Current Events
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Authorities revealed that the gunman who tried to assassinate Donald Trump left a message on a gaming platform, which was later found to be a fake.
According to reports, law enforcement officials investigating the assailant who shot at former President Donald Trump at his campaign rally revealed that he left a message on a board on the popular gaming platform, Steam. “July 13 will be my premiere, watch as it unfolds,” was the message that investigators found in their search of personal records belonging to Thomas Matthew Crooks.
The investigators also revealed that they found Internet searches for both Trump and President Joe Biden on a phone belonging to Crooks. Specifically, they found searches for the rally in Butler as well as information on the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Chicago as well as images of both men. Authorities also confirmed that Crooks visited the rally site in Butler twice.
But officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation later determined that the Steam message wasn’t attributed to an account that belonged to Crooks, as initially believed. They stress that the investigation is still in its early stages and that they are combing through several other devices that belonged to Crooks. It was confirmed that there was no information found on his phone that could point them to any ideological ties to Trump or Biden as an explanation for his actions. Investigators also didn’t find any ties to domestic or international terror groups.
The 20-year-old was shot and killed after firing six to eight shots at Trump as he was addressing the crowd at the rally held in Butler, Pennsylvania last Saturday (July 13). The former president sustained an injury to his right ear. A firefighter, Corey Comperatore, was killed and two bystanders were injured. Law enforcement officials also confirmed that 20 minutes elapsed between Secret Service snipers first spotting Crooks at his rooftop position and the time that the first shots had been fired.
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Photo: Anna Moneymaker / Getty
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Source: Carmen Mandato / Getty / Drake
Drake can’t catch a break.
Drizzy’s city of Toronto is experiencing torrential rain, which is causing severe flooding and power outages.
Drake took to Instagram to reveal that his luxurious crib isn’t safe from the flood waters. He shared a video via his IG Stories showing dirty, yellowish water flooding into it, with the caption, “This better be Espresso Martini.”
Drake didn’t follow up with any updates, but his post did open the floodgates for folks on X, formerly Twitter, to use the moment to add salt to Drake’s still-fresh wound following his rap battle and defeat at the hands of Kendrick Lamar.
Many people joked that it was Lamar who was the cause of Drake’s weather-related issues he was enduring.
“Kendrick brought the biblical flood to Drake,” one post read.
Another user on X wrote, “First it was the diss records, the concert and the video. Now it’s a flood… Next, Kendrick is about to send the locusts to The Embassy…”
Wh” Is DrakeDrake’sA** Crib Not On A Hill?
Others wondered why DrakeDrake’s was not elevated in the first place, with one person writing, “I’m still shocked that Drake’s house isn’t on top of the highest hill in Toronto. That man has no sense.”
No matter what Drake does, he can’t escape Kung-Fu Kenny’s wrath.
Just recently, Richard Branson, a Black video game developer, dropped a free web video game based on Lama’s scathing-smash hit diss record “Not Like Us.”
In the game, control a pixel sprite version of K.Dot and literally wop wop wop as many owls as they can with a bat.
Damn, Drake.
You can see more reactions to Drake’s mansion flooding and K.Dot using his biblical powers to make it happen in the gallery below.
3. Howling
4. Good question
7. Ha ha ha ha ha
8. Nobody is safe
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A CNN analyst took others to task for focusing on violent rhetoric after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, noting Trump’s influence on its rise.
The assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump on Saturday (July 13) has rattled the nation, with some pundits and media outlets focusing on the violent rhetoric that has been part of the political discourse instead of acknowledging Trump’s role in ramping it up over the past few years along with other Republican politicians and figures. This was pointed out by CNN analyst and Chief Domestic Correspondent Phil Mattingly during a panel discussion on the network on Sunday afternoon (July 14). Mattingly got straight to the point with the host, Manu Raju.
“The number of people I heard from last night, people who aren’t diehard Trump supporters who have had just a visceral response to this and their belief that this was driven by things that have occurred, that Democrats have said or Democrats have acted upon over the course of the last year, it’s very real whether or not you believe the evidence behind it,” Mattingly began. “The other thing I would say here is look, every speech Donald Trump gives, he talks about if Joe Biden wins, the country dies. If Joe Biden wins, everything is over — the Constitution falls apart,” he continued. “So let’s be real here: this isn’t because Joe Biden says Donald Trump is an existential threat.”
