A Montgomery, Alabama pastor revealed to his congregation his numerous sexual affairs with members and his HIV diagnosis from the pulpit. Pastor Juan McFarland, head of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, confessed to adulterous affairs with longtime congregates on church grounds.

He also admitted receiving church funds for business trips and not going, using illegal drugs while pastoring, contracting HIV in 2003 and receiving an AIDS diagnosis in 2008. McFarland added that nothing sexual happened in the sanctuary itself.

The pastor’s first confession of his sinful behavior took place on September 14, but two more followed. It is unclear whether McFarland informed his partners of his HIV status.

The church’s deacons unanimously voted to remove McFarland, who has lead the church since 1990, as pastor. McFarland is also an elected moderator of the 34-church Alabama Middle District Missionary Baptist Association, Inc.

About 160 members attend Shiloh, a predominantly African American congregation, every Sunday.

On Wednesday night, the church was scheduled to have Bible study. But only two church vehicles stood in the parking lot.

According to a recent study by California Grapefruit Growers Cooperative, grapefruit juice may be just as effective as type 2 diabetes drug, metformin, at lowering blood glucose.

Researchers fed six groups of mice a variety of liquids, including sweetened diluted grapefruit juice, sweetened water, and water that contained metformin. The results were surprising. The mice who were fed a high-fat diet, which is typical of the average American, and drank grapefruit juice lost 18% more weight than those drinking sweetened water. They had a 13-17% drop in blood glucose levels and threefold decrease in insulin levels. The mice drinking grapefruit juice had glucose-lowering effects that were equally comparable as the mice who sipped on metformin.

You may have to drink a lot to get those prescription-level effects, though. The amount of grapefruit juice used in the mice study equates to four cups a day in people, the study says.

This isn’t the only benefit of drinking the bitter fruit juice. A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that drinking grapefruit juice with a high fat diet could lower the amount of weight gain by almost a fifth.

The Grapefruit Diet, where those wanting to lose weight drink a glass of juice with every meal, has been around since the 1930s, but was popularized in the 1970s.

Lujiazui financial center in Shanghai, China

China has overtaken America to become the world’s largest economy, making the USA runner-up for the first time in 142 years, according to figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The U.S. has long been top dog as the world’s global leader since it overtook Britain in 1872. But the latest numbers show the Chinese economy is worth $17.61 trillion, compared to $17.4 trillion for the U.S., with the Asian nation’s lead looking to expand. The IMF estimates China’s economy will be worth approximately $26.98 trillion in 2019. America’s economy is forecast to be $22.2 trillion by then.

[Image: Shutterstock]

The figures were adjusted to factor in purchasing power parity (PPP).  Simply put, a T-shirt costs significantly less in Beijing than in Los Angeles, and the typical person in China earns less than the average American. Without factoring for PPP, the Chinese economy is far less than America’s, at $10.3 trillion.

But China’s wealth has accelerated in recent decades as a result of rapid growing industrialization and successful economic reforms. The country has experienced three decades of double-digit growth before the global downturn.

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As the Ebola crisis surges on, killing more than 3,800 people in West Africa and infecting at least 8,000, experts are warning that the virus could mutate and become airborne. That would mean Ebola could be contracted by simply breathing in the virus.

Presently, the deadly virus is only transmitted through contact with bodily fluids, such as saliva, semen, sweat, blood, urine, vomit, or feces of an infected person displaying symptoms. However, several leading Ebola researchers haven’t ruled out the virus mutating and becoming airborne.

Dr. CJ Peters, who researches the virus for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told the Los Angeles Times, “We just don’t have the data to exclude it.”

[Image: Shutterstock]

Virologist Dr. Philip Russell, former head of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, commented: “I see the reasons to dampen down public fears. But scientifically, we’re in the middle of the first experiment of multiple, serial passages of Ebola virus in man. God knows what this virus is going to look like. I don’t.”

Experts have warned that viruses similar to Ebola are notorious for replicating and reinventing themselves, and that public health officials are reluctant to share their concerns.

