Peacock has released its latest coup for the forthcoming season 6 of LOVE ISLAND USA: Ariana Madix, the beloved Vanderpump Rules star and self-proclaimed Love Island fan, will host. The announcement that the show will premiere exclusively on Peacock this summer has sent ripples of excitement throughout the entertainment industry.
Ariana Madix, best known for her role on Bravo’s hit reality show Vanderpump Rules, brings a plethora of expertise and charisma to her new position. Madix, who is from Melbourne, Florida, has been not just on television but also in feature films such as “Working It Out,” “Attack of the 50 Foot Cheerleader,” and “Dead End.” Her talents have also been shown in sitcoms such as “Dads” and “Anger Management.” As if that weren’t enough, Madix is a New York Times bestselling author whose book “Single AF: Drinks for Bad Bitches” has received global recognition.
Madix’s celebrity extends beyond Hollywood, as she demonstrated her dancing prowess on the Emmy® Award-nominated series “Dancing with the Stars” and won the coveted 2024 People’s Choice Award for “Competition Contestant of the Year.” She recently made her Broadway debut, stunning audiences with her depiction of Roxie Hart in “Chicago.”
LOVE ISLAND USA season 6 aims to be a standout in Peacock’s Love Island content roster, joining the ranks of the hit cultural phenomenon’s prior seasons. From heart-racing challenges to unexpected twists, the show will follow a group of gorgeous people seeking love in a picturesque villa. With new arrivals upsetting things up, Islanders will be forced to choose between remaining loyal and making new ties.
LOVE ISLAND USA, produced by ITV Entertainment, an ITV America subsidiary, is part of a global series that continues to attract viewers across the world. Executive producers David George, Adam Sher, and Simon Thomas, among others, ensure that the series’ undeniable appeal and attraction remain intact.
It’s Easter weekend, which means many of us will be headed to church for the first time this year. And that inspired us to bring back one of your favorite slide shows: Megachurch scandals.
Here’s a rundown of what stores are open or closed on Easter for last minute supplies. It’s always a good idea to verify individual store hours before you go.
These stores are open Easter Sunday. Here’re the hours for Walmart, Trader Joes and others (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Yes, most stores owned by Kroger will be open their normal hours on Easter, a spokesperson confirmed.
The Kroger Co. Family of Stores includes Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler and Smith’s Food and Drug.
Selena Gomez, a global sensation, is moving her cooking skills from her home to the bustling professional kitchens of Los Angeles’ top restaurants in an intriguing culinary effort. “Selena + Restaurant,” which premieres on Thursday, May 2nd at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Food Network promises double episodes packed with gastronomic challenges and touching moments as Gomez navigates the culinary industry alongside her best friend, Raquelle Stevens.
Gomez will learn from top chefs such as Shirley Chung, Keith Corbin, Stephanie Izard, Andrew & Michelle Muñoz, Wolfgang Puck, and Marcel Vigneron in six episodes. Each episode will highlight a charity chosen by the featured chef, with donations aimed at supporting important causes.
In the first episode, Gomez and Stevens embark on a culinary journey, joining Chef Wolfgang Puck at CUT Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. Gomez is challenged to master one of Puck’s signature dishes while also creating her spicy seafood specialty.
The journey continues with visits to renowned places such as Ms. Chi with Shirley Chung, Lemon Grove with Marcel Vigneron, Moo’s Craft Barbecue with Andrew and Michelle Muñoz, Girl & the Goat with Stephanie Izard, and Alta with Keith Corbin.
Gomez, well known for her Emmy-nominated show “Selena + Chef,” highlighted her excitement about entering the professional culinary realm, saying, “You’ll have to see if being in person helped my skills at all.”
Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery, applauded Gomez’s culinary journey, pointing out the natural development of her culinary education from her Emmy-nominated series to the professional kitchens of LA’s finest restaurants.
