#MAGFAB: Dua Lipa for Billboard Global No.1s Debut Issue
Dua Lipa’s list of 2024 musical accomplishments is comically long. In this year alone she’s done — deep breath — the following: released her third studio album, Radical Optimism; kicked off her biggest global tour yet; played a coveted Glastonbury Festival headline slot, the first British woman to do so since 2016; filmed a TV special at London’s Royal Albert Hall; performed onstage with Cher, Elton John and Chris Stapleton; and made a playful cameo on Charli xcx’s remixed version of brat.
“It’s honestly been the best year of my life. I’ve done things that I’ve wanted to do for so long,” Lipa tells Billboard U.K. with a laugh on a video call. She’s in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when we speak, where she’s playing two nights at the city’s Axiata Arena. The run of dates in Asia, which has included stops in Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul and Bangkok, is her first in the region in six years. The crowds have been so “loud and fun,” she says, and she’s been “blown away” by their enthusiasm.
“There came a point in the year where I was thinking, ‘I’ve got to sit down and write some new dreams and new plans and other things I wanted to do,’ ” she says. “I feel like I ticked so many of my boxes this year. It’s amazing.”
In May, the British Albanian artist released Radical Optimism (Warner), which peaked at No. 1 on the United Kingdom’s Official Albums Chart upon release and had the biggest opening week by a British female artist since Adele’s 30 in 2021. The record went to No. 1 throughout mainland Europe in Spain, France, The Netherlands and more, and hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200, her highest debut on the U.S. charts to date. Lead single “Houdini,” meanwhile, enjoyed a 17-week reign on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
The 29-year-old is a fitting entry for Billboard U.K. in Billboard’s inaugural Global No. 1s series celebrating the biggest and most successful artists internationally over the past year.
Seven months after the album’s release, Lipa looks back fondly on recording it with the stellar house band that included Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, hyperpop hero Danny L Harle, superproducer Andrew Wyatt and star songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr., along with her accomplished previous collaborators Caroline Ailin and Ian Kirkpatrick. Lipa has said it was inspired by Parker’s Tame Impala work and, speaking to Rolling Stone in February, dubbed it a “psychedelic-pop-infused tribute to U.K. rave culture.” A noticeable shimmy away from her disco-infused single “Dance the Night,” which appeared in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie film, Radical Optimism showed flashes of the turn-of-the-millennium French touch scene (“End of an Era”) and Parker’s signature psych-pop (“Training Season”).
Lipa sketched the blueprint for Radical Optimism following the success of her monster second album, 2020’s Future Nostalgia, which later spawned several hits, including “Levitating,” which was named the biggest song of 2021 on Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 chart. The set, which found an enthusiastic worldwide audience with its playful disco sheen during the COVID-19 lockdown, won best pop vocal album at the Grammys in 2021.
“Future Nostalgia doing what it did allowed me to grow as an artist, to push boundaries and change. It allowed me to have the confidence to make Radical Optimism,” Lipa tells Billboard U.K. “It gave me the freedom and confidence to be like, ‘You know who I really want to make an album with? Kevin Parker. And I want to do something a bit different; I want to work with Danny L Harle and experiment with my sound, do a different vocal performance and make pop music but allow that to live in another sonic world.’ It’s been fun to shape-shift.”
In October, the songs received the ultimate stress test with a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where she enlisted the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, conducted by Ben Foster; 14 choristers; and her regular touring band for a bombastic, glitzy night at the capital’s most iconic music venue. She performed Radical Optimism in full, utilizing the brass section to give new heft to songs like “Houdini,” while elegant strings added another dimension to “French Exit” and “These Walls.” The in-the-round performance was captured for a TV special, An Evening With Dua Lipa (which aired Dec. 8 on ITV in the United Kingdom and will air Dec. 15 on CBS in the United States), and a live album, Dua Lipa Live at the Royal Albert Hall (out now).
“When we were in rehearsals, there was nothing quite like it: Those orchestral instrumentations just shook me to the core,” Lipa recalls. “Feeling my music in such a way that was so moving, it made me fall in love with music all over again.”
During the concert’s encore, John joined Lipa — the first time they performed live together — to sing their collaboration, “Cold Heart,” which topped charts globally upon release in 2021 (in its PNAU remix) and interpolates multiple John songs.
“Obviously Elton is no stranger to the Albert Hall himself and it felt like such a chic and elegant night, so I needed my most chic and fabulous friend to come and join me. He immediately said yes,” she says. “One thing about Elton is that he always shows up for his friends. He’s super loyal… he’s just always been there, lending his ear and being so supportive.”
“It’s honestly been the best year of my life. I’ve done things that I’ve wanted to do for so long,” Lipa tells Billboard U.K. with a laugh on a video call. She’s in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, when we speak, where she’s playing two nights at the city’s Axiata Arena. The run of dates in Asia, which has included stops in Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul and Bangkok, is her first in the region in six years. The crowds have been so “loud and fun,” she says, and she’s been “blown away” by their enthusiasm.
“There came a point in the year where I was thinking, ‘I’ve got to sit down and write some new dreams and new plans and other things I wanted to do,’ ” she says. “I feel like I ticked so many of my boxes this year. It’s amazing.”
In May, the British Albanian artist released Radical Optimism (Warner), which peaked at No. 1 on the United Kingdom’s Official Albums Chart upon release and had the biggest opening week by a British female artist since Adele’s 30 in 2021. The record went to No. 1 throughout mainland Europe in Spain, France, The Netherlands and more, and hit No. 2 on the Billboard 200, her highest debut on the U.S. charts to date. Lead single “Houdini,” meanwhile, enjoyed a 17-week reign on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart.
The 29-year-old is a fitting entry for Billboard U.K. in Billboard’s inaugural Global No. 1s series celebrating the biggest and most successful artists internationally over the past year.
Seven months after the album’s release, Lipa looks back fondly on recording it with the stellar house band that included Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, hyperpop hero Danny L Harle, superproducer Andrew Wyatt and star songwriter Tobias Jesso Jr., along with her accomplished previous collaborators Caroline Ailin and Ian Kirkpatrick. Lipa has said it was inspired by Parker’s Tame Impala work and, speaking to Rolling Stone in February, dubbed it a “psychedelic-pop-infused tribute to U.K. rave culture.” A noticeable shimmy away from her disco-infused single “Dance the Night,” which appeared in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie film, Radical Optimism showed flashes of the turn-of-the-millennium French touch scene (“End of an Era”) and Parker’s signature psych-pop (“Training Season”).
Lipa sketched the blueprint for Radical Optimism following the success of her monster second album, 2020’s Future Nostalgia, which later spawned several hits, including “Levitating,” which was named the biggest song of 2021 on Billboard’s year-end Hot 100 chart. The set, which found an enthusiastic worldwide audience with its playful disco sheen during the COVID-19 lockdown, won best pop vocal album at the Grammys in 2021.
“Future Nostalgia doing what it did allowed me to grow as an artist, to push boundaries and change. It allowed me to have the confidence to make Radical Optimism,” Lipa tells Billboard U.K. “It gave me the freedom and confidence to be like, ‘You know who I really want to make an album with? Kevin Parker. And I want to do something a bit different; I want to work with Danny L Harle and experiment with my sound, do a different vocal performance and make pop music but allow that to live in another sonic world.’ It’s been fun to shape-shift.”
In October, the songs received the ultimate stress test with a performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where she enlisted the 53-piece Heritage Orchestra, conducted by Ben Foster; 14 choristers; and her regular touring band for a bombastic, glitzy night at the capital’s most iconic music venue. She performed Radical Optimism in full, utilizing the brass section to give new heft to songs like “Houdini,” while elegant strings added another dimension to “French Exit” and “These Walls.” The in-the-round performance was captured for a TV special, An Evening With Dua Lipa (which aired Dec. 8 on ITV in the United Kingdom and will air Dec. 15 on CBS in the United States), and a live album, Dua Lipa Live at the Royal Albert Hall (out now).
“When we were in rehearsals, there was nothing quite like it: Those orchestral instrumentations just shook me to the core,” Lipa recalls. “Feeling my music in such a way that was so moving, it made me fall in love with music all over again.”
During the concert’s encore, John joined Lipa — the first time they performed live together — to sing their collaboration, “Cold Heart,” which topped charts globally upon release in 2021 (in its PNAU remix) and interpolates multiple John songs.
“Obviously Elton is no stranger to the Albert Hall himself and it felt like such a chic and elegant night, so I needed my most chic and fabulous friend to come and join me. He immediately said yes,” she says. “One thing about Elton is that he always shows up for his friends. He’s super loyal… he’s just always been there, lending his ear and being so supportive.”
#RIP: Jimmy Carter, 39th US president and celebrated humanitarian, has died at 100
Former President Jimmy Carter, honored more widely for his humanitarian work around the globe after his presidency than for his White House tenure during a tumultuous time, has died. He was 100.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Carter died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. In November 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize-winner's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, also passed away in the modest house they built together in 1961, when he had taken over his father's peanut warehouse business and was only beginning to consider a political career.
In February 2023, he had announced he was ending medical intervention and moving to hospice care.
Jason Carter had visited his grandparents at the time of the announcement and said "They are at peace and – as always – their home is full of love," he posted on Twitter.
