The show also dug into NBA star Jimmy Butler’s ongoing child support case, with reports revealing that Butler and the mother of his three children, Kaitlin Nowak, have reached a comprehensive parenting agreement and are reportedly living together while finalizing remaining legal matters. Keke Palmer made headlines after clarifying earlier comments about being “asexual,” explaining that she simply does not feel as sexual as society expects and that attraction for her is rooted more in mental and emotional connection than physical appearance. 

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The show also welcomed gospel icon Kirk Franklin, who reflected on his decades-long career, discussed hosting the upcoming Stellar Gospel Music Awards, and introduced his new single, "Thank You for Everything,” featuring Karen Clark Sheard, which serves as the lead release from an upcoming project that blends traditional church music with contemporary gospel sounds. 

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Keke Palmer made headlines after clarifying earlier comments about being “asexual,” explaining that she simply does not feel as sexual as society expects and that attraction for her is rooted more in mental and emotional connection than physical appearance. 

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President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” for U.S. government use amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada. 

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The show also dug into NBA star Jimmy Butler’s ongoing child support case, with reports revealing that Butler and the mother of his three children, Kaitlin Nowak, have reached a comprehensive parenting agreement and are reportedly living together while finalizing remaining legal matters. Court records previously established Butler as the father of the children and included child support payments of $55,000 per month. 

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The crew weighed in on growing concerns surrounding legendary singer Gladys Knight after recent performances sparked debate about her well-being. The conversation comes as Knight announced she is scaling back her live appearances and focusing more on family and personal projects after fans expressed concern over several recent onstage moments. 

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Today’s show started with the big announcement that Lauren London has been cast to play Snoop Dogg’s late mother, Beverly Tate, in the upcoming Snoop Dogg biopic. The role is especially meaningful because Tate is credited with giving Snoop his famous nickname, and recent reports reveal the film will also feature actors portraying Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre as it chronicles the rap icon’s rise to fame. The show also discussed Busta Rhymes’ settlement with a former assistant, ending a legal battle that began with allegations of unpaid wages and workplace misconduct. According to recent court filings, the dispute was settled for $25,000, a dramatic reduction from the nearly $6 million originally sought by the former employee.  

The conversation continued with Beyoncé’s remarks about natural beauty, authenticity, and self-confidence, as the superstar encouraged people to embrace individuality rather than chase perfection, a message that has resonated widely amid ongoing debates about beauty standards and social media pressure. The crew also unpacked the buzz surrounding Janet Jackson’s absence from the blockbuster Michael Jackson biopic, with new comments from nephew Jaafar Jackson suggesting Janet may have declined to be portrayed because she has considered telling her own story through a separate film project. Elsewhere, the show weighed in on a headline-making surrogacy dispute involving a critically ill newborn and debated who should have the final say when a surrogate and biological parents disagree about a child’s medical future. 

Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show 

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During What’s Trending, Rickey Smiley and the crew weighed in on a headline-making surrogacy dispute involving a critically ill newborn and debated who should have the final say when a surrogate and biological parents disagree about a child’s medical future. 

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Busta Rhymes settled with a former assistant, ending a legal battle that began with allegations of unpaid wages and workplace misconduct. According to recent court filings, the dispute was settled for $25,000, a dramatic reduction from the nearly $6 million originally sought by the former employee. The conversation continued with Beyoncé’s remarks about natural beauty, authenticity, and self-confidence, as the superstar encouraged people to embrace individuality rather than chase perfection, a message that has resonated widely amid ongoing debates about beauty standards and social media pressure. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.