The Fourth of July celebration for the family of Deundray Cottrell was spoiled when he mysteriously went missing from the gathering. Two days later, he was found dead. Now, police are looking at the person who last saw Cottrell, his boyfriend.

The 31-year-old doctoral student was last seen at a residence in Birmingham, Ala. Cottrell along with his boyfriend Julian Taylor Morris, also 31, had traveled from Atlanta to visit family in Alabama for July 4th.

Authorities from the city police department say they were dispatched to the home after family said Cottrell was missing.

The following day, officers launched a search with the Special Victims Unit and scoured the area where Cottrell was last seen. Officers recovered a few clothing items belonging to Cottrell in the area. A community member then provided the police a surveillance video where Cottrell was seen walking in the area.

On day two of searching for him, Cottrell was found dead just a few blocks from the residence where he was last seen. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office determined his death to be a homicide. Now, the cops are on the hunt for the person they believe was the last one to lay eyes on Cottrell: Morris.

Cottrell’s sister, Angelica, told AL.com her brother came to the function with Morris who later told the family he last saw Cottrell running through the backyard leaving behind his shoes and cellphone.

Read what else Angelica Cottrell told WSBTV:

She said Morris was the one who alerted her that her brother disappeared saying he jumped off her patio balcony.

“He told us that when he jumped, he bounced…got up and jumped the fence and took off running,” she said.

She added that his initial reaction and behavior were bizarre.

“While we looked – Julian didn’t,” she said. “At one point when everybody was searching, Julian had fixed a plate and was sitting there eating, and he looked at me and said omg the food is so good.”

Fearing Morris knew more than what he was letting on, Angelica said she told him to leave and find somewhere else to stay.

“Julian knows everything and he made a point to keep reminding me throughout his rants that he was a marine,” she said.

Morris is described as a Black male, 5’6 in height and 160 pounds. CrimeStoppers are offering $5,000 for any tips on where he was last seen.

Anyone with any information on Morris is encouraged to contact Birmingham Police at 205-254-1764 or CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777.

The apple hasn’t fallen too far from the tree in the James family, and LeBron James couldn’t be more proud. Last month, during the 2024 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers formally selected Bronny James to join the team this upcoming season. Having also re-signed the team’s power forward, LeBron and Bronny are the first father-son duo to play at the same time and on the same team in NBA history. 

“When it comes to basketball, it’s the greatest accomplishment I’ve ever had,” LeBron James told the Today Show. “I’ve done it all as an individual, but there’s no greater accomplishment that will be able to overtake me being able to be on the same floor as my son. It’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened.”

Bronny began his collegiate basketball journey at the University of Southern California (USC) in 2023. Shortly after committing to the university’s team, Bronny, who had a previously undiagnosed congenital heart defect, went into cardiac arrest during a pre-season workout last year. Since making his return to the collegiate courts and declaring for the NBA Draft this spring, the 19-year-old basketball player has been focused on building a name for himself within the industry. 

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“I’m … trying to get my name out for myself. I just want to come in and get my work in and get better every day. I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad, ” said Bronny, as previously reported by theGrio “It’s for sure amplified the amount of pressure. I’ve already seen it in (social) media and on the internet and stuff talking about (how) I might not deserve an opportunity. But I’ve been dealing with stuff like this for my whole life. It’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure, but I can get through it.”

“I don’t know if people really understand Bronny. He doesn’t care.” James told ESPN about his son’s reaction to critics. “When I came in [as a rookie], I wanted people to like me, and some of the things that people were saying about me kind of bothered me early on in my career… Everything that’s being said about him…He doesn’t even listen to that stuff.”

Regardless of social media’s opinions on Bronny’s drafting, James is particularly excited to not only make history but ultimately play with his eldest son. Moments after Bronny was drafted, LeBron took to Instagram to share a series of throwback photos and videos captioned “LEGACY!!!!!!” 

Though the father is excited to have his son join him on the courts, the previous NBA MVP has expressed his anxiety when watching his son play basketball. 

“It’s hard,” he said as his son played for USC. “I get more anxiety, and I sweat more watching college basketball — especially my son now — than I’ve ever done in my life.”

Though Bronny will be watching his father take center stage during the 2024 Paris Olympics, the two are scheduled to play together when the NBA resumes play next season. 

