anniversary currently being marked worldwide — 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in the United States.
But instead of sorrow, Gerald emphasized freedom and noted “we have come here to say we ain’t gonna grieve no more . we have come tonight to say you can’t hurt us no more.”
With that, The Pyer Moss Tabernacle Drip Choir Drenched in the Blood took to the stage and began to sing. Dressed in formal black against a white backdrop, it was the perfect complement to the designs that would grace the runway. 
Looks included a flowing white tunic with red trim and matching white pants; a brilliant yellow-gold gown with long, billowing sleeves, a skirt that flared at the bottom and a cut-out back; matching men’s and women’s leather outfits that recalled cowboy chic; and brilliant artwork emblazoned on casual outfits (“Stranger Things” star Caleb McLaughlin was one of the models, and wore one of the outfits from the new Reebok by Pyer Moss collection).
As captivating as the clothes were, they were hard to compete with the choir, which started slow and majestic, with a gospel song, then morphed to deliver snippets of popular works of contemporary black singers, from Anita Baker to Whitney Houston to Missy Elliott: the audience roared as the choir began to rap Elliott’s “The Rain,” and cheered when it later segued to Cardi B’s “Money,” and erupted as it went into Adina Howard’s “Freak Like Me.”
Jean-Raymond beamed about his choir afterward, and noted that he had wanted to have more than 100 
members, but “the stage structure couldn’t hold all of our swag.”
Jean-Raymond said he chose the songs to pay tribute to the contributions of black women in culture, specifically music. He noted the often overlooked Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who is considered by many to be the rightful creator of rock ‘n’ roll.
“And I feel like black women are often erased from things, and I wanted to do this specifically for black women,” he said.
It may have been specifically for black women, but the entire audience — which included celebrities ranging from Fantasia to former NBA star Chris Bosh, former NFL star Victor Cruz and actress girlfriend Karrueche Tran, and singer Normani — erupted in applause as it was ending.
In the end, it was far more than a fashion show, which is what Jean-Raymond — who declared fashion shows boring and elitist — hoped to achieve.
“I look at this as an art project, and I think the success of it is bringing people closer to me than trying to assimilate into whatever else people are doing,” he said.
September 12, 2019
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
Your love life is getting happier by the minute. This Saturday Venus will move into your partnership sector and remains here through October 8. If you're in a relationship then you and your main squeeze are likely to feel as if you're in a honeymoon phase all over again. You can look forward to your love making you feel adored, appreciated and absolutely beautiful. If you're dating someone then this is when your relationship will likely become more committed. Someone might even put a ring on it.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
Mars is still moving through your true love sector heating up your romantic world with plenty of sparks! This week he'll make a perfect link to Saturn and you'll feel amazed at the "staying power" your lover has. You will not be disappointed in that area! If you're single it's possible that after Saturday you'll meet someone through work or while making your rounds at doctors' appointments or visiting any other place that has a connection to improving your health. With your ruler, Venus, in your work sector until October 8 you might also find yourself falling for someone you employ. Yum!
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
Love is definitely around you Gemini! On Saturday Venus moves into your romance sector and remains here through October 8. You have the most remarkable support now to meet someone new and fall head over heels. This person will be extremely physically attractive, gracious and charming. He or she might literally charm the pants off you! You'll also like knowing that this person isn't interested in playing around. Nope, we're talking real relationship material here. If you're already in a relationship it's possible that your partner will want to get busy baby making. You're likely to be on the same page.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
You and your partner will truly work together as a team this week. On Monday Mars will be at a perfect angle to Saturn, now in your relationship sector. The ability you'll both have to "walk your talk" and put actions behind whatever you promise each other is remarkable. You will definitely know that you can rely on your mate this week -- no matter how much work is required. After Saturday you'll both feel motivated to enjoy time with your family and at home together. It's nice when you're this aligned. Enjoy it!
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
They say communication is the key to a successful relationship. Well, if that's true then you're about to become a real winner in the love department! On Saturday Venus, the planet of amore, will move into your message sector and remains here through October 8. You'll find yourself in the sweetest spot when it comes to conversations with your lover. If you have an important decision to make with your mate, or any type of documents to sign together, this is the stretch of time to do so. You'll find it easy to collaborate and to make concessions for each other. Why? Because you're really listening to what the other has to say.
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
A Full Moon in your partnership sector will leave no stone unturned as it relates to what's truly being illuminated in your relationship. If you have been escaping reality together for far too long then it's possible after Saturday you'll both experience the pain of a drunken hangover in your love connection. The party time was great but when you are trying to live in reality together there always seems to be a problem. If this is the dynamic between you and your sweetie then you'll need to address it. Or decide to jump ship. The choice is yours.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
You're about to have the time of your life Libra. Why? Because when your ruling planet moves into your sign you really feel like the fairest in the land. Your confidence soars and you give off extra potent vibes of allure that other people couldn't resist even if they tried. After Saturday and until October 8 this is your blessing. Are you single? Don't doubt for one moment that other people aren't noticing you. You could put a paper bag over your head and still get a date now! Attached? You'll feel more adored than ever by your sweetheart.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
A Full Moon in your romance sector on Saturday will certainly activate your heart strings. You might feel like you're living an absolute fairytale if you have just started to date someone. You're absolutely hypnotized by this person and you're enjoying every moment of the love potion your new sweetheart is making you drunk off of. If you're single it is quite possible that you'll meet someone while attending an art, music or film event. A first date near the water will make your knees weak.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
You've got plenty of options this week that are starting to reveal themselves when it comes to love. On Saturday Venus will move into the most social area of your chart -- the 11th house. Until October 8 the more you go out with friends to mingle the more likely it will be that you meet your next great love. You could easily attend a party or other gathering with pals only to find an absolutely gorgeous person eyeing you. You might also begin a romance with someone you used to consider "just a friend." Oh, how the tables will turn!
