Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican who in recent weeks has floated a run for governor, on Monday night accused her former fiancé and three other men of having drugged and raped her and other women, and of filming and taking lewd photographs of women and underage girls without their consent.
In a stunningly graphic speech on the House floor that had little precedent, Ms. Mace said the men, whom she named and displayed photographs of on a placard where lawmakers more typically display charts and graphs on policy issues, were involved in the “premeditated, calculated exploitation of innocent women and girls in my district.”
“You’ve booked yourself a one-way ticket to hell,” she said, referring to the men directly at one point in a speech that lasted close to an hour. “It is nonstop. There are no connections. So I and all of your victims can watch you rot into eternity.”
On the floor of the House, Ms. Mace was protected by the speech and debate clause, even as she accused the men of repeatedly assaulting incapacitated women and filming it. She offered no evidence to support the accusations, although she said she had plenty of such material.
She refused to answer any follow-up questions from reporters outside the Capitol on Monday night and did not respond to a separate request to provide corroboration. The New York Times has not independently verified any of the allegations.
In a statement not long after Ms. Mace finished speaking, Patrick Bryant, the former fiancé whom she accused by name, denied her account.
“I categorically deny these allegations.,” he said. “I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name.”
Ms. Mace has long made her personal trauma part of her political brand. In the past, she has shared the story of being molested at a swimming pool when she was 14 and said that for years she blamed herself, because she had been wearing a two-piece bathing suit. She said she was raped when she was 16, leading her to drop out of high school, before pulling herself out of a downward spiral and becoming the first woman to graduate from the military college the Citadel.
Ms. Mace has tried to position herself as the ultimate defender of women’s rights, even as she has expressed unequivocal support for President Trump, who has been found liable for sexual abuse, and a cabinet member who has been dogged by an accusation of sexual assault that he has denied. In recent weeks, Ms. Mace has made a campaign out of her measure to bar transgender individuals from using women’s restrooms and changing rooms in the Capitol complex.
A onetime moderate who has made a full-bore turn to Trumpism as she has tried to game out her own political future in a tribal party, Ms. Mace has been vocal in recent weeks about her interest in running for governor in her state.
So has Alan Wilson, the South Carolina attorney general, whom she targeted in her speech on Monday as a “do-nothing attorney general” and accused of treating women who came forward like criminals.
“During the last year, as I turned everything over to law enforcement, I was told I, as a victim, would be investigated,” she said.
A spokeswoman for Mr. Wilson, Jaqueline Lane, said that Ms. Mace’s statements regarding the conduct of the attorney general were “categorically false.”
“At this time, our office has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters,” said Ms. Lane, who added that neither Mr. Wilson nor anyone in his office had heard of Ms. Mace’s allegations until she spoke out on Monday night.
She said that while Ms. Mace and Mr. Wilson had been at multiple events together over the last six months and the congresswoman had the attorney general’s cellphone number, “not once has she approached or reached out to him regarding any of her concerns.”
On the House floor, Ms. Mace said that on her last night with her former fiancé, he “physically assaulted me,” leaving a permanent mark on her body. Before that, she said, she had found about a dozen compromising photos of underage girls on his phone, as well as more than 10,000 videos documenting assaults of other women who appeared to be incapacitated at the time, and graphic images of women that appeared to have been recorded surreptitiously.
She was shocked, she said, to zoom in on one of the videos and discover that she was one of the women who had been filmed nude, without her consent.
Ms. Mace gave her speech in a mostly empty chamber after House votes. But three female Republican lawmakers, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Victoria Spartz of Indiana, sat behind her in solidarity.
In a shocking turn of events, Representative Mace took to the House floor today to deliver a powerful speech accusing several members of Congress of rape and sexual predation. With a trembling voice and tears in her eyes, Mace detailed the harrowing experiences of victims who had come forward to share their stories with her.
She called for a full investigation into the allegations and urged her colleagues to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Mace emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful work environment for all members of Congress and their staff.
The room fell silent as Mace concluded her speech, leaving a palpable sense of unease and anger in the air. The gravity of her accusations reverberated throughout the Capitol, sparking a national conversation about the pervasive culture of abuse and harassment in politics.
