Current Events
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On Sunday (March 30), tech billionaire Elon Musk held a town hall in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and awarded two individuals with checks of a million dollars each on stage as he declared them members of his political action committee. The move comes days before a critical election for an open seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, with Democratic Party favorite Judge Susan Crawford going up against former state attorney general and Judge Brad Schimel.
“It’s a super big deal,” Musk said to a 2,000-person crowd after taking the stage in a yellow cheesehead hat, an homage to the Packers of the National Football League. “I’m not phoning it in. I’m here in person.” The Tesla co-founder went on to talk about the importance of the election. “I think this will be important for the future of civilization,” he said. “It’s that significant.” He then presented the checks to Ekaterina Diestler and Nicholas Jacobs, saying, “Reason for the checks is that it’s really just to get attention. It causes legacy media to like kind of lose their minds.”
The state supreme court’s current makeup shows Democrats with a 4-3 majority, and a win by Crawford over Schimel (who is an unabashed supporter of President Donald Trump) could determine how the court will rule on abortion rights this year. Another issue before the state Supreme Court is the gerrymandering of voting districts. A redrawing of lines could give Wisconsin two more seats in the House of Representatives, dramatically impacting elections in 2026 and the presidential election in 2028. Union rights and voting rules are also expected to be taken up by the court.Musk’s involvement in the race individually since February (he promised $100 to voters who will pick Schimel over Crawford) and through other groups has totaled $20 million to date. It’s a repeat of his efforts in Pennsylvania in the weeks before the 2024 presidential election. But Democrats have mustered up a strong counter offensive to Musk’s tactics. Judge Crawford’s campaigns have put focus on Musk’s meddling with the federal government through his DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) team, and her allies have reminded voters that Tesla is currently suing Wisconsin for the right to open dealerships there.
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Photo: The Washington Post / Getty
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President Donald Trump famously quipped on the campaign trail that voters would never have to visit the polls again if he wins, signaling to his critics he intended to run for a third term. President Trump doubled down on his desire to seek a third term even though the U.S. Constitution bars this, prompting many on X to get #Obama2028 trending in support of President Barack Obama on the social media network.
In a Sunday morning (March 30) phone call appearance on NBC News, President Donald Trump was asked if he was joking about seeking a third presidential term despite the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution allowing just two four-year terms as a maximum. Lawmakers loyal to Trump have been examining resolutions and pathways to give Trump a third term, but some viewed the past comments as humorous at root.
However, Trump told host Kristen Welker, “A lot of people want me to do it. But, I mean, I basically tell them we have a long way to go, you know, it’s very early in the administration.”
Trump did say he’s focused on his time in office now, but Welker pressed about the matter, and Trump said that there are “methods” his side could examine. One is that JD Vance could run and win the presidency and hand over the reins to Trump, which the president seemed to suggest as a plan. He did not elaborate on other methods of seeking the unprecedented move for a third term.
President Barack Obama served two terms in the White House and left as one of its most popular and most criticized presidents in history. The charismatic politician has stumped for people in his party since leaving office, but has never said that he wants to return to elected office.
Still, the hope that President Obama could come back and run the nation has pushed the aforementioned hashtag along on X with additional commentary. We’ve got those reactions below.
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Photo: Meg Oliphant / Getty
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Source: Kevin Winter / Getty / Amber Ruffin
We can add the White House Correspondents’ Association to the growing list of cowards who are afraid of Donald Trump and his bat-sh*t-crazy administration.
Spotted on The Daily Beast, comedian Amber Ruffin lost her gig as host of the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner in April. It’s all because she said during a podcast that she plans to keep it real about Trump and the MAGA regime. Of course, Orange Mussolini’s administration was BIG MAD about her comments.
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On Thursday, Ruffin said on an episode of The Daily Beast podcast that she would not be doing the “both sides” thing regarding her jokes as instructed by the WHCA.
In response to Ruffin stating the obvious Felon 47’s second stint as president, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich called Ruffin a “2nd rate comedian” on X, formerly Twitter on Friday.
