May 2024 - The News

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Nicki Minaj Adds More U.S. Dates for Pink Friday 2 World Tour

May 30, 2024 0



Minaj announced plans for leg two of North America’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour on Wednesday (May 29), as the Queens rapper plots another roundtrip to Gag City this fall.

The Barbz will have their chance at pre-sale tickets starting on Thursday (May 30) on Ticketmaster with the code “social.” The rest of the tickets hit the general public market on Friday at 9 a.m. local show time.

“PRE-SALE STARTS TMRW & TICKETS AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE THIS PINK FRIDAY,” she wrote on Instagram. “Added Miami, Los Angeles, St. Louis, & so many more to the 2nd North American Leg of the #PinkFriday2 #GAGCITY WORLD TOUR. GAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!”

Minaj will kick off leg two in Philadelphia on Sept. 4, with shows on deck for NYC’s Madison Square Garden, Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Miami and wrapping up with a hometown show on Oct. 11 at Long Island’s UBS Arena, which borders Queens.

The 22-date run will bring the Pink Friday 2 World Tour total to more than 80 shows, as she’s currently trekking across Europe.

The Pink Friday 2 World Tour is a record-breaking run, with Minaj now holding the title of the highest grossing rap tour by a woman. The trek is also in the top 10 for highest grossing rap tours of all-time. According to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore earlier in May, the Pink Friday 2 World Tour grossed $67 million and sold 439,000 tickets for the North American leg.

It’s been an eventful last week overseas for Nicki Minaj, who was arrested for allegedly carrying drugs in Amsterdam, which forced her to reschedule her Manchester concert for June.

She also made headlines while paying tribute to the late Princess Diana during her Birmingham, U.K., concert over the weekend, as she held a moment of silence for the Princess of Wales, who was killed in a 1997 car accident.

Find all of the dates to leg two of the Pink Friday 2 World Tour below.

Nicki Minaj
Read More

In historic first, Canada lawmaker addresses legislature in Indigenous language

May 30, 2024 0

 A First Nations lawmaker in Ontario has addressed the province’s legislature in Anishininiimowin, in a “historic” milestone that repudiates a centuries-long colonial “war” on Indigenous languages.



Sol Mamakwa, a New Democratic party member from the community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation, rose on Tuesday to give the province’s first-ever Indigenous language speech in Queen’s Park, telling colleagues the moment left him feeling “thankful and proud”.

Before speaking, Mamakwa asked for the unanimous consent of the house to speak at length in Anishininiimowin, also known as Oji-Cree, receiving applause from lawmakers in response.

“I am speaking for those who couldn’t use their language … and for every Indigenous person in Ontario,” he said. “The language was taken from us by the arrival of the settlers, colonization and residential school. This history removed the children from our ways of life.” He said that children had their mouths washed out with soap for speaking their mother tongue.

Decades of hostile government policies, including the forcible removal of Indigenous children from their families and a system of residential schools, stripped many peoples of their culture and, by extension, their language.



The historic moment follows a decision by Ontario’s government house leader, Paul Calandra, to amend a standing order that previously required lawmakers to use either English or French. Members are now allowed to use an “Indigenous language spoken in Canada” when addressing the speaker or chamber. When Mamakwa spoke, simultaneous translation was available in English and French.

More than two dozen members of Kingfisher Lake First Nation travelled to Toronto to witness the event, standing alongside Indigenous political leaders from across the province.

Although nearly 2 million Canadians identify as Indigenous, only 260,000 can speak an Indigenous language, a government committee found. And of the 58 distinct Indigenous languages spoken throughout the country, a growing number are at risk of disappearing.

While Cree, Ojibwe and Inuktitut have a relatively large number of speakers, others are on the brink of extinction: the Sechelt language, historically spoken in what is now British Columbia, has just four native speakers. In the region of Haida Gwaii, the youngest native Haida speaker is in her 70s.

