IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.
Nate Bargatze and Willie Geist share laughs at first-ever Sunday Sitdown Live
08:16
Nate Bargatze recalls strange job as water meter reader after 9/11
04:08
Air safety in the spotlight after US’ most significant commercial plane crash in 15 years
05:12
Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter
00:39
Toddler questions his mom’s baby bump: ‘Who put it in there?’
03:46
Iris Cummings Critchell, Olympian and aviator, dies at 104
02:01
Nate Bargatze marks first-ever Sunday Sitdown Live with ‘Mug Shot’
01:47
Grammy Awards 2025 preview: Beyoncé eyes Album of the Year
02:06
Third soldier identified in deadly midair collision over Potomac
00:35
Victims identified in air ambulance crash in Philadelphia
02:19
Now Playing
Tulsi Gabbard faces growing concern about nomination following confirmation hearing
01:58
UP NEXT
Canada, Mexico and China slam Trump’s tariffs
01:42
Lin-Manuel Miranda makes surprise ‘Hamilton’ cameo on ‘SNL’
00:34
Chiefs, Bills, Eagles and Commanders vie for Super Bowl LIX
02:21
Schoolhouse becomes national historic site honoring Latino culture
03:07
Boy details plan to ask school crush to be his Valentine
04:49
Fans ice fish under dazzling Northern Lights in Sunday Mug Shot
01:45
New giant pandas debut at Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington
04:17
CIA says COVID likely originated from Chinese lab
00:31
Report: GOP lawmakers pressured to get behind Trump nominees
02:04
Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker joins Sunday TODAY’s Willie Geist with new reports of growing concern that Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation for her nomination for director of national intelligence nomination could be in jeopardy.Feb. 2, 2025
Nate Bargatze and Willie Geist share laughs at first-ever Sunday Sitdown Live
08:16
Nate Bargatze recalls strange job as water meter reader after 9/11
04:08
Air safety in the spotlight after US’ most significant commercial plane crash in 15 years
05:12
Punxsutawney Phil sees shadow, predicting 6 more weeks of winter
00:39
Toddler questions his mom’s baby bump: ‘Who put it in there?’
03:46
Iris Cummings Critchell, Olympian and aviator, dies at 104
02:01
Nate Bargatze marks first-ever Sunday Sitdown Live with ‘Mug Shot’
01:47
Grammy Awards 2025 preview: Beyoncé eyes Album of the Year
02:06
Third soldier identified in deadly midair collision over Potomac
00:35
Victims identified in air ambulance crash in Philadelphia
02:19
Now Playing
Tulsi Gabbard faces growing concern about nomination following confirmation hearing
01:58
UP NEXT
Canada, Mexico and China slam Trump’s tariffs
01:42
Lin-Manuel Miranda makes surprise ‘Hamilton’ cameo on ‘SNL’
00:34
Chiefs, Bills, Eagles and Commanders vie for Super Bowl LIX
02:21
Schoolhouse becomes national historic site honoring Latino culture
03:07
Boy details plan to ask school crush to be his Valentine
04:49
Fans ice fish under dazzling Northern Lights in Sunday Mug Shot
01:45
New giant pandas debut at Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington
04:17
CIA says COVID likely originated from Chinese lab
00:31
Report: GOP lawmakers pressured to get behind Trump nominees
02:04
As Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, continues her bid for the Democratic nomination for President, concerns are mounting following her confirmation hearing. Gabbard, who has been criticized for her past statements and actions regarding foreign policy, faced tough questioning during the hearing, with many expressing doubts about her ability to lead the country.
During the hearing, Gabbard was pressed on her past connections to controversial figures, her stance on key issues such as healthcare and climate change, and her foreign policy views. Despite her attempts to clarify her positions, many were left unconvinced and worried about her candidacy.
Gabbard’s nomination has already faced skepticism from within the Democratic party, with some questioning her electability and her overall alignment with the party’s values. The growing concern following the confirmation hearing only adds to the doubts surrounding her candidacy.
As the race for the Democratic nomination heats up, all eyes will be on Gabbard and how she navigates these challenges. Will she be able to overcome the doubts and secure the nomination, or will her candidacy falter under the growing scrutiny? Only time will tell.
– The Gonzaga women’s basketball stays home to welcome Pacific this Saturday, Feb. 1. The Bulldogs are coming off a 64-48 win over San Diego. Yvonne Ejim had 25 points while Claire O’Connor had 12.
– Ejim has a chance to make history in the record books. She currently has 2,128 career points and is 38 points away from breaking the all-time scoring record. She has recorded 33 double doubles in her career and has scored double digits in 64-straight games. She also ranks seventh in the nation in scoring with 469 points this season.
– Ejim was recently named an USBWA’s National Player of the Week. She was also named to the midseason Wooden Award and Becky Hammon Player of the Year watch lists.
– Bree Salenbien has made her return to the court for the first time since a knee injury sustained last February.
– Against LMU, Ejim broke the all-time rebounding record at Gonzaga. She now holds the record at Gonzaga for most rebounds and most made field goals in a career.
– Allie Turner has made a huge impact as a freshman already this season. She ranks first in the nation in three-pointers made (60) among freshmen and is averaging 13 points per game. Overall, she ranks 13th in the country and first in the WCC in made three-pointers.
– Claire O’Connor ranks second on the team in three pointers made with 35.
– Turner is the first true freshman to score 20+ points in multiple games since Heather Bowman (2006-07)
– Ejim ranks sixth in the nation in field goals made this season with 176. She now holds the all-time record at GU for most made field goals with currently 865.
– Ejim leads the Zags with 21.3 points a game, which ranks 10th in the country and first in the WCC. She also grabs an average of 8.6 rebounds a game this season to rank first in the conference and on the team. Her eighth double doubles this season ranks her 32nd in the nation and first in the conference.
