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Just as Nike has begun raising prices on its merchandise thanks to Donald Trump’s idiotic and unnecessary tariffs, the Swoosh brand has decided to once again partner up with Amazon to ensure they sell as much product as they can as prices rise, the economy stumbles and consumers feel the brunt of America’s “Golden Age.”
According to The Verge, Nike will once again be placing it’s products on Amazon after taking a 6-year hiatus from the website and while we’re sure they won’t be selling their more limited releases on Jeff Bezo’s online market, they’ll be moving their everyday merchandise such as sneakers, shirts and accessories. As to why Nike severed their ties with Amazon in the first place, the Swoosh brand felt that Amazon wasn’t doing enough to keep counterfeiters and bootleggers from selling fake Nike merchandise on their site and though there are tons of Nike products still on Amazon, they’re all sold through third parties who may or may not be selling official Nike apparel.
But Nike has decided to get back in the Amazon game and will be selling directly to customers through the e-commerce conglomerate.
The Verge reports:
“While independent sellers have listed some Nike inventory in our store for many years, Amazon will soon begin sourcing a much wider range of Nike products directly to expand our selection for US customers,” Amazon spokesperson Megan Lagesse told The Verge. “We value independent sellers, and we’re providing an extended period of time for the small number of sellers affected to sell through their inventory of overlapping items.”
Nike’s direct-to-consumer strategy seemed to be working well during the covid pandemic, when online shopping spiked, but has wobbled since. In 2023 the company began restoring its relationships with retailers including Foot Locker and Macy’s, and new CEO Elliott Hill, who took up the post in October 2024, has made building back Nike’s wholesale business a key pillar of the company’s plans.
While this doesn’t mean that Amazon will become a tier 0 store which sells limited edition Travis Scott or Nigel Sylvester Air Jordans, it’ll definitely make life easier for consumers who want their Nike products ASAP as Prime Members will get their attire within 48 hours as opposed to a whole week or two.
What do y’all think about Nike once again getting on the Amazon train? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Kanye West is now singing a different tune when it comes to the Jewish community. He has announced he is now done with antisemitism.
As per The Huffington Post YE is back on social media and according to his latest post he is no longer promoting hatred against Jews. On Thursday, May 22 he took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to declare his new stance. “I am done with antisemitism” he wrote which was quickly followed up by “I love all people.” He went on to ask God for forgiveness for the pain he caused and offered forgiveness to those “who caused me pain.” Kanye shared that his family got him thinking differently. “I simply got a FaceTime from my Kids and I wanna save the world again” he wrote.
Kanye West first made bigoted references towards the Jewish community back in October 2022. After being either dropped or rebuked by partners such as The GAP, Balenciaga and adidas, he issued an apology in early 2023. “It was not my intention to offend or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused” his statement read. Days later he retracted the message on Twitter saying “I’m never apologizing for my Jewish comments.” Since then Kanye West has referred to himself as a NAZI, released music promoting antisemitism (“Heil Hitler”) and even sported a KKK like outfit during an interview with DJ Akademiks.
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Shakira experienced a slight mishap during her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour stop at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, on Tuesday (May 20).
While performing her 2001 hit “Whenever, Wherever,” the Colombian superstar slipped and fell onstage. Fan-captured footage shows Shakira just about to launch into the song — which peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 — when she lost her footing, slid forward and tumbled sideways onto the stage.
The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer quickly got back on her feet and continued the performance like a pro.
“She handled it like the boss that she is,” one fan wrote on X. Another added, “A great example of resilience! I hope she didn’t get injured. Such falls cause pains and injuries the next morning.”
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This isn’t the first setback of Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour. Back in February, she was forced to postpone back-to-back shows at Lima, Peru’s Estadio Nacional due to a health issue.
“I am sorry to inform you all that last night I had to go to the ER for an abdominal issue and am currently hospitalized,” she shared on Instagram at the time. “I am very sad to not be able to take the stage today,” she added, expressing how much she had been looking forward to reuniting with her fans in Peru.