“Both sides are saying the exact same thing here, so let’s be a little self-aware about what we’re talking about here,” he concluded. The segment comes as Republican lawmakers leaped to put the blame on Democrats for violent rhetoric online. But social media users pointed out the hypocrisy of these lawmakers, which include Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene making a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, naming her Democratic colleagues as the ones allegedly fueling the chatter. Others pointed out how some Republican lawmakers showed up in Congress sporting AR-15 pins — the same weapon used in the assassination attempt — last year.
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Photo: Robert Gauthier / Getty
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Source: Scott Legato / Getty / 50 Cent
Hip-Hop has a weird obsession with Donald Trump, and you don’t have to look further than 50 Cent to see what we mean when we say that.
Former disgraced President and current nominee for GOP, Donald Trump, has dominated the news cycle after he was the victim of a struggle assassination attempt over the weekend that left him with a bloody ear from a bullet that allegedly grazed his ear.
Other reports claim his wounded ear was a result of glass shattered by a bullet.
Conspiracy theories flooded timelines, with many believing the whole incident was strange. The Orange Menace’s behavior—asking for his shoes, stopping to pump his fists in the air and yell “Fight,” and the Secret Services’ reaction—didn’t help matters.
Of course, plenty of memes also materialized, explicitly using 50 Cent’s classic record “Many Men (Wish Death On Me)” from his Shady/Aftermath debut album, Get Rich or Die Tyrin.
The song details the rapper, born Curtis Jackson, being shot nine times and serving to become one of the world’s biggest Hip-Hop acts, so many MAGA followers are using it to compare their lord and savior’s brush with death.
50 Cent Doesn’t Miss An Opportunity To Troll
Looking to capitalize on the moment, it should come as no surprise that 50 Cent added his commentary by showing an altered photo of his album cover with Donald Trump’s head imposed over his body while performing the song during a recent concert performance.
On social media, he took time off from his constant trolling of Diddy to post the same image with the caption, “Trump gets shot and now I’m trendin.”
In an earlier post that he deleted, he shared a photo of Trump and his bloody ear with the caption, “I know the vibes…we are all in trouble now!”
Now, word on the street is that 50 Cent will perform at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week, where Republicans are expected to glaze the hell out of Trump and listen to the alleged new speech where he will talk about “unity.”
50 Cent’s History of Flirting With Supporting Donald Trump
50 Cent’s political position has been up in the air, as the Queens rapper has been flirting with supporting Donald Trump for years.
In June, 50 Cent said he could see why Black men identify with Trump during a visit to Capitol Hill to speak with lawmakers. He also had time to take photos with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) and others.
In 2020, he initially endorsed Donald Trump but switched to President Biden after receiving widespread backlash.
We shall see if 50 Cent follows other rappers like Kodak Black, Waka Flocka, and others who support Trump.
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Source: BERTRAND GUAY / Getty / Beastie Boys
The Beastie Boys are not here for their iconic hit record being used by the owner of Chili’s.
Spotted on Variety, The Beastie Boys have sued restaurant chain Brinker International Inc., owner of 30 Chili’s restaurants in New York, over the unauthorized use of their song “Sabotage” and the commercials referencing the classic single’s music video without the group’s permission.
Per Variety:
The suit, filed in New York federal court, claims that Brinker facilitated the creation of social media videos to promote Chili’s starting in or around November 2022.
In addition to claims that the sound recording for “Sabotage” was used without authorization, the complaint alleges that the ads resemble the Spike Jonze-directed music video for “Sabotage,” which featured Beastie members Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Adam “MCA” Yauch and Michael “Mike D” Diamond starring in a fictional 1970s-style police show called “Sabotage.” The social media advertisements for Chili’s also depicted three characters in similar 1970s-style outfits “robbing” ingredients from a Chili’s restaurant.
According to the website, the suit alleges the Beastie Boys will continue to suffer damages in an unknown amount and claims that Brinker “willful disregard of the harm to plaintiffs.”
Variety reports the Beastie Boys want a permanent injunction, $150,000 in statutory damages in each case of copyright violation, attorney fees, three times the profits from false representations and use of its trademarks, plus more.
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Source: ELIJAH NOUVELAGE / Getty / Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey found himself in the crosshairs of some of the Hotties for a particular question asked during a recent episode of Celebrity Family Feud.
Megan Thee Stallion and her crew went up against Ne-Yo and his crew on a recent episode of Celebrity Family Feud that has seen moments go viral on social media.
The Houston rapper had a good time on the hit game show, but the Hotties were fuming after Steve Harvey asked a question about feet.
Harvey asked Ne-Yo and Megan Thee Stallion, “Name something you’ve done to your mate’s feet?” The “Mamushi” rapper responded, “Massage,” which was the number one answer.
