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The longstanding retail chain confirmed that seven stores will close on Sunday. Blavity reported that the move was first announced in February when the company stated it would shut down a “handful” of locations. “While we do not have plans […]

A new study found that synthetic hair brands used for braiding contain harmful chemicals. Consumer Reports said it found carcinogens in all the products they tested.

The company analyzed 10 synthetic hair products from the following brands: Sensationnel, Magic Fingers, Sassy Collection, Shake-N-Go, Hbegant, Debut and Darling.

What are the health risks of synthetic braiding hair?

The study found carcinogens like methylene chloride and benzene, the latter of which is known to cause acute myeloid leukemia. It also found lead, which has been linked to immune system suppression, reproductive issues, kidney damage and hypertension. 

The study also found volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs), including acetone. VOCs are released into the hair, notably when hair is heated. This includes the use of hot tools such as a hot iron or a lighter, as well as hot water often used to seal a hairstyle.

VOCs may cause eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as cause nausea, damage the central nervous system and cancer, according to the American Lung Association and as reported by Consumer Reports.

It noted that children are particularly at risk because of the presence of harmful chemicals. For instance, lead can impair brain development and cause developmental problems. Experts also point to these substances as potential endocrine disruptors.

“We know that they look like endocrine disruptors—they look like things that can mess with our body’s normal hormonal system,” Tamarra James-Todd, an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a lab director of the school’s Environmental Reproductive Justice Lab, told Consumer Reports.

She adds that Black women in particular have been found to have higher concentrations of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

“What is unique about braid extensions is the length of exposure users have to them,” Chrystal Thomas, a student at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the City University of New York who prompted the study, said. “Synthetic braids are typically worn for about four to six weeks. Black women and other individuals who use synthetic hair are, therefore, exposed to those ingredients consistently during that time.”

Signs that you may be allergic to synthetic braiding hair

Some symptoms can be observed immediately.

“Symptoms include redness, swelling, and rashes on the scalp, neck, or face,” James E. Rogers, a director and head of product safety testing, said, according to Consumer Reports. It “occurs when the immune system reacts to allergens present in synthetic hair. It can be associated with any dyes or coloring used in the product,” he added.

Dr. Chesahna Kindred, a dermatologist, said some of her patients experienced symptoms right after installation.

“It would look like contact dermatitis, which is when the scalp is inflamed, it’s red, the patient complained about an itching or burning sensation, and we would have to treat it with a cortisone,” she said.

The skin on the neck can also be affected and lead to breakouts. If you are experiencing such symptoms, it is recommended to take out the braids as soon as possible. Although symptoms may occur shortly after an appointment, health risks may take years to present themselves.

How did braiding hair companies respond to the study’s findings?

Consumer Reports said it contacted each synthetic hair it analyzed samples from. Sensationnel and Magic Fingers responded to the findings while disputing the study’s claims. 

“Magic Fingers is proud of the trusted and top-quality hair products we provide to our customers,” the company wrote in a statement, according to WSB-TV. “Our customers know they can count on us for braids and extensions that meet their highest expectations for fashion and performance. The unusual testing methods employed by Consumer Reports do not fairly match the real-world way that our customers use our Braiding Hair.”

Sensationnel also provided a statement: “We pride ourselves on producing the finest quality hair products on the market, and we are constantly evaluating our materials and processes with customer safety in mind.”

“The claims and conclusions presented by the Consumer Reports study are unfounded and misleading. Its study used a harsh and unusual testing methodology on hair braiding products that are clearly not intended for ingestion. We strongly disagree with the claims Consumer Reports makes about the potential risk to consumers that could arise from the safe and common use of our products,” it added. “We unequivocally stand by the safety of Sensationnel products, and our company urges consumers to continue to confidently use Sensationnel products.”

The approval process for COVID-19 vaccines is going to look very different in the U.S. In a nutshell, Trump officials no longer want to approve annual COVID-19 boosters for healthy adults and children. This means that millions of Americans may lose access to updated COVID-19 boosters.

Going forward, the Trump administration only wants to offer the vaccines to those 65 and older or high-risk individuals.

