Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Singer and Founding Member, Dies at 68

Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Singer and Founding Member, Dies at 68

Paras Griffin/Getty Atlantic Starr singer Wayne Lewis died on June 5 at age 68 "Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy," the R&B music group's Facebook page wrote A rep confirmed his death to PEOPLE but didn't share a cause SingerWayne Lewis of Atlantic Starr has died. He was 68. A representative for the R&B music group confirmed to PEOPLE that Lewis, a founding member of Atlantic Starr, died on Thursday, June 5. Atlantic Starr also shared the news in an announcement onFacebook, writing, "It's with great sadness we have to post the passing of Wayne Lewis on June 5, 2025, please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy #waynelewis #restinpeace #flyhigh Sunrise 4/13/1957 Sunset 6/5/2025 #restinpeaceWayne." A cause of death has not yet been revealed. Paras Griffin/Getty Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The news galvanized fans, who swiftly shared their tributes online. "His band gave my generation so much listening pleasure," one fan wrote. Ron Wolfson/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Another described Lewis as "a great songwriter." Atlantic Starr released its first album in 1978, skyrocketing to success with crossover hits such as"Always"and"Secret Lovers." The PEOPLE Appis now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! Aside from Wayne, the current members of Atlantic Starr are his brother, Jonathan Lewis, Melessa Pierce and Shammah Carter. Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

in

June 07, 2025

Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Singer and Founding Member, Dies at 68

Wayne Lewis, Atlantic Starr Singer and Founding Member, Dies at 68 Paras Griffin/Getty Atlantic Starr singer Wayne Lewis died on June 5 at a...

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“Love Island” contestant Yulissa Escobar apologizes for using the N-word after exiting reality show

"Love Island" contestant Yulissa Escobar apologizes for using the N-word after exiting reality show

Ben Symons/Peacock BootedLove IslandcontestantYulissa Escobarhas apologized for using the N-word in resurfaced podcasts that led to her departure from thePeacockdating show. "First, I want to apologize for using a word I had no right in using. Podcast clips from years ago have recently resurfaced, and I want to address it directly," Escobarposted on InstagramFriday. "In those clips, I used a word I never should've used, a racial slur. I used it ignorantly, not fully understanding the weight, history, or pain behind it. I wasn't trying to be offensive or harmful, but I recognize now that intention doesn't excuse impact. And the impact of that word is real. It's tied to generations of trauma, and it is not mine to use." She noted, "At the time, I was speaking casually in conversation, not thinking deeply or critically about what I was saying. But that doesn't take away from how wrong it was. The truth is, I didn't know better then, but I do now. I've taken the time to reflect, to learn, and to grow from that moment." Escobar, who was described as a 27-year-old mobile bar owner from Miami, said she's no longer the same person who did that. "I've changed a lot since then, not just in how I speak, but in how I show up, how I carry myself, and how I honor the experiences of others." Escobar vowed. "Growth means recognizing when you were wrong, even if it's uncomfortable, and choosing to move forward with humility and accountability." After warning against "fake statements circulating," she ended her message adamantly. "To those who are disappointed or offended, I understand and I apologize," Escobar said. "I am sorry." Ben Symons/Peacock The apology was accompanied with an image of the words "owning my mistakes speaking my truth." Escobar's apology came two days after she was absent from the second episode of season 7, which debuted Wednesday. It began with a message that "Yulissa has left the villa," and a representative for the show had confirmed her departure to EW. But no reason was given. Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. The cast change followedTMZ's Tuesday publication of footage from Escobar's relevant podcast appearances. Fans of the show had already commented on her cast portrait on social media that they planned to eliminate her early because of what she'd said. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAlpha World

in

June 07, 2025

“Love Island” contestant Yulissa Escobar apologizes for using the N-word after exiting reality show

"Love Island" contestant Yulissa Escobar apologizes for using the N-word after exiting reality show Ben Symons/Peacock BootedLove ...

