#MAGFAB: Usher for Essence Magazine!
After 30-Plus Years In The Industry, The Singer Is Busier—And Hotter—Than Ever, Solidifying His Legacy As A Family Man And An R&B King
Usher Raymond is at peace. A true showman who goes above and beyond on the stage, the crooner could be expected to be a ball of kinetic energy offstage too. But as we begin our conversation, he’s very calm. His tone is warm and mellow. Not tired, as well-known figures often are when interviewed after a long stretch in a studio or on a set—but not overly energetic, either. He’s present, confident and engaged.
“I make it a practice to wake up every morning at six or seven o’clock, no matter where I am,” he says of his yoga routine—which he sometimes carries out in private but often does in public classes. “I have a few places that I go that reserve a back corner for me, where nobody notices. And typically, in these rooms, it’s pretty dark—so you don’t really see who’s there until they turn the lights up, and people realize, ‘Oh, wait a minute, is that who I think it is?’”
This serenity he gets from this regimen is necessary after his last three and a half years of high-profile weekend shows in Las Vegas—first at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, in 2021, and then at the Dolby Live at Park MGM from 2022–2023. He also worked on his first new album in nearly eight years—2024’s Coming Home—and curated the longest, most-watched Super Bowl Halftime Show ever. And on the personal front, he welcomed his fourth child and married his longtime partner, music exec Jennifer Goicoechea— aptly, in Vegas.
Frenzy follows him, so moments of solace—whether he’s hiking, bike-riding, roller-skating or slipping into the back of a dimly lit Ashtanga class for an hour and a half—are a treat for the king of R&B. There, I said it. But Usher is not on a break. He shares that he’s been working so hard that he missed his top o’ the morning class and had to catch a later one. The Grammy-winner—in between also winning Entertainer of the Year awards, being honored on the Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame in his hometown of Atlanta (he spent his first 12 years in Chattanooga before moving to, and embracing, ATL) and posing for his ESSENCE cover—has been busy planning his upcoming tour. “Usher: Past Present Future” will take him around most of the U.S. and through Europe this August, into the spring of 2025. Additional dates have already been added due to demand. An Usher show is a hot ticket—because fans know they’re going to get a one-of-a-kind experience.
“I think there’s a connection I feel to my audience, and a connection to the people, that’s based on my service to them,” he says. “I want to make certain that they know I’m committed to serving this art. I’m committed to working to make certain that you feel gratified, for the time that you decide to share with me.”
This sense of connection comes from his epic Vegas residency, which in over 100 performances saw everyone—from A-list celebrities to groups on girls’ trips to couples (because you can’t leave your girl around Usher, as he’s lyrically warned)—in the stands, singing along to his hits. Fans clamored for tickets and for the opportunity to get up close and personal with the star. One superfan, in a viral moment during a show, even videotaped herself pressing his face close to hers as she screamed “Oh my God!” Usher waited patiently, gold microphone in hand, until she released him. I told you he’s calm.
His series of shows were definitely a game changer, shifting how people see residencies. They’re no longer a sign of a career entering its twilight through a mishmash of regimented routines; instead, they’re a chance to push creative boundaries. In addition to bringing insanely talented pole dancers, artists and skaters to the stage, Usher is proud to have brought Black culture to Las Vegas—all while demonstrating the power of our dollar, as his regularly sold-out shows grossed more than $100 million and sent a clear message.
“This was about offering people something that was new: a Black audience that did not exist in Las Vegas,” he says, “and the Black dollar that did not exist in Las Vegas, where casino owners didn’t know there was that person who had that extra $2,000 or $3,000 to spend.”
“Furthermore,” he says, “I was really blown away when I arrived that there wasn’t a union for minorities. So I was like, Oh sh-t. This is actually serving more than just the legacy play and celebrating my catalog. It’s creating an industry for people who don’t have as much power in this city. So I’m selling the culture that comes from our true background. Every time you see me on stage, you see our Black culture. You see HBCU culture at the Super Bowl. You see skating. You see Atlanta culture. I bring that to the forefront, where that becomes a priority. That is the attraction. But that did not exist in Las Vegas before I was brought there, before my residency.”
Now, the performer is bottling this immersive cultural experience and taking it right to the people. He’s curating his set list based on the regions he will be in, even involving fans in the process. He’s taking note of requests on social media, for songs to cover from his vast catalog, as he puts the show together.
Get more at Essence!