“Is the pharmacist going to determine if you’re in a high-risk group?” asked Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, PBS reported. “The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration wants to hold new clinical trials proving that COVID-19 shots are still safe and effective for healthy adults and children.

“We simply don’t know whether a healthy 52-year-old woman with a normal BMI who has had COVID-19 three times and has received six previous doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will benefit from the seventh dose,” the FDA officials wrote.

Why is the FDA planning to restrict access to COVID-19 vaccines?

The FDA’s announcement comes as vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who now leads the Department of Health and Human Services, raises more concerns over the COVID-19 vaccines.

FDA officials want to conduct clinical trials — which, in reality, could prove to be too costly for pharmaceutical companies — in order to prove that the COVID-19 vaccine is still safe and effective for healthy individuals. If the plan follows through, only 33 percent of Americans will be eligible to get the COVID-19 shot on an annual basis.

“We simply don’t know whether a healthy 52-year-old woman with a normal B.M.I. who has had COVID-19 three times and has received six previous doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will benefit from the seventh dose,” FDA officials wrote, per The New York Times.

What are experts saying about the possibility of COVID-19 vaccines being restricted?

“This is overly restrictive and will deny many people who want to be vaccinated a vaccine,” Dr. Anna Durbin, director of the Center for Immunization Research at Johns Hopkins University, said via email, according to The New York Times.

The changes do “not make sense from a public health perspective,” Durbin added.

Another expert argued that limiting access to the COVID-19 vaccine would only cause more distrust among Americans.

“Since the public trust in vaccines has declined, I would hope that we would be thoughtful about preserving vaccine choice for people who want to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Denise Jamieson, VP for medical affairs at the University of Iowa. Jamieson also serves as a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adviser on immunizations.

From her perspective, the announcement “doesn’t preserve people’s choice to get vaccinated.”

While walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday, Denzel Washington got into it with a photographer who appeared to get physical with the actor to get his attention in clips of the incident, which quickly went viral on social media.

Washington was attending the world premiere of Highest 2 Lowest when the incident occurred. The actor was talking to the movie’s director, Spike Lee, on the red carpet when a photographer grabbed Washington’s arm to get his attention.

Washington reprimanded the photographer and pointed his finger at him. The photographer appeared to nod in agreement with a smile on their face. Once the actor turned around, the paparazzo grabbed him again.

A peeved Washington pulled away and appeared to say, “Stop,” repeatedly.

Washington stars in Highest 2 Lowest, his fifth collaboration with Lee, alongside A$AP Rocky, Ilfenesh Hadera and Jeffrey Wright.

Washington’s representative said ‘It was a great evening’ for the actor

Though the incident appeared tense, Washington’s representative told People, “It was a great evening” for the actor. Afterward, Washington was surprised with the Honorary Palme d’Or, Cannes’ highest honor, before Highest 2 Lowest premiered. Lee presented the actor with the award as they introduced the movie to screening attendees.

“This is a total surprise for me, so I’m a little emotional, but from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. It was a great opportunity to collaborate with my brother once again — brother from another mother, Spike,” Washington said while accepting the award.

He continued, “To be here once again in Cannes, you know, we’re a very privileged group in this room that we get to make movies and wear tuxedos and nice clothes and dress up and get paid for it as well,” Washington added, to laughter. “You know, we’re just blessed beyond measure, I’m blessed beyond measure, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all. Thank you.”

Social media appears to be on Washington’s side, with many users on X, formerly Twitter, rushing to his defense.

I don’t need to know what happened..I’m on Denzel’s side— jrfromdallas (@DallasNYorker) May 19, 2025

It’s obvious he didn’t want to be touched, yet he was touched again, and then the guy grabbed his arm to hold him in place. What was that?!— Loren (@stocksandgo) May 20, 2025

Many have noted that this is a recurring issue for Black attendees at Cannes.“they keep on doing this to black people at Cannes, the difference is denzel washington is short a fuse or two,” one user wrote, with a video of him jokingly threatening Pedro Pascal for “making time with [his] wife,” Pauletta Washington.