“What kind of responsible, sensible journalist would attend something like this?” he wrote. “More importantly, what kind of company would sponsor such a hate-filled and violence-inspiring event?”
Keep in mind this works for a regime that is rounding up people and deporting them, sending them to a notorious El Salvadoran prison without giving them their due process.
Per The Daily Beast:
She told hosts comedian Samantha Bee and Beast Chief Content Officer Joanna Coles that the Trump administration are “kind of a bunch of murderers,” adding that playing to both sides “makes them feel like human beings, but they shouldn’t get to feel that way, ’cause they’re not.”
A Saturday letter from Eugene Daniels, the president of the WHCA, to its members announced that he had been “re-envisioning” the April 26 dinner “for the past couple of weeks.” The WHCA is independent from the White House.
“As a first step, I wanted to share that the WHCA board has unanimously decided we are no longer featuring a comedic performance this year,” wrote Daniels, who is also a political correspondent for MSNBC. “At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists.”
Daniels & The WHCA Initially Had High Praise For Ruffin
Daniels’ statement comes after he had high praise for Ruffin who previously hosted a late-night talk show on Peacock and is also a writer on Seth Myers’ show.
“When I began to think about what entertainer would be a perfect fit for the dinner this year, Amber was immediately at the top of my list,” Daniels said in an initial statement announcing after she got the gig. “She has the ability to walk the line between blistering commentary and humor all while provoking her audience to think about the important issues of the day. I’m thrilled and honored she said yes.”
Social Media Is Not Feeling The Decision To Fire Ruffin
As expected, the reaction to Ruffin’s firing for keeping it real is sparking outrage. What’s even more hilarious is Donald Trump and his lying Karen of a press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, won’t even be there, so seeing Daniels and the WHCA buckle under the MAGA pressure to appease someone who doesn’t even care for the event that he has in the past said was “so boring and so negative.”
“These people are fucking cowards,” journalist Michael Harriot wrote on X.
Another post read, “Where are all the “freedom of speech” “nothing is off limits” comedians for Amber Ruffin? Any time people don’t line a joke they can’t wait to tell us how it’s a violation of their rights. Anything for Amber yet?”
All valid points.
We truly hope some journalists and other comedians will stand in solidarity with Amber Ruffin because what is happening in this country is not normal.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Source: Albert L. Ortega / Getty / Sean Kingston / Janice Turner
The family that scams together ends up in jail together. Sean Kingston and his momma, Janice Turner, found that out the hard way on Friday.
TMZ reports a jury found Kingston and his mother guilty on all five charges in their federal wire fraud case. The “Beautiful Girls” singer reportedly cried and told U.S. Marshals to “protect my mother” after learning his fate, and she was remanded into custody and being taken away.
He and his mom are looking at a max of 20 years on each count.
Per TMZ:
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The “Beautiful Girls” singer and his mom, Janice Turner, were found guilty Friday on all five charges they were facing.
Sean reportedly cried as the jury returned the guilty verdict … and he told U.S. Marshalls to “protect my mother” as they remanded her into custody and took her away from the courtroom.
As we reported … Sean and his mother were accused of defrauding businesses out of more than $1 million in a fraud scheme involving jewelry, luxury vehicles, and other goods.The judge deemed Sean’s mother a flight risk, which is why she’s in custody … and Sean is now on home detention as they await their July 11 sentencing.
Federal prosecutors successfully convinced a jury that Sean Kingston and his mother “unjustly enriched themselves” by lying and claiming they sent payments for high-end items. Then they kept the items, and when it was discovered, they never sent the money.
Turner allegedly scammed her way to $1 million in property through the scheme. Federal prosecutors alleged she ripped off a car dealership for a $160K Cadillac Escalade and finagled $480K worth of jewelry from a jeweler without dropping a single dime.
The mother/son scamming duo were arrested after the feds raided Kingston’s Flordia mansion in 2024.
According to the celebrity gossip site, the judge reportedly described Kingston’s mother as the “fixer, the nerve center,” while Kingston’s defense team described their client as a “child” who didn’t know anything about his finances.
Yeah, okay.