Meanwhile, health officials are asking male Ebola survivors to abstain from sex or to wear condoms for up to 90 days, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus through sexual transmission. The virus typically takes up to 21 days to run its course through the body, but can last in semen for up to three months. The virus can be spread through unprotected sex.

If you let her facial expression tell it, Zoe Saldana is over being pregnant with twins, or maybe that’s just her reaction to the stalking paparazzi. Either way, she hasn’t let her annoyance and discomfort trump her maternity style. Take note, maternity wear isn’t the frumpy, polka-dotted, giant bow mess it was in past decades. Nowadays, just about any garment in the right cut or fabric can accommodate a belly bump. Saldana transformed a neutral stripe maxi dress into a maternity midi dress just by slipping it on!

We’ve got all the details on how you can get Zoe Saldana’s maternity stripe dress look, even if you’re not with child. And just in case you live in a location where autumn is in full swing, we give you a cool weather option too. Don’t forget to add a pop of color!

Tees by Tina Micro Stripe Maxi Dress, $85
August Slik Long-Sleeve Silk-Blend Cardigan, $34.98
Furla Piper Medium Dome Bag, $448
Lucky Brand Dawnna Caged Flat Sandals, $41.47
Sam Edelman Duster Cardigan, $126.75
J.Crew Gladiator Ballet Flats, $119.99

Former Fugees member Pras Michel is suing the New York Post for a hefty $30 million for defamation after the tabloid accused him of skipping out on a performance.

The Post claimed Pras did not attend his own benefit concert in New York on 9/11. The concert took place in Hell’s Kitchen and was organized by Hope for Them. Pras, whose real name is Prakazrel Samuel Michel, says he is not even involved with Hope for Them and he was on a completely different continent in the days before the benefit concert. Therefore, Pras says the Post‘s story is completely false. Pras has filed the lawsuit in Broward Country, Fl, where he resides.

The Post says promoter, Mike Jean, informed the paper that Pras was unable to make the show because he was sick with the flu. Pras, who says he was completely healthy at the time, denies these allegations. Instead of taking up a lawsuit with Jean, Pras has gone directly to the source, claiming the New York Post‘s “reckless ‘reporting’ would be deemed as such had a high school student drafted the Article.”

At the time of the free benefit concert, the Grammy Award-winning singer was in Los Angeles, participating in unrelated charity work. Prior to that he had been in North Korea. Pras says he is most upset because he takes his charity work very seriously, and will not allow the Post to depict him as an artist that simply did not show up.

This is not the first time that the New York Post has been hit with lawsuits pertaining to defamation and fact-checking, or lack thereof. The newspaper is currently under review after publishing a report about two innocent Massachusetts residents during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings.

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A vandal used a million dollar luxury sports car as the canvas for some childish artwork.

A Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport was spotted in Seattle earlier this week with — of all things — a giant red penis. The vandalized car caught the attention of many passersby and became a trending topic on social media outlets, such as Facebook and Twitter.

An Iron Man/Tony Stark parody Twitter account claimed the car as his in a tweet. The real owner, however, has not be identified.

Yes they were in good condition, besides the fact there was a penis on my Bugatti Veyron…

— Tony Stark (@TonyStarkTweets) October 6, 2014

The vandalism is believed to have depreciated the value of the vehicle by at least 50 percent. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is the world’s most expensive production car and has features that many racing cars do not. It has 1200hp and goes from zero to 60 in under three seconds.

What do you think is the story behind the vandalism? Let us know in the comments.

