Here’s what we’re talking about over our morning OJ:
Chef Carla Hall plans to open her first restaurant, with a little help from fans. The Chew co-host has launched a Kickstarter campaign asking fans to help her raise $250,000 to open Carla Hall’s Southern Kitchen, a Nashville-inspired restaurant that will serve slow-cooked, fast-served food, including Nashville’s famous ‘hot chicken.’ “I grew up in Nashville and learned to appreciate good food from my grandmother,” said Hall. “I knew I had to honor her and my Southern roots by bringing Nashville’s hot chicken to New York.” Hall’s Kickstarter campaign runs through October 29. [Kickstarter]
Singer Dionne Warwick will be honored during the 24th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing event. Started by Sheryl Lee Ralph, the DIVA foundation hosts the longest consecutive running musical HIV/AIDS benefit in the country. Warwick will be honored for a lifetime of AIDS awareness, support and devotion to the cause. The benefit will take place Saturday, October 18 in Hollywood. [DIVAS]
Sheinelle Jones is the new anchor of the weekend edition of the TODAY show as the first-ever lifestyle and fitness correspondent. Jones will be leaving behind her longtime post as the co-host of FOX’s Good Day Philadelphia for her new gig at NBC, which starts on October 4. Congrats, Sheinelle! #Blackgirlsrock! [Today]
Dancing with The Stars is about to get a lot funnier when Kevin Hart fills in for Len Goodman as head judge. Instead of being in charge of making jokes, Hart will be responsible for deciding the fate of 11 stars competing on the show. Goodman, 70, will be taking a week off to rest. [TheGrio]
Even after leaving his post on Scandal, Columbus Short is still trying to stay connected to the hit drama. Short revealed on Instagram that he will be hosting a Scandal premiere party, at Atlanta’s Boogalou nughtckub, where fans can watch the new episode with him. [HelloBeautiful]