Sidney Poitier poses with his honorary Oscar March 24, 2002 at the 74th Academy Awards; LEE CELANO/AFP via Getty Images
When the $482 million Academy Museum of Motion Pictures opens on September 30 in Los Angeles, it will pay tribute to one of the greatest actors of all time, Sidney Poitier.
The entrance to the new venue, the Grand Lobby, is being named after the iconic Oscar winner.
“It is an incredible honor to name our grand lobby — the nucleus of the Academy Museum — in celebration of Sir Sidney Poitier, whose legacy of humanitarian efforts and groundbreaking artistry continues to inspire us all,” Academy Museum director Bill Kramer said in a statement.
The trailblazing 94-year-old actor’s film credits include Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Uptown Saturday Night, Let’s Do It Again and Lilies of the Field, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1964, the first Black performer ever to win the award. Poitier has received numerous honors in his distinguished career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2009.
“Sidney’s tremendous impact on the motion picture industry, and on audiences around the world, is inseparable from the story of his longstanding, collegial relationship with the Academy, said Poitier’s wife, Joanna Shimkus Poitier. “To be honored now as the namesake of the Academy Museum’s lobby, the place of access to everything that lies within, is almost like receiving a second Oscar, for lifetime achievement.”
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures features six floors of exhibitions covering the history of filmmaking. On Tuesday, September 7, Spike Lee will be featured in a special conversation with Shaka King, director of Judas and the Black Messiah starring Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya. The event will be livestreamed at 6 p.m. PT.
(AUSTIN, Texas) — In the wake of a severe new abortion law in Texas, some state lawmakers have said they will attempt to mimic the near-total abortion ban.
Texas’ law makes most abortions illegal after six weeks of pregnancy and encourages anyone to sue a person they believe is providing an abortion or assisting someone in getting an abortion after six weeks.
Although the law is being challenged — and although similar laws have been ruled unconstitutional following Supreme Court precedent — the Supreme Court rejected abortion providers’ call for an emergency injunction to block the law while courts hear the case. It went into effect this week.
This prompted several lawmakers to suggest they would look into similar laws in their own states, while existing similar bills got renewed attention.
Here’s a roundup of the states where these battles are playing out beyond Texas:
Arkansas:
Arkansas Republican state Sen. Jason Rapert, who represents the state’s 35th District and is running for lieutenant governor in 2022, tweeted on Thursday morning, “As the original sponsor of the first #HeartbeatBill to pass in America in 2013, today I have ordered a bill be filed in Arkansas to update our law to mirror the Texas SB8 bill.”
Rapert was a co-sponsor of Arkansas Senate Bill 6 (SB6) that was passed earlier this year and signed into law by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. S.B. 6 would create the “Arkansas Unborn Child Protection Act” and would ban most abortions in the state except to save the mother during a medical emergency.
That bill was blocked by a federal judge in July.
Florida:
Florida’s state legislature is not in session right now, but a Republican state lawmaker currently running for Congress in Democrat Stephanie Murphy’s district (FL-07), Anthony Sabatini, confirmed to ABC News on Thursday that he’s planning to introduce a bill that is the “exact same” as Texas’.
He said the bill is in the drafting stages.
Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis hedged a bit more when asked by a reporter about the Texas law at a COVID-19 treatment press conference on Thursday.
“What they did in Texas was interesting, and I haven’t really been able to look enough about it,” DeSantis said. “They’ve basically done this through private right-of-action, so it’s a little bit different than how a lot of these debates have gone. So we’ll have to look; I’m going to look more significantly at it.”
South Dakota:
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem tweeted Thursday that she’s asked someone in her office to look into Texas’ new anti-abortion law and how it compares to South Dakota’s.
“Following the Supreme Court’s decision to leave the pro-life TX law in place, I have directed the Unborn Child Advocate in my office to immediately review the new TX law and current South Dakota laws to make sure we have the strongest pro life laws on the books in SD,” she tweeted from her official Twitter account.
According to the Guttmacher Institute, a research group that supports reproductive rights, in South Dakota abortion is banned at 20 or more weeks post-fertilization (22 weeks after the last menstrual period) except in cases of “life endangerment or severely compromised health.” The state also has a law on the books, as several others do, that would ban abortion if Roe v. Wade were overturned.
Idaho:
Idaho’s Republican Gov. Brad Little signed a legislature-backed bill in April that, like Oklahoma and Texas, would ban abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected. But the law would only go into effect 30 days after another federal appeals court allows “a restriction or ban on abortion for a preborn child because a detectable heartbeat is present on the grounds that such restriction or ban does not violate the United States constitution,” according to the bill’s text.
Indiana:
Republican legislators in Indiana expressed interest in mirroring the Texas law, but will not be broadening the upcoming special session of the legislature this fall to include discussing abortion legislation.
