His final album was released in 2015,
just months before his death.
Few artists have influenced the sound and trajectory of popular music more distinctly, or touched quite so many people with their talent, President Obama, via History.com
Jaylon Ferguson, , Baltimore Ravens Linebacker, , Dead at 26.
ESPN reports that the team announced Ferguson's death on June 22.
We are profoundly
saddened by the tragic
passing of Jaylon Ferguson.
He was a kind, respectful
young man with
a big smile and
infectious personality. , Baltimore Ravens, via statement.
We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon's family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon, Baltimore Ravens, via statement.
According to his agent, Safarrah Lawson,
the young linebacker died in Baltimore.
A cause of death has not
been revealed at this time.
Fellow teammate Patrick Queen took to Twitter upon hearing the news.
Fellow teammate Patrick Queen took to Twitter upon hearing the news.
Ferguson leaves behind three children
under the age of 5.
He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. The family asks for your continued prayers, Safarrah Lawson, Jaylon Ferguson's agent, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Caleb Swanigan, , Former NBA Player, Dead at 25.
TMZ reports that the former Purdue star and 2017 first-round NBA Draft pick died on June 20.
TMZ reports that the former Purdue star and 2017 first-round NBA Draft pick died on June 20.
His college team took to Twitter the
next morning to release a statement.
His college team took to Twitter the
next morning to release a statement.
According to the Allen County
Coroner's Office in Indiana,
Swanigan died of natural causes.
Swanigan's outstanding basketball career
began in high school where he averaged
22.6 points and 13.7 rebounds his senior year.
Swanigan's outstanding basketball career
began in high school where he averaged
22.6 points and 13.7 rebounds his senior year.
He went on to play for the Boilermakers for two years, averaging 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
He went on to play for the Boilermakers for two years, averaging 14.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game.
The Portland Trailblazers scooped him up as the 26th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
He later played for the Sacramento Kings
and left the NBA in 2020.
He later played for the Sacramento Kings
and left the NBA in 2020.
He later pursued a music career under
the rap name "Slyy5jackk.".
He later pursued a music career under
the rap name "Slyy5jackk.".
In April, Swanigan put out a music video for "Acquired Taste" and announced on Instagram that a new project was on the way.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Philip Baker Hall , Dead at 90.
The death of the 'Seinfeld' and 'Boogie Nights' actor was announced by his friend and 'L.A. Times' reporter, Sam Farmer.
Hall's death was confirmed to the
Associated Press by his wife, Holly Wolfle Hall.
His voice at the end was
still just as powerful, Holly Wolfle Hall, to the Associated Press.
The veteran actor also leaves behind four daughters, four grandchildren and a brother.
In addition to 'Seinfeld' and 'Boogie Nights,' some of his other memorable film
and TV credits include:.
'Magnolia,' 'The Insider,' 'Say Anything,'.
'The Truman Show,'
'The Talented Mr. Ripley,' 'Argo,'.
'Modern Family,' 'The West Wing' and
'Curb Your Enthusiasm.'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Jim Seals, , Soft-Rock Pioneer
of Seals and Crofts, , Dead at 80.
CNN reports Jim Seals of the 1970s soft-rock group, Seals and Crofts, has died. He was 80.
Seals, alongside his musical partner,
Darrel "Dash" Crofts, was responsible for hits like "Summer Breeze," "Get Closer" and "Diamond Girl.".
I just learned that James
âJimmyâ Seals has passed.
My heart just breaks for his
wife Ruby and their children. , Brady Seals, relative, via social media.
Please keep them in your prayers. What an incredible legacy he leaves behind. , Brady Seals, relative, via social media.
Seals and Crofts met in Texas as teenagers, and
they formed a musical bond that forged an identity in the wave of soft-rock groups of the 1970s.
The duo split in 1980, though they reunited
in 1991 and again in 2004, releasing
their last album, 'Traces.'.
Other artists took to social media to commemorate the soft-rock legend.
Jimmy Seals passed away today.
I spent a large portion of my musical life with this man. , John Ford Coley, via Facebook.
We toured together, he and Dash invited us to sing on Seals and Crofts records, and we played with him for years. , John Ford Coley, via Facebook.