As the dust settles and the fallout from Mace’s speech continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the fight against sexual misconduct in the halls of power is far from over. It is up to all of us to stand up, speak out, and demand justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.
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Feb. 3 (UPI) — More than seven months after the Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup, the team will visit the White House on Monday to commemorate the win.
It will be the first visit by a sports team with President Donald Trump during his second term as president.
Team members flew from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Dulles International Airport earlier Monday.
On Sunday, the Panthers defeated the New York Islanders 6-3 at their home at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla. They remain atop the Atlantic Division at 32-19-3 in their third consecutive win.
On Tuesday, the Florida team will face the host Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena, where Trump celebrated after his inauguration two weeks ago.
Boston Celtics were the last team to be honored at the White House in November after winning the NBA title on June 18 against the Dallas Mavericks. They met with President Joe Biden.
Six days after the NBA final, the Panthers defeated the defending champion Edmonton Oilers in Sunrise. The Panthers lost the 2023 championship in the finals.
Other South Florida professional titles were the NFL Miami Dolphins in 1972 and 1973, the baseball Miami Marlins in 1997 and 2003, and the NBA Miami Heat in 2006, 2012 and 2013.
During Trump’s first term, 20 major sports teams won championships but only 10 celebrated at the White House.
Trump did not invite some of the winning teams and others expressed no desire to attend even if they had received an invitation.
In 2017, Trump served fast food when he welcomed the Clemson Tigers after winning their 2016 college football title.
President Donald Trump announced today that he will be welcoming the Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, to the White House for a special ceremony in their honor. The Panthers recently clinched their first ever Stanley Cup victory, and Trump is eager to celebrate their historic achievement.
The ceremony will take place next week, and Trump is expected to praise the team for their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout the season. He will also present the players and coaching staff with a special commemorative gift to mark the occasion.
The Florida Panthers have had an incredible season, and their Stanley Cup win has brought great pride and excitement to their fans across the country. This visit to the White House will be a memorable and prestigious moment for the team, and a chance for them to bask in the glory of their well-deserved victory.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting event as details are finalized. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their remarkable achievement! #FloridaPanthers #StanleyCupChampions #WhiteHouseCelebration
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SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers enjoyed themselves on Sunday with a comeback win against the Islanders on the night they celebrated Dmitry Kulikov’s 1,000th NHL game before flying to Washington for a Monday visit to the White House.
The defending Stanley Cup champions normally would have flown to Washington on Monday afternoon.
Due to their special stop at the White House with the Stanley Cup, the Panthers flew out late Sunday night.
They had some business to take care of first.
After beating the Islanders 6-3, the team gathered inside the Amerant Bank Arena to toast Kulikov after he played in his milestone game Wednesday against the Los Angeles Kings.
Kulikov was honored by the Panthers before Sunday’s win against the Islanders with the team holding a special on-ice ceremony after wearing his No. 7 jerseys in their warmup.
“I love it for the kids,’’ said Paul Maurice, referring to Kulikov’s two children being gifted mini versions of the traditional silver stick that he got from Bill Zito.
“The families don’t get to really be a part of a lot of things and then they get down on the ice for a pretty special night there last year. It’s a wonderful thing for the kids to be able to stand there and have their father recognized for such an accomplishment. I’m happy for him and his family.”
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After hanging out with Kulikov, his family, and other invited guests, the team headed to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
The Panthers took a later-than-usual flight to Dulles for today’s afternoon session at the White House.
The Florida Panthers will be the first 2023-24 championship team to be celebrated at the White House under the new administration.
The Boston Celtics were honored for their 2024 NBA title at the White House in November.
Before leaving, the Panthers had a bit of a fight on their hands.
The Islanders had won seven straight, including 3-2 in overtime the night before in Tampa.
Despite having two of their top players out due to injuries sustained against the Lightning — and, starting a goalie making his NHL debut — the Islanders gave Florida all it could handle.
Carter Verhaeghe scored the first two of his three goals in the opening period against Jakub Skarek, only New York stormed back in the second with three straight goals.