At peace, perhaps, but still political: The former president vowed he wanted to cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
After serving a single term in the White House, Jimmy Carter became one of the most durable figures in modern American politics. Evicted from the White House at age 56, he would hold the status of former president longer than anyone in U.S. history, and in 2019 he surpassed George H. W. Bush as the nation's oldest living ex-president.
Carter remained remarkably active in charitable causes through a series of health challenges during his final years, including a bout with brain cancer in 2015. He was admitted to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta in November 2019 for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain, a consequence of bleeding that followed a series of falls. A few months earlier, in May, he had undergone surgery after breaking his hip.
In the White House from 1977 to 1981, Carter negotiated the landmark Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt, transferred the Panama Canal to Panamanian ownership, dramatically expanded public lands in Alaska and established formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
But the 39th president governed at a time of soaring inflation and gasoline shortages, and his failure to secure the release of Americans held hostage by Iran helped cost him the second term he sought.
“He’s never going to be ranked as a great president; he’s middling as a president,” said historian Douglas Brinkley, author of a 1998 book on Carter, "The Unfinished Presidency." “But as an American figure, he’s a giant.”
After losing his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, and until well into his 90s, Carter continued working as an observer of elections in developing countries, building houses through the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity and teaching Sunday school at the tiny Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, his hometown.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, 22 years after he left the White House.
"I can't deny that I was a better ex-president than I was a president," he said with a wry laugh at a breakfast with reporters in Washington in 2005.
"My former boss was humiliated when he lost in 1980; he felt he let himself and the American people down," David Rubenstein, a young White House staffer for Carter who became founder of the Carlyle Group and a billionaire philanthropist, told USA TODAY in an interview in 2019.
"For a long time, he was basically the symbol of a weak president and a terrible person. And today, 40-some years later, he's seen as a very incredible person who has had many good things he did, though he didn't get reelected," Rubenstein said.
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains to Earl Carter, a peanut warehouser who had served in the Georgia Legislature, and “Miss Lillian” Carter, a registered nurse and formidable figure who joined the Peace Corps when she was in her 60s.
He grew up on a peanut farm in Plains, then graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. In the years after World War II, he served in the Navy's submarine service in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. After doing graduate work in nuclear physics, he became a pioneer in the introduction of nuclear power in submarines.
When his father died in 1953, Carter resigned his naval commission and took over operation of the family peanut farms with Rosalynn, his hometown sweetheart. After a rough early patch, the business flourished, and Carter became increasingly active in community affairs and politics.
During two terms in the Georgia state Senate, he gained a reputation as an independent voice who attacked wasteful government practices and helped repeal laws designed to discourage Black Americans from voting.
But in 1966, he lost a race for governor to segregationist Lester Maddox in an election that analysts said reflected a Southern backlash against national civil rights legislation enacted in 1964 and 1965. In a second bid for governor in 1970, Carter minimized his appearances before Black audiences and won endorsements from some segregationists.
After he was elected, though, Carter declared that the era of segregation in Georgia was over, and he was hailed as a symbol of a new, more inclusive South.
Still, he was an unlikely presidential contender. When he launched his bid for the 1976 Democratic nomination, the former one-term governor was so obscure outside the Peach State that “Jimmy who?” became a campaign trope. He perfected the meticulous cultivation of voters in Iowa, and his unexpected victory in the opening presidential caucuses there provided a launching pad that long-shot contenders tried to emulate for decades.
The Watergate scandal boosted Carter's prospects. In the aftermath of President Richard Nixon’s decision to resign in 1974 rather than be impeached, Carter pitched himself to voters as an outsider who would reject Washington’s unsavory ways. “I’ll never lie to you,” he told them.
In 1976, he narrowly defeated President Gerald Ford, whose campaign was damaged by verbal missteps and by controversy over his decision to pardon Nixon.
Four years later, Carter would be ousted himself. He faced a damaging challenge for the Democratic nomination from the left by Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy and then a landslide defeat in the general election from the right by Reagan.
The former California governor tapped into discontent with Carter’s leadership. “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” Reagan asked voters in the iconic closing of their only campaign debate.
Carter left the White House, but he didn’t retire.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter established the Carter Center in Atlanta, their home base for decades as they worked on global health and democracy. He helped negotiate an end to the long civil war in Nicaragua between the Contra rebels and the Sandinistas. He met with North Korean leaders to try to end its nuclear weapons program. He mediated conflicts in Ethiopia, Liberia, Haiti, Bosnia, Sudan, Uganda and Venezuela. He led dozens of delegations of international observers to various countries to help assure elections were free and fair.
For decades, the Carter Center also led an international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease, a devastating tropical ailment that in 1986 afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia. In 2020, it was on the verge of eradication; just 27 cases were reported in six African countries.
For a week each year, the Carters volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, a charitable group that renovates and builds homes for poor people around the world.
He also wrote more than 30 books – controversial ones on the Palestinian territories and the Middle East and less controversial ones on Christmas memories and fly-fishing. He published a collection of his poems and a collection of his paintings. Again and again, he returned to writing about the lessons and demands of his Christian faith.
Carter, who attended Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, at times criticized the 45th president. In June 2019, at a Carter Center conference in suburban Virginia, he questioned the legitimacy of Trump's election, citing allegations of Russian interference that were later called into question.
But there were also times when Carter reached out to Trump. On the 40th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.-China relations, in 2019, he sent Trump a letter offering advice on managing that relationship. Carter said the phone conversation that followed was the first time the two men had spoken.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that supporters thought he had deserved years earlier, when it had been presented to Begin and Sadat. The Nobel committee honored Carter "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development."
"The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices," Carter said in accepting the prestigious award. "God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes – and we must."
Friendly skies: Jimmy Carter shakes hands of every passenger on his flight
When he left the White House, Carter moved back home to Plains. Unlike most other modern presidents, he didn't choose to make money by delivering high-priced speeches or serving on corporate boards. But he did regularly speak to hundreds of visitors who would gather for his Sunday school class at Maranatha Baptist Church.
In November 2019, he told those gathered that he didn't fear death.
"It's incompatible for any Christian not to believe in life after death," Carter, then 95, told them, although he acknowledged he had wrestled with doubts throughout his life. In his prayers, he said, "I didn't ask God to let me live, but I just asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death."
In July 2021, he and his wife hosted a 75th anniversary party in Plains attended by about 300 friends, family members and fellow pols, among them Bill and Hillary Clinton. Carter, his fragility apparent, made a point of greeting the guests at each table for what many of them assumed would be the last time they saw him.
"He was not a self-promoter in the White House or afterwards, and I think that hurt, because it leaves all the sour tastes from the failures and didn't allow the positives to shine through," Eizenstat said. When Eizenstat visited Carter in Plains in 2018, Carter told his former aide he was comfortable with letting history judge.
As he approached his 90th birthday, Carter mused about his legacy in an interview with USA TODAY.
"One is peace," he said. "I kept peace when I was president and I try to promote peace between other people and us, and between countries that were potentially at war, between Israel and Egypt for instance. And human rights. ... I think human rights and peace are the two things I'd like to be remembered for – as well as being a good grandfather."
Former President Jimmy Carter, honored more widely for his humanitarian work around the globe after his presidency than for his White House tenure during a tumultuous time, has died. He was 100.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Carter died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. In November 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize-winner's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, also passed away in the modest house they built together in 1961, when he had taken over his father's peanut warehouse business and was only beginning to consider a political career.
In February 2023, he had announced he was ending medical intervention and moving to hospice care.
Jason Carter had visited his grandparents at the time of the announcement and said "They are at peace and – as always – their home is full of love," he posted on Twitter.
At peace, perhaps, but still political: The former president vowed he wanted to cast a ballot for Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
After serving a single term in the White House, Jimmy Carter became one of the most durable figures in modern American politics. Evicted from the White House at age 56, he would hold the status of former president longer than anyone in U.S. history, and in 2019 he surpassed George H. W. Bush as the nation's oldest living ex-president.
Carter remained remarkably active in charitable causes through a series of health challenges during his final years, including a bout with brain cancer in 2015. He was admitted to Emory University Hospital in Atlanta in November 2019 for a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain, a consequence of bleeding that followed a series of falls. A few months earlier, in May, he had undergone surgery after breaking his hip.
In the White House from 1977 to 1981, Carter negotiated the landmark Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt, transferred the Panama Canal to Panamanian ownership, dramatically expanded public lands in Alaska and established formal diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China.
But the 39th president governed at a time of soaring inflation and gasoline shortages, and his failure to secure the release of Americans held hostage by Iran helped cost him the second term he sought.
“He’s never going to be ranked as a great president; he’s middling as a president,” said historian Douglas Brinkley, author of a 1998 book on Carter, "The Unfinished Presidency." “But as an American figure, he’s a giant.”
After losing his reelection bid to Ronald Reagan, and until well into his 90s, Carter continued working as an observer of elections in developing countries, building houses through the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity and teaching Sunday school at the tiny Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia, his hometown.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, 22 years after he left the White House.
"I can't deny that I was a better ex-president than I was a president," he said with a wry laugh at a breakfast with reporters in Washington in 2005.
"My former boss was humiliated when he lost in 1980; he felt he let himself and the American people down," David Rubenstein, a young White House staffer for Carter who became founder of the Carlyle Group and a billionaire philanthropist, told USA TODAY in an interview in 2019.