Kenya confirmed the news of her return to the RHOA cast for the upcoming Season 16 on Friday, April 11 on Instagram.
"I may be Gone With the Wind Fabulous, but I’m not Going anywhere!" she shared on Instagram, along with the hashtags "Sweet 16" and "longest standing peach."
Over the course of her time on the show, viewers have watched Kenya's evolution into a business owner and mom to daughter, Brooklyn Daly, and in the video at the top of the post, she sits down with RHOA producer Lizzie Spratt as the duo reflect on her many iconic moments over years.
#NewMusic from Lenny Kravitz “Human”
Lenny Kravitz recently blessed us with an anthem that celebrates the human experience with his newest single “Human.” The upbeat cut embraces the joy and essence of what it is to be human navigating this journey called life. The rock-and-roller keeps that feeling going with the song’s music video.
Directed by legendary video director Joseph Kahn, the clip for “Human” begins with the current state of disconnection. We see everyday people walking through a bustling city as they bury themselves in their phones, not bothering to notice their fellow man. Their daily routines are soon interrupted as Lenny and his band come rolling down the street with a literal wall of sound behind them. The magnetism of the music along with Lenny’s charisma snatches all their devices out of their hands and forces them to fall under the song’s influence.
The mass of people delight in the sounds of the song so much that they eventually levitate into the sky. There they begin to meld and merge into one with Lenny at the center, showcasing that the human race can come together as one through the power of music.
LISTEN HERE
“Human” once again showcases the ongoing mission of Lenny Kravitz: spreading love while getting the masses to surrender to the power of music.
#HipHopNews: ASAP Rocky Allegedly Snubbed Drake On Metro Boomin And Future's "Show Of Hands"
In the song, Rocky appeared to respond to the Grammy-winning artist’s alleged references to Rihanna on For All The Dogs. Fans also speculated that he made a nod to Drake’s former partner, Sophie Brussaux.
“N**gas swear they b**ch the baddest, I just bagged the worst one/ N**gas in they feelings over women, what, you hurt or somethin’?/ I smashed before you birthed son, Flacko hit it first, son,” the Harlem native rapped. “Still don’t trust you, it’s always us, never them/ Heard you dropped your latest s**t/ Funny how it just came and went.”
Drake’s relationship with Brussaux was introduced to listeners via Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon.” As reported by VIBE, Rocky was allegedly seeing the woman at the time of her pregnancy. The outlet further noted that he was possibly the one who shared the information with the Virginia rapper.
Previously, fans interpreted Drake’s verse in “Another Late Night” as a jab at the “L$D” hitmaker. He spat lyrics with wordplay involving Rocky’s stage name: “I ain’t Pretty Flacko, b**ch, this s**t get really rocky.”
Additionally, in “Fear Of Heights,” Drake apparently poked fun at both Rihanna and Rocky. “Why they make it sound like I’m still hung up on you?/ That could never be,” he claimed. “Gyal can’t ruin me/ Better him than me, better it’s not me/ I’m anti, I’m anti/ Yeah, and the sex was average with you.”
“Show of Hands” notably marked Rocky’s second alleged shot at Drake within the span of a few months. On Kid Cudi’s “WOW,” which came out in January, the ASAP Mob leader said, “Me and my vamp bae got our own handshake/ These n***as can’t stomach me, gotta go get a mandrake.” Many took it as a double entendre related to the “God’s Plan” artist’s moniker.
CBS Announces The End Of 'The Talk' After 14 Years!
"The Talk" is ending soon, much to fans' dismay. After airing for 14 years, CBS announced on Friday, April 12 that the long-running daytime show will conclude in December with a shortened season 15.
The network shared the devastating news in a statement. " 'The Talk' broke new ground when it launched 14 years ago by returning daytime talk to CBS with a refreshing and award-winning format," it read.
The statement continued, "Throughout the years, it has been a key program on CBS' top rated daytime line-up as it brought timely, important and entertaining topics and discussions into living rooms around the globe."
CBS then gave a shout-out to the show's hosts and the production team behind the show, saying, "It goes without saying that hosting and producing a year-round talk show is no easy task, and we express our sincere gratitude to our amazing hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O'Connell and Sheryl Underwood, our executive producer/showrunner Rob Crabbe and the hardworking producing team and crew."
