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Singer, songwriter Jill Sobule dies in house fire

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Jill Sobule, an acclaimed singer-songwriter known for her groundbreaking LGBTQ+ hit “I Kissed a Girl,” has tragically died in a house fire.

Her publicist announced her death in Woodbury, Minnesota. The cause of the fire remains unclear.

The 66-year-old’s manager, John Porter, called her “a force of nature and human rights advocate” whose “music is woven into our culture”.

He said in a statement: “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, and legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”

White Lotus star Carrie Coon posted on social media: “Jill Sobule was so special. Heartbreaking news.”

Singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman shared a 2001 photo of herself with Jill Sobule on X, writing: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jill Sobule. Let’s honor the incredible singer-songwriter she was by listening to her music.”

Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday night, but the event will now serve as a tribute to her life. A formal memorial is planned for later this summer.

Throughout her three-decade career of performing and recording, the singer-songwriter released 12 albums that delved into complex themes such as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, reproductive rights, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Her first album, “Things Here Are Different”, was released in 1990.

Five years later, she gained widespread recognition with her hit singles “Supermodel,” featured in the film Clueless, and released “I Kissed a Girl”, which, despite being banned by several southern radio stations, reached the Billboard Top 20 in the US.

In 2008, Katy Perry’s worldwide hit I Kissed A Girl – which used the same title but was not a cover version – created a renewed interest in her track.

Sobule also starred in an autobiographical off-Broadway musical featuring songs and stories about her life.

An early adopter of crowdfunding, in 2008, after two major record companies dumped her and two indie labels went bankrupt beneath her, she raised tens of thousands of dollars from fans so she could make a new album.

Sobule was born in Denver, Colorado, on 16 January 1959.

She would go on to perform with stars including Neil Young, Cyndi Lauper and Billy Bragg, and said she would “wing” her frequent live shows, never preparing a set list.

She made a cameo on an episode of The Simpsons in 2019.

In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, she said: “In a good way, I feel like I’m still a rookie. There’s so much more to do and I haven’t done my best yet.”

She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, as well as her nephews and cousins.

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Hollywood actor, Chuck Noreis, d!es at 86

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Iconic action star Chuck Norris has died. He was 86.

His family announced his passing in a statement released today March 20.

“It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. Please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace.” the statemnt in part reads

The martial artist and actor had just celebrated his 86th birthday on March 10.

Chuck rose to fame in the ‘80s with karate films like ‘A Force of One’ and ‘An Eye for an Eye,’ before becoming a household name as Cordell Walker in ‘Walker, Texas Ranger!’

Chuck is survived by his wife, Gena O’Kelley, and his five children — twins Dakota and Danilee, as well as Dina, Eric and Mike from previous relationships.

May his soul rest in peace, Amen.

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The Curses Being Rained On Me Are Too Much – Nigerian Actor, Aremu Afolayan Apologizes For Supporting Tinubu (Video)

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Nollywood actor Aremu Afolayan has apologized to Nigerians and announced his decision to step away from politics after facing heavy backlash over his recent comments.

The actor shared a message on social media where he asked Nigerians for forgiveness over the reactions that followed his earlier statements.

He said the criticism directed at him had become overwhelming and also denied claims that he received money from any individual or group.

Afolayan also tried to clear the air on his comments about insecurity in the country. He explained that he did not deny the existence of security challenges but was misunderstood.

According to him, the issue is real, and he even referred to a personal experience involving someone close to him who was kidnapped, with ransom paid for release.

Following the controversy, he said he no longer wants to be involved in political matters, stating clearly that he is withdrawing from anything related to politics.

He said: “To all Nigerians, please forgive me. I’m very sorry. The curse you guys are raining on me is too much. I didn’t take money from anyone.

“It’s obvious that there’s insecurity and the government isn’t doing anything; what I was trying to say is don’t answer anyone who is saying there’s no insecurity.

“My best friend’s mother was kidnapped and we paid ransom; how would I say there’s no insecurity? I’m withdrawing myself from anything that has to do with politics.”

The development comes shortly after the actor publicly showed support for Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

In the video, he downplayed the hardship many Nigerians are facing and spoke in favour of the president’s efforts.

His comments led to strong reactions online, with many Nigerians criticising his position.

Click tthe link below to watch the video:

https://twitter.com/99Pluz/status/2034650406832181462?t=Hqmzatep1bw3RIG3PZJLFg&s=19

https://twitter.com/olammypo01/status/2034644264622178707?t=O6xg-1WpWYYtNunJv4KiNA&s=19
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Nigerian Actor, Umar Ascon Is De@d

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Kannywood actor Umar Ascon, widely known for his role as Alhaji Lado Mai Barkono in the long-running television series Garwashi, has d!ed.

He d!ed on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after battling a prolonged illness.

The news of his de@th was confirmed by Kannywood producer and neighbour, Abubakar Yahaya Matinko.

The late actor is survived by his pregnant wife and two daughters.

Before venturing into the film industry, Ascon was a businessman operating at Hotoro Depot in Kano.

He later gained recognition in Kannywood through his role in Garwashi and appearances in other Hausa films, including Wata Shida and Manyan Mata.

His funeral prayer was held at Al-Masjlisul Islami Mosque, near Gade-Gade Filling Station, where he was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic rites.

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