"For a long time, he was basically the symbol of a weak president and a terrible person. And today, 40-some years later, he's seen as a very incredible person who has had many good things he did, though he didn't get reelected," Rubenstein said.
James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains to Earl Carter, a peanut warehouser who had served in the Georgia Legislature, and “Miss Lillian” Carter, a registered nurse and formidable figure who joined the Peace Corps when she was in her 60s.
He grew up on a peanut farm in Plains, then graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. In the years after World War II, he served in the Navy's submarine service in the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. After doing graduate work in nuclear physics, he became a pioneer in the introduction of nuclear power in submarines.
When his father died in 1953, Carter resigned his naval commission and took over operation of the family peanut farms with Rosalynn, his hometown sweetheart. After a rough early patch, the business flourished, and Carter became increasingly active in community affairs and politics.
During two terms in the Georgia state Senate, he gained a reputation as an independent voice who attacked wasteful government practices and helped repeal laws designed to discourage Black Americans from voting.
But in 1966, he lost a race for governor to segregationist Lester Maddox in an election that analysts said reflected a Southern backlash against national civil rights legislation enacted in 1964 and 1965. In a second bid for governor in 1970, Carter minimized his appearances before Black audiences and won endorsements from some segregationists.
After he was elected, though, Carter declared that the era of segregation in Georgia was over, and he was hailed as a symbol of a new, more inclusive South.
Still, he was an unlikely presidential contender. When he launched his bid for the 1976 Democratic nomination, the former one-term governor was so obscure outside the Peach State that “Jimmy who?” became a campaign trope. He perfected the meticulous cultivation of voters in Iowa, and his unexpected victory in the opening presidential caucuses there provided a launching pad that long-shot contenders tried to emulate for decades.
The Watergate scandal boosted Carter's prospects. In the aftermath of President Richard Nixon’s decision to resign in 1974 rather than be impeached, Carter pitched himself to voters as an outsider who would reject Washington’s unsavory ways. “I’ll never lie to you,” he told them.
In 1976, he narrowly defeated President Gerald Ford, whose campaign was damaged by verbal missteps and by controversy over his decision to pardon Nixon.
Four years later, Carter would be ousted himself. He faced a damaging challenge for the Democratic nomination from the left by Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy and then a landslide defeat in the general election from the right by Reagan.
The former California governor tapped into discontent with Carter’s leadership. “Are you better off than you were four years ago?” Reagan asked voters in the iconic closing of their only campaign debate.
Carter left the White House, but he didn’t retire.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter established the Carter Center in Atlanta, their home base for decades as they worked on global health and democracy. He helped negotiate an end to the long civil war in Nicaragua between the Contra rebels and the Sandinistas. He met with North Korean leaders to try to end its nuclear weapons program. He mediated conflicts in Ethiopia, Liberia, Haiti, Bosnia, Sudan, Uganda and Venezuela. He led dozens of delegations of international observers to various countries to help assure elections were free and fair.
For decades, the Carter Center also led an international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease, a devastating tropical ailment that in 1986 afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia. In 2020, it was on the verge of eradication; just 27 cases were reported in six African countries.
For a week each year, the Carters volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, a charitable group that renovates and builds homes for poor people around the world.
He also wrote more than 30 books – controversial ones on the Palestinian territories and the Middle East and less controversial ones on Christmas memories and fly-fishing. He published a collection of his poems and a collection of his paintings. Again and again, he returned to writing about the lessons and demands of his Christian faith.
Carter, who attended Donald Trump's inauguration in 2017, at times criticized the 45th president. In June 2019, at a Carter Center conference in suburban Virginia, he questioned the legitimacy of Trump's election, citing allegations of Russian interference that were later called into question.
But there were also times when Carter reached out to Trump. On the 40th anniversary of the normalization of U.S.-China relations, in 2019, he sent Trump a letter offering advice on managing that relationship. Carter said the phone conversation that followed was the first time the two men had spoken.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that supporters thought he had deserved years earlier, when it had been presented to Begin and Sadat. The Nobel committee honored Carter "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights and to promote economic and social development."
"The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices," Carter said in accepting the prestigious award. "God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes – and we must."
Friendly skies: Jimmy Carter shakes hands of every passenger on his flight
When he left the White House, Carter moved back home to Plains. Unlike most other modern presidents, he didn't choose to make money by delivering high-priced speeches or serving on corporate boards. But he did regularly speak to hundreds of visitors who would gather for his Sunday school class at Maranatha Baptist Church.
In November 2019, he told those gathered that he didn't fear death.
"It's incompatible for any Christian not to believe in life after death," Carter, then 95, told them, although he acknowledged he had wrestled with doubts throughout his life. In his prayers, he said, "I didn't ask God to let me live, but I just asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death. And I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death."
In July 2021, he and his wife hosted a 75th anniversary party in Plains attended by about 300 friends, family members and fellow pols, among them Bill and Hillary Clinton. Carter, his fragility apparent, made a point of greeting the guests at each table for what many of them assumed would be the last time they saw him.
"He was not a self-promoter in the White House or afterwards, and I think that hurt, because it leaves all the sour tastes from the failures and didn't allow the positives to shine through," Eizenstat said. When Eizenstat visited Carter in Plains in 2018, Carter told his former aide he was comfortable with letting history judge.
As he approached his 90th birthday, Carter mused about his legacy in an interview with USA TODAY.
"One is peace," he said. "I kept peace when I was president and I try to promote peace between other people and us, and between countries that were potentially at war, between Israel and Egypt for instance. And human rights. ... I think human rights and peace are the two things I'd like to be remembered for – as well as being a good grandfather."
Rest Easy Sir, You've earned your wings!
#RHOA: Porsha Williams Gave Her House a Jaw-Dropping Transformation for a Special Reason
Porsha Williams really got into the holiday spirit this year, as evidenced by the decor in her Atlanta house. It also helps that The Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member's daughter, Pilar Jhena "PJ" Mckinley (who she shares with her ex-fiancé, Dennis McKinley) celebrated her fifth Christmas this year. And its obvious that both mother and daughter could not have been more excited.
Porsha took to her Instagram account throughout the month, where she shared so many photos and videos of her many Christmas trees, garland, and color schemes throughout the house, decorated with the help of Atlanta designer, Akeem Clayton.
Porsha first showed off her "tree number 1" — a super tall Christmas tree at the base of her staircase, decorated to the nines with white lights, red bows, red flowers, red ornaments, and red feathers sticking out of the top. She also had green garland attached to the railing of the staircase with red bows, and placed red boxes around the base of the tree. It's chic, it's bold, and it's so Porsha.
Porsha took to her Instagram account throughout the month, where she shared so many photos and videos of her many Christmas trees, garland, and color schemes throughout the house, decorated with the help of Atlanta designer, Akeem Clayton.
Porsha first showed off her "tree number 1" — a super tall Christmas tree at the base of her staircase, decorated to the nines with white lights, red bows, red flowers, red ornaments, and red feathers sticking out of the top. She also had green garland attached to the railing of the staircase with red bows, and placed red boxes around the base of the tree. It's chic, it's bold, and it's so Porsha.
Porsha continued the red theme throughout her dining room, tying red bows and garland onto the lights over the table, lighting up the garland and candles standing in the middle of the table. However, she did not continue the gorgeous red theme throughout the entire home, changing things up in the best way possible.
Porsha then showed off her massive open living room adorned with a number of white-and-gold decorations. In the photos, the second and third super tall Christmas trees can be seen decorated with white flowers, in addition to gold and silver bows and ornaments covering every inch of them. This time, she opted for surrounding the trees with white orchids, gold reindeer statues, and white presents tied with gold bows.
She continued this setup around the mantel of her fireplace, on her coffee table, and the railings of her staircase and upper level. And just in case the interior wasn't gorgeous enough, she added a larger than life nutcracker outside of the home to greet her guests. So cute.
It's clear that Porsha did the most to make this holiday season so special for her daughter. She took to her Instagram feed the day after Christmas, where she posted a video, showing off just how much fun PJ had on her fifth Christmas.
In the video, PJ can be seen bounding down the white-and-gold decorated staircase to open her presents under both white and gold Christmas trees. Santa Claus added more presents under the Christmas tree, choosing a bright pink Barbie wrapping paper. "Merry Christmas from me and mine," Porsha wrote in the caption of the post.
One day before PJ unwrapped her presents, she anticipated Santa's arrival. In a video posted to Porsha's Instagram feed on Christmas Eve, PJ can be seen wearing festive pajamas, and baking cookies (topped with extra chocolate). While waiting for the cookies to bake, PJ danced and even wrote a letter to Santa.
The little girl then left Santa a note, a bouquet of red roses, a gift basket, a glass of chocolate milk, and the cookies that she made for him. "My baby goes all out for Santa!" Porsha wrote in the caption of the post.
"Too sweet," she added. "She's a giver like Mommy and Dad. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."
#MusicNews: Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton Schedule Joint Tour Dates For 2025
Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton have a lot in common. They’re from North Carolina, they’ve both won GRAMMY Awards and they’re two of the most soulful singers in the game. Something new to add to their list of commonalities is that they’re going on tour together in 2025.