"We also want to acknowledge our former show hosts and colleagues who contributed throughout the seasons. We truly appreciate the skill, creativity, and dedication everyone involved brought to the show every day," it added. "And of course, we thank the numerous guests who appeared, and the millions of viewers who tuned in daily. For the final season, we plan to celebrate the show and give it the proper sendoff it deserves when it concludes in December 2024."
The cancellation came after it was reported that CBS is working on a new daytime soap titled "The Gates" from Emmy-winning soap alum Michele Val Jean to replace the talk show. As for why the network decided to give the slot for the series, Deadline pointed out that the daytime talk show is "the lowest-rated show on the CBS daytime lineup."
The new report added that it's impossible for CBS to drop "The Young and the Restless" since the drama is the network's No. 1 daytime show. It also just received a season renewal. It's also unlikely for the network to pull the plug on "The Bold and the Beautiful" since the show is the second most-watched daytime soap in the network after "The Young and the Restless".
Brittney Griner And Her Wife Expecting Their First Child!
The couple, who met while attending Baylor University from 2009 to 2013, tied the knot in June 2019. After a decade of friendship, they began dating and fell head over heels in love.
Their happy news comes after a challenging year. In February 2022, Brittney was arrested in Russia on drug charges, leading to her detention for 10 months. During that time, Cherelle tirelessly advocated for her wife's release, fearing the worst.
In December 2022, Brittney was finally freed after a prisoner swap, and the couple was reunited. Since then, they have been rebuilding their lives together, taking time to reconnect and heal.
The couple shared the announcement of their pregnancy on Instagram, with Cherelle writing, "Can't believe we're less than three months away from meeting our favorite human being." The baby is due in July 2024.
Brittney and Cherelle's journey is a testament to their unwavering love and resilience. Despite facing adversity, they have emerged stronger and filled with joy as they embark on this new chapter as parents.
Nicki Minaj And LØCI Launch New Sneaker Collection!
Each design boasted the “Everybody” hitmaker’s face on the tongue. The ATOM, which drew inspiration from ‘80s skate culture, featured a twin cup sole and recycled foam insole. Meanwhile, the APEX included a notably chunkier sole and bio-leather upper.
Prices for the sneakers start at $185 and can be purchased directly via LØCI’s website. Minaj first announced the joint effort on March 29. She captioned the teaser clip, “An absolute dream come true. I can’t WAIT for you guys to see my first collection… Thank you to my team for helping me make this dream come to fruition. This isn’t a sponsorship. I’m an owner and partner.”
It’s worth mentioning that Minaj ventured into the nail industry with Pink Friday Nails last month. Her brand debuted with 11 designs across several colorways, including matte and chrome sets. It arrived in collaboration with Yvett G., who drew inspiration from the artist’s past outfits, music videos, and notable moments.
Earlier this week, it was announced that Minaj’s “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” made her the record holder for the most concerts to gross over $2 million ticket sales each by a female rapper. On Instagram Live, she stated, “So, I just want to thank everybody that’s been coming out. I never in my wildest dreams would’ve thought that this tour… I mean, I did keep saying, ‘It’s going to be this. It’s going to be that.’ Let me tell you something: The other component that I didn’t factor in was you guys, your energy. I just will always be thankful, period.”
Rico Wade, Legendary Organized Noize And Dungeon Family Producer, Has Died At 52
Sadly, the mastermind behind the sounds of OutKast, Goodie Mob, and Killer Mike, to name a few, has died at the age of 52. On (April 13), a representative of the late musician reached out to AllHipHop to confirm the tragic news.
Several media titans and entertainers have taken to their official social media pages to share a touching message in Wade’s honor. One of the most moving came from Killer Mike.
“I don’t have the words to express my deep and profound sense of loss,” he wrote on Instagram. I am praying for your wife, children, the Wade family, and us all. I deeply appreciate your acceptance into the Dungeon family, mentorship, friendship, and brotherhood. I don’t know where I would be without y’all.”
Others who have shared their condolences online include Phonte, Juicy J, Ebro Darden, Arrested Development’s Speech, and Alchemist.
Details surrounding Rico Wade’s death have not yet been revealed.
The Executor of O.J. Simpson's estate plans to fight payout to the families of Brown and Goldman
The executor of O.J. Simpson’s estate says he will work to prevent a payout of a $33.5 million judgment awarded by a California civil jury nearly three decades ago in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the families of Simpson’s ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman.
Simpson’s will was filed Friday in a Clark County court in Nevada, naming his longtime lawyer, Malcolm LaVergne, as the executor. The document shows Simpson’s property was placed into a trust that was created this year.