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Today, Disney+ released an eagerly anticipated trailer and key art for the upcoming Marvel Television live-action series, “Agatha All Along.” The series spotlights Kathryn Hahn’s character, Agatha Harkness, from the acclaimed Marvel Studios’ series “WandaVision,” as she embarks on a perilous and mysterious journey brimming with trials and tribulations. Jac Schaeffer, the creative mastermind behind “WandaVision,” directs the pilot episode.

In “Agatha All Along,” the infamous Agatha Harkness is found powerless after a suspicious goth Teen helps break her free from a distorted spell. Intrigued, Agatha agrees to guide him along the legendary Witches’ Road, a magical gauntlet of trials that promises to reward witches with what they are missing, should they survive. Together, Agatha and the mysterious Teen assemble a desperate coven and venture down the ominous path.

Agatha All Along

The series boasts a star-studded cast including Kathryn Hahn, Joe Locke, Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn, Maria Dizzia, Paul Adelstein, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Okwui Okpokwasili, Debra Jo Rupp, Patti LuPone, and Aubrey Plaza. Executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Brad Winderbaum, Mary Livanos, and Jac Schaeffer. The directorial team includes Jac Schaeffer, Rachel Goldberg, and Gandja Montiero.

Marvel Television’s “Agatha All Along” is set to premiere on September 18 at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET, with the first two episodes available exclusively on Disney+.

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Tragedy struck the family of rapper Lil Durk when his 10-year-old son allegedly shot his stepfather. According to the Daily Mail, during an alleged domestic dispute between his mother, and stepfather, Joshua Pippens, the child used Pippens’ gun to shoot him.

Pippens addressed the issue on Instagram, revealing that he was shot in the stomach and saying that the boy’s mother encouraged him to take action.

“As y’all can see I was not the aggressor,” Pippens wrote. “And y’all also can see how I still had my gun on my hip. He grabbed my gun off my hip following his mom’s lead and tried to shoot me and then actually shot me.”

“I never in a million years thought a kid I bought 4 wheelers and paid for football leagues and everything would do this but he only knows what mom shows him,” he continued. “I still love him like he’s mine.”

The incident reportedly happened July 1, with surveillance footage showing the argument. In the short clip, Pippens is wearing orange, the child is in red and his mother wears purple. As Pippens tries to restrain his mother, the boy grabs the gun. Once the fight moves into the street, a shot is heard and Pippens falls down.

In terms of possible legal consequences for the boy, Pippens confirms that he’s not planning to seek any.

“Listen, nobody is going to jail or they would already be there,” Pippens wrote. “I’m doing this for rights over my kids. Call me what y’all want. And on top of that, this was at my momma’s, in front of my momma, granny, and more kids. I pray y’all make it through y’all situation that God gon’ put y’all through for playing with me.”

While this story is getting a lot of attention because of the child’s famous father, it’s important that everyone remember there is a traumatized 10-year-old at the center of this incident and we should all act accordingly.

As of now, Durk has not commented on the situation.

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Brace yourselves, Westeros! Tonight’s episode of House of the Dragon promises a fiery clash as tensions between the Greens and Blacks reach a boiling point. House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 titled “A Dance of Dragons” hints at the long-feared civil war finally taking flight.

Book Readers Get a Glimpse into the Future

Fans of George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” have a leg up when predicting what might unfold. The episode title is a nod to the conflict engulfing the realm. Here’s what book readers can expect, and what show-only viewers should brace for:

• The Battle for the Throne Heats Up: With Baela Targaryen arriving on the scene with her dragon, Moondancer, the balance of power seems to be shifting dramatically. The greens, led by Aegon II Targaryen, and the blacks, championed by Rhaenyra Targaryen, are on a collision course.






• A Queen’s Regret? The teaser hints at a possible crack in the green facade. Alicent Hightower, Aegon’s mother, seems to be questioning her son’s rule. Could this be a flicker of remorse for her manipulations?






• Fire and Fury: The episode trailer showcases dragons unleashing their fiery breath, a clear sign that the Dance of the Dragons has begun. Look out for Rhaenys Targaryen’s formidable dragon Meleys and Aegon’s fearsome Sunfyre to take center stage.

