Regular mammograms to screen for breast cancer should start younger, at age 40, according to an influential U.S. task force. Women ages 40 to 74 should get screened every other year, the group said.

Previously, the task force had said women could choose to start breast cancer screening as young as 40, with a stronger recommendation that they get the exams every two years from age 50 through 74.

The announcement Tuesday from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force makes official a draft recommendation announced last year. The recommendations were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

“It’s a win that they are now recognizing the benefits of screening women in their 40s,” said Dr. Therese Bevers of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She was not involved in the guidance.

Other medical groups, including the American College of Radiology and the American Cancer Society, suggest mammograms every year — instead of every other year — starting at age 40 or 45, which may cause confusion, Bevers said, but “now the starting age will align with what many other organizations are saying.”

Breast cancer death rates have fallen as treatment continues to improve. But breast cancer is still the second-most common cause of cancer death for U.S. women. About 240,000 cases are diagnosed annually and nearly 43,000 women die from breast cancer.

The nudge toward earlier screening is meant to address two vexing issues: the increasing incidence of breast cancer among women in their 40s — it’s risen 2% annually since 2015 — and the higher breast cancer death rate among Black women compared to white women, said task force vice chair Dr. John Wong of Tufts Medical Center in Boston.

“Sadly, we know all too well that Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women,” Wong said. Modeling studies predict that earlier screening may help all women, and have “even more benefit for women who are Black,” he said.

Here are more details on what’s changed, why it’s important and who should pay attention.

WHEN SHOULD I GET MY FIRST MAMMOGRAM?

Age 40 is when mammograms should start for women, transgender men and nonbinary people at average risk. They should have the X-ray exam every other year, according to the new guidance. Other groups recommend annual mammograms, starting at 40 or 45.

The advice does not apply to women who’ve had breast cancer or those at very high risk of breast cancer because of genetic markers. It also does not apply to women who had high-dose radiation therapy to the chest when they were young, or to women who’ve had a lesion on previous biopsies.

WHAT ABOUT WOMEN 75 AND OLDER?

It’s not clear whether older women should continue getting regular mammograms. Studies rarely include women 75 and older, so the task force is calling for more research.

Bevers suggests that older women talk with their doctors about the benefits of screening, as well as harms like false alarms and unnecessary biopsies.

WHAT ABOUT WOMEN WITH DENSE BREASTS?

Mammograms don’t work as well for women with dense breasts, but they should still get the exams.

The task force would like to see more evidence about additional tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs for women with dense breasts. It’s not yet clear whether those types of tests would help detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, Wong said.

DOES THIS AFFECT INSURANCE COVERAGE?

Congress already passed legislation requiring insurers to pay for mammograms for women 40 and older without copays or deductibles. In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover task force recommendations with an “A” or “B” letter grade. The mammography recommendation has a “B” grade, meaning it has moderate net benefit.

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Netflix has unveiled the first look and debut date for its upcoming original series, “Trigger Warning,” starring the renowned Jessica Alba. Set to premiere on June 21, 2024, the action-packed thriller promises to captivate audiences with its intriguing storyline and stellar cast.

Directed by Mouly Surya and written by John Brancato & Josh Olson, along with Halley Gross, “Trigger Warning” follows the journey of Special Forces commando Parker, portrayed by Jessica Alba. Parker’s life takes an unexpected turn when she is summoned back to her hometown following the sudden death of her father.

Now tasked with managing the family bar, Parker finds herself entangled in a mystery surrounding her father’s demise. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she reconnects with her former flame turned sheriff, Jesse (Mark Webber), and his volatile brother, Elvis (Jake Weary), under the watchful eye of their influential father, Senator Swann (Anthony Michael Hall).

However, Parker’s quest for truth becomes perilous as she confronts a menacing gang wreaking havoc in her hometown. With alliances shifting and danger lurking at every corner, Parker relies on her combat training to navigate the treacherous terrain and uncover the secrets hidden in Swann County.

Joining Alba in the cast are notable actors including Mark Webber, Tone Bell, Jake Weary, Gabriel Basso, and Anthony Michael Hall, along with Kaiwi Lyman and Hari Dhillon in supporting roles.

“Trigger Warning” promises to deliver adrenaline-fueled action, suspense, and gripping drama as Parker races against time to untangle the web of deceit in her community. With themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, the series is poised to be a must-watch for fans of intense thrillers.

Produced by Erica Lee, Basil Iwanyk, and Esther Hornstein, with Jessica Alba serving as an executive producer alongside a team of industry veterans, “Trigger Warning” is set to make its mark as a standout addition to Netflix’s diverse lineup of original content.

Stay tuned as “Trigger Warning” gears up to premiere exclusively on Netflix on June 21, 2024, promising a thrilling ride into the heart of darkness in Swann County.