Since its launch on Feb. 11 in Rio de Janeiro, the Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran Tour has featured surprise guest appearances from musical heavyweights like Grupo Frontera, Carlos Vives, Maluma, Wyclef Jean, Alejandro Sanz, Ozuna and Rauw Alejandro.
The global trek landed Shakira at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Tours chart for March. She previously led February’s list with $32.9 million in reported earnings and doubled that figure in the another recent update. As of late April, the tour had brought in $70.6 million from 11 reported shows, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore.
The North American leg continues with upcoming stops in Toronto, Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco. The tour heads to Mexico in August and September, followed by a return to Peru in November for the two resculed shows.
Kenan Thompson is teasing the possibility of casting changes for the next season of Saturday Night Live. Following the conclusion of the iconic sketch comedy show’s 50th season on May 17 — hosted by Scarlett Johansson with musical guest Bad Bunny — the 47-year-old comedian and longtime SNL cast member called the season’s end “bittersweet” […]
Charlie Rangel, the former congressman who represented several New York districts across his four-decade career, died on Monday (May 26) at the age of 94. Rep. Charlie Rangel’s storied career also included a stint in the military, where he became a decorated war veteran before completing his high school studies and going on to earn a law degree, culminating in a long life of public service.
Charlie Rangel was born Charles Bernard Rangel on June 11, 1930, in Harlem, N.Y. Rangel’s father was a native of Puerto Rico, and his mother was Black. As a young man, Rangel, who was raised primarily by his mother, took odd jobs before dropping out of high school at 16. Rangel enlisted in the United States Army, serving between 1948 and 1952. He was a member of the all-Black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion in the 2nd Infantry Division.
Fighting in the Korean War as part of a racially segregated unit, Rangel’s actions led his fellow soldiers to safety, earning him the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and three battle stars. Rangel returned home and completed his high school studies, then enrolled in the New York University School of Commerce. From there, Rangel went on to earn a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 1960.
Rangel was named the Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York by U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, staying in the role for a year. Rangel, under the tutelage of civil rights activist and Assemblyman Percy Sutton, would later serve as a state assemblyman, beginning his life in public office.
In 1970, Rangel challenged longtime congressman Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., who fell out of favor in the public eye with some due to an ethics scandal, losing his seat in 1967 but regaining it in 1969 after a U.S. Supreme Court decision detailed in the Powell v. McCormack case.
Rangel would go on to serve 23 terms in Congress before retiring in 2017. Along the way, he was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and became the first Black chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
One of the hallmarks of Rangel was his no-nonsense approach to working for his constituents and his ability to work across the aisle with the opposing parties to get bills moved through the chamber. Rangel also had an affable personality that resonated well with his colleagues, and his distinctive New York accent was hard to miss.
As a member of the Gang of Four, which included David Dinkins, Basil Paterson, and the aforementioned Sutton. The quartet was notable for its ascension in the political realm.
In 2024, Rangel’s wife of 60 years, Alma Carter, passed away. He is survived by two children, Steven and Alicia, and three grandsons.
On X, reactions to the passing of Rep. Charlie Rangel have cropped up. We’ve got them listed below.
[h/t CNN]
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Photo: Tom Williams / Getty
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Billy Joel’s daughter is speaking out in support of her father following his recent health diagnosis.
Alexa Ray Joel — the daughter of the “Piano Man” and his ex-wife, model Christie Brinkley — took to Instagram on Sunday (May 25) to thank fans for their support and share an uplifting message after her father revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a type of brain disorder.
“SOUND UP 🕊️ We love you and we got you, Pop!” Alexa wrote alongside a black-and-white illustration of a father holding his young daughter’s hand. “I just wanted to thank you all for the beautiful outpouring of love and support amid the recent news of My Father’s health diagnosis.”
