Dr. Donda West’s legacy now has a permanent place on the streets of Chicago. The late educator and mother of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, was honored Tuesday with an honorary street designation. A portion of 78th Street on Chicago’s South Side now bears the name “Dr. Donda West Way.” The designation covers 78th Street from South Shore Drive to Coles Avenue. The area sits near the West family’s former South Shore home. Ye attended the Sept. 22 ceremony and helped unveil the street sign bearing his mother’s name. The moment brought together West’s family, former colleagues, friends, community leaders and several figures from Chicago’s hip-hop scene. Among those present were Che “Rhymefest” Smith, Leonard “GLC” Harris, Don “Don C” Crawley and Warren “Really Doe” Trotter. West died in 2007 at 58 following complications associated with surgery. Nearly two decades later, speakers focused largely on the life she built before her death. Remembering Donda West Beyond Music West spent more than two decades teaching at Chicago State University. She also served as chair of the university’s English Department. During her academic career, West helped establish the Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing. Chicago State professor Garrard McClendon nominated West for the honorary street designation. He also spoke during Tuesday’s ceremony. “As chair of the Department of English at Chicago State, she played a pivotal role in shaping the academic landscape of the institution,” McClendon said. Chicago Alderman Greg Mitchell, who represents the 7th Ward, also reflected on West’s influence. “Dr. Donda West was not only a scholar — she was a builder of people, a cultivator of talent, and a champion for Black creativity and intellectual excellence,” Mitchell said. The Chicago City Council proposal for “Dr. Donda West Way” was introduced in May 2024. Mitchell sponsored the honorary designation. The honor recognizes a career that extended beyond the classroom. West was also a Fulbright scholar, businesswoman and mentor. Those closest to her recalled a woman who welcomed young creatives into her home. That group included several artists who later became important figures within Chicago’s hip-hop community. Rhymefest described West as a mother figure to more people than Ye. “This is really a story about a woman who raised a community of boys,” Smith said during the ceremony. A Legacy That Lives Through Chicago For Ye, the street naming adds another public tribute to the woman whose influence has remained visible throughout his career. He named his 2021 studio album “Donda” after his mother. Her voice has also appeared throughout his music. However, Tuesday’s ceremony placed the spotlight firmly on West’s accomplishments outside her son’s fame. Friends remembered her support for Chicago’s young artists before their careers had taken shape. They also described a mentor who challenged them to think seriously about their words, choices and futures. GLC recalled West as a source of encouragement for young people growing up around her. “She made us feel limitless,” he said. West’s influence also reached generations of students through her work in higher education and Black literature. Now, Chicago residents walking through South Shore will have another reminder of that work. Signs bearing her name stand near the neighborhood where she lived, taught and helped nurture a generation of creatives. For Rhymefest, the street designation solidifies something many who knew West already understood. “I think this day really makes Donda West a Chicago institution,” he said.

After years in the making, hip-hop star J. Cole announces the release of his new shoe, INDIE 5000, his first independent sneaker, with a new trailer via Instagram. The first drop is in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Wednesday, September 23. The sneaker first appeared in the rapper’s debut issue of The Fall Off magazine. The trailer highlights the rap star’s lengthy process behind the shoe’s creation. According to the Dreamville founder, the INDIE 5000 has been in development for five years. “5 years in the making,” Cole wrote. “Took my time to make sure I did it right.” View this post on Instagram The rapper also stressed the shoe’s independent production. Cole said he remained involved throughout the design and manufacturing process. “Designed, developed and manufactured independently,” he added. The announcement positions the INDIE 5000 as an extension of Cole’s creative philosophy. The rapper has built much of his career around maintaining control over his music and business ventures. Hip-Hop Star J Cole Drops First Sneaker, INDIE 5000, In His Hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina That approach now extends into footwear. The INDIE 5000 also carries a distinct connection to Fayetteville. Cole was raised in the North Carolina city before his career took him onto the global hip-hop stage. Bringing the sneaker’s first release home gives the launch a personal dimension. Details surrounding the shoe remain limited. Cole has yet to disclose its full design specifications, pricing or broader availability. However, the initial Fayetteville release provides the first look at a project that has been years in the making. The INDIE 5000 arrives as the relationship between hip-hop and sneaker culture continues to evolve. Artists have increasingly turned footwear into another avenue for personal expression and independent design. For Cole, the project appears rooted in the same principle behind its name. Five years of development preceded the sneaker’s arrival, with the rapper emphasizing patience and creative control. Now, Fayetteville will host the INDIE 5000’s first chapter. After years of design, development and manufacturing, J. Cole is finally ready to put his latest creation on the feet of his hometown.