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Chicago police say an officer was accidentally shot and killed by her partner

Chicago police say an officer was accidentally shot and killed by her partner

CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago police officer was unintentionally shot and killed by her partner after they chased a suspect into an apartment and encountered another person with a rifle, officials said. Krystal Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran of the department, is survived by a 10-year-old daughter. The partner was the only person who fired a weapon, and the "gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera," city police said in a statement Friday. An autopsy showed she was shot in the back. Rivera died at a hospital late Thursday, less than an hour after being shot. Colleagues had brought her to the hospital in a squad car that crashed and caught on fire due to a malfunction, according to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. She was then transported in another squad car. The person who allegedly brandished the rifle was taken into custody, police said. They did not immediately say what charges the person would face. The shooting occurred just before 10 p.m. on Thursday as Rivera's tactical unit conducted a stop on someone suspected of having a weapon. A chase ensued that ended in the apartment. Investigators later found three weapons at the scene, police said. Snelling called Rivera "young, vibrant and a hard worker." Hermother toldThe Chicago Sun-Times that she had dreamed of being a police officer since she was young. "For me, it's a privilege," Rivera told the Sun-Times when she graduated from the academy in 2021. "I come from a family of serving. To help people in need, that's my calling."

byAlpha World

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June 07, 2025

Chicago police say an officer was accidentally shot and killed by her partner

Chicago police say an officer was accidentally shot and killed by her partner CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago police officer was unintentionally sh...

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Israeli forces in Gaza kill 6 Palestinians seeking aid, health officials say

Israeli forces in Gaza kill 6 Palestinians seeking aid, health officials say

Local health officials said Israeli forces killed six Palestinians near an aid distribution center in southern Gaza on Saturday night, the fourth such incident in a week. The Palestinians were killed in west Rafah "as citizens gathered in the hope of receiving aid near the distribution point," according to Marwan Al-Hams, director of field hospitals for the Palestinian Health Ministry. None of the victims have been identified at this time. NBC News was not immediately able to verify the number of casualties. The World Health Organization has said it considers the Health Ministry's data reliable. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces acknowledged the incident, saying that troops fired "warning shots" on "several suspects" in the Tel al-Sultan refugee camp who they felt posed a threat. "Despite prior warnings that the area is an active combat zone during nighttime hours, several suspects attempted to approach IDF troops operating in the Tel al-Sultan area overnight, in a manner that posed a threat to the troops," the IDF said. "The troops called out to the suspects to drive them away, but as they continued advancing in a way that endangered the troops, the soldiers responded with warning shots." The IDF did not specify what threat the "suspects" posed and did not take accountability for the reported deaths, but said it "is aware of the reports of casualties." This is the fourth incident in a week where local health officials said Palestinians were killed near aid distribution centers. On Sunday,more than 30 people were killed in Rafahand hundreds were injured, according to local health officials and aid workers. Speaking with NBC News' crew on the ground, four witnesses said they came under fire from the air and on the ground while they were waiting to collect aid near a distribution site. An Israeli military official told NBC News that troops fired "warning shots" at "several suspects" about a half-mile from the aid distribution center, calling reports of casualties at the site "false claims." On Monday, three Palestinians were killed and dozens of others were injured when Israeli forces opened fire at a food distribution site in Rafah, Gaza health officials said. The next day,at least 27 people were killedin the early morning after IDF troops opened fire near an aid distribution point in Rafah, according to local health officials. More than 160 others were injured, including a 5-year-old girl. Video captured by NBC News' crew on the ground showed people, some dead and others wounded, being rushed toNasser Hospitalin Khan Younis. The IDF said its troops fired "warning fire" at people who they believed posed a threat to them about 0.3 miles from an aid distribution site in Rafah, adding that it was aware of and looking into reports of casualties. It did not elaborate on what threat those people posed.

byAlpha World

in

June 07, 2025

Israeli forces in Gaza kill 6 Palestinians seeking aid, health officials say

Israeli forces in Gaza kill 6 Palestinians seeking aid, health officials say Local health officials said Israeli forces killed six Palestini...

