#MAGFAB: Damson Idris for Icon America - Spring/Summer 2026
Nice!
#RHOA: Nene Leakes, Erika Jayne among ‘Housewives’ to push for HIV prevention on the Hill
A housewife’s place … is in the Capitol: A heavy dose of “Housewives” are hitting the Hill.
Several stars from different iterations of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” — including Nene Leakes, Erika Jayne, Luann de Lesseps, Phaedra Parks, Melissa Gorga, Candiace Dillard Bassett and Marysol Patton — will be swapping their on-camera fireworks for the political drama in Congress with a visit to Congress.
The group — which ITK is dubbing the Housewives Caucus — will head to the Russell Senate Office Building on Wednesday to advocate for expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment.
During the event hosted by telehealth platform MISTR and designated by organizers as “Housewives on the Hill” advocacy day, the Bravolebrities are expected to share their personal stories and “discuss the ongoing impact of HIV across communities in the United States.”
It’s not the first time this year that the “Housewives” cast members have lobbied lawmakers and delivered some reality TV star power to the halls of the Capitol.
In January, “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s” Angie Katsanevas, known on the show as Angie. K, testified at a House Small Business Committee hearing focused on franchising.
Then-“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump also touched down in the nation’s capital in 2016 for a congressional briefing aimed at raising awareness about the global dog meat trade.
Several stars from different iterations of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” — including Nene Leakes, Erika Jayne, Luann de Lesseps, Phaedra Parks, Melissa Gorga, Candiace Dillard Bassett and Marysol Patton — will be swapping their on-camera fireworks for the political drama in Congress with a visit to Congress.
The group — which ITK is dubbing the Housewives Caucus — will head to the Russell Senate Office Building on Wednesday to advocate for expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment.
During the event hosted by telehealth platform MISTR and designated by organizers as “Housewives on the Hill” advocacy day, the Bravolebrities are expected to share their personal stories and “discuss the ongoing impact of HIV across communities in the United States.”
It’s not the first time this year that the “Housewives” cast members have lobbied lawmakers and delivered some reality TV star power to the halls of the Capitol.
In January, “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City’s” Angie Katsanevas, known on the show as Angie. K, testified at a House Small Business Committee hearing focused on franchising.
Then-“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Lisa Vanderpump also touched down in the nation’s capital in 2016 for a congressional briefing aimed at raising awareness about the global dog meat trade.
#MusicNews: Kehlani Announces Self-Titled Fifth Album
After much anticipation, Kehlani has finally announced her next album.
The singer’s fifth studio LP, KEHLANI, will release April 24 via Atlantic Records. It will be available digitally, on CD and on vinyl.
“KEHLANI the album yours on my birthday, 4/24,” she wrote on Instagram.
According to a press release, the album “captures her at her most honest, blending soul-baring storytelling with the lush, genre-bending sound that has made her one of modern R&B’s most influential voices.” The project also explores themes centered around love, transformation, vulnerability and growth.
The 17-track album will include the Grammy-winning lead single “Folded,” which won Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. It marked the Oakland native’s first pair of Grammy awards.
Released in June 2025, “Folded” has already garnered over 400 million streams on Spotify. It has also topped multiple Billboard charts, including the Adult R&B Airplay, Hot R&B Songs, R&B Streaming Songs and R&B Digital Song Sales. On the Hot 100, “Folded” has peaked at No. 6 so far.
KEHLANI will also include the single “Out The Window,” produced by Khris Riddick-Tynes and Antonio Dixon. The 2000s-inspired song has garnered over 30 million Spotify streams since its release last November.
KEHLANI is the follow-up to 2024’s Crash. Despite mixed reviews, the experimental album debuted at No. 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart, selling 20,000 equivalent units in the first week. Meanwhile, it opened at No. 25 on the Billboard 200.
Crash was preceded by the summer anthem “After Hours,” also produced by Riddick-Tynes. The album also includes collaborations with Jill Scott, Young Miko and Omah Lay.
Two months after Crash, Kehlani dropped While We Wait 2, the sequel to her 2019 mixtape. The former project features Lucky Daye, Dixson, kwn, Destin Conrad, FLO and more.
Kehlani will be honored at Billboard’s Women in Music event on April 29, where she will receive the Impact Award.
Presave/preorder KEHLANI here. https://kehlani.lnk.to/album
After much anticipation, Kehlani has finally announced her next album.
The singer’s fifth studio LP, KEHLANI, will release April 24 via Atlantic Records. It will be available digitally, on CD and on vinyl.
“KEHLANI the album yours on my birthday, 4/24,” she wrote on Instagram.
According to a press release, the album “captures her at her most honest, blending soul-baring storytelling with the lush, genre-bending sound that has made her one of modern R&B’s most influential voices.” The project also explores themes centered around love, transformation, vulnerability and growth.
The 17-track album will include the Grammy-winning lead single “Folded,” which won Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. It marked the Oakland native’s first pair of Grammy awards.
Released in June 2025, “Folded” has already garnered over 400 million streams on Spotify. It has also topped multiple Billboard charts, including the Adult R&B Airplay, Hot R&B Songs, R&B Streaming Songs and R&B Digital Song Sales. On the Hot 100, “Folded” has peaked at No. 6 so far.
KEHLANI will also include the single “Out The Window,” produced by Khris Riddick-Tynes and Antonio Dixon. The 2000s-inspired song has garnered over 30 million Spotify streams since its release last November.
