From Rihanna surprising her rain-soaked fans to a comedian opening up about abortion, here’s a look at some of the hottest topics on social media for Thursday, June 30.
MISS TEEN USA ELIMINATES SWIMSUIT COMPETITION
Pageant contestants will trade their swimsuits for athletic wear. The Miss Universe organization announced it will replace the bathing suit section with an athletic wear competition for the Miss Teen USA pageant on July 30.
“This decision reflects an important cultural shift we’re all celebrating that empowers women who lead active, purposeful lives and encourage those in their communities to do the same.”— Paula M. Shugart, president of The Miss Universe Organization, wrote to state directors.
In a statement, reigning Miss Teen USA Katherine Haik, applauded the move, calling it “a great way to celebrate the active lives that so many young women lead and set a strong example for our peers.”
RIHANNA SURPRISES RAIN-SOAKED FANS
Music fans waited for hours in the rain to see Rihanna perform in Manchester, England. To make things a little less soggy, the star sent them boxes of pizza and towels, according to TIME Magazine. Fans seemed pretty pumped to get a surprise from the superstar.
COMEDIAN TALKS HAVING ABORTIONS AS TEEN
Chelsea Handler says in an essay for Playboy that she had two abortions as a teenager and never regretted the decision.
The comedian and talk show host writes in an article published June 24 that she’s frustrated by political rhetoric that threatens to limit the rights guaranteed under Roe v. Wade.
Handler says that like marriage equality, reproductive rights are part of American society, even if some people are opposed to such progress. She says she had two abortions at age 16 and was grateful to have access to safe and legal treatment.
Handler says anyone who thoughtfully decides not to become a parent “should be applauded for making a smart and sustainable decision.”
CEREAL CAFÉ TO DEBUT IN NYC
Kellogg is opening a cafe in New York as it pushes to reinvent cereal’s soggy image.
The company based in Battle Creek, Michigan, says bowls will cost $6.50 to $7.50 and combine cereals like Special K and Frosted Flakes with ingredients like pistachios and lemon zest.
The move comes as Kellogg Co. has suffered declining cereal sales in the U.S., with people reaching for a growing array of breakfast options. To boost sales, it is also trying to market cereal as a night-time treat and on-the-go snack.
Kellogg says its cereal cafe will open July 4. PepsiCo Inc. is also planning to open an “experiential lounge” with an “artisanal menu” in New York as it tries to reinvent soda’s image amid declining sales.
MEGA MILLIONS HITS RECORD NUMBERS
The Mega Millions jackpot is now the third largest in the game’s history. After nobody won Tuesday’s drawing, the prize reaches at least $415 million. If a winner opts for a cash payout, it’ll amount to $286 million. The next drawing is set for Friday at 10 p.m. CST.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.