This joint tour is being presented by North American Entertainment Group, the masterminds behind Eric Benét, Joe and Musiq Soulchild’s forthcoming R&B Invitation Tour. Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton’s outing doesn’t have an official title, but their names are all these two incredible talents need to sell tickets and sell-out shows.
Six Southern cities are on their itinerary. Scheduled to begin March 28th in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Anthony and Fantasia will move on to visit arenas and coliseums in Biloxi, Charleston, Raleigh, Orlando and Jacksonville, where the tour will end on April 26th. It’s currently unknown if more cities and dates will be added to this tour, but fans in other areas are encouraged to cross their fingers and stay tuned.
If you’re ready to lock in tickets to any of these six concerts, they’re currently on sale via Ticketmaster. Good seats that fit every budget are available in all cities. View the tour flyer, locations and dates below.
Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton 2025 Tour dates:
Fri, March 28 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Sat, March 29 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Fri, April 4 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
Sat, April 5 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center (formerly known as PNC Arena)
Fri, April 25 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena
Sat, April 26 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
This joint tour is being presented by North American Entertainment Group, the masterminds behind Eric Benét, Joe and Musiq Soulchild’s forthcoming R&B Invitation Tour. Fantasia and Anthony Hamilton’s outing doesn’t have an official title, but their names are all these two incredible talents need to sell tickets and sell-out shows.
Six Southern cities are on their itinerary. Scheduled to begin March 28th in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Anthony and Fantasia will move on to visit arenas and coliseums in Biloxi, Charleston, Raleigh, Orlando and Jacksonville, where the tour will end on April 26th. It’s currently unknown if more cities and dates will be added to this tour, but fans in other areas are encouraged to cross their fingers and stay tuned.
If you’re ready to lock in tickets to any of these six concerts, they’re currently on sale via Ticketmaster. Good seats that fit every budget are available in all cities. View the tour flyer, locations and dates below.
Fantasia & Anthony Hamilton 2025 Tour dates:
Fri, March 28 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Sat, March 29 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
Fri, April 4 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum
Sat, April 5 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center (formerly known as PNC Arena)
Fri, April 25 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena
Sat, April 26 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
#HipHopNews: OG Maco Dies At 32, Just Weeks After Hospitalization For Alleged Suicide Attempt
After weeks in the hospital recovering from an alleged suicide attempt, OG Maco has died at age 32.
According to TMZ, the “U Guessed It” artist died on Thursday (Dec. 26) after being admitted on Dec. 12. Sources shared that he fell into a coma and was never able to recover after entering critical condition. "Doctors had been struggling to get a proper brain scan in attempts to flush out all the toxins in Maco's system since he was admitted earlier in the month," the outlet noted.
Family flew in to be by the rapper’s side at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was initially transported after being “found unresponsive” in his home. A neighbor called the police after hearing a gunshot, with the authorities also recovering a firearm from the scene.
In a statement issued via the Georgia native's Instagram account earlier in the month, his family said, “We want to inform OG Maco’s fans, friends and supporters that he is currently in critical but stable condition. He is receiving the best possible care, and we are staying hopeful as he continues to fight.”
“At this time, we kindly ask that you respect our privacy, but if you would like to send any messages or have anything you wish to get to the family, please reach out via DM,” they continued. “Please note all official updates regarding OG Maco’s health will come directly from his official social media accounts.”
Following the massive success of “U Guessed It” in 2014, OG Maco went on to release records like “12 Bricks” and the Migos-assisted “F**KEMx3.” Though the late musician’s time with Quality Control Music was short-lived, he eventually went on to land the XXL Freshman Class of 2015.
Things tragically went downhill from there, with OG Maco losing his eye in a near-fatal car accident in 2016. By 2019, he was diagnosed with a skin-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis.
According to TMZ, the “U Guessed It” artist died on Thursday (Dec. 26) after being admitted on Dec. 12. Sources shared that he fell into a coma and was never able to recover after entering critical condition. "Doctors had been struggling to get a proper brain scan in attempts to flush out all the toxins in Maco's system since he was admitted earlier in the month," the outlet noted.
Family flew in to be by the rapper’s side at Los Angeles’ Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was initially transported after being “found unresponsive” in his home. A neighbor called the police after hearing a gunshot, with the authorities also recovering a firearm from the scene.
In a statement issued via the Georgia native's Instagram account earlier in the month, his family said, “We want to inform OG Maco’s fans, friends and supporters that he is currently in critical but stable condition. He is receiving the best possible care, and we are staying hopeful as he continues to fight.”
“At this time, we kindly ask that you respect our privacy, but if you would like to send any messages or have anything you wish to get to the family, please reach out via DM,” they continued. “Please note all official updates regarding OG Maco’s health will come directly from his official social media accounts.”
Following the massive success of “U Guessed It” in 2014, OG Maco went on to release records like “12 Bricks” and the Migos-assisted “F**KEMx3.” Though the late musician’s time with Quality Control Music was short-lived, he eventually went on to land the XXL Freshman Class of 2015.
Things tragically went downhill from there, with OG Maco losing his eye in a near-fatal car accident in 2016. By 2019, he was diagnosed with a skin-eating disease called necrotizing fasciitis.
Beyoncé’s mom slams ‘ridiculous’ criticism of her daughter’s Christmas Day Halftime NFL show
Beyoncé’s mother has slammed “ridiculous” criticism of her daughter’s Christmas Day Halftime NFL show.
Tina Knowles’ pop sensation daughter, 43, performed for 13 minutes on the field at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston on 25 December at the halfway point of the Ravens clash against the Texans, alongside guests Shaboozey, Post Malone and her 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy.
After she was hit by trolling over the show, Tina Knowles ranted on Instagram about the criticism in a reply to one of her daughter’s fans.
The fan had written: “No matter how undeniably talented you are, people will always, ALWAYS, always have something negative-ish to say.
Beyoncé’s mother has slammed “ridiculous” criticism of her daughter’s Christmas Day Halftime NFL show.
Tina Knowles’ pop sensation daughter, 43, performed for 13 minutes on the field at NRG Stadium in her hometown of Houston on 25 December at the halfway point of the Ravens clash against the Texans, alongside guests Shaboozey, Post Malone and her 12-year-old daughter Blue Ivy.
After she was hit by trolling over the show, Tina Knowles ranted on Instagram about the criticism in a reply to one of her daughter’s fans.
The fan had written: “No matter how undeniably talented you are, people will always, ALWAYS, always have something negative-ish to say.
“Watching Beyoncé made me not care what anyone thinks of me anymore. The amount of hatred, and trolling this woman can receive for a FLAWLESS FREAKING PERFORMANCE is unreal to me.”
Tina said: “It is mind-boggling to me that you would take your precious Christmas Day and watch a performance of someone you hate and you don’t think has talent so that you can go talk-ish about it later.
“Obviously you are so obsessed with them, addicted to them, and secretly admire them, wish you could be them.
“That you cannot help but to watch and critique and comment and say dumb ridiculous stuff.
“So go to another channel when it’s halftime watch goofy cartoons or Bozo the clown or something you can relate to and see yourself in. Said with love.”
Tina signed off her message: “PS I have learned so much from her warrior spirit, of when they go low I work harder ‘No weapon formed against me shall prosper’ one, two, three waiting for the fake bots to come.”
Beyoncé reportedly paid her dancers a huge bonus for working Christmas Day on her NFL show.
The Sun said the performer forked out “double” rates on her support group as a thank you to them, with an insider saying: “Beyoncé paid her staff bonuses for working on Christmas Day. “The show was a big business deal and had to happen on Christmas Day so she paid her staff and dancers double pay to make it happen.
“She is also planning to bring some of her old dancers back into the mix for her next tour.”
Beyoncé – who has an estimated net worth of $600 million – was reportedly paid $20 million for her half-time performance during Netflix’s NFL Christmas Day NFL broadcast.
#RIP: Greg Gumbel, legendary CBS broadcaster, dies at 78
Greg Gumbel, the popular CBS broadcaster who spent decades on the airwaves covering a multitude of sports, died Friday. He was 78 years old.
His family revealed in a statement to CBS News that he died after a battle with cancer:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel
CBS Sports also released a statement praising Gumbel's impact on the world of sports.
For more than two decades, Gumbel was a regular in CBS's coverage of both the NFL and college basketball, always providing a welcoming face in either the broadcast booth or the studio host's chair. He retired from NFL coverage in 2022 but continued handling the college hoops side of the job until this year.
Gumbel stepped away from covering the 2024 NCAA tournament, with "family health issues" presented as the reason why.
A New Orleans native and baseball player at Loras College, Gumbel was selling hospital supplies when his younger brother, Bryant, a legendary journalist and broadcaster in his own right, told him about a weekend sportscaster opening at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. He auditioned and got the job, staying there until ESPN came calling in 1981. He worked as a "SportsCenter" anchor during the network's early days, then found further stints at MSG Network, CBS and NBC before returning to CBS.
Among the milestones of Gumbel's career is being the first Black person to call play-by-play in a major American sports championship, having taken the microphone for Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
There are few popular American sports that Gumbel hadn't spent at least some time in. Beyond the NFL and college basketball, he called MLB games for the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and NBC. He called NBA games for ESPN, NBC and CBS. He did the Winter Olympics, NASCAR and the World Figure Skating Championships.
