1. Red Carpet Bits: Queen Latifah, Alfre Woodard and Jill Scott
At an afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday, BET.com checked in with some of the cast members from the upcoming TV movie Steel Magnolias, a remake of the 1989 feature film, which premieres October 7.

“My involvement is I switch back and forth,” explains Steel Magnolias executive producer and star Queen Latifah about how she juggles work behind the scenes and in front of the camera. She plays M’Lynn, a role originated by Sally Field. “[As executive producer] I’m in a supporting role in terms of whatever anyone needs to feel comfortable and do a great job. It’s really that simple. It’s about working hard and setting a tone for the director, cast and crew, trying to solve problems. We had an 18-day shoot so there wasn’t a lot of time to get things right. I also come in with a couple of jokes, play the house music in the trailer and the hip hop [Laughs]. But once we start shooting and rehearsing, I have to put my acting cap on.” [MORE]

2. Solange Gets Sexy for Lurve Magazine
Feast your eyes on this slick editorial spotlighting Solange’s sensual side. We didn’t see much of the Madewell spokes model during New York Fashion Week, but she’s making up for missed time in her latest spread for Lurve magazine, shot by Ellen von Unwerth and styled by Lyna V. Ahanda.

From a beaded bodice, coupled with gaudy chandelier earrings, to a seductive shot in a high-slit backless gown and floppy hat, Solo gives us face and body along with her thoughts on hair and fashion. [MORE]

3. Are More Young People Insured Today Because of Obamacare?
Got insurance?

Well, according to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, more young people had health insurance in 2011 than they did in 2010. This is great news for African-Americans, given that we are disproportionately uninsured and disproportionately suffer from poor health. [MORE]

4. Obama Says He and Jay-Z Share a Bond
While Republican Mitt Romney’s campaign spent Tuesday focused on damage control and deflecting criticism from the right about his secretly recorded comments that painted an unflattering picture of 47 percent of Americans, President Obama attended two fundraisers in New York City and paid a visit to late night host David Letterman.

Perhaps the highlight of the president’s trip was a $40,000-per-ticket fundraiser hosted by music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z, held at the hip hop mogul’s 40/40 Club. About 100 people, who sipped on wine and champagne and nibbled on finger food, attended the event, according a pool report provided by the White House press corps. [MORE]

5. HBCUs Get $228 Million in Grants
The Department of Education is doling out the funds to help 97 HBCUs with everything from new facilites to counseling programs. [MORE]

TAGS: 40/40 Club, BET.com, Beverly Hills, Beyonce, David Letterman, Department of Education, Ellen von Unwerth, Four Seasons Hotel, fundraiser, grants, HBCU, Health, insurance, Jay-Z, Lifetime Network, Lurve Magazine, Lyna V. Ahanda, M'Lynn, Madewell, Mitt Romney, NYFW, Obamacare, Queen Latifah, Sally Field, Solange, Steel Magnolias, young people