RIP Jim Seals ...
thanks for all the
beautiful music. , Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band, via Twitter
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Award-Winning Actor Ray Liotta , Dead at 67.
Liotta reportedly died in his sleep
while in the Dominican Republic.
He was in the country working
on the film 'Dangerous Waters.'.
The cause of Liotta's death has
not been confirmed, but reports say
no "foul play" is suspected.
Liotta's film career spanned
more than three decades.
His iconic performance as Henry Hill in
Martin Scorsese's 1990 mob classic, 'Goodfellas,'
is widely considered his breakout role.
Other notable roles from the era include his performances in 'Field of Dreams,'.
'Cop Land' and 'Corrina, Corrina.'.
Liotta was a fixture in both film and television. .
His wide range of work included comedic appearances
with the Muppets, playing Frank Sinatra in 'Rat Pack'
and darker turns in films such as 'Unlawful Entry.'.
His wide range of work included comedic appearances
with the Muppets, playing Frank Sinatra in 'Rat Pack'
and darker turns in films such as 'Unlawful Entry.'.
His wide range of work included comedic appearances
with the Muppets, playing Frank Sinatra in 'Rat Pack'
and darker turns in films such as 'Unlawful Entry.'.
In recent years, he appeared in
'Killing Them Softly' and the 'Sopranos'
prequel film, 'The Many Saints of Newark.' .
Tributes to the actor flooded social media.
I am utterly shattered to hear this terrible news about my Ray. I can be anywhere in the world & people will come up & tell me their favorite movie is 'Goodfellas.' , Lorraine Bracco, via Twitter.
Then they always ask what was the best part of making that movie. My response has always been the sameâŠRay Liotta, Lorraine Bracco, via Twitter.
I canât believe Ray Liotta has passed away. He was such a lovely, talented and hilarious person [...] A true legend of immense skill and grace, Seth Rogan, via Twitter
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden To Cancel , $5.8 Billion in Debt , for Former Corinthian College Students.
Fox News reports that the Biden administration has said it will cancel federal student loans for borrowers who attended the for-profit Corinthian Colleges.
Fox News reports that the Biden administration has said it will cancel federal student loans for borrowers who attended the for-profit Corinthian Colleges.
The decision will reportedly help
some 560,000 students who attended
the now-defunct school chain.
The decision will reportedly help
some 560,000 students who attended
the now-defunct school chain.
It is the largest action
of its kind in the history
of the Department of Education.
As of today, every student deceived,
defrauded and driven into debt by
Corinthian Colleges can rest assured
that the Biden-Harris Administration
has their back and will discharge
their federal student loans, Miguel Cardona, Education Secretary, via Fox News.
As of today, every student deceived,
defrauded and driven into debt by
Corinthian Colleges can rest assured
that the Biden-Harris Administration
has their back and will discharge
their federal student loans, Miguel Cardona, Education Secretary, via Fox News.
For far too long, Corinthian engaged
in the wholesale financial exploitation
of students, misleading them into taking
on more and more debt to pay
for promises they would never keep, Miguel Cardona, Education Secretary, via Fox News.
According to Education Department officials,
borrowers will also receive refunds for payments already made on their student loans.
At one time, Corinthian was one
of the largest for-profit college
companies in the United States.
According to Fox News, the company
shut down amid widespread
evidence of fraud in 2015.
An investigation under the Obama
administration found that numerous campuses
were falsifying data on the success of graduates. .
An investigation under the Obama
administration found that numerous campuses
were falsifying data on the success of graduates. .
Fox News reports that the current move by the
Biden administration comes as the president considers taking broader actions on student loan forgiveness. .
Fox News reports that the current move by the
Biden administration comes as the president considers taking broader actions on student loan forgiveness.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History: , Osama Bin Laden Is
Killed by US Forces.
May 2, 2011.
After an international
manhunt lasting nearly a
decade since the 9/11 attacks.
the 54-year-old Al Qaeda leader
was killed in a raid conducted
by a team of 23 U.S. Navy Seals.
The operation on Bin Laden's
hideout compound in Abbottabad,
Pakistan, lasted 40 minutes.
President Obama addressed the nation
from the White House announcing
Bin Laden's death, saying, "Justice has been done.".