LaVergne told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the entirety of Simpson’s estate has not been tallied. Under Nevada law, an estate must go through the courts if its assets exceed $20,000.
Simpson died Wednesday without having paid the lion’s share of the civil judgment that was awarded in 1997 after jurors found him liable. With his assets set to go through the court probate process, the Goldman and Brown families could be in line to get paid a piece of whatever Simpson left behind.
LaVergne, who had represented Simpson since 2009, said he specifically didn't want the Goldman family seeing any money from Simpson’s estate.
“It’s my hope that the Goldmans get zero, nothing,” he told the Review-Journal. “Them specifically. And I will do everything in my capacity as the executor or personal representative to try and ensure that they get nothing.”
LaVergne did not immediately return phone and email messages left by The Associated Press on Saturday.
Although the Brown and Goldman families have pushed for payment, LaVergne said there was never a court order forcing Simpson to pay the civil judgment. The attorney told the Review-Journal that his particular ire at the Goldman family stemmed in part from the events surrounding Simpson’s planned book, titled “If I Did It.” Goldman’s family won control of the manuscript and retitled the book “If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer.”
Simpson earned fame and fortune through football and show business, but his legacy was forever changed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife and her friend in Los Angeles. He was acquitted of criminal charges in 1995 in a trial that mesmerized the public.
Goldman’s father Fred Goldman, the lead plaintiff, always said the issue was never the money, it was only about holding Simpson responsible. And he said in a statement Thursday that with Simpson’s death, “the hope for true accountability has ended.”
The Goldman and Brown families will be on at least equal footing with other creditors and will probably have an even stronger claim, as Simpson's estate is settled under terms established by the trust created in January. The will lists his four children and notes that any beneficiary who seeks to challenge provisions of the will “shall receive, free of trust, one dollar ($1.00) and no more in lieu of any claimed interest in this will or its assets.”
Simpson said he lived only on his NFL and private pensions. Hundreds of valuable possessions had been seized as part of the jury award, and Simpson was forced to auction his Heisman Trophy, fetching $230,000.
HOT or NOT? Lizzo is a vision in black at 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
At the star-studded event known as the Oscars of Science, Lizzo chatted with Perry who walked the red carpet in a similar strapless black gown with a dramatic neckline. The two shared a heartwarming air hug and kiss on the red carpet.
Perry also teased new music in a clever way. Eagle-eyed fans noticed she carried a tiny bag with a scroll that read "KP6: TOP SECRET." This suggests that her sixth album, a follow-up to 2020's "Smile," is nearing completion.
She looks great!
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ season 16 episode 15 recap: ‘LipSync Lalaparuza Smackdown – Reunited’
This week, instead of the standard reunion episode, RuPaul Charles invites the eliminated queens back for a “LipSync Lalaparuza Smackdown” where one comes out on top of the tournament $50,000 richer. Seated at the judges’ dais this week to help decide the match-up winners were longtime bestie Michelle Visage and recurring judge Ts Madison.
Check out our full recap of episode 15 below:
The morning after Q’s elimination, all 14 of the queens entered the Werk Room together for a “reunited” moment where only the three finalists truly knew what was in store for the eliminated queens. Because of their beef, Amanda Tori Meating was “not excited to see Miss Plane Jane” in the top three and surprisingly Q wasn’t too down about her own elimination.
When Ru arrived, he explained that this week “all eyes are on the 11 returning queens” because they’d be going head-to-head in the lip sync smackdown for the chance to be the “Queen of She Already Done Had Hereses” with a $50,000 cash prize. Ru gave them all two hours to get into “Lalaparuza drag” and prepare for the battles.
As the girls prepared, the confident ones were Geneva Karr and Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige because of their strengths in lip syncs already in the season. Everyone knew that Mirage was a contender, but they were concerned that she was last seen in her loss because she didn’t know the words to a Cher song. Xunami Muse reminded everyone that “one moment does not define you” and Mirage or any of the queens eliminated early “should not be slept on.” Because she went home first and “America didn’t get to see much” of her, Hershii LiqCour-Jeté saw the smackdown as an opportunity to show more of herself.
Because Morphine Love Dion was the one that took out Mhi’ya in the main competition, Mhi’ya was ready to get her payback on her Miami sister. She said that she “let” Morphine win that battle by giving only 65% in the performance, but that “the queen of flips” will be here tonight to take Morphine out. Mhi’ya also confronted Megami because she heard that she thought she beat Mhi’ya, but both Megami and Plasma were ready to get their own payback on Mhi’ya.
