#MAGFAB: The World's Fastest Man Noah Lyles' For Men's Health Magazine!
This is part of the Men's Health Body Bible, a collection of cutting-edge stories focused on helping you build more muscle using the latest science and lessons from some of the finest athletes and trainers on the planet.
HE DOESN’T LACK confidence. Noah Lyles has ICON tattooed on his torso and doesn’t hold back when revealing his goals for 2024. “We’re going after everything,” the sprinter says, his voice dripping with self-assurance. “We’re going after the triple. Going after the world record, too. I know I can do this.”That triple, which he accomplished at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, is winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 meter relay. Lyles’s feet move him faster than most folks on the planet. His quads have carried him 100 meters in 9.83 seconds and 200 meters in 19.31 seconds. The latter is an American record while the former was the world’s best in 2023. His hamstrings and calves have produced five Diamond League titles and six World Championship victories.
The five-foot-eleven 26-year-old will be chasing lightning at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, sprinting for the rarefied air of Jesse Owens, Carl Lewis, and Usain Bolt—icons who completed the triple on track and field’s grandest stage. Lyles craves that company and caused a stir by announcing on Instagram recently that he would run 9.65 in the 100 meters and 19.10 in the 200. That bodacious 0.21-second drop in the 200 would actually be just over the length of a stride for him—an additional 8.5 feet. (His stride is 7.74 feet.)
The numbers may sound like technobabble, but Lyles nerds out over the minutiae of muscle. “I’m a student of my craft,” he says.
Though he is the child of two collegiate sprinters, he doesn’t rely on genetics alone, training with intensity and focus. In-season work zones in on starts, acceleration, and feeling comfortable at top-end speed. Off-season, the backbone of his training is foundational leg work: the glute/ham machine, back and front squats, leg presses, and single-leg Romanian deadlifts. Prior to running, he does glute and calf activation drills with a physiotherapist who regularly flies in from Australia. Lyles also gets massages weekly, and a chiropractor tends to him every other week. Normatec leg-compression sleeves and the hot tub are consistent parts of his self-care as well. “If I don’t work on each individual piece to the fullest ability, I leave variables out,” he says. “And I want constants.”
One constant that challenges him is his start—the weakest part of his sprint game. A fast start could help him overtake Bolt’s record. Lyles’s biomechanist, Ralph Mann, uses force plates and slow-motion video to help perfect his form. Mann hones Lyles’s ankle angles so the 300 pounds of force he puts into the blocks propels him forward. Mann wants the physics of Lyles’s horizontal forces optimized in the first two steps out of the blocks. Tauter angle tilts combined with a proper center of gravity could generate potentially record-breaking speed.
Meanwhile, his physiotherapist gets granular—“into the extreme minute details,” Lyles says, referring to an asymmetry found in his starts. While the muscles around his left ankle and calf fire, pushing his foot into the block to drive him forward, his right teres minor—part of the shoulder’s rotator cuff—should also fire, pulling his right elbow and arm behind him, matching the left leg. But that doesn’t always happen—yet.
#RHOA: Dr. Heavenly Kimes Wants Kenya Moore on Married to Medicine
Is it time for another Married to Medicine and Real Housewives of Atlanta crossover? After the news dropped that Phaedra Parks would be returning to RHOA for Season 16, Dr. Heavenly Kimes took to Twitter and made a casting suggestion of her own. She wants to see Kenya Moore join the cast of M2M. Has Dr. Heavenly finally lost it, or is this maybe the best idea to get Kenya back into the Bravo universe?
Of course Kenya walked away from RHOA while filming Season 16. According to insiders, she was frustrated with how Bravo handled her questionable beef with Brittany Eady. The jury is still out on what exactly happened between the two of them, but the bottom line is that Kenya is gone and RHOA’s future is worse because of it.
Now that Bravo has confirmed that they’re basically just swapping out Kenya for Phaedra, Dr. Heavenly wants to see an even trade. That’s what they do in sports, right? She wrote, “I’m not trying to be messy or nothing, but can we get @Kenya on Married To Medicine please? Thank you. #married2med.”
You’re probably reading that and thinking, “Wait, Kenya isn’t a doctor nor is she married to medicine.” However, that didn’t stop Phaedra from joining the show, so that shouldn’t stop Kenya either. Anything to see Kenya back on our screens would be a blessing.
Season 11 of Married to Medicine has already wrapped filming, so it’s a little too late to get Kenya into the fold for the upcoming season. That means that Bravo has plenty of time to figure this out for Season 12. We’ll be patiently waiting, because every day without Kenya on our screens is a missed opportunity.
#MusicNews: Maxwell Releases A Rendition of Al Green’s “Simply Beautiful” As His New Single
R&B superstar Maxwell has just unveiled his new single “Simply Beautiful”, which is a rendition of the Al Green classic.
The song has deep meaning to Maxwell, and he has performed it during his shows for over a decade. This marks the new first new single he’s released in over three years since “Off” in 2021.
Maxwell’s studio version of the song was produced by longtime collaborators Hod David and Shedrick Mitchell. He adds:
“We had the best of the best come out to be a part of the recording, from the horns to the strings to the vocalists. The first time I heard Al Green’s music, I was amazed. It’s been an honor to get in the studio and record one of his songs.””
“Simply Beautiful” previews the next chapter and arrives in between milestone moments on the road for Maxwell.
The Serenade 2024 North American Tour will soon see Maxwell embark on an expansive 25+ date tour kicking off September 14 at Hard Rock Hollywood, with special guest Jazmine Sullivan and October London.No official word yet on the blacksummers’NIGHT album, the much anticipated third part of his album trilogy that kicked off in 2009.
#HipHopNews: T.I. Arrested in case of mistaken Identity at the Airport
The Kang was taken to the Clayton County Jail where he had an extradition hearing when the mistake was confirmed. T.I. was released a couple hours after he was arrested, a source close to the situation confirmed to XXL.
The normally outspoken T.I. has yet to speak publicly on the strange situation.
Akili McDowell, Star Of ‘David Makes Man,’ Charged With Murder
Akili McDowell, the star of David Makes Man, was arrested this past weekend in Houston. The 21-year-old actor was charged with murder and theft.
Harris County Jail online records show that McDowell was taken into custody last Thursday (Aug. 1). Ed Gonzalez, the Harris County Sheriff, only announced the arrest via Facebook on Saturday (Aug. 3), revealing that the shooting took place on July 20.
Deputies were called to a crime scene where they found the victim, 20-year-old Cesar Peralta, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot of an apartment complex. Peralta was pronounced dead at the scene and Gonzalez claimed that those suspected of killing him had fled the scene.
Authorities don’t currently know whether Akili McDowell knew the victim nor have they announced how he was identified as one of the suspects. As of now, it is also unclear whether McDowell has submitted a plea or obtained an attorney to speak on his behalf. His bail is currently set at $400,00 and he was booked to appear in court on Monday (Aug. 5).
McDowell broke through at 16 years old with his lead role as David in OWN’s David Makes Man, which premiered in August 2019. The show won a Peabody Award for Entertainment in 2020 and was renewed for a second season which premiered in June 2021. Phylicia Rashad also appeared in the show, playing the role of Dr. Woods-Trap.
McDowell has also appeared in works such as It’s Not About Me, The Astronaut Wives Club, Billions, I Am Athlete, and The Waterboyz.
Missy Elliott Honored By Virginia Congressman During Out Of This World Tour
“It would be a crime — a ‘Misdemeanor’! — not to recognize you, and to thank you for all you’ve done, not only with the fame and fortune, but giving back to the community,” detailed Congressman Scott at the end of the concert. “So I wanted to recognize you with a Congressional Certificate Of Community Service. Thank you, Missy.”
Mayor Tuck also declared Aug. 2, “Out of This World Tour Day” in the city.
The Out Of This World Tour, which kicked off last month in Vancouver, is the first headlining tour of Missy Elliott’s iconic career. According to a press release, the show featured a lively set from DJ Navarris before each artist took the stage. The Supa Fly musician’s performance featured 25 dancers including ballerinas, a tap dancer, and intergalactic set themes.
Songs on the setlist include timeless hits like “Throw It Back,” “Sock It 2 Me,” “Get Ur Freak On,” “Hot Boyz,” “Ching-A-Ling,” “Bring the Pain,” and “Work It.
“I always [envisioned] her performing on stage,” Timbaland shared with Variety ahead of the Virginia performance. “I know she likes to stay behind the music and that’s cool, but I knew she was much more. I always saw her on the main stage. And for her to headline this tour the way she’s doing it… I’m glad that she’s seeing that people really love her and cherish all the work she’s done. I feel like she’s at the top of her game, like she’s 19 again.”
Take a look at the remaining tour dates below.
View the remaining Out Of This World: The Experience tour dates below.
Thursday, August 8 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena
Friday, August 9 — Newark, NJ — Prudential Center
Saturday, August 10 — Boston, MA — TD Garden
Monday, August 12 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center
Wednesday, August 14 — Cleveland, OH — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Thursday, August 15 — Detroit, MI — Little Caesars Arena
Saturday, August 17 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre Monday,
August 19 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena Tuesday,
August 20 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena
Thursday, August 22 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena
Friday, August 23 — Rosemont, IL — Allstate Arena
IT'S OFFICIAL! Kamala Harris Harris has decided on Tim Walz as running mate
Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, elevating the former teacher and Army National Guard veteran to join the Democratic ticket and help lead the party’s fight to defeat Donald Trump.