Evan Rodrigues tied the score at 3 at 17:52 of the second by snaring a rebound of Anton Lundell’s shot and slid a backhand past the sprawling stick of Skarek.
Sam Reinhart made it 4-3 with 51 seconds left in the period, finishing off a rush he started by tapping in a pass from Gus Forsling.
The Panthers never trailed again.
“After the first period, we had to come back,” said Islanders coach Patrick Roy, the Hall of Famer who swept the Panthers in the 1996 Stanley Cup Final with Colorado.
“And it’s too bad. We took a 3-2 lead and there is a reason why they won the Stanley Cup, isn’t there? They are a good team, a team plays the right way and are very disciplined in their structure. We learned a lot tonight.”
Verhaeghe made it 5-3 to get his fourth career hat trick, and Matthew Tkachuk polished the game portion of the night with an empty-net goal.
“It was nice,’’ Verhaeghe said. “I’ve been shooting a lot lately and to get a couple, it feels pretty good. Our team is playing really well. I’m getting some chemistry with Barkov and Reinhart out there and it’s really nice that they’re finding me in great areas.”
The Panthers have won three straight going to Washington, and hold a three-point lead in the Atlantic Division on the Maple Leafs.
The Panthers visit the Capitals on Tuesday night.
“I think the games where we come to play right from the start is where we are at our best,” Verhaeghe said.
“It is kind of a mindset thing we like to have, and we had it tonight.’’
Today, the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers made a special visit to the White House to celebrate their historic victory. The team, led by captain Aleksander Barkov, was greeted by President Joe Biden and other government officials as they were honored for their incredible achievement.
During the visit, the players had the opportunity to tour the White House, meet with President Biden, and take photos with the iconic Stanley Cup trophy. They also had the chance to discuss their championship season and the hard work and dedication that led them to victory.
The Panthers’ visit to the White House was a memorable and special moment for the team and their fans, as they were able to be recognized on a national stage for their outstanding performance. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their Stanley Cup victory, and we wish them continued success in the upcoming season. #FlaPanthers #StanleyCupChampions #WhiteHouseVisit
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MIAMI – President Donald Trump will welcome the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to the White House on Monday afternoon to celebrate their historic victory.
The Panthers are the first professional sports team to visit Trump at the White House since he regained office.
Florida captured its first-ever Stanley Cup in June, defeating the Edmonton Oilers in seven games in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
The Panthers secured their championship in front of more than 19,000 fans at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, with a 2-1 victory in Game 7.
Sam Reinhart and Carter Verhaeghe scored for Florida, while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 23 saves to seal the win.
The hard-fought series saw Florida take a commanding 3-0 lead before dropping the next three games, narrowly avoiding becoming the second team in NHL history to lose the Stanley Cup Final after leading 3-0. The 1942 Detroit Red Wings remain the only team to suffer that fate.
The victory also denied Edmonton its first championship since 2006 and prevented Oilers captain Connor McDavid from securing his first Stanley Cup.
Across South Florida, fans packed watch parties, erupting in cheers as the Panthers clinched their long-awaited title.
Today, President Donald Trump welcomed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to the White House for a special ceremony honoring their incredible victory. The team, led by captain Aleksander Barkov, was honored for their hard work, dedication, and talent that led them to their first ever championship win.
During the ceremony, President Trump praised the Panthers for their outstanding performance throughout the season and their resilience in the playoffs. He commended their teamwork and sportsmanship, highlighting their ability to come together and achieve greatness on the ice.
The Panthers players and coaching staff were thrilled to be recognized at the White House, and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate their victory with the President. They presented President Trump with a personalized team jersey and thanked him for his support of the team and the sport of hockey.
Overall, the event was a memorable and exciting moment for the Florida Panthers, as they were able to bask in the glory of their championship win and share their success with the highest office in the land. Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on their historic Stanley Cup victory!
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes statements at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday, ahead of his visit to Washington, D.C., where he will meet with President Trump this week.
Avi Ohayon/GPO handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
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TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s White House visit Tuesday will be rife with symbolism: He’s the first world leader to meet President Trump since the inauguration two weeks ago.
It will also be a crucial day for the future of the Middle East — and Netanyahu himself.
