Noir Nation, tragedy struck on Chicago’s West Side area this week as man was fatally shot while live streaming on Facebook!

According to reports from ABC News, the incident took place Wednesday evening on August 13th when a man identified as Kevin Watsonwas fatally shot while on Facebook in the South Austin neighborhood.

Officials confirm, the incident unfolded around 6:14 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Madison Street.

Authorities say the 42 year old was in approached by an unidentified male as he sat in his vehicle. In a matter of seconds after he stepped out of his car gun shot rang out, striking him in the chest.

Chicago police responded swiftly, but sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses have come forward with further detailing how things quickly unfolded right after Kevin left his cousin’s job at a nearby liquor store to begin his Facebook Live in his car.

“I wouldn’t have let him walk out the store,” Jacquez Smith said. “He was a good man. No matter what he done, he helped people, you know? He helped me get this job in here

Searching For Answers 🔎

As of now, detectives are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No suspects are in custody, and police have not released a possible motive.

“He was talking to a guy, and he was going to his car, then the guy followed behind him,” said Alvin Jackson, a close friend and witness. “So, the guy followed behind him and pulled the gun on him. He was trying to wrestle with the gun, and the gun went off.”

Residents of South Austin, a community already grappling with ongoing concerns about gun violence, are once again left demanding answers and accountability.

“I rubbed his palm and I squeezed his hand, and he wouldn’t squeeze back,” said Lamar Spencer, another close friend and witness.

Ongoing Investigation 📝

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office will release further details as the investigation unfolds. Meanwhile, Kevin’s death adds to a heartbreaking trend of lives cut short in Chicago’s neighborhoods, leaving family, friends, and the broader community mourning yet another tragic loss.

“We’re going to have to figure out how to move on and be strong, day to day, to help each other get pass this, because this didn’t just hurt one person,” close friend Freddie Collier said. “This hurt a lot of us.”

Noir Nation 🗣️

Chicago police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue their investigation.

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Tracee Ellis Ross, age 52, still wipes out timelines with the same smoothness as walking down the runway on Paris Fashion Week. The Black-ish star decided to bless Instagram with seven sizzling photos in a black bikini, slyly writing: “2 things in these photos are coming out realli soon.”

The internet was abuzz with delight as Auntie Tracee fully owned the flamboyant aesthetic of the soft life, exuding the inescapable charm that is so distinctly her own without even trying. The post accumulated more than 270,000 likes, 14,000 shares, and 5,500 comments, highlighting the inalienable fact that where Miss Ross goes, the world will be sure to take notice.

The Praise, the Silence, and the Controversy.

As expected, Black Twitter and its lively equivalents on Instagram flooded the comments section, waving their church fans, microphones, and a copious supply of sassy put-downs.

One admirer went full cougar hunter writing, “Cougar can I scratch that cat.” Another took a more poetic route: “I just need two nights and a SZA album????????.”

While the internet constantly swings back and forth between love and hate, one user suddenly piped up, “Bitch not good looking. We gotta stop lying. She look like Kid from House Party.” Oh, that remark definitely deserves a life sentence in Instagram jail, without possibility of bail.

Indeed, there were quips that acted as cultural commentary, like this: “This is the best propaganda to never marry and never have children.” If that isn’t the equivalent of a billboard advertisement of “black don’t crack” health, then I simply don’t know what is.

The Evolving Controversy

Tracee’s photos reignited the age-old internet debate: is it Auntie slaying present-day or are these throwbacks from her archives? One fan asked bluntly, “Either this an old picture or black just does not crack.” Another added fuel with, “May yall let this old hag go ????????.” But here’s the thing: Tracee is timeless. Whether it’s genetics, Pilates, or just the blessings of Diana Ross’ bloodline, she has been defying Hollywood’s expiration dates since the 90s.

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With some students already in class and many more gearing up for their first days, back-to-school shopping is underway. 