Castle Rook’s Bloody Fate

A major turning point in the Dance of the Dragons is the capture of Castle Rook. The book depicts a brutal battle where Aegon and his brother Aemond, wielding their dragons Sunfyre and Vhagar, lay siege to Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys. Expect heavy casualties on both sides, with Vhagar and Sunfyre sustaining serious injuries.

The Queen Who Never Was Meets Her End?

The capture of Rook could spell doom for Rhaenys. If the show stays true to the books, this episode might witness the demise of the “Queen Who Never Was” and her magnificent dragon. This loss could send shockwaves through the realm, potentially prompting Lord Corlys Velaryon to unleash the Velaryon fleet in a desperate bid for revenge.

Daemon’s Visions and a Forboding Future

Daemon Targaryen’s vision in Harrenhal, where a young Rhaenyra sews back Jaehaerys’ head, is cryptic but potentially unsettling. Could it be a premonition of his demise? The show has hinted at a strained relationship between Daemon and Rhaenyra. Could this vision foreshadow a falling out, or even worse, for the prince?

A Pivotal Episode for House of the Dragon

Episode 4 is poised to be a turning point in House of the Dragon. While the narrative will likely mirror the events in “Fire & Blood,” the true thrill lies in how HBO translates this epic conflict to the screen. Buckle up, Westeros – the Dance of the Dragons is upon us!

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After a scathing investigation by the Department of Justice, a Kansas school district agreed to make amends to the discriminatory way in which they discipline their students — particularly, the Black students.

Last week, the DOJ announced a settlement agreement with Wichita Public Schools, Kansas’ largest school district, to revise their disciplinary policies. An investigation found the district’s Black students suffered harsher consequences than white students when it came to general misconduct.

The most stark difference in discipline was among Black students who were accused of lesser violations like disobedience or dress code conflicts, the Feds said. Black girls, for instance, were typically labeled with “angry Black woman” stereotype terms based on “perceived insubordination,” which resulted in harsher and more frequent punishments.

On top of that, the application of seclusion and physical restraints, whether by school law enforcement or staff, was disproportionately applied to Black students but not only them… those with disabilities as well.

Read more from the Department of Justice:

In addition, the department’s investigation concluded that the district inappropriately and repeatedly secluded and restrained students with disabilities, including for punitive reasons or in response to noncompliance with school rules and staff directives. During the period covered by the investigation, students with disabilities received more than 98% of the district’s roughly 3,000 restraints and seclusions.

At least 44 students experienced 20 or more restraints and seclusions during the period covered by the investigation and one student was restrained or secluded at least 144 times, including 99 seclusions lasting over 15 hours in total. In the district’s schools and classrooms for students with disabilities — where the vast majority of seclusions and restraints occurred — the district either lacked student behavior interventions or failed to implement them and ensure their effectiveness.

When the department visited the district’s special schools for students with behavioral disabilities, it found inferior facilities devoid of furniture, educational equipment and the kinds of decor commonly found in schools, and staff who could not meet the needs of students.

In the 35-page agreement, the Feds outlined the district’s disciplinary measures and how they ought to revise (or eliminate) them. Among the revisions was a district-wide student code of conduct and dress code to “ensure the nondiscriminatory administration of discipline and prohibit unnecessary exclusion of students from the school environment.”

The agreement also called on the district to eliminate the use of seclusion altogether, provide compensatory education to students who missed class time after being repeatedly secluded and only physically restrain students if they pose an imminent danger of serious physical harm.

In response to the agreement, Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld said this is a step toward a safer learning community.

“We can and must create a more equitable school district by changing some of our practices and procedures. Safe learning communities – for students and staff – will always be of the utmost importance. I believe strongly that they will also help us to provide the innovative and impactful educational experience that every student deserves,” he said in a statement.

According to model and activist Bethann Hardison, age ain’t nothing but a number. In a recent interview with People magazine, the 1960s runway model, former agent, fashion activist and co-director of the documentary “Invisible Beauty” revealed her unique approach to aging. Though she does not confirm her actual age, casually disregarding multiple reports that she is now an early octogenarian, Hardison has become one of a growing number of ambassadors for aging gracefully. 

“I seem to make a lot of people feel like, ‘I wish I could be you when I grow up. … You have such a great life,’ or, ‘I love the way you just move around and you do things,’ ” she told People. “And I have a good amount of doctors, too, that are always so impressed and they think, ‘Oh my goodness, we need to clone you. You don’t even take medication.’…I approach things in a very different way.”