Social Media Doesn’t Feel Sorry For Sean Kingston or His Momma
Social media had plenty to say on the matter; spoiler alert: no one feels sorry for Sean Kingston or his mother in this situation.
“Sean Kingston momma look like a scammer lmaooooooooo. I didn’t need a judge to confirm that broad is guilty of fraud,” one person on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Another user jokingly wrote, “Sean Kingston is going to prison because he finessed a store out of a TV by telling them he was gonna get Justin Bieber to do promotional videos for them.”
Funny, if true.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Source: Carol Lee Rose / Getty / Marvin Sapp
One of Marvin Sapp’s sermons has set social media ablaze and has begun a dialogue about the Black church.
A video of Marvin Sapp’s “holy hustling” for Jesus has gone viral on X, formerly Twitter. In the clip, which Sapp admits is over a year old, the popular pastor asks his congregation to help him reach a goal of $40,000.
In one part of the clip, Sapp asks the ushers to close the door to keep the congregation from leaving.
“We all gon’ leave together,” Sapp said. “Y’all ain’t going no place but to the restaurant.”
Sapp further explained that if the 1,000 people in the pews and the 1,000 people watching online gave $20, which he called a “small seed,” it would add up to $40,000.
“I’m challenging each of you all down here to give a $20 seed,” Sapp told his flock.
He jokingly added that $20 would cover a movie date, popcorn, and drink when his wife, MaLinda P. Sapp, was still alive.
Sapp then asked his clergy members to give $100 while the congregation dug in their wallets and purses looking for a $20. “It costs to sit up here,” Sapp said.
While the mass donations continued, Sapp hushed the crowd and said, “Giving is worship.”
“This ain’t a time to talk,” Sapp said as he continued encouraging worshippers in the building and viewers online to keep the donations coming, describing them as “an easy miracle.”
Marvin Sapp Issues A Statement On The Clip
Word about Sapp’s video going viral definitely reached the pastor, who posted a lengthy statement on Facebook. He explained that the clip was a year old, added that he “gave much more,” and pointed out that the clip was shared out of context.
Per Sapp’s Facebook post:
Recently, a clip has gone viral of me challenging 2,000 individuals(virtually and in person) to plant a seed of $20 during an international gathering held at a convention center, with over 4,000 people in attendance that evening plus virtual viewers. In that same moment, I also challenged leadership to lead by example by sowing $100. That evening, I personally gave much more.
Some have taken issue with a particular moment when I instructed the ushers, rather firmly, to close the doors during the offering. To those unfamiliar with the church context or who may not regularly attend worship gatherings this has been misinterpreted as holding people hostage as well as offensive. That was never my intent.
The truth is, when finances are being received in any worship gathering, it is one of the most vulnerable and exposed times for both the finance and security teams. Movement during this sacred exchange can be distracting and, at times, even risky. My directive was not about control it was about creating a safe, focused, and reverent environment for those choosing to give, and for those handling the resources.
Unfortunately, in this social media age, snippets are easily shared without context, and assumptions are quickly made without understanding the full picture. Conferences have budgets. Churches have budgets. And people have budgets. As the assigned ministerial gift for this international gathering, one of my responsibilities was to help raise the conference budget. That’s not manipulation, it’s stewardship.
Social Media Has Plenty of Thoughts On The Clip
Regardless, those on X, formerly Twitter, did not feel the moment in the clip and used it to post their hesitations about the Black Church.
“Marvin Sapp is clearly HUSTLING his congregation for 40k— and using God’s name to do it. he’s calling for the doors to be locked? that’s not faith, that’s a shakedown and a false prophet. someone had a bill to pay, and it wasn’t to the church,” one post on X read.
Another user added, “Some churches ARE cults. Would’ve had to beat Marvin Sapp’s big ass and hide the bible if God watching.”
Lol, well damn.
Sapp might be right about clips being taken out of context, but he can’t ignore people’s legitimate beef regarding churches and how they ask for money. That video was cringe-worthy; we’re just saying.