Whether at the round table discussing everyday woman challenges, dishing tea, or giving style advice on daytime talk show “The Real,” Adrienne Bailon embodies the true essence of the homegirl next door. We’ve watched her grow from a member of 3LW to a Disney “Cheetah Girl” to an “Empire Girl” to a captivating talk show and reality TV host. Now, nail art lovers everywhere can also catch Bailon on Oxygen’s new competition series, “Nail’d It.” But, don’t just assume, Bailon is simply a spectator in the nail game. She’s also carving out her own place within the multibillion dollar industry with her own line of vegan, luxury nail polishes called, Fingertip Fetish, which is formaldehyde and DVP-free. However, it is her nail love that drew her to the project. “Nails are the ultimate fashion accessory and I couldn’t be more excited to host ‘Nail’d It,’” said Bailon.

Aside from being a businesswoman and television host, the petite fashionista nails an impeccable sense of style. Bailon tends to add just the right blend of edge, with a classy touch of sex to her looks. If you’ve been wondering how you can step up your style with pieces that will transform your wardrobe ten-fold, look to this week’s Star Style Adrienne Bailon.

There’s nothing better than owning a trench coat, but finding a reinterpretation of the silhouette in a dress or vest will bring your closet a lifetime of looks.

If you think a mini-skirt is the only way to make heads turn, then clearly you aren’t privy to the power of a chic suit.

Wearing an emerald green dress allows you to give off a simple and sweet vibe.  But, if you want to add just a hint of spice, add a vamp lip color and bold rings.

Going all out with a look is never bad, when you play the balance card correctly like Bailon. Immediately the eye is drawn to her metallic skirt, but adding a sheer shirt was the right touch.

Leopard print will always have a fashion moment.

Why not include an unexpected pastel pink hue to your coat collection for fall? The light color will pair well with the other hot colors of the season, such as burgundy and emerald green.

For cocktail hour or special date night, having a special occasion dress that’s modern and gives you versatility for any mood, is a must.

Whether adding a faux leather or authentic leather pair of pants to your wardrobe, doing so will definitely raise your image to rock star-style status.

Bailon looks stunning in her baroque print-esque dress, which gives off a sense of subtle ornate flair.

Make it a top priority to have delicate lace blouse in your wardrobe when you want to soften up a look.

Bailon looks great while donning a leather color-blocked sheath dress.

In every case, let your outfit speak for itself.

Drumroll, please. The next Super Bowl halftime performer will be … Katy Perry! Sources have revealed that Perry is no longer rumored to take the Super Bowl stage, but actually will when the 2014-2015 NFL season culminates on Feb. 1, 2015.

Perry beat out former BFF Rihanna and Coldplay for the coveted spot. Rihanna, as you may remember, had a little controversy with CBS Sports when the network pulled her hit song “Run this Town” from its Thursday Night Football opener, after the Ray Rice assault video was made public. Rihanna, true to her confrontational style, said “f*ck you” to the network in a couple of tweets. Although, the Super Bowl will air on NBC, it seems the NFL took notice that RiRi is a raunchy liability on and off stage.

Perry is a fan of football, at least on the college level, as she appeared on ESPN’s “College GameDay” last weekend. But remember when the NFL reportedly considered asking the Halftime Show act to pay to play the Super Bowl? Well, Perry blasted the NFL’s scheme, saying, “I’m not the kind of girl who would pay to play the Super Bowl.” The NFL says its negotiations with musical acts are confidential, so either it didn’t follow through with that ludicrous money-making scheme or Perry is a hypocrite.

It’s worth noting, though, that the Super Bowl Halftime Show is sponsored by Pepsi, which has worked with Perry before, even though they don’t have an official contract.

The NFL has fined San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick $10,000 for wearing Beats by Dre headphones, at a post-game press conference on Sunday.

After the NFL named Bose the official headphones sponsor of the league, players and coaches have been banned from wearing all other headphone brands during interviews. Players are allowed to use equipment from other companies, but they’re required to cover up the logo.

Kaepernick has an endorsement deal with Beats and has appeared in one of its most popular commercials. He declined to say whether Beats would pay the fine, telling reporters, “We’ll let that be unanswered.”

Beats by Dre has gained popularity, in part, because athletes seem to always have the headphones around their necks or on their heads when appearing on camera before and after games.