After making strides on some of the most renowned runways in the world, including the famed “Battle of Versailles,” Hardison became an advocate for diversifying the fashion industry, eventually co-founding the Black Model Alliance. Just as she inspired generations of models and fostered several careers through her acclaimed eponymous agency, Bethann Management, Hardison enjoys challenging people’s perspectives on growing older, sharing some of the practices that help her make the most of every day. 

“Our bodies are the shell that sort of supports everything we have … If the Grim Reaper is going to get you, it’s going to get you. …The most basic [thing you can do to stay young] is be happy, eat well, exercise,” she said, noting how curiosity also fuels an ageless spirit. “What is it that you like that you would be interested to know? What is it that you’re curious about or you think someone probably has or you admire or you look at? …People still want your advice… your guidance, and it’s nice to be able to have that.” 

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Your physical health is precious

After being an athlete in her early years, Hardison says stretching remains a constant in her workout routine. As she traveled around the world promoting her recent documentary, the former top model recounted taking the time to stretch and move her body regardless of whether she was on a plane, bus, or train. 

“I stretch all the time. I’m getting ready to have a knee replacement coming up, and I’m doing prehab exercises for that. But I do stretch. I’m [also] on the bike a lot,” she said. Hardison additionally stressed the importance of meditation. “Taking care of your body and having times with yourself where you can feel stronger during really hard times, when things are really going rough for you, maybe in your business or your personal life or whatever it may be. It’s a really great thing.”

With beauty and fashion, less is more

While intricate beauty rituals may be the latest fad, Hardison says minimalistic beauty practices have been her keys to aging gracefully.  

“I never wash my face twice a day; only once. I spritz my face every day with rosemary glycerin and use a CBD face oil,” she explained. “I don’t wear makeup all the time, just usually when I go out to an event, and then as natural as possible.” 

Similarly, Hardison, who serves as Gucci’s executive adviser for global equity and culture engagement, noted how, in spite of her proximity to splashy luxury design, simplicity has trickled its way into her personal style. 

“You get to a certain age in life also where you don’t really care to be fussy about clothes as much as you used to. You start looking for more things that you like; more uniforms,” she added. “I like jumpsuits. I can have on something today and wear the same thing three days in a row and I have no problem with that.”

There’s nothing wrong with being a little “selfish”

“I always say to young women, ‘Take a trip by yourself.’ Stop telling yourself you have to be with others…You get to know more interesting things and more interesting people,” she said. 

From traveling to going to the movies, Hardison describes doing things solo as a “wonderful thing.” Similarly, the model explained how selfishness has also been pivotal. Like many people — and women especially — Hardison once believed being labeled “selfish” was a negative thing. 

“When I was a kid, my father, who I admired greatly, called me selfish once, and I was so hurt. But when he saw that I was so bummed out, he had to come to me and explain what selfishness could be without it being negative. You do have to do that; have that attitude with yourself, and care a lot more for yourself,” she told the publication. “A certain selfishness is very important to have.”

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Megan Thee Stallion already reigns supreme in the world of hip-hop, but it turns out she might also be a total anime aficionado! From rocking elaborate cosplay to name-dropping characters in her music, Meg Thee Stallion has dropped plenty of hints about her love for all things anime.

• Cosplay Queen: Meg has transformed into a variety of iconic anime characters. She’s channeled the magical girl power of Sailor Moon, the confident Boa Hancock from One Piece, and the fierce Jolyne Cujoh from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Not to be limited by gender, she’s also donned the looks of Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia and the unforgettable Bruno Bucciarati from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.






• Anime References in Music: A true fan knows how to weave their passions into their art. In her song “Girl in the Hood,” Meg Thee Stallion throws out a reference to the brooding Sasuke Uchiha from Naruto.






• Interview Insights: In an interview with GQ, Meg opened up about her favorite anime, but cleverly kept it under wraps to avoid spoilers. She also revealed in an interview with Hot Ones that she turns to anime for laughs, leaving fans to wonder which series holds that special comedic power for her.






• Nail Art on Point: Even her manicures get the anime treatment! Meg has sported nail designs inspired by the wildly popular Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

From slaying stages to slaying our hearts with her anime fandom, Megan Thee Stallion is proving to be a multifaceted queen. We can’t wait to see what anime character she cosplays next!

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