Food Network’s social media channels will feature exclusive interviews and sneak previews from each show. They can also use the hashtag #SelenaAndRestaurant to interact with other admirers.
Selena Gomez has an impressive resume as a music artist, producer, businesswoman, and philanthropist in addition to her culinary endeavors. From selling over 210 million songs globally to executive producing popular programs such as “Only Murders in the Building,” Gomez has left an everlasting influence on the entertainment business. In addition, her beauty company, Rare Beauty, and the Rare Impact Fund reflect her dedication to mental health activism.
“Selena + Restaurant” is produced by Gomez for July Moon Productions, with executive producers Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman of Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation (IPC), showrunner Shauna Minoprio, and Melissa Stokes.
Sean “Diddy” Combs attends Day 1 of 2023 Invest Fest at Georgia World Congress Center on August 26, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.Photo: Paras Griffin (Getty Images)
By now, there’s no doubt you’ve probably seen, read, or heard about the latest legal drama surrounding hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. — Shanelle Genai
In April, as spring emerges, festival season also kicks off, bringing a plethora of top music and culture festivals to enjoy. From Coachella to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the opportunities for outdoor gatherings seem endless. However, if you’re seeking an international festival experience, look no further than Jamaica Carnival.
Held in Kingston from the first to the second week of April, Jamaica Carnival remains a top cultural extravaganza attracting revelers worldwide. Featuring vibrant breakfast parties, night fetes, dawn j’ouverts, and midday road marches, it’s an annual event that continues to evolve. To navigate the plethora of activities, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Jamaica Carnival guide.
During your time in Jamaica, it’s crucial to make the most of your experience. “I would tell anybody coming to take advantage of Jamaica,” says Kibwe McGann, director of GenXs, an in-demand carnival band renowned for hosting extravagant events. GenXs curates the unforgettable road march experience on April 7, offering carnival attendees costumes, meals, beverages, entertainment, and security. Additionally, GenXs organizes an “Immortals J’ouvert” early on Saturday, April 6, as well as “XS Street,” a post-carnival road march party. Other events hosted by GenXs include “Ocean X,” the Catamaran beach fete, and “XS Sunset,“ the finale carnival fete on Monday, April 8.
“For those coming to Jamaica for carnival in Kingston, our capital city is also known as the cultural capital of the Caribbean, and for good reason,” explains Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism. “Visitors can check out Devon House, which was the home of Jamaica’s first Black millionaire. Our popular Devon House I-Scream serves exotic flavors such as Devon Stout and Guava ice cream along with others. For Easter, they have created a new flavor — Bun and Cheese. Check out the street art murals by local artists along the Art Walk downtown, stop by the Bob Marley Museum to get a glimpse into the life of the legendary reggae singer in his well-preserved home, and be sure to try some of our world-famous jerk,” White adds.
Keeping that in mind, it’s important to understand that Jamaica Carnival stands out from other carnivals due to its focus on cultural elements authentic to the region; especially its legendary music.
“Take a minute and understand why we say this is one of the ’Irie-est’ carnivals in the world— emphasis on ‘Irie,’” says McGann, referencing the fact that alongside the season’s top soca hits, Jamaica’s primary musical exports, reggae and dancehall, are also prominently featured.
“Be open to new music because this is in Jamaica; we’re the originators of dancehall, and you’re gonna get dancehall on the road. So if you’re a soca purist, you may come to Jamaica and be like, ‘How come they’re playing dancehall?’ I want people to come and be very open to embracing the culture,” McGann continues.
If you’re considering joining this carnival extravaganza, note that Jamaica has been categorized as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel,” by the U.S. State Department since 2022. However, it’s important to recognize that while the advisory mainly addresses local crime, the rate of crime against visitors to Jamaica remains exceptionally low at 0.01%, according to NPR. Should you make the trip, the most convenient airport to fly into is the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. There are several excellent and accessible hotels available, including The Courtleigh, The Pegasus, AC Hotel by Marriott, Rok Hotel, Spanish Court, and The R Hotel. For those seeking short- or long-term rentals, companies like Aspen Luxury Suites offer luxurious accommodations secured within complexes near major shopping areas, business districts, colleges, and recreational attractions, boasting panoramic views of the city.