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, who is also a spokesperson for the brand, wore Beats headphones before Monday night’s game. He is likely to be fined as well.

The daughter of self-professed pitbull in lipstick Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and 2008 GOP vice-presidential nominee, has been accused of punching a host several times in a house party brawl that took place Sept. 6.

Although no arrests were made in the Anchorage family brawl, Bristol Palin was named as the aggressor in a police report released Thursday. Other Palin family members were also involved in the drunken fight.

Officers responded to the party after receiving a report of a fight between 20 people. According to incident reports, Bristol punched homeowner Korey Klingenmeyer repeatedly. Her mother, Sarah, was also attending the party, but the reports contained no mention of her being involved in the altercation.

According to the police, Bristol told authorities she was attending a birthday party with her siblings when her younger sister Willow told her an older woman pushed her. She then confronted that woman and said she was pushed to the ground by the Klingenmeyer, who reportedly called Bristol a “slut” and a “cunt.”

The report confirms the 23-year-old had alcohol on her breath and described almost everyone as intoxicated. The documents also state Bristol continuously punched Klingenmeyer in the face until he grabbed her fist and pushed her to the ground again. Klingenmeyer told police that’s when three to four guys rushed to him and one yelled that he was going to “beat his ass for beating his sister.” Bristol’s brother Track and father Todd were also named as being involved in the scuffle.

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A white female attorney living in a prestigious Washington suburb stood up for a disabled, Black man who was unjustly detained for a burglary he couldn’t have committed.

Jody Westby of Foxhill Crescent, Washington came out of her house when she noticed the detainment of Dennis Stucky, a 64-year-old local handyman who’s been working in the neighborhood for 30 years.

After Westby intensely questioned the police on why they were holding Stucky, she discovered they suspected him of an apparent burglary that happened nearly a mile away. Stucky was carrying bags at the time of the “break-in.” Westby argued that there were no grounds of suspicion, accusing the officers of racism. Demanding his release, Westby helped Stucky off the curb, telling officers of her plans to report the incident.

“Come on Dennis, they said you can go,” said Westby as she helped Stucky up.

She turned to the police officer saying, “I’m reporting this. Just because he’s Black doesn’t mean he’s here to rob a house. He works for us, he’s been in this neighborhood for 30 years.”

It has since emerged that the owner of the “burgled” house had accidentally dialed the wrong number to his garage, setting off the alert.

The two officers, who were both Black, did not have a description of a potential suspect when they went on patrol.

Check out video of Westby’s confrontation with the police below.

And just like that, the marriage of Real Housewives of Atlanta stars Phaedra Parks and Apollo Nida has taken a turn for the worst. According to E! News, Phaedra is the one who decided to pull the plug. The RHOA star “has retained an attorney with the intent of amicably ending her marriage,”according to her rep Steve Honig.

Last month, Nida turned himself into prison after pleading guilty to bank fraud charges back in May. Earlier this year, it was reported that their marriage was on the rocks due to his sentence, so it was only a matter of time that the two divorced.

“When he does speak to Phaedra, it’s always about money,” the source E! News said. “He owes a huge debt in restitution and he wants to know if she’s going to help him with it. ‘Are you going to give me money?’ is always his question. He still wants her financial support.”

Phaedra was reportedly “uncomfortable” with Apollo going out every night before the start of his sentence. The day he entered prison, Honig released a statement on her behalf describing her stance on the situation. She is “now putting all of her energy into ensuring the well-being of her two children and making decisions that are in their best interests.”

And as we suspected, “This situation has put a tremendous strain on Phaedra and her family and she is working hard to bring back a sense of normalcy to everyone’s lives.” The couple have two children together, Dylan, 3 and Ayden, 1.

This is Apollo Nida’s second prison sentence. He was also convicted in 2003 for car theft charges.

[IMAGES: PEOPLE.COM/NYDAILYNEWS]

Yesterday, a former NFL executive has confessed to teams not disciplining players in “hundreds and hundreds” of domestic violence incidents during his 30 years in the league. Today, he’s saying his comments were taken out of context.