The selection – which Harris personally delivered to Walz via a video call, according to a source familiar with the matter – caps the Midwestern Democrat’s short but swift ascent from a relative unknown to a leading driver of the party’s attacks against the former president and the MAGA agenda.
Walz emerged from the most accelerated vice presidential search in modern history from a shortlist that included half a dozen Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. The vice president held in-person interviews with Walz, Shapiro and Kelly on Sunday.
While Harris and Walz did not enjoy much of a previous relationship, aides said Harris grew increasingly enthused by how Walz genuinely carried himself and found a warm chemistry with him during a final meeting Sunday at her residence at the Naval Observatory. Harris was impressed “by his authenticity,” a person close to the process told CNN.
In a remarkable two-week period, Walz ascended from a third-tier candidate to a final contender in the view of Harris and her vetting team. He was propelled by support from across the Democratic Party, progressive and moderate groups alike.
“He talks and looks like a lot of the voters we’ve lost to Trump,” said a longtime Democratic operative who was supportive of Walz from the day President Joe Biden stepped aside.
In March, Walz accompanied Harris when she became the first sitting vice president to visit a clinic that performs abortions. A source close to Walz said that visit, along with the time Harris spent with the governor as he campaigned for reelection in 2022, had a “big impact.”
“The chemistry was really important to Harris and it really clicked for both of them,” the source said. “Then, on top of that, the Harris campaign, like all of us, saw how energizing Walz was for the base.”
Trump’s campaign has already begun crafting a narrative around Harris decision on Walz, with one source saying the vice president “bent the knee to the anti-semitic, anti-Israel left and chosen someone as dangerously liberal as she is.” Shapiro, considered another finalist for the role, is Jewish and has been critical of some demonstrators who have protested Israel’s war against Hamas.
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Walz “has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of the Golden State.”
A former educator, Walz is currently in his second term as Minnesota governor and chairs the Democratic Governors Association. He previously served 12 years in Congress, representing a conservative-leaning rural district that, both before and after his tenure, has been mostly dominated by Republicans.
In the time leading up to his selection as Harris’ running mate, Walz had first been an outspoken defender of Joe Biden following his disastrous debate performance as calls for the president to end his reelection bid escalated. When Biden did drop out, Walz endorsed Harris the next day and has since emerged as a reliable, energetic and cutting advocate for the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Picking Walz also underscores the Harris campaign’s focus on a path to victory that puts a premium on the “blue wall” states of the Midwest. Minnesota is slightly outside that sphere, but Walz, once a high school football coach, has evolved during his time in office into something of a progressive populist folk hero – the exact kind of pugilistic voice that Democrats taking on Trump are keen to highlight.
He has over the past week delivered a handful of memorable haymakers against Republicans, though his most notable contribution has been a determination to label the GOP, especially its presidential ticket of Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Walz has referred to the duo as “weird dudes,” before lighting into their political agenda.
The phrase has stuck, becoming a central meme in the new, post-Biden version of the campaign, a development that is delighting Democrats and apparently frustrating many on the right.
During recent remarks at a “White Dudes for Harris” fundraiser, Walz made a rough-and-ready case for the vice president before would-be small-dollar donors.
“How often in 100 days do you get to change the trajectory of the world? How often in 100 days do you get to do something that’s going to impact generations to come?” Walz asked. “And how often in the world do you make that bastard wake up afterwards and know that a Black woman kicked his a**, sent him on the road?”
The line was well received on the call and almost immediately grabbed headlines. For many Democrats, at least, the online virality – with apologies to Biden’s “Dark Brandon” meme – was the kind they have pined for over the past few years.
Walz also has a personal story befitting the zeitgeist – a family history, as he discussed last month, of infertility troubles, with his wife of three decades, Gwen, which allows him to speak with some authority against opponents or skeptics of in vitro fertilization, or IVF.
“My oldest daughter’s name is Hope. That’s because my wife and I spent seven years trying to get pregnant, needed fertility treatments, things like IVF – things (MAGA Republicans) would ban,” Walz told Harris supporters. “These guys are the anti-freedoms.”
And to draw a bright, cheeky line under his own childhood experience, Walz – not for the last time – recounted that he “grew up in a small town: 400 people, 24 kids in the class, 12 cousins.”
Prior to Congress, Walz was a high school teacher and football coach and served in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of command sergeant major, one of the highest ranks an enlisted member can attain. Over more than a decade in Congress, he assembled a fairly centrist voting record. As a first-time campaigner, he opposed a ban on same-sex marriage and supported abortion rights. And once in Congress, he balanced that out with comparatively more conservative positions on gun rights, which resulted in scoring a National Rifle Association endorsement. Walz has since fallen out of favor with the gun lobby over his support for gun safety actions as governor.
“I think he was a solid Democratic member of the House with a few twists - focus on ag, farmers, rural areas,” said Democratic strategist Jeff Blodgett, a longtime aide to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone. “I think that he wanted to protect rifles and things of that nature as a rural congressman.”
Walz ran for governor in 2018, emerging victorious by a double-digit margin. He won reelection in 2022 with 52 percent of the vote. As governor Walz had to grapple with divided government and slim majorities in the state Legislature. But in 2022, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (as the state’s Democratic Party is known) won control of both the state House and Senate giving Walz’s party a slim “trifecta” of legislative control.
That allowed Walz to sign into law a raft of expansive social welfare programs such as free lunch for public school students, expansive access to Medicaid, increased protections that allow workers to unionize and expanded medical and family paid family leave.
Through the trifecta, Minnesota Democrats were also able to codify abortion rights into law, increase transgender rights protections, pass a marijuana legalization bill and install new gun safety laws. Progressives hailed the work as an example of all that Democrats could achieve. Former President Barack Obama wrote in a tweet praising the most recent legislative session that it was a “reminder that elections have consequences.”
Walz touted the trifecta’s work in a combative 2023 State of the State address.
“There’s nowhere quite like Minnesota right now,” he told the audience of lawmakers. “Together, we’re not just showing the people of Minnesota what we’re capable of in delivering on our promises. We’re showing the entire American people just how much promise is contained in that progressive vision held by so many people.”
“As governor, he’s embraced the idea that it’s really important to invest in people and infrastructure to grow the economy,” Blodgett said. “And to do it in a way that really helps people in the middle and down below. To me, it’s just a huge focus on economic issues that are kitchen table issues that people care about.”
When speculation began about who Harris would pick as a running mate, Walz started out as the darkest of dark horses. He did get support from a few members of Congress such as Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, as well as encouragement from labor unions. In the end, Walz’s background as a governor experienced in working with Democrats and Republicans and his roots in rural Minnesota made him an appealing choice for Harris.
“Tim Walz doesn’t even register on the fear-o-meter,” Minnesota Republican strategist Kevin Poindexter said before the announcement, adding that Republicans had been more worried about Harris picking either Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly or Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Him joining the ticket as VP does not bring anything.”
Many of Trump’s allies had feared that Harris would ultimately choose the popular Shapiro as her running mate, potentially giving her an advantage in the critical battleground state. Those allies now are breathing a sigh of relief, with one source close to Trump saying that Pennsylvania “is still definitely up for grabs,” with Harris’ decision to go with Walz.
While Trump has repeatedly said that vice presidential candidates don’t matter, he and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, had zeroed in on Shapiro in their recent attacks, an indication of the threat that Shapiro could pose to the campaign.
Walz’s selection means that both the Trump and Harris campaigns have vice presidential nominees who their backers hope will help rally support across the Midwest. Democrats hope Walz’s Minnesota roots will attract a wide swath of voters throughout the region, while Republicans feel that Vance’s history of growing up in Ohio, as documented in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” will find appeal in blue states like Michigan or even Minnesota.
Democratic strategist Raghu Devaguptapu, a former Democratic Governors Association political director, characterized Walz as a “real steady hand” more than anything else as a governor.
“He’s not the most charismatic guy, but he’s a steady hand. He’s really thoughtful, very likeable. He’s done a really nice job of building a broad coalition of support. … That’s the center of strength around Tim Walz,” Devaguptapu said.
Vice President Kamala Harris has chosen Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota as her running mate, elevating the former teacher and Army National Guard veteran to join the Democratic ticket and help lead the party’s fight to defeat Donald Trump.
The selection – which Harris personally delivered to Walz via a video call, according to a source familiar with the matter – caps the Midwestern Democrat’s short but swift ascent from a relative unknown to a leading driver of the party’s attacks against the former president and the MAGA agenda.
Walz emerged from the most accelerated vice presidential search in modern history from a shortlist that included half a dozen Democrats, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. The vice president held in-person interviews with Walz, Shapiro and Kelly on Sunday.
While Harris and Walz did not enjoy much of a previous relationship, aides said Harris grew increasingly enthused by how Walz genuinely carried himself and found a warm chemistry with him during a final meeting Sunday at her residence at the Naval Observatory. Harris was impressed “by his authenticity,” a person close to the process told CNN.
In a remarkable two-week period, Walz ascended from a third-tier candidate to a final contender in the view of Harris and her vetting team. He was propelled by support from across the Democratic Party, progressive and moderate groups alike.
“He talks and looks like a lot of the voters we’ve lost to Trump,” said a longtime Democratic operative who was supportive of Walz from the day President Joe Biden stepped aside.