KEHLANI is the follow-up to 2024’s Crash. Despite mixed reviews, the experimental album debuted at No. 2 on the Top R&B Albums chart, selling 20,000 equivalent units in the first week. Meanwhile, it opened at No. 25 on the Billboard 200.
Crash was preceded by the summer anthem “After Hours,” also produced by Riddick-Tynes. The album also includes collaborations with Jill Scott, Young Miko and Omah Lay.
Two months after Crash, Kehlani dropped While We Wait 2, the sequel to her 2019 mixtape. The former project features Lucky Daye, Dixson, kwn, Destin Conrad, FLO and more.
Kehlani will be honored at Billboard’s Women in Music event on April 29, where she will receive the Impact Award.
Presave/preorder KEHLANI here. https://kehlani.lnk.to/album
#HipHopNews: Claressa Shields Insists She’s Taking Legal Action Against 50 Cent For Lying About Relationships That Never Happened
Papoose's girlfriend, boxer Claressa Shields, insists she's going to sue 50 Cent for lying about relationships with other men that never happened.
Things popped off on March 14, when Fif claimed that Claressa was cheating on Papoose with a G-Unit affiliate named Maserati Bud. 50 also started sharing video of Bud and Claressa together. In response, Claressa threatened 50 with legal action.
"First, this situation started New Year’s when @50cent decided to disrespect me and Papoose unprovoked, which led to rap beef & Papoose dissed him," she psoted on X. "Rather than responding through music like a true artist, he chose to make false claims about me and create a narrative suggesting that I had a sexual relationship with someone I have never been involved with in any capacity—no romantic or sexual contact whatsoever."
She added, "Given his platform and influence with 38.9 million followers, now legal action is being pursued...Men attacking women cause it’s women’s month."
Claressa later went live on Instagram and showed alleged DMs from Bud, where she tried to prove that there is nothing currently going on between them.
Bud responded by showing alleged text messages between himself and Claressa and telling his side of the story in a video shared on social media. He claimed he and Claressa were dating, but she decided to end the relationship and only deal with Papoose because she no longer wanted to be a part of Bud's polyamorous lifestyle.
"You said you might as well go with Pap because he only got one wife, this ni**a got three girlfriends," Bud claimed. "Let's tell the truth."
He later doubled down in another video and claimed he was with Claressa on Christmas. Bud has since shared footage online from a strip club excursion with Claressa.
Jay-Z & The Roots Will Headline The Roots Picnic 2026
Jay-Z is set to make his return to an American stage this year. The legendary rapper will team up with The Roots to co-headline this year’s Roots Picnic at its new home of Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia.
Hova, who recently began stylizing his name as JAŸ-Z to mark the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt, will perform with The Roots to close out the first day of the event on Saturday, May 30. Roots Picnic concludes on Sunday, May 31. The rest of 2026 lineup will be revealed soon.
Jay-Z hasn’t take the stage since June 2025, when he performed “Crazy In Love” with Beyoncé in Paris. The last festival the rap icon headlined came in 2017, though he made a surprise appearance in 2019 at Pharrell’s Something In The Water festival. The Roots first connected with Jay-Z in 2001, when they backed him for a performance on MTV Unplugged.
Presale tickets are available now. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow, March 18 at 10 a.m. ET.
Things popped off on March 14, when Fif claimed that Claressa was cheating on Papoose with a G-Unit affiliate named Maserati Bud. 50 also started sharing video of Bud and Claressa together. In response, Claressa threatened 50 with legal action.
"First, this situation started New Year’s when @50cent decided to disrespect me and Papoose unprovoked, which led to rap beef & Papoose dissed him," she psoted on X. "Rather than responding through music like a true artist, he chose to make false claims about me and create a narrative suggesting that I had a sexual relationship with someone I have never been involved with in any capacity—no romantic or sexual contact whatsoever."
She added, "Given his platform and influence with 38.9 million followers, now legal action is being pursued...Men attacking women cause it’s women’s month."
Claressa later went live on Instagram and showed alleged DMs from Bud, where she tried to prove that there is nothing currently going on between them.
Bud responded by showing alleged text messages between himself and Claressa and telling his side of the story in a video shared on social media. He claimed he and Claressa were dating, but she decided to end the relationship and only deal with Papoose because she no longer wanted to be a part of Bud's polyamorous lifestyle.
"You said you might as well go with Pap because he only got one wife, this ni**a got three girlfriends," Bud claimed. "Let's tell the truth."
He later doubled down in another video and claimed he was with Claressa on Christmas. Bud has since shared footage online from a strip club excursion with Claressa.
Jay-Z & The Roots Will Headline The Roots Picnic 2026
Jay-Z is set to make his return to an American stage this year. The legendary rapper will team up with The Roots to co-headline this year’s Roots Picnic at its new home of Belmont Plateau in Philadelphia.
Hova, who recently began stylizing his name as JAŸ-Z to mark the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt, will perform with The Roots to close out the first day of the event on Saturday, May 30. Roots Picnic concludes on Sunday, May 31. The rest of 2026 lineup will be revealed soon.
Jay-Z hasn’t take the stage since June 2025, when he performed “Crazy In Love” with Beyoncé in Paris. The last festival the rap icon headlined came in 2017, though he made a surprise appearance in 2019 at Pharrell’s Something In The Water festival. The Roots first connected with Jay-Z in 2001, when they backed him for a performance on MTV Unplugged.