Negotiations have begun for a second phase of a ceasefire deal that would end the war with Hamas and return all Israeli hostages from captivity in Gaza. Also on the table is a bargain that could reshape the Middle East for decades to come: a deal to open Israel’s diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.
Another central question to resolve: whether Israel will launch a military strike on a weakened Iran, shorn after a year of intense fighting against its proxies.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a key role in persuading Netanyahu to accept the ceasefire’s first phase, and Trump wants to see the deal continue until all hostages are freed and the war is over, in order to focus on a Saudi-Israeli peace deal.
The Israeli leader’s allies, however, have threatened to bring down the government if Israel goes down that path — and does not resume the war in Gaza and eliminate Hamas rule there.
“The Tuesday meeting is actually critical to Netanyahu’s ability to survive as the leader of Israel and to make sure that his coalition stays intact,” says Gayil Talshir, professor of politics at Hebrew University. “I think Netanyahu wants exactly what Trump offers him, but I think his own coalition has quite a different vision.”
The main challenge Netanyahu faces is from Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s finance minister, who wants the war to continue till Hamas is destroyed — a task Israeli defense analysts believe is unrealistic, so long as Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages and Israel does not endorse a viable alternative leadership for Gaza.
Despite Israel pounding Gaza for over a year, the recent hostage releases have seen dozens of masked Hamas fighters parade Israelis on makeshift stages before freeing them.
Talshir, who’s writing a forthcoming book about the Netanyahu era of Israel, believes that given Netanyahu’s interest in retaining his coalition and staying in office, the prime minister might have an interest in returning to war.
“As long as he continues the war, Israel does not go to election,” Talshir says. “Israel does not have a public investigation of what happened on Oct. 7. And Netanyahu remains in power.”
Netanyahu faces another Gordian knot: He and Trump have their sights set on establishing Saudi-Israeli relations, but Riyadh in return demands a pathway to a Palestinian state. That’s a prospect Netanyahu’s allies and most of the Israeli parliament oppose even more fervently after the deadly Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the Gaza war. They see a Palestinian state as a security threat to Israel and an undeserved reward to Palestinians after the attack.
Victoria Coates, an analyst at The Heritage Foundation in Washington D.C., and a deputy national security adviser to Trump during his first term, said the U.S. president will find it difficult to satisfy that Saudi demand.
“As much as we might want a deal with Saudi Arabia, you know, Israel is going to, particularly after Oct. 7, remain very, very mindful of its internal security. It has to,” says Coates. “So, you know, the deal that looked like it was pretty imminent in the 2020-21 time frame may take a little bit longer now.”
Trump has also floated the prospect of relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring Egypt and Jordan. Arab countries including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have firmly rejected the idea, as have Palestinians.
On Saturday, family and friends cheered as American Israeli hostage Keith Siegel was freed by Hamas. But many at the gathering at Siegel’s extended relatives’ home in a kibbutz in central Israel expressed nervousness about the war resuming before all the hostages were freed. Rabbi Steve Burnstein believes U.S. pressure can make a difference.
“We just hope and pray that the Americans do everything that they can to ensure that the Israeli government has the strength and the courage to make sure that we reach the second stage of the deal,” he said to NPR.
That same evening, a few thousand Tel Aviv residents showed up at one of the weekly rallies celebrating the return of three Israeli hostages and demanding the government work toward returning all the remaining hostages still held by Hamas, many of whom are believed dead.
At the rally, Shelly, who only gave her first name to speak frankly about U.S.-Israeli politics without repercussion, said she believes only “Trump can push Netanyahu to seal another deal.”
“I feel like Netanyahu didn’t want a deal before. And he’s doing it because Trump said so,” she said. “And I hope Trump’s gonna tell him, we’re bringing everyone. Every single hostage home.”
In an upcoming meeting at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Donald Trump are expected to discuss a range of important topics. Some of the key issues likely to be on the agenda include:
1. Middle East peace process: Netanyahu and Trump are likely to discuss the ongoing efforts to broker a peace deal between Israel and the Palestinians. The Trump administration has put forward a peace plan known as the “Deal of the Century,” and the two leaders will likely discuss how to move the process forward.