In March, Walz accompanied Harris when she became the first sitting vice president to visit a clinic that performs abortions. A source close to Walz said that visit, along with the time Harris spent with the governor as he campaigned for reelection in 2022, had a “big impact.”
“The chemistry was really important to Harris and it really clicked for both of them,” the source said. “Then, on top of that, the Harris campaign, like all of us, saw how energizing Walz was for the base.”
Trump’s campaign has already begun crafting a narrative around Harris decision on Walz, with one source saying the vice president “bent the knee to the anti-semitic, anti-Israel left and chosen someone as dangerously liberal as she is.” Shapiro, considered another finalist for the role, is Jewish and has been critical of some demonstrators who have protested Israel’s war against Hamas.
Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement that Walz “has spent his governorship trying to reshape Minnesota in the image of the Golden State.”
A former educator, Walz is currently in his second term as Minnesota governor and chairs the Democratic Governors Association. He previously served 12 years in Congress, representing a conservative-leaning rural district that, both before and after his tenure, has been mostly dominated by Republicans.
In the time leading up to his selection as Harris’ running mate, Walz had first been an outspoken defender of Joe Biden following his disastrous debate performance as calls for the president to end his reelection bid escalated. When Biden did drop out, Walz endorsed Harris the next day and has since emerged as a reliable, energetic and cutting advocate for the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Picking Walz also underscores the Harris campaign’s focus on a path to victory that puts a premium on the “blue wall” states of the Midwest. Minnesota is slightly outside that sphere, but Walz, once a high school football coach, has evolved during his time in office into something of a progressive populist folk hero – the exact kind of pugilistic voice that Democrats taking on Trump are keen to highlight.
He has over the past week delivered a handful of memorable haymakers against Republicans, though his most notable contribution has been a determination to label the GOP, especially its presidential ticket of Trump and Ohio Sen. JD Vance. Walz has referred to the duo as “weird dudes,” before lighting into their political agenda.
The phrase has stuck, becoming a central meme in the new, post-Biden version of the campaign, a development that is delighting Democrats and apparently frustrating many on the right.
During recent remarks at a “White Dudes for Harris” fundraiser, Walz made a rough-and-ready case for the vice president before would-be small-dollar donors.
“How often in 100 days do you get to change the trajectory of the world? How often in 100 days do you get to do something that’s going to impact generations to come?” Walz asked. “And how often in the world do you make that bastard wake up afterwards and know that a Black woman kicked his a**, sent him on the road?”
The line was well received on the call and almost immediately grabbed headlines. For many Democrats, at least, the online virality – with apologies to Biden’s “Dark Brandon” meme – was the kind they have pined for over the past few years.
Walz also has a personal story befitting the zeitgeist – a family history, as he discussed last month, of infertility troubles, with his wife of three decades, Gwen, which allows him to speak with some authority against opponents or skeptics of in vitro fertilization, or IVF.
“My oldest daughter’s name is Hope. That’s because my wife and I spent seven years trying to get pregnant, needed fertility treatments, things like IVF – things (MAGA Republicans) would ban,” Walz told Harris supporters. “These guys are the anti-freedoms.”
And to draw a bright, cheeky line under his own childhood experience, Walz – not for the last time – recounted that he “grew up in a small town: 400 people, 24 kids in the class, 12 cousins.”
Prior to Congress, Walz was a high school teacher and football coach and served in the Army National Guard, reaching the rank of command sergeant major, one of the highest ranks an enlisted member can attain. Over more than a decade in Congress, he assembled a fairly centrist voting record. As a first-time campaigner, he opposed a ban on same-sex marriage and supported abortion rights. And once in Congress, he balanced that out with comparatively more conservative positions on gun rights, which resulted in scoring a National Rifle Association endorsement. Walz has since fallen out of favor with the gun lobby over his support for gun safety actions as governor.
“I think he was a solid Democratic member of the House with a few twists - focus on ag, farmers, rural areas,” said Democratic strategist Jeff Blodgett, a longtime aide to the late Sen. Paul Wellstone. “I think that he wanted to protect rifles and things of that nature as a rural congressman.”
Walz ran for governor in 2018, emerging victorious by a double-digit margin. He won reelection in 2022 with 52 percent of the vote. As governor Walz had to grapple with divided government and slim majorities in the state Legislature. But in 2022, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (as the state’s Democratic Party is known) won control of both the state House and Senate giving Walz’s party a slim “trifecta” of legislative control.
That allowed Walz to sign into law a raft of expansive social welfare programs such as free lunch for public school students, expansive access to Medicaid, increased protections that allow workers to unionize and expanded medical and family paid family leave.
Through the trifecta, Minnesota Democrats were also able to codify abortion rights into law, increase transgender rights protections, pass a marijuana legalization bill and install new gun safety laws. Progressives hailed the work as an example of all that Democrats could achieve. Former President Barack Obama wrote in a tweet praising the most recent legislative session that it was a “reminder that elections have consequences.”
Walz touted the trifecta’s work in a combative 2023 State of the State address.
“There’s nowhere quite like Minnesota right now,” he told the audience of lawmakers. “Together, we’re not just showing the people of Minnesota what we’re capable of in delivering on our promises. We’re showing the entire American people just how much promise is contained in that progressive vision held by so many people.”
“As governor, he’s embraced the idea that it’s really important to invest in people and infrastructure to grow the economy,” Blodgett said. “And to do it in a way that really helps people in the middle and down below. To me, it’s just a huge focus on economic issues that are kitchen table issues that people care about.”
When speculation began about who Harris would pick as a running mate, Walz started out as the darkest of dark horses. He did get support from a few members of Congress such as Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig and Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, as well as encouragement from labor unions. In the end, Walz’s background as a governor experienced in working with Democrats and Republicans and his roots in rural Minnesota made him an appealing choice for Harris.
“Tim Walz doesn’t even register on the fear-o-meter,” Minnesota Republican strategist Kevin Poindexter said before the announcement, adding that Republicans had been more worried about Harris picking either Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly or Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Him joining the ticket as VP does not bring anything.”
Many of Trump’s allies had feared that Harris would ultimately choose the popular Shapiro as her running mate, potentially giving her an advantage in the critical battleground state. Those allies now are breathing a sigh of relief, with one source close to Trump saying that Pennsylvania “is still definitely up for grabs,” with Harris’ decision to go with Walz.
While Trump has repeatedly said that vice presidential candidates don’t matter, he and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, had zeroed in on Shapiro in their recent attacks, an indication of the threat that Shapiro could pose to the campaign.
Walz’s selection means that both the Trump and Harris campaigns have vice presidential nominees who their backers hope will help rally support across the Midwest. Democrats hope Walz’s Minnesota roots will attract a wide swath of voters throughout the region, while Republicans feel that Vance’s history of growing up in Ohio, as documented in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” will find appeal in blue states like Michigan or even Minnesota.
Democratic strategist Raghu Devaguptapu, a former Democratic Governors Association political director, characterized Walz as a “real steady hand” more than anything else as a governor.
“He’s not the most charismatic guy, but he’s a steady hand. He’s really thoughtful, very likeable. He’s done a really nice job of building a broad coalition of support. … That’s the center of strength around Tim Walz,” Devaguptapu said.
Janet Jackson CONFIRMS new Las Vegas residency set to debut by years end!
Janet Jackson has confirmed she will begin a new residency in Las Vegas within months.
The iconic singer, 58, will begin a string of concerts at Resorts World Las Vegas - with the first shows set to debut around the holiday season - DailyMail.com confirms.
Janet Jackson's manager Mo Elmasri said: 'We are thrilled to announce Janet's upcoming residency at Resorts World Las Vegas.
'This partnership offers a unique opportunity to celebrate her legacy and deliver unforgettable performances.
'The energy and excitement of Las Vegas, especially around the holiday season, make it the perfect setting for this new chapter. Janet is excited to connect with her fans and bring her iconic music to life in a fresh and dynamic way."
The star was said to be in the 'final stages' of signing her deal this week, with TMZ first reporting the shows.
Sources also claim the Velvet Rope hitmaker is set to ring in the New Year with a special New Year's Eve performance at the venue.
Janet was reportedly officered a residency in London and passed on the offer because the Vegas deal was more lucrative.
She recently wrapped her much-anticipated Together Again Tour which saw her hitting 35 dates.
The iconic singer, 58, will begin a string of concerts at Resorts World Las Vegas - with the first shows set to debut around the holiday season - DailyMail.com confirms.
Janet Jackson's manager Mo Elmasri said: 'We are thrilled to announce Janet's upcoming residency at Resorts World Las Vegas.
'This partnership offers a unique opportunity to celebrate her legacy and deliver unforgettable performances.
'The energy and excitement of Las Vegas, especially around the holiday season, make it the perfect setting for this new chapter. Janet is excited to connect with her fans and bring her iconic music to life in a fresh and dynamic way."
The star was said to be in the 'final stages' of signing her deal this week, with TMZ first reporting the shows.
Sources also claim the Velvet Rope hitmaker is set to ring in the New Year with a special New Year's Eve performance at the venue.
Janet was reportedly officered a residency in London and passed on the offer because the Vegas deal was more lucrative.
She recently wrapped her much-anticipated Together Again Tour which saw her hitting 35 dates.