Mamakwa’s mother, Kezia, who does not speak English, was also in attendance on Tuesday. She was recognized with a standing ovation from lawmakers, and after Mamakwa noted she was celebrating her 79th birthday, the legislature broke into song.

“She used to take me out into the wilderness and on to the land, teaching me the language. That’s why I’m able to speak my First Nations language,” said Mamakwa.

He also acknowledged the influence of his late father, Jerry. “He’s hearing us today,” he said, holding up an eagle feather.

But Mamakwa, who represents the vast, Indigenous-majority electoral district of Kiiwetinoong, said a recent meeting with an elder revealed he is slowly losing his command of Anishininiimowin, hastening the need for more official use of the language.

 Source 

Read More

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's clashes

May 30, 2024 0

 Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's clashes over finances have 'exacerbated' marital issues as the actor is 'worn down' by singer's lifestyle: 'The honeymoon phase has worn off'



Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's martial woes have been 'exacerbated' by rows over their finances, according to a new report about their 'rocky' relationship.

The couple, who married less than two years ago, are apparently taking time apart to work out whether their marriage is 'right for both of them', an insider told Us Weekly.

Their marriage has been under the spotlight in recent weeks, as sources claim they have hit a turbulent patch over their differing lifestyles, with reports stating that Ben has moved out of the couple's $60 million Los Angeles mansion and into a rented $100,000-a-month property in Brentwood

Insisting the 'the honeymoon phase has worn off', the source said their differing approaches to both finances and parenting have taken a toll on their relationship.

Jennifer, 54, who is worth an estimated $400million, is said to have 'started ramping up her work commitments and prepping for her tour', and is 'very focused on her work and overextends herself'.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck 's martial woes have been 'exacerbated' by rows over their finances, according to a new report about their 'rocky' relationship (seen together in February)

Their marriage has been under the spotlight in recent months, as sources claim they have hit a turbulent patch over their differing lifestyles (Jennifer seen on May 20)

Their marriage has been under the spotlight in recent months, as sources claim they have hit a turbulent patch over their differing lifestyles (Jennifer seen on May 20)

The couple, who married less than two years ago, are apparently taking time apart to work out whether their marriage is 'right for both of them' (Ben seen on May 24)

The couple, who married less than two years ago, are apparently taking time apart to work out whether their marriage is 'right for both of them' (Ben seen on May 24) 

JLo is preparing to embark on her This Is Me... Live tour next month in support of her ninth studio album, both of which have faced criticism over disappointing sales. 

The source went on to state that Ben 'doesn't agree with Jennifer's lifestyle' and now feels 'worn down' by their marriage.

Ben is said to have 'checked out' of their relationship and the insider added that he and Jennifer are on 'two completely different pages most of the time.'

Another source close to Jennifer suggested the couple's work commitments have also caused a rift, saying, 'both have demanding careers that often require them to be in different cities.'

With the pair forced to spend time apart in recent months as a result of their careers, the insider said the absence 'highlighted the emotional and physical distance between them.'

They said: 'Over time, Jennifer and Ben found it increasingly difficult to communicate effectively, and small misunderstandings grew into significant arguments.

'They have fundamentally different approaches to conflict', the insider added, explaining that Jennifer prefers to confront issues head-on, while Ben isn't as quick to open up.

Jennifer — who, along with being a musician and actress has a line of successful deals with major brands — is worth a reported $400million while Ben is said to be worth $150million.

Jennifer recently stunned fans by self-financing a three-part project documenting hers and Ben's love story for a whopping $20million. 

Meanwhile Ben has acquired much of his wealth through multi-million dollar film and production deals, but he recently earned $10million to appear in Dunkin' Donuts' Super Bowl ad.

Source

Read More

Murdered Johnny Wactor's distressing final words are revealed by friend who cradled General Hospital star as he bled to death

May 30, 2024 0

 The woman who was with General Hospital star Johnny Wactor when he was tragically killed on Saturday night has recalled his heroic final moments in a heartbreaking series of Instagram posts. 