2. Iran: Both Netanyahu and Trump have been vocal critics of the Iranian regime, and they are likely to discuss ways to counter Iran’s influence in the region. This could include discussions on sanctions, military cooperation, and other measures to contain Iran’s activities.
3. US-Israel relations: The meeting will also be an opportunity for the two leaders to reaffirm the strong bond between the United States and Israel. They may discuss ways to deepen cooperation on a range of issues, including security, trade, and technology.
4. Regional security: Netanyahu and Trump are likely to discuss the security situation in the Middle East, including the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Yemen. They may also discuss ways to counter terrorist threats in the region.
Overall, the meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is expected to be a crucial opportunity for the two leaders to coordinate on key issues affecting the Middle East and to strengthen the US-Israel relationship.
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Jaden Smith is certainly a man in black.
For the 2025 Grammys held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Feb. 2, the 26-year-old—whose parents are Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith—arrived at the event wearing the ultimate accessory: A Black castle covering most of his head.
This head-turning piece accompanied the “Icon” musician’s otherwise classic Louis Vuitton look which included a black tuxedo, white button-down and black tie. (And he’s not the only one on the red carpet: For every celeb at the annual show, head on over here.)
The “Ninety” vocalist’s latest ensemble comes as he’s stepped out more specifically to support his dad, who is slated to make a rare appearance as a presenter during music’s biggest night.
However, the look isn’t all too far-fetched for the creative, as Jaden himself has proudly shared he is always “actively working on being more weird.”
“I went through a lot of my life trying to be normal,” he told Complex last October. “It was a really big deal for me for a long time that people thought that I was normal. And that bothered me after a while. I started to feel like people didn’t really understand me or see me, and I wasn’t really trying to show anybody that.”
Jaden Smith, known for his eclectic fashion choices, turned heads once again as he was spotted wearing a house on his head. Yes, you read that right – a house!
The actor and musician was seen walking down the streets of Los Angeles with a small model house balanced precariously on his head. Decked out in his signature quirky style, Jaden paired the unconventional accessory with a bold patterned shirt, baggy pants, and chunky sneakers.
While some onlookers were left scratching their heads in confusion, others praised Jaden for his daring and avant-garde fashion sense. After all, who else could pull off wearing a house on their head with such confidence?
Whether it’s pushing boundaries on the red carpet or making a statement on the streets, Jaden Smith continues to prove that he is a true trendsetter in the world of fashion. Who knows what he’ll come up with next? Stay tuned to see what wild and wacky outfit he’ll rock next!
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A member of the Iowa House died Friday morning at the age of 72.Rep. Martin Graber, a Republican from Fort Madison representing House District 100 in the southeast corner of the state, died Friday, according to state leaders. Graber was first elected in 2020 and was serving his third term.Several Republican leaders in the state released statements regarding Graber’s death.”Rep. Martin Graber’s contributions to Iowa, the conservative movement, and the Republican Party are unmatched,” said Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann in a provided statement. “He exemplified everything that was good and noble about a citizen legislator in our beloved state. Martin Graber was a patriot both in his uniform and in his role as a representative of the people. He was a friend and confidante, but more importantly, he was a tireless advocate for his constituents in southeast Iowa.”Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig called Graber “a man of integrity” and recalled time spent with Graber, including attending the Tri-State Rodeo in 2024.Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds noted Graber’s service in the Iowa National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Brigadier General (retired).House Speaker Pat Grassley provided a statement Friday:”Our caucus is devastated by the unexpected passing of our friend and colleague Martin Graber. First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt prayers to his entire family during this difficult time, namely his two daughters, two granddaughters, and his wonderful wife of 49 years, Coni.”Martin’s legacy will be one of kindness, hard work, and service. He served 32 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. He was first elected to the Iowa House in 2020. He was beloved by his community.”His presence in the Capitol will surely be missed. He was a friend to all. His genuine care for everyone he encountered was clear wherever he went. He was an exceptional representative. He worked diligently and took his role as the voice of House District 100 very seriously. “As we grieve this loss, we pray for his soul, that he finds peace and eternal comfort with God.”» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google PlayGet the latest headlines from KCCI
A member of the Iowa House died Friday morning at the age of 72.