It was the kind of career that every young sports broadcaster dreams about, going from pioneer to legend with fans always happy to see him on their televisions.
His family revealed in a statement to CBS News that he died after a battle with cancer:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel
CBS Sports also released a statement praising Gumbel's impact on the world of sports.
For more than two decades, Gumbel was a regular in CBS's coverage of both the NFL and college basketball, always providing a welcoming face in either the broadcast booth or the studio host's chair. He retired from NFL coverage in 2022 but continued handling the college hoops side of the job until this year.
Gumbel stepped away from covering the 2024 NCAA tournament, with "family health issues" presented as the reason why.
A New Orleans native and baseball player at Loras College, Gumbel was selling hospital supplies when his younger brother, Bryant, a legendary journalist and broadcaster in his own right, told him about a weekend sportscaster opening at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. He auditioned and got the job, staying there until ESPN came calling in 1981. He worked as a "SportsCenter" anchor during the network's early days, then found further stints at MSG Network, CBS and NBC before returning to CBS.
Among the milestones of Gumbel's career is being the first Black person to call play-by-play in a major American sports championship, having taken the microphone for Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
There are few popular American sports that Gumbel hadn't spent at least some time in. Beyond the NFL and college basketball, he called MLB games for the New York Yankees, Seattle Mariners and NBC. He called NBA games for ESPN, NBC and CBS. He did the Winter Olympics, NASCAR and the World Figure Skating Championships.
It was the kind of career that every young sports broadcaster dreams about, going from pioneer to legend with fans always happy to see him on their televisions.
Muni Long Shares Refusal to Write 'Soulful' Music for 'Non Melanated Artists'
If Muni Long picks up her pen to make “soulful songs” for anyone, it’s for artists of color.
On Christmas Day (December 25), the Grammy winner had time for jokes and posted a TikTok about allegedly being asked to make “soulful songs” for “non-melanated artists” by Atlantic Records president Elliot Grainge.
“F**k no!” the Boosie voiceover says in the clip. “And I’mma stand on that. And they can get in my DM–you can get in my DM all you want, every day.”
The R&B singer-songwriter doubled down in the post’s caption, writing, “I don’t want your money. Ion care bout no Oscar for it. I WON’T BE PARTICIPATING CAUSE WHAT BOOSIE SAID! Get somebody else to do it.”
The “Made for Me” artist shared the same video on Instagram, adding another caption about her disinterest in the offer. “And when I said NO one of em gone say ‘You can reach in that Priscilla Renea vault and see what you have in there,” she wrote. “Boy do you know what a VAULT is? That’s where you keep the valuables. If you don’t get somewhere and sit down. I wanted to cuss them out so bad ya’ll. 😅”
While Long, who’s signed with Def Jam, has written past material for Black artists like Rihanna, Tamar Braxton, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey, she also has credits on songs for non-Black acts including Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson and MIKA. However, since 2020, Long has restructured her music career, no longer releasing music under her birth name.
As TMZ reports, Atlantic has shifted its attention to external talent under Grainge’s leadership, as layoffs occurred at the label in September.
If Muni Long picks up her pen to make “soulful songs” for anyone, it’s for artists of color.
On Christmas Day (December 25), the Grammy winner had time for jokes and posted a TikTok about allegedly being asked to make “soulful songs” for “non-melanated artists” by Atlantic Records president Elliot Grainge.
“F**k no!” the Boosie voiceover says in the clip. “And I’mma stand on that. And they can get in my DM–you can get in my DM all you want, every day.”
The R&B singer-songwriter doubled down in the post’s caption, writing, “I don’t want your money. Ion care bout no Oscar for it. I WON’T BE PARTICIPATING CAUSE WHAT BOOSIE SAID! Get somebody else to do it.”
The “Made for Me” artist shared the same video on Instagram, adding another caption about her disinterest in the offer. “And when I said NO one of em gone say ‘You can reach in that Priscilla Renea vault and see what you have in there,” she wrote. “Boy do you know what a VAULT is? That’s where you keep the valuables. If you don’t get somewhere and sit down. I wanted to cuss them out so bad ya’ll. 😅”
While Long, who’s signed with Def Jam, has written past material for Black artists like Rihanna, Tamar Braxton, Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey, she also has credits on songs for non-Black acts including Ariana Grande, Kelly Clarkson and MIKA. However, since 2020, Long has restructured her music career, no longer releasing music under her birth name.
As TMZ reports, Atlantic has shifted its attention to external talent under Grainge’s leadership, as layoffs occurred at the label in September.
Mississippi HBCU slammed over Donald Trump inauguration invite
The Mean Green Marching Machine of Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) may be headed to Washington D.C. to celebrate the swearing in of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
The HBCU, founded in 1946 as a vocational college, was invited — to the dismay of social media users — to participate in the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, the same date that the nation will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Southern institution expressed its intention to fulfill band duties as part of the inaugural parade when it launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $13,000 to assist with travel expenses from Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the capital, food, housing and transportation of equipment. In total, the feat will cost $350,000. A statement posted to the school’s website reads, in part:
“This historic invitation highlights the band's legacy of excellence and cultural significance, showcasing the university and Mississippi's rich heritage globally. This invitation continues MVSU's tradition of groundbreaking national performances. In 1965, the band became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ensemble to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade. They returned to Pasadena in 1968 and performed in President Richard Nixon's inaugural parade on Jan. 20, 1969. These milestones reflect the band's enduring legacy as cultural ambassadors for Mississippi and the HBCU community.”
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU president, noted that, “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi. It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community." On Saturday (Dec. 28), just two days into crowdfunding, just shy of $3,000 had been donated.
A look online reveals that not everyone agrees with MVSU and Briggs about allowing the HBCU student-led band to join in on the history-making day. Hordes of people have instead advised the institution to forgo participation in Trump’s return to office. The businessman has faced criticism for divisive politics, which includes his mass deportation plans targeting immigrants living in the country illegally and his expressed desire to eliminate the Department of Education.
In 2017, when the president-elect was first inaugurated, several celebrities received invitations to join him for the occasion. Among those who turned down the offer were Celine Dion, Geroge Lopez and Elton John, to name a few.
The HBCU, founded in 1946 as a vocational college, was invited — to the dismay of social media users — to participate in the inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, the same date that the nation will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The Southern institution expressed its intention to fulfill band duties as part of the inaugural parade when it launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $13,000 to assist with travel expenses from Itta Bena, Mississippi, to the capital, food, housing and transportation of equipment. In total, the feat will cost $350,000. A statement posted to the school’s website reads, in part:
“This historic invitation highlights the band's legacy of excellence and cultural significance, showcasing the university and Mississippi's rich heritage globally. This invitation continues MVSU's tradition of groundbreaking national performances. In 1965, the band became the first Historically Black College or University (HBCU) ensemble to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade. They returned to Pasadena in 1968 and performed in President Richard Nixon's inaugural parade on Jan. 20, 1969. These milestones reflect the band's enduring legacy as cultural ambassadors for Mississippi and the HBCU community.”
Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU president, noted that, “This is not just a moment of pride for our university but for the entire state of Mississippi. It is an opportunity to showcase our legacy, celebrate our culture, and invest in the future leaders of our community." On Saturday (Dec. 28), just two days into crowdfunding, just shy of $3,000 had been donated.
A look online reveals that not everyone agrees with MVSU and Briggs about allowing the HBCU student-led band to join in on the history-making day. Hordes of people have instead advised the institution to forgo participation in Trump’s return to office. The businessman has faced criticism for divisive politics, which includes his mass deportation plans targeting immigrants living in the country illegally and his expressed desire to eliminate the Department of Education.
In 2017, when the president-elect was first inaugurated, several celebrities received invitations to join him for the occasion. Among those who turned down the offer were Celine Dion, Geroge Lopez and Elton John, to name a few.
A Person of Interest Identified for Assaulting Jamie Foxx at Mr Chow's
Two weeks ago actor Jamie Foxx was hit in the face with a glass at Mr. Chow's in Beverly Hills after getting into a confrontation with another party after they projected a laser light penis on Jamie's table, in front of his daughters [click here if you missed that].
Odd Future co-founder, Jasper Dolphin, is wanted for questioning...
From TMZ
A source with direct knowledge tells us the actor -- who is fully cooperating with the investigation -- wants to press charges so this type of incident does not happen to others.
No arrests have been made yet. While not named a suspect or person of interest in the investigation, we're told cops want to speak with Jasper Dolphin -- a "Jackass" stuntman who was apparently at Mr. Chow's on the night in question ... in connection to the alleged assault.
We're told cops have obtained video footage from the Beverly Hills restaurant Mr. Chow on the night in question ... though they're not saying exactly what is on it yet since they're in the middle of the investigation.
Our sources say authorities are still interviewing people and putting their case together.
As we previously reported, a heavy drinking glass was thrown, smacking Foxx in the face and cutting his mouth.
Jasper, an actor and rapper, appeared in the 2022 film "Jackass Forever." He's also a founding member of the rap collective Odd Future, along with Tyler, The Creator.
Did Kanye West brand his new Yeezy line with Nazi tribute in mind?