Anita Joy referred to Wactor, 37, as her friend of 'eight years' and described how he 'fought to stay alive' after being shot at close range as the pair were walking to their cars after finishing a bartending shift at Level 8 in downtown Los Angeles

When they approached their vehicles, they saw three men trying to steal Wactor's car's catalytic converter around 3am. 

'Everything happened in an instant. I've come to describe it as a glass of water that gets tipped over and you're scrambling to grab it and save it from spilling out completely but it just runs through your fingertips and is gone,' Joy wrote. 

'We cautiously approached the men, questioning what they were doing, at first thinking the car was being towed. We were no threat and Johnny kept his cool as he always did, simply stating that it was his car and for them to leave. Hands open to his sides in peace.'

Wactor portrayed Brando Corbin on the ABC soap opera from 2020 to 2022. He also appeared in a variety of films and TV series, including 'Station 19,' 'NCIS,' 'Westworld' and the video game 'Call of Duty: Vanguard.' 

'Johnny was between me and the man who shot him — as I heard the shot ring into the night, he forcefully tumbled back into my arms and as I grabbed for him, I shouted, "Hunny, you ok?!"

'And he only responded, "Nope! Shot!" We toppled onto the street, where I pushed my legs under him and tried to hold his body up while screaming for help and screaming at him to stay with me.'

Joy went on to say that a bouncer from the bar where they worked ran over and performed but the damage was done.

'It was too close range, too extreme of a wound for him to survive it. But my God, he fought to stay.'

Joy added that she finds solace in the fact that she was with him and that Wactor did not die alone but added that remains 'heartbroken and so very angry.'

'My only other peace will be seeing these awful men brought to justice.'

In her posts, Joy showed other pictures of Wactor with the staff of Level 8, calling him 'beautiful, goofy as hell, full of work ethic and values.'

'Johnny had this incredible ability that was truly just his genuine nature — to make anyone and everyone feel so special in his eyes. No matter how well you knew him, he treated everyone like he truly cared about you,' she continued. 

Joy said that the actor's nickname for her was 'Anita Bonita.' 

'I hope the stamp of his voice saying that every time I saw him never leaves my memory. Just one look into his big blue eyes, followed by a big goofy grin, Johnny made you love him instantly. Absolutely one of the best men I've ever known.'

The bartender went on to call on her employers to supplying parking spaces for their late night staff for safety purposes.

Earlier this week, Scarlett Wactor, the GH star's mother, told US Weekly that she had spoken with Joy. 

'[She] was very gracious in speaking with me so I could ask questions. She felt detectives were being very thorough and that made me feel comforted. I'm glad he was not alone,' the grieving mom added. 

 Scarlett went on to say that she's seeking justice for her son and that she does not want his death to become a 'cold case.'

There are still no arrests in the murder.  

Wactor's agent, David Shaul, said the actor was 'a real moral example to everyone who knew him.'

'In the highs and lows of a challenging profession he always kept his chin up and kept striving for the best he could be,' Shaul said in a statement Sunday. 

'Our time with Johnny was a privilege we would wish on everyone. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. After over a decade together, he will leave a hole in our hearts forever.' 

Wactor's murder comes just weeks after California was ranked among the top 10 most dangerous states in America.

Violent crime in Los Angeles has been on the rise, with the LAPD recording a 2.9 per cent increase at the end of March 2024, compared to the same time last year.

The LAPD reported Friday that, as of the end of April, the city's rise in the number of murders in 2024 continued to decline and, as of April 27, was only 4.2 per cent above the number of murders reported at this time in 2023, NBC Los Angeles reported.

The last time the force updated robbery statistics, at the end of March 2024, thefts were up 9.5 per cent, according to ABC 7.

Around 600,000 catalytic converters are stolen each year. Most cars are equipped with one converter but those with a dual exhaust system require two. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks may have more than two.