MTV VMAs 2024: Taylor Swift, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, Eminem and Ariana Grande Lead Nominations
MTV on Tuesday announced nominees for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, and Taylor Swift once again leads the pack with nods in 10 categories — including Video of the Year. If she wins the coveted award, Swift will shatter her own record-breaking streak, becoming the only artist to ever three-peat (following wins in 2022 and 2023) and win five times.
Swift isn’t the only multi-nominated artist competing at this year’s VMAs: “Fortnight” collaborator Post Malone is close behind with nine nods, followed by Ariana Grande, Eminem and Sabrina Carpenter with six nods each.
First-time nominees, meanwhile, include Alexander Stewart, Burna Boy, Coco Jones, Flyana Boss, Gracie Abrams, Gunna, Joyner Lucas, Laufey, LE SSERAFIM, Lojay, Morgan Wallen, Myke Towers, NCT Dream, Pheelz, Playboi Carti, RAYE, Shaboozey, Tyler Childers and The Warning.
The 2024 MTV VMAs will air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 10 (8/7c). Read on for a complete breakdown of artists nominated in 21 categories, then hit the comments and tell us who you think deserves to take home a moon person statue next month.
THE NOMINEES
Swift accepting Song of the Year at the 2023 VMAs
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande
Bad Bunny
Eminem
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
Taylor Swift
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
Billie Eilish – “LUNCH”
Doja Cat – “Paint The Town Red”
Eminem – “Houdini”
SZA – “Snooze”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
SONG OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
Jack Harlow – “Lovin On Me”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”
BEST NEW ARTIST
Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Tyla
PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Kaliii – “Area Codes” (August 2023)
GloRilla – “Lick or Sum” (September 2023)
Benson Boone – “In the Stars” (October 2023)
Coco Jones – “ICU” (November 2023)
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” (December 2023)
Jessie Murph – “Wild Ones” (January 2024)
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control” (February 2024)
Chappell Roan – “Red Wine Supernova” (March 2024)
Flyana Boss – “yeaaa” (April 2024)
Laufey – “Goddess” (May 2024)
LE SSERAFIM – “EASY” (June 2024)
The Warning – “Automatic Sun” (July 2024)
BEST COLLABORATION
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy”
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be”
Jessie Murph ft. Jelly Roll – “Wild Ones”
Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven”
Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
BEST POP
Camila Cabello
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
BEST HIP-HOP
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy”
Eminem – “Houdini”
GloRilla – “Yeah Glo!”
Gunna – “fukumean”
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”
Travis Scott ft. Playboi Carti – “FE!N”
BEST R&B
Alicia Keys – “Lifeline”
Muni Long – “Made For Me”
SZA – “Snooze”
Tyla – “Water”
USHER, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good”
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama”
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves”
Hozier – “Too Sweet”
Imagine Dragons – “Eyes Closed”
Linkin Park – “Friendly Fire”
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control (Live)”
BEST ROCK
Bon Jovi – “Legendary”
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove”
Green Day – “Dilemma”
Kings of Leon – “Mustang”
Lenny Kravitz – “Human”
U2 – “Atomic City”
BEST LATIN
Anitta – “Mil Veces”
Bad Bunny – “MONACO”
KAROL G – “MI EX TENÍA RAZÓN”
Myke Towers – “LALA”
Peso Pluma & Anitta – “BELLAKEO”
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky”
Shakira & Cardi B – “Puntería”
BEST AFROBEATS
Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Burna Boy – “City Boys”
Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational”
Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
Tyla – “Water”
USHER, Pheelz – “Ruin”
BEST K-POP
Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven”
LISA – “Rockstar”
NCT Dream – “Smoothie”
NewJeans – “Super Shy”
Stray Kids – “LALALALA”
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Deja vu”
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Alexander Stewart – “If You Only Knew”
Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From the Motion Picture Barbie)”
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove”
Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll – “Best For Me”
RAYE – “Genesis.”
Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
BEST DIRECTION
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” (Directed by Christian Breslauer)
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” (Directed by Alex Lockett & Margaret Qualley)
Eminem – “Houdini” (Directed by Rich Lee)
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” (Directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr.)
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” (Directed by Bardia Zeinali)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Directed by Taylor Swift)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” (Cinematography by Anatol Trofimov)
Charli xcx – “Von dutch” (Cinematography by Jeff Bierman)
Dua Lipa – “Illusion” (Cinematography by Nikita Kuzmenko)
Olivia Rodrigo – “obsessed” (Cinematography by Marz Miller)
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching The Sky” (Cinematography by Camilo Monsalve)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto)
BEST EDITING
Anitta – “Mil Veces” (Editing by Nick Yumul)
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” (Editing by Luis Caraza Peimbert)
Eminem – “Houdini” (Editing by David Checel)
LISA – “Rockstar” (Editing by Nik Kohler)
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” (Editing by Jai Shukla)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Editing by Chancler Haynes)
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” (Choreography by Margaret Qualley)
Dua Lipa – “Houdini” (Choreography by Charm La’Donna)
LISA – “Rockstar” (Choreography by Sean Bankhead)
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching The Sky” (Choreography by Felix “Fefe” Burgos)
Tate McRae – “Greedy” (Choreography by Sean Bankhead)
Troye Sivan – “Rush” (Choreography by Sergio Reis, Mauro Van De Kerkhof)
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Ariana Grande – “the boy is mine” (Visual Effects by Digital Axis)
Eminem – “Houdini” (Visual Effects by Synapse Virtual Production, Louise Lee, Rich Lee, Metaphysic, Flawless Post)
Justin Timberlake – “Selfish” (Visual Effects by Candice Dragonas)
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” (Visual Effects by Mathematic)
Olivia Rodrigo – “get him back!” (Visual Effects by Cooper Vacheron, Preston Mohr, Karen Arakelian, Justin Johnson)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Visual Effects by Parliament)
BEST ART DIRECTION
Charli xcx – “360” (Art Direction by Grace Surnow)
LISA – “Rockstar” (Art Direction by Pongsan Thawatwichian)
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” (Art Direction by Brittany Porter)
Olivia Rodrigo – “bad idea right?” (Art Direction by Nicholas des Jardins)
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” (Art Direction by Nicholas des Jardins)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Art Direction by Ethan Tobman)
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 6, fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through Friday, Aug. 30.
Voting for Best New Artist will remain active into the show on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Nominations for social categories will be announced at a later date.
The 2024 VMAs return to New York and air live from the UBS Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 8 pm ET/PT.
MTV on Tuesday announced nominees for the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, and Taylor Swift once again leads the pack with nods in 10 categories — including Video of the Year. If she wins the coveted award, Swift will shatter her own record-breaking streak, becoming the only artist to ever three-peat (following wins in 2022 and 2023) and win five times.
Swift isn’t the only multi-nominated artist competing at this year’s VMAs: “Fortnight” collaborator Post Malone is close behind with nine nods, followed by Ariana Grande, Eminem and Sabrina Carpenter with six nods each.
First-time nominees, meanwhile, include Alexander Stewart, Burna Boy, Coco Jones, Flyana Boss, Gracie Abrams, Gunna, Joyner Lucas, Laufey, LE SSERAFIM, Lojay, Morgan Wallen, Myke Towers, NCT Dream, Pheelz, Playboi Carti, RAYE, Shaboozey, Tyler Childers and The Warning.
The 2024 MTV VMAs will air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 10 (8/7c). Read on for a complete breakdown of artists nominated in 21 categories, then hit the comments and tell us who you think deserves to take home a moon person statue next month.
THE NOMINEES
Swift accepting Song of the Year at the 2023 VMAs
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande
Bad Bunny
Eminem
Sabrina Carpenter
SZA
Taylor Swift
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)”
Billie Eilish – “LUNCH”
Doja Cat – “Paint The Town Red”
Eminem – “Houdini”
SZA – “Snooze”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
SONG OF THE YEAR
Beyoncé – “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM”
Jack Harlow – “Lovin On Me”
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control”
BEST NEW ARTIST
Benson Boone
Chappell Roan
Gracie Abrams
Shaboozey
Teddy Swims
Tyla
PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Kaliii – “Area Codes” (August 2023)
GloRilla – “Lick or Sum” (September 2023)
Benson Boone – “In the Stars” (October 2023)
Coco Jones – “ICU” (November 2023)
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama” (December 2023)
Jessie Murph – “Wild Ones” (January 2024)
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control” (February 2024)
Chappell Roan – “Red Wine Supernova” (March 2024)
Flyana Boss – “yeaaa” (April 2024)
Laufey – “Goddess” (May 2024)
LE SSERAFIM – “EASY” (June 2024)
The Warning – “Automatic Sun” (July 2024)
BEST COLLABORATION
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy”
GloRilla, Megan Thee Stallion – “Wanna Be”
Jessie Murph ft. Jelly Roll – “Wild Ones”
Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven”
Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help”
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
BEST POP
Camila Cabello
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
BEST HIP-HOP
Drake ft. Sexyy Red & SZA – “Rich Baby Daddy”
Eminem – “Houdini”
GloRilla – “Yeah Glo!”