She continued, “My Dad is the strongest and most resilient man I’ve ever known… and he’s entirely committed to making a full recovery with ongoing physical-therapy treatments as he continues to regain his strength.”
Last week, Joel announced the cancellation of all upcoming performances due to complications related to NPH.
“This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,” he said in a statement. “Under his doctor’s instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritizing his health.”
The cancellations include several scheduled appearances throughout summer and fall 2025, as well as early 2026, including joint shows with Sting, Rod Stewart, and Stevie Nicks.
Alexa Ray concluded her message with a touching quote from her father’s 1993 ballad, “Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel),” from his River of Dreams album.
“The genuine care, empathy, and concern from everyone means so much to him… it means a lot to me, too,” she wrote. “‘Someday We’ll All Be Gone / But Lullabies Go On And On / They Never Die / That’s How You And I Will Be.’ ⚓️ The music continues…”
A singer, songwriter and pianist in her own right, Alexa Ray has shared the stage with her father on several occasions, including shows in recent years during his historic residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Christie Brinkley, Alexa’s mother, also shared a message of support for her ex-husband on Saturday (May 24).
“Dear Billy, the whole Brinkley gang is sending you lots of love and good wishes for a full and speedy recovery,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m sure I’m speaking for everyone in that room when I say please take good care of yourself, we all want you back in that white hot spotlight, you’re OUR piano man.”
See Alexa Ray’s full tribute to her father on Instagram here.
Twenty-five years ago, the self-proclaimed La Chica Dorada bid farewell to the old millennium in unparalleled style. With the release of her fifth studio album, Paulina, on May 23, 2000, in the U.S., Paulina Rubio reaffirmed her status as a Latin pop icon. It was the evolution of an artist who, despite an already impressive […]
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As Diddy is currently undergoing trial for sex trafficking and racketeering in New York City, conspiracy theories of his alleged activities with other celebrities have run rampant. Jamie Foxx made it a point to dispel one that claimed the mogul tried to kill him, resulting in the medical emergency he had a couple of years ago. The Oscar-winning actor addressed it during a roundtable for The Hollywood Reporter which was published on Thursday (May 22).During the roundtable, Foxx spoke about dealing with rejection as he was recovering from a stroke and seeing the chatter online. “[But] I snuck in my phone because I didn’t know what the outside world was saying and I couldn’t get my mind around the fact that I had a stroke. I’m in fucking perfect shape. [I see things like,] “Puffy tried to kill me.” No, Puffy didn’t try to kill me,” he said.He wasn’t as upset about that as he was about a conspiracy theory that said he was being cloned. “When they said I was a clone, that made me flip. I’m sitting in the hospital bed, like, ‘These b—h-ass motherf–—s are trying to clone me,’” he joked, adding: The psychiatrist says, “Are you all right?” And I say, “Am I all right or am I all white? I saw you trying to get the white motherfucking Jamie Foxx and it ain’t going to happen.” He just calmly goes, “I think we’re going to lower your dosage.”Foxx has already poked fun of the disgraced Bad Boy Records founder in his Netflix comedy special, What Had Happened Was, which premiered last December. “The internet said Puffy was trying to kill me, that’s what the internet was saying,” Foxx said to the audience. “I know what you thinking, ‘Diddy?’ Hell no, I left them parties early.” He’d go on to joke that he would make sure to be “out by 9” since “something [didn’t] look right” at Diddy’s parties which have been alleged to have turned into debaucherous sex parties called “Freak Offs”.The trial, which is currently in its second week, has already seen explosive testimony from Diddy’s former partner, Cassie Ventura as well as singer Dawn Richard. Rapper and actor Kid Cudi has been on the witness stand for the last few days, testifying about Diddy allegedly destroying his car with a Molotov cocktail in retaliation for him dating Ventura.