“They’re always trying ‘us’ over there….,” another echoed with a picture of a similar incident involving Kelly Rowland at the festival last year.

A confrontation concerning burnt food between two Popeyes employees in Charlotte, North Carolina, resulted in one of them getting shot a couple of times. According to WCNC, the fight stemmed from a disagreement over how biscuits were being prepared on Sunday evening. Those who witnessed the altercation shared that it began inside before moving to the parking lot of the South Boulevard location after threats of violence from one of the participants involved in the incident.

Why did a Popeyes manager allegedly shoot his coworker?

The dispute escalated when things got physical, leading one of the employees, Rodney Wood, to allegedly pull out a gun, aim it at his coworker and shoot it “twice at point-blank range,” per legal filings, People reported via WBTV. After the 22-year-old fired the shots, he fled from the crime scene. Police found Wood nearby in the same retail plaza as Popeyes.

The victim, who is unknown and was also a male, was hit directly in his chest and groin. He was immediately taken into emergency surgery at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center.

The Popeyes manager who allegedly shot his coworker faces attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon charges

While in police custody, Wood shared that he had no intention of killing his co-worker. He fired the gun as “two warning shots” after claiming that he was struck three times in the face.

As detailed in the affidavit, officials stated that the defendant “failed to articulate a credible, imminent threat of deadly force necessary to support a self-defense claim under state law,” according to People.

Wood faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon; his bail is set at $50,000.

Latonya Pottain, whose weight struggles were chronicled on TLC’s My 600-lb. Life, has died at age 40.

Pottain’s brother told TMZ that his sister recently went to a hospital in Shreveport, La. after cardiac arrest and died on May 17.

The coroner’s officer confirmed that Pottain died from congestive heart failure, but a final autopsy is still pending.

What happened to Latonya Pottain when she appeared on ‘My 600-lb Life’?

As Pottain was featured on Season 11 of My 600-lb Life, Dr. Younan Nowzaradan, a bariatric surgeon based in Houston, expaind to her that he couldn’t do much to help since she wasn’t following the weight-loss program. Pottain gained weight at one of her check-ins.

RIP to Latonya Pottain,40, who appeared on TLC’s #600lbLife Latonya was still working on her weight loss journey, sharing her story on tt. Prayers to her family & friends 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/vVHvwgcE1g— Nicole (@Nprezzed) May 19, 2025

Why did Latonya Pottain recently create a GoFundMe campaign?

Pottain created a GoFundMe page in February to ask for help with medical transportation because she needs to go to the hospital for rehabilitation.

“I am completely bedridden and unable to get to the hospital because EMTs say transporting me would be a fire hazard due to my weight,” she wrote, per People. “This has been an incredibly difficult journey, and I truly want to fight for my health and my life.”

Pottain said at that time that she weighed 705 pounds and has remained in bed since June 2024.

“In 2022, I was featured on My 600-lb Life, where I started at 531 pounds and worked hard to get down to 505 pounds,” her GoFundMe page read. “However, after the show aired, I experienced overwhelming backlash, which sent me into a deep depression. My mental health suffered, and I became fearful of undergoing weight loss surgery.”

Pottain said she had been experiencing with sciatica (pain in the lower back and legs), which is triggered when the sciatic nerve faces heavy pressure.

23andMe, known for its at-home DNA testing kits, is expected to be obtained by its highest bidder following a bankruptcy auction after reaching a peak valuation of $6 billion.

On Monday, 23andMe announced in a press release that it’s being sold to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which is “a leading U.S.-based, NASDAQ-listed biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases.” Regeneron plans to purchase 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service, Total Health and Research Services divisions.

Details about Regeneron purchasing 23andMe

The transaction remains subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. If approved, it is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. Dr. George Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s co-founder, board co-chair, president and chief scientific officer, is excited about adding 23andMe’s service lines to his company’s portfolio.

“Through our Regeneron Genetics Center, we have a proven track record of safeguarding personal genetic data, and we assure 23andMe customers that we will apply our high standards for safety and integrity to their data and ongoing consumer genetic services,” Yancopoulos said in the press release. “We believe we can help 23andMe deliver and build upon its mission to help people learn about their own DNA and how to improve their personal health, while furthering Regeneron’s efforts to improve the health and wellness of many.”