Social Media Had Thoughts
Immediately, fans did not find anything fun about the question because Megan Thee Stallion was shot in the foot by Tory Lanez during a 2022 incident, calling it insensitive.
In the comment section of a post on The Neighborhood Talk one commenter wrote, “Now they know they should’ve omitted that feet question.” Another said, “That feet question could’ve been very triggering but big ups to Meg for letting it fly.” Somebody else wrote, “i’m glad i’m not the only that thought this question was messy when i watched the episode tonight.”
Another person wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “Na, Steve Harvey put that question in for a freaky reason.”
Then, some believe people are overreacting to the moment: “You’ll find anything to make a big deal out of it. No child left behind act really failed a lot of people,” another person on X wrote.
But it wasn’t all bad controversy. In another viral moment, during the fast money round, when asked to “name something that might be curvy,” Megan Thee Stallion quickly responded, “Me.”
Where’s the lie?
You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
2. Yup, pretty much.
7. America agrees
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Source: Nykieria Chaney / Getty / Letitia Wright
Letitia Wright is letting the world know she wants nothing to do with Ben Shapiro’s right-wing media company.
Spotted on Variety, the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star issued a statement on Instagram distancing herself from The Daily Wire, the right-wing media company co-founded by Ben Shapiro, who is a partner on the film Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot.
The film tells the true story of Bishop W. C. Martin and Donna Martin, who, along with other families from their church, led an effort to adopt 77 children stuck in the foster care system.
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Wright, an executive producer on the film, made it clear in her statement that she had nothing to do with The Daily Wire’s involvement in the project.
Per Variety:
“To be clear, after we completed the production of this film, Angel Studios were brought on board to handle its distribution and they later partnered with The Daily Wire,” Wright wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. “That was not my decision, and I was not given an update or made aware of this decision. I am in no way aligned or affiliated with the The Daily Wire. I am thankful for all who want to positively champion this film and campaign to serve children. However, I do not condone using this beautiful film for divisive political purposes.”
Jeremy Boreing Takes A Shot At Letitia Wright
In response to Wright’s statement, Daily Wire co-CEO Jeremy Boreing took a shot at the actress:
“The Daily Wire is truly honored to partner with Angel Studios on such an important project. But, such is the intolerance of the modern left that instead of celebrating this accomplishment and all it might mean, one of the film’s producers, Letitia Wright of ‘Black Panther’ fame, used the occasion to condemn The Daily Wire’s involvement in sharing this message across the country.
Letitia and I probably don’t share the same politics, but I believe we share a Christian faith and, more importantly, the same goal of shining a light on something we can all agree on — a community banding together to help kids in need. We hope people don’t allow this distraction to steal from the message from the film and the impact it can have. Everyone should see this movie and join the fight for kids. It’s too important not to.”
Angel Studios also responded to Wright’s statement:
“This powerful film takes a stand for vulnerable kids, and we’re pursuing partners who are passionate about this fight. Angel Studios is grateful for both Letitia and Daily Wire’s partnership on getting this story out into the world, and everyone concerned about the foster care and adoption crisis to get involved and see ‘Sound of Hope.”
Variety reports The Daily Wire, through its streaming service DailyWire+, struck a deal with Angel Studios to distribute the film in theaters. In 2023, Angel Studios distributed the surprise hit Sound of Freedom, which was also criticized for being QAnon propaganda for its depictions of human trafficking.
Wright is deeply religious and was reportedly sharing anti-vaccine statements during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while on the set of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
A claim she denies.
We hope Letitia Wright isn’t actually working with Ben Shapiro.
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A congressman called out the media for not reporting Donald Trump’s repeated presence in new documents related to a Jeffrey Epstein case in Florida.
Democrats in the House of Representatives held a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (July 9), to talk about President Joe Biden’s candidacy for reelection. But one lawmaker voiced his frustration with the media’s constant focus on the situation and its avoidance of discussing new information concerning former President Donald Trump’s name being repeatedly featured in a new batch of documents related to a Florida case against Jeffrey Epstein.
“We hear a lot from our constituents on different issues,” Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) said to those reporters gathered at the press conference. “But something I’ve heard that doesn’t seem to be being covered are the Epstein files.”
“Donald Trump’s all over this,” the vice president of the House Democrat Caucus continued. “There are pictures of him with Jeffrey Epstein, he’s taken multiple plane flights with Jeffrey Epstein with young girls onboard. He’s on call logs with Epstein. One of the most trending hashtags on Twitter right now is about Trump and Epstein, I’m not going to repeat the hashtag because we’re in a dignified setting.”