From changing when they start shopping, to seeking out new options for supplies amid price hikes and big-box retailer boycotts, to having to fulfill what feels like ever-growing class supplies lists, many Black families have had to get creative this year. 

According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, roughly 67% of families said that due to the increase in prices, they had already begun shopping by July. That’s up from 55% in 2024. The survey also found that 52% of consumers earning $50,000 or less plan to buy just what they need to get their families through the start of the school year, with the intention to replenish as needed, up from 45% last year. 

“Consumers are being mindful of the potential impacts of tariffs and inflation on back-to-school items, and have turned to early shopping, discount stores, and summer sales for savings on school essentials,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen, said in a statement. “As shoppers look for the best deals on clothes, notebooks and other school-related items, retailers are highly focused on affordability and making the shopping experience as seamless as possible.”

The NRF predicts that, even with cutting back, families will spend $128.2 billion on supplies this year, up from $125.4 billion last year. Meanwhile, the survey also found that many intend to do less individual spending. Families with kindergarten through high school students are expected to spend roughly $858.07 on school-related items this year, down from $874.68 last year. College students are also planning to spend less this year, with an average of $1,325.85, down from $1,364.75 in 2024.

Many people who are still steadfastly boycotting certain retailers, including Target and Walmart, face the added hurdle of finding alternatives. 

An interesting trend Deloitte found in its annual back-to-school survey is that younger generations of parents, including 75% of Gen Z, intend to use social media to help them in their shopping. 

Since mid-July, content creators and parents alike have been uploading their suggestions for where to go shopping this fall beyond Target and Walmart to TikTok and beyond. 

The suggestions have ranged from reminding consumers of Costco’s many supplies and clothing options to pointing out that Staples does not participate in political giving, Five Below and Dollar General remain cost-effective options, and other brands like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Old Navy remain reliable. Then there are the folks highlighting several Black-owned brands that sell supplies and clothing. 

Some of those brands have included the stationery brand BeRooted for notebooks, pencils, planners, and more, Actively Black for athlesiure, and Melanin Apparel for backpacks, clothing, and more. 

All in all, for many families, fulfilling this year’s back-to-school lists isn’t just about what’s cheapest or most convenient; it’s about finding options that align with their budgets, values, and communities. 

“Regardless of income, families want to ensure their students are set up for success,” said Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist, per NRF. They are cutting back in other areas, using buy now, pay later or buying used or refurbished items to have everything they need for the school year.”

Noir Nation, this story is a wild one. A Long Island mother, is facing serious charges after authorities say she attacked a 14-year-old girl with a Stanley Cup!

According to police, things kicked off when ToninMonroe’s 15-year-old daughter got into a heated altercation with another student, identified as the victim Madison Evans.

Instead of letting school staff handle it, Toni is seen in a now viral video jumping in herself — snatching her daughter’s metal Stanley Cup and using it as a weapon.

“Her mom just came in and started beating me with the cup,” said Madison. “I took my head because I saw blood dripping. I took my head and I saw blood all over my hands.”

Witnesses say she struck Madison multiple times in the head, leaving the teen with a deep gash that required a total of 17 stitches.

The 35 year old was arrested on the spot and later arraigned in federal court. She pleaded not guilty, with her lawyer claiming she only went to the school to report bullying against her daughter.

Still, the judge wasn’t taking any chances — Toni was ordered to wear a GPS ankle monitor and stay far away from the victim.

School officials, including Superintendent Wanda Ortiz-Rivera, released a strong statement reminding parents that violence will never be tolerated on school grounds. Meanwhile, Madison’s family is demanding justice, calling the attack both “traumatizing” and “unforgivable.”

 “We are aware of the incident that occurred yesterday during dismissal involving two students and a parent. The safety and well-being of our students is always our highest priority, and this type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our schools.”

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If there’s one thing Nicki Minaj is going to do, it’s insert herself into a pop culture catfight she had no business in and make it camp. The rap queen has officially weighed in on the ongoing Lana Del Rey vs. Ethel Cain feud, and the way she did it was so extra, Shakespeare could never.