The fashion industry faces another moment of reckoning as Kanye West‘s latest Yeezy collection, launched on Dec. 26, 2024, generates widespread discussion over its design elements. The affordable collection, featuring T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets priced at $20, has drawn intense scrutiny from fashion critics and consumers alike regarding its visual elements and their potential historical connotations. Industry experts suggest this price point represents a significant departure from traditional luxury fashion pricing models, raising questions about market positioning and brand strategy.
Understanding the visual elements
At the heart of the controversy lies the collection’s logo design, which has prompted extensive analysis from fashion historians and cultural experts. The imagery in question bears resemblance to historical symbols — specifically, resembling the Wolfsangel symbol, a design with strong affiliations with Nazi Germany. The symbol, used by various SS (Schutzstaffel) units during World War II, is now associated with neo-Nazi groups, including the white supremacist organization Aryan Nations, leading to detailed examinations of West’s design intent versus interpretation. This discussion has expanded beyond the fashion community into broader cultural discourse about responsible design practices and the importance of historical awareness in contemporary fashion.
Design professionals emphasize the critical nature of thorough research and contextual understanding when incorporating historical elements into modern fashion. The interpretation of symbols can vary significantly across different cultures and time periods, making it essential for designers to consider multiple perspectives during the creative process.
Digital response and market impact
The collection’s release has triggered an unprecedented wave of social media engagement, with platforms like Instagram and Twitter becoming forums for intense discussion. Fashion influencers, industry professionals, and consumers have contributed to a larger conversation about design responsibility in the modern fashion landscape. This digital discourse has highlighted the evolving relationship between social media reaction and market performance in the fashion industry.
The rapid spread of information and opinions through social media platforms has transformed how the fashion industry responds to public feedback. Brand reputation management has become increasingly complex in this digital age, requiring companies to develop sophisticated strategies for addressing public concerns while maintaining their creative integrity.
Historical context in modern fashion
The fashion industry’s relationship with historical imagery has long been a subject of scholarly and public debate. Design elements often draw inspiration from various historical periods and cultural sources, requiring careful consideration of context and interpretation. This incident has reignited discussions about the fashion industry’s responsibility in handling historically significant imagery and symbols.
The use of historical references in fashion design requires a delicate balance between creative expression and cultural sensitivity. Fashion houses must navigate complex historical narratives while ensuring their designs respect and acknowledge the significance of the elements they incorporate.
Industry precedents and standards
The fashion world has established various protocols and guidelines regarding the use of historical imagery and symbolism in contemporary designs. Industry leaders often emphasize the importance of thorough research and cultural sensitivity in the design process. This situation has prompted many fashion houses to review their own design approval processes and guidelines for symbol usage in their collections.
Leading fashion institutions have begun developing more comprehensive frameworks for evaluating design elements that reference historical symbols or cultural motifs. These guidelines aim to prevent misunderstandings while preserving creative freedom within appropriate boundaries.
Moving forward: Industry implications
This incident has broader implications for the fashion industry’s approach to design and symbolism. Fashion houses and designers are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive historical research and cultural sensitivity in their creative processes. The situation has sparked discussions about implementing more rigorous design review processes and establishing clearer guidelines for the use of historical imagery in fashion.
The impact extends beyond immediate design considerations to influence industry-wide practices in education, research, and development. Fashion schools are incorporating more extensive historical and cultural studies into their curricula, preparing future designers to navigate these complex issues more effectively.
The intersection of social media, public opinion, and fashion design continues to evolve, creating new challenges and opportunities for the industry. As brands navigate these waters, the importance of transparent communication and thoughtful design processes becomes increasingly apparent.
Understanding the visual elements
At the heart of the controversy lies the collection’s logo design, which has prompted extensive analysis from fashion historians and cultural experts. The imagery in question bears resemblance to historical symbols — specifically, resembling the Wolfsangel symbol, a design with strong affiliations with Nazi Germany. The symbol, used by various SS (Schutzstaffel) units during World War II, is now associated with neo-Nazi groups, including the white supremacist organization Aryan Nations, leading to detailed examinations of West’s design intent versus interpretation. This discussion has expanded beyond the fashion community into broader cultural discourse about responsible design practices and the importance of historical awareness in contemporary fashion.
Design professionals emphasize the critical nature of thorough research and contextual understanding when incorporating historical elements into modern fashion. The interpretation of symbols can vary significantly across different cultures and time periods, making it essential for designers to consider multiple perspectives during the creative process.
Digital response and market impact
The collection’s release has triggered an unprecedented wave of social media engagement, with platforms like Instagram and Twitter becoming forums for intense discussion. Fashion influencers, industry professionals, and consumers have contributed to a larger conversation about design responsibility in the modern fashion landscape. This digital discourse has highlighted the evolving relationship between social media reaction and market performance in the fashion industry.
The rapid spread of information and opinions through social media platforms has transformed how the fashion industry responds to public feedback. Brand reputation management has become increasingly complex in this digital age, requiring companies to develop sophisticated strategies for addressing public concerns while maintaining their creative integrity.
Historical context in modern fashion
The fashion industry’s relationship with historical imagery has long been a subject of scholarly and public debate. Design elements often draw inspiration from various historical periods and cultural sources, requiring careful consideration of context and interpretation. This incident has reignited discussions about the fashion industry’s responsibility in handling historically significant imagery and symbols.
The use of historical references in fashion design requires a delicate balance between creative expression and cultural sensitivity. Fashion houses must navigate complex historical narratives while ensuring their designs respect and acknowledge the significance of the elements they incorporate.
Industry precedents and standards
The fashion world has established various protocols and guidelines regarding the use of historical imagery and symbolism in contemporary designs. Industry leaders often emphasize the importance of thorough research and cultural sensitivity in the design process. This situation has prompted many fashion houses to review their own design approval processes and guidelines for symbol usage in their collections.
Leading fashion institutions have begun developing more comprehensive frameworks for evaluating design elements that reference historical symbols or cultural motifs. These guidelines aim to prevent misunderstandings while preserving creative freedom within appropriate boundaries.
Moving forward: Industry implications
This incident has broader implications for the fashion industry’s approach to design and symbolism. Fashion houses and designers are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive historical research and cultural sensitivity in their creative processes. The situation has sparked discussions about implementing more rigorous design review processes and establishing clearer guidelines for the use of historical imagery in fashion.
The impact extends beyond immediate design considerations to influence industry-wide practices in education, research, and development. Fashion schools are incorporating more extensive historical and cultural studies into their curricula, preparing future designers to navigate these complex issues more effectively.
The intersection of social media, public opinion, and fashion design continues to evolve, creating new challenges and opportunities for the industry. As brands navigate these waters, the importance of transparent communication and thoughtful design processes becomes increasingly apparent.
Sacramento Kings fire head coach Mike Brown amid early season struggles
Amid early season struggles, the Sacramento Kings have fired head coach Mike Brown, the team announced on Friday.
The Kings, currently 13-18 on the season and in the midst of a five-game losing streak, let go of Brown halfway through his third season on the job.
Despite this season’s difficulties, the 54-year-old has had his fair share of success at the helm in Sactown.
Brown was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year for the second time in his career in his first season with the Kings in 2022-23 after he helped Sacramento snap the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 16 seasons.
“This was a difficult decision, and I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to the organization,” Kings general manager Monte McNair said in a statement Friday.
Doug Christie has been named the team’s interim head coach.
The Kings have had multiple tough losses this season including a narrow defeat on Thursday night.
Sacramento lost to the Detroit Pistons 114-113 at Golden1 Center after leading by 10 points with less than three minutes to go.
Detroit fought back, culminating in Jaden Ivey converting a game-winning four-point play with 3 seconds left after getting fouled by Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
Brown was seen at team practice and held a media session with reporters earlier on Friday.
“When you go through adverse times, you know who’s truly there for you,” Brown told reporters of the team’s struggles. “People will jump off the bandwagon quick and the support - wherever it may come from - may not always be there.
“But that’s part of what I have to deal with. Not just for myself but holding everyone together. … And I am okay with anyone criticizing me. Because again, I get paid to handle that.”
The Kings are currently in 12th place in the Western Conference.
Brown had a 107-88 record in regular season play in two-plus years in the capital city of California.
Many coaches around the league showed their support for Brown including Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez, who coached under Brown in Sacramento the last few seasons.
“He’s very good at what he does. In my opinion, he’s one of the best,” Fernandez told reporters ahead of the Nets’ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. “I wouldn’t be here without him. Obviously, to me, it’s really sad news, and I don’t like it. But it’s part of the business.”
The firing also drew the ire of Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. Malone was fired by the Kings during the 2014-2015 season.
“l’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired, because I got fired by the same person,” Malone said. “… No class, no balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.”
Previously, Brown coached the Cleveland Cavaliers twice and the Los Angeles Lakers. He has a 455-304 career record and has made the playoffs in seven of his nine seasons as a head coach. He has also won four NBA championships including three while as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.
The Kings are next scheduled to play Saturday in Los Angeles against LeBron James and the Lakers.
Amid early season struggles, the Sacramento Kings have fired head coach Mike Brown, the team announced on Friday.
The Kings, currently 13-18 on the season and in the midst of a five-game losing streak, let go of Brown halfway through his third season on the job.
Despite this season’s difficulties, the 54-year-old has had his fair share of success at the helm in Sactown.
Brown was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year for the second time in his career in his first season with the Kings in 2022-23 after he helped Sacramento snap the longest playoff drought in NBA history at 16 seasons.