“I made a mistake,” Jerry Angelo told USA TODAY Sports in a story published Thursday. “I was human. I was part of it. I’m not proud of it.”

The former Chicago Bears General Manger from 2001-2011 admitted to asking if everyone involved in player domestic disputes were ok, then simply moving on. He admitted to sweeping player physical disputes with their partners under the rug.

In an interview with USA Today Sports in response to criticism of Roger Goodell handling of the Ray Rice incident, Angelo admitted to not reporting cases of domestic violence involving players because disciplinary action would have put his team at a competitive disadvantage.

The Bears released a statement later Thursday denying any knowledge of Angelo’s assertions. “We were surprised by Jerry’s comments and do not know what he is referring to,” the statement read.

This afternoon, Angelo asserted his comments have been twisted.

He said to CSNChicago.com. “When I was making a point to this person, I was making a point that over my 31 years in the National Football League I’ve seen a lot of changes. There were hundreds and hundreds of things over those years that I’ve seen that have gotten better. Domestic violence is one of those. There were no hundreds and hundreds [of cases] of domestic violence. I would have no knowledge of that or have any idea how I would authenticate that. . . . That was never the intent of [the writer’s] conversation with me.”

What would you do if you were on a plane headed to a fantastic destination when all of sudden a fellow passenger sneezes and yells, “I have Ebola, you are all screwed”? A U.S. Airways traveler learned that joking about Ebola is a definite don’t!

The man also screamed, “I’ve been to Africa!” His ill-timed and insensitive “joke” caused his flight from Philadelphia to be held upon arrival in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. A few hours after landing, a medical team boarded the plane wearing protective suits. They took the man to a separate medical facility where he was tested and later cleared of the deadly disease. It was also confirmed that he had not been to Africa.

Ebola has sent many Americans into panic over its deadly effects. Earlier this morning, CNN tweeted a video pointing out other diseases to be worried about other than Ebola because it is not easily contracted. But that hasn’t stop folks from worrying, especially after medical experts revealed that the virus could mutate and become airborne.

The Ministry of Public Health of the Dominican Republic confirmed the case as a false alarm and the unidentified man is being returned home to be retested for final confirmation. Other passengers were held on the plane for hours after the incident.

Someone recorded the plane incident on their smartphone, check it out below:

Rapper Waka Flocka Flame was arrested Friday afternoon after a handgun was found in his carry-on bag during a security check at an Atlanta airport.

According to authorities, the 28-year-old rapper didn’t have a weapons permit. Waka Flocka– whose real name is Juaquin James Malphurs– was charged with carrying a weapon in a prohibited place.

The star was transported to Clayton County jail. He is expected to make an appearance in court on Saturday morning.

Transportation Security Administration spokesman Mark Howell explained that in addition to criminal penalties the TSA reserves the right to impose a fine up to $11,000, depending on the infraction.

Waka is currently gearing up for the release of his third studio album, Flockaveli 2.

An Ohio inmate is campaigning for an early release due to what he’s calling a flaw in sentencing guidelines. Oh, and because he’d like the opportunity to witness LeBron James‘ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Jason Goudlock, 39, of Cleveland, Ohio has served nearly 21 years for aggravated robbery and felonious assault and is once again up for parole. Fox 8 Cleveland reports the inmate is asking the board to consider his plea for an early release.

His letter to the Ohio Parole Board states there was a flaw in sentencing guidelines that has forced him to serve more time behind bars than newer inmates who’ve committed murder. If freed, Goudlock hopes to work with “at-risk youths.”

But he’s got one other reason to campaign for his freedom.

“On the lighter side, I would truly like to witness in person LeBron James’ pursuit of an NBA championship for my beloved hometown,” Goudlock wrote in his letter.

He’ll face the parole board later this month. If he’s denied an early release, he’ll remain behind bars until 2028.

