Current Events
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The Atlantic picked up what some might consider the scoop of the year after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared war plans on the unsecured Signal messaging app. Included in the chat was The Atlantic‘s editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, and the publication published the full text chat after top officials in President Donald Trump’s administration testified in front of Congress that the information within was not classified.
As seen in The Atlantic, Goldberg was included in a Signal group chat that included Hegseth and U.S. national security advisor to President Trump, Mike Waltz. Waltz unintentionally added Goldberg to the discussion of plans to attack Yemen’s Houthis group, and the text chain included names, details, and expected results of the attack. Goldberg made his media rounds after breaking the story, but previously did not include some of the more sensitive details of the Signal chat.
However, testimony from Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that the plans discussed in the chat were not classified in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday (March 25). CIA Director John Ratcliffe added in separate testimony that the chat details were not classified, and President Trump stood by that claim. Hegseth also denied that the discussion was about war plans.
With that testimony on record, the publication saw fit to publish the entire chat to allow the public to make their own determination of the facts and to push back against the attacks from Trump officials that The Atlantic is lying about what the chat is.
“The statements by Hegseth, Gabbard, Ratcliffe, and Trump—combined with the assertions made by numerous administration officials that we are lying about the content of the Signal texts—have led us to believe that people should see the texts in order to reach their own conclusions. There is a clear public interest in disclosing the sort of information that Trump advisers included in nonsecure communications channels, especially because senior administration figures are attempting to downplay the significance of the messages that were shared,” Goldberg and fellow journalist Shane Harris wrote.
The White House is attempting to downplay and discredit Goldberg’s assessment of the war plans, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attacking the publication’s decision to frame the chat “attack plans” instead of “war plans,” as initially reported and framed that as a retraction.
“The Atlantic has conceded: these were NOT ‘war plans.’ This entire story was another hoax written by a Trump-hater who is well-known for his sensationalist spin,” Leavitt wrote on X.
On X, many are reacting to The Atlantic calling the Trump administration and its de facto war council’s bluff by publishing the full Signal chat. Check out those reactions below.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: NurPhoto / Getty / Pete Hegseth / Signal
Donald Trump’s second presidency continues to be a hot a** mess, largely thanks to the people in his administration, like Pete Hegseth.
Trump’s cabinet is full of DEI hires who never miss an opportunity to show the American people they have no business being in the positions that Republicans stupidly allowed them to have.
Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, now Secretary of Defense, a position he has no business in, stupidly attacked the reporter who blew the lid on what could be one of the biggest blunders in national security history.
Jeffrey Goldberg did his job when he reported on the massive blunder of Trump’s national security team members sharing classified war plans on Signal, an unsecured messenger app.
In response, Republicans, especially of the MAGA variety, did what they do best: not take accountability for their actions. Pete Hegseth took things even further and attacked Goldberg even after his Boss’ administration did admit to Goldberg being in the group chat when he he he talking to reporters fresh off a flight to Hawaii.
Per Crooks & Liars:
You’re talking about a deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist who’s made a profession of peddling hoaxes time and time again to include the, I don’t know, the hoaxes of Russia, Russia, Russia, or the fine people on both sides hoax or suckers and losers hoax.
So this is the guy that peddles in garbage. This is what he does. I would love to comment on the Houthi campaign because of the skill and courage of our troops.
I’ve monitored it very closely from the beginning, and you see, we’ve been managing four years of deferred maintenance under the Trump administration.
Our troops, our sailors were getting shot at as targets. Our ships couldn’t sail through. And when they did shoot back, it was purely defensively or at shacks in Yemen.
President Trump said no more. We will reestablish deterrence. We will open freedom of navigation, and we will ultimately decimate the Houthis, which is exactly what we’re doing as we speak, from the beginning, overwhelmingly.
Republicans have been downplaying the incident all day, with Trump’s national security team doing a piss poor job answering questions during an Intelligence Committee grilling session on Capitol Hill.
The calls for Hegseth to be fired have been very loud, as have other reactions to the incident. You can see them in the gallery below.
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Source: TMZ / TMZ
Rapper SKG Is Celebrating Big U’s RICO Arrest
Big U, an alleged Los Angeles Rollin’ 60s Crips gang member and community activist, has been arrested, along with other individuals, on a RICO charge. While 58-year-old Eugene Henley is denying the allegations, others associated with him are celebrating his arrest.
Rapper SKG told TMZ that she was a “victim” of Big U, adding, “He’s a monster.”