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
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Eugene Henley Jr., also known as Big U, is reportedly a prominent leading figure in the infamous Rollin’ 60s Crips gang. Big U was charged this week in a 43-count indictment that includes RICO charges, extortion, and more.The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California issued a press release via the U.S. Department of Justice website’s Central District of California website segment. In the press release, Big U and six other defendants were named in the sweeping indictment, and the charges all stem from federal investigators alleging that Henley used intimidation and street violence to get others to bend to his will.
From Justice.gov:
Eugene Henley, Jr., 58, a.k.a. “Big U,” of the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and extortion (Hobbs Act), one count of Hobbs Act robbery, nine counts of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, five counts of Hobbs Act extortion, one count of transportation of an individual in interstate commerce with intent that the individual engage in prostitution (Mann Act), 15 counts of wire fraud, five counts of embezzlement, conversion, and intentional misapplication of funds from an organization receiving federal funds, one count of bank fraud, one count of tax evasion, and two counts of willful failure to file a tax return.
Also named in the state’s indictment release were:
Sylvester Robinson, 59, a.k.a. “Vey,” of Northridge;Mark Martin, 50, a.k.a. “Bear Claw,” of the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles;Termaine Ashley Williams, 42, a.k.a. “Luce Cannon,” of Las Vegas;Armani Aflleje, 38, a.k.a. “Mani,” of Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles;Fredrick Blanton Jr., 43, of South Los Angeles; andTiffany Shanrika Hines, 51, of Yorba Linda.
Investigators pointed to Henley’s alleged operations hub, known in court documents as Big U Enterprises, for being similar to the Mafia’s style of using violence, extortion, robbery, and even murder to advance the will of the organization.
“As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity,” Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally shared in the press release. “Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice’s top priority. Today’s charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer.”
As seen in the indictment that was handed in on March 26, investigators say that from 2010 until March of this year, Henley’s power and influence extended beyond gang and street culture and expanded into the entertainment world. There have been swirling reports of Henley sanctioning high-stakes gambling meetups, trafficking sex workers across state lines, fraud, and more. Henley allegedly used his status a longtime member of the Crips and the respect it garnered to exact his will.
Henley, Robinson, and Martin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the racketeering conspiracy count. The bank fraud charge levied against can carry up to 30 years in federal prison.
Read the full indictment here.
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Photo: Paras Griffin / Getty
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Source: Memphis PD / Memphis Police Department
According to reports, the Memphis Police Department has identified their person of interest in the shooting of rapper Sauce Walka, aka Albert Walker Mondane, and his protege, Sayso P, aka Latorian Hunt, outside of a downtown hotel last weekend. A warrant was issued for the arrest of Jayden Dandridge, 21, for the shooting. Dandrige is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and auto theft.
A surveillance video captured the scene outside of the Westin Memphis Beale Street Hotel down the road from the FedEx Forum Saturday (March 22) where two gunmen emerged from a white 2021 Dodge Charger Scat Pack 392 at 2:40 p.m. before running up to Sauce Walka and Sayso P standing by a Black Escalade. Sayso P can be seen falling to the ground after gunfire rings out. Sauce Walka was injured and Sayso P succumbed to his injuries at the scene. In an interview with Houston news network KHOU 11, Sauce Walka’s father, confirmed that his son was hit in the thigh. “Had it not been for God, my son would’ve been dead,” he continued.
Memphis Police Officers would later tell reporters that the Dodge Charger was stolen. The car was found shortly after the incident. The warrant for Dandridge was announced alongside a $6,000 reward offered by the MPD for any information leading to his arrest. The incident is another unfortunate circumstance surrounding Sauce Walka. The Houston, Texas, native was connected to an incident involving a gun during a Trae Tha Truth concert in 2009. He was linked to gang activity by local police in 2018, a claim which he denied in a report by the Houston Chronicle, saying: “I know that I’m a record label, I know that I’m an artist… I’m not into gang activity or any of that stuff.”
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President Donald Trump hosted an event this week at the White House for Women’s History Month and honored some of the top women officials in his administration. During the event, President Donald Trump referred to himself as the “fertilization president” after highlighting his stances on in vitro fertilization (IVF), causing some on X to recoil in disgust.