According to the New York Times, stolen catalytic converters are passed through 'middlemen, smelters and refineries in the United States and overseas.' They can be stolen in under a minute and cost around $1,000 to replace.

 SOURCE 

Read More

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Shannen Doherty credits late co-star Michael Landon for igniting acting passion

May 28, 2024 0

 

Shannen Doherty recently revealed that her time on the beloved television series ‘Little House on the Prairie’ not only shaped her career but also ignited her lifelong passion for acting. 

Doherty, who appeared on the show's final season at the age of 11, discussed this pivotal experience with her mother on her podcast, ‘Let's Be Clear with Shannen Doherty.’

‘Little House’ wasn't just any acting job for the future star. “That show shaped me in so many ways and it still is the best experience of my entire career,” Doherty shared. 

She went on to express her deep respect and appreciation for her co-star, Michael Landon, who played Charles Ingalls. “I adored him,” she said. “He was a mentor. He taught me so much.”

Doherty's positive experience with Landon had a lasting impact. “It's kind of amazing because, when I think about the long span of my career… it was really the experience on Little House that spurred that passion on for being an actor,” she explained. 

She emphasized the importance of Landon's guidance, particularly during challenging moments in her career. “Having a mentor like Michael Landon… he was just unbelievable.”

Doherty's kind words painted a picture of Landon as a talented and caring individual.  “He was so, so, so talented, so kind, so considerate, and it really helped shape me,” she said. “And he was incredibly caring for my entire family.”

Following her memorable role on ‘Little House on the Prairie,’ Shannen Doherty went on to star in numerous television shows and films, solidifying her place in Hollywood.  Some of her most notable projects include ‘Our House,’ ‘Beverly Hills, 90210,’ ‘Charmed,’ and ‘Heathers.’

 SOURCE 

Read More

Dad, 14-year-old son dead following tragic drowning incident at Virginia lake

May 28, 2024 0

 

A man and his 14-year-old son were both pronounced dead Sunday following a tragic drowning incident at Lake Anna in Louisa County. 

According to the Sheriff’s Office, around 1:10 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, deputies and other emergency crews were called to the lake in the area of Carrs Bridge Road for a report of a child drowning.

While on the way, deputies were informed that the child’s father had jumped into the water attempting to rescue his son. Soon after, witnesses saw the 42-year-old dad struggling in the water before losing sight of him shortly after the 14-year-old victim went under. 

Several people went into the water hoping to locate the victims but were unsuccessful. 

LCSO Marine Units, Mineral Vol Fire, Lake Anna Vol Rescue, Department of Wildlife Resources, and Spotsylvania County Fire and EMS Dive Team divers helped to recover the bodies of the father and son, who were pronounced dead on the scene. 

Both are being transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Richmond for examination.

The victims in this tragedy were from out of state, and their names are being withheld, pending notification of next of kin. 

 SOURCE 

Read More

ASML and TSMC Can Disable Chip Machines If China Invades Taiwan

May 28, 2024 0
TSMC is the world's largest chipmaker, and it produces a massive percentage of the world's advanced computer chips—by some estimates over the past few years, even around 90%. What happens if something were to happen in that part of the world to disturb this chipmaking ability? It'd be catastrophic, of course, but TSMC and its main machine supplier, Dutch company ASML, say the machines wouldn't fall into hostile hands.



Citing people close to the matter, Bloomberg reports both TSMC and ASML have ways to disable the lithographic machines located in Taiwan. This kill switch would be able to be remotely activated, should such a drastic action ever be required.

Officials from the US government have reportedly spoken to both companies about what might happen in the event of an invasion, with ASML reassuring officials it was able to stop the machines from falling into the wrong hands
The switch applies to the latest EUV machines out of ASML. These are also some of the most complicated, expensive, and sizable chip-making machines around today. The machines themselves have taken years to develop, and even longer to actually implement, though are now responsible for producing the most intricate and powerful computer chips today.
EUV machines demand highly trained specialists, components, resources and more in order to function properly. It's extremely unlikely these machines could function anywhere near as effectively as they do today when disconnected from large parts of the world's economy, if that were to be the case. Yet this is all planning for hypothetical situations, nothing is certain.