The mastermind of the deadliest terrorist attack
on U.S. soil had lived the final five years of his life
less than a mile from a Pakistani military academy.
President George W. Bush had declared
that Bin Laden would be captured dead or alive
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:51Published
Significant 2020 Census Miscounts , Affected 14 States, , US Census Bureau Admits.
The U.S. Census Bureau released its report on the
2020 Census Post-Enumeration Survey (PES) on May 19.
Significant net undercount rates were discovered in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.
Significant net overcount rates were discovered in Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota,
New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Utah.
No census is perfect, Robert Santos, Census Bureau Director,
via NPR News.
And the PES allows us to become more informed about the 2020 census by estimating what portion of the population was correctly counted, Robert Santos, Census Bureau Director,
via NPR News.
... where we missed people and where some people were counted that shouldn't have been, Robert Santos, Census Bureau Director,
via NPR News.
It's a monumental task to count everybody. And this helps us inform how well we do, Timothy Kennel, Census Bureau Assistant Division Chief, via NPR News.
Lawmakers across the country have already begun to use the 2020 Census data to establish new voting districts in their states.
Voting-rights activists say that 2020 grassroots efforts seemed to have mitigated significant miscounts in their respective areas.
A lot of the southern states were hit with disasters, hurricanes while door-to-door work was going on, Allison Plyer, The Data Center, via NPR News.
But the one thing that states have control over is their own get-out-the-count efforts, Allison Plyer, The Data Center, via NPR News.
We know that Texas invested very little in get-out-the-count, and when they did so, it was very late in the process, Allison Plyer, The Data Center, via NPR News.
Texas was found to have had a significant net undercount rate of 1.92 percent.
More data and demographic detail are needed for a full understanding of our communities and who does â
or does not â have access to
critical resources, Meeta Anand, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Right, via NPR News.
The Census Bureau also needs to be adequately funded to ensure that inequities from inaccurate counts do not persist into 2030 and beyond, Meeta Anand, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Right, via NPR News
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
US On Track to Break, Over 100 Temperature Records, Amid Heatwave.
NBC reports that much of the United States
will experience its eleventh day
in a row of record heat on May 17. .
Highs between 15 and 25 degrees above average have been forecast with temperatures reaching the mid-90s to low-100s across the Southern Plains.
Highs between 15 and 25 degrees above average have been forecast with temperatures reaching the mid-90s to low-100s across the Southern Plains.
Dallas, Amarillo, San Antonio
and Roswell are all set to break
record high temperatures this week.
Dallas, Amarillo, San Antonio
and Roswell are all set to break
record high temperatures this week.
As the heat wave spreads east, record highs are
expected across the Southeast in cities like Charlotte
and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida.
As the heat wave spreads east, record highs are
expected across the Southeast in cities like Charlotte
and Raleigh, North Carolina, and Orlando, Florida.
According to NBC, over 100 new daily
record highs could be tallied across
the United States by the end of the week.
The current heatwave, combined
with low humidity and high winds,
fueled the Calf Canyon Fire in New Mexico.
As of May 16, the fire had already
burned 280,000 acres, making it
the state's largest wildfire in over 30 years.
NBC reports that the heat is also fueling
strong storms across the country,
increasing the risk of severe storms. .
NBC reports that the heat is also fueling
strong storms across the country,
increasing the risk of severe storms. .
On May 18, strong storms have been
forecast for the western high plains
and the Ohio River Valley.
On May 19, the Upper Midwest faces an increased
risk of severe storms that could include
strong wind, hail and isolated tornadoes. .
On May 19, the Upper Midwest faces an increased
risk of severe storms that could include
strong wind, hail and isolated tornadoes. .
The severe storm system threatens
8 million people from Des Moines, Iowa,
to Minneapolis, Minnesota. .
The severe storm system threatens
8 million people from Des Moines, Iowa,
to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Top Imports, and Exports, in the United States.
'Forbes' recently highlighted a number
of infographics released by OnDeck showing
each state's most common import and export. .
Petroleum is the top import for 12 states,
including Montana, Minnesota and Colorado.
New York imports $21.9 billion worth
of precious metals every year, making
it the most valuable import of any state.