– Gonzaga is shooting at 35.8% from beyond the arc to rank 29th nationally and first in the WCC.
– As a team, GU has a rebound margin of +9.7 and has an average of 39.2 rebounds a game.
– Head coach Lisa Fortier currently sits at 279-71 in her career. Among active Division I coaches, she is seventh in winning percentage at 79.7%.
– The Bulldogs were picked to finish first in the West Coast Conference in preseason polls for the third-straight season. Ejim and Maud Huijbens were named to the All-WCC Preseason Team.
THE SERIES
SERIES INFO: Gonzaga leads 22-5
LAST MEETING: Gonzaga won 72-61 on March 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the WCC Tourney Semis
STREAK: GU has won 17-straight games vs the Tigers and 21 of 24 since Pacific joined the WCC in 2014
SCOUTING THE TIGERS
– Liz Smith is the catalyst for that Tiger defense, averaging a league best 3.25 steals per game in January and is the only player in the conference with more than 20 total steals (26).
– Anaya James meanwhile has been the engine making the offense run in the month, ranking fifth with 16.25 points per game with a 49.5% shooting clip (second in the conference). And she’s doing more than scoring, ranking second in assists per game (4.63/game) and third in total assists (37).
– Pacific’s 6-2 record in the month of January was good for second best in the conference. Six wins are the most in any January during Davis’ tenure while two losses match the fewest of his tenure (2023-24).
Exciting News for Women’s Basketball Fans!
The Women’s Basketball Team will be facing off against Pacific for the first time this season. This highly anticipated match-up is sure to be a thrilling game, with both teams looking to secure a victory.
The WBB team has been putting in the work and showing great improvement throughout the season, making this game an exciting opportunity for them to showcase their skills and continue their winning streak.
Be sure to tune in and show your support for the Women’s Basketball Team as they take on Pacific in what is sure to be a competitive and exciting game. Let’s go WBB! #GoTeam #WBB #PacificGameFaceoff
Tags:
WBB, Pacific Conference, Women’s Basketball, First Time Matchup, WBB vs Pacific, College Basketball, Pacific Opponent, Season Matchup, Basketball Game, Sports Event
Content warning: This story contains graphic descriptions that may not be suitable for some readers.
Three additional massage therapists are accusing Ravens kicker Justin Tucker of sexually inappropriate behavior, including one woman who said he stroked her inner thigh during a massage and left what she believed to be ejaculate on the table.
In all, nine massage therapists from five high-end spas and wellness centers have shared their accounts with The Banner.
One woman, a former employee of the luxury downtown Baltimore men’s spa The QG, produced what she said was an internal report of her experiences with Tucker from 2015.
“I understand that Justin Tucker is an important client to The QG, but as an employee of The QG who has tolerated the previous interactions with him, I no longer feel safe or comfortable working with him,” she wrote in the 2015 letter reviewed by The Banner on Friday.
The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
The woman, who The Banner is identifying as M. to protect her privacy, is one of threemassage therapists from The QG accusing Tucker of inappropriate sexual behavior.
These women’s accounts were similar to the allegations The Banner reported Thursday from six therapists who said Tucker’s behavior included exposing his genitals, brushing two of them with his exposed penis and leaving what they stronglybelieved to be ejaculate on the massage table after three of his treatments. The incidents occurred between 2012 and 2016, they said.
At two spas, Ojas and Studio 921,management said they banned him from returning.
In response to the new allegations, Tucker’s attorneys on Friday again pointed to the NFL star’s lengthy statement on X in which he said he “did not act inappropriately at any point before, during or after a professional bodywork treatment session” and accused The Banner of engaging in “desperate tabloid fodder.”
“I cannot be any clearer,” the statement read. “These accusations are false and incredibly hurtful to both me, and more importantly, my family.”
The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
A Ravens spokesperson said after The Banner story published that “we take any allegations of this nature seriously and will continue to monitor the situation.” The NFL said it will “look into the matter.”
Tucker, 35, is the NFL’s most accurate kicker of all time and the sole remaining Raven from the team’s Super Bowl XLVII win over the San Francisco 49ers in 2013. A spokesperson for the Royal Farms convenience chain since 2015, Tucker is one of Baltimore’s most popular athletes.
In an interview Friday, M. said she had reached out to a reporter at another news outlet soon after the incident in 2015 but ceased communication because she was afraid of retaliation.
“The reason I didn’t go forward with it before was because I was terrified,” M. said. “What if I’m the only one who comes forward? I’m just some girl, and I’m going up against the king of Baltimore.”
In the letter she said she shared with her employer, M. wrote that Tucker “made it a point in previous sessions to expose his erect genitals to me by untucking the drapes, regardless of how many times I have to redrape him and tell him he is messing up the drapes.”
The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
“Additionally, at his most recent appointment, he made it a point to run his fingers along my inner thigh,” she wrote. She also wrote that, after the appointment, she discovered “a large spot of ejaculation on my bottom sheet” where his genitals had been during the massage.
She signed the letter, which was also signed and dated by an individual she said was her supervisor. The supervisor, who no longer works at The QG, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Three people — M.’s sister, former partner and a close friend — told The Banner that M. had described the allegations to them when it happened, including details about her letter to spa management.
A letter M. says she shared with her employer in 2015 describing her experiences with Tucker.
Through an attorney, the owner of The QG, Craig Martin, said he was unaware of any complaints against Tucker.
After The Banner contacted Tucker’s representatives about allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior, his attorneys earlier this week produced an email exchange from The QG in which a massage therapist who is not M. told him she had enjoyed working with him as a client.