Presale tickets are available now. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow, March 18 at 10 a.m. ET.
'Deeply troubling' allegations against Cesar Chavez prompt United Farm Workers to cancel celebration
Chavez founded the United Farm Workers of America and dedicated his life to improving the rights of farm workers until his death. Cesar Chavez, the late farmworker organizer who became a national civil rights icon and co-founded the United Farm Workers, is accused of abusing "young women or minors," the union said in a statement Tuesday.
"The UFW has learned of deeply troubling allegations that one of the union's co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization's values," the union said. "Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing."
UFW says it does not have "firsthand knowledge" of any of the allegations and has not directly received reports of what they may be.
"However, the allegations are serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose," the union said.
News of the allegations comes just two weeks before states across the country are set to observe Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. In recent days, cities including San Antonio have canceled events honoring Chavez.
Both the Cesar Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers have released statements referencing non-specific allegations of abuse. UFW says it will not be taking part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.
"The Cesar Chavez Foundation has become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW)," the foundation said in a statement.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing. The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment," the statement said.
The two organizations say they will be establishing what they described as a confidential and independent channel "for those who may have experienced harm caused by Cesar Chavez" to share their experiences.
"This channel is for those who wish to share their experiences of harm, to identify their current impacts and needs, and, if desired, to participate in a collective process to develop mechanisms for repair and accountability," UFW said in the statement.
Chavez died in 1993 at the age of 66.
In modern day, more than three decades after his passing, Chavez continues to be the face of farmworker and immigrant rights movements. His decades of leading boycotts, protests, and strikes helped to improve the wages and working conditions for farmworkers in the country's agricultural regions.
Cesar Chavez Day was established as a federal commemorative holiday by President Barack Obama in 2014.
"These allegations have been profoundly shocking. We need some time to get this right, including to ensure robust, trauma-informed services are available to those who may need it," the union added.
Multiple schools in California are named after the civic leader.
In Fresno, a street was also renamed to Cesar Chavez Boulevard in his honor back in 2024.
"The UFW has learned of deeply troubling allegations that one of the union's co-founders, Cesar Chavez, behaved in ways that are incompatible with our organization's values," the union said. "Some of the reports are family issues, and not our story to tell or our place to comment on. Far more troubling are allegations involving abuse of young women or minors. Allegations that very young women or girls may have been victimized are crushing."
UFW says it does not have "firsthand knowledge" of any of the allegations and has not directly received reports of what they may be.
"However, the allegations are serious enough that we feel compelled to take urgent steps to learn more and provide space for people who may have been victimized to find support and to share their stories if that is what they choose," the union said.
News of the allegations comes just two weeks before states across the country are set to observe Cesar Chavez Day on March 31. In recent days, cities including San Antonio have canceled events honoring Chavez.
Both the Cesar Chavez Foundation and the United Farm Workers have released statements referencing non-specific allegations of abuse. UFW says it will not be taking part in any Cesar Chavez Day activities.
"The Cesar Chavez Foundation has become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW)," the foundation said in a statement.
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by what we are hearing. The Foundation is working with leaders in the Farmworker Movement to be responsive to these allegations, support the people who may have been harmed by his actions, and ensure we are united and guided by our commitment to justice and community empowerment," the statement said.
The two organizations say they will be establishing what they described as a confidential and independent channel "for those who may have experienced harm caused by Cesar Chavez" to share their experiences.
"This channel is for those who wish to share their experiences of harm, to identify their current impacts and needs, and, if desired, to participate in a collective process to develop mechanisms for repair and accountability," UFW said in the statement.
Chavez died in 1993 at the age of 66.
In modern day, more than three decades after his passing, Chavez continues to be the face of farmworker and immigrant rights movements. His decades of leading boycotts, protests, and strikes helped to improve the wages and working conditions for farmworkers in the country's agricultural regions.
Cesar Chavez Day was established as a federal commemorative holiday by President Barack Obama in 2014.
"These allegations have been profoundly shocking. We need some time to get this right, including to ensure robust, trauma-informed services are available to those who may need it," the union added.
Multiple schools in California are named after the civic leader.
In Fresno, a street was also renamed to Cesar Chavez Boulevard in his honor back in 2024.
Bill Bellamy Says He ‘Fumbled’ Chance with Janet Jackson
Bill Bellamy recently told The Art of Dialogue that he “fumbled” the chance to turn their friendship into something romantic. “I think I fumbled the Janet Jackson situation because of the friendship,” Bellamy admitted. “I never wanted to cross the line… because I felt like she was actually really a good friend of mine.”
Bellamy, who worked as an MTV VJ earlier in his career and often interviewed Janet during the ’90s, said the chemistry was undeniable. He recalled how much fun he had joining her on tour and noted that while people told him she was “feeling him” and that she would flirt “all the time,” he ultimately didn’t want to risk their friendship for a romance.
So, do you think Bill and Janet would’ve been a cute couple?
Bellamy, who worked as an MTV VJ earlier in his career and often interviewed Janet during the ’90s, said the chemistry was undeniable. He recalled how much fun he had joining her on tour and noted that while people told him she was “feeling him” and that she would flirt “all the time,” he ultimately didn’t want to risk their friendship for a romance.
So, do you think Bill and Janet would’ve been a cute couple?
Joe Kent, top counterterrorism official, says Iran posed no imminent threat as he resigns over Trump's war
Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, announced his resignation on Tuesday, citing his concerns about the justification for military strikes in Iran and saying he "cannot in good conscience" back the Trump administration's war.
"Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," Kent said in a statement posted on social media, making claims President Donald Trump has denied.
Kent, a former Green Beret and political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists, was confirmed last July on a 52-44 vote. As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, he was in charge of an agency tasked with analyzing and detecting terrorist threats.
His resignation demonstrates that the unease about the war within Trump's base extends to at least one senior member of his Republican administration.
The leadership change comes at a time of heightened concern about terrorism following several recent violent attacks in the U.S.
Justification for Iran strikes at heart of resignation
Kent's decision came down to the reasoning behind the strikes on Iran, he wrote in his resignation letter.
Trump has offered shifting reasons for the strikes and has pushed back on claims that Israel forced the U.S. to act. House Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested the White House believed Israel was determined to strike on its own, leaving the Republican president with a "very difficult decision."
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said he always thought Kent was "weak on security" and if someone in his administration did not believe Iran was a threat, "we don't want those people."
"They're not smart people, or they're not savvy people," Trump said. "Iran was a tremendous threat."
A year ago, in nominating Kent, Trump praised him as a man who had "hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life."
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, whose office oversaw Kent's work, wrote in a social media post Tuesday that it was up to Trump to decide whether Iran posed a threat.
"After carefully reviewing all the information before him, President Trump concluded that the terrorist Islamist regime in Iran posed an imminent threat and he took action based on that conclusion," Gabbard wrote in the post. She did not mention her own views of the strikes.
Democrats strongly opposed Kent's confirmation because of his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories. But following his resignation, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Kent's concerns about the war in Iran were justified.
"I strongly disagree with many of the positions he has espoused over the years, particularly those that risk politicizing our intelligence community," Warner said. "But on this point, he is right: There was no credible evidence of an imminent threat from Iran that would justify rushing the United States into another war of choice in the Middle East."
Johnson, though, pushed back on Kent's claims at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I got all the briefings. We all understood that there was clearly an imminent threat that Iran was very close to the enrichment of nuclear capability and they were building missiles at a pace no one in the region could keep up with," Johnson said.
Johnson said he is convinced that if Trump had waited "we would have mass casualties of Americans, service members and others, and our installation would have been dramatically damaged."
Departure follows three recent acts of violence
In New York City, two men who federal authorities say were inspired by the Islamic State group took powerful homemade bombs to a far-right protest outside the mayoral mansion.
In Michigan, a naturalized citizen from Lebanon rammed his vehicle into a synagogue, where he was shot at by security before he fatally shot himself.
And in Virginia, a man previously imprisoned on a terrorism conviction opened fire in a university classroom. Officials said the attack ended when he was killed by students.
Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and FBI Director Kash Patel are scheduled to testify before lawmakers this week about threats facing the U.S., an annual hearing likely to be dominated this year by questions about the Iran war and the revelation that outdated intelligence likely led to the U.S. firing a missile that hit an elementary school in Iran and killed more than 165 people.
A veteran and former congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard has previously criticized talk of military strikes in Iran. Six years ago she said that "an all out war with Iran would make the wars that we've seen in Iraq and Afghanistan look like a picnic. It will be far more costly in lives, American lives, and American taxpayer dollars — and all towards accomplishing what goal? What objective?"
A spokesperson for Gabbard declined to answer questions about Gabbard's views on the current strikes.
A popular figure among Trump supporters
Kent's military background and his personal story of sacrifice made him a compelling figure among Trump supporters.
Before joining Trump's administration, Kent ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Congress in Washington state. As a Green Beret, he saw combat in 11 deployments before retiring to join the CIA. He also endured tragedy: His wife, a Navy cryptologist, was killed by a suicide bomber in 2019 in Syria, leaving him with two young sons. Kent, 45, has since remarried.
During the United States' chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Kent criticized what he said was a misguided desire for nation building by some in Washington, D.C.
"It speaks to our hubris," Kent told reporters while campaigning for Congress. "For us not to have learned from all this just shows that there are people making money and making their careers at the other end of it. They've been doing it on the backs and dead bodies of U.S. soldiers."
During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent paid Graham Jorgensen, a member of the far-right military group the Proud Boys, for consulting work. He also worked closely with Joey Gibson, the founder of the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and attracted support from a variety of far-right figures.
Early during his first campaign, Kent acknowledged that a political consultant set up a call intended to broaden his social media reach that was joined by Nick Fuentes, a popular right-wing influencer who has said that Jews are holding the U.S. "hostage" and once proclaimed that "Hitler was awesome, Hitler was right."
Kent later disavowed those ties and stated that he rejected all "racism and bigotry."
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kent refused to distance himself from a conspiracy theory that federal agents instigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol, as well as false claims that Trump won the 2020 election over Democrat Joe Biden.
Republicans praised Kent's counterterrorism qualifications, pointing to his military and intelligence experience.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the GOP chair of the Intelligence Committee, said in a floor speech that Kent had "dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe."
"Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby," Kent said in a statement posted on social media, making claims President Donald Trump has denied.
Kent, a former Green Beret and political candidate with connections to right-wing extremists, was confirmed last July on a 52-44 vote. As head of the National Counterterrorism Center, he was in charge of an agency tasked with analyzing and detecting terrorist threats.
His resignation demonstrates that the unease about the war within Trump's base extends to at least one senior member of his Republican administration.