“This was a difficult decision, and I want to thank Mike for his many contributions to the organization,” Kings general manager Monte McNair said in a statement Friday.
Doug Christie has been named the team’s interim head coach.
The Kings have had multiple tough losses this season including a narrow defeat on Thursday night.
Sacramento lost to the Detroit Pistons 114-113 at Golden1 Center after leading by 10 points with less than three minutes to go.
Detroit fought back, culminating in Jaden Ivey converting a game-winning four-point play with 3 seconds left after getting fouled by Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
Brown was seen at team practice and held a media session with reporters earlier on Friday.
“When you go through adverse times, you know who’s truly there for you,” Brown told reporters of the team’s struggles. “People will jump off the bandwagon quick and the support - wherever it may come from - may not always be there.
“But that’s part of what I have to deal with. Not just for myself but holding everyone together. … And I am okay with anyone criticizing me. Because again, I get paid to handle that.”
The Kings are currently in 12th place in the Western Conference.
Brown had a 107-88 record in regular season play in two-plus years in the capital city of California.
Many coaches around the league showed their support for Brown including Brooklyn Nets coach Jordi Fernandez, who coached under Brown in Sacramento the last few seasons.
“He’s very good at what he does. In my opinion, he’s one of the best,” Fernandez told reporters ahead of the Nets’ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday. “I wouldn’t be here without him. Obviously, to me, it’s really sad news, and I don’t like it. But it’s part of the business.”
The firing also drew the ire of Denver Nuggets head coach Mike Malone. Malone was fired by the Kings during the 2014-2015 season.
“l’m not surprised that Mike Brown got fired, because I got fired by the same person,” Malone said. “… No class, no balls. That’s what I’ll say about that.”
Previously, Brown coached the Cleveland Cavaliers twice and the Los Angeles Lakers. He has a 455-304 career record and has made the playoffs in seven of his nine seasons as a head coach. He has also won four NBA championships including three while as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors.
The Kings are next scheduled to play Saturday in Los Angeles against LeBron James and the Lakers.
John Amos' Son K.C. Rejects Sister's Elder Abuse Allegations, Defends Father's Death As Natural Causes
K.C. Amos, son of late actor John Amos, has denounced allegations of elder abuse levied against him by his sister Shannon. In a statement to PEOPLE, K.C. explained that his father's decision to enter Centinela Hospital was based on trust in the facility and its proximity. He also stated that his father had specifically requested that other family members not be notified.
K.C. firmly asserted, "There has been no physical, financial, emotional, psychological elder abuse or neglect committed against my father by me, Gene Brummett, or Belinda Foster." He cited independent investigations by Homeland Security Services, Inc., Adult Protective Services, and other law enforcement agencies to support his claim.
Kevin Faler, Vice President of Operations at Homeland Security Services, Inc. and K.C.'s defense investigator, echoed K.C.'s sentiments, describing the allegations as "frivolous." Faler maintained that John Amos was content working and spending time with K.C. and his team.
Shannon's lawyer, James H. Davis III, had previously alleged that John Amos was dropped off at the hospital by someone claiming to be his daughter but who was not related to him. Shannon also claimed that she had requested medical records from Centinela Hospital but had not received a response.
In response to these claims, K.C. emphasized that his father passed away at 84 years old from natural causes. He implored others to cease speculating on the circumstances surrounding his death.
The family has experienced ongoing disputes over John Amos' care. In October 2024, K.C. announced his father's passing due to congestive heart failure. However, Shannon had previously accused K.C. of abuse, alleging that he had taken advantage of their father.
In a previous interview, John Amos had dismissed Shannon's allegations as "unmerited" and expressed hope that the family could reconcile. However, K.C.'s current statement suggests that the situation remains tense.
K.C. firmly asserted, "There has been no physical, financial, emotional, psychological elder abuse or neglect committed against my father by me, Gene Brummett, or Belinda Foster." He cited independent investigations by Homeland Security Services, Inc., Adult Protective Services, and other law enforcement agencies to support his claim.
Kevin Faler, Vice President of Operations at Homeland Security Services, Inc. and K.C.'s defense investigator, echoed K.C.'s sentiments, describing the allegations as "frivolous." Faler maintained that John Amos was content working and spending time with K.C. and his team.
Shannon's lawyer, James H. Davis III, had previously alleged that John Amos was dropped off at the hospital by someone claiming to be his daughter but who was not related to him. Shannon also claimed that she had requested medical records from Centinela Hospital but had not received a response.
In response to these claims, K.C. emphasized that his father passed away at 84 years old from natural causes. He implored others to cease speculating on the circumstances surrounding his death.
The family has experienced ongoing disputes over John Amos' care. In October 2024, K.C. announced his father's passing due to congestive heart failure. However, Shannon had previously accused K.C. of abuse, alleging that he had taken advantage of their father.
In a previous interview, John Amos had dismissed Shannon's allegations as "unmerited" and expressed hope that the family could reconcile. However, K.C.'s current statement suggests that the situation remains tense.
Geoffrey Owens Opens Up On Financial Struggles As 'Middle-Class Actor'
Geoffrey Owens, once a household name for his portrayal of Elvin Tibideaux on "The Cosby Show", made unexpected headlines in 2018 when photos of him working as a cashier at a New Jersey Trader Joe's went viral. Despite the wave of support from celebrities and the public, Owens continues to face financial hardships as a middle-class actor.
During a recent interview with Atlanta radio station V-103, Owens, who was promoting his new film "Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza", revealed that he is still struggling to make a living. "I struggle every day to make my ends meet," the 63-year-old actor stated.
He emphasized the misconception that all actors, especially those seen in popular shows and films, are financially well-off. Owens pointed out, "People have a false impression of what the average, what I call 'middle-class actor' makes, and their ability to make a living in the industry."
The average salary for an actor, according to the U.S. Labor Bureau of Statistics in 2023, was approximately $62,000. However, this figure includes a wide range of acting jobs, from theatrical performances to film and television roles. Owens' case exemplifies how this income may not always be sufficient, especially with sporadic work and the complexity of streaming residuals.
Residuals, the payments actors receive when shows or films they've appeared in are rerun, have become a contentious issue with the rise of subscription-based streaming platforms. Owens noted that his residual checks "were never particularly wonderful." Other actors, like Mandy Moore and Sydney Sweeney, have also spoken out about receiving extremely low residual payments for streaming deals, further highlighting the financial instability in the industry.
Even renowned actors like Jim Carrey have faced financial pressures, sometimes being forced out of retirement to take on new roles. Owens, after the Trader Joe's incident, returned briefly to his cashier job to supplement his income before quitting due to privacy concerns.
During a recent interview with Atlanta radio station V-103, Owens, who was promoting his new film "Mr. Santa: A Christmas Extravaganza", revealed that he is still struggling to make a living. "I struggle every day to make my ends meet," the 63-year-old actor stated.
He emphasized the misconception that all actors, especially those seen in popular shows and films, are financially well-off. Owens pointed out, "People have a false impression of what the average, what I call 'middle-class actor' makes, and their ability to make a living in the industry."
The average salary for an actor, according to the U.S. Labor Bureau of Statistics in 2023, was approximately $62,000. However, this figure includes a wide range of acting jobs, from theatrical performances to film and television roles. Owens' case exemplifies how this income may not always be sufficient, especially with sporadic work and the complexity of streaming residuals.
Residuals, the payments actors receive when shows or films they've appeared in are rerun, have become a contentious issue with the rise of subscription-based streaming platforms. Owens noted that his residual checks "were never particularly wonderful." Other actors, like Mandy Moore and Sydney Sweeney, have also spoken out about receiving extremely low residual payments for streaming deals, further highlighting the financial instability in the industry.
Even renowned actors like Jim Carrey have faced financial pressures, sometimes being forced out of retirement to take on new roles. Owens, after the Trader Joe's incident, returned briefly to his cashier job to supplement his income before quitting due to privacy concerns.
Mariah Carey Opens Up About Her Twins Following In Her Showbiz Footsteps
Mariah Carey shared her thoughts on her twins — 13-year-olds Moroccan and Monroe — following in her footsteps and pursuing careers in entertainment.
Carey shares the twins with her ex-husband, actor and television host Nick Cannon.
Mariah Carey's twins have been performing with her during her Christmas shows, and the "All I Want for Christmas" singer revealed her feelings about her daughter, Monroe, and her son, Moroccan, entering showbiz.
According to PEOPLE, Mariah Carey is "happy" that her children like performing. The 55-year-old singer told the outlet that her twins should pursue careers in entertainment if that's what they want to do.
"I think they're both very talented and smart, and if they want to pursue having a life as an entertainer, then I think they should," she said. "It's a hard kind of life, but they seem to really love performing, so I'm happy for them."
Carey affectionately refers to her twins as "dem babies" as well as "Roc and Roe," per TODAY.
The twins appeared with their famous mom as 10-year-olds in her music video for "Fall in Love at Christmas," and performed with her on stage one year later as she performed at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
During a Christmas show performance in Raleigh, North Carolina on Dec. 9, Carey was given a large bouquet of roses from the twins after "All I Want for Christmas" reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Monroe and Moroccan appeared with the flowers after a man came on stage and said, "I don't mean to interrupt you, but I just want to let y'all know we're going to give her flowers tonight because we just found out 'All I Want for Christmas' is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Make some noise for the queen of Christmas."