The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
Tucker had asked to cancel his membership, saying he would be out of town, and the therapist replied: “We are obviously sorry to see you leave The QG, but wish you the absolute best! I have to say it has been a pleasure working with you the past few years.”
“And don’t forget to tell all your coworkers about us : ),” the email continued. “Safe travels and we hope to see you again!”
The woman who sent the email told The Banner that she was The QG’s lead massage therapist and writing such letters to high-profile repeat clients was one of her duties.
During the four years she worked on Tucker as a massage therapist, she said, his actions became increasingly inappropriate.
The massage therapist, who asked to be identified by the initial A. to protect her privacy, said she cried after reading The Banner’s investigation Thursday because it stirred memories of Tucker’s behavior.
The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
“I feel guilty for not speaking up sooner because maybe it could be brought to light sooner,” she said.
Like many of the other massage therapists who spoke to The Banner, A. said Tucker would repeatedly move the sheets to expose part or all of his genitals. Tucker also positioned his hands so that they brushed her thighs during a massage, A. said.
The Banner spoke with another former QG employee who said that A. had described Tucker’s actions to her at the time. A’s husband also said that A. had told him about Tucker’s behavior shortly after they started dating in 2018.
In a statement, Tucker’s lawyers said it is “unremarkable” that hemight have become exposed during a massage because athletes often shift around due to the discomfort that accompanies body work.
Tucker’s behavior was well known among someQG massage therapists, A. said.
The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
A. said she never reported Tucker’s actions to The QG’s owner because she did not want to seem weak. “I had that bravado of ‘I got this,’” she said. “I’m not going to let this man have his way with me.”
A. said she was flattered to have Tucker as a client, as were the owners of The QG. “I loved my job,” she said. “I didn’t want to put any negative light on us.”
In contrast, M., who massaged Tucker multiple times during 2015 at The QG, said she repeatedly told managers she was uncomfortable with his behavior.
In their final massage session, M. said, Tucker reached out and ran his fingers along her inner thigh. She said she immediately stopped the massage, left the room and wrote up the incident report.
A third former QG employee, who asked to be identified as T. to protect her privacy, told The Banner she was 19 and a recent graduate of massage school when she worked on Tucker in late 2014 and early 2015. T. said Tucker usually had an erection during massages.
T. said that, after one massage, she returned to the room after Tucker had left and discovered a puddle of sticky fluid on the sheets that she strongly believed to be ejaculate. Both A. and another former QG employee confirmed that T. had told them this account at the time.
M. hired Michael Belsky and Catherine Dickinson of the SBWD Law Firm on Friday. The attorneys said they are now representing six clients who said Tucker was inappropriate with them, including one who has not yet spoken to The Banner.
“Often in cases involving alleged inappropriate sexual behavior, when certain individuals are brave enough to come forward it empowers others to share their experiences,” the attorneys said in an email.
The Baltimore Ravens’ star kicker, Justin Tucker, is facing new allegations from three massage therapists who claim he engaged in inappropriate behavior during sessions. The therapists have alleged that Tucker made unwanted advances and requests for sexual favors during their sessions.
Tucker, who is known for his accuracy on the field, has not yet commented on the allegations. The Ravens organization has stated that they are aware of the situation and are conducting an internal investigation.
This news comes as a shock to many fans, as Tucker has always been seen as a respected and upstanding member of the Ravens community. It remains to be seen how these allegations will impact his reputation and future with the team.
Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing story.
In Ireland, Feb. 1 marks the beginning of spring and the celebration of “Lá Fhéile Bríde” — St. Brigid’s Day. For Irish Catholics, the day has always been significant, as St. Brigid is one of Ireland’s three patron saints alongside St. Patrick and St. Colmcille.
Since 2023, the feast day has been a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, branded by the Irish government as “St. Brigid’s Day/Imbolc bank holiday.” (Imbolc was a pagan festival that marked the arrival of spring.) The day has been used to promote the successes of Irish women and generated a variety of celebrations of St. Brigid, typically reimagined as a pre-Christian goddess.
In a Jan. 30 statement, government minister Patrick O’Donovan encouraged members of the public to participate in a series of events, omitting any reference to Christianity or Catholicism.
It is not uncommon of the Irish government to diminish the faith today, but the secular appropriation of the story of St. Brigid has caused some reaction.
The government information pointedly ignores the Christian St. Brigid, asserting: “With roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which marked the arrival of spring, St. Brigid’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate growth, renewal, and light. In Celtic mythology, Brigid was a triple goddess — of healing, fire, and of poetry.”
Catholic commentator Father Owen O’Gorman told CNA: “It’s a real problem with the secularization of the feast days; it’s not just St. Brigid — St. Patrick’s Day has obviously become quite secularized. The onus is then on the Church to enable people to connect with the real St. Patrick rather than the plastic St. Patrick.”
Highlighting the importance of St. Brigid, O’Gorman drew a parallel with Sister Clare Crockett, an Irish religious sister who he says walked in the steps of St. Brigid.
“We often talk about founding fathers of a nation or church — St. Brigid is our founding mother. When we look at Sister Clare, whose [cause for canonization] has just been opened in Spain, she re-proposes St. Brigid’s life to a new generation, a young generation of women who have been through a secular culture. Sister Clare herself was immersed in that culture for so long and found it difficult to extract her heart from it.”
O’Gorman continued: “There is a very positive message of spiritual motherhood. St. Brigid is the spiritual mother of our nation; we honor her by praying through her intercession by spreading the cult of St. Brigid, her devotion, imitating her virtues, her spirit of hospitality, her spirit of generosity, and her love of Christ. If we consider Clare Crockett, I believe she will be another great figure for the people of Ireland and women of Ireland, but also internationally. Already we can see the connection with her among a younger generation.”