Gunna – “fukumean”
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”
Travis Scott ft. Playboi Carti – “FE!N”
BEST R&B
Alicia Keys – “Lifeline”
Muni Long – “Made For Me”
SZA – “Snooze”
Tyla – “Water”
USHER, Summer Walker, 21 Savage – “Good Good”
Victoria Monét – “On My Mama”
BEST ALTERNATIVE
Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves”
Hozier – “Too Sweet”
Imagine Dragons – “Eyes Closed”
Linkin Park – “Friendly Fire”
Teddy Swims – “Lose Control (Live)”
BEST ROCK
Bon Jovi – “Legendary”
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove”
Green Day – “Dilemma”
Kings of Leon – “Mustang”
Lenny Kravitz – “Human”
U2 – “Atomic City”
BEST LATIN
Anitta – “Mil Veces”
Bad Bunny – “MONACO”
KAROL G – “MI EX TENÍA RAZÓN”
Myke Towers – “LALA”
Peso Pluma & Anitta – “BELLAKEO”
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching the Sky”
Shakira & Cardi B – “Puntería”
BEST AFROBEATS
Ayra Starr ft. Giveon – “Last Heartbreak Song”
Burna Boy – “City Boys”
Chris Brown ft. Davido & Lojay – “Sensational”
Tems – “Love Me JeJe”
Tyla – “Water”
USHER, Pheelz – “Ruin”
BEST K-POP
Jung Kook ft. Latto – “Seven”
LISA – “Rockstar”
NCT Dream – “Smoothie”
NewJeans – “Super Shy”
Stray Kids – “LALALALA”
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – “Deja vu”
VIDEO FOR GOOD
Alexander Stewart – “If You Only Knew”
Billie Eilish – “What Was I Made For (From the Motion Picture Barbie)”
Coldplay – “feelslikeimfallinginlove”
Joyner Lucas & Jelly Roll – “Best For Me”
RAYE – “Genesis.”
Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
BEST DIRECTION
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” (Directed by Christian Breslauer)
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” (Directed by Alex Lockett & Margaret Qualley)
Eminem – “Houdini” (Directed by Rich Lee)
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” (Directed by Daniel Iglesias Jr.)
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” (Directed by Bardia Zeinali)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Directed by Taylor Swift)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” (Cinematography by Anatol Trofimov)
Charli xcx – “Von dutch” (Cinematography by Jeff Bierman)
Dua Lipa – “Illusion” (Cinematography by Nikita Kuzmenko)
Olivia Rodrigo – “obsessed” (Cinematography by Marz Miller)
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching The Sky” (Cinematography by Camilo Monsalve)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Cinematography by Rodrigo Prieto)
BEST EDITING
Anitta – “Mil Veces” (Editing by Nick Yumul)
Ariana Grande – “we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” (Editing by Luis Caraza Peimbert)
Eminem – “Houdini” (Editing by David Checel)
LISA – “Rockstar” (Editing by Nik Kohler)
Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso” (Editing by Jai Shukla)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Editing by Chancler Haynes)
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Bleachers – “Tiny Moves” (Choreography by Margaret Qualley)
Dua Lipa – “Houdini” (Choreography by Charm La’Donna)
LISA – “Rockstar” (Choreography by Sean Bankhead)
Rauw Alejandro – “Touching The Sky” (Choreography by Felix “Fefe” Burgos)
Tate McRae – “Greedy” (Choreography by Sean Bankhead)
Troye Sivan – “Rush” (Choreography by Sergio Reis, Mauro Van De Kerkhof)
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Ariana Grande – “the boy is mine” (Visual Effects by Digital Axis)
Eminem – “Houdini” (Visual Effects by Synapse Virtual Production, Louise Lee, Rich Lee, Metaphysic, Flawless Post)
Justin Timberlake – “Selfish” (Visual Effects by Candice Dragonas)
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” (Visual Effects by Mathematic)
Olivia Rodrigo – “get him back!” (Visual Effects by Cooper Vacheron, Preston Mohr, Karen Arakelian, Justin Johnson)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Visual Effects by Parliament)
BEST ART DIRECTION
Charli xcx – “360” (Art Direction by Grace Surnow)
LISA – “Rockstar” (Art Direction by Pongsan Thawatwichian)
Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA” (Art Direction by Brittany Porter)
Olivia Rodrigo – “bad idea right?” (Art Direction by Nicholas des Jardins)
Sabrina Carpenter – “Please Please Please” (Art Direction by Nicholas des Jardins)
Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight” (Art Direction by Ethan Tobman)
Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 6, fans can vote for their favorites across 15 gender-neutral categories by visiting vote.mtv.com through Friday, Aug. 30.
Voting for Best New Artist will remain active into the show on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Nominations for social categories will be announced at a later date.
The 2024 VMAs return to New York and air live from the UBS Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 8 pm ET/PT.
Rihanna Is Fine AF In Flirty Feathers During Return To Barbados Crop Over
Rihanna returned to her roots as she dazzled admirers at the 2024 Barbados Crop Over Festival.
The Anti singer caused quite a stir on Monday (Aug. 5) when she appeared at the Grand Kadooment among the sea of festival goers in her bejeweled metallic bikini, eye-catching headpiece and colorful wings. This marks her first Crop Over in five years, following the births of her two sons, RZA and Riot.
According to Barbados Tourism, Grand Kadooment is considered to be the “grand finale” of Crop Over. It is “possibly the main attraction of the annual festival for both locals and visitors and is treated by the regional and international journalists as its show-piece.” The site also noted, “Culturally, Grand Kadooment sustains the art-form of masquerading in Barbados, with the key components being costume design and construction.”
Over the years, the billionaire mogul‘s attendance at Crop Over would always be a highlight, as it’d become one place where she was sure to flex her fashion sense.
In 2017, Rih nearly broke the internet as she adorned teal hair, a set of pink and green wings and the bikini to match. In 2013, her look was more angelic, as she wore a bikini made of iridescent crystals with white wings. Whether she opts for a monochromatic look or something more on the wild side, the Bajan icon is always in her element while at Crop Over.
This time, she was spotted with the likes of Machel Montano and Arya Starr.
Prior to Crop Over, Rih and A$AP Rocky celebrated their youngest son, Riot Rose‘s, first birthday.
She also recenty shared that she is hoping to have at least two more children, and wants to try for a girl. “I would go for more than two,” she told Interview magazine back in April. “I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy. [I’ll have] as many as God wants me to have. I don’t know what God wants.”
The Anti singer caused quite a stir on Monday (Aug. 5) when she appeared at the Grand Kadooment among the sea of festival goers in her bejeweled metallic bikini, eye-catching headpiece and colorful wings. This marks her first Crop Over in five years, following the births of her two sons, RZA and Riot.
According to Barbados Tourism, Grand Kadooment is considered to be the “grand finale” of Crop Over. It is “possibly the main attraction of the annual festival for both locals and visitors and is treated by the regional and international journalists as its show-piece.” The site also noted, “Culturally, Grand Kadooment sustains the art-form of masquerading in Barbados, with the key components being costume design and construction.”
Over the years, the billionaire mogul‘s attendance at Crop Over would always be a highlight, as it’d become one place where she was sure to flex her fashion sense.
In 2017, Rih nearly broke the internet as she adorned teal hair, a set of pink and green wings and the bikini to match. In 2013, her look was more angelic, as she wore a bikini made of iridescent crystals with white wings. Whether she opts for a monochromatic look or something more on the wild side, the Bajan icon is always in her element while at Crop Over.
This time, she was spotted with the likes of Machel Montano and Arya Starr.
Prior to Crop Over, Rih and A$AP Rocky celebrated their youngest son, Riot Rose‘s, first birthday.
She also recenty shared that she is hoping to have at least two more children, and wants to try for a girl. “I would go for more than two,” she told Interview magazine back in April. “I would try for my girl. But of course, if it’s another boy, it’s another boy. [I’ll have] as many as God wants me to have. I don’t know what God wants.”
SZA Says She's Taking a Break From Performing 'For A While'
SZA is taking a break. The 34-year-old “Kill Bill” Grammy winner revealed the news on Monday (August 5) after her final tour stop in Montreal the night before.
“Yesterday was my last show for a while,” she wrote to her fans on social media. “Finally bout to get my life together thank u God.”
SZA recently finished shows in London and Dublin before playing at Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago at the start of August.
She still has two shows in the Middle East in November, with more stops planned in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, via People.
She previously expressed that she wanted a break on social media on June 29, writing: “I need a beach n some rubs statt.”
At the same time, Keke Palmer and SZA are set to star in a buddy comedy movie that is being made by the team behind the series Rap Sh!t
“Yesterday was my last show for a while,” she wrote to her fans on social media. “Finally bout to get my life together thank u God.”
SZA recently finished shows in London and Dublin before playing at Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago at the start of August.
She still has two shows in the Middle East in November, with more stops planned in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, via People.
She previously expressed that she wanted a break on social media on June 29, writing: “I need a beach n some rubs statt.”
At the same time, Keke Palmer and SZA are set to star in a buddy comedy movie that is being made by the team behind the series Rap Sh!t
Kim Zolciak And Chet Hanks' Sexual Tension Blowing Up On 'The Surreal Life'
Kim Zolciak is turning up the heat on reality TV, and Chet Hanks is fueling the fire. The pair's undeniable chemistry on "The Surreal Life" has viewers buzzing with speculation.
Amidst Zolciak's very public divorce from Kroy Biermann, her connection with Hanks is proving to be a captivating distraction. Reports of their flirtation have been swirling since last October when the show was filmed.
The on-screen sparks between Kim Zolciak and Chet Hanks are only intensifying as the season unfolds.
In a captivating episode of "The Surreal Life," the eclectic cast of celebrities offers fans an intimate look at their unique journeys and surprising bonds.