New York imports $21.9 billion worth
of precious metals every year, making
it the most valuable import of any state.
Aircraft are the most common export,
topping the list of 14 states that include
Arizona, Georgia and Oklahoma. .
Texas has the most valuable
export with $43.5 billion
of finished petroleum products. .
'Forbes' points out that the top import
in Texas is also petroleum as the state
has a huge capacity for refining. .
Overall, petroleum is the number
one import in the United States,
taking up 24% of all imports.
Vehicles and medicine are the second
and third highest import with each taking up
12% of the total number of imports. .
Vehicles and medicine are the second
and third highest import with each taking up
12% of the total number of imports. .
Aircraft overwhelmingly take the
top slot for exports with a massive
28% share of the total number.
Again, vehicles and medicine
come in second and third, each
with an 8% share of total exports. .
Again, vehicles and medicine
come in second and third, each
with an 8% share of total exports. .
South Dakota's top import is "cow meat,"
as the state exports beef cattle which are
processed and then sent back into the state. .
Meanwhile, Nebraska processes
much of that meat from South Dakota
and its number one export is "cow meat."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Warner Bros. has come out on top of a bidding war to pick up âThe Sundance Kid Might Have Some Regretsâ, a short story adaptation package that has ZoĂ« Kravitz attached to star and produce.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:19Published
Lady Gaga is in early talks to star opposite Joaquin Phoenix in director Todd Phillipsâ sequel to 'Joker,' the Oscar-winning, $1 billion-grossing, 2019 Warner Bros. hit based on the DC villain.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:48Published
The Warner Bros. film also stars Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate, Noah Centineo as Atom Smasher, Aldis Hodge as Hawkman and Quintessa Swindell as Cyclone.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:23Published
Happy Birthday,
Kendrick Lamar!.
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth was born June 17, 1987, and turns 33.
He was born in
Compton, California.
His debut studio album,
'Section .80,' was released in 2011.
His album, 'Good Kid,
M.A.A.D City,' debuted
at No. 2 on the 'Billboard'
200 chart.
Lamar went on to release
'To Pimp a Butterfly,' which won a Grammy
for best rap album.
His album, 'Damn,' was the first
non-classical and non-jazz album
to win the Pulitzer Prize for music.
The rapper is also a member
of the hip-hop group
Black Hippy.
He has been named
the âHottest MC in
the Gameâ by MTV.
Happy Birthday,
Kendrick Lamar!
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:02Published
Jennifer Hudson , Becomes an EGOT.
The 2022 Tonys took
place on June 12.
'A Strange Loop' won best musical and secured Hudson, a producer of the production, an award.
'A Strange Loop' won best musical and secured Hudson, a producer of the production, an award.
The achievement has made the 40-year-old
the third-youngest person to win an
Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
The achievement has made the 40-year-old
the third-youngest person to win an
Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
'Billboard' reports she's only the 17th person ever to attain EGOT status.
'Billboard' reports she's only the 17th person ever to attain EGOT status.
Additionally, Hudson is the third Black EGOT behind Whoopi Goldberg and John Legend.
Additionally, Hudson is the third Black EGOT behind Whoopi Goldberg and John Legend.
Additionally, Hudson is the third Black EGOT behind Whoopi Goldberg and John Legend.
While Hudson's achievement as one of 44 producers
of this year's best musical is noteworthy, she was
not nominated for a Tony as a performer.
While Hudson's achievement as one of 44 producers
of this year's best musical is noteworthy, she was
not nominated for a Tony as a performer.
Only four people have achieved
EGOT status as a performer.
Only four people have achieved
EGOT status as a performer.
They are Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno,
John Gielgud and Audrey Hepburn.
They are Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno,
John Gielgud and Audrey Hepburn.
They are Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno,
John Gielgud and Audrey Hepburn.
They are Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno,
John Gielgud and Audrey Hepburn
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Happy Birthday,
Kanye West!.
Kanye Omari West was born on June 8, 1977,
and turns 43 years old today.
He was born in Atlanta and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
Yeezy was a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records
before releasing his debut album,
'The College Dropout,' in 2004.
West also founded
the record label,
GOOD Music.
He released a collaborative album with Jay-Z,
'Watch the Throne,' in 2011.