Sinéad Strong is founder of Catholic Mothers Ireland, an organization that has drawn upon the life and example of St. Brigid as a source of strength. The group’s events have included a St. Brigid’s Day Mass for the parents of miscarried and stillborn babies.
“What draws me to St. Brigid is her simplicity, her service to the poor, sick, and elderly,” Strong told CNA. “One of her patronages is newborn babies, which is important to me as a mother of seven children. It was a blessing to call on her intercession on her feast day for those suffering having lost their babies.”
A St. Brigid’s cross. Credit: MantasVD/Shutterstock
O’Gorman pointed to the origin of St. Brigid’s eponymous cross as an example the saint’s evangelization and empathy toward others. He explained how Brigid made a cross out of reeds as a tool for evangelization and for the salvation of a dying pagan chieftain.
“It was her simple tool that led to the conversion of a dying man,” he said.
Every year Catholic Mothers Ireland brings together mothers and children to learn how to make St. Brigid’s crosses, which are then blessed by a priest on the feast day.
“I am always struck by the enthusiasm of the children in learning this beautiful tradition and listening to the stories of St. Brigid and also how the older children take the time to help the younger children,” Strong said.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Strong sees St. Brigid as a role model for Catholic mothers striving every day to pass on their faith, traditions, and Irish heritage in a world that is trying to extinguish it.
“It is particularly impressive — given the state’s attack on motherhood as well as the continued attack on our faith — to see Catholic mothers’ strength of will and great virtue in going against the flow of society.”
Strong said she believes that attempts to recast St. Brigid as a New Age Celtic pagan goddess “is a blatant attempt to diminish the strong faith once held in this country.”
“It is yet another festival to bring Ireland back to its pagan ways. The goddess they celebrate is not St. Brigid,” she said.
Christine O’Hara is a teacher in Colaiste Chriost Rí in Cork. She has on prominent display in her classroom a quotation attributed to St. Brigid: “Christ dwells in every creature.”
O’Hara told CNA that for her the saint is a forbearer of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who herself spent time as a religious in Ireland. “St. Brigid said to find Christ in the poor, to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked — that is my work.”
O’Hara pointed to St. Brigid’s work as founder of her abbey in Kildare and her place in breaking traditional roles in monastic life in Ireland as joint leader of a religious community. “She was concerned about the poor; her compassion and her hospitality really stood out as the faith spread,” she said.
Father Jaimie Twohig from Cork points to the story of St. Brigid’s cloak and its parallel in the Gospel. “St. Brigid’s cloak spread so far when she asked for land to build her convent, and [she] was told she could have as much as her cloak covered,” Twohig explained. “You know it was a small cloak, but it miraculously spread over a vast quantity of land.”
Armagh Auxiliary Bishop Michael Router has drawn a clear parallel between the lessons of the current era and the times in which St. Brigid lived, writing in the current edition of the Irish bishops’ newsletter, Intercom, that “there is no doubt that Brigid was a woman of strength, courage, and deep faith who was so impressive and strong that she acquired the authority and breath of influence that was almost unheard of for a woman at that time.”
“She gained that authority and influence because of her fearlessness and her willingness to champion the cause of those who had no voice and to tackle the injustices that existed in the society in which she lived. The example of St. Brigid highlights the need for the resurgence today of a spirituality and faith based on love and compassion in a world that is so self-centered and materialistic.”
Patrick J Passmore lives on the north coast of Ireland. He has worked with St Brigid Media on a range of projects as a consultant and writer.
St. Brigid: Ireland’s spiritual mother faces secular reinterpretation
St. Brigid, the beloved patroness of Ireland, has long been revered for her compassion, healing powers, and dedication to the poor. However, in recent years, there has been a growing trend towards reinterpreting her legacy through a more secular lens.
While many still view St. Brigid as a symbol of faith and spirituality, some are now emphasizing her role as a feminist icon and symbol of female empowerment. They point to her defiance of traditional gender roles, her leadership in founding monastic communities, and her advocacy for the marginalized as evidence of her progressive values.
This shift in perspective has sparked debates among scholars, clergy, and the general public about how best to honor St. Brigid’s legacy. Some argue that focusing on her spiritual virtues is essential to preserving her heritage and connection to Ireland’s Christian identity. Others believe that highlighting her more secular qualities can make her message more relevant and accessible to a modern audience.
Regardless of how she is interpreted, one thing remains clear: St. Brigid’s influence continues to inspire and guide people of all backgrounds in their search for meaning and purpose. As Ireland’s spiritual mother, her legacy remains a powerful force for good in a world that is constantly evolving and redefining its values.
Tags:
St. Brigid, St. Brigid of Ireland, St. Brigid’s Day, Irish saints, Irish spirituality, Celtic spirituality, Irish history, St. Brigid’s feast day, Irish culture, Christian saints, spiritual mother, Ireland’s patron saint, Irish traditions, St. Brigid’s monastery, Ireland’s heritage, St. Brigid’s cross, Irish folklore, Irish mythology, St. Brigid’s legacy, Irish goddess, Christian spirituality
A confrontational legislative hearing Monday — with a witness calling a state senator a fascist and lawmakers battling over whether the state should put a bounty on undocumented immigrants — set the tone for this year’s debate on immigration and the state’s role in border security.
The most aggressive approach, in a bill filed by state Sen. David Gregory, would award a $1,000 bounty for tips that result in the arrest of a person present in the United States without authorization. Gregory, a Republican from Chesterfield, wants to authorize bounty hunters, usually employed by bail bond businesses to catch absconders, to track down people identified in tips.
And if the tip proves accurate, the person arrested would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien,” and subject to life in prison without parole if federal immigration authorities declined to take custody.