Check out theGrio’s full Jamaica Carnival guide below.
Wednesday, April 3
Illuminate: In Jamaica, soca season runs from February to April, culminating in major carnival events on the second weekend of April, often following Easter weekend. Festivities typically start on Friday evening, but arriving a few days earlier offers a lineup of fetes to get you in the spirit.
Traditionally, Wednesday was the day for the renowned “iLoveSoca” stadium fete; it’s now moved to Monday, April 1. However, this year’s “Illuminate” party is set for Wednesday, April 3, at 8 p.m. “We have always had the idea for Illuminate and saw the opportunity to introduce it last year on Carnival Wednesday, and it was well received,” explained Andrew Bellamy, director of the YardMas carnival band and iLoveSoca, which worked in partnership with Franco and Brush1 to create Illuminate. “It was a very high-energy event with thousands of people for the first staging, so for 2024, we’re doing it again!”
Thursday, April 4
Touchdown Jamaica: An exciting and fashion-forward affair, Touchdown Jamaica embodies the quintessential soca experience of the weekend, held at Jangas, Kingston’s renowned soundbar and grill, starting at 6 p.m.
Rytz featuring Kes: The iLoveSoca and Tipsy Music Festival teams collaborate to present Rytz, an exclusive all-inclusive luxury glamour party with a live performance by one of soca’s biggest artists, Kes. Join in from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Photo: AdobeStock
Friday, April 5
SunKissed All-Inclusive Beach Cruise Party: The Sunkissed All-Inclusive Beach Cruise Party is hailed as one of the premier beach fetes and catamaran cruise events during the season. Delight in the finest soca beats from noon to 5 p.m. while cruising on the water.
Soca Starter: Renowned DJ Private Ryan releases his soca starter playlist at the start of each year, offering insight into the major tunes he predicts will dominate international carnival celebrations. Accordingly, you won’t want to miss his annual “Soca Starter” party from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Scorch Duck Work: Scorch Duck Work is a celebrated cooler fete that has made its mark in Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. Join the Scorch team on Carnival Friday, April 5, from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. to experience the sizzling Jamaican vibes.
Bacchanal J’ouvert — Paint Rave: One of the original j’ouverts, Bacchanal J’ouvert — Paint Rave, is a vibrant paint party held at Mas Camp in Kingston, starting at 10 p.m. and continuing until morning.
Saturday, April 6
Immortals J’ouvert: GenXs, the leading “ultra-premium” carnival band, continues to dominate soca season with exceptional events, including Immortals J’ouvert. Starting early Saturday at 2 a.m., this breakfast-inclusive event promises an unforgettable experience filled with paint, powder, water, and the finest soca tunes. Don’t miss out on this epic celebration!
Sunnation Breakfast Party: If you had to choose only one event to attend for Jamaica carnival season, it should be none other than the famous all-inclusive Sunnation Sunrise Breakfast Party. Coveted for its elegance, wide array of food options, top-notch performances, and infectious atmosphere, this breakfast party draws attendees bright and early on Saturday, starting as early as 5 a.m., to revel with friends throughout the day.
Lil Strut Jamaica: When you hear of Lil Strut Jamaica, imagine boats, bubbles, and bacchanal! As the final GenXs-approved official boat cruise before masqueraders hit the road to jump on carnival Sunday, consider this an essential cruise event from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 7
Carnival Glam Hub: Swing by early Sunday morning to experience Carnival Glam Hub with a reservation and indulge in hairstyling, sweat-proof makeup application, breakfast, drinks, professional photography, assistance with your carnival costume, and shuttle service, all under one roof. It’s your one-stop destination to ensure you’re at your best before joining your carnival band members to dominate Carnival Sunday.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
GenXs Road March: It’s Carnival Sunday, and the awaited moment is here. Gear up in your costume, secure your wristbands, and join GenXs on the road at 9 a.m. to parade through the streets of Kingston, cordoned off for your enjoyment.
