A jury has reached a verdict on four of five charges in the federal sex trafficking trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs but remains deadlocked on the most serious charge: racketeering conspiracy. Judge Arun Subramanian declined to accept a partial verdict and instructed the jury to continue deliberating on the unresolved count, which carries the potential for a life sentence if Combs is convicted.
Category: TV and Film
Posted inBaltimore News
The Pikes Studio Cinema: Bringing big-screen culture back to Pikesville
Pikes Studio Cinema is more than a movie house — it’s a community-driven space where themed films, local partnerships and free weekly screenings bring people together. Owner Michael Eugene Johnson is on a mission to make cinema meaningful again in Pikesville.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Awards bring star power as Doechii, Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey shine in 25th anniversary show
The 25th BET Awards celebrated Black excellence and social impact with standout moments from Doechii, Jamie Foxx and Mariah Carey, blending emotional speeches with powerful performances. The night featured heartfelt tributes, sharp comedy from Kevin Hart, and Kendrick Lamar’s win for album of the year, while honoring icons like Snoop Dogg and Kirk Franklin.
Posted inArts & Culture
Inside the Met Gala: Under a petal-filled sky, guests honor Black style, hail a ‘monumental night’
By Jocelyn Noveck “Well, it took a minute,” said Spike Lee, surveying the glittering Met Gala crowd during cocktail hour through bright orange glasses that matched his New York Knicks cap. “But we’re here now, that’s the most important thing.” Lee was referring to the fact that for the very first time, the Met Gala […]
Posted inWord In Black
Hoodoo vs. Holy Ghost: The ‘Sinners’ controversy
The film “Sinners” has become a box office hit while igniting debate over whether its portrayal of Hoodoo and evil in the Jim Crow South is anti-Christian or a deeper cultural and spiritual exploration. While some critics call it demonic, many argue it respectfully presents African traditions and challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about faith, race and history.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
2025 Met Gala theme inspired by Black style
The 2025 Met Gala, set for May 5, celebrates Black designers and classic menswear with the theme “Tailored For You,” inspired by the Met’s new exhibit “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Co-chaired by stars like Pharrell Williams and A$AP Rocky, the exclusive fundraiser continues to blend high fashion, celebrity, and cultural history at one of the year’s most iconic events.
Posted inTV and Film
Movie Review: Michael B. Jordan has double duty in Ryan Coogler’s pulsating, vein-bursting ‘Sinners’
In “Sinners,” Michael B. Jordan plays twin brothers Smoke and Stack, whose plan to open a juke joint in 1930s Mississippi takes a wild turn when singing vampires crash the party, blending historical drama with supernatural horror. Directed by Ryan Coogler in his first original film, this bold, genre-bending tale showcases Jordan’s dual performance and Coogler’s visionary storytelling, earning critical acclaim for its ambition and emotional power.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
The comeback trail: Jonathan Majors lands several leading roles
Jonathan Majors is making a professional and personal comeback following his 2024 misdemeanor conviction, with the release of “Magazine Dreams” and new film projects lined up. Despite past controversy, his performances continue to earn critical praise, and he recently revealed personal struggles, including being a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Will Smith channels his post-slap introspection into music on ‘Based on a True Story’
Will Smith channeled the adversity of recent years into a return to music, using self-reflection to fuel his first album in two decades, “Based on a True Story.” The Oscar and Grammy winner, embracing faith and personal growth, is also set to embark on his first-ever headline tour while preparing for upcoming film projects.
Posted inMedia
Shaping the narrative: Ava Thompson Greenwell’s fight for diversity in newsroom leadership
Ava Thompson Greenwell, a veteran journalist and video broadcast journalism professor at Northwestern University, has written a book called “Ladies Leading: The Black Women Who Control Television News” to highlight the need for more Black women in executive positions in the media industry to ensure fair and balanced reporting.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Lester Holt to step down as anchor of NBC’s flagship ‘Nightly News’ after a decade
NBC’s veteran anchor Lester Holt is stepping down from his position as anchor of “Nightly News” and will expand his work on “Dateline” as a full-time role, with no firm date or successor yet named.
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A topsy-turvy Oscar season concludes today. Here’s what to look for at the show
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with Conan O’Brien hosting for the first time. The ceremony will feature performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, with Queen Latifah.