“This bill seeks to create an ICE program at the state level,” Gregory told the Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee. “That’s essentially all it does. This is an ICE program inside the state of Missouri.”
State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, questions state Sen. Jill Carter on Monday about her bill that would create new crimes based on immigration status (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).
State Sen. Barbara Washington, a Kansas City Democrat, said it encourages people to make reports based on skin color or English proficiency.
“Don’t tell me it is not going to happen because it is happening now,” Washington said.
Gregory’s bill — and another heard Monday from state Sen. Jill Carter, a Joplin Republican — are among several introduced by Republicans this session seeking to make it more difficult for undocumented immigrants to remain in the state.
Carter’s bill would also create new crimes based on immigration status. For simply being undocumented, a person could be charged with “improper entry” and could be punished by a fine of up to $10,000 and removal to a U.S. port of entry for deportation
The crime of “aggravated illegal presence” would be a felony applying to undocumented people who violated any other Missouri law. The penalty would be increased if the violation was a felony law.
Immigration and border security have been a major issue for the GOP nationally, helping get President Donald Trump elected to a new term. Trump promised mass deportations, and roundups began almost immediately after he took office.
There were 956 arrests on Sunday, the BBC reported. Colombia, which initially refused to accept incoming flights of people being deported, relented after Trump threatened to impose a tariff of 25% on all imports from the South American country.
Federal courts have blocked attempts in Iowa, Texas and Georgia to make it a crime to be in those states if a person is in the U.S. illegally.
During Monday’s hearing, immigrants — with legal status and without — said the bills filed this year represent an escalation of oppression.
“It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport,” said Aura Velasquez, who has been a citizen for five years. “It would turn neighbors against neighbors and friends against each other.”
Immigration advocates argued that a community already fearful about having documentation to remain in the U.S. revoked would become more fearful.
After hearing that posters and signs were not allowed in the committee room, Kansas City resident Katelin Nott wrote messages on her arm Monday (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).
“This bill fosters a climate of fear, where people feel unsafe engaging in even the most basic activities beyond going to work or school,” said Gabriella Cepeda, representing the Hispanic Law Students Association at St. Louis University. “They are terrified of being profiled or targeted for life in prison for simply existing in the state without documentation. It is not just extreme, it’s cruel and unusual punishment.”
The handful of supporters, representing law enforcement and a conservative Jewish group, said the state must protect itself from human trafficking and drug trafficking associated with lax border security.
“This legislation would simply give law enforcement another tool in the tool box to assist our federal partners,” Lewis County Sheriff David Parish said.
Last summer, a Missouri House interim committee studied the issue of crime associated with illegal immigration. The report, published Jan. 7, drew no conclusions and reported that many of the witnesses said they feared problems associated with border communities reaching Missouri.
The report did not estimate the number of undocumented immigrants in Missouri but said studies show a substantial economic impact.
Undocumented immigrants paid approximately $113 million in state taxes in 2022 but cannot use the public benefits those taxes support like Medicaid. Their economic activity supports 160,000 jobs and $19 billion in total economic activity, providing “real economic stability that benefits all Missourians,” the committee report stated.
Washington peppered Gregory and Carter with questions about whether the state should trade that economic support for a state free of undocumented immigrants.
“We have 77,000 illegal immigrants that we have here in Missouri,” Gregory said.
“So they should all be subject to this, because you’re saying that we should arrest them just because they’re here?” Washington asked.
“Yes,” Gregory replied.
GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.
Missouri Bill Putting a Bounty on Undocumented Immigrants Faces Fierce Resistance
A controversial bill in Missouri that would put a bounty on undocumented immigrants has sparked fierce resistance from activists, lawmakers, and community members.
The proposed legislation, known as HB 294, would allow private citizens to sue anyone who employs or provides housing to undocumented immigrants. If the lawsuit is successful, the person who brought the lawsuit would receive a cash reward.
Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to crack down on illegal immigration and protect American jobs. However, opponents say that the bill is discriminatory, racist, and goes against the values of compassion and inclusivity.
Several organizations, including the ACLU and immigrant rights groups, have spoken out against the bill, calling it unconstitutional and inhumane. They argue that it would create a culture of fear and division within communities, and could lead to racial profiling and harassment of immigrants.
Lawmakers who oppose the bill have vowed to fight against it, and are working to block its passage in the Missouri legislature. They have urged their colleagues to reject the bill and instead focus on comprehensive immigration reform that is fair and just.
The fight over HB 294 is far from over, but opponents are determined to stand up for the rights and dignity of all immigrants, regardless of their legal status. The outcome of this battle will have far-reaching implications for the future of immigration policy in Missouri and beyond.
Terrell Ephron, who is also known by his moniker A$AP Relli, took the witness stand on Tuesday in the assault trial of rapper A$AP Rocky and accused his former friend of firing a gun at him during a confrontation between the two in Hollywood in 2021.
Prosecutors questioned Ephron about the sequence of events after he testified about an argument during which the rapper, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, allegedly brandished a gun.
Asked why he would follow someone he knew had a gun, Ephron said that since it was a busy street in Hollywood, he believed Mayers definitely wouldn’t shoot him. Mayers and Ephron were childhood friends and both part of the Harlem-based rap collective A$AP Mob.
“[Rocky] turned around and then it was, like, BOOM!” Ephron said, recounting the alleged shooting. “The whole thing was like a movie, he kind of like pointed down and he shot the first shot.”
Ephron said that his hand was “grazed” by a bullet and felt “hot.” He said that he then grabbed one of their friends and stood behind him for cover and then Mayers allegedly fired again before leaving the scene.
Prosecutors concluded their questioning of Ephron on Wednesday, but he is expected back on the witness stand on Thursday to face cross-examination.