“We’re closely watching what’s happening in Texas in regards to their new pro-life law, including any legal challenges. Indiana is one of the most pro-life states in the country, and we’ll continue to examine ways to further protect life at all stages,” Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston said, according to a statement cited by the Associated Press.
If Indiana indeed begins debating similar legislation when the legislature meets in 2022, it will align with what reproduction rights advocates have said could be an upcoming flashpoint.
“Many state legislatures have adjourned and will resume meeting in 2022. This is when we anticipate we will see the majority of copycat legislation introduced,” Elisabeth Smith, Director of State Policy and Advocacy at the Center for Reproductive Rights, told ABC News by email Wednesday afternoon.
Oklahoma:
Oklahoma’s Republican Gov. Kevin Sitt signed various bills into law in April that would significantly limit abortions in the state, including by deeming performing most abortions to be “unprofessional conduct” that could get a physician’s license suspended, and a “heartbeat ban” similar to Texas’ new law that prohibits abortions if the fetus’ heartbeat can be detected, which can happen even only six weeks into pregnancy.
But on Thursday, in the wake of the Texas law, a group of reproduction rights groups and abortion providers, among others, sued to block the laws before they would take effect on Nov. 1. Before the Texas law, every other “heartbeat” ban was blocked by courts as unconstitutional following Supreme Court precedent.
“If allowed to take effect, these laws would end abortion access in Oklahoma, forcing patients to travel great distances and cross state lines to get essential health care,” Center for Reproductive Rights president Nancy Northrop said in a press release from the organization. “It’s unbelievable that in the midst of a global pandemic, Oklahoma’s lawmakers would have people drive hundreds of miles to access abortion services.”
Fans will have to wait a bit longer for Diana Ross‘ first album of new, original songs in 20 years. Originally scheduled to come out September 10, the album, titled Thank You, will now arrive November 5.
However, a new track from the record, called “If the World Just Danced,” has just been released. As its title suggests, it’s an upbeat song that’s made for dance floors, and seems ripe for remixes.
The song was co-written by Diana with six other people, including Amy Wadge, who’s written many songs with Ed Sheeran, including “Thinking Out Loud.”
As previously reported, Thank You was recorded in Miss Ross’ home studio during the pandemic shutdown, and features producers and songwriters who’ve created hits for Taylor Swift, Kanye West, Usher, Justin Bieber, Sam Smith, Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Rihanna.
“This collection of songs is my gift to you with appreciation and love. I am eternally grateful that I had the opportunity to record this glorious music at this time,” the diva said in a statement.
Diana’s last album of new, original songs, as opposed to covers, was 1999’s Every Day Is a New Day.
(TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La.) — Louisiana officials are investigating a facility where nursing home residents were evacuated to after four residents died there ahead of Hurricane Ida.
The coroner determined three of the deaths to be storm-related, though the residents’ definitive causes of death have not been confirmed.
On Friday, Aug. 27, two days before Ida made landfall, the Louisiana Dept. of Health (LDH) learned of the four deaths at an unnamed facility in the Tangipahoa Parish.
After the hurricane hit, LDH was alerted to “deteriorating conditions” at this facility and officials “promptly visited” the site Tuesday — but were “expelled from the property and prevented from conducting a full assessment.”
Nola.com reports the facility was a warehouse “with overflowing toilets and piled up trash.” Officials and workers at the facility told Nola.com residents were trapped in “inhumane conditions.”
“We have significant concerns about conditions in this facility,” LDH said in a statement.
Unless under a mandatory evacuation order, nursing homes make the decision of when and where to evacuate, LDH said. These facilities are required to provide safe conditions for their residents.
LDH is removing 834 residents from seven nursing homes across four parishes. The most vulnerable residents are being moved first, the department said. As of Friday morning, LDH said it had moved 721 residents.
Twelve of the residents rescued required hospitalization, the department said.
“This is a serious and active investigation. We will be taking action against these nursing facilities, and will be making appropriate referrals to law enforcement,” LDH said in a statement.
Residents from the following nursing homes were evacuated to the facility under investigation: River Palms Nursing and Rehab, Orleans Parish; Maison Orleans Healthcare Center, Orleans Parish; Park Place Healthcare Nursing Home, Jefferson Parish; West Jefferson Health Care Center, Jefferson Parish; Maison DeVille Nursing Home of Harvey, Jefferson Parish; Maison DeVille Nursing Home, Terrebonne Parish; South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab, Lafourche Parish.
(ATLANTA) — The parents of Ahmaud Arbery welcomed the indictment of a former district attorney for allegedly interfering with the arrest of one of the men involved in the shooting death of their son as well as showing favor to another.