Among the standout moments, Zolciak is finding solace and excitement in her playful interactions with Hanks. Amidst her ongoing divorce from Biermann, Zolciak admits to feeling a sense of escape with the younger star.
The show features a heartfelt confessional in which Zolciak admits that Hanks' infectious laughter is her Achilles' heel.
This is followed by a playful gesture as she slides a mysterious card under his door with the intriguing message, "Let's Kollab." This intriguing gesture sets the stage for more flirtation between the duo.
In a subsequent scene, as detailed by TMZ, the pair muse about following each other on Instagram, with the 46-year-old cheekily noting that this makes things "official."
The scene wraps up with the pair sharing a knowing laugh as Hanks coyly asks, "So, what should we collab on?" hinting at a potential deeper connection between them.
Zolciak and Hanks' on-screen chemistry is not a new phenomenon. The pair sparked romance rumors back in October during the filming of "The Surreal Life" in Colombia.
The Blast reported that the duo engaged in flirtatious behavior, with their interactions captured on camera. While their relationship status remains unclear, their undeniable connection captured the attention of their castmates.
Eyewitnesses noted that Zolciak and Hanks' playful banter was impossible to miss as cameras captured their growing connection.
The two reality stars seemed to be genuinely enjoying each other's company, leading to speculations that their flirtation might be developing into something more serious during the two weeks of production.
Amid the sparks flying between Zolciak and Hanks, the reality TV star had previously claimed that her marriage to Biermann was still a work in progress.
Despite the retired NFL linebacker filing for divorce, Zolciak insists they are "living as husband and wife" and actively trying to mend their relationship.
Court documents obtained by The Blast support her claims, indicating that the couple engaged in sexual relations after the divorce petition was filed. Zolciak's legal team formally requested the dismissal of the divorce case, arguing that:
"The very fact of cohabitation or reconciliation shows that some possibility remains that the marriage is viable…the parties are required to affirm once again that the marriage is indeed irretrievably broken by the bringing of a new complaint."
The mother-of-six experienced a glimmer of hope amidst her tumultuous divorce from Biermann. The Blast shared that the TV personality landed a role in Hulu's series, "Got to Get Out," potentially earning her a million-dollar payday.
The news came as a welcome reprieve from the ongoing legal battle with Biermann, who cited Zolciak's spending habits as grounds for divorce.
The Hulu project also marked a reunion for Zolciak and former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-star Cynthia Bailey, who will also appear in the series.
Fans of the duo will recall that the two women shared the screen for three seasons during Zolciak's tenure on the show from 2008 to 2012, while Bailey's involvement spanned from 2010 to 2021.
working collaboratively to raise the prize money, which grows by $1 every second. The ultimate goal is to reach $1 million.
However, the show spices things up by introducing a tantalizing dilemma: players must decide whether to split the prize money as a team or betray their comrades and make a daring escape with the cash.
Each day, the mansion gates open at various times, and a getaway car arrives, offering contestants a chance to bolt with the loot. But it is not that simple—other players can thwart the escape by pressing a red button that slams the gates shut.
As Kim Zolciak makes waves on multiple fronts, only time will tell how the sparks flying on-screen with Chet Hanks, will play out.
Kim Zolciak is turning up the heat on reality TV, and Chet Hanks is fueling the fire. The pair's undeniable chemistry on "The Surreal Life" has viewers buzzing with speculation.
Amidst Zolciak's very public divorce from Kroy Biermann, her connection with Hanks is proving to be a captivating distraction. Reports of their flirtation have been swirling since last October when the show was filmed.
The on-screen sparks between Kim Zolciak and Chet Hanks are only intensifying as the season unfolds.
In a captivating episode of "The Surreal Life," the eclectic cast of celebrities offers fans an intimate look at their unique journeys and surprising bonds.
Among the standout moments, Zolciak is finding solace and excitement in her playful interactions with Hanks. Amidst her ongoing divorce from Biermann, Zolciak admits to feeling a sense of escape with the younger star.
The show features a heartfelt confessional in which Zolciak admits that Hanks' infectious laughter is her Achilles' heel.
This is followed by a playful gesture as she slides a mysterious card under his door with the intriguing message, "Let's Kollab." This intriguing gesture sets the stage for more flirtation between the duo.
In a subsequent scene, as detailed by TMZ, the pair muse about following each other on Instagram, with the 46-year-old cheekily noting that this makes things "official."
The scene wraps up with the pair sharing a knowing laugh as Hanks coyly asks, "So, what should we collab on?" hinting at a potential deeper connection between them.
Zolciak and Hanks' on-screen chemistry is not a new phenomenon. The pair sparked romance rumors back in October during the filming of "The Surreal Life" in Colombia.
The Blast reported that the duo engaged in flirtatious behavior, with their interactions captured on camera. While their relationship status remains unclear, their undeniable connection captured the attention of their castmates.
Eyewitnesses noted that Zolciak and Hanks' playful banter was impossible to miss as cameras captured their growing connection.
The two reality stars seemed to be genuinely enjoying each other's company, leading to speculations that their flirtation might be developing into something more serious during the two weeks of production.
Amid the sparks flying between Zolciak and Hanks, the reality TV star had previously claimed that her marriage to Biermann was still a work in progress.
Despite the retired NFL linebacker filing for divorce, Zolciak insists they are "living as husband and wife" and actively trying to mend their relationship.
Court documents obtained by The Blast support her claims, indicating that the couple engaged in sexual relations after the divorce petition was filed. Zolciak's legal team formally requested the dismissal of the divorce case, arguing that:
"The very fact of cohabitation or reconciliation shows that some possibility remains that the marriage is viable…the parties are required to affirm once again that the marriage is indeed irretrievably broken by the bringing of a new complaint."
The mother-of-six experienced a glimmer of hope amidst her tumultuous divorce from Biermann. The Blast shared that the TV personality landed a role in Hulu's series, "Got to Get Out," potentially earning her a million-dollar payday.
The news came as a welcome reprieve from the ongoing legal battle with Biermann, who cited Zolciak's spending habits as grounds for divorce.
The Hulu project also marked a reunion for Zolciak and former "Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-star Cynthia Bailey, who will also appear in the series.
Fans of the duo will recall that the two women shared the screen for three seasons during Zolciak's tenure on the show from 2008 to 2012, while Bailey's involvement spanned from 2010 to 2021.
working collaboratively to raise the prize money, which grows by $1 every second. The ultimate goal is to reach $1 million.
However, the show spices things up by introducing a tantalizing dilemma: players must decide whether to split the prize money as a team or betray their comrades and make a daring escape with the cash.
Each day, the mansion gates open at various times, and a getaway car arrives, offering contestants a chance to bolt with the loot. But it is not that simple—other players can thwart the escape by pressing a red button that slams the gates shut.
As Kim Zolciak makes waves on multiple fronts, only time will tell how the sparks flying on-screen with Chet Hanks, will play out.
Howard University Cancels Tailgate Party for 100th Homecoming Celebration
*Howard University has announced the cancellation of this year’s Tailgate Party, a highlight of their Homecoming celebrations.
The tailgate party is traditionally held at the Howard Center parking lot for students, alumni, and community members, Clutch Points reports. However, the university is switching it up this fall for the 100th anniversary of Howard Homecoming, opting to offer a more “unique and family-friendly” experience and diverse range of activities.
The university’s official statement reveals that Homecoming Week, beginning on October 13, will feature a series of events, including the Call to Chapel, Royal Court Coronation, Lavender Reception, Student Fashion Show, Greek Step Show, Yardfest, Homecoming Parade, Young Alumni Day Party Brunch, and Alumni Jazz Brunch.
Howard University is “planning special activities to commemorate the centennial celebration and will not have the Tailgate Party that has been held at the Howard Center parking lot to create a more unique and family-friendly experience on Saturday,” the statement reads.
David Bennett, Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, said “This year, we are confident that an even greater level of enthusiasm will be had by people as we celebrate 100 years of Homecoming.”
Bennett added, “It’s our intention to create a week of events that appeal to everyone—past, current, and even future Bison—and truly convey just what makes our Homecoming the special celebration that so many have come to love.”
Homecoming will run from October 13-19, with a game against Tennessee State University
The tailgate party is traditionally held at the Howard Center parking lot for students, alumni, and community members, Clutch Points reports. However, the university is switching it up this fall for the 100th anniversary of Howard Homecoming, opting to offer a more “unique and family-friendly” experience and diverse range of activities.
The university’s official statement reveals that Homecoming Week, beginning on October 13, will feature a series of events, including the Call to Chapel, Royal Court Coronation, Lavender Reception, Student Fashion Show, Greek Step Show, Yardfest, Homecoming Parade, Young Alumni Day Party Brunch, and Alumni Jazz Brunch.
Howard University is “planning special activities to commemorate the centennial celebration and will not have the Tailgate Party that has been held at the Howard Center parking lot to create a more unique and family-friendly experience on Saturday,” the statement reads.
David Bennett, Senior Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, said “This year, we are confident that an even greater level of enthusiasm will be had by people as we celebrate 100 years of Homecoming.”
Bennett added, “It’s our intention to create a week of events that appeal to everyone—past, current, and even future Bison—and truly convey just what makes our Homecoming the special celebration that so many have come to love.”
Homecoming will run from October 13-19, with a game against Tennessee State University
Peninsula Paris Hotel Explains Serena Williams Rooftop Restaurant Snub.