Helecia Choyce, known professionally as SKG—which stands for “Suge Knight Girl”—is a former Death Row Records artist. She told the gossip site that Big U was responsible for having her assaulted numerous times. She also claims that he extorted her and regularly threatened other artists who wanted to work with her.
She also expressed sympathy for the family of Rayshawn Williams, the 21-year-old aspiring rapper who federal prosecutors allege Big U murdered in Las Vegas back in 2021.
When asked if she believes that Big U had any involvement in the death of Nipsey Hussle nearly six years ago—she noted that the public is likely to be “shocked” once the details of the allegations against Big U are made public, adding that the elder gang leader was “jealous” of the deceased rapper.
For their part, the feds are not alleging that Big U was involved in Nipsey’s death. The shooter, Eric Holder Jr., is the only person convicted in the 2019 murder and is currently serving 60 years to life.
This is not SKG’s first time speaking out about Big U. In a previous interview with Wack 100, she stated that Big U was involved in Williams’s death. She also added that she and her community will be safer with Big U off the streets.
SKG is best known for her 2022 album, Unfinished Business. The indie release featured appearances by Boosie, Paul Wall, Juvenile, Suga Free, Beenie Man and more. She also appeared in an independent film called F Friendship, and directed a short documentary about being mentored by Afeni Shakur.
As previously reported by HipHopWired, in the 107-page federal complaint, officials say that Henley ran his self-styled enterprise similarly to how the Mafia operates, using his “stature and long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals” across the city.
Big U has denied the allegations against him and says he has contributed positively to his South Los Angeles community.
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Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been a fixture in the news recently, as he and fellow progressive, New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have embarked on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour of rallies in the Western United States. Sanders sat down with Jonathan Karl on ABC’s This Week on Sunday (March 23) for an interview. Karl asked about Sanders’ view of Ocasio-Cortez possibly joining him as a senator. “Would you like to see her join you in the Senate?” he queried.
Sanders stood up, aiming to end the interview. “I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. OK, Jonathan, thanks,” he said. “Wait, I got one more – I got one more. This is an important – “Karl pleaded before Sanders swiftly cut him off. “No, you want to do nonsense. Do nonsense. I don’t want to talk about inside-the-beltway stuff.” With that, Sanders ended his talk with Karl. The 83-year-old had made it a point not to vigorously trash current Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York when Karl asked about Sanders’ comments that the passage of the continuing resolution that prevented a government shutdown was an “absolute failure of Democratic leadership.” “Well, [Sen. Chuck] Schumer is the leader of the party, and it should not have happened, period. No question about it,” Sanders said before adding: “But the bottom line, it’s not just Chuck Schumer. It’s not just Chuck Schumer. It is, you’ve got a Democratic Party in general that is dominated by billionaires, just as the Republican Party is, that … operates under the leadership of a bunch of inside-the-Beltway consultants, very well paid, who are way out of touch with the 32,000 people who are here today.”Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have drawn sizable numbers at their “Fighting Oligarchy” rallies. Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly discussed her plans, but has been consistently mentioned as someone who could take on Schumer as a primary candidate for his Senate seat. There have even been rumors of her being positioned as a presidential candidate for 2028. Despite calls for him to step down as Senate Minority Leader, Schumer has remained defiant and stated he has no plans to do so.
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Source: VALERIE MACON / Getty
Snow White, the new live-action film starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is being panned online by those assumed to be in the MAGA nation, accusing the motion picture of “wokeness.” On X, the reactions to Snow White have been passionate, and other film fans are joining the pile-on to blast some of the acting and more.
Snow White was released last Friday (March 21) and is one of the early big-budget films of the spring season. Zegler stars as the title character, while Gadot plays a contrasting role as the Evil Queen. At issue for the MAGA meatheads is Zegler’s role and the fact that the American actress is Polish and Colombian. Some of the more extreme racist trolls have attacked Zegler’s racial identity, and other film fans are critical of Gadot’s acting and her political positions.
Beyond the culture war being waged over the movie, the early reports are leaning towards the fact that Snow White’s box office opening numbers are a bit underwhelming. With a budget reported to be between $240-270 million, the film had a worldwide weekend opening of about $86 million, according to The Numbers website.
Professional critics largely called the film a refreshing update on the classic tale, and it manages to put forth some progressive themes here and there. Also present in the film is the goal of female empowerment and other stylistic and source material changes. It is there where MAGA and online trolls are having the most issues.
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Photo: Getty
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Greenland and the United States appear to have strained relations after the general perception that President Donald Trump eyes a takeover of the world’s largest island. With reports that President Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz will be visiting Greenland this week along with another visit from Vice President JD Vance‘s wife, Usha Vance, some online are mentioning Vance’s recent comments about the North American Denmark territory.