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Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.

Kendrick has responded and it is glorious. “Euphoria” is one of the great diss records of hip-hop history. The noise you hear reverberating throughout the culture is K Dot fans cheering like crazy. Only the stannyest of Drake stans could say Drake is winning now. 

A few of the moments from “Euphoria” that stand out to me.

1. Kendrick tells Drake to stop saying the n-word.

This is a more subtle and nuanced way of saying what Rick Ross said on “Champagne Moments” when he was calling Drake a “white boy.” Kendrick is not straight up calling Drake white, and he’s not exactly saying he’s not Black, but he is saying you’re not using the n-word correctly and your right to use it is being revoked. This is huge — if the language were a keyboard with each word equaling one key, the n-word would be the most important and most often used key in hip-hop culture. It is the word MCs say more than any other. For Kendrick to attack Drake’s right to use it is to say you’re not a real MC. And it’s a way of Kendrick out-Blacking him, a notion that Drake cannot come back from. Kendrick continues the theme when he says, “How many more Black features ‘til you finally feel that you Black enough?” In that sentence features are a double entendre for facial features (as in plastic surgery) and appearing on songs (as in Drake jumping on Black artists’ songs). Kendrick also says “You never had FUBU in your collection.” Another way of saying you ain’t really Black. You ain’t really one of us. You ain’t really part of the culture. This is a devastating cut.

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2. Kendrick calls Drake a deadbeat dad.

K says, “I got a son to raise, but I can see you don’t know nothin’ bout that. Wakin’ them up, know nothin’ bout that. And tell ‘em to pray, know nothin’ bout that. And givin’ ‘em tools to walk through life like day by day, know nothin’ bout that.” This is a real, honest, and nasty diss. K is saying, I’m a real father and you’re not. I don’t bring my kid out for occasional photo ops. I’m in the day-to-day grind of raising a man. You aren’t. Raising children is truly important life work, far more so than making hip-hop songs. This is one of the most demeaning things you can say about Drake. This line of attack is, in large part, why Pusha T won his battle with Drake but in Kendrick’s mouth, it’s about more than trying to win a battle. It’s about saying you’re not a real man because you’re not a real father.  

3. Kendrick says he needs to aim down.

“The very first time I shot me a drac [a Draco pistol] the homie had told me that ‘Aim it this way.’ I didn’t point down enough. Today I show you I learn from those mistakes.” This is a poetic, visual and artful way of saying I am above you and for me to shoot you I need to aim downward. It’s also a way of saying I have actually shot guns. Have you? No? Oh.

4. Kendrick says I am your father.

Kendrick’s line on “Like That” — “Prince outlived Mike Jack” — was answered by Drake on “Push Ups” with “What’s a Prince to a King? A son.” Now K has one-upped Drake with “Got a Benjamin and a Jackson all in my house like I’m Joe, OK.” Like he’s Joe Jackson. Drake loves to call himself the Michael Jackson of hip-hop. Joe Jackson was M.J.’s father. This is powerful because the meaning of the line — I’m sonning you — is matched by the intelligence we see in the line. Kendrick takes Drake’s retort and retorts in a smarter way. Drake really isn’t built for a battle like this. He really ain’t.

5. Kendrick hates Drake.

“I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk. I hate the way that you dress.” 

The raw loathing is a lot. 

This song is witty, catchy, powerful, and far beyond Drake’s lyrical capability. And it’s a song laced with real hatred. This ain’t a game. Drake should lay down his pen and walk away before it gets worse.

Touré is a host and Creative Director at theGrio. He is the host of Masters of the Game on theGrioTV. He is also the host and creator of the docuseries podcast “Being Black: The ’80s” and the animated show “Star Stories with Toure” which you can find at TheGrio.com/starstories. He is also the host of the podcast “Toure Show” and the podcast docuseries “Who Was Prince?” He is the author of eight books including the Prince biography Nothing Compares 2 U and the ebook The Ivy League Counterfeiter.

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The highly anticipated second season of the acclaimed animated series, “My Adventures with Superman,” is set to debut on Saturday, May 25th, at midnight ET/PT on Adult Swim. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, the show follows the coming-of-age journey of iconic DC characters Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Jimmy Olsen as they navigate life in their twenties.

Starring Jack Quaid as the voice of Superman/Clark Kent, Alice Lee as Lois Lane, and Ishmel Sahid as Jimmy Olsen, the series promises to delve deeper into the lives of these beloved characters. The official trailer and key art for the new season were unveiled today, heightening excitement among fans.