Carey shared the video the following day with the caption, "Last night on stage in Raleigh, North Carolina, I found out that 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' returned to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100."
"I couldn't have dreamed of a better time or place to celebrate the news than on stage with my amazing fans, my kids and my #Christmastime tour family," she added. "I love you and am so grateful to you all."
Carey shares the twins with her ex-husband, actor and television host Nick Cannon.
Mariah Carey's twins have been performing with her during her Christmas shows, and the "All I Want for Christmas" singer revealed her feelings about her daughter, Monroe, and her son, Moroccan, entering showbiz.
According to PEOPLE, Mariah Carey is "happy" that her children like performing. The 55-year-old singer told the outlet that her twins should pursue careers in entertainment if that's what they want to do.
"I think they're both very talented and smart, and if they want to pursue having a life as an entertainer, then I think they should," she said. "It's a hard kind of life, but they seem to really love performing, so I'm happy for them."
Carey affectionately refers to her twins as "dem babies" as well as "Roc and Roe," per TODAY.
The twins appeared with their famous mom as 10-year-olds in her music video for "Fall in Love at Christmas," and performed with her on stage one year later as she performed at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
During a Christmas show performance in Raleigh, North Carolina on Dec. 9, Carey was given a large bouquet of roses from the twins after "All I Want for Christmas" reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Monroe and Moroccan appeared with the flowers after a man came on stage and said, "I don't mean to interrupt you, but I just want to let y'all know we're going to give her flowers tonight because we just found out 'All I Want for Christmas' is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Make some noise for the queen of Christmas."
Carey shared the video the following day with the caption, "Last night on stage in Raleigh, North Carolina, I found out that 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' returned to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100."
"I couldn't have dreamed of a better time or place to celebrate the news than on stage with my amazing fans, my kids and my #Christmastime tour family," she added. "I love you and am so grateful to you all."
Ticket Sold in California Has Won the Estimated $1.22 billion Mega Millions Jackpot
One Mega Millions ticket sold in Northern California has won Friday’s estimated $1.22 billion jackpot – believed to be the fifth-largest prize in the history of the game, the lottery says.
Friday’s winning numbers were: 3, 7, 37, 49, 55, and Mega Ball 6.
The ticket is the first to win the jackpot in over 100 days.
Friday’s Mega Millions jackpot amounts to $549.7 million in cash. The prize surged since its last drawing on Christmas Eve, when no winner took home the estimated $1 billion jackpot. Friday’s grand prize was previously estimated at $1.15 billion but grew ahead of the highly-anticipated drawing.
The winning ticket was sold at Sunshine Food & Gas in Cottonwood, Shasta County, according to the California State Lottery.
Five other tickets sold in Arizona, California, Texas, and Missouri won $1 million each in Friday’s drawing by matching the first five numbers, the lottery said.
“We know that many people will likely receive tickets to Friday’s drawing as holiday gifts, and what a gift that would turn out to be if you ended up with a ticket worth a $1.15 billion jackpot,” said Joshua Johnston, lead director for the Mega Millions Consortium in a press release Wednesday.
According to the company, this year has had one of the fewest jackpot wins in any single year since the game started in 2002. Only three people have won this year.
In 2023, ten jackpots were awarded. There have been 217 jackpots won by 244 individual tickets since the game began.
The chances of winning any prize in the lottery game are 1 in 24, according to the Mega Millions website, but the odds of winning a jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.
The largest amount ever won was last year, with a single Florida ticket claiming the prize of $1.602 billion.
Concerns have been raised by researchers that the chances of winning the Mega Millions are not only minuscule, but that state lotteries also siphon funds from impoverished communities under the guise of a chance to acquire wealth.
A study by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism found that in 2022, stores selling lottery tickets were disproportionately located in the impoverished communities of every state, with proceeds going to far away colleges and wealthy school districts, rather than their community.
According to the company’s press release, half of the proceeds from each lottery ticket remain in the state where the ticket was sold to support “good causes and retailer commissions.”
In 2022, the Howard Center study found that ticket sales had grown from $47 billion to $82 billion, generating more revenue than corporate income taxes in ten states.
Tickets are priced at $2, with players in most jurisdictions given the option to pay an additional dollar to multiply their non-jackpot prizes. The company announced in October that the price will be more than doubled in April 2025, as they promise bigger prizes in return. Each ticket will be $5.
Winning numbers for the jackpot are announced every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 p.m. ET on the Mega Millions website. Friday’s winning numbers will be posted on the website shortly after the evening drawing.
At Least 177 Dead After South Korean Jet Reportedly Carrying 181 People Crashes at Airport
More than 177 were killed after an airplane veered off a runway upon landing at an airport in South Korea on Sunday morning, according to local media.
Jeju Air FLight 7C2216 was landing at Muan International Airport around 9 a.m. Sunday local time when the plane went off the runway and crashed into a wall.
The Yonhap news agency said at least 28 were confirmed dead in the crash. There were 175 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 aircraft, which had taken off from Bangkok, according to local media.
The local fire department told ABC News that two people had been rescued from the wreckage of the plane. It did not elaborate on their condition at this time.
Muan is located in southwest South Korea.
Jeju Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier that operates an all Boeing fleet, with 42 planes and nearly 3,000 staff.
The Jeju Air plane was arriving from Thailand at Muan International Airport in the south of the Asian nation on Sunday morning when it belly flopped onto the runway with no landing gear and slid out of control, according to media reports and video of the incident.
Two people have been found alive — with first responders putting an emphasis on rescuing those that were located in the tail of the plane, according to the outlet.
Rescue missions are ongoing. In addition to the 175 passengers, six crew were on the jet, which was reported a flight tracking website to be a 737-800.
Jarring video posted on X shows the crash as it happens — the plane seeming to land on its belly, sparks and smoke flying from the runway, before it crashes and explodes in a fiery mass.
Jeju Air FLight 7C2216 was landing at Muan International Airport around 9 a.m. Sunday local time when the plane went off the runway and crashed into a wall.
The Yonhap news agency said at least 28 were confirmed dead in the crash. There were 175 passengers and six crew members aboard the Boeing 737 aircraft, which had taken off from Bangkok, according to local media.
The local fire department told ABC News that two people had been rescued from the wreckage of the plane. It did not elaborate on their condition at this time.
Muan is located in southwest South Korea.
Jeju Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier that operates an all Boeing fleet, with 42 planes and nearly 3,000 staff.
The Jeju Air plane was arriving from Thailand at Muan International Airport in the south of the Asian nation on Sunday morning when it belly flopped onto the runway with no landing gear and slid out of control, according to media reports and video of the incident.
Two people have been found alive — with first responders putting an emphasis on rescuing those that were located in the tail of the plane, according to the outlet.
Rescue missions are ongoing. In addition to the 175 passengers, six crew were on the jet, which was reported a flight tracking website to be a 737-800.
Jarring video posted on X shows the crash as it happens — the plane seeming to land on its belly, sparks and smoke flying from the runway, before it crashes and explodes in a fiery mass.
Robert Brooks Shown Being Brutally Beat By NY Correctional Officers In Bodycam Video Before Death
Newly released bodycam footage from the office of New York’s attorney general shows correctional officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility in Oneida County repeatedly brutally kicking and punching 43-year-old Robert Brooks, who died in the hospital shortly after the beating.
“I do not take lightly the release of this video, especially in the middle of the holiday season,” state Attorney General Letitia James said at a virtual news conference, per NBC News. “These videos are shocking and disturbing.”
While Brooks had his hands cuffed behind his back, an officer can be seen pressing his foot down on him. Two other officers then punched the 43-year-old man. Brooks was also dragged from the bed by his shirt collar while his face was bloody.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has already initiated the process of firing 14 workers, including correctional officers, sergeants and a nurse, from the facility where the beating happened. All of the workers, except one who already resigned, are currently suspended without pay.
Daniel Martuscello, the commissioner of the state corrections department, said in a statement that his office is investigating the incident and they are determined to bring “institutional change.”
“Watching the video evidence of Robert Brooks’ life being taken left me feeling deeply repulsed and nauseated,” Martuscello said, per NBC News. “There is no excuse and no rationalization for a vulgar, inhumane act that senselessly took a life. This type of behavior cannot be normalized, and I will not allow it to be within DOCCS.”
According to James, the officers didn’t activate their body cameras at the time of the incident. However, the camera was still recording on standby mode. Although the camera didn’t capture the audio, it was still recording for 30 minutes, the attorney general added.
The brutal beating happened in a medical exam room on Dec. 9 as Brooks was being transferred from the Mohawk Correctional Facility to Marcy Correctional Facility, which is also in Oneida County. The video shows that the 43-year-old was hanging upside down with his hands cuffed as he was taken into the medical exam room.
The autopsy report later stated “preliminary findings show concern for asphyxia due to compression of the neck as the cause of death, as well as the death being due to actions of another.” Brooks, who was imprisoned since 2017, was serving a 12-year sentence for first-degree assault.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
“I do what I want”
NO F’s given that day!
NO F’s given that day!
EVENING GOODIES: Meet Jericho
Meet Jericho! You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember to exercise CAUTION AT WORK!
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HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD ALL!!!
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