Alpharetta, Ga., –Cricket Wireless announces the launch of its Cricket Community Stars: Salute to Solopreneurs contest to recognize men and women who serve as one-person enterprises and still make it a priority to help their community.

Entry forms are being accepted online now through Oct. 19, 2014, via the Events page. Entrants must provide details on their sole proprietorship business, community involvement and social media presence.

All entries will be reviewed and evaluated by Cricket, then narrowed down to three finalists who will be named 1st-, 2nd- or 3rd-place winners by a panel of judges, and receive prizes as follows: – 1st Place: $5,000, Free Mobile Device with 1 year of Cricket service – 2nd Place: $2,500, Free Mobile Device with six months of Cricket service – 3rd Place: $1,000, Free Mobile Device with three months of Cricket service

Finalists will be announced late-November and must participate in a Cricket-sponsored video recording which will be housed on Cricket’s YouTube channel for finalists’ social media engagement via their respective social media channels. Finalists will be recognized during in-store celebrations on Small Business Saturday which takes place on November 29, 2014.

A panel of judges will review the finalists’ videos and rate the finalists based on their community involvement/improvement, clarity and creativity in sharing their business story, social media engagement, and expressed passion to be named the grand prize winner.

To learn more about Cricket Community Stars: Salute to Solopreneurs or to enter, please visit cricketwireless.mediaroom.com/cricketstars . The contest is open to residents of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

It seems as if Stevie J and Joseline Hernandez will soon be hearing the pitter-patter of little feet around the Jordan household.

In speaking with Milwaukee’s V100.7 Jams, Stevie J revealed the “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” couple are “extending the family,” suggesting that the Puerto Rican princess is expecting.

“We got a new addition with the family too, but I don’t want to say too much, you know?” he told radio host Reggie Smooth. “We’re extending the Jordan family, if you understand what I mean.”

This would be their first child together as a couple. Stevie J has several children from previous relationships.

During the interview, the producer also confirmed the pair’s upcoming reality spin-off in addition to their return to “LHHATL.”

“We gearing up towards the spin-off, me and my wife. We’re going to do Love & Hip Hop and carry that fanbase over to The Jordan Show,” Stevie J said.

Photo courtesy of Moses Robinson/Getty Images North America

Hernandez has yet to confirm or deny the pregnancy.

A health care worker in Texas who had “extensive contact” on “multiple occasions” with an Ebola patient who later died has tested positive for the virus, health officials said Sunday. The news marks the first known case of the disease being contracted or transmitted in the U.S.

A statement posted on the Texas Department of State Health Service’s website said “confirmatory testing will be conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.” Results of the test are expected to be announced later in the day.

A source familiar with the case told CNN the health care worker is a nurse who treated Thomas Eric Duncan, who died Wednesday in Dallas. She was reportedly involved with his second visit to the hospital when he was admitted for treatment. The nurse was wearing protective gear (gown, gloves, mask and shield) as prescribed by the CDC.

“At some point, there was a breach in protocol, and that breach in protocol resulted in this infection,” said Dr. Tom Frieden, the director of the CDC, at a news conference Sunday. “The [Ebola treatment] protocols work. … But we know that even a single lapse or breach can result in infection.”

Officials said the nurse reported a low-grade fever Friday night and was isolated and referred for testing. Chief clinical officer Dan Varga said she is in stable condition. Officials have already interviewed the patient and are identifying any contacts or potential exposures.

The World Health Organization says Ebola spreads through close contact with a symptomatic person’s bodily fluids, such as blood, sweat, vomit, feces, urine, saliva or semen (blood, feces and vomit are the most infectious fluids). The fluids must have an entry point like a cut or scrape. Someone can also contract the disease by touching the nose, mouth or eyes with contaminated hands, or by being splashed.

Photo courtesy of Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Hazardous materials units have cleaned out the nurse’s car and will work on her apartment Sunday. A unit has also cleaned up and decontaminated the public areas of her apartment complex.

Authorities are keeping people out of the area and are talking to nearby residents.