In the upcoming season, viewers can expect the trio to confront a myriad of challenges, including powerful adversaries from Clark’s alien heritage, the relentless pursuit of Superman by Amanda Waller, and Lois grappling with the uncertainties of the future. Additionally, Jimmy Olsen finds himself facing unexpected financial dilemmas, adding a new dimension to the trio’s dynamic.

As Krypton’s looming threat draws closer, the resilience, loyalty, and love of our heroes will be put to the ultimate test. Each episode promises to deliver thrilling adventures and heartfelt moments, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action and drama.

Executive produced by Sam Register, known for his work on “Teen Titans Go!,” and co-executive produced by Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher, with Josie Campbell serving as co-producer, the creative team behind the series brings a wealth of experience and talent to the project.

“My Adventures with Superman” will kick off its second season with two back-to-back episodes, followed by a new episode every Saturday. Fans can also catch the latest episodes streaming on Sundays on Max, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action-packed saga.

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An instant bestseller when it was published in September 2023, Kerry Washington’s first memoir, “Thicker Than Water,” was rife with intimate revelations from the actress-producer, including disclosures about a past abortion, childhood struggles with anxiety, and an early sexual assault. However, perhaps the most groundbreaking reveal was that the “Scandal” star had only recently discovered that her father, Earl Washington, was not her biological parent. As Washington explained to moderator Erika D. Smith at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 20, that discovery almost compelled her to withdraw from her book deal. 

“I found out that my dad who raised me is not my biological father,”  said Washington, per People magazine. “And it was something that my parents had intended to not tell me ever, but they were kind of forced into telling me.”

Explaining that the book’s original premise was intended to center around lessons learned while portraying popular anti-heroine Olivia Pope, she added, “I felt like if I was going to write about myself, I had to write about these deeper truths … I had to include this much bigger life-changing information.”

Nevertheless, the decision to press forward with the project was not easy; as she wrestled with sharing her family secret with the world, Washington considered pulling the project altogether.

“I tried to [give] the money back and everything, but eventually I decided to try to write that book even if it was just for myself and my kids and not to share with anybody else,” she told Smith.

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Ultimately, Washington said the revelation deepened her connection to her parents, even in the midst of processing life-altering and painful new information.

“My love for him…my love and my intimacy with my parents has deepened with this exchange of information because I think when we keep secrets, particularly family secrets, it’s usually because we’re so afraid that if that truth gets revealed that we won’t be lovable anymore, that we won’t be loved, that there will be resentment and anger about whatever it is the secret was that was kept,” she shared. “And so I think once the weight of that secret got lifted, there was a lot more room for my parents and for me to be who we really are with each other.”

In the world of Hip-Hop diss tracks, time is of the essence. So the three weeks since Drake dropped “Push-Ups” in response to Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That” verse feels like a relative eternity not to hear back from K. Dot.

So when the Compton emcee dropped his much-awaited response “euphoria” Tuesday morning, those of us who’ve been waiting with bated breath stopped what we were doing and scrambled for the headphones.

Indeed, “euphoria” is what many of us were waiting for: A scathing, incisive 6-minute 24-second heat rock that’s killing productivity in workplaces nationwide as I type. But it also demonstrates that Drake and Kendrick have completely different approaches to rap beef.

A recap of how we got here: After years of trading subliminal shots toward each other, Kendrick finally upped the ante in March with pointed disses in his surprise appearance on “Like That” on Future and Metro Boomin’s album “We Don’t Trust You.” Drake responded three weeks later with “Push Ups,” and again the following week with “Taylor Made,” a track on which he used AI voice filters of 2Pac and Snoop Dogg to urge Kendrick to respond.

While everyone was speculating when – or if – Kendrick would respond, he sent a simple, understated tweet of a YouTube link and the track title on Tuesday, officially putting the battle into full motion.

While Drake fires his shots with the steely calm of a sniper reloading the chamber, Kendrick Lamar is closer to Tony Montana, yelling while dumping clips from his machine gun. That’s not to say that Kendrick’s rhymes here aren’t intentional or calculated — both rappers are at the top of their game. But on “Push Ups,” Drake used witty, dismissive punchlines and a catchy, patronizing chorus.

In contrast, “Euphoria” is a relentless, snarling assault — more than six minutes of insults making up for lost time.

Disses by Future, A$AP Rocky, and Rick Ross in recent weeks have shown that there’s plenty of ammunition to send Drake’s way. Kendrick doesn’t offer much as far as new information (other than alleging that Drake tried to a file cease and desist order for “Like That”) in “euphoria,” but he brings a tenacity to their feud that Drake’s other foes haven’t while presenting “euphoria” as a disambiguation of all anti-Drake sentiments.

Kendrick pokes fun at Drake for not responding to Pusha T’s “Story of Adidon,” retreads Push and Ross’ insults of racial insecurity, disses him for getting help writing his rhymes, repeats the viral accusations of him having fake abs and labels the Canadian rapper a misogynist.