*A Parisian hotel stirred up a heated discussion on Monday after tennis legend Serena Williams accused it of refusing her and her children service at an empty restaurant rooftop. Williams turned to social media to voice her frustration, writing, “Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first,” with frowning emojis that reflected her disappointment.
The incident did not sit well with Williams’ fans, who quickly labeled the hotel’s actions as prejudiced. Social media erupted with reactions condemning the hotel for what appeared to be a slight against an ultra-famous guest and her family.
Responding swiftly to the backlash, the Peninsula Paris issued a public apology and a clarification regarding the incident.
“Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.”
The hotel emphasized that they have always been honored to welcome Williams and look forward to doing so again.
Despite the formal apology and explanation, many supporters of Williams remained skeptical. One user encapsulated the general sentiment by noting, “It’s Serena Williams – you make a table for her!” This comment highlighted the expectation of special treatment for celebrities of Williams’ stature, especially given her global fame and prominence.
A fluent French speaker, Serena is currently in Paris, accompanied by her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Olympia and Adira. This visit coincides with Williams’ involvement in the Olympics’ opening ceremony as a torchbearer, alongside other renowned figures. Throughout her illustrious career, Williams has secured four Olympic gold medals, further cementing her status as a sports icon.
While the Peninsula Paris’ explanation might hold water, the incident underscores the complexities of catering to high-profile individuals, especially in an era where social media can amplify personal experiences into widespread public discourse.
*A Parisian hotel stirred up a heated discussion on Monday after tennis legend Serena Williams accused it of refusing her and her children service at an empty restaurant rooftop. Williams turned to social media to voice her frustration, writing, “Yikes @peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first,” with frowning emojis that reflected her disappointment.
The incident did not sit well with Williams’ fans, who quickly labeled the hotel’s actions as prejudiced. Social media erupted with reactions condemning the hotel for what appeared to be a slight against an ultra-famous guest and her family.
Responding swiftly to the backlash, the Peninsula Paris issued a public apology and a clarification regarding the incident.
“Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.”
The hotel emphasized that they have always been honored to welcome Williams and look forward to doing so again.
Despite the formal apology and explanation, many supporters of Williams remained skeptical. One user encapsulated the general sentiment by noting, “It’s Serena Williams – you make a table for her!” This comment highlighted the expectation of special treatment for celebrities of Williams’ stature, especially given her global fame and prominence.
A fluent French speaker, Serena is currently in Paris, accompanied by her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Olympia and Adira. This visit coincides with Williams’ involvement in the Olympics’ opening ceremony as a torchbearer, alongside other renowned figures. Throughout her illustrious career, Williams has secured four Olympic gold medals, further cementing her status as a sports icon.
While the Peninsula Paris’ explanation might hold water, the incident underscores the complexities of catering to high-profile individuals, especially in an era where social media can amplify personal experiences into widespread public discourse.
Trump Calls Ye ‘Very Complicated’ with a ‘Good Heart’
Donald Trump is offering a new opinion on Kanye West. During his stream with Adin Ross, Trump called Ye “very complicated.”
“He’s a really nice guy, but he can get himself into trouble and get some other people, but you know,” Trump said. “He’s got a good heart, he does. But he’s complicated.”
Just last month, former President Donald Trump was close to making Kanye West a de facto Secretary of Religion. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, former Trump staffer Alyssa Farah Griffin revealed Trump wanted Ye to perform a church service on the White House lawn to unite the country.
“One day, he [Trump] wanted to have Kanye West come and doa church service on the White House lawn to unify the country. I can think of a few things less unifying than that.
“We were like, ‘not the time or place, sir.'”
“He’s a really nice guy, but he can get himself into trouble and get some other people, but you know,” Trump said. “He’s got a good heart, he does. But he’s complicated.”
Just last month, former President Donald Trump was close to making Kanye West a de facto Secretary of Religion. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, former Trump staffer Alyssa Farah Griffin revealed Trump wanted Ye to perform a church service on the White House lawn to unite the country.
“One day, he [Trump] wanted to have Kanye West come and doa church service on the White House lawn to unify the country. I can think of a few things less unifying than that.
“We were like, ‘not the time or place, sir.'”
MyKayla Skinner begs Simone Biles to call off her fans, alleging death threats against family
MyKayla Skinner has posted an emotional video, begging her former Olympic teammate Simone Biles to urge her followers to stop the online “hate” and “death threats” that she says she and her family have endured since she sparked a feud with the seven-time gold medalist by deriding the “work ethic” of the current U.S. gymnastics team.
“I sincerely hoped that this topic wouldn’t have to be revisited, but unfortunately things have really gotten out of hand lately,” Skinner said on Instagram Tuesday, while claiming that her family and friends “don’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire here.”
“They’ve done nothing,” Skinner said. “So, to Simone, I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this. Please ask your followers to stop.”
As of Tuesday morning in the United States, or evening in Paris, Biles had yet to respond to Skinner’s Instagram post — if she was even aware of it. She simply posted on X: “just woke up from a much needed nap.”
Skinner sparked a feud with Biles and backlash from other top gymnasts when she posted a since-deleted July 3 vlog, commenting negatively on the 2024 team going to Paris. While she briefly, if perfunctorily, praised Biles, she also said that Suni Lee did not have a “gymnast body,” criticized the team’s makeup, mispronounced team member Hezly Rivera’s name and asserted that the team, overall, lacked the talent, depth and “work ethic” of years past.
Skinner also made things worse when she complained about the changing culture of gymnastics, with its increased focus on athletes’ physical and mental health safety. She said that the U.S. Center for SafeSport had made it harder for coaches to push their athletes to Olympic levels. Skinner didn’t mention that the independent nonprofit was founded to reduce sexual, physical and emotional abuse of minors and athletes. Starting in 2016, USA gymnastics faced a reckoning over reports of widespread sexual abuse committed by Larry Nasser, the former national team doctor. Biles and some of Skinner’s gymnastics contemporaries came forward to identify themselves as Nasser’s victims.
Biles appeared to hit back at Skinner on July 30 after she led members of the gymnastics team to win the gold in the team competition, the first of their total 10 U.S. medals at the Paris Olympics. Biles shared a carousel of Instagram images of her and teammates Lee, Rivera, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, raising an American flag to celebrate their win. Biles, who won four medals at the games, captioned her post, “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions.” The following day, Biles told her 1.7 million followers on X that she had been blocked, TMZ reported. While she didn’t name names, the assumption is that she was blocked by Skinner.
Skinner was an alternate for the U.S. team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, when Biles won four gold medals, including for the all-around competition. She took Biles’ place in the final vault competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She won silver, after Biles withdrew from the games, citing mental health and physical safety concerns. She retired from gymnastics in 2021 to study broadcast journalism. She also married and gave birth to a daughter in September 2023.
After Skinner faced initial blowback for her vlog from Biles and others associated with the current team, she deleted it and issued an apology. She claimed that her comments were “misinterpreted” and “misunderstood. But she again poured the proverbial salt into very deep wounds by suggesting she appreciated aspects of gymnasts’ work ethic “in the Martha (Karolyi) era.”
Subsequent investigative reporting by the Associated Press, ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast, the Indianapolis Star and other outlets showed that Nasser’s abuse was enabled by the “cruel,” “toxic,” authoritarian gymnastics culture created by former national coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi. The husband-and-wife duo from Romania became celebrities in the sports world by coaching past champions Nadia Comanici and Mary Lou Retton.
“I’m not sticking up for Martha or saying what she did was good,” Skinner said in her Instagram apology. “I’m just saying it was different. So sorry for anything that got out of context or seemed hurtful.”
On Tuesday, Skinner said she took 100% responsibility for poorly articulating “the point I was trying to make” about the Paris team. “I know these women are incredible — the very best of the best,” she said. “And almost all of them are my former teammates, who I have enjoyed very much cheering on the last few years.”
After she publicly apologized for her vlog, she said she sent individual messages to each of the women on the team, but said “only Simone responded” with a positive note, saying “that she was proud of me.”
So, Skinner said, she was surprised that Biles seemed to hit out at her after the team won the team gold medal. Skinner said she was dismayed to “to see this all brought up all over again by a caption on an Instagram post.”
Skinner also said she was “heartbroken” if Biles truly believes that thought the team was “lazy and lacking talent.” The retired gymnast also said she was “heartbroken” because Bile’s social media post and others have fueled “a wave of hateful comments” and “death threats to me, my family and even my agent.”
To plead her case, Skinner also tried to appeal to Biles’ advocacy on behalf of mental health by saying, “You have been an incredible champion for mental health awareness, and a lot of people need your help now. We’ve been hurt and attacked in ways that I am certain you never intended.”
“Your performance, the team’s performance and the Olympics in general should be a time when we support one another and lift each other and our country up,” Skinner said. “I love our country and I love our team and I hope we can move on and move forward and cheer on the rest of our teammates and our athletes together.”
MyKayla Skinner has posted an emotional video, begging her former Olympic teammate Simone Biles to urge her followers to stop the online “hate” and “death threats” that she says she and her family have endured since she sparked a feud with the seven-time gold medalist by deriding the “work ethic” of the current U.S. gymnastics team.
“I sincerely hoped that this topic wouldn’t have to be revisited, but unfortunately things have really gotten out of hand lately,” Skinner said on Instagram Tuesday, while claiming that her family and friends “don’t deserve to be caught in the crossfire here.”