The leadership change comes at a time of heightened concern about terrorism following several recent violent attacks in the U.S.
Justification for Iran strikes at heart of resignation
Kent's decision came down to the reasoning behind the strikes on Iran, he wrote in his resignation letter.
Trump has offered shifting reasons for the strikes and has pushed back on claims that Israel forced the U.S. to act. House Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested the White House believed Israel was determined to strike on its own, leaving the Republican president with a "very difficult decision."
Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said he always thought Kent was "weak on security" and if someone in his administration did not believe Iran was a threat, "we don't want those people."
"They're not smart people, or they're not savvy people," Trump said. "Iran was a tremendous threat."
A year ago, in nominating Kent, Trump praised him as a man who had "hunted down terrorists and criminals his entire adult life."
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, whose office oversaw Kent's work, wrote in a social media post Tuesday that it was up to Trump to decide whether Iran posed a threat.
"After carefully reviewing all the information before him, President Trump concluded that the terrorist Islamist regime in Iran posed an imminent threat and he took action based on that conclusion," Gabbard wrote in the post. She did not mention her own views of the strikes.
Democrats strongly opposed Kent's confirmation because of his past ties to far-right figures and conspiracy theories. But following his resignation, Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Kent's concerns about the war in Iran were justified.
"I strongly disagree with many of the positions he has espoused over the years, particularly those that risk politicizing our intelligence community," Warner said. "But on this point, he is right: There was no credible evidence of an imminent threat from Iran that would justify rushing the United States into another war of choice in the Middle East."
Johnson, though, pushed back on Kent's claims at a press conference on Tuesday.
"I got all the briefings. We all understood that there was clearly an imminent threat that Iran was very close to the enrichment of nuclear capability and they were building missiles at a pace no one in the region could keep up with," Johnson said.
Johnson said he is convinced that if Trump had waited "we would have mass casualties of Americans, service members and others, and our installation would have been dramatically damaged."
Departure follows three recent acts of violence
In New York City, two men who federal authorities say were inspired by the Islamic State group took powerful homemade bombs to a far-right protest outside the mayoral mansion.
In Michigan, a naturalized citizen from Lebanon rammed his vehicle into a synagogue, where he was shot at by security before he fatally shot himself.
And in Virginia, a man previously imprisoned on a terrorism conviction opened fire in a university classroom. Officials said the attack ended when he was killed by students.
Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and FBI Director Kash Patel are scheduled to testify before lawmakers this week about threats facing the U.S., an annual hearing likely to be dominated this year by questions about the Iran war and the revelation that outdated intelligence likely led to the U.S. firing a missile that hit an elementary school in Iran and killed more than 165 people.
A veteran and former congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard has previously criticized talk of military strikes in Iran. Six years ago she said that "an all out war with Iran would make the wars that we've seen in Iraq and Afghanistan look like a picnic. It will be far more costly in lives, American lives, and American taxpayer dollars — and all towards accomplishing what goal? What objective?"
A spokesperson for Gabbard declined to answer questions about Gabbard's views on the current strikes.
A popular figure among Trump supporters
Kent's military background and his personal story of sacrifice made him a compelling figure among Trump supporters.
Before joining Trump's administration, Kent ran two unsuccessful campaigns for Congress in Washington state. As a Green Beret, he saw combat in 11 deployments before retiring to join the CIA. He also endured tragedy: His wife, a Navy cryptologist, was killed by a suicide bomber in 2019 in Syria, leaving him with two young sons. Kent, 45, has since remarried.
During the United States' chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Kent criticized what he said was a misguided desire for nation building by some in Washington, D.C.
"It speaks to our hubris," Kent told reporters while campaigning for Congress. "For us not to have learned from all this just shows that there are people making money and making their careers at the other end of it. They've been doing it on the backs and dead bodies of U.S. soldiers."
During his 2022 congressional campaign, Kent paid Graham Jorgensen, a member of the far-right military group the Proud Boys, for consulting work. He also worked closely with Joey Gibson, the founder of the Christian nationalist group Patriot Prayer, and attracted support from a variety of far-right figures.
Early during his first campaign, Kent acknowledged that a political consultant set up a call intended to broaden his social media reach that was joined by Nick Fuentes, a popular right-wing influencer who has said that Jews are holding the U.S. "hostage" and once proclaimed that "Hitler was awesome, Hitler was right."
Kent later disavowed those ties and stated that he rejected all "racism and bigotry."
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Kent refused to distance himself from a conspiracy theory that federal agents instigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack at the Capitol, as well as false claims that Trump won the 2020 election over Democrat Joe Biden.
Republicans praised Kent's counterterrorism qualifications, pointing to his military and intelligence experience.
Sen. Tom Cotton, the GOP chair of the Intelligence Committee, said in a floor speech that Kent had "dedicated his career to fighting terrorism and keeping Americans safe."
Shaquille O'Neal to cover funeral costs for 12-year-old girl who died after fight at bus stop
Shaquille O'Neal says he will cover funeral expenses for 12-year-old Jada West, a Georgia girl who died after a fight at a school bus stop.
The fight between Jada and another student from Mason Creek Middle School broke out at an intersection near the girl's home on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5, police said. Her death is being investigated by police in suburban Villa Rica, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says O'Neal learned about Jada's story through media reports.
"This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media," said O'Neal, who's serving as chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff's Office. "As a father, my heart goes out to Jada's family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do."