Arbery, a 25-year-old Black man, was fatally shot while jogging on Feb. 23, 2020.
“Yesterday was a very huge win. I’m speechless,” Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, said during a press conference on Friday.
She thanked Attorney General Chris Carr for staying in contact with the family and assuring them that justice would be served.
Arbery’s father, Marcus Arbery, said that he is “grateful” for the indictment and that “everybody that had a hand on [Ahmaud’s] death needs to be brought to justice.”
According to the two-count indictment obtained by ABC News, former district attorney Jackie Lee Johnson was charged with violating her oath of office for allegedly “showing favor and affection to Greg McMichael during the investigation into the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery.”
McMichael is a retired investigator with the Brunswick District Attorney’s Office who previously served as a Glynn County police officer.
She is also charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer by allegedly “directing that Travis McMichael should not be placed under arrest,” the indictment said.
An attorney representing Johnson told ABC News on Friday they will not be commenting on the matter amid ongoing litigation.
“The path to justice for Ahmaud Aubrey and his family has been a long and arduous one, but the indictment is yet another step in the right direction,” Aubrey family attorney Benjamin Crump said during the press conference. “Former DA Johnson may not have pulled the trigger on the day Ahmaud was murdered, but she played a starring role in the cover up.”
Three white men in Georgia — Greg and Travis McMichael, a father and son, and their neighbor, William “Roddie” Bryan Jr. — were charged with murder for allegedly tracking down and fatally shooting Arbery.
All three pleaded not guilty and jury selection for the state trial is set to begin on Oct. 18.
According to a police report, McMichael claimed that he assumed Arbery was a person who committed “several break-ins” in their neighborhood when he and his son chased him down in a pickup truck.
Meanwhile, prosecutors allege Bryan struck Arbery with his vehicle while assisting the McMichaels in chasing him. Bryan also recorded cellphone video that captured Travis McMichael allegedly shooting Arbery with a shotgun during a struggle.
“The way he died, it just really devastated my family,” Marcus Arbery said. “I’m still struggling with it every day as a father because it’s my job to protect my children, and God knows I do that … I’m still hurt because all I got is pictures to look at him.”
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law in May repealing the state citizen’s arrest statute, therefore banning private citizens from arresting people they suspect committed a crime.
Arbery’s case did not gain national attention until a video of the shooting was leaked on social media, where it went viral.
An arrest was not made until more than two months after Arbery’s death. Amid national outcry, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case and arrested the McMichaels and Bryan.
Federal prosecutors filed hate crime and attempted kidnapping charges against the three men in April. They were arraigned in federal court in Brunswick, Georgia, in May and all three pleaded not guilty.
During the hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Benjamin Cheesbro read the federal complaint against the men, which alleges they “did willfully, by force and threat of force, injure, intimidate and interfere with Ahmaud Arbery, an African American man, because of his race and color.”
A trial is set for February 2022.
ABC News’ Bill Hutchinson and Abby Cruz contributed to this report.
(NEW YORK) — A Tennessee-based woman is easing back to school stress and boosting confidence by generously offering her hair braiding services for free.
Brittany Starks posted on Facebook: “Anyone know single parents who can’t afford to get their child’s hair done for school? I will braid it for free!”
Since posting, her inital ask has taken off like wildfire.
The single mother of two said she’s been homeless twice and in an unfortunate predicament where all of her children’s clothing was in storage and she faced the issue of trying to figure out how to make ends meet to get them what they needed before heading back to school.
Then, a family friend gave her children bookbags and clothes. “It was perfect,” she told “Good Morning America.” “So after that, I was thinking how can I give back?”
Once Starks realized how she could help other single mothers who may have been in similar situations to her own through offering free hair braiding, she thought only about seven people would reach out.
However, she’s now braided over 35 children’s hair.
Starks opened up about hearing some of the stories of the mothers of the children brought to her and mentioned how some had recently gone through a divorce and others were going through depression.
“I remember when I was depressed I wanted to die, and I know these moms probably don’t feel like doing anything as they are going through it trying to figure out ways to make themselves happy,” Starks said.
She continued: “There were also two little girls who didn’t go to school the first few days because they weren’t able to get their hair done.”
Starks also explained how some of the young girls would come in with a really quiet demeanor along with their heads down, but leave smiling and showing so much more of their personality after getting their hair styled.
Since offering her services at the beginning of August, Starks shared an updated social media post asking for help from other local braiders, due to the large number of children that have been reaching out to her.
She was able to book space at a church and other braiders such as Donna Garcia also offered their services. Together, they created a hair braiding event that Starks now looks forward to hosting monthly.
“The biggest response came after it went viral. I had other parents in other states reaching out to ask if I could braid their children’s hair,” said Starks.