Nicki’s Twitter Serenade to a Feud She Wasn’t Even In

Nicki started the morning apparently possessed by Lana’s unreleased Track 13, which contains the now-infamous line: “Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post.” She tweeted,

“I’ve been singing ‘Ethel cain hated my instagram post’ all morning. Help!!!!! And something about the Waffle House & a picture w/some boy? But how can a melody & instruments & background vocals & the mixing be so good that I’m walking around all day talking about a person named Ethel who I do not know hating an instagram post I never even posted? HELP MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! I’m sure Ethel is a nice person. hums the melody again & drifts off into this somber state whilst looking off into the horizon”

Nicki then plunged into a bittersweet memory lane moment, recalling when Lana allegedly dissed “all the girlies” and no one was brave enough to clap back. As she described:

“Not we let Lana walk in the lunchroom & run EVERYBODY pockets wit no weapon & no gang & said not one thing about it. Lmfaooooo. AYO🤣 I fkng love this shit yo.”

It was giving drama club and detention vibes all at once.

The Song That Inspired 1,000 Think Pieces

For the blissfully uninformed, said feud began when Lana teased Track 13 on August 13 (Swifties, you can probably infer why that date caused chaos).

 

Fans assumed the “Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post” line and the “famous girl at the Waffle House” one were catty nods to a 2022 New York Times obit about Cain and maybe some chilly history with Lana’s ex, Salem musician Jack Donoghue.

The so-called drama? Both Lana and Cain posted a picture with Donoghue in 2022, with Lana’s now-infamous prison-in-Chicago selfie later copied by Cain, hence the “reenacting my Chicago pose” claim.

Swifties briefly hijacked the discourse, thinking Lana was sneak-dissing Taylor Swift because of the “Track 13” logo. That theory went down the drain when Lana herself visited Pop Base’s Instagram comments to spill that she had a problem with Cain, and then dropped the tea.

Lana’s Receipts, Cain’s Block

Lana reported that she had heard of Cain only a couple of years ago, when she was shown “disturbing” side-by-side images Cain allegedly posted of her next to “unflattering creatures and cartoon characters” with comments on her weight. The fans quickly unearthed questionable memes, some of Peter Griffin, but no one that can be demonstrated to be that of Cain. Cain’s apparent comeback? Posting on Instagram that Lana had blocked her.

Meanwhile, Nicki was getting a revelation about discovering new artists in their latter years, equating her sudden Lana fascination with fans streaming her own discography with no idea of all the nods. She even snapped at a photo of Cain waving her own banner at a performance, tweeting:

“Wtf? Is this real? Thank you, Ethel.”

The Moral of the Story

So where are we at? Lana and Cain still won’t directly speak to one another. Swifties have stage-lefted. And Nicki? She’s still somewhere humming “Ethel Cain hated my Instagram post” and conjuring up a Waffle House cameo in the inevitable music video.

It’s pop culture’s worst group chat, and Nicki just made herself an admin.

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Monica is reportedly, possibly enjoying the newlywed life.

Just days after it was revealed she and her beau, talent manager and producer Anthony “Ant” Wilson, may have tied the knot, the Grammy-winning singer is gushing online about luxury gifts, including a new Maybach, and receiving love like she’s never experienced before. 

In a new Instagram post posted on Thursday, August 15, the 44-year-old R&B singer shared several shots and footage of a whirlwind trip to see Chris Brown; Wilson is Chris Brown’s manager. The post also included footage of her arriving home after the trip to find a brand new Maybach waiting for her from Wilson. 

In the heartfelt video, when the garage door lifts to show the car, Monica is instantly overcome with emotion and shock. At one point, she even breaks out into an “ugly cry.” 

“The truth of the matter is, is that this man thinks of me when I’m not even thinking of myself,” Monica said in the video’s voiceover. “I just like to pour into the people I love, and I never really think about myself, but he’s always thinking about me, always pouring into me.”