Rep. Martin Graber, a Republican from Fort Madison representing House District 100 in the southeast corner of the state, died Friday, according to state leaders. Graber was first elected in 2020 and was serving his third term.
Several Republican leaders in the state released statements regarding Graber’s death.
“Rep. Martin Graber’s contributions to Iowa, the conservative movement, and the Republican Party are unmatched,” said Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann in a provided statement. “He exemplified everything that was good and noble about a citizen legislator in our beloved state. Martin Graber was a patriot both in his uniform and in his role as a representative of the people. He was a friend and confidante, but more importantly, he was a tireless advocate for his constituents in southeast Iowa.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig called Graber “a man of integrity” and recalled time spent with Graber, including attending the Tri-State Rodeo in 2024.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds noted Graber’s service in the Iowa National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Brigadier General (retired).
House Speaker Pat Grassley provided a statement Friday:
“Our caucus is devastated by the unexpected passing of our friend and colleague Martin Graber. First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt prayers to his entire family during this difficult time, namely his two daughters, two granddaughters, and his wonderful wife of 49 years, Coni.
“Martin’s legacy will be one of kindness, hard work, and service. He served 32 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a Brigadier General. He was first elected to the Iowa House in 2020. He was beloved by his community.
“His presence in the Capitol will surely be missed. He was a friend to all. His genuine care for everyone he encountered was clear wherever he went. He was an exceptional representative. He worked diligently and took his role as the voice of House District 100 very seriously.
“As we grieve this loss, we pray for his soul, that he finds peace and eternal comfort with God.”
» Download the free KCCI app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Martin Graber, Iowa House member, at the age of 72. Graber served his community and state with dedication and passion, always striving to make Iowa a better place for its residents.
Throughout his years in office, Graber was known for his integrity, hard work, and commitment to serving the people of Iowa. He was a tireless advocate for education, healthcare, and economic development, always putting the needs of his constituents first.
Graber’s passing is a loss not only for the Iowa House of Representatives but for the entire state. His leadership and vision will be greatly missed, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched during his time in office.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Graber’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made a lasting impact on the state of Iowa.
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Kanye West is back on U.S. turf after weeks of globe-trotting with Bianca Censori, and he’s wasting no time reconnecting with old pals — including A$AP Rocky.
As we know, A$AP’s been attending his high-profile assault trial downtown … and it seems like Ye is showing support, heading straight to his friend’s L.A. crib to spend the night Thursday.
It was a long day for Ye though, ’cause earlier he was spotted cruising the city in fancy cars with his manager, John Monopoly … and they stopped in at a West Hollywood studio.
Looks like Kanye was in a great mood, soaking up some fresh company after his time abroad with Bianca.
Bianca was probably using her downtime to recover from jet lag — oh, and you can bet she’s also plotting her next set of saucy Stateside fits.
In a shocking turn of events, Kanye West has jetted back to Los Angeles and taken refuge at A$AP Rocky’s house amidst his ongoing trial. The rapper, who has been embroiled in legal troubles in recent months, was spotted arriving at Rocky’s lavish mansion in the Hollywood Hills earlier this week.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Kanye sought shelter at A$AP Rocky’s home to escape the media frenzy surrounding his trial and to seek solace from his close friend. The two artists have been longtime collaborators and have a strong bond that dates back several years.
As Kanye’s trial continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this unexpected development will impact the outcome of the case. Fans and onlookers alike are eagerly awaiting further updates on Kanye’s legal situation and his stay at A$AP Rocky’s house.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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Kanye West was driving in style on Friday when he took his all-chrome Mercedes-Maybach for a spin in Los Angeles — but it appears to have been a major headache for other drivers stuck behind him.
The 47-year-old rapper was pictured driving around the city in the shimmering silver luxury sedan — which he was seen with late last year after his ex-wife Kim Kardashian had previously driven one of the silvery vehicles — before he drove over to his friend A$AP Rocky‘s home, according to TMZ.