While Starks said most of the hairstyles can be time-consuming, ranging from four to six hours and priced between $120 – $250 and up, seeing each parent and child smile makes every moment worth it.
“I didn’t expect all of this at all. I’ve been surprised and overwhelmed at the same time,” said Starks. “I just feel like it was such a big blessing and I feel like I’ve found my purpose in life.”
The 28th annual Capital Jazz Fest returns to Columbia, Maryland, this Labor Day weekend, with a lineup featuring Bell Biv DeVoe, Sheila E., Lalah Hathaway and many more stars.
The festival was canceled last year due to the pandemic. This year, over 20 artists will perform at the two-day event, including the aforementioned stars and Eric Benet, Will Downing, Tamia, Chante Moore, Eric Roberson, Avery Sunshine, Shanice, and Stokley from Mint Condition. There also will be a tribute to the late Bill Withers. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com.
Attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show.
Meanwhile, the 14th annual Capital Jazz Supercruise will return January 14-22, 2022, sailing from Orlando, Florida, to Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire. Artists will be will announced later. Last year, Fantasia, Keith Sweat, SWV, Morris Day and The Time, Wyclef Jean, Najee, Deborah Cox, Hezekiah Walker and Sinbad were among the entertainers.
Another familiar face is making her grand return to Grey’s Anatomy. Kate Walsh, who played Dr. Addison Montgomery, broke the news that everyone’s favorite red head is back.
“It’s really happening. Dr. Addison Montgomery will see you shortly,” Walsh shared Thursday in a celebratory Instagram video.
She further teased fans on the Grey’s AnatomyInstagram by declaring in another video, “Well, well, well, would you look who it is? That’s right, my loves, Dr. Addison Montgomery is coming back to Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital. I’m so excited to be coming home again, joining Shonda [Rhimes], Ellen [Pompeo] and the rest of the incredible cast. This season — 18, wow! — just wait until you see what she has in store for you.”
Walsh will star in multiple episodes, but it is unclear what role she will play in the upcoming season.
Dr. Montgomery first appeared in the season 1 finale of Grey‘s, iconically introducing herself as the wife of Patrick Dempsey‘s Derek Shepherd before telling Pompeo’s Meredith Grey, “And you must be the woman who’s been screwing my husband.”
Walsh departed after Grey‘s third season to star on Private Practice, which ran for six seasons.
In May, ABC Audio caught up with Walsh and asked if she’d ever return to Grey‘s following the surprise return of Dempsey, T.R. Knight and Chyler Leigh during the 17th season.
Saying at the time she “honestly would” come back to the franchise if asked, the actress added she “doesn’t know” if the character she spent nearly a decade bringing to life could make a grand return, confessing, “No one’s reached out.”
Added Walsh, “There was talk a long time ago of me going back… But it was conflicted with the shooting of Umbrella Academy, so I couldn’t do it.”
New songs by a TikTok king and Tate McRrae await you today, as well as an unexpected pop/country collaboration.
First up, it’s Jason Derulo, who’s dropped a new single called “Acapulco,” along with a video that he directed himself. Jason first introduced the instrumental version of the song on his TikTok account a few weeks ago.
Tate McRae has released a new version of her song “that way” — which originally appeared on her 2020 EP All the Things I Never Said — featuring Jeremy Zucker. “guys he did so good,” Tate tweeted about Jeremy’s part on the song. She added, “i think ur gonna love it. cuz it makes me wanna cry.”
Last year, “Sunday Best” duo Surfaces released a single with Elton John, and they recently dropped a collaboration with Tai Verdes. Now they’re out with a new song called “C’est La Vie” that features country music superstar Thomas Rhett. It’s one of four new songs on the deluxe version of their album Pacifico. Surfaces will kick off their “Good 2 Be Back Tour” on September 8 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Loretta Lynn is stepping up to help those impacted by the devastating flood that took place last month in Humphreys County, Tennessee. Over 17 inches of rain fell, claiming the lives of more than 20 people, including Loretta’s own ranch hand, Wayne Spears.
Loretta has just announced the Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising concert, with Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan and Luke Combs slated to perform. The show will take place at the Grand Ole Opry on September 13, with all of the proceeds going to the United Way of Humphreys County.
“I am so honored that so many of our friends are coming together to show so much love for our neighbors and community after such a devastating loss,” Loretta says. “You know, we’ve all needed help from time-to-time, and that’s why when we can give back, we do.”
Loretta also spoke out about the benefit on social media.
“The flood that devastated our area has been awful, but love is stronger,” she wrote. “I’m so grateful for my friends who are answering my call for us to all pitch in and help every way we can.”
Tickets, which begin at $65, go on sale on Friday, September 3, at 11:00 a.m. ET at Opry.com. The show will also be livestreamed across multiple platforms.