As reported by The Independent, Greenland’s prime minister Mute B. Egede was quoted by a local news outlet regarding Walz’s upcoming visit with U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright also in tow.
“We are now at a level where it can in no way be characterized as a harmless visit from a politician’s wife,” Egede said to Greenland’s Sermitsiaq newspaper per The Independent. “What is the national security adviser doing in Greenland? The only purpose is to demonstrate power over us.”
Egede continued, “He is Trump’s confidential and closest advisor, and his presence in Greenland alone will certainly make the Americans believe in Trump’s mission, and the pressure will increase after the visit.”
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That sentiment is an increasingly notable one considering the vice president’s comments about annexing Greenland for American needs. In a February Fox News interview, Vance said, “Here’s the thing which I think a lot of folks don’t appreciate about Greenland. It’s really important to our national security.”
For years, the United States and Denmark have held an agreement to allow the U.S. military to have a presence on the island. However, Trump wants to absorb both the island and Canada as part of the States.
On Monday (March 24), Trump continued his stances, telling reporters after a Cabinet meeting, “I think Greenland is going to be something that maybe is in our future.”
On X, the reactions to Usha Vance, Mike Waltz, and Secretary Chris Wright’s Greenland visits are in and we’ve got them listed below.
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Photo: JEFF KOWALSKY / Getty
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Actor Isaiah Stokes is living his own Law & Order: SVU episode and will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
New York-based actor Isaiah Stokes, who had appearances on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Boardwalk Empire, and Power, was sentenced to 25 years to life for the 2021 murder of Tyrone Jones in Queens, New York.
The 45-year-old actor’s sentencing comes after he was convicted earlier in the month on charges of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
During the two-week trial, prosecutors detailed how Stokes ambushed 37-year-old Jones in broad daylight, firing off 11 shots into his vehicle and hitting him in the head and chest multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
As for the reasoning for the gruesome murder, Stokes was mad following an altercation at the victim’s birthday party.
Per The Blast:
According to Daily Mail, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said the fatal attack was the culmination of a months-long grudge Stokes held following an altercation at Jones’ birthday party in 2020, where Stokes had been removed for inappropriate behavior. Katz said the actor went so far as to place a GPS tracker on Jones’ car in the weeks leading up to the murder.
“Isaiah Stokes, embarrassed and upset that he was thrown out of a birthday party in October 2020, sought revenge on Tyrone Jones,” she said in a statement. “Months later, the defendant attached a GPS tracking device to his victim’s vehicle and stalked Jones for more than a week. Stokes tracked Jones down to Linden Boulevard and fired 11 times into Jones’ vehicle, striking the man in his head and chest.”
She continued, “Justice has now been served for the premeditated murder perpetrated by this defendant and he will now spend 25 years to life in prison as a direct consequence of his criminal actions.”
The Judge Didn’t Bite His Tongue During Sentencing
Judge Kenneth Holder didn’t hold back when talking to Stokes during his sentencing, who was described as looking “emotionless” as the judge read him for filth.
“You are more guilty than anyone I’ve seen in this courtroom,” the judge said while claiming Stokes of going into great detail in planning the crime and getting his revenge on Jones. “You thought staying in jail for as long as you can would do wonders for your movie career when you got out.”
Judge Holder continued, “But here’s the problem: you have to get out, and you’re not getting out, No one can intentionally plan a murder and carry it out as stupidly as you did. You were angry over a beatdown you got months earlier, you had all that rage consuming you for months and hatched this ridiculous plan. You hunted down Jones and shot him 11 times and ensured he would die… ironically the murderous rage you undertook presents you with the notoriety you hope for. You’re now an example of how one can completely ruin their life in the blink of an eye.”
Well damn.
Stokes tried to live out one of the plots on the shows he starred in, but in the end, he only ended up throwing his life away.
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Source: Prince Williams / Getty
According to reports, a documentary series chronicling the history and impact of an iconic strip club in Atlanta, Georgia, has been acquired by the Starz network. Magic City: An American Fantasy, will be aired on Starz this summer, after making its debut at the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, last spring to rave reviews. The series consists of five episodes detailing what’s been referred to as the “Black Studio 54” and the impact it’s had on Hip-Hop culture, stemming from the story of its enigmatic owner, Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney. It’s been referenced in numerous songs, with a clientele that boasts names such as Shaquille O’Neal and Too Short among them.