Lionel Richie has been hospitalized once again to address ongoing cardiac concerns, resulting in the cancellation of several upcoming performances. Sources familiar with the situation confirmed Tuesday that the “All Night Long” singer is currently receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. Medical professionals are reportedly treating the 77-year-old performer with an AFib ablation. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to create small scars in the heart tissue to block irregular electrical signals, which helps the organ maintain a normal rhythm. Lionel Richie To Cancel 3 Upcoming Shows: While the procedure is not considered major surgery, the recovery time necessitated an immediate change to the singer’s professional schedule. The health scare has forced the cancellation of at least three upcoming dates on the “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour, which features Richie alongside the legendary group Earth, Wind & Fire. The affected shows include a Saturday performance in San Francisco, a September 30 date in Chicago and an October 2 appearance in Columbus, Ohio. This latest incident marks Richie’s third hospitalization in the last three months, raising concerns among fans about the singer’s long-term health. In August, the “American Idol” judge checked himself into a St. Louis facility following a concert. During that stay, he spent three days in the intensive care unit undergoing a series of cardiac tests before being cleared to return home. The summer has been physically demanding for the Grammy winner, who first signaled health struggles during a June performance in St. Paul. Paramedics were called to the venue after Richie reportedly felt dizzy and “strange” mid-concert. That performance was cut short as he was transported to a local hospital via ambulance for evaluation. Richie had recently been spotted in public following his August release, leading many to believe he was on the mend. However, the recurring nature of these heart issues suggests a more persistent condition that requires specialized medical intervention. Representatives for the tour have not yet announced if the canceled dates will be rescheduled or if further cancellations are expected. The “Sing a Song All Night Long” tour has been one of the year’s most anticipated nostalgic lineups, drawing massive crowds across North America.

Deion Sanders is celebrating another milestone in a health journey that has stretched across several years. The Colorado Buffaloes head football coach recently received two custom prosthetic toes for his left foot. The prosthetics replace toes amputated after Sanders developed life-threatening blood clots. His son, Deion Sanders Jr., shared footage of the fitting on social media this week. Sanders kept his trademark humor throughout the appointment. After seeing the prosthetics, Sanders complimented their toenails and skin-tone match. Shilo Sanders, also shared his reaction to his father’s new toes. View this post on Instagram Once they were in place, the Pro Football Hall of Famer celebrated the moment. View this post on Instagram “I’m 10 toes down again!” Sanders said. The prosthetics replace Sanders’ big toe and second toe on his left foot. Both were amputated during a serious medical ordeal in 2021. Sanders Gets Back Into His Shoes For Sanders, the new toes offer more than a cosmetic change. The coach has dealt with mobility issues and discomfort since the amputations. Earlier this year, Sanders began the process of receiving custom silicone prosthetics. During a fitting consultation, he explained one of his simplest goals. “I need toes,” Sanders said. “I want to fit my shoes properly.” The finished prosthetics should help support Sanders’ foot and improve how his weight is distributed while standing and walking. Sanders was particularly excited about returning to his normal size 11.5 shoes. Still, getting accustomed to the prosthetics may take some time. Sanders said the toes initially felt tight. He joked that his new additions had not yet bonded with his remaining toes. “They gotta spend more time with each other cause right now, they’re not together. This one’s mad cause they’ve been alone,” Sanders joked. The lighthearted moment comes after years of serious health complications for Sanders. A Long Road Back Sanders’ foot problems became severe while he was coaching at Jackson State University. He initially underwent surgery in September 2021 for a dislocated toe and an inflamed nerve. However, his recovery became complicated when doctors discovered dangerous blood clots. Sanders eventually developed a femoral arterial blood clot and compartment syndrome. The condition caused dangerous swelling in his leg. Doctors ultimately amputated his left big toe and second toe. At one point, Sanders faced the possibility of losing considerably more than two toes. “They were talking about the amputation of toes,” Sanders previously said. “Then they were talking about the amputation of my leg from the knee down. Then, they were trying to ensure I had life.” His vascular problems did not end with the amputations. Sanders later underwent additional procedures involving blood clots in his legs. In 2025, he underwent an aspiration thrombectomy involving arteries behind his left knee and lower leg. The former NFL and MLB star has also faced other significant health challenges in recent years. Sanders revealed in 2025 that he had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. He underwent surgery as part of his treatment and later said he was cancer-free. Through those challenges, Sanders has continued coaching Colorado and speaking publicly about his recovery. Receiving his prosthetic toes marks another step forward. Sanders thanked the people who helped make the fitting possible and celebrated being “10 toes down again.” “It’s a blessing,” he said.