On Wednesday (March 26), President Donald Trump held a Women’s History Month event and heaped praise upon Attorney General Pam Bondi and other key women who work alongside him. This happened in the wake of an executive order signed on Tuesday (March 25) to expand the policy on IVF access and reduce costs to patients.
The executive order is largely ceremonial, as it suggests that a domestic policy aide has three months to share recommendations to IVF policies, the Trump administration is using this moment as a time to gloat. In short, the executive order does not lower the costs of IVF or provide any inroads to helping those seeking reproductive care, but what has some turning their heads is Trump’s words regarding the order.
“We’re going to have tremendous, tremendous goodies in the bag for women too, the women between the fertilization and all of the other things that we’re talking about,” Trump said in the White House’s East Room. “It’s going to be, it’s going to be great.”
Trump added, “I’m still very proud of it, I don’t care. I’ll be known as the fertilization president, that’s not bad, that’s not bad. I’ve been called much worse.”
It appears that the president coined the nickname on the spot, and the words garnered laughter from the attendees. However, over on X, formerly Twitter, reactions to President Trump’s IVF stances and new nickname were not as favorable.
We’ve got those reactions below.
[h/t MSNBC]
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Photo: Joe Raedle / Getty
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Source: BROWARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE / Broward Sheriff’s Office
Another rap related legal battle is underway. Sean Kingston and his mother’s fraud trial has commenced, and she has already requested a new lawyer.
As reported by XXL, the Jamaican performer and his mother are finally in court in hopes of clearing their names regarding some very serious wire fraud charges. On Monday (March 24), their trial begun with the typical jury selection process. According to NBC News, the pool started with 45 prospective jurors but was eventually narrowed down to 12 jurors; nine women and four men with one alternate to be on standby. But the following day, Sean’s mother Janice Turner formally requested new representation because “she could not get along with her previous counsel.”
After the session closed for the day Sean Kingston and his mother exited the court and headed to their ride. Janice was spotted holding a bible in her hand and did not answer any questions. Sean on other hand was gracious enough to send a message to his supporters. “All my fans that supported, I love you guys,” he said. The two were both arrested by federal authorities back in May 2024 on fraud charges. Prosecutors claim they swindled several businesses out of pricey items by using fake documentation like wire transfers and payment transfers. Some of the purchases included a $86,000 bed, a Cadillac Escalade SUV valued at $159,701.49 and various pieces of jewelry totaling $480,000.00.
If found guilty they both could face up to 20 years in prison.
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Madison Square Garden is owned by a larger entertainment group that oversees the famed venue, along with other properties such as Radio City Music Hall. A patron was barred from entering a Madison Square Garden Entertainment property this week over designing a t-shirt that read “Ban Dolan” back in 2017.As spotted in The Gothamist, Frank William Miller Jr., a notable graphic designer with credits with major brands and record labels, was hoping to take his parents out for their 47th wedding anniversary at Radio City Music Hall. However, facial recognition software used by MSGE and implemented by owner James Dolan flagged Miller over an act that occurred back in 2017.
Miller designed a “Ban Dolan” shirt, which he says was created in response to Dolan banning New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley from Madison Square Garden.
“I just think it’s amusing that a lowly thousandaire like myself is living rent free in a billionaire’s head,” Miller told the outlet regarding his ouster while trying to attend a Cleo Sol concert with his parents. “The only part that really bothers me is that my mom was crying.”
Adding to this, Miller never wore the shirt, and instead, it was worn by a friend of his who attended a Knicks game and was booted from the venue in 2021. Miller was apparently unaware that Dolan and MSGE had banned him from all their venues despite the generally simple explanation for the shirt.
Miller took the incident in stride and urged his parents to enjoy the show without him, but didn’t allow MSGE’s code of conduct violation ban sour him from speaking his mind.
“These venues are bigger than his ownership — they were here before his family owned them,” Miller stated. “They belong to the people, maybe not legally, but the Knicks, Radio City… It’s just crazy.”
Support Williams’ work here.
—Photo: Erik McGregor / Getty