“From politicians, to artists, to drug kingpins, Magic City has been a home for a broad cross-section of Black Atlanta for decades,” creator Cole Brown said in the press release. “Everyone should know the unbelievable story of this institution and the man who founded it, and Starz is the perfect partner to bring it to the world. We’re thrilled.” The team of executive producers behind Magic City: An American Fantasy includes legendary producer and Atlanta native Jermaine Dupri, DreamCrew Entertainment, which was created by Drake, and the majority owner of the Atlanta Hawks Jami Gertz. Charles Todd serves as director.
Other executive producers include Devin Amar and Alex Kaplan along with showrunner Bayan Joonam. In addition. the Scheme Engine, a BIPOC-founded studio with a focus on the representation of women and marginalized people in media, is also producing along with Ashley Brooke and Marlowe Blue. There is no date yet set for the series premiere. Its addition to Starz ties in with two of the network’s most popular series – B.M.F., which chronicles the story of the Black Mafia Family which has ties to Atlanta (with real-life members frequenting the club), and Katori Hall’s P-Valley, which revolves around the lives of African American female exotic dancers at a club called The Pynk.
“Magic City: An American Fantasy is a riveting behind-the-curtain look at one of the most unique places in Black culture,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz in the press release. “The docuseries’ unprecedented insider access and history unveiled from those who built its empire is a perfect complement to Starz’s slate of adult, culture-driving shows.”
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Source: Eric Charbonneau / Getty / George Foreman
Legendary boxer George Foreman has passed away. He was 76.
George Foreman’s family announced the sad news on the former two-time heavyweight champion’s Instagram account on Friday, with a photo of Big George surrounded by them.
The caption for the post reads:
Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.
A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name— for his family.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.
His Early Life & Boxing Career
Foreman was born in 1949 in Marshall, Texas, and was one of seven children. Foreman was heavily into sports, playing football and basketball as a youngster.
As a young teen, Foreman dropped out of school in the 10th grade, spending his time shoplifting, drinking, and getting into trouble. At the age of 16, he joined the Job Corps, and that’s where his life changed for the better when he met Nick Broadus, a boxing instructor who quickly recognized Foreman’s talent.
Foreman won his first amateur fight in 1967 via knockout in the first round, setting him on a path to boxing glory. He won a gold medal in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.
Foreman would win 76 of his 81 fights, 68 by knockout.
In 1973, Foreman defeated Joe Frazier to capture the heavyweight championship for the first time.
His most notable fight was his legendary match against the late Muhammad Ali in 1974, famously dubbed the Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa, Zaire, where he lost the title.
Foreman would return to boxing glory when he did what many believed he couldn’t, defeating Michael Moorer in 1994, regaining the heavyweight championship at the age of 45.
He retired for a second time in 1997 at the age of 48 and was eventually inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame. He would later earn a different title, “King of the Grill,” due to the ridiculous success of his lean, mean, fat-fighting machine, the George Foreman Grill.
Foreman leaves his 12 children, including five sons named George, so his legacy will continue.
Social media is ringing the bell for Big George. You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
1. Mike Tyson
2. The Foreman Grill was clutch
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Source: Erika Goldring / Getty / Vince Staples
Vince Staples as the Blue or Black Ranger? It could happen if the Hip-Hop star/actor has his way.
For those who didn’t know, Disney+ is rebooting Power Rangers. Vince Staples wants in on the Mighty Morphin action in the upcoming live-action series.
The “Blue Suede” rapper took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his interest in a role, simply writing, “Call me, [on the] dead homies” after learning that Percy Jackson and the Olympians showrunners Jonathan E. Steinberg and Dan Shotz are working on the upcoming project for the streamer.
Staples is no stranger to film and television cameras; he’s had minor roles in Dope and White Men Can’t Jump. He also starred in the first season of Netflix’s The Vince Staples Show, which was renewed for a second season, and he had guest appearances on Abbott Elementary and Insecure, so he would be very comfortable if given the role.
Fans Say He Would Be A Perfect “Cuh” or Black Ranger
Fans have reacted to the idea of Staples possibly becoming a Power Ranger. One person warned him about the “Power Ranger curse” writing in a post on X, “Vince you gon struck with the Power Rangers curse stay far away bro.” Staples responded, “I’ll die for what I believe in n***a.”
Another user shared what looks like an AI-generated image of Staples in the Blue Ranger costume.
Listen, we would love to see it.
Disney+ will be teaming up with Hasbro, who acquired the rights to the iconic franchise in 2018, TheWrap reported. According to the website, Disney and Hasbro’s goal is to “reinvent the franchise for a whole new generation of fans while delighting those who already know and love the world of Power Rangers.”
We shall see if Vince Staples gets a call. Until then, you can see more reactions in the gallery below.