She added, “I think the moral of this story is that God is good and we should never give up on love. It’s from him.”

The moment arrives amid widespread speculation that the two music industry insiders may have officially tied the knot after the songstress made highly suggestive social posts. In one post, uploaded on August 4, Monica and Wilson pose together, dressed in glamorous bridal duds: him in a crisp white and black tuxedo and she in a black dramatic gown, which is accesorized by oatmeal-colored ostrich feathers. 

“Two Hearts One Love … FOREVER,” she captioned the post. 

Meanwhile, in the comments, Wilson added more fuel to the speculation by adding, “[Shout out] to everybody at the courthouse that got us in and out without a problem.” 

Many others responding made sure to share their congratulations to the seemingly newlywed couple. 

The two have been linked publicly since at least 2023. This would mark Monica’s second marriage. She was previously married to NBA player Shannon Brown from 2010 to 2019. News of her new potential marriage comes in the middle of what has already been an exciting summer for her. In addition to her personal milestones, she and Brandy recently announced a joint tour kicking off this fall, reuniting the duo behind the iconic hit “The Boy Is Mine.”

Noir Nation; television has lost one of its most unforgettable little sisters. Beloved actress Danielle Spencer, best known for bringing the sassy and quick-witted “Dee Thomas” to life on the hit 70s sitcom What’s Happening!!, has passed away at the age of 60.

With her sharp one-liners, spot-on comedic timing, and undeniable charm, Danielle didn’t just play a character—she became a cultural touchstone, carving out a permanent place in Black sitcom history.

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Pop princess Sabrina Carpenter has officially entered her dog mom era musically speaking and she’s doing it with all the flair of a girl who knows her new record is going to devour the charts. Earlier this week, the chart-topping “Manchild” singer invited 26 of her most loyal LA fans for an ultra-exclusive first listen of her upcoming album, Man’s Best Friend, and if you’re feeling jealous right now… good. You should be.

A Bus, a Secret Location, and No Phones Allowed

In a move that screams “main pop girl with main character energy” Carpenter lured her chosen ones to a private location before whisking them away on a bus to the studio for the listening party. Once there, she collected every single phone like the baddest teacher in pop school, not for control but to ensure every fan was fully present for the experience.

On X (formerly Twitter), she spilled the tea herself:

“Last night was the first playdate for Man’s Best Friend! I asked 26 of my beautiful LA fans to meet at a private location and then get on a bus to come meet me at the studio where i got to play the whole album for them 🖤🐾 they were gracious enough to let me take their phones so they were totally present and respectful and amazing and it was genuinely one of my favorite nights in such a long time! The excitement i get to play this album top to bottom is really like no other record I’ve made x just 15 days away now!!!!”

The Album That’s About to Eat August Alive

Man’s Best Friend drops August 29, featuring a tracklist that sounds like the perfect mix of heartbreak, pettiness, and chaotic joy:

1. Manchild






2. Tears






3. My Man On Willpower






4. Sugar Talking






5. We Broke Up Again Last Night






6. Nobody’s Son






7. Never Getting Laid






8. When Did You Get Hot?






9. Go Go Juice






10. Don’t Worry I’ll Make You Worry






11. House Tour






12. Goodbye

The lead single Manchild already debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June and is still clinging to the Top 40 like your ex’s last shred of dignity. Meanwhile, “Busy Woman” from the deluxe edition of Short ’n Sweet is holding its own at #35.

Pop’s New Power Duo Moment

And because Sabrina isn’t just feeding her own fans, she’s serving the entire pop community, she’s also starring on Taylor Swift’s upcoming album The Life of a Showgirl, out October 3. The collab? The title track, naturally. Swift announced the project and its tracklist on her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast, sending the internet into meltdown mode over the “Taybrina” alliance.

Fifteen days until Man’s Best Friend drops, and frankly? It feels like waiting for Christmas morning if Santa was hot, petty, and could belt a middle eight that makes you cry in your car.

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