Yard Mas Road March: Join Yard Mas and the vibrant masqueraders for a lively day on the road, taking a different route through Kingston from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with all-inclusive food, drinks, and snacks galore.
Xodus Road March: Renowned for its dancehall beats and vibrant atmosphere, the Xodus Road March is a spirited carnival procession where revelers clad in costumes revel freely in the streets, dancing the day away. Join this dynamic carnival band at 9 a.m. for an all-inclusive day of festivities.
XS Street: A new afterparty brought to you by the GenXs team, XS Street is pure dancehall vibes after the Carnival Sunday road march. Join the GenXs team starting at 6 p.m.
Monday, April 8
Ocean X: Just when you think Carnival Week is over, think again. Ocean X is the GenXs catamaran cruise that docks at Maiden Cay island in Jamaica; boarding begins at 10 a.m.
XS Sunset: The final GenXs event of the week is XS Sunset, a cooler cool-down fete, free for GenXs Masqueraders.
Recommended Stories
Noel Cymone Walker is an NYC-based writer specializing in beauty, fashion, music, travel, and cultural anthropology. She has written and produced visuals for several notable publications such as The Recording Academy/The Grammys, The Fader, Billboard, OkayPlayer, Marie Claire, Glamour, Allure, Essence, Ebony, and more.
We emerged from Crunchyroll’s Spring preview event, and let me tell you, their lineup is like a treasure chest overflowing with gems! This season promises something for everyone, guaranteed to ignite your anime spark with a vibrant selection that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Consider this your insider look at some can’t-miss titles bubbling up next month!
For the Hopeless Romantics:
A Condition Called Love (Premieres April 4th): This show is like a warm hug wrapped in a love letter. Meet Hotaru, a high school freshman whose love life is stuck on “loading.” Enter Hananoi, a charming classmate sporting a past heartbreak that clings to him like a poorly-fitting scarf. Hotaru’s kind gesture leads to a hilariously awkward confession that will have you rooting for them from the first scene. Expect relatable characters, classic coming-of-age fluff, and enough butterflies to fill a butterfly sanctuary. This one feels like a classic shoujo manga come to life, and I can’t wait to see how their relationship blossoms!
Watch the official trailer here:
Hysterical Out-of-This-World Rom-Com with an Unexpected Twist
Astro Note (Premieres April 5th): Astro Note throws a side-splitting curveball at the rom-com genre, and it’s a home run! Our protagonist, Takumi, a talented chef with a killer palate, falls head over heels for the beautiful Mira, his new apartment’s landlady. But winning her heart proves tricky when your neighbors are a riotous crew of weirdos and unexplained phenomena become your new normal. Oh, and did we mention Mira’s a secret alien? This show promises laugh-out-loud situations and a refreshingly bizarre twist on the classic rom-com formula. The dynamic between Takumi and Mira is pure entertainment, and you’ll be desperately waiting to see where their wacky situations take them next. Personally, this one had me laughing most of the time – the aliens and the oddball neighbors are hilarious! This hilariously original take on the Rom-Com genre and character interactions will make you smile.
Watch the official trailer here:
Black Butler Fans Rejoice!
Black Butler: Public School Arc (Premieres April 13th): It wouldn’t be a Crunchyroll season without our favorite demon butler, and Black Butler: Public School Arc is no exception! This dark and thrilling installment is everything you’ve expected from the series. Ciel Phantomhive and his unflappable demon butler, Sebastian, are tackling a high-society whodunit this time around. They’re undercover at the prestigious Weston College, where students, including a royal relative, are vanishing without a trace. Brace yourselves for a captivating blend of Victorian mystery, political intrigue, and of course, Sebastian’s impeccably served side-eye. The first episode is packed with interesting new characters, alongside some fan favorites returning, making for a truly captivating premiere. This one is classic Black Butler – dark, mysterious, and Sebastian is as sharp as ever. Can’t wait to see what secrets they uncover!
