“Glee” actor Cory Monteith died as the result of an accidental overdose of heroin and alcohol, Canadian authorities have determined. Monteith, 31, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room July 13, two months after he departed from a drug rehab center in April for substance addiction. He had also received treatment at the age […]
Author Archives: Courtney Jacobs
AFRO Staff Writer
Posted inHealth
13-Year-Old YouTube Star Loses Battle with Cancer
Talia Joy Castellano known around the world for her YouTube videos, died July 16 at Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando, Fla. after a hard-fought battle with cancer. The announcement of her death was made on her official Facebook fan page, which has over 506,250 members. Castellano was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in February 2007 […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
“East Coast Rapist” Arraigned in Maryland
So-called “East Coast Rapist” Aaron Thomas was arraigned for six counts of first-degree rape and numerous related charges in a Prince George’s County courtroom July 12. Thomas had already been sentenced to serve five life sentences without parole for rape convictions in Virginia, including three life sentences plus 80 years for a 2009 incident in […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Paris Jackson Denied Admission to Rehab Facility
A Utah substance abuse treatment center has reportedly refused to accept Paris Jackson, the 15-year-old daughter of pop music icon Michael Jackson, for treatment of behavior disorders, according to news reports. According the website TMZ, a rehabilitation center in Utah that has not been identified, rejected the request of the Jackson girl’s mother for admission, […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Tracy Morgan’s Dream Comes True–‘It’s a Girl!’
Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan’s dream of having a daughter has become a reality. Morgan’s daughter, Maven Sonae Morgan, was born at 12:03 a.m. on July 2 in New York. Maven weighs 7 lbs., 3 oz. “It’s A GIRL!!!!” Morgan tweeted. This baby girl was born to Morgan’s fiancée Megan Wollver, a model, their first […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
Silver Spring, MD Man Charged in Stabbing Death of Mother
A 25-year-old Silver Spring man faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the stabbing death of his mother, police said. Fidel Washington was arrested June 28 and is being held without bail in the Montgomery County Detention Center after the body of Esperana Valle, 50, was discovered June 28 at about 8 a.m in the […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Maxwell’s Career Path Takes Him Back Home
For Kevin Maxwell, the recent call from County Executive Rushern Baker III was both a summons to run Prince George’s County’s public school system and an invitation to come home. “This is my home,” said Maxwell, the newly appointed superintendent for Prince George’s County Schools. “I never left because this is my home.” Although he […]
Posted inSports
Denver Nuggets Has Hired a Black Head Coach, Brian Shaw
One of the most sought after coaches in the NBA has found a new home. According to an NBA source, Brian Shaw has signed a three-year deal to become the Denver Nuggets’ 20th head coach. Shaw’s contract includes an option for a fourth year, and he will collect an annual salary in the $2 million […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Former NBA’er Gilbert Arenas Faces New Legal Troubles
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas faces new legal problems following his arrest in the early morning hours of June 27 for possessing a truckload of fireworks. According to TMZ, Arenas was stopped by California Highway Patrol Police at approximately 2:30 a.m. for speeding. As police searched Arenas and his vehicle, they discovered about 20 boxes […]
Posted inPrince George's County News
Rushern Baker III Launches Re-Election Bid for County Executive Post
Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III announced June 20 that he will run for re-election in 2014 to build on the accomplishments of his first term and advance some new initiatives. The announcement came at a fundraiser at the Newton White Mansion in Mitchellville, MD. His supporters paid up to $1,000 to attend […]
Posted inAfro Briefs
Video App Expands Instagram Penetration of Social Media
Instagram has done it again, this time by adding a video application for its users. The online service for iPhones and Android smartphones allows users to record videos up to 15 seconds and post it to their timeline. “We talk about Instagram as capturing and sharing the world’s moments. It’s not just about photography,” Instagram […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Lil Snupe, 18, Shot to Death
Louisiana law enforcement officials are investigating the shooting death June 20 of rap music performer Lil Snupe in Winnfield, La., police said. Lil Snupe, born Addarren Ross, 18, was found with two gunshot wounds to the torso when police responded to reports of a shooting in an apartment complex just after 4 a.m., according to […]