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
Your partner is definitely going to make you look better! After Saturday, you might notice that your sweetheart is suddenly more interested in helping you get ahead professionally. He or she might introduce you to someone in your industry with the power to help you reach the next level of your career success. Your sweetheart will be so proud of your accomplishments and won't hesitate being vocal about it. If you're single you might find yourself wildly attracted to your boss or someone you truly respect in your profession. Guess what? This person very likely feels the same way about you.
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
If you're single, it's very possible that you'll make a love connection with someone who has a background radically different from yours. This person might be from a different culture or have a spiritual perspective that is much different from yours. Instead of this being a deterrent, you'll feel sucked in and completely intrigued. It's a good thing that you're open because it not only looks like a beautiful new love connection, but it also appears that this person has a great deal of wisdom to share with you. If you're in a relationship, you and your sweetheart might travel abroad together. It'll be a vacation of a lifetime!
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
This week your partner will be extremely motivated to help make one of your dreams come true. He or she will make it their personal mission to materialize whatever it is that you want the most. Aren't you lucky! Another bonus if you're in a relationship is that after Saturday you might benefit financially from your partner. He or she may receive a raise or generous bonus and will want to celebrate by spoiling you. If you're single, you might be sending mixed messaged to someone who is really interested in you. Be careful, this person is following your lead. You don't want to lose out on something that could be beautiful.
September 05, 2019
By City News Service
Comedian Kevin Hart is recuperating today from surgery to repair a back injury suffered when his 1970 Plymouth Barracuda rolled down an embankment on Mulholland Highway in Calabasas.
Hart, 40, was taken to Northridge Hospital Medical Center, and the driver, 28-year-old Jared Black of Woodland Hills, was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, also with major injuries, the California Highway Patrol reported.
A third occupant in the Barracuda, a 31-year-old woman from Woodland Hills, suffered only minor complaints of pain and sought help om her own, officials said.
Eniko Hart told the entertainment website TMZ her husband is “going to be just fine.”
The crash was at 12:45 a.m. Sunday on Mulholland Highway, east of Cold Canyon Road. The Plymouth turned from southbound Cold Canyon Road to eastbound Mulholland Highway, where Black, behind the wheel, apparently lost control of the car. The vehicle left the road and rolled over down the northern embankment.
“Two of the three occupants were trapped inside,” the CHP said.
“The remaining occupant and the owner of the vehicle, Kevin Hart, left the scene to his nearby residence to get medical attention.”
Officials did not disclose the nature of Hart's injuries, but TMZ reported that he injured his back. The entertainment website reported Monday that Hart underwent successful back surgery.
The CHP said Black was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrote on Instagram: “Stop messing with my emotions brother. We have a lot more laughing to do together.”
The woman in the crash was celebrity trainer Rebecca Broxterman, fiance of the driver, Black, TMZ reported. Black is also known as Jared Stanton, according to the website popculture.trending. His IMDb listing indicates he is a writer, director and actor.
September 05, 2019
By City News Service
A judge today denied a bid by three of Nipsey Hussle's relatives to be named temporary guardians of the slain rapper's 10- year-old daughter, but he set a trial for October on whether they should be made permanent guardians.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Cowan also named Hussle's brother, Samuel Asghedom, the permanent administrator of his late sibling's estate.
All of the proceedings were conducted in closed session at the request of the Hussle family's attorneys. Information about the proceedings was provided afterward by lawyer Larry Lewellyn, who represents the late rapper's girlfriend, Tanisha Foster. She is the mother of the singer's daughter, Emani.
Unlike after previous court hearings, Foster was upbeat as she left today's session. Her daughter was not present in court today.
Lewellyn and Foster oppose the joint guardianship being sought by Asghedom, his sister, Samantha Smith, and their mother, Angelique Smith. Lewellyn said he was pleased with Cowan's decision not to appoint the trio as temporary guardians. The hearing on whether they should be named permanent guardians is scheduled Oct. 15.
Lewellyn also said Foster continues to have visits with her daughter, who has been in the care of Samantha Smith since the rapper's death. He said the visits have gone well.
Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, also left behind a 2-year-old son, Kross Asghedom, with longtime girlfriend Lauren London.
The 33-year-old Grammy Award-nominated performer and entrepreneur was killed March 31 in a shooting outside his South Los Angeles clothing store.
Eric Ronald Holder Jr., 29, is accused of killing Hussle and injuring two other men. He is charged with one count each of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon, along with two counts of attempted murder.