Watch the official trailer here:
Calling All Kaiju Enthusiasts!
Kaiju No. 8 (Premieres April 13th): Buckle up for a monster-sized adventure with Kaiju No. 8! This action-packed series is a must-watch for anyone who craves giant monster mayhem. In a world overrun by colossal creatures, Kafka Hibino dreams of joining the Defense Force to protect humanity. Witness his journey as he reignites his passion for protecting others and fights alongside unlikely allies against these colossal threats. The first episode packs a satisfying punch, leaving you wanting more monster-bashing action. If you crave colossal creature carnage, Kaiju No. 8 delivers in a big way! The fight scenes are truly epic, showcasing the immense power of the kaiju and the thrilling battles against them. Witnessing Kafka’s growth as a fighter promises to be an exciting journey!
Watch the official trailer here:
A Hidden Gem for the Soul
Bartender: Glass of God (Premieres April 3rd): This show is like a warm sake after a long day – a hidden gem that will leave you wanting more. Nestled in the bustling streets of Tokyo lies Eden Hall, a quiet bar catering to weary souls seeking solace. The enigmatic bartender, Ryu, possesses a unique gift – the ability to create the perfect drink that heals the customer’s spirit. Each episode promises a heartfelt encounter, leaving you with a sense of calm and a touch of wonder. I wasn’t sure if Bartender: Glass of God would be my cup of tea, but after the first episode, I’m hooked! The warm atmosphere and touching stories are a welcome change of pace. This one surprised me! It’s a slow burn, but the stories are so heartwarming that I’m completely invested.
Watch the official trailer here:
There you have it, anime fans! Whether you’re a die-hard romance fanatic, a sci-fi buff with a funny bone, a thrill-seeker craving epic showdowns, or simply an anime enthusiast looking for a heartwarming story, Crunchyroll’s Spring lineup has something to quench your thirst for entertainment. This is just a taste of what they have in store, and if these shows are anything to go by, we’re in for an incredible anime season! The best part? All the shows I watched left me wanting more, so you can bet I’ll be glued to my screen each week. Trust me, there’s an anime for everyone this season, so dive in and discover your next favorite show!
Don’t miss out – Crunchyroll’s Spring season is over with potential gems waiting to be unearthed! See Crunchyrolls full Spring season lineup here.
Republican-Led Political Expulsions Like In Tennessee Will Be The New Norm
On Thursday, Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who is white, signed a bill from the majority white legislature removing the entire board of Tennessee State University.
Republicans have consistently complained about the leadership at TSU. An audit on Thursday—showing “significant procedural deficiencies,” including serious issues with housing at TSU — may have been the final nail in the coffin for the board. Although, it’s worth noting that the audit found “no malfeasance or fraud by executive leadership.”
“Tennessee State University was denied those resources, and because they were denied the resources there were problems that occurred,” said State Rep. Justin Pearson, who was ousted from the State Legislature last year. “But instead of us rectifying the problems that we created through racist policies by underfunding Tennessee State University, we’re now advocating to vacate their board.”
Democratic State Rep. Bo Mitchell also noted that he’d seen plenty of “horrendous” audits of other universities, but it was suspicious that only in the case of an HBCU did Republicans decide to remove an entire board.
Republicans countered that this was not going to be a big shift.
“All we’re talking about is the board … It’s vacating some personalities and bringing others in,” House Majority Leader William Lamberth told ABC News. “The goal is to make TSU successful.”
The new appointees are also Black, and primarily come from the business community, including executives at Bank of America Memphis and BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
However, despite the new board being Black, on social media some folks were skeptical about what type of representation to expect.
“The new board will be sage steele, jason whitlock, stacey dash, kanye west, and rachel dolezal,” joked one user.