Halle Berry has been rooting for Zendaya for years. Now, the Oscar winner is sharing more about their relationship off camera. Berry opened up about Zendaya while attending a Create & Cultivate event in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event focused on menopause, aging and women’s health. While speaking with People, Berry revealed that her connection with Zendaya goes beyond public praise. “I do speak to her and I have to say she is the sweetest and my little sweetheart,” Berry said. Berry also revealed that she hopes the two actresses eventually get an opportunity to work together. “I would love to find something to do with her someday,” she said. The comments arrived days after Zendaya turned heads at the 78th Emmy Awards. The “Euphoria” star stepped onto the carpet in a custom silver Prada gown covered in sequins. She completed the look with a short pixie cut. Both elements drew comparisons to Berry’s style during the early 2000s. Zendaya’s look specifically referenced Berry’s appearance at the 2002 premiere of “Die Another Day.” Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach, confirmed Berry was an inspiration behind the look. Berry later shared side-by-side images of the actresses on Instagram Stories. She also praised Zendaya’s appearance, writing, “She murdered the night!” Berry has supported Zendaya for years Berry’s reaction was more than approval of a red carpet tribute. The 60-year-old actress has publicly championed Zendaya throughout the younger star’s career. “I love everything she’s doing,” Berry told People during her latest interview. Berry said she believes Zendaya is helping reshape opportunities and expectations for younger performers in Hollywood. The actresses have crossed paths publicly before. They were photographed together at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles in 2017. Berry’s praise became particularly notable in 2021. During a Sundance Film Festival panel, Berry discussed progress for Black women working in Hollywood. At the time, she pointed toward Zendaya’s career as evidence of how opportunities were changing. Berry highlighted Zendaya’s ability to develop ideas while maintaining creative influence over her work. “You are proof positive that things are changing, and I couldn’t be prouder,” Berry told her. Zendaya has also previously acknowledged the women who helped make her opportunities possible. “Had it not been for the women before me, I wouldn’t be in this position,” she said during the 2021 discussion. Could Berry and Zendaya finally share the screen? Berry already has an idea for how a collaboration between the pair could work. During a February appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Berry was asked which performer she wanted to work with. Her answer was Zendaya. “There’s an actress that I love with every fiber of my being,” Berry said. “I love her and I would love to play her mother. Zendaya.” Berry even joked that she could convincingly take on the role. “I could play her mom 100%,” she added. No project starring the two actresses has been announced. Still, Berry’s latest comments show her interest has not faded. Zendaya’s Emmy tribute appears to have brought their years long mutual admiration back into the spotlight.