During opening arguments last week Mayers’ lead attorney Joe Tacopina told the members of the jury that they will hear from multiple witnesses during the trial who will testify that the gun seen in the surveillance video is “absolutely nothing more than a prop gun” that is often used in movies and music videos. Asked ahead of the trial if Mayers is expected to take the stand, Tacopina did not respond to ABC News’ request for comment.
Rakim Mayers, a.k.a. A$AP Rocky, listens to opening remarks by prosecuting attorney at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles, on Jan. 24, 2025. Genaro Molina/Pool via REUTERS
Genaro Molina, Pool via Reuters
Mayers – a Grammy-nominated hip-hop star and partner to pop star Rihanna – was charged on Aug. 15, 2022, with two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm for allegedly firing a handgun twice in the direction of the alleged victim during a confrontation. He pleaded not guilty. If convicted, the New York rapper could face up to 24 years in prison.
Rihanna, who shares two young sons with Mayers, made her first appearance during the trial when she attended the proceedings on Wednesday.
Ahead of jury selection last week, Mayers was offered a plea deal that included a 180-day jail term but he declined to accept it, prosecutors and his lead attorney confirmed to ABC News.
“He was offered a plea deal but is not interested because he is actually innocent,” Tacopina told ABC News.
A$AP Rocky walks into the courthouse for his upcoming trial alongside his attorney Joe Tacopina at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, on Jan. 8, 2024, in Los Angeles.
Michael Blackshire/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
A jury of seven women and five men was selected on Thursday and testimony began on Friday after prosecutors and Mayers’ defense team delivered their opening arguments.
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Paul Przelomiec delivered the prosecution’s opening statements, arguing before the jury that a series of videos show that the rapper fired a gun at Ephron.
Prosecutors also presented the jury with a series of maps, identifying photos, a 911 call from the night of the incident and several videos captured by surveillance cameras in the area.
“This is not a complicated case. The evidence will show the events in this case were captured on surveillance video,” Przelomiec said.
In this Dec. 4, 2024, file photo, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky attend an event in New York.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images, FILE
In the defense’s opening statements, Tacopina claimed that the rapper is “innocent” and that Ephron is seeking financial gain.
“This is about one man’s lies, jealousy, and greed,” Tacopina told the jury, casting the case as “all about money.”
Ephron came forward as the victim of the alleged assault and filed a civil lawsuit on Aug. 10, 2022, accusing Mayers of assault, battery, inflicting emotional distress and negligence. He claimed that he was “stuck by bullet projectile/fragments” during the alleged assault.
Court records show that Mayers denied all wrongdoing in his response to the complaint.
Ephron also filed a defamation lawsuit on Sept. 19, 2023, naming Mayers and his legal team, including Tacopina. Court documents show that in their answer to the complaint, Mayers and his attorneys denied “each and every allegation” outlined in the suit.
According to court records, both cases are pending.
ABC News reached out to Tacopina and Ephron’s attorney Jamal Tooson for further comment.
A$AP Rocky’s former friend took the stand today to testify about the alleged shooting that could land the rapper behind bars for decades. The friend, who has chosen to remain anonymous, detailed the events that led up to the incident and painted a chilling picture of the violence that unfolded that night.
According to the friend’s testimony, A$AP Rocky and his entourage were involved in a heated altercation with a group of individuals outside a nightclub. Tensions quickly escalated, and shots were fired, resulting in multiple injuries and one fatality.
The friend claimed that A$AP Rocky was seen brandishing a weapon during the altercation and may have fired the fatal shot. While the rapper has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the charges, the testimony from his former friend paints a damning picture of his involvement in the incident.
As A$AP Rocky’s trial continues, the stakes are high for the rapper, who could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Tags:
A$AP Rocky, former friend, shooting, rapper, prison, testimony, trial, legal case, allegations, hip hop, music industry, celebrity news, court proceedings, defense, prosecution, legal system
Ekin-Su Culculoglu, one of the standout contestants from ‘Love Island’, has once again found herself at the center of controversy on the current season of ‘Love Island: All Stars’. Recent episodes have ignited passionate reactions among viewers, with many accusing her of staging her emotional scenes for dramatic effect.
On January 29, 2025, during the airing of the latest episode, Ekin-Su was visibly distressed during conversations with fellow contestant Curtis Pritchard. Fans of the show were quick to voice their skepticism, taking to social media to express doubts about the authenticity of her tears. “I’m sorry but Ekin looks like she’s acting. It looks so forced,” one viewer commented. Another quipped, “Ekin was ‘crying’ yet not a single tear was seen.”
This criticism isn’t new for Ekin-Su; in her previous season, she was famously labeled as “a liar and an actress” by ex-partner Davide Sanclimenti, and echoes of his words have resurfaced as fans dissect her current behavior on the show.
During this week’s episode, tensions escalated when Curtis, after spending time with bombshell contestant Danielle, was accused by Ekin-Su of not being authentic and communicating openly about their relationship. Curtis expressed his frustrations with constant arguments and expressed interest in exploring more authentic connections, leading to more emotional exchanges between the two. Ekin-Su’s anguish was palpable as she stated, “It hurts” about seeing Curtis with Danielle.
Fans became more divided over Ekin-Su’s display of emotions, noting her propensity for theatricality. Watching her struggle not to cry led some viewers to label her actions as insincere. One viewer lamented, “Ekin is Overreacting and she will definitely push Curtis away,” reflecting the broader sentiment among skeptics who suspect her motivations are more about screen time than genuine emotional distress.
The drama peaked when Ekin-Su confronted Curtis directly. After hearing rumors about the two seeming to get closer during their hideaway night, she demanded clarity from him. Despite Curtis’s reassurances, stating he wanted to focus on their relationship rather than get swept up with new contestants, Ekin-Su remained unconvinced and stormed off, leading to her infamous emotional breakdown.