On a “new and improved” Main Stage, the queens were greeted by a live audience and Michelle and Ts as the judges alongside Ru. It was explained that in the single-elimination tournament style smackdown there would be nine match-ups in total. In the first round, four pairs and one trio would compete in the first five. The winner of the triple header automatically advances to the semi-final. The winners of the four pairings, advance to round two for another direct match-up. The queen who is already in the semi-finals would decide between the two round two winners who to go against, sending the other to the final match-up.
To decide the matchups, Pit Crew member Bruno spun the golden hopper. First drawn was Dawn, giving her the decision to pick her opponent. In an effort to “do something fun” by picking the queen she felt she knew would pick the song she wanted to do: Amanda. For the song selection, Amanda chose “Damaged” by Danity Kane to have “a girl group moment” again, and it was the song that Dawn hoped she’d choose. In their battle, the queens looking on noticed that Dawn was trying to be emotional with the song while Amanda was hitting all of the beats. In the end, the judges agreed and chose Amanda as the winner.
The next ball that Bruno plucked from the golden hopper was Q. For her opponent, Q chose Megami who then selected the song “What About” by Janet Jackson. Megami felt like Q was underestimating her and the impression was that she chose the Janet song in order to “hinder” Q. The onlookers were shocked by how forceful Megami’s performance was and even though Jane was rooting for Q, she agreed with Nymphia Wind that Megami was giving. The winner as per the judges was Megami.
The third ball chosen from the golden hopper was Morphine. For her opponent, Morphine chose Geneva who then selected “Million Dollar Baby” by Ava Max as their song because it’s a dance-heavy song that they could both deliver on. Watching from the Werk Room, Dawn thought that Geneva did her costume reveal “too early” and that was confirmed when Morphine did one of her own timed perfectly at the second verse of the song. She then capped it off with a slick wig reveal as well. Ru’s decision was clear here, Morphine was the winner.
The fourth ball chosen by Bruno belonged to Mirage. With four other queens for options, Mirage chose Hershii who then selected the song “Alone 2.0” by Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj. Hershii chose the song hoping that Mirage would get tripped up on the words and the queens backstage agreed that it might be a concern. Mirage made it through the words just fine and with her tricks included, the judges decided that Mirage defeated Hershii.
The fifth match-up was left the last three standing, Plasma, Mhi’ya and Xunami. Bruno chose a ball from the golden hopper to decide who picks the song. Mhi’ya was selected and then confidently picked “Milkshake” by Kelis as their song. Xunami was proud of herself for “giving model” while Plasma and Mhi’ya were “throwing themselves on the floor giving Raggedy Ann on steroids,” but Mhi’ya’s antics proved unstoppable and she was able to knock out two New York-based queens in one swoop.
In the start of round two, Amanda’s ball was chosen and she selected Megami as her opponent. Megami chose “The Shoop Shoop Song” by Cher as their song. In this turn, Megami had the judges rolling with laughter by mimicking really obnoxious kisses and licking with her hand while Amanda attempted to rely on dance move moments like before. Sure enough, Megami was deemed the winner.
The stage was set for Mirage vs. Morphine, but the chosen ball by Bruno determined that Morphine got to choose the song “This Time I Know It’s for Real” by Donna Summer. Mirage clocked that Morphine used “double ended strategy” in choosing that song because it avoided doing something upbeat against Mirage and would force Mhi’ya to do the song they all knew she least wanted. In this head-to-head, Morphine wanted to give “beauty and grace” to match the song, but her sliding split just challenged Mirage to “go off, too, then.” It was a tough choice and the girls backstage were split in the decision, but Ru was clear on her’s that Morphine was the winner.
For the single semi-final match, Bruno chose a ball from the golden hopper to decide one of the two queens that would compete here. Bruno chose the ball belonging to Megami. Faced with having to pick one of two “poisons,” Megami chose Mhi’ya as her opponent, sending Morphine straight to the final round. The girls backstage thought Megami should pick Morphine because she was just performing, but instead Megami wanted redemption against Mhi’ya.
In the semi-final battle to “We Got the Beat” by The Go-Gos, Megami took quick control of the center stage and capitalized on the goodwill she had built up with the crowd to capture all the attention. The queens backstage were expecting Mhi’ya to dominate, but her performance amounted to prancing from side to side with a few tricks. The judges went with the crowd and against the eliminated queens in her decision that Megami was the winner.