Intel's first High NA EUV tool set up.



This is an Intel-owned ASML High NA EUV machine. It's different to those run by TSMC for the most part—it's still yet to jump on High NA—but good for an idea of what these machines actually look like. (Image credit: Intel)
Concerns over Taiwan's national security are what have ultimately led to increased spending in chip-making facilities in the US and Europe. The CHIPS Act in the US has agreed to pay huge sums to today's largest chip-making companies, including TSMC, Intel, and Samsung, in order to attract fab facilities to be built, maintained, and expanded on US soil. It seems to be working, too. 

Though even by today's optimistic outlooks, a very high percentage of processors will still be manufactured in Taiwan for the foreseeable future.


Read More

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Janhvi Kapoor reveals that she checks her boyfriend's phone

May 26, 2024 0

 Janhvi Kapoor who has been busy promoting her upcoming film Mr and Mrs Mahi has been in the news for a while now because she is absolutely acing the method dressing trend. In a recent interview, Janhvi made an interesting revelation about her personal life.

Janhvi Kapoor

The actress admitted to checking her boyfriend, Shikhar Pahariya’s phone. She did go on to call herself a red flag but also admitted that she cannot help it. During the same interview, when someone in the audience asked Janhvi, “Should boyfriends be allowed to check their girlfriends’ phone?” The actress replied, “No! Don’t you trust us?”


Janhvi Kapoor recently confirmed dating Shikhar Pahariya. The duo, who had broken up earlier but reconciled around Diwali 2022. The Bawaal actress is not shy to show her love for Shikhar and is often spotted donning her famous Shiku necklace.


On the work front, Janhvi’s film Mr and Mrs Mahi will be released in cinemas on May 31. The film also stars Rajkummar Rao. Other than that, she also has a lineup of highly anticipated films like Ulajh, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Devara: Part 1.
Read More

Cate Blanchett’s Cannes red carpet look has a special message

May 26, 2024 0

Cate Blanchett
 

Australian actress and film producer, Cate Blanchett recently made a stunning appearance at the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. She made heads turns at the international platform not only because of her outfit but also for how it presumably consolidated her pre-established political stance on a pressing humanitarian issue.


The Oscar-winning star wore an elegant black and white off-shoulder dress with green lining. Looking at the colour-blocking of the dress, people on the internet instantly pointed out that she is making a political fashion statement. She paired the dress with a chain of pearls that she wore below the neckline, around her chest.


Cate Blanchette


Although speculation about whether the back of her dress was white or a light shade of pink still continues, many couldn't ignore how her dress' colours when seen against the red carpet's backdrop match the colours of the Palestinian flag. This indicated the UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador's solidarity with that of the sovereign state which is currently under war due to conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas.

Read More

First Alert Forecast - Rain and thunderstorms could impact weekend plans

May 26, 2024 0

 

Sunday is a First Alert Weather Day for the dual risk of high winds and high water. Right now, there is a possibility of multiple lines of storms coming through in the PM hours into the late evening. There is a chance of severe thunderstorms, damaging straight-line winds, flooding, and a spin up tornado as we go through the afternoon and evening hours. Stay tuned for updates as we get closer to time, because the question remains how many lines of storms we will receive, or if they will break apart and become scattered.



Memorial Day will start off rainy due to leftover showers/thunderstorms from Sunday, but rain chances begin to die down as we enter the afternoon hours. For Monday, highs will be into the low 80s.

Tuesday we will see mostly sunny skies and temperatures into the high 70s. Mostly sunny conditions stick with us through the rest of the week after that, a few isolated showers in the afternoon hours of each day are possible for this time of the year, but the main story for the middle-end of next week is the decreasing temperatures. By next Friday, we are expected to be back into the low 70s.

Read More