This sort of scene has become somewhat of a hallmark for Ekin-Su since her debut on the original series of ‘Love Island’ back in 2022. Fans can’t help but compare her current antics to her previous performances, which included secret kisses and dramatic betrayals—a true recipe for controversy.
Compounding this, viewers have started reminiscing about past dramatic moments, citing how Curtis himself appeared to embody the persona of the “nice guy” hiding something sinister. Some social media users described him as the “type of ‘nice guy’ who hurts women because you don’t see the betrayal coming,” raising questions about authentic relationships within the confines of reality television.
Other club members, such as Ronnie, showcased gestures of empathy, stepping up to comfort Ekin-Su during her emotional lows. Fans commended these actions, with many noting how Ronnie seems more genuine and caring compared to Curtis. This highlights yet another layer of complexity within the villa dynamics and how viewers are responding to varying levels of sincerity.
The overall takeaway for fans has been one of frustration—not just with Ekin-Su’s actions but also with how reality TV often blurs the lines between authentic moments and scripted drama. Many feel Ekin-Su’s approach to the situation is damaging to her relationship prospects within the villa. A fan wrote, “She may be dramatic but she’s also been so hurt in the past, it’s actually sad to watch.” It seems feelings of empathy are often entwined with skepticism among the audience.
Love Island continues to air daily on ITV2, fueling both viewer engagement and emotional turmoil within the villa. Whether Ekin-Su can navigate her way through the current drama without losing herself remains to be seen. With new bombshells entering and existing relationships under pressure, there’s no doubt the fireworks will keep coming. Will she prove her critics wrong, or will the melodrama continue to overshadow her search for love?
Ekin-Su, a contestant on the popular reality TV show Love Island, has been facing backlash from viewers for her emotional outbursts on the show.
During her time on Love Island, Ekin-Su has been seen getting into heated arguments with other contestants, breaking down in tears frequently, and exhibiting erratic behavior. Some viewers have criticized her for being overly dramatic and attention-seeking, while others have expressed concern for her mental health.
Ekin-Su’s behavior on the show has sparked a debate about the portrayal of mental health on reality TV and the responsibility of producers to ensure the well-being of their contestants.
As the backlash against Ekin-Su continues to grow, it remains to be seen how she will handle the criticism and whether she will be able to turn public opinion in her favor. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
BOTTOM LINE: Grand Canyon hosts Seattle U trying to extend its 10-game home winning streak.
The Antelopes are 11-1 in home games. Grand Canyon is second in the WAC with 25.2 defensive rebounds per game led by Duke Brennan averaging 5.8.
The Redhawks are 3-3 in WAC play. Seattle U is 1-3 in one-possession games.
Grand Canyon’s average of 6.8 made 3-pointers per game this season is just 0.4 fewer made shots on average than the 7.2 per game Seattle U gives up. Seattle U has shot at a 42.9% rate from the field this season, 2.0 percentage points higher than the 40.9% shooting opponents of Grand Canyon have averaged.
The Antelopes and Redhawks meet Thursday for the first time in conference play this season.
TOP PERFORMERS: JaKobe Coles is averaging 14 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Antelopes. Tyon Grant-Foster is averaging 11.9 points over the last 10 games.
Maleek Arington is averaging nine points, 4.6 assists and 1.9 steals for the Redhawks. Matthew-Alexander Moncrieffe is averaging 13.3 points and 9.4 rebounds over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Antelopes: 9-1, averaging 80.2 points, 37.9 rebounds, 14.1 assists, 9.7 steals and 5.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 63.4 points per game.
Redhawks: 4-6, averaging 69.3 points, 32.8 rebounds, 11.1 assists, 7.6 steals and 4.0 blocks per game while shooting 42.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 68.0 points.
___
The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
The Grand Canyon Antelopes are set to take on the Seattle University Redhawks in a highly anticipated matchup as they look to extend their impressive home winning streak to 11 games. The Antelopes have been dominant on their home court this season, showcasing their talent and determination as they aim to continue their winning ways.
Both teams will bring their A-game to this showdown, with the Grand Canyon Antelopes looking to defend their home court with fervor and the Seattle University Redhawks seeking to pull off an upset. This matchup is sure to be a thrilling and intense battle between two skilled teams vying for victory.
Fans can expect a high-energy and competitive game as the Grand Canyon Antelopes and Seattle University Redhawks face off in what promises to be an exciting contest. Stay tuned to see which team will come out on top and secure the win in this highly anticipated showdown.
Tags:
Grand Canyon, Seattle U, basketball, NCAA, college basketball, Grand Canyon University, Seattle University, home game, winning streak, sports, rivalry, hoops, Arizona, Washington, Pacific Northwest, NCAA basketball, game preview, match-up, college sports, athletics
Oklahoma at LSU women’s basketball: Storylines, how to watch as Flau’jae Johnson faces Raegan Beers
Two of the SEC’s best and most balanced offenses get a national stage Thursday night, with Jennie Baranczyk’s Oklahoma Sooners cast as road underdogs against Kim Mulkey and the LSU Tigers. The Tigers are at +3000 (seventh in the odds) to win the National Championship, while the Sooners are at +10000 (13th). Both teams avenged gnarly losses to South Carolina by winning on Sunday, albeit against inferior opponents. This game carries weight in a competitive and crowded conference.
How to watch No. 13 Oklahoma at No. 7 LSU
Venue: Pete Maravich Assembly Center — Baton Rouge, La.
Time: 7 p.m. ET Thursday
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Watching in-person? Get tickets on StubHub.