In true K. Dot fashion, there appear to be a few jewels beneath the surface. The song is six minutes long — a sly reference to Drake’s nickname 6 God. “euphoria” is the same name of the TV show Drake produces that has been criticized for its sexualization of minors — allegations that Drizzy himself has battled for years. There’s even a clip circulating on social media that translates the reversed audio in the song’s intro.

But perhaps the funniest and most telling lyric is the most pointed: “This ain’t been ‘bout critics, not about gimmicks, not about who the greatest / It’s always been about love and hate, now let me say I’m the biggest hater,” Kendrick raps. “I hate the way that you walk, the way that you talk / I hate the way that you dress I hate the way you sneak diss, if I catch flight, it’s gon’ be direct.”

Kendrick doesn’t just want to battle Drake for rap supremacy, because he already feels like he has the top spot. He can’t stand Drake, and he’s thrilled by the opportunity to take him down.

31

Kendrick Lamar has unleashed his latest salvo aimed squarely at Drake with a scathing diss track titled ‘euphoria’. The track comes as the latest installment in the heated feud among rap’s self-proclaimed “big three,” which includes Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole.

The feud ignited last month when Kendrick Lamar stirred the pot with a blistering verse on the Future and Metro Boomin collaboration “Like That”. In the verse, Kendrick didn’t mince words, declaring, “Motherfuck the big three, n****, it’s just big me.”

J. Cole quickly fired back with his own track, ‘7 Minute Drill’, where he criticized Kendrick’s recent work, likening it to a “tragic” decline akin to that of ‘The Simpsons’. However, Cole later expressed regret for his involvement in the feud and removed the track from streaming platforms.

Drake, never one to back down from a challenge, responded with ‘Push Ups’ and ‘Taylor Made Freestyle’, where he notably utilized an AI-generated voice of Tupac Shakur to call out Kendrick for not responding to his initial diss. However, the latter track was swiftly removed from streaming platforms following a legal challenge from Tupac Shakur’s estate.

Now, Kendrick Lamar has officially clapped back at Drake with ‘euphoria’, dropping the bombshell on Twitter today. Clocking in at over six minutes, the track pulls no punches, reserving its most pointed jabs for the final verse. Kendrick takes aim at Drake, labeling him as “cringeworthy”, a “habitual liar”, and someone consumed by a fixation on fame and intimidated by successful women, among other biting critiques.

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NBA star Kyrie Irving is tapping into a new industry with his sister and fashion entrepreneur, Asia Irving. In 2023, the Irving siblings launched their fashion label, Mind Less to represent the “clarity found in stillness, urging self-focus.”

“When you think about Mind Less itself, the name just speaks to that mental and spiritual clarity and how we want to build on that community,” Kyrie Irving said, per WWD. “It can be done in many different ways and different mediums, and I feel like fashion — the artistry and those who have come before us and engaged in large-scale projects, generational shifts and paradigms — have kind of done it their own way. We mirrored that same philosophy of constantly wanting to improve ourselves. And the Mind Less state is something we want for the people who are on this journey with us.” 

Now, getting ready to launch their second capsule collection, the Irvings are using their designs to highlight “meditation, clarity, balance and a holistic approach to […] stay intentional as a human being,” with pieces that work within consumer’s daily lifestyles. For its second collection entitled “Views,” Mind Less plans to incorporate more knitwear and draped pieces into the brand’s repertoire of kimono-inspired jackets and sarong trousers.  

“It’s a little unconventional and distinctive,” Asia Irving said further explaining the brand’s creative vision. “It’s simplistic, but there’s a lot of functionality. [The brand’s pieces are] very transitional pieces from your day to night, season to season. I think that attire really reflects our inner peace and humility.” 

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While Kyrie Irving is fairly new to the fashion business, his sister is the founder of Aseye Studio, a popular fashion brand known for its nostalgic and subtly avant-garde approach to fashion. Despite having different levels of institutional fashion knowledge, both siblings are using their travel and life experiences to inform the brand’s designs. 

“I’m usually on the go,” the Dallas Mavericks player added, sharing how he weaves creativity into his NBA career. “I’m in different arenas and different platforms — I have the ability to kind of shape my own self and style just by the way I incorporate my clothing into what I do every single day.” 

Ultimately, the co-founders are prioritizing community building over profit. 

“It’s not about just the revenue or the profit or the industry rules,” the NBA star said. “It’s more or less us being authentic and welcoming in all walks of life while also respecting that we can use these artistic mediums to bring in more of us to speak on that message and broadcast that to the world.”

The “Views” collection is scheduled to drop in late May.