The retired NBA star's statement added: "Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment."
Attorneys for Jada's family claim there were "reports of bullying" prior to the fight.
Video of the fight has gone viral on social media, sparking a national outcry for answers.
The sixth grader's family is searching for accountability and wants to know if the bus driver could have stopped this.
Jada was taken to a hospital and died days after she collapsed in the street following the fistfight, which happened in her neighborhood, according to police.
The Douglas County School System, in a statement, described Jada as "an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student." It said counselors were made available at the school to speak with students and staff.
"This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity," the school district's statement said.
O'Neal is partnering with the sheriffs of Henry County and Douglas County to help the family. Officials say they hope the effort will let the family focus on remembering and honoring Jada, while being supported by the community.
"When a child's life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us," Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds said. "Our goal is simple. We want Jada's family to know that they are not alone and that communities across Georgia stand with them during this incredibly difficult time."
The Villa Rica Police Department has confirmed to ABC News that the case is an ongoing investigation and there is no timeline for bringing charges at this time. Charges will be determined once the investigation is complete.
The fight between Jada and another student from Mason Creek Middle School broke out at an intersection near the girl's home on the afternoon of Thursday, March 5, police said. Her death is being investigated by police in suburban Villa Rica, about 30 miles west of Atlanta.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says O'Neal learned about Jada's story through media reports.
"This story touched my heart the moment I saw it in the media," said O'Neal, who's serving as chief of community relations for the Henry County Sheriff's Office. "As a father, my heart goes out to Jada's family. No parent should ever have to bury their child, and if there is anything I can do to ease even a small part of that burden, then it is the right thing to do."
The retired NBA star's statement added: "Our community must surround this family with love, support, and compassion during such a painful moment."
Attorneys for Jada's family claim there were "reports of bullying" prior to the fight.
Video of the fight has gone viral on social media, sparking a national outcry for answers.
The sixth grader's family is searching for accountability and wants to know if the bus driver could have stopped this.
Jada was taken to a hospital and died days after she collapsed in the street following the fistfight, which happened in her neighborhood, according to police.
The Douglas County School System, in a statement, described Jada as "an upbeat, kind, and vibrant student." It said counselors were made available at the school to speak with students and staff.
"This incident did not occur on school property or during school hours, and there is nothing to indicate that this is related to any on-campus activity," the school district's statement said.
O'Neal is partnering with the sheriffs of Henry County and Douglas County to help the family. Officials say they hope the effort will let the family focus on remembering and honoring Jada, while being supported by the community.
"When a child's life is taken so tragically, it affects all of us," Douglas County Sheriff Tim Pounds said. "Our goal is simple. We want Jada's family to know that they are not alone and that communities across Georgia stand with them during this incredibly difficult time."
The Villa Rica Police Department has confirmed to ABC News that the case is an ongoing investigation and there is no timeline for bringing charges at this time. Charges will be determined once the investigation is complete.
Paradise Season 3's Fate Confirmed At Hulu Ahead Of Sci-Fi Thriller’s Season 2 Finale
Hulu has officially made everyone's day with news about the future of Paradise.
Sterling K. Brown leads the cast of Paradise alongside Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Krys Marshall, Enuka Okuma, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, and Charlie Evans. James Marsden, Shailene Woodley, Thomas Doherty, and Jon Beavers have also made appearances in the series as recurring guests.
It has been officially announced that Paradise will return for a third season on Hulu before season 2's finale has even aired. Season 2's finale is set to be released on March 20 after its staggering viewership stats, coming in at over 30 million hours streamed for the second season so far.
The series has received strong praise since its release, with its first season earning four Emmy nominations and acting nominations for Brown, Marsden, and Nicholson. Brown was nominated for a Golden Globe and won the NAACP Image Award for outstanding actor in a drama series. Paradise was created by Dan Fogelman, who also serves as executive producer and showrunner. The official logline for season 2 is:
"Xavier (Brown) searches for Teri (Okuma) out in the world and learns how people survived the three years since The Day. Back in Paradise, the social fabric frays as the bunker deals with the aftermath of season one, and new secrets are uncovered about the city’s origins.
It was previously announced by Brown that he would be preparing for the filming of season 3 from the end of March until mid-August, but he didn't initially share whether a third season was even on the horizon. Executive producer and writer John Hoberg has also stated this is more of a three-season story, and a fourth season of Paradise would be "very difficult" to achieve. Despite there being no official release date for season 3, Fogelman has previously stated he wanted to release each season annually.
Paradise has been received very well by critics and audiences alike, with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating for season 1, followed by an even more impressive 90% rating for season 2. Critics have stated season 2 is "cleverly plotted" and even went as far as to say it's "an early entry into one of the best TV shows of the year."
Paradise is available to stream on Hulu, with the final episode of season 2 available for streaming on March 20.
Sterling K. Brown leads the cast of Paradise alongside Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Krys Marshall, Enuka Okuma, Aliyah Mastin, Percy Daggs IV, and Charlie Evans. James Marsden, Shailene Woodley, Thomas Doherty, and Jon Beavers have also made appearances in the series as recurring guests.
It has been officially announced that Paradise will return for a third season on Hulu before season 2's finale has even aired. Season 2's finale is set to be released on March 20 after its staggering viewership stats, coming in at over 30 million hours streamed for the second season so far.