The hashtag that the California congressman referred to is known as the #TrumpPedoFiles. “And by the way, he was convicted in a civil court for sexual assault and convicted in a state court for 34 felonies. Donald Trump should drop out of the race,” Lieu concluded.
Donald Trump’s name does appear on the call logs between 2004 and 2006 in the recent batch of documents ordered to be released last week. “Former Miami U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta, who later became Donald Trump’s labor secretary, approved a secret agreement in which Epstein pleaded guilty to lesser state charges rather than face federal prosecution,” said a report from the Washington Post.
His words were part of a tense back-and-forth that has sprung up as President Biden is facing the brunt of numerous calls for him to drop out of the running to be the Democratic candidate for the November presidential elections. The demand comes after his lackluster performance in the debate held by CNN on June 27. But Biden has been defiant since then, declaring that he was staying in the race. Meanwhile, Donald Trump was noticeably absent from the public eye until a campaign rally on Tuesday night in Doral, Fla.
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Photo: Getty
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Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty / Brett Favre
Brett Favre is still salty about Shannon Sharpe talking about his alleged involvement in a Mississippi welfare scandal.
Lawyers for Hall of Fame retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre will ask a federal appeals court on Tuesday to reinstate a defamation lawsuit against fellow Hall of Famer, turned media mogul Shannon Sharpe.
A Mississippi federal judge threw out the lawsuit in October on the grounds that Sharpe “used constitutionally protected speech on a sports broadcast when he criticized Favre’s connection to the welfare misspending case,” per The Grio’s reporting.
Favre hopes to get a lick back by asking the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reinstate the lawsuit.
The former Green Bay Packers quarterback is still BIG MAD because Sharpe said that Favre was “taking from the underserved,” adding he “stole money from people that really needed that money,” further adding that you must be a real sorry individual “to steal from the lowest of the low,” during a past episode of Undisputed, the Fox Sports sport’s debate show Sharpe used to co-host with Skip Bayless.
Brett Favre Was Allegedly Taking Money Out of The Pockets of The Needy
According to Mississippi State Auditor Shad White, the Mississippi Department of Human Services misused more than $77 million from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program from 2016 to 2019.
Those funds are supposed to help the natives of Mississippi, specifically Black folk in the state because they are considered some of the poorest people in the United States.
During his investigation, White found that Favre was the recipient of an improper payment of $1.1 million for speaking fees from a nonprofit organization that spent money from the TANF with approval from the Department of Human Services.
$5 million was also allotted to the University of Mississippi, Favre’s alma mater and where his daughter attended, to build a volleyball arena.
Farve did pay back the $1.1 million, but according to White in a February court filing still owes $729,790 accrued interest.
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback and current Mississippi native has denied all charges and is not facing any criminal charges.
Favre might be innocent in the eyes of the law, but in the court of opinion that is Black Xitter, he is guilty as charged.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
1. Exactly
2. Fair question
3. They both were wrong, but we understand the sentiment
4. Chilllll
5. Pretty much
8. Furniture should be moving honetly
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Source: Ethan Miller / Getty / Ice Spice
Taylor Swift has a loyal bff in Ice Spice.
Spotted on TMZ Hip Hop, Ice Spice responded perfectly to fans in the crowd who expressed their disdain for Hip-Hop Annie’s new buddy Taylor Swift during a recent “performance” at Rolling Loud across the pond.
The “Think U The Sh*t (Fart)” crafter had to let fans know that she will always be down with Taylor Swift after fans were not pleased to hear the mega-popular pop star’s voice when the rapper played “Karma,” the single they collaborated on on.
To close out her set, Ice Spice played Taylor Swift singing the song and was met with boos and thumbs down from fans in the crowd.
In response, the “Munch” rapper blew a kiss to unhappy fans before walking off the stage, letting them know it’s all love, but she is riding for TS.
The unlikely duo quickly became besties following the release of the collaborative effort, which earned them both a Best Pop Duo Grammy nomination.
Taylor Swift even brought out Ice Spice to perform the record during her “Eras” tour stop in New Jersey, where Swifties’ greetings were much warmer than at the fan reception in Austria.
Ice Spice even joined Swift in a booth at Super Bowl LVIII to help her cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs and her boyfriend, All-Pro tight end and Champion Travis Kelce.
Seemingly unbothered by the fan’s cold reception to Taylor Swift at the Hip-Hop music festival, the Bronx rapper was later spotted hanging out with UK rapper Central Cee, further sparking dating rumors between the two.
We are sure the Swifties and Taylor Swift are happy to see they have a staunch ally in Ice Spice.