For the final battle, Megami and Morphine were given the song “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory with all of the queens returning to the stage to watch the performance. Megami’s plan was to “out stupid” Morphine because she knew she couldn’t “out dance” her so she brought out googly eyes on her hand to make a puppet that she played with. Morphine danced her ass off, literally, by using all of her body as an asset in every decision she made on stage and then capped it off in the final moment by mimicking knocking Megami out with that last thump of the beat. And just like that, Morphine was declared the Queen of She Already Done Had Herses and the recipient of the $50,000 cash tip.
NEXT TIME: The final three compete in the “Grand Finale” where “America’s next drag superstar” is crowned.
Israel Braces As Iran Launches Wave of Retaliatory Strikes
Iran has launched a wave of strikes toward Israel in retaliation for last week’s deadly Israeli strike on an Iranian embassy complex in Syria, in an unprecedented move by Tehran that could further widen the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Several dozen drones were launched from within Iran on Saturday, a senior US administration official told CNN, while an Israeli military officer put the number at “more than 100.” Iran state media confirmed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had “launched extensive drone strikes against targets in occupied territories,” referring to Israel.
Iran has also launched missiles against Israel, according to Israeli and Iranian media.
In response, tens of Israeli fighter jets are now airborne on a “defense mission in Israeli airspace,” according to an Israeli military official, who said Israeli forces aim to intercept the drones before they reach Israeli skies.
Iran has launched drones toward Israel, says IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, who is pictured here speaking to the press in Tel Aviv on October 18. (Gil Cohen-Magen-AFP-Getty Images
CNN’s team in Jerusalem reported hearing explosions and sirens as apparent intercepts took place early Sunday morning local time.
“We are continuing to see multiple intercepts in the skies above me coming from multiple different directions. It’s hard to tell what is an incoming missile and what is an intercept,” CNN’s Nic Robertson reported.
“I’m hearing multiple, multiple detonations, again of what sound like interceptions. I am not hearing the sound of impacts,” he said, adding that his team had already witnessed dozens of apparent intercepts.
Two US officials said US air defense systems in the Middle East had also intercepted some Iranian drones, but they did not specify where or how. US officials had previously told CNN the US would attempt to intercept any weapons launched at Israel if it was feasible to do so.
Public shelters have been opened in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, and Israel has closed its airspace, as have nearby Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon. Israel’s Home Front Command meanwhile announced that gatherings of more than 1,000 people would be prohibited.
US President Joe Biden met Saturday night in a lengthy meeting with his national security team to assess the attack, according to a US official.
Biden is “in constant communication with Israeli officials as well as other partners and allies,” the US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said Saturday, emphasizing that the administration’s “support for Israel’s security is ironclad.”
US Navy forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted long-range missiles launched from the Houthis in Yemen towards Israel. US forces in Iraq and Syria could also potentially intercept drones and rockets targeting northern Israel.
Iran’s mission to the UN confirmed early on Sunday local time that the drone attacks were its response to the strike on its consulate in Damascus, adding that the matter was now “deemed concluded.”
“However, should the Israeli regime make another mistake, Iran’s response will be considerably more severe. It is a conflict between Iran and the rogue Israeli regime, from which the US MUST STAY AWAY!” Iran’s Permanent Mission added in its statement on X.
Separately on Saturday, the Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah claimed to have launched dozens of Katyusha rockets targeting the IDF air defense headquarters in the Golan Heights.
Retaliation for strike on embassy complex
Fears that Israel’s war in Gaza could spiral into a wider regional conflict have been rising since Iran accused Israel of bombing its embassy complex in Syria earlier this month.
The airstrike destroyed the consulate building in the capital Damascus, killing at least seven officials including Mohammed Reza Zahedi, a top commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and senior commander Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, Iran’s foreign ministry said at the time.
Zahedi, a former commander of the IRGC’s ground forces, air force, and the deputy commander of its operations, was the most high-profile Iranian target killed since then-US President Donald Trump ordered the assassination of IRGC Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in 2020.
Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel would be punished for the attack, while President Ebrahim Raisi said it would “not go unanswered,” state news agency IRNA reported. The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said the strike would be met with “punishment and revenge.”
Israel has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for the strike but said it believed the building struck was a “military building of Quds forces” — a unit of the IRGC responsible for foreign operations.