The series has received strong praise since its release, with its first season earning four Emmy nominations and acting nominations for Brown, Marsden, and Nicholson. Brown was nominated for a Golden Globe and won the NAACP Image Award for outstanding actor in a drama series. Paradise was created by Dan Fogelman, who also serves as executive producer and showrunner. The official logline for season 2 is:
"Xavier (Brown) searches for Teri (Okuma) out in the world and learns how people survived the three years since The Day. Back in Paradise, the social fabric frays as the bunker deals with the aftermath of season one, and new secrets are uncovered about the city’s origins.
It was previously announced by Brown that he would be preparing for the filming of season 3 from the end of March until mid-August, but he didn't initially share whether a third season was even on the horizon. Executive producer and writer John Hoberg has also stated this is more of a three-season story, and a fourth season of Paradise would be "very difficult" to achieve. Despite there being no official release date for season 3, Fogelman has previously stated he wanted to release each season annually.
Paradise has been received very well by critics and audiences alike, with an 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating for season 1, followed by an even more impressive 90% rating for season 2. Critics have stated season 2 is "cleverly plotted" and even went as far as to say it's "an early entry into one of the best TV shows of the year."
Paradise is available to stream on Hulu, with the final episode of season 2 available for streaming on March 20.
Mystikal Pleads Guilty to Third-Degree Rape in 2022 Case
Mystikal has pleaded guilty to third-degree rape for the alleged 2022 incident that he was on trial for.
The rapper, whose name is Michael Tyler, now faces up to 20 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in a Louisiana state courthouse. He’d originally been charged with first-degree rape, simple robbery, domestic abuse, battery, and false imprisonment. He previously pleaded not guilty to these and was scheduled for a trial date on Mar. 30.
Mystikal’s guilty plea came as part of a reported deal that reduced the severity of the charges against him. If he had originally been convicted of his previous charges, he would have been facing mandatory life imprisonment.
In 2022, Mystikal was indicted on a series of charges due to an alleged assault of a woman that took place at his home in Prairieville, Louisiana. The charges he faced included simple criminal damage to property, false imprisonment, domestic abuse battery by strangulation, simple robbery, possession of heroin, illegal possession of Xanax, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine.
The drug charges Mystikal faced came from the alleged victim, who claimed she saw a white crystalline-like substance in his home. Responding officers said that narcotics were recovered from the rapper’s home.
Mystikal’s accuser told investigators that he’d raped, choked, and beaten her. She also claimed that he took her car keys and phone to prevent her from leaving, and also forced her to send him money on CashApp.
In 2023, Master P called for Mystikal’s release at the Lovers & Friends Festival in Las Vegas, telling the audience to put their hands up in the crowd in support of him.
Last November, Mystikal was ordered to stay incarcerated until his trial date.
The rapper previously pleaded guilty to sexual battery and extortion charges in a different case in 2003 and was sentenced to six years in prison. In 2012, Mystikal spent three months in jail after an arrest on a misdemeanor domestic abuse count. Five years later, he was charged with kidnapping and rape before the case was ultimately dropped by authorties.
Tony-Winning Play 'Purpose' to Make Los Angeles Debut with Full Original Broadway Cast Reprising Roles
The Tony-winning play Purpose will be making its Los Angeles debut later this year with the full original Broadway cast reprising their roles.
The Geffen Playhouse just announced its 2026/2027 season lineup, led by the Broadway and Steppenwolf Theatre Company production Purpose, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad.
The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama last year and also took home two Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Featured Actress in a Play for Kara Young.
Kara will join fellow cast members Jon Michael Hill, Harry Lennix, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Glenn Davis, and Alana Arenas in returning for the L.A. debut.
The Geffen will host the L.A. premiere production from November 11 through December 13.
Here’s the synopsis: “Meet the Jaspers: generations of a powerful Black political family under one roof where nothing stays buried for long. When their youngest son returns home, instincts kick in to protect their public image of leadership and moral authority, and fractures soon appear as private grievances, betrayals, and long-simmering questions of identity rise to the surface.”
It was just announced that Kara is making a surprise return to Broadway this month to step in for another performer at the last minute.
The Geffen Playhouse just announced its 2026/2027 season lineup, led by the Broadway and Steppenwolf Theatre Company production Purpose, written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and directed by Phylicia Rashad.
The play won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama last year and also took home two Tony Awards, including Best Play and Best Featured Actress in a Play for Kara Young.
Kara will join fellow cast members Jon Michael Hill, Harry Lennix, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Glenn Davis, and Alana Arenas in returning for the L.A. debut.
The Geffen will host the L.A. premiere production from November 11 through December 13.
Here’s the synopsis: “Meet the Jaspers: generations of a powerful Black political family under one roof where nothing stays buried for long. When their youngest son returns home, instincts kick in to protect their public image of leadership and moral authority, and fractures soon appear as private grievances, betrayals, and long-simmering questions of identity rise to the surface.”
It was just announced that Kara is making a surprise return to Broadway this month to step in for another performer at the last minute.
Paramount Skydance Acquires Tyler Perry BET+ Stake
*Paramount Skydance is assuming full ownership of BET+ after purchasing Tyler Perry’s minority stake in the streaming service. The transaction arrives as the company prepares to retire BET+ as an independent platform and move its programming library to Paramount+ starting in June 2026, Variety reports.
Perry previously held a 25% interest in BET+, a position he obtained through a production deal with Paramount signed in 2019. Terms tied to Paramount’s acquisition of the stake have not been publicly disclosed.
