News

Which brands did General Mills cancel? According to the New York Post, the Minneapolis-based company stopped manufacturing three fan-favorite Cheerios brands: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch and Honey Nut Cheerios Minis. A dry cereal enthusiast also […]

Chrisette Michele shared that she’s recently been diagnosed with autism. During a doctor’s visit, the R&B singer was informed that she had been living with autism, which affects how a person communicates, socializes, learns and experiences the world, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. 

What did Chrisette Michele say about her autism diagnosis?

On Monday, Michele, who’s 42, shared the news publicly in an Instagram post: “I just learned I’m autistic. Official diagnosis. They used the word ‘severely.’ I’ve been quiet on here,” she said. “But… I’ve been outside. Singing. … but learning to strip the mask. One show at a time. (The irony) Just… coming to grips with a lot and giving myself room to take it all in.”

The Grammy winner admitted that her autism diagnosis put a lot of things into perspective, saying that her “life and its challenges finally make sense.”

Fans show Chrisette Michele love after sharing her autism diagnosis

Michele received so much support from her fans in the comments section of her Instagram post.

One person commented: “As a fellow neurodivedgent who was diagnosed last November, the grief and then immediate liberation from realizing I’ve been living for the comfort of others to mask knowing something was different inside. Whewwww, the shedding of the mask felt immediate. We are free 🤍🤍🤍.”

“Neurodivergent babes unite!💕 There’s so much freedom in knowing and it’s truly like unlocking a whole nother level of understanding in yourself.. give yourself grace and love as you unmask, wishing you the best babe!🩷,” another person chimed in.

“Soror. You are fearfully and wonderfully made,” a third person wrote. “Your show tonight was amazing. Thank you for being YOU! Prayers up. 💙🤍🕊️”

In response to a woman who wondered if “fear” would’ve stopped Michele’s music career if she knew she had autism, the artist replied: “Self awareness is my super power. It teaches me what to pray for, what to work on and how to work on it. It comes a little at a time as science and treatment develops. God knows all… but for those of us who pray in English and in tongues… it’s always good to be able to address the ‘issue’ and grow from it. A diagnosis just helps me understand HOW God made me and how better to utilize what He created.”

Michele is currently embarking on a summer tour that kicked off in Alexandria, VA, earlier in June. The tour concludes in Elkhart, Indiana, on August 15.

Jon B regrets calling Chloe Bailey and Gunna‘s sampling of his 1997 hit “They Don’t Know” in their “You & Me” collab, released in 2022, a “ratchet record.”

The R&B crooner opened up about his past comments on Shirley Yu’s Shirley’s Temple podcast. 

The singer says he ‘wasn’t used to being on podcasts’

“I regretted how I spoke on it the first time because I wasn’t used to being on podcasts,” Jon B said, according to Complex. “First of all, I didn’t do a lot of podcasts. So I was sort of new to that whole thing of speaking my truths in a way.”

“It hurt me because I was like, ‘Man, that could be my daughter right there,’” he added. “It hit different because I never wanna come off like a hater.”

Jon B also claimed that Bailey and Gunna only contacted him to receive clearance for the sample after the song was released. The sample was officially cleared by Sony Music at the time, and it’s unclear whether or not Jon B owned his masters, according to Vibe.

“I like having the ability to say ‘yea’ or ‘nay’ before something is released,” he said. “If it’s out already, the damage is done, you know what I mean?”

What was Jon B’s unfiltered reaction at the time when Chloe Bailey and Gunna dropped ‘You & Me’?

Initially, Jon B’s reaction was the following: “They put that ratchet record out. I couldn’t stand it. I wish they never did it.”

“[They] never actually never got my rights to do that record either, so Gunna we gotta holler about that. … That’s some business s**t we got to handle,” he continued. “Yeah, I mean, you know what, it’s all a compliment to what we did. That’s [producers and co-songwriters] Tim [Kelley] and Bob’s [Robinson] compliment, that’s my compliment, but at the same time my lane is my lane and my area is my area and I earned that. If you made a hit in your area, you do your song whatever it is, I’m not going to just come into your area, take your joint, and make it mine and not pay you or whatever.”

Bailey reacted to Jon B’s comments during a September 2024 appearance on The Breakfast Club.

“Jon B is an incredible artist,” she said. “If that song didn’t exist, we couldn’t sample it. I love what Gunna and I did to it. I’m sad he feels that way, but, hey, everyone has opinions.”

Donald Trump has become the first sitting president not to be invited to the NAACP national convention. It is the first time in 116 years that the current U.S. presidnet has not been invited.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson announced the news at a press conference on Monday, saying the President is not invited to next month’s national convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, but the decision has “nothing to do with political party.”

“Our mission is to advance civil rights, and the current president has made clear that his mission is to eliminate civil rights,” Johnson said, per the Associated Press.

In April, the NAACP sued Donald Trump

The lawsuit followed after Trump ordered the Department of Education to withhold federal money from schools that refuse to end DEI programs. In its lawsuit, the NAACP stated that the department is failing to give equal opportunity to Black students.

