Las Vegas homicide detectives are investigating the death of B.B. King after his daughters Karen Williams and Patty King alleged that their father was poisoned by his business manager LaVerne Toney and his personal assistant Myron Johnson.
“I believe my father was poisoned and that he was administered foreign substances,” they wrote in affidavits. “I believe my father was murdered.” [Complex]
Love and Hip-Hop stars Yandy and Mendeecees have finally tied the knot! After years of documenting their on-again, off-again relationship on their reality show, the couple wed in a live televised ceremony Monday night. The ceremony was hosted by Nina Parker, Big Tigger and Stevie J with performances by K. Michelle before a star-studded audience. Congrats to the happy couple! [E! Online]
Over 70 members of Congress are pressing President Barack Obama to “ban the box” for federal jobs. In an effort to reduce mass incarceration, many states have eliminated the question on hiring applications asking job seekers if they have a criminal record.
“One in four Americans has a conviction history, which often excludes them from the workforce and from housing, creating new layers of crisis for our communities,” Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) said in a statement. “Ban the box is important for incarcerated individuals to have dignified lives.” [The Root]
The city of Cleveland has reached a settlement with the Department of Justice over a pattern of excessive force and civil rights violations by the police department. This news comes just days after a white police officer was acquitted of manslaughter for firing 15 rounds at two unarmed Black suspects in 2012. The DOJ launched an 18-month investigation into the practices of the police department and based on their findings, required the city to devise a plan to reform the police force. [NPR]
Dr. Phoenyx Austin, MD., a natural hair and fitness guru, is helping young Black girls feel more comfortable in their curls by publishing a book just for children. “Love Your Hair” is children’s story kinky and curly hair to help kids live happier, healthier and more confident lives.
“I always knew I wanted to write a children’s book to reach little brown girls specifically,” she said. “It’s in those young, impressionable years that little brown girls are looking around for role models and images of beauty that look like them.” [Black Enterprise]
50 Cent is taking Rick Ross to court, claiming Ross uploaded his ex-girlfriend’s sex tape to the Internet. Previously, Ross’s ex, Lastonia Leviston, sued 50 for uploading the sex tape saying it caused her emotional damage but 50’ssaying that Ross is the guilty party and that 50 merely shared the tape once it was already uploaded. Now they’re headed to the courtroom. Hopefully a judge can figure out this mess. [Complex]