“To be fair Rachel might not fit their ideological goals… you know that’s going to Candace,” replied another user.
The new board will have to wait for approval from the State Legislature before their appointments are official.
Beyhive, rejoice! Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album is here with collaborations that span generations from Linda Martell, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton to Tanner Adell, Shaboozey and even include her daughter Rumi Carter.
The wait is over. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album is now available. Above, the superstar attends the Grammy ceremony in February in Los Angeles. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Beyoncé’s highly anticipated “Act II” project of her “Renaissance” era sees her reclaiming yet another genre built by, and rooted in, Blackness. While “Renaissance” saw her reclaiming house, club and dance music to critical acclaim, “Cowboy Carter” sees the Texas-born superstar dive into country, folk and blues for a powerful sonic journey. While the features for Queen Bey’s long-awaited country record were rumored, now everyone finally knows who made it onto the album, and the performers did not disappoint.
The album’s interludes come from country music legends Willie Nelson, Linda Martell and Dolly Parton, who all narrate the radio-themed record. Introducing tracks like the “Jolene” cover, “Ya Ya” and “Texas Hold ‘Em,” the additions of these music titans help give the album a true cinematic feel. With the narrations, these greats guide you through Beyoncé’s journey through the wild, wild west.
On “Blackbiird,” Beyoncé covers one of the most beloved songs of all time: The Beatles’ “Blackbird.” Under simple guitar, Beyoncé gracefully sings out the tune along with Black country singers of today, resulting in a track equal parts past and present. Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts sing beautifully on the track, filling it out with stacked harmonies and a featured solo.
Recommended Stories
Miley Cyrus, who recently won her first Grammy (with Beyoncé in attendance) also appears on the album, singing with Bey on “II Most Wanted.” Shaboozey joins for uptempo dance tracks “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckin’,” while Willie Jones sings on the duet “Just For Fun.” Later on the album, Post Malone sings with Bey on “Levii’s Jeans.”
Perhaps the most emotional appearance on the record is that of Beyoncé’s daughter Rumi Carter, on “Protector.” In the song clearly inspired by Beyoncé’s children and her love for them, Rumi says at the top, “Mom, can I hear the lullaby please?”
As Time magazine points out, the album takes inspiration from various classics with “Ya Ya” interpolating “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys and Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” while “II Most Wanted” seemingly interpolating the hit Fleetwood Mac ballad “Landslide.”
Jennifer Ruziscka, a seasoned high school English teacher and cheerleading coach with nearly 30 years of experience, resigned from the Springfield Local School District after being discovered on adult subscription platforms OnlyFans and Fansly. The discovery has stirred debate about professional conduct and the junction of personal and public duties.
According to WTOL, Ruziscka’s subscription accounts were classified by the district as “pornographic/sexually graphic websites,” requiring disciplinary action. Matt Geha, the district’s superintendent, said, “Springfield Local Schools was made aware of allegations where one of its teachers was participating in conduct unbecoming of a professional educator.” As a result, Ruziscka was placed on administrative leave beginning January 29, 2024, following her last day in the classroom on January 26, 2024.
According to a report by WTOL that cited an email from the superintendent to the Ohio Board of Education on February 2, an investigation into Ruziscka’s conduct began on January 26. The district attorney provided guidelines for the collection of evidence.
Ruziscka, who went by the handle ‘Jenniferssecrets’ on subscription sites, reportedly earned $74,720 per year before she resigned. In a statement acquired by 13ABC, she expressed thanks for her stay, citing praise for her dedication and innovative teaching. However, she elected not to reveal specifics about her resignation, citing a wish to avoid further harm to others’ reputations.
The former English teacher invoked Harper Lee’s renowned novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ to advocate for empathy and understanding. “As I have always been one who stands in the shoes of others, I hope others will now stand in mine,” she said.
The Springfield Local School District has not issued further statements regarding the matter.