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BET Awards 2025: Everything to Know About Culture's Biggest Night

BET Awards 2025: Everything to Know About Culture's Biggest Night

Michael Owens/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Mike Marsland/WireImage The BET Awards 2025 air live on BET on Monday, June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT Kevin Hart will serve as the host of the night Kendrick Lamar leads the nominees list with 10 nominations The BET Awards 2025 are here and are ready to shock fans with A-list performers, award winners, and so much more. Hosted byKevin Hart, the show is expected to be filled with fun moments as performers likeLil WayneandTeyana Taylorhit the stage. Fans can also expect to see some hip-hop heavyweights accept awards. Kendrick Lamar, who headlined the2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, is up for 10 nominations in categories like album of the year forGNXand video of the year for "Not Like Us." Fans will also be treated to a tribute to the beloved music video countdown show106 & Park,asformer hostsAJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté,Rocsi Diaz, andTerrence Jreunite on stage, according to apress release. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Keep reading below to find out all you need to know about the show airing live on BET on Monday, June 9 at 8 PM ET/PT. Paul Morigi/Getty Kevin Hart has been tapped to host the BET Awards 2025 — something he said in apress releasestatement that he is "truly honored" to do. "I love a celebration! It's a chance to reflect, cherish, and honor life's unforgettable moments," his statement said. "I'm truly honored to host the 25th BET Awards and celebrate the culture's biggest night. This year marks the 25th anniversary, and my partners at Hartbeat, BET, and JCE are pulling out all the stops to make it a night to remember. It's a Black-Tie affair, and you're all invited. Tune in live on June 9th, only on BET," his statement continued. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Taking the stage at the BET Awards 2025 is an eclectic group of performers, including hip hop legend Lil Wayne and Teyana Taylor, with a "one night only legendary performance unlike anything you've seen before," per apress release. Rounding out the list of performers isGloRilla,Playboi Carti,andLeon Thomas. Ledisi and Keyshia Cole were added Friday. According to Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, the night's performers are "setting the tone for a night that celebrates 25 years of impact, creativity, and Black culture." "With electrifying performances from some of the biggest names in music and an iconic comedic host, BET Awards 2025 will be a can't-miss celebration of everything the culture represents," said Orlando in a press statement. Michael Owens/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Mike Marsland/WireImage Kendrick Lamar is leading the list of nominees for the BET Awards 2025 with 10 nominations. His nomations are in the following categories, per apress release: album of the year forGNX, video of the year for "Not Like Us," three viewer's choice award nominations for "Not Like Us," "Luther," featuring SZA, and "Like That" with Future & Metro Boomin, three best collaboration nominations for "Like That," "30 for 30," and "Luther," featuring SZA, video director of the year with Dave Free, and best male hip hop artist. Following suit areDoechii,Drake,Future, and GloRilla, who each tie with six nominations.Metro Boominscored five nominations whileSZAandThe Weekndscored four each. Arya Starr,Chris Brown, Lil Wayne,Maverick City Music, Playboi Carti,Teddy Swims, andTyler the Creatorearned three nominations each. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic; Tristar Media/WireImage TheBET Ultimate Icon Awardcelebrates "decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact." This year's honorees represent a diverse range of industries, including music, film, television, and business. Being honored are songstressMariah Carey, multi-hyphenateJamie Foxx, gospel superstarKirk Franklin, and legendary rapperSnoop Dogg. BET Awards 2025, hosted by Kevin Hart, will air live Monday, June 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET. It will be preceded by a pre-show beginning at 6 p.m. on BET. Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

in

June 07, 2025

BET Awards 2025: Everything to Know About Culture's Biggest Night

BET Awards 2025: Everything to Know About Culture's Biggest Night Michael Owens/Getty; Kevin Mazur/Getty; Mike Marsland/WireImage The BE...

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