Shortly after the launch of the drones on Saturday night, Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, warned that any country that allows Israel to use its airspace or territory for attacking Iran would face a “decisive response.”
An expected threat
The US has warned for several days of a “real,” “credible” and “viable” threat of Iranian retaliatory strikes against Israel. Senior US officials said after the strike that they believed an attack by Iran was “inevitable” – a view shared by their Israeli counterparts, that official said.
As part of its response, the US sent Central Command chief Gen. Michael Kurilla to Israel for talks with Israeli military counterparts and on Friday a defense official told CNN the Pentagon was moving additional assets to the Middle East “to bolster regional deterrence efforts and increase force protection for US forces.”
Israel is prepared for a “direct attack by Iran,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Saturday evening.
“Our defensive systems are deployed; we are ready for any scenario, both defensively and offensively. The state of Israel is strong. The IDF is strong. The public is strong,” he said.
“We have determined a clear principle: Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We will defend ourselves against any threat and will do so level-headedly and with determination,” Netanyahu said.
Curtis Jack Has Been Sentenced for Attempting to Poison A Baby with Antifreeze in Breastmilk!
Following his conviction on charges of first-degree cruelty to children and attempted murder, Jack has been sentenced to 50 years, with 40 to be served behind bars. South Fulton Police took to Facebook to announce his sentencing.
According to a statement from the department, on October 1, 2020, Jack retrieved two bottles of breastmilk from the mother of his child, who was hospitalized after recently giving birth to their daughter.
In a disturbing turn, Jack had pressured the woman to terminate her pregnancy. Subsequently, he delivered the breastmilk to the child’s grandmother, who was also caring for the newborn and her sibling.
Tragically, within a mere 24 hours, the baby fell critically ill after consuming the tainted breastmilk, prompting suspicion of poisoning. Jack confessed to the police, revealing his malevolent act of adding antifreeze to the milk.
During the trial, testimony from the child’s mother, grandmother, law enforcement officials, and medical experts shed light on the gravity of Jack’s actions. Medical experts even showcased how easily the breastmilk could be poisoned.
South Fulton Police expressed gratitude to Madam Fani Willis and the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for their role in securing justice for the victim and her mother.
NLE Choppa Addresses Sexuality Following Release of Raunchy New Single "Slut Me Out 2"
A month after first premiering the track during a performance at Rolling Loud, NLE Choppa returned on Friday with his new single "Slut Me Out 2."
A sequel to his 2022 hit, which later appeared on the Memphis rapper's 2023 project Cottonwood 2, "Slut Me Out 2" had some fans speculating on NLE Choppa's sexuality due to its raunchy lyrics.
“If I was a bad bitch, I’d wanna fuck me too, hmm / I’d wanna suck me too, hmm / I’d wanna slut me too, hmm," Choppa raps on the track.
Hours after releasing the song, NLE Choppa hopped on X to address his sexuality.
"I understand me being in love with myself as a BLACKMAN is so RARE to the point that some people try putting the homosexual jacket on my name," he wrote. "But with all due respect, I love ALL, but my intimacy lies with women only."
I understand me being in love with myself as a BLACKMAN is so RARE to the point some people try putting the homosexual jacket on my name but with all due respect I love ALL, but my intimacy lies with women only. 🙏
— NLE Choppa (@Nlechoppa1) April 11, 2024
NLE Choppa continued by thanking the LGBTQ community for "showing so much love" to his new single.
"And I Simply Want To Say Thank You," he tweeted. "IDC what’s normalized as a rapper, I was raised to Fuck with who fuck with you! So thank y’all for appreciating my craft.. My music For ALL we do NO Discrimination."
I’m noticing the LGBTQ community showing so much love to “Slut Me Out 2” And I Simply Want To Say Thank You.. IDC what’s normalized as a rapper, I was raised to Fuck with who fuck with you! So thank y’all for appreciating my craft.. My music For ALL we do NO Discrimination 💜🤲🏼
— NLE Choppa (@Nlechoppa1) April 13, 2024
He conluded his address by responding to one fan who called the Cottonwood rapper gay.
"I’m gay for showing love?" Choppa replied. "Y’all men lost that’s why we killing each other everyday cause y’all can’t show love and whole time yall be the ones that get down like that but be hiding it! Me saying thank you got nun to do with my sexuality busta."
Michael Strahan's Daughter Isabella Shares Devastating Cancer Setback: 'Bawling My Eyes Out'
Unfortunately, Isabella recently shared a devastating cancer setback.
