Although it’s a new year, Drake isn’t letting go of the allegations directed at him on Kendrick Lamar’s diss track “Not Like Us.”
After previous legal motions, the rapper filed a federal defamation lawsuit on Wednesday against Universal Music Group, the label home to both him and Lamar.
After a devastating 15-month war, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a three-phase ceasefire deal. According to the Associated Press, mediators announced the resolution on Wednesday, saying the two parties have agreed to pause the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially banned Red No. 3, a synthetic food dye linked to cancer and other health concerns. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), this artificial coloring is widely used in candies, cereals, fruit cocktail cherries, strawberry-flavored milkshakes, and many other foods.
Why Is the FDA Banning Red Dye No. 3?
In 2022, the CSPI petitioned the FDA to ban Red No. 3 due to its potential health risks. U.S. lawmakers also advocated for the ban, citing studies linking the dye to cancer and its negative impact on children’s behavior.
“At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” said Dr. Peter Lurie, president of the CSPI, in an interview with NBC News.
What Foods Have Red Dye 3?
Red No. 3, first introduced in 1907, gives a bright cherry-red color to various foods and supplements. It’s commonly found in:
Candies
Cereals
Fruit cocktail cherries
Strawberry milkshakes
FDA’s History With Red Dye No. 3
The FDA previously banned Red No. 3 in cosmetics in 1990 under the Delaney Clause, which prohibits additives linked to cancer in humans or animals. Now, food manufacturers must reformulate products containing Red No. 3 by Jan. 15, 2027.
“The FDA cannot authorize a food additive or color additive if it has been found to cause cancer in humans or animals,” Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy director for human foods, said in a statement to NBC News. “Evidence shows cancer in laboratory male rats exposed to high levels of FD&C Red No. 3.”
Red 3 vs. Red 40: What’s the Difference?
While Red No. 3 is now banned, Red 40 remains legal. The key differences include:
Red 3 (Erythrosine): A synthetic dye now banned for its cancer risks.
Red 40 (Allura Red): Another synthetic dye still widely used but under scrutiny for possible health impacts.
States and Countries Already Banning Red Dye 3
California became the first state to ban Red No. 3 in 2023. Additionally, 10 other states have taken steps to restrict its use. Internationally, the dye is banned or restricted in Australia, Japan, and several European Union countries.
What’s Next for Food Dyes in the U.S.?
The ban on Red No. 3 may prompt further scrutiny of artificial food dyes. Advocacy groups, including the Environmental Working Group, are pushing for broader bans on other synthetic colorings.
“This cancer-causing chemical is finally going to be out of the food supply. It is long overdue,” said Melanie Benesh, vice president for government affairs at the Environmental Working Group, according to NBC News. “We are thrilled that the FDA has finally managed to get it over the finish line.”
The products were sold in 242 Walmart stores The product, sold in 48-ounce family-sized cartons under the Great Value Chicken Broth label, was packaged in aseptic paper cartons that, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, may “compromise the […]
While most fans know RuPaul Andre Charles as the beloved creator of the Drag Race franchise, the media personality has contributed even more to the culture throughout his over thirty-year career. Particularly, RuPaul’s work to bring LGBTQIA+ representation to the mainstream cannot be overstated. Born and raised in San Diego, California, RuPaul’s talents led him to Atlanta, Georgia at an early age to study performing arts, where he also performed at the well-known Plaza Theater.
After moving to New York, he broke into the bustling nightlife scene, becoming a popular fixture. It seems that’s where his drag career took off, which would birth his future success. RuPaul’s net worth is a reflection of his determination and innovation within the entertainment realm.
The star gained national success in music
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Before releasing his own music nationally, RuPaul performed at local venues, which afforded him the opportunity to sing backup for Canadian country star Glen Meadmore. Aside from singing, he also showcased his good looks in music videos, making his first appearance in 1989’s Love Shack by B-52. While in New York, he continued showcasing his drag routine annually at the Wigstock Drag Festival. It’s unknown how much he was paid for these gigs, but they led to him recording music of his own.
In 1993, this vibrant artist released his debut album, Supermodel of the World, which included the hit dance single, Supermodel (You Better Work). The song became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, becoming a staple within the music scene. RuPaul continued his music career with his next album, 1996’s Foxy Lady. The album wasn’t a huge success, though lad single Snapshot hit number four on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Other albums include Ho Ho Ho (1997), Red Hot (2004), and Champion (2009), among others. This helped RuPaul gain more stage opportunities, landing his biggest one in the form of a talk show.
His Television Career Took Off
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Following the success of his first album, RuPaul inked his first self-titled television slot. The VH1 talk show featured high-profile guests such as Diana Ross, Cher, and Mary J. Blige and ran for two seasons, airing 100 episodes. This popular series laid the foundation for his future work on television. After the show ended, he continued his music career, but in 2008, he began working on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Season one was introduced in the U.S. in February 2009, originally on Logo TV. The competition show set out to find the the next drag superstar. Thanks to his previous relationship working with MAC Cosmetics, the winner took home a lifetime supply of beauty products from the brand, $20,000 and more. The series was an instant success and by the 2013 season, when season five began. RuPaul was reportedly making $50,000 per episode. In 2017, the show transitioned to VH1 with season nine amid Logo’s issues maintaining viewership.