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OneRepublic are heading back Down Under. The GRAMMY-nominated band led by Ryan Tedder will return to Australia and New Zealand in early 2026 for their Sweet Escape Tour, joined by Swedish pop powerhouse Zara Larsson.
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The tour kicks off at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Feb. 4, followed by stops at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena (Feb. 6), Gold Coast’s HOTA Outdoors (Feb. 11), Brisbane’s Riverstage (Feb. 12), Melbourne’s Sidney Myer Music Bowl (Feb. 15), and wrapping at Perth’s RAC Arena (Feb. 18). In addition to the headline shows, OneRepublic will also appear at Lookout Festival in Lake Macquarie on Feb. 7 and Torquay on Feb. 14.
Known for their cinematic pop anthems, OneRepublic’s return comes off the back of their sixth studio album Artificial Paradise, released in 2025, featuring tracks like “Hurt,” “Sink or Swim,” and their recent collab with Kygo, “Chasing Paradise.”
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The band’s extensive catalogue includes global hits like “Counting Stars,” “Apologize,” “Good Life,” and their Top Gun: Maverick smash “I Ain’t Worried,” which has now surpassed 3 billion streams globally.
Over the years, OneRepublic has carved out an impressive Billboard chart legacy. Their breakout single “Apologize,” with Timbaland, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007, remaining on the chart for 47 weeks. In 2013, “Counting Stars” also reached No. 2, spending a massive 68 weeks on the chart. Other notable entries include “Good Life” (No. 8 peak), “All The Right Moves” (No. 18), and “Secrets” (No. 21).
Joining them on the road is Zara Larsson, making her highly anticipated live debut in the region. With a platinum-selling discography that includes “Lush Life,” “Symphony,” and “Never Forget You,” Larsson’s addition to the lineup promises a night of powerhouse vocals and pop precision. She’s expected to preview new material from her upcoming fourth international album, teased by recent single “Pretty Ugly.”
Presales begin May 28, with general on-sale kicking off May 30 at 2 p.m. local time. Visit livenation.com.au or livenation.co.nz for more information.
Neil Young revisited one of the most personal songs in his extensive catalog during a special benefit concert on Friday night (May 23), delivering the first live performance of “My Boy” in more than four decades.
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The show, a solo acoustic set held on the grounds of Ontario’s Lakefield College School, marked Young’s first full performance of 2025 and supported restoration efforts for a historic 116-year-old cottage nearby. Despite the cold and rainy conditions, attendees paid up to $1,500 for tickets to witness the intimate 18-song performance.
While the set featured classics like “Heart of Gold,” “Comes a Time” and “Sugar Mountain,” it was the mid-show performance of “My Boy” that drew audible emotion from the crowd. Originally released on 1985’s Old Ways, the banjo-led ballad is a tribute to Young’s eldest son, Zeke. The song had not been performed live since the 1983 Solo Trans tour.
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“Why are you growin’ up so fast, my boy?” Young sang. Hours earlier, he had posted a vintage photo on social media of himself with Zeke and his late father, renowned Canadian journalist Scott Young. “Practicing for Lakefield, I was playing ‘My Boy,’ thinking about my own dad. I knew he must have heard this song,” Young wrote.
“My dad was a great guy and Zeke is a wonderful son. I think ‘My Boy’ is my favorite recording of all the ones I have done.”
Young also surprised fans with rarely played tracks like “Love/Art Blues” (last performed in 2008) and the CSNY deep cut “Name of Love,” which hadn’t been seen on a setlist since 2014. He closed the show with “Old Man,” although a printed setlist hinted at two intended encore tracks — “Throw Your Hatred Down” and “Rockin’ in the Free World” — that were likely scrapped due to inclement weather.
The show comes ahead of Young’s Love Earth Tour, which launches June 18 in Sweden. The U.S. leg kicks off Aug. 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the setlist remains under wraps, the tour is expected to spotlight tracks from his upcoming album Talkin’ to the Trees, which arrives on June 13 via Reprise Records.
