Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia and Aphasia Ahead of Upcoming Documentary Release
Elgin Nelson
Former talk show host Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions that significantly impact her ability to communicate and have presented substantial challenges in her life, as stated by her team in a news release. The diagnoses were confirmed by Wendy’s diligent care team and specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine. Primary progressive aphasia affects communication skills, often leading to difficulties expressing thoughts, speaking, and writing, typically manifesting before the age of 65. Frontotemporal dementia, which primarily affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain, is associated with behavioral changes, personality shifts, and language difficulties. Williams, 59, has previously battled Lymphedema and Graves’ disease, and her health struggles prompted the end of “The Wendy Williams Show” in 2022. The news comes ahead of the Lifetime premiere of a two-part documentary, “Where is Wendy Williams?,” airing on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25, focusing on her physical and mental health. Throughout her health journey, Williams has been open about her experiences, including living in a sober house in 2019 and filing for divorce in 2019 after 21 years of marriage to Kevin Hunter.
Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswomen Sydney Kamlauger-Dove Host President Joe Biden’s Visit to Los Angeles
Elgin Nelson
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Congresswoman Sydney Kamluager-Dove, and Culver City Mayor Yasmine Imani-McMorrin spoke at President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Los Angeles, who is on an early campaign trail ahead of the pivotal presidential election this fall. Bass joined President Biden for an unscheduled stop at CJ’s Cafe in Baldwin Hills during the presidential motorcade from Century City to Culver City. At the restaurant, Biden and Bass interacted with customers, ordered lunch, and took photos with attendees before heading to the main event. During the visit, President Biden announced the automatic discharge of $1.2 billion in loans for nearly 153,000 eligible borrowers as part of the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan. Additionally, First Lady Jill Biden also delivered a speech at the Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurship and dismantling racial barriers. The Fifteen Percent Pledge, a nonprofit organization, advocates for businesses to allocate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned brands.
Dame Dash Forced to Sell His Shares of Roc-A-Fella Records
Elgin Nelson
Damon Dash is in deep water, having to sell his Roc-A-Fella shares following a New York judge’s order, despite objections from former friend and business partner Jay-Z. The decision stems from a legal clash with producer Josh Webber, resulting in an $823,000 judgment. The dispute originated in 2016 when Dash was fired from Webber’s crime thriller, “Dear Frank,” with allegations of Dash’s misconduct. The court instructed Dash to auction his Roc-A-Fella shares to satisfy the judgment, prompting objections from Jay-Z and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. However, a judge ruled that Roc-A-Fella’s bylaws preventing the sale without board approval did not legally hinder the transaction. The co-owners expressed concerns about an outside buyer, leading the judge to grant Jay-Z and Burke an equal opportunity to purchase the shares, potentially preserving the label’s core founders’ leadership while sidelining Dash. The stakes involve money and intellectual property, with Roc-A-Fella Records having played a significant role in the music industry since its establishment in 1995.
Beyonce Becomes First-Ever Black Woman to Go No.1 on Billboard Country Chart
Elgin Nelson
Beyoncé has made history by becoming the first Black female artist to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with her new single “Texas Hold ‘Em.” The success of “Texas Hold ‘Em” follows Tracy Chapman’s historic milestone of becoming the first Black woman to solely write a Country Airplay No. 1 with Luke Combs’ cover of her classic “Fast Car” in July. Beyoncé’s debut on the Hot Country Songs chart also includes her track “16 Carriages” at No. 9. Both songs received impressive streams, airplay, and sales, with “Texas Hold ‘Em” drawing 19.2 million official streams, 4.8 million in all-format airplay audience, and 39,000 in U.S. sales. Beyoncé now holds No. 1 positions on seven of Billboard’s multimetric song charts as a solo artist, making her the only act to achieve this combination of rankings. Additionally, she secures her place in history as the first woman to top both Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. Texas Hold ‘Em” is officially being promoted to country radio, marking Beyoncé’s first entry on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart at No. 54.