A representative for Paramount confirmed the agreement and said the partnership between the studio and Perry will remain in place. “As part of this evolution, Paramount acquired Tyler Perry Studios’ equity stake in BET+. We share the same ambition to expand the reach of BET content, and Tyler will continue to be a valued and important partner through his overall programming agreement.”
The shift in streaming strategy was shared internally by BET president Louis Carr. In a memo sent to staff, Carr explained that Paramount+ will become the primary platform hosting the programming previously available through BET+.
Discussing the move, Carr wrote, “This powerful next step ensures the stories we champion, the creators we support and the culture we represent go further than ever before… Our celebrated Black storytelling will live alongside Paramount’s premium series, sports, specials and films, where it will be clearly branded, prominently featured and easy to find in the BET Hub.”
After the transition takes effect, Paramount+ will house more than 1,000 hours of BET-related programming. Titles expected to be available include “The Ms. Pat Show,” “All the Queen’s Men,” “Zatima,” “Average Joe,” and “Diarra From Detroit.”
Carr also noted that the broader BET brand will continue operating across other areas of the company. The network’s linear television channel, the production division BET Studios, and BET Digital operations will all remain active as part of Paramount’s long-term content plans.
In his message, Carr reiterated that BET remains a “cornerstone of Black culture” and an “essential part of Paramount’s portfolio and long-term content strategy.”
*Paramount Skydance is assuming full ownership of BET+ after purchasing Tyler Perry’s minority stake in the streaming service. The transaction arrives as the company prepares to retire BET+ as an independent platform and move its programming library to Paramount+ starting in June 2026, Variety reports.
Perry previously held a 25% interest in BET+, a position he obtained through a production deal with Paramount signed in 2019. Terms tied to Paramount’s acquisition of the stake have not been publicly disclosed.
A representative for Paramount confirmed the agreement and said the partnership between the studio and Perry will remain in place. “As part of this evolution, Paramount acquired Tyler Perry Studios’ equity stake in BET+. We share the same ambition to expand the reach of BET content, and Tyler will continue to be a valued and important partner through his overall programming agreement.”
The shift in streaming strategy was shared internally by BET president Louis Carr. In a memo sent to staff, Carr explained that Paramount+ will become the primary platform hosting the programming previously available through BET+.
Discussing the move, Carr wrote, “This powerful next step ensures the stories we champion, the creators we support and the culture we represent go further than ever before… Our celebrated Black storytelling will live alongside Paramount’s premium series, sports, specials and films, where it will be clearly branded, prominently featured and easy to find in the BET Hub.”
After the transition takes effect, Paramount+ will house more than 1,000 hours of BET-related programming. Titles expected to be available include “The Ms. Pat Show,” “All the Queen’s Men,” “Zatima,” “Average Joe,” and “Diarra From Detroit.”
Carr also noted that the broader BET brand will continue operating across other areas of the company. The network’s linear television channel, the production division BET Studios, and BET Digital operations will all remain active as part of Paramount’s long-term content plans.
In his message, Carr reiterated that BET remains a “cornerstone of Black culture” and an “essential part of Paramount’s portfolio and long-term content strategy.”
Solange Knowles’ Son Julez Smith Seemingly Shades Interview Request After Awkward Atlanta LGBTQ Hosting
Solange Knowles’ son Julez Smith is back in the spotlight after what appears to be his first response to the Atlanta LGBTQ nightclub fallout. The 21-year-old had already been trending following his March 13 appearance at Opium Nightclub. Now, a deleted tweet is adding another layer to the situation.
In the post, Julez shared two photos of himself with the caption, “Them interviews cost too yaknow.” The message quickly caught attention because many viewers connected it to his decision to decline an interview with Gaye Magazine during the event. So the timing led to speculation that he was addressing the situation directly.
The tweet did not stay up for long. However, screenshots circulated across social media, keeping the conversation going. Because of that, the moment added fuel to an already active online debate about what happened that night in Atlanta.
Gaye Magazine also responded publicly. The outlet quoted Julez’s tweet and wrote, “Not it’s a fee?! Typical trade,” followed by a laughing emoji. That response quickly made rounds as well, with users reacting to the back and forth between Smith and the publication.
So the situation has now shifted from event criticism to a visible exchange online. While some people sided with Julez and argued that interviews can come with a price, others questioned the communication between both sides ahead of the event.
Julez has not shared any additional statements since deleting the tweet.
In the post, Julez shared two photos of himself with the caption, “Them interviews cost too yaknow.” The message quickly caught attention because many viewers connected it to his decision to decline an interview with Gaye Magazine during the event. So the timing led to speculation that he was addressing the situation directly.
The tweet did not stay up for long. However, screenshots circulated across social media, keeping the conversation going. Because of that, the moment added fuel to an already active online debate about what happened that night in Atlanta.
Gaye Magazine also responded publicly. The outlet quoted Julez’s tweet and wrote, “Not it’s a fee?! Typical trade,” followed by a laughing emoji. That response quickly made rounds as well, with users reacting to the back and forth between Smith and the publication.
So the situation has now shifted from event criticism to a visible exchange online. While some people sided with Julez and argued that interviews can come with a price, others questioned the communication between both sides ahead of the event.
Julez has not shared any additional statements since deleting the tweet.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
Enjoy!
Back Sweat and Butt Crack Power Couple
Hey lady, pull your damned pants up!
AND NOW Meet:
It's! You can see more HERE
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
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HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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