Regeneron will not acquire 23andMe’s telehealth subsidiary, Lemonaid Health, which the company purchased for approximately $400 million in 2021. Although the potential new owner has extended employment offers to all staff from the acquired business units, Lemonaid Health will be terminated.

“We are grateful to Regeneron for offering employment to all employees of the acquired business units, which will allow us to continue our mission of helping people access, understand and gain health benefits through greater understanding of the human genome,” Jenson said.

Can 23andMe survive auction without compromising customers’ privacy?

As Blavity reported, 23andMe filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2025 after experiencing a tumultuous period following their transition to a publicly traded company in 2021. According to CNBC, it’s been an uphill battle for the enterprise to establish sustainable income streams while building credible ventures in research and therapeutic development.

The Federal Trade Commission and many other lawmakers and officials voiced concerns about the safety of consumers’ genetic information in this sale. The privacy ombudsman is set to deliver a report on the acquisition to the court by June 10.

As part of its bankruptcy proceedings, 23andMe required all bidders to adhere to its existing privacy policies. An independent Consumer Privacy Ombudsman, appointed by the court, will review and evaluate the terms of the deal.

“We are pleased to have reached a transaction that maximizes the value of the business and enables the mission of 23andMe to live on, while maintaining critical protections around customer privacy, choice and consent with respect to their genetic data,” Mark Jensen, chair and member of the special committee of the board of directors of 23andMe, said in statement, per the press release.

Florida rapper Bossman Dlow is quickly becoming one of the most well-known names in the music industry. Dlow, who enjoyed a successful year in 2024, appears to be rising even higher in 2025.

The rising star dropped his debut studio album, Dlow Curry, in December, and he now has many more projects planned for the coming months.

How did Bossman Dlow achieve his rise in music?

According to Uproxx, the 25-year-old rapper from Port Salerno, Florida focused on his music career after spending six months in jail in 2020. One of his first signs of success came in 2023 when he released his Too Slippery mixtape, featuring singles such as “Chic Fil A,” “Rotation” and “The Biggest.” The project became an instant hit on TikTok and continued to gain popularity on multiple platforms. The following year brought many more surprises for the rising star.

What was Bossman Dlow’s breakthrough song?

Dlow made his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart last year when he earned recognition with his two tracks, “Get In With Me” and “Mr. Pot Scraper.” The two songs are featured on the Mr Beat the Road mixtape, Billboard reported. Dlow continued to reach the top 50 of Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs with hits such as “SportsCenter,” “Finesse,” “Shake Dat A**,” “Talk My S**t,” “2 Slippery” and “PJ.”

Speaking to Billboard, Dlow said he was especially surprised when he realized that his breakout song “Get In With Me” took off.

“I put that one to the side,” Dlow told Billboard. “I was shooting a video to ‘Finesse’ [at the time], so when I seen the numbers going up on Instagram, I was like ‘Oh!’ But [I was] shooting a video, so I [couldn’t] really watch it, but every time I checked, [the song] was going crazier and crazier.”

“Get In With Me” reached No. 38 on the 2024 Year-End Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ranking. Cardi B even showed her appreciation in April when she was seen dancing to the tune.

What’s next for Bossman Dlow?

While he is already having an incredible year, Bossman Dlow plans to drop collabs with Lil Baby, Veeze and Wiz Khalifa, Billboard reported.

“We gotta keep it going. It means a lot,” Dlow said after he was named Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month in June 2024. “I’m seeing a lot of success for real. I feel great about it. I appreciate it too.”

Former President Joe Biden released a statement on Sunday revealing that he had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. While Biden’s announcement noted the aggressive nature of his cancer, prostate cancer is generally amenable to treatment.

As the country waits to hear what happens next for the former president, the general reaction to his news has been mostly gracious.