The album debuted at No. 1
on the 'Billboard' 200.
The fashion designer has also collaborated with Nike, Louis Vuitton, Adidas and more.
West married Kim Kardashian in 2014, and the two share four children.
He founded the creative
content company, DONDA,
named after his mom.
The rapper is one of
the top Grammy
winners in history,
with 21 awards.
Happy Birthday,
Kanye West!
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:04Published
Kendrick Lamarâs New Album , Has Biggest No. 1 Debut of 2022.
Kendrick Lamarâs New Album , Has Biggest No. 1 Debut of 2022.
'Pitchfork' reports 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' has surpassed Bad Bunny's 'Un Verano Sin Ti' and Future's 'I Never Liked You' on the 'Billboard' 200 chart.
'Pitchfork' reports 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' has surpassed Bad Bunny's 'Un Verano Sin Ti' and Future's 'I Never Liked You' on the 'Billboard' 200 chart.
'Pitchfork' reports 'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers' has surpassed Bad Bunny's 'Un Verano Sin Ti' and Future's 'I Never Liked You' on the 'Billboard' 200 chart.
Future and Bad Bunny had secured 222,000 and 274,000 album-equivalent units, respectively.
Future and Bad Bunny had secured 222,000 and 274,000 album-equivalent units, respectively.
while Lamar landed 295,500.
This is the fourth time Lamar has
had a No. 1 album on the chart.
This is the fourth time Lamar has
had a No. 1 album on the chart.
His last album, 'DAMN.,' was released in 2017.
It was critically acclaimed
and earned Lamar a place
in history as the first
hip-hop artist to win
a Pulitzer Prize.
In between 'DAMN.' and
'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,' Lamar performed on the 'Black Panther' soundtrack...
In between 'DAMN.' and
'Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,' Lamar performed on the 'Black Panther' soundtrack...
... and featured on
several other tracks.
Lamar is also busy with his media firm, pgLang,
and is working on a live-action movie with
'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Lamar is also busy with his media firm, pgLang,
and is working on a live-action movie with
'South Park' creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Grammys , Add New Categories.
AP reports that the Grammy Awards
are adding five new categories.
They are best spoken word poetry album,
best Americana music performance,
best alternative music performance.
best score soundtrack for video games and other interactive media and songwriter of the year.
The songwriter of the year award is different from the song of the year award in that , it will recognize the "most prolific" non-performing
and non-producing songwriter's body of work.
They must also have written at least five songs.
Somebody who writes their own music and records it would not be eligible. They would have to be doing songs for others. We want to highlight the craft of writing songs professionally for artists, Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO, to AP .
Songwriters are at the heart of our business and industry. Nothing happens without songwriters. For us, this was a no brainer. Itâs in alignment with all the changes, Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO, to AP .
An award for best song for social change
will also be given.
Itâs always the right time to recognize music thatâs changing the world. I think it deserves a special recognition. , Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO, to AP .
These songs are important and impactful. We want to make sure weâre honoring and celebrating that artform. This is a great way to do that, Harvey Mason Jr., Recording Academy CEO, to AP
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Lil Nas X Addresses , BET Awards Snub.
2022 BET Awards nominations
were announced on June 1.
Lil Nas X didn't make the cut,
and took to Twitter to vent about it.
A fan responded to his tweet and asked why
Lil Nas X thought he should have been nominated.
This year, the 23-year-old was nominated for four Grammys and won favorite music video at the AMAs.
As for the BET Awards, Doja Cat came out on top this year with six nominations, including best album.
Others to be nominated for best album include Tyler, the Creator, H.E.R., Silk Sonic.
Others to be nominated for best album include Tyler, the Creator, H.E.R., Silk Sonic.
Others to be nominated for best album include Tyler, the Creator, H.E.R., Silk Sonic.
Jazmine Sullivan, Drake and Kanye West.
Jazmine Sullivan, Drake and Kanye West.
Jazmine Sullivan, Drake and Kanye West
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History:, Marvin Gaye Is Shot and
Killed by His Own Father.
April 1, 1984.
Gaye's father â Rev. Marvin Gaye Sr. â
shot and killed the Prince of Soul
three times in the chest..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:48Published