LSU’s big three can ball with the best of them. Junior Flau’jae Johnson is fifth in the SEC with 19.7 points per game. Senior Aneesah Morrow is a menace, averaging 14 rebounds (best in the nation) and three stocks (steals + blocks). Sophomore Mikaylah Williams averages 15.9 points per game and shoots 90.2 percent from the foul line.
But this electric offense has been temporarily grounded. The Tigers had topped 80 points in 12 of 13 contests before back-to-back struggles last week. They shot just 31.9 percent in Sunday’s win over Texas A&M, while Johnson went 0-for-5 from behind the arc. They were an especially disagreeable 29.9 percent in the South Carolina loss.
LSU could use a get-right game. The same goes for these Sooners. Oklahoma achieved its highest AP ranking (eighth) since 2008-09 but has since gone 4-3, with a loss to rival Texas and a heartbreaker at Mississippi State.
If the Sooners are to pull off the upset, they will need 2024 All-American Raegan Beers at her best. She’s an interior presence but has actually made 4 of 7 treys since the New Year. More confidence on the long ball would really open up this offense. Off the strength of Beers, Oklahoma is third in the country in total rebounding and first in the SEC in 2-point percentage.
The Sooners also have the conference’s highest assist rate, thanks to clever senior guard Payton Verhulst and fifth-year bench spark Nevaeh Tot. The main problem has been their negative turnover differential.
From senior writer Chantel Jennings: “The South Carolina game was the first genuine measuring stick for LSU this season after a non-conference slate that had just one top-25 opponent (then-No. 20 NC State in the SEC-ACC Challenge). Holding South Carolina to 66 points is certainly an impressive feat — the only lower-scoring game for the Gamecocks this season was their loss to UCLA. However, the Tigers couldn’t find enough of an offensive spark and cohesion to match.”
Oklahoma Sooners, LSU Lady Tigers, Women’s College Basketball, Sports Betting
2025 The Athletic Media Company
The highly anticipated matchup between the Oklahoma Sooners and the LSU Tigers women’s basketball teams is set to take place, and there are plenty of storylines to keep an eye on. One of the most intriguing matchups to watch will be between Oklahoma’s star player Flau’jae Johnson and LSU’s standout Raegan Beers.
Flau’jae Johnson, a dynamic guard for the Sooners, has been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. Known for her scoring ability and tenacious defense, Johnson will be looking to lead her team to victory against the Tigers. On the other side, Raegan Beers, a talented forward for LSU, has been a key player for the Tigers this season. With her scoring prowess and rebounding skills, Beers will be a tough matchup for the Sooners.
In addition to the individual matchup between Johnson and Beers, there are plenty of other storylines to watch in this game. Both teams are looking to make a statement as they head into the heart of conference play, and a win in this matchup could provide a much-needed boost in confidence.
If you’re looking to catch all the action, the game will be televised on [insert channel here] at [insert time here]. Be sure to tune in to see these two talented teams face off in what promises to be an exciting and competitive game. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see Flau’jae Johnson and Raegan Beers go head-to-head in this can’t-miss matchup.
Tags:
Oklahoma at LSU women’s basketball, Flau’jae Johnson, Raegan Beers, game preview, player match-up, watch live, Oklahoma vs LSU, women’s college basketball, key storylines, Flau’jae Johnson vs Raegan Beers, game analysis, player spotlight
Gone were the camo hats and crisp blue suits of the vice presidential campaign trail.
Instead of Midwestern dad energy, DFL Gov. Tim Walz’s vibes felt more like a financial planner, using charts and figures to roll out his two-year budget for Minnesota and demonstrate the “long-term drivers” hiking costs. Some of his ideas sounded similar to those state Republicans had pitched for years: tax reform, spending cuts and tackling fraud.
He thought they should like them, too.
“I think there will be big buy-in from them,” Walz said.
Walz’s budget plan and other proposals he’s rolled out represent a shift in tone for the governor, who is facing a new political reality after his failed national campaign. Instead of a DFL trifecta and a state flush with cash, he must now try to hash out a budget with a narrowly divided Legislature and a multibillion-dollar deficit on the horizon.
“A new political invisible fence has been installed around him. The public is fed up with fraud, Republicans wisely won’t raise taxes and Minnesota has an actual balanced budget requirement,” said former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who also briefly returned to the job after running for national office. “His political roaming area has shrunk significantly.”
Complicating matters is a bitter battle between Republicans and Democrats in the state House, where his party has boycotted the first two weeks of the legislative session to prevent Republicans from taking power for now. The unprecedented situation has forced Walz to wade in, even as it risks damaging his relationship with Republicans.
Republican House members stand to be sworn in while Democratic House seats remain empty at the beginning of the first day of the 2025 Legislature at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Jan. 14. (Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Following a Friday state Supreme Court ruling that Republicans couldn’t conduct any business without at least one Democrat present in the chamber, Walz said he expected the GOP to “drop their unlawful charade” and return to the negotiating table.
Fresh off his defeat in the Minnesota gubernatorial race, Tim Walz is now facing a new political reality in the state. As the former U.S. Representative prepares to leave office, he must navigate a changing landscape in Minnesota politics.
With the recent election of Republican Jeff Johnson as the next governor of Minnesota, Walz will have to adapt to a new political environment. Johnson’s victory marks a shift in power in the state, and Walz will need to find ways to work with the new administration to continue to advocate for his priorities.
Additionally, Walz’s loss in the gubernatorial race may impact his future political ambitions. As he contemplates his next steps, he will need to consider how to stay relevant and influential in Minnesota politics.
Despite the setback of his defeat, Tim Walz remains a respected figure in Minnesota politics. As he faces this new political reality, he will need to rely on his experience, skills, and relationships to continue to make a positive impact in the state.