On Friday, April 12, the model published a vlog from a hospital bed. She was admitted because she had a fever. While at the hospital, she underwent MRIs and CT scans, among other tests.
“I started hysterically crying because I needed to get an IV and I haven’t had an IV in so long,” she said, pointing out how tears dampened her shirt. “They’re giving me fluids right now and antibiotics.”
In addition to draining fluid from her head, Isabella underwent her third craniotomy—just one month after her second. The Good Morning America co-host's daughter shared that the pain medicine she received doesn't "work that well on me."
"So I’m in a lot of pain," Isabella said to the camera before breaking down into tears. "My head really, really hurts right now. Not gonna lie, I’ve been crying a lot. I’m in a lot of pain. It’s not as bad as last time… My face isn’t as puffy but it literally hurts to do anything.”
Disappointingly, Isabella's latest craniotomy pushed back the date of beginning her next round of chemotherapy treatment.
"I only have to do two rounds of chemo, but it’s still gonna be three months,” Isabella said. “So I wasn’t very happy about that. I was just bawling my eyes out because it’s just so disappointing when you’re like, ‘Yes! I can finish by May!’ And then everything changes because of a stupid head infection.”
On April 10, just two days prior, Isabella shared the good news about finishing chemotherapy early with her YouTube subscribers.
“My doctor just called and told me I only have to do two more rounds of chemo, and I’m so happy," she said. "So I’ll be done in May and I can kind of try to have a summer to feel better."
At first, doctors told Isabella she would need six rounds of chemotherapy. She would have finished in late July before resuming classes at the University of Southern California.
Although Isabella's latest hospital stay threw a wrench in her chemotherapy timeline, she still has only two rounds left instead of the original four, which is still a promising update.
Nike Debuts AI-Crafted “A.I.R” Sneakers in Special Showcase
Nike is stepping up its game in the world of high-performance footwear, and it’s turning to artificial intelligence for an edge. At a grand Olympic-themed showcase in Paris, the brand not only debuted several new Air-based models but also introduced a line of AI-designed sneakers.
This innovative collection, dubbed “A.I.R,” includes designs that have been tailored using data from athletes like basketball prodigy Victor Wembanyama. The sneakers feature a range of aerodynamic, sleek designs and taller profiles with substantial soles, all crafted to meet specific athletic needs. Each pair boasts a striking design with white uppers, contrasting black Nike Swooshes, and distinct orange Air units, making a bold aesthetic statement.
While these futuristic sneakers have wowed attendees and sparked interest, Nike has announced that the designs are exclusive to the showcase and won’t be hitting retail shelves anytime soon. But keep your eyes peeled—Nike is clearly just getting started with exploring new frontiers in sneaker technology. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in footwear design.
Wisconsin Man Charged in Connection with the Tragic Disappearance and Death of Teen Sade
In a grim twist, over the next several days, authorities uncovered severed human remains scattered across different locations. While these remains have not been officially confirmed as Robinson’s, the discovery led to Anderson being apprehended as a person of interest linked to one of these sites. Detailed examination of text exchanges between Anderson and Robinson suggested they had met on the day of her disappearance. Adding to the disturbing narrative, Robinson’s cellphone data, monitored through her Life360 account, last placed her at various sites including Anderson’s residence and areas where the remains were found.
Further investigative efforts revealed surveillance footage of the pair at a restaurant before leaving together, with no subsequent footage covering the parking area. The severity of the situation deepened with evidence from an eyewitness and additional surveillance video that purportedly captured Anderson setting Robinson’s vehicle ablaze. A subsequent police search at Anderson’s home unearthed blood traces in a bedroom and along a path leading to the basement, alongside multiple gasoline containers—a grim indicator of the premeditated nature of the crime.
In a recent press conference, detectives confirmed that DNA tests identified a leg found during their searches as belonging to Robinson. They also discovered a foot, similarly linked to Robinson by skin tone, size, and matching pink nail polish, found close to where her car was burned. The evidence suggests a violent and tragic end for Robinson, whose leg was horrifically severed just below the hip.
Anderson, no stranger to the law, has a checkered past with multiple convictions ranging from disorderly conduct to intimidating a witness, painting a troubling picture of his criminal history.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Cute Little Dog Backpack
Woof said the bag, Woof Woof he said.
Woof said the bag, Woof Woof he said.
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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