Presidents Regan and Bush were invited to past NAACP national conventions

The NAACP invited President Ronald Reagan despite the backlash he faced for using the term “welfare queen.” Reagan coined the term to refer to people who are misusing federal aid, but many Americans saw it as a racist term targeting Black women.

However, in his speech at the 1981 NAACP convention in Denver, Reagan denounced white supremacists, saying his administration would stand up against “those who, by violence or intimidation, would attempt to deny Americans their constitutional rights.”

In 2006, the NAACP invited President George W. Bush to the convention despite the criticism he received for mishandling Hurricane Katrina. Bush, who faced wide backlash at the time for what many saw as neglecting New Orleans’ Black residents, was chosen as one of the speakers at the convention.

American Express Co. announced Monday upcoming upgrades to its U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum credit cards, aiming to distinguish itself in the competitive luxury credit card market.

“More than forty years ago, we introduced the Platinum Card, and we continue to offer Platinum Cards with global servicing, unique benefits and experiences that our Card Members love,” Howard Grosfield, Amex’s group president for U.S. consumer services, said in a news release statement.

Howard Grosfield also stated that Platinum credit card features are mostly popular among Millennials and Gen Z, who account for more than 35% of total U.S. Consumer spending in the last quarter.

” We’re going to take these Cards to a new level, not only in what they offer in travel, dining and lifestyle benefits, but also in how they look and feel, to meet the evolving needs of our customers,” he explained. 

What are the new Platinum credit card features?

American Express offers access to over 1,550 airport lounges worldwide—more than any other credit card issuer—and plans to open three new Centurion Lounges in Newark, Salt Lake City, and Tokyo, bringing the total to 32, per the news release. 

Additionally, the New York-based company is expanding its dining and hotel offerings through platforms like Resy, which provides access to over 20,000 restaurants in more than 30 countries, and its recent acquisition of Tock, adding 7,000 more venues. 

Its Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection now feature 2,600 curated properties, including the exclusive benefit of guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout at over 1,600 locations.

What benefits can Platinum Business Card holders expect?

American Express plans to enhance its Business Platinum Card with new benefits designed to support business growth. 

Current features include flexible spending limits, travel and business perks, virtual cards, and cash flow tools, as well as access to dining, lounge, and hotel programs. 

Cardholders also enjoy exclusive experiences worldwide, including motorsports, tennis, music festivals, and sporting events, as well as more brand partnerships. The company will provide further updates this fall.

Amex’s Platinum card faces competition from rival premium cards.

American Express has faced increasing competition in the premium credit card market since it raised the Platinum card’s annual fee to $695 and added a $200 hotel credit in July 2021, Bloomberg reported.

What is JPMorgan Chase’s Sapphire Reserve card?

JPMorgan Chase announced Tuesday an update to its premium Sapphire Reserve credit card, raising the annual fee by 45% to $795 — the most significant increase since its 2016 launch, CNBC reported. The updated card, launched Monday, offers more than $2,700 in annual benefits by combining existing perks with new travel- and dining-focused rewards.

New features include a points redemption program that doubles the value of select travel offers and a $500 annual credit for hotel stays. Cardholders also receive $300 dining credits for chosen restaurants, $300 for ticket purchases at StubHub or Viagogo, and free Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions valued at $250 annually, the company said, according to CNBC.

Customers who spend $75,000 or more annually gain additional perks, including top-tier status with Southwest Airlines and IHG Hotels and Resorts. 

Actor David Hekili Kenui Bell, best known for appearing in Disney’s recent Lilo & Stitch live-action remake, has died. According to E! Online, his family confirmed news of his passing on social media.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Bell’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, remembered her “sweet, generous, talented, funny, brilliant and handsome little brother.”

The actor’s sister, Jalene Kanani Bell, penned an emotional Facebook tribute

“I’ve been waiting for the words and mindset to properly express the joy of a human, and Prince of a Man he was, but fate pushed my hand this morning by a pre-scheduled Father’s Day newsletter honoring the men in our lives,” she wrote in the Monday post.

Jalene continued, highlighting Bell’s professional and personal lives and what legacy he leaves behind.

“While I didn’t grow up with a Father, David gave me all the unconditional love I could possibly ask for and I believe that all his family and friends received the same from him,” she added. “He was always so proud of me, his nieces and his grandnephew, constantly engaged and always coming up with fun activities to get-together.”

Bell’s sister remembered his love of the film industry and his work as an actor. In addition to Lilo & Stitch, Bell appeared in Magnum P.I., Hawaii Five-0 and The Wrecking Crew.

“David loved being an actor, doing voiceovers, spending time with Brutus traveling as an ambassador for Kona Brew,” she wrote.

But no role meant more to Bell than playing Big Hawaiian Dude in Lilo & Stitch. In her statement, Jalene shared Bell’s excitement about the role and how, just weeks before his death, he bought tickets to the movie for his whole family so they could see he “made it on to the big screen.”

