Kyra Alessandrini

New York

Writer and Reporter at Freelance

updates editor @byrdiebeauty + news @blavity featured in @time @natgeo @THR @ELLEmagazine @InStyle @harpersbazaarus @thisisinsider & more grad @columbiajourn

Articles

R. Kelly Rushed To Hospital, Prosecutors Say 'Murder Plot' Claims Are 'Deeply Unserious'

1 week ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

R. Kelly issued a bid to be released from detention after he claimed prison officials have been plotting to murder him. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex crimes, as well as a 20-year sentence for a child pornography conviction. The singer’s lawyers said he was moved to solitary confinement after their initial filing, according to The Chicago Sun-Times. Kelly reportedly stopped eating out of fear it had been poisoned.
Jon B Regrets Calling Chloe Bailey And Gunna's Sample Of His Song 'Ratchet'

1 week ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Jon B regrets calling Chloe Bailey and Gunna‘s sampling of his 1997 hit “They Don’t Know” in their “You & Me” collab, released in 2022, a “ratchet record.”The R&B crooner opened up about his past comments on Shirley Yu’s Shirley’s Temple podcast. The singer says he ‘wasn’t used to being on podcasts’“I regretted how I spoke on it the first time because I wasn’t used to being on podcasts,” Jon B said, according to Complex. “First of all, I didn’t do a lot of podcasts.
What Is The G7 Summit, And Why Is It Important?

1 week ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

The annual G7 summit kicked off in Canada on Sunday as world leaders are expected to discuss several pressing issues, including Trump’s trade war, the war in Ukraine and the conflict involving Israel. Canada is hosting the summit this year and world leaders are gathering at a mountain lodge in Kananaskis, Alberta, for the duration of the event. What is the purpose of the G7 summit?
82% Of HBCUs Lack Internet Access, Study Says

1 week ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Most HBCUs are located in broadband deserts, leaving students lacking access to the internet. Some schools and organizations are trying to change that despite federal funding having been pulled. A 2021 McKinsey report indicated that 82% of HBCUs are located in broadband deserts. They either lack access to a good internet connection or don’t have access to it at all.
Fisk University Becomes Second HBCU To Shut Down Its Gymnastics Program

2 weeks ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Fisk University has announced it is closing its gymnastics program. The program will shut down at the end of the 2025-26 academic year, with the final season of competition being held next spring. The program, which opened in 2022, was the first of its kind at an HBCU.
Deion Sanders Health Update: Here's How He's Feeling After Undisclosed Issue

2 weeks ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

University of Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has been out of the office due to a health issue. Although he hasn’t disclosed details, his son said he was “feeling well,” according to USA Today. The football coach has been staying at home in Texas due to an “unspecified health issue.” Deion Sanders Jr., his eldest son, appeared on a YouTube livestream from their home and addressed the news publicly. “He’ll tell y’all soon enough what he going through, what he went through,” he said.
'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)' Rapper Silentó Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Murder

2 weeks ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Silentó, the artist behind the 2015’s “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being charged for his cousin’s death. He pleaded guilty but mentally ill on Wednesday. Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and concealing the death of another.
Obamas Share Rare Family Photo For Sasha's 24th Birthday

2 weeks ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Barack and Michelle Obama shared a rare family moment on social media. They both took to Instagram to celebrate their daughter Sasha’s 24th birthday on Tuesday. The photograph features Barack, Michelle, Sasha and Malia posing for the camera. Here’s what Barack and Michelle Obama said in their posts“Happy birthday, Sasha! Watching you grow into the incredible woman you are has been a true gift.
Doechii Slams Trump, Expresses Support For LA Protesters In BET Awards Speech

2 weeks ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Doechii took a stance in favor of the protests in Los Angeles on Sunday while slamming President Donald Trump. The artist received an award for best female hip hop artist at the 2025 BET Awards, which was held at the Peacock Theater in the city on Tuesday night. She started her acceptance speech by congratulating her fellow nominees, which included Cardi B, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, Rapsody and Sexyy Red.
Was Greta Thunberg Kidnapped? What To Know About Israel's Interception Of Gaza Aid Boat

2 weeks ago | blavity.com | Kyra Alessandrini

Israel intercepted a boat offering humanitarian aid to Palestine on Monday. The boat, the Madleen, was carrying activists, which included Greta Thunberg. All passengers are currently being held by the Israeli government after being redirected to the port of Ashdod in Israel. Thunberg and other passengers aboard the Madleen were stopped in international waters as they attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The boat left Sicily on June 1, according to Newsweek.