Biden’s health announcement and what could happen next

A statement released from Biden’s personal office on Sunday announced, “Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.” Noting that it was a “more aggressive form” of cancer, the statement mentioned, “the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”

Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer.“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason… pic.twitter.com/3huunFE6kn— Variety (@Variety) May 18, 2025

ABC News reported that this isn’t the first time that Biden has dealt with cancer. Prior to taking office as president, Biden had Mohs surgery to remove non-melanoma skin cancers, and in 2023, he had a cancerous lesion removed from his chest.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that over 300,000 people will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, making it the most common form of cancer among men in the United States. Prostate cancer tends to be a slow-developing and treatable form of cancer, with 98% of people surviving at least five years after diagnosis. Biden’s cancer received a Gleason score of 9 out of a possible 10; this is a measure of the likelihood of the cancer spreading, and that likelihood has been judged as high for Biden. Given the type of cancer Biden has and its spread to his bone, likely treatment could include hormone therapy, but surgery is unlikely.

Reactions to Biden’s news

The initial reactions to Biden’s announcement have mostly been kind and sympathetic. Former Vice President Kamala Harris offered well-wishes on behalf of herself and her husband, Doug Emhoff, adding, “Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership.”

Doug and I are saddened to learn of President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis. We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time. Joe is a fighter — and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and… pic.twitter.com/gG5nB0GMPp— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) May 18, 2025

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace,” former President Barack Obama said on behalf of himself and his wife, Michelle, referencing the investments that Biden spearheaded for cancer research following the death of his son Beau from a form of brain cancer.

Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family. Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 18, 2025

However, some conservatives have struck a more negative tone. Most notably, Donald Trump Jr. followed up a retweet of well-wishes with a conspiracy-laden tweet, pinned to his profile as of Monday morning, saying, “What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup???” This response both misrepresents Jill Biden’s credentials, as she holds a doctorate in education, and perpetuates criticism of the Biden White House for allegedly downplaying cognitive and physical health concerns about Biden during his presidency.

What I want to know is how did Dr. Jill Biden miss stage five metastatic cancer or is this yet another coverup??? pic.twitter.com/fSqtDmcX4p— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 18, 2025

So far, President Donald Trump has been measured and gracious in his response, with the White House’s official account retweeting his tweet mentioning that he and first lady Melania Trump “extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”  

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about @JoeBiden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.” –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6HjermTGK7— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 18, 2025

There is a lot of uncertainty about what Biden’s health crisis will mean for his future, and the limited information available presently gives both cause for concern and reasons for hope. For now, though, Biden has significant support behind him as he deals with this latest challenge.

The full retirement age to collect full Social Security benefits changed in 2025. Starting this year, U.S. citizens born in 1960 will have to retire at 67 years old instead of 65 in order to receive 100% of benefits.

The full retirement age, also referred to as FRA, was increased due to an amendment to the Social Security Act in 1983, according to The Independent. The change was made to reflect longer life expectancies and help manage finances of the Social Security program.

Nearly 4 million U.S. citizens were born in 1960 and are turning 65 this year, according to Newsweek. They now have to wait until they turn 67 to receive full retirement benefits.

What social security benefits will you receive if you retire early?

Those who retire at 62 may receive a 30% cut on their monthly benefit. For instance, someone who may qualify for $1,000 per month by retiring at 67 years old would instead receive $700 monthly if they retire at 62. On the other hand, someone working up to 70 years old may increase their monthly payments by 24%. They would receive $1,240 per month instead of the set $1,000 they qualified for by retiring at 67.

The social security changes don’t affect those born before 1960

As long as someone has reached the FRA for the year they were born, they may collect full retirement benefits. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, 66 years old is the full retirement age, Newsweek reported. Born in 1955? Then it’s 66 years and two months. And if you were born in 1956, it is 66 years and four months. If you were born in 1957, it is 66 years and six months. If you were born in 1958, it is 66 years and eight months. If you were born in 1959, it is 66 years and 10 months.

Will the full retirement age be raised again?

Under the 1983 law, the full retirement age is not set to increase again. However, it doesn’t exempt future executive action or legislation from being passed in order to make changes.

The House Republican Study Committee shared a budget proposal in March 2025 that called for “modest adjustments to the retirement age for future retirees to account for increases in life expectancy,” according to The Independent. They did not specify a new retirement age in the proposal.