“He planned ahead and purchased the best seats in the house for us all to go together to opening night in Kapolei just two short weeks ago,” Jalene recounted. “That’s one trait we didn’t share, planning ahead:) We talked about and were so energized by the fans dressed in L&S gear head to toe, t-shirts, onezees, hats, mask, and the merch galore flying off the shelf as we stood in line for pop-corn.”

She concluded the emotional message by telling readers to “hug your loved ones today.”

“Our last time together after returning home from the movie was just sitting on my living room couch talking story about life, having a seltzer and doing a little genealogy,” she said. “Blessed by this and all the big and small moments, I will keep our memories alive.”

Others remember Bell’s talent and warmth

According to TMZ, others close to Bell are honoring his life and legacy. The outlet spoke with Lashauna Downie, Bell’s representative, who shared she’d learned of the actor’s passing on social media.

“This is heartbreaking & sad. He was one of my best talent & embodied the true meaning of aloha … a gentle giant,” she said.

Film producer Gerard Elmore also shared an emotional tribute on social media, remembering Bell’s warmth and talent.

“You are the kindest, funniest, smartest human I have ever met. We celebrated, we sang karaoke, we joked and we talked about what was next. We cherished our time with you, we laughed a lot and I will miss you so damn much brother. The world’s time with you was far too short. All our love and light to you and your ohana. Until we meet again legend,” he wrote in an Instagram post along with a picture of Bell.

According to E! Online, Bell is survived by Jalene, his aunt Gerry, and his other sisters, Kehau Bell and Lara Leimana.

The judge presiding over Sean “Diddy” Combs‘ ongoing sex trafficking trial removed Juror No. 6.

As Variety reported, Judge Arun Subramanian noticed “several inconsistencies” regarding one juror’s living situation, which ultimately prompted her to remove him from the case on Monday.

Why was Juror No. 6 removed from Diddy’s trial?

What alerted Subramanian was the multiple places the juror (an unidentified Black male) claimed to be his residence. When the juror initially answered the survey of questions, he shared that he lived in the Bronx with his fiancée and their daughter. Once the trial began, he mentioned to a fellow juror that he and his fiancée had just relocated to New Jersey while they were on a break from the trial. This news led the court to inquire about his residence. He explained how he resides at his Bronx apartment during the week but spends time in New Jersey on the weekends.

“There are serious questions about the juror’s candor and the juror’s ability to follow the court’s instructions,” Subramanian stated on Friday, per Variety. “Removal of the juror is required, in this court’s view.”

Diddy’s defense lawyers fought to keep Juror No. 6 on the case

Combs’ legal counsel argued that it’s not uncommon for people to commute back and forth between New York and New Jersey. 

“I do believe he will be able to follow instructions,” Xavier Donaldson, a lawyer on Combs’ team, said.

Combs’ lawyers also mentioned that the importance of Juror No. 6 for two reasons. The first was that the juror remained “awake” throughout the trial, unlike some of his counterparts. And the second reason was how his dismissal would create a racial imbalance among the jury.

“I don’t generally play the race card unless I have it in my hand,” Donaldson said.

Federal prosecutors emphasized that all jurors, including alternates, appeared attentive throughout the proceedings. They also pushed back against Donaldson’s suggestion, praising the jury’s diversity.

Combs still maintains that he’s not guilty of the crimes he’s being accused of as the trial enters a sixth week and the prosecution wraps up their reasoning.

With $2 billion in debt, At Home is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The home decor and furniture retailer, which has over 200 locations nationwide, also plans to close 26 stores by the end of September, CBS News reported.

At Home entered bankruptcy after missing an interest payment on May 15, according to Bloomberg. As part of At Home’s forbearance agreement, ownership of the business now goes to lenders who hold more than 95% of the company’s debt.

Why is At Home filing for bankruptcy?

In addition to facing hurdles due to tariffs, At Home is seeing a decrease in demand for home furnishings. Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, told CBS News that the decline in sales “is partly a consequence of low consumer confidence and a sluggish housing market.” 

“These dynamics are unlikely to change in the near term,” Saunders said.

Per CNN, Saunders added that “there is way too little inspiration and not nearly enough excitement to draw people in to the stores, particularly in areas where competition is high.”

“Given the expenses associated with brick-and-mortar operation and the issues affecting the retail industry, a number of the (At Home) remaining stores are operating at sub-optimal performance levels,” court documents state, according to USA TODAY.

At Home plans to shut down 26 locations by September 2025

In California, At Home is closing stores in the cities of San Jose, Tustin, Costa Mesa, Chico, Foothill Ranch, Sacramento and Long Beach. The company is also closing a pair of locations in the New York cities of Rego Park and Bronx. In New Jersey, closures are expected in the cities of Middletown Township, Ledgewood and Princeton.

At Home’s CEO is optimistic despite the retailer filing for bankruptcy

At Home CEO Brad Weston said he remains optimistic despite the recent challenges. Weston said the retailer is “operating against the backdrop of an increasingly dynamic and rapidly evolving trade environment as we navigate the impact of tariffs.”

Weston added that these steps “will improve our ability to compete in the marketplace in the face of continued volatility and increase the resilience of our business for the long term.”