By this time, the cash prize for the winner had also grown to $100,000, with RuPaul’s salary ballooning to around $1 million per episode. By season 15, the show had moved to MTV, where it remains today with season 17 kicking off in January 2025. During his Drag Race run, he also launched multiple spin-offs including Drag U, Drag Race All Stars, and Drag Race U.K. In 2019, RuPaul got another talk show on Fox, though it was scrapped shortly after due to low ratings. Still, this has not done anything to hinder his $60 million net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Those of you keeping up with the news regarding the business side of the entertainment industry may already be acquainted with Rashida Jones. The MSNBC network president, who shares no relation to the Parks and Recreation actress of the same name, announced this week that she’ll be stepping down from her role ahead of the previously announced Comcast spinoff. One of Jones’ closest allies at the network, Rebecca Kutler, is expected to serve as interim president in the coming months, as the network restructures to a publicly traded entity. Kutler previously served under Jones as the Senior Vice President of Content Strategy, meaning the staffing adjustment should be a fairly smooth transition.
Even if you’re not especially plugged into the industry, you may have become familiar with Rashida Jones over the years, as she previously made headlines for her excellent leadership at MSNBC. Having served as the network’s senior vice president during the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones made history in 2021 by becoming the first Black woman to head up a major news network. Now, industry professionals are surely wondering what opportunities Jones will pursue after her time at MSNBC comes to a close. To get a full scope of Jones’ future prospects, let’s briefly run through her career and history as a successful executive, and see what we can learn about the revolutionary businesswoman.
Rashida Jones’ Early Life and Career Beginnings
Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Voto Latino
Long before Rashida Jones was steering a major news network through some of the most polarizing and tumultuous periods in modern history, she was born to a humble Pennsylvania family. In her youth, Jones’ family relocated to the Richmond, Virginia area, where she attended Henrico High School, and developed a passion for news media while assuming the role of editor at the student newspaper. After graduating, Jones took her talents to Hampton University, where she majored in broadcast journalism, and later took home a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts. Jones made connections with prominent media outlets while working toward her degree program, and eve landed a job as a morning show producer during her senior year.
After graduating, Rashida Jones quickly scaled the corporate ladder to become director of live programming at The Weather Channel, before taking on several high-profile production jobs in South Carolina and eventually New York City. By 2014, she took on her first role with MSNBC as managing editor and senior vice president of specials for NBC News. According to those who have worked with Jones during this time, her proficiency within the industry was obvious, making her a clear choice for promotions at every turn. Before long, Jones developed a number of ratings-boosting shifts, including the choice to broaden NBC’s town-hall format to a wider audience, and offer extensive coverage of the growing COVID-19 pandemic. She also led the network through some of its most challenging periods, including those which saw NBC reporting on the aftermath of George Floyd’s untimely slaying, as well as the ensuing protests his death sparked.
Career Highlights at MSNBC
Rashida Jones took the reins as network president at MSNBC on Feb. 1, 2021, shortly after Joe Biden assumed office. As many industry insiders have noted, her arrival and departure from the role are likely not a coincidence, since the politics of Washington D.C. have a massive ripple effect on large media outlets. Given that MSNBC is largely considered to be the most liberal major media conglomerate, a number of insiders have recently questioned how Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration will impact the company, resulting in a shake up of the staff. Regardless, Jones’ accolades during her tenure as president speak for themselves, and showcase her commitment to journalism at large, beyond the scope of political bipartisanship.
In 2022, Jones established a scholarship fund for students seeking a career in journalism, offering to fund full tuition for Hampton University journalists. That same year, she took home the very first Media Leadership Award from the Montclair State University School of Communication and Media, thanks to her hard work and trailblazing efforts as the first Black woman to ever reach her position. In 2023, she took home an Achievement of Excellence Award from her alma mater, and served as the headlining speaker at the school’s 20th anniversary gala. Jones has since earned an honorary doctorate degree from the University of the District of Columbia, thanks to her commitment to shattering the glass ceiling within the industry, and supporting those who came after her.
As stated, Jones has announced her intention to depart from MSNBC this year, after serving a full four-year presidential term. While her resignation from the top position has already taken effect, the inspirational executive is poised to remain with the network in an advisory role until Rebecca Kutler and company have successfully navigated the split with Comcast. Since tendering her resignation, numerous MSNBC executives and staffers have publicly given Jones her flowers, with kind comments flooding in from the likes of Rachel Maddow, Kutler, and incoming CEO Mark Lazarus. Per a report in CNN, Lazarus specifically praised Jones for having “expertly navigated MSNBC through a years-long, unrelenting and unprecedented news cycle, all while driving the network to record viewership and making investments in nonlinear businesses.”
What’s Next for Rashida Jones?
At this point in time, there’s no way of knowing what Rashida Jones plans to do next. When discussing the terms of her resignation, she specifically highlighted a desire to explore new opportunities, while expressing extreme confidence in the future of MSNBC’s programming. For the next few months, she’ll continue assisting her team in navigating the new media landscape, though we can surmise that she’ll likely be flooded with high-paying offers from other networks in the meantime.
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