“They’ve done nothing,” Skinner said. “So, to Simone, I am asking you directly and publicly to please put a stop to this. Please ask your followers to stop.”
As of Tuesday morning in the United States, or evening in Paris, Biles had yet to respond to Skinner’s Instagram post — if she was even aware of it. She simply posted on X: “just woke up from a much needed nap.”
Skinner sparked a feud with Biles and backlash from other top gymnasts when she posted a since-deleted July 3 vlog, commenting negatively on the 2024 team going to Paris. While she briefly, if perfunctorily, praised Biles, she also said that Suni Lee did not have a “gymnast body,” criticized the team’s makeup, mispronounced team member Hezly Rivera’s name and asserted that the team, overall, lacked the talent, depth and “work ethic” of years past.
Skinner also made things worse when she complained about the changing culture of gymnastics, with its increased focus on athletes’ physical and mental health safety. She said that the U.S. Center for SafeSport had made it harder for coaches to push their athletes to Olympic levels. Skinner didn’t mention that the independent nonprofit was founded to reduce sexual, physical and emotional abuse of minors and athletes. Starting in 2016, USA gymnastics faced a reckoning over reports of widespread sexual abuse committed by Larry Nasser, the former national team doctor. Biles and some of Skinner’s gymnastics contemporaries came forward to identify themselves as Nasser’s victims.
Biles appeared to hit back at Skinner on July 30 after she led members of the gymnastics team to win the gold in the team competition, the first of their total 10 U.S. medals at the Paris Olympics. Biles shared a carousel of Instagram images of her and teammates Lee, Rivera, Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles, raising an American flag to celebrate their win. Biles, who won four medals at the games, captioned her post, “lack of talent, lazy, olympic champions.” The following day, Biles told her 1.7 million followers on X that she had been blocked, TMZ reported. While she didn’t name names, the assumption is that she was blocked by Skinner.
Skinner was an alternate for the U.S. team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, when Biles won four gold medals, including for the all-around competition. She took Biles’ place in the final vault competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. She won silver, after Biles withdrew from the games, citing mental health and physical safety concerns. She retired from gymnastics in 2021 to study broadcast journalism. She also married and gave birth to a daughter in September 2023.
After Skinner faced initial blowback for her vlog from Biles and others associated with the current team, she deleted it and issued an apology. She claimed that her comments were “misinterpreted” and “misunderstood. But she again poured the proverbial salt into very deep wounds by suggesting she appreciated aspects of gymnasts’ work ethic “in the Martha (Karolyi) era.”
Subsequent investigative reporting by the Associated Press, ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast, the Indianapolis Star and other outlets showed that Nasser’s abuse was enabled by the “cruel,” “toxic,” authoritarian gymnastics culture created by former national coaches Bela and Martha Karolyi. The husband-and-wife duo from Romania became celebrities in the sports world by coaching past champions Nadia Comanici and Mary Lou Retton.
“I’m not sticking up for Martha or saying what she did was good,” Skinner said in her Instagram apology. “I’m just saying it was different. So sorry for anything that got out of context or seemed hurtful.”
On Tuesday, Skinner said she took 100% responsibility for poorly articulating “the point I was trying to make” about the Paris team. “I know these women are incredible — the very best of the best,” she said. “And almost all of them are my former teammates, who I have enjoyed very much cheering on the last few years.”
After she publicly apologized for her vlog, she said she sent individual messages to each of the women on the team, but said “only Simone responded” with a positive note, saying “that she was proud of me.”
So, Skinner said, she was surprised that Biles seemed to hit out at her after the team won the team gold medal. Skinner said she was dismayed to “to see this all brought up all over again by a caption on an Instagram post.”
Skinner also said she was “heartbroken” if Biles truly believes that thought the team was “lazy and lacking talent.” The retired gymnast also said she was “heartbroken” because Bile’s social media post and others have fueled “a wave of hateful comments” and “death threats to me, my family and even my agent.”
To plead her case, Skinner also tried to appeal to Biles’ advocacy on behalf of mental health by saying, “You have been an incredible champion for mental health awareness, and a lot of people need your help now. We’ve been hurt and attacked in ways that I am certain you never intended.”
“Your performance, the team’s performance and the Olympics in general should be a time when we support one another and lift each other and our country up,” Skinner said. “I love our country and I love our team and I hope we can move on and move forward and cheer on the rest of our teammates and our athletes together.”
MyKayla Skinner Begs Simone Biles to Call Off Her Fans
Last week Simone Biles trolled her former Olympic team mate MyKayla Skinner, with a caption on Instagram, after MyKayla said the current Olympic team was lazy and less talented than in years past [click here if you missed that].
Last week Simone Biles trolled her former Olympic team mate MyKayla Skinner, with a caption on Instagram, after MyKayla said the current Olympic team was lazy and less talented than in years past [click here if you missed that].
Since then MyKayla claims she and her family have been receiving death threats and begs Simone to call off her fans...
Tory Lanez Says He Has Graduated High School and Enrolled into College While Behind Bars
Tory Lanez is making the most of his time behind bars, surprising fans with good news.
During a jail call with Kick streamer Adin Ross this past weekend, Lanez shared that he’s doing great despite serving his 10-year sentence for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
“I’m great,” Lanez told Ross. “I know that a lot of people sometimes when they hear prison or they hear somebody’s down, they think n*gga’s in the corner somewhere bawling his eyes out.”
But Lanez claimed he is determined to better himself while on the inside. “I’m in a great space mentally,” he said. “Bettering myself in every single way.”
He told fans, “A n*gga just graduated high school, enrolled in college. Never thought I’d do that. But I’m taking this moment and I’m taking advantage over everything that’s good. I’m a f*cking high school dropout that just graduated high school. That sh*t matters to me. So, it’s the small things that just have me feeling good about life right now.”
During a jail call with Kick streamer Adin Ross this past weekend, Lanez shared that he’s doing great despite serving his 10-year sentence for the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion.
“I’m great,” Lanez told Ross. “I know that a lot of people sometimes when they hear prison or they hear somebody’s down, they think n*gga’s in the corner somewhere bawling his eyes out.”
But Lanez claimed he is determined to better himself while on the inside. “I’m in a great space mentally,” he said. “Bettering myself in every single way.”
He told fans, “A n*gga just graduated high school, enrolled in college. Never thought I’d do that. But I’m taking this moment and I’m taking advantage over everything that’s good. I’m a f*cking high school dropout that just graduated high school. That sh*t matters to me. So, it’s the small things that just have me feeling good about life right now.”
Deputy Who Fatally Shot Sonya Massey Says He Thought Her Rebuke ‘In the Name of Jesus’ Was a Deadly Threat
Sean Grayson, the deputy sheriff who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Illinois home last month, believed that when she unexpectedly said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” she intended to harm him.
“I interpreted this to mean she was going to kill me,” Sean Grayson wrote in his field report released Monday. Grayson, 30, added that when he drew his pistol and Massey ducked behind a counter, he moved around the obstacle, fearing she was going to grab a weapon.
Grayson is now facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct after the tragic July 6 death of 36-year-old Massey in Springfield. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The incident started when Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey’s 911 call about a suspected prowler around 1 a.m. Massey met the deputies at her front door, repeatedly saying, “Please God,” and asking for a Bible. Inside the home, the situation escalated quickly when Grayson noticed Massey holding a pot of boiling water. He asked her to put it down, but when she responded with “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” he saw it as a deadly threat.
Grayson said he fear for his life and drew his pistol. Massey then ducked behind a counter, and Grayson moved around the obstacle, concerned she might grab a weapon. According to Grayson, Massey stood up, raised the pot above her head, and threw the boiling water at him. In response, Grayson fired three shots, one of which struck Massey just below the eye.
Body camera footage from the incident does not clearly show if Massey threw the water, as she was obscured from view when the shots were fired. Grayson’s report mentioned that some liquid hit his boots, and he observed steam rising from the cabinet area.
Sean Grayson, the deputy sheriff who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Illinois home last month, believed that when she unexpectedly said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” she intended to harm him.
“I interpreted this to mean she was going to kill me,” Sean Grayson wrote in his field report released Monday. Grayson, 30, added that when he drew his pistol and Massey ducked behind a counter, he moved around the obstacle, fearing she was going to grab a weapon.
Grayson is now facing charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery, and official misconduct after the tragic July 6 death of 36-year-old Massey in Springfield. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The incident started when Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey’s 911 call about a suspected prowler around 1 a.m. Massey met the deputies at her front door, repeatedly saying, “Please God,” and asking for a Bible. Inside the home, the situation escalated quickly when Grayson noticed Massey holding a pot of boiling water. He asked her to put it down, but when she responded with “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” he saw it as a deadly threat.
Grayson said he fear for his life and drew his pistol. Massey then ducked behind a counter, and Grayson moved around the obstacle, concerned she might grab a weapon. According to Grayson, Massey stood up, raised the pot above her head, and threw the boiling water at him. In response, Grayson fired three shots, one of which struck Massey just below the eye.
Body camera footage from the incident does not clearly show if Massey threw the water, as she was obscured from view when the shots were fired. Grayson’s report mentioned that some liquid hit his boots, and he observed steam rising from the cabinet area.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Cute Pussy
She's cute but she's not happy maybe?
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
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