Kimora Lee is spilling all the tea in her upcoming Lifetime documentary. In a clip from her upcoming documentary, Kimora Lee: On Her Own, Kimora told PEOPLE how fellow supermodel Tyra Banks once tried to play gatekeeper in her romance with Russell Simmons. “When I was doing the fashion shows, he would always be front row at the end, like standing up. And so loudly clapping and cheering and doing all of these commotions,” Kimora recalled. “I definitely was like, ‘Who is the weird guy at the end of the runway?’ And then he would come backstage, and that’s weird,” she added. ‘You let these men come backstage — what are you doing? We’re changing.’ But that’s how it was. I was 16 years old when I met that man. He was 18 years older than me.” ​As Simmons began showering Lee with massive floral arrangements, her fellow model and friend Tyra Banks felt compelled to step in. “I remember Tyra kept me in her apartment through the weekend, trying to avoid me going home,” Kimora recalled. “And checking my voicemail.” ​”I felt a little bit like she was hating for sure, just because she was getting in my way and getting on my nerves,” she continued.  “I’m sure he had already tried to date her and had gone through the whole thing with her and probably so many other girls. I’m sure this was a ritual.” ​Kimora admitted that she thought Banks was being a hater. ​”I thought she was a little bit hating. But just how a girlfriend would do. She was trying to protect me. I remember I went off with her that first weekend,” Kimora said. “I went to her house and spent the night like we often did and hung out. Back then you didn’t have a cell phone. You had to get home to get your messages. I just couldn’t get to my messages. But he did call.”

Chicago Bears fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. ​While the offense may still need a temporary plan B, tests revealed quarterback Caleb Williams avoided a severe hamstring injury in Sunday’s matchup, ​Appearing on ESPN 1000 with Jeff Joniak, Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that Williams is expected to miss time. ​”He’s right now working through every avenue that he’s got available to get back on track here. We’ll see what that looks like,” Johnson said. “Here’s what I know. This guy’s a little bit different than the average human being. I said that last night; I’ll double down on that. “He gets back — he has in the past — a lot faster than what people can anticipate, and so I’m not putting a timeline on this,” Johnson continued. “We’re going to say week-to-week. He’s going to attack this with everything that he knows.” Bears QB Caleb Williams avoided any major injury to his hamstring Sunday, tests confirmed today — and the team isn’t even ruling him out for next Monday’s game against the Eagles, sources tell @ringer @netflixsports. A massive sigh of relief in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/mfCT5x0JWR — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 21, 2026 ​Following an MRI on Monday morning to evaluate the severity of Williams’ hamstring injury, head coach Ben Johnson characterized the imaging results as “somewhat encouraging.” If Williams is unable to suit up next Monday, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will step in as the starter. “I would be a lot more concerned if I didn’t have a year and a half under our belts together now, and so I’ve seen them every single day in practice,” Johnson said of Bagent and Case Keenum. “We’ve had a lot of reps during the course of training camp and in the preseason. So if it goes that route, I feel strongly about what he’s capable of and what our team does, too. They know he’s a darn good football player. He’s won games in the past. Him and Case both have won games in this league. There’s a lot of confidence that both of those guys can get the job done if it comes to it.” The Bears are set to play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, September 28.

Shaquille O’Neal has officially entered the ranks of federal law enforcement after being named an honorary special agent by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Hall of Fame center received the distinction during the graduation ceremony for the FBI National Academy’s Session 299 on Sept. 17. FBI Director Kash Patel presented the honor to O’Neal in front of 265 law enforcement professionals from across the nation. The graduation took place at the academy’s historic campus in Quantico, where senior law enforcement leaders undergo rigorous academic and physical training. Patel praised the four-time NBA champion for his longstanding commitment to the badge and the communities it protects. “This session is historic — FBI was honored to be joined by one of the best supporters of law enforcement in the country — @Shaq — who graduated with this session and became an honorary FBI Special Agent,” Patel said in a statement shared on social media. The honorary title is the latest chapter in O’Neal’s extensive history with police agencies. Since retiring from professional basketball, the former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat star has frequently traded his jersey for a uniform. In 2005, he was sworn in as a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department and has held similar roles with the Los Angeles Port Police and the Doral Police Department in Florida. Beyond his reserve duties, O’Neal has taken on leadership roles within local departments. Late last year, he was appointed the community relations chief for the Henry County Police Department in Georgia. The 7-foot-1 icon has often used his celebrity status to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public, participating in community outreach and youth programs. The FBI National Academy is a prestigious 10-week program primarily reserved for experienced law enforcement leaders. The curriculum focuses on intelligence theory, forensic science, management science and law. While O’Neal’s status is honorary, his participation in the Session 299 graduation highlights his continued advocacy for the profession. O’Neal joins a select group of civilians who have been recognized by federal agencies for their contributions to public safety.

Jhené Aiko has reached a pinnacle in her music career this week as her latest studio effort, “Westside Whimsy,” debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. The achievement marks the first No. 1 album for the Los Angeles native since she first entered the charts more than a decade ago. According to data provided by Luminate, “Westside Whimsy” earned 74,000 equivalent album units in the U.S. during the tracking week ending Sept. 17. The project’s success was driven largely by digital streaming, accounting for 70,000 units, which translates to roughly 71.33 million on-demand official streams. The album also debuted at the top of the Top Streaming Albums chart. The victory is particularly significant for the R&B genre. Aiko is the first female R&B artist to lead the Billboard 200 in 2026. The last woman in the genre to hold the top spot was SZA, whose blockbuster album “SOS” last saw the No. 1 position in May 2025. Aside from Aiko, the only other R&B artist to reach the peak this year was Bruno Mars with his project “The Romantic” in March. Aiko utilized a surprise-release strategy for the new project, announcing “Westside Whimsy” on Sept. 8, just three days before its Sept. 11 release. The album features a robust lineup of West Coast talent and frequent collaborators, including Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Tyga, Larry June and Ohma. Despite only being available in digital formats — with physical copies not expected until January — the album managed to secure the 25th spot on the Top Album Sales chart. This milestone concludes a nearly 13-year climb for the singer-songwriter. Aiko first appeared on the Billboard 200 in November 2013 with her EP “Sail Out,” which peaked at No. 8. Since then, she has secured six top 10 projects. Her previous career best was the 2020 Grammy-nominated album “Chilombo,” which reached the No. 2 position. Industry analysts noted that Aiko is part of a rare group of artists who have waited more than a decade between their chart debut and their first No. 1. With a gap of 12 years and 10 months, she joins Megadeth as one of the few acts in 2026 to achieve this long-term career breakthrough. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddh3MiRzgmZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Porsha Williams is opening up about a health crisis that led to a life-saving emergency surgery earlier this year. The “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star revealed Friday that she underwent an emergency partial hysterectomy in May after doctors discovered nearly two dozen uterine fibroids. Williams, 45, shared the details of her medical journey during an appearance on “CBS Mornings” and in a first-person essay for Glamour. The reality star disclosed that surgeons removed 21 fibroids during the procedure, one of which had grown to the size of a cantaloupe. The discovery occurred unexpectedly when Williams accompanied a friend to a fertility appointment. While there, Williams asked for an exam to check on her own health as she considered expanding her family. She recalled the moment the mood in the room shifted when the doctor performed the ultrasound. “She went silent and I looked at the screen and all I could see was like black,” Williams told host Gayle King. Having been diagnosed with fibroids in her late 20s—a condition that contributed to a miscarriage at four months—Williams said she immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Uterine fibroids are noncancerous muscular growths that develop in or around the uterus. While common, they can cause severe symptoms. Williams admitted she had been suffering from extreme fatigue, migraines and a menstrual cycle that lasted six weeks, but she initially attributed the issues to perimenopause. The emergency surgery resulted in the removal of her uterus, effectively ending her ability to carry another child. However, the procedure preserved her ovaries. Williams, who is already a mother to 7-year-old daughter Pilar Jhena, said she had to grieve the loss of her fertility while acknowledging the necessity of the operation. “I didn’t have a choice about the hysterectomy, but it saved my life,” Williams wrote in her essay, noting that her quality of life has improved “100%” since the surgery. Following the reveal, Williams took to Instagram to thank her followers for their outpouring of support. She said she chose to go public with her story to inspire other women to take charge of their reproductive health and seek medical advice for unexplained symptoms. “Thank you for all of the love and support today. My heart is so full,” Williams wrote. “I just pray that by being brave enough to share my loss, my journey through surgery, and my new quality of life, my story will inspire women to take charge of their health and their bodies.” View this post on Instagram