Kanye appeared to be showing his support for his fellow rapper who is currently in the midst of a high-profile assault trial in LA, where his love Rihanna joined him in court.
However, on his drive to Rocky’s home, he and his bodyguards appear to have created a traffic jam for other drives to allow him to drive unimpeded.
Photos tracking Kanye’s drive show West’s bodyguards apparently stopping their SUV’s to block two lanes of Sunset Boulevard.
The bodyguards kept cars from passing for well over a minute as the disgraced rapper drove on without anyone following him.
Kanye West was driving in style on Friday when he took his all-chrome Mercedes-Maybach for a spin in Los Angeles — but it appears to have been a major headache for other drivers stuck behind him
The rapper, 47, was pictured driving around the city in the shimmering silver luxury sedan before he drove over to his friend A$AP Rocky ‘s home, according to TMZ, but his bodyguard were seen stopping traffic behind him, causing a traffic jam; pictured with A$AP Nast
Driver’s couldn’t even get around the bodyguards’ vehicles, as they stopped next to each other at a section of the iconic road that featured double yellow lines separating the directions of traffic, as well as bollards designed to prevent vehicles from attempting to cross over.
Drivers who were close enough to the start of the unnecessary jam to see how it started were reportedly upset and frustrated to see private vehicles blocking them for no clear reason.
Kanye appeared to spend much of the evening at A$AP Rocky’s home.
The younger rapper is on trial for two felony counts of assault with a firearm for allegedly shooting his former friend A$AP Relli in 2021.
Rocky has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his partner Rihanna, with whom he shares two young children, has been supporting him at the courthouse in Downtown Los Angeles.
Prior to heading to Rocky’s home, Kanye had been seen driving around LA with his manager, John Monopoly, and the two even visited a studio in West Hollywood, suggesting that the hitmaker may be working on new music.
His day in LA comes just after he and his wife Bianca Censori arrived in the US after an extended stay in Japan.
The two were spotted at Tokyo International Airport on Thursday, shortly before flying home.
Photos tracking Kanye’s drive show West’s bodyguards apparently stopping their SUV’s to block two lanes of Sunset Boulevard
The bodyguards kept cars from passing for well over a minute as the disgraced rapper drove on without anyone following him
Kanye headed to A$AP Rocky’s house and spent much of the evening there
The younger rapper is on trial for two felony counts of assault with a firearm for allegedly shooting his former friend A$AP Relli in 2021; seen January 29 in LA
Rocky has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his partner Rihanna , with whom he shares two young children, has been supporting him at the courthouse in Downtown LA; seen Friday
Kanye’s time in Tokyo marked an extended period away from his family.
He shares four children with his ex-wife Kim Kardashian — North, 11; Saint, eight; Chicago, seven; and Psalm, five — but he had previously not been seen with his children since September of last year.
However, earlier this month he and Bianca were seen spending time with his kids at a 7-Eleven in the Tokyo.
However, his daughter North wasn’t pictured with the group, and it’s unclear if she had joined him in Japan.
Despite the two being almost inseparable, Bianca appeared to sit out Kanye’s trek around LA.
While catching up with his pals, Kanye met up with A$AP Rocky’s cousin, fellow rapper and A$AP mob member A$AP Nast (real name: Tariq Devega).
Nast posted photos of himself and the Yeezus rapper hanging out on Instagram, though it wasn’t clear if they saw each other at Rocky’s house.
Kanye was seen in the same outfit he wore around LA, a puffy white-and-gray jacket with red text over the chest, along with a white hoodie, a white graphic T-shirt, white jeans and black waxed leather boots.
While catching up with his pals, Kanye met up with A$AP Rocky’s cousin, fellow rapper and A$AP mob member A$AP Nast. Nast posted photos of himself and the Yeezus rapper hanging out on Instagram
Kanye was seen in the same outfit he wore around LA, a puffy white-and-gray jacket with red text over the chest, along with a white hoodie, a white graphic T-shirt, white jeans and black waxed leather boots
Kanye’s jewelry included a diamond-encrusted eagle holding machine or submachine guns in its talons, with a shield reading ‘Diplomats’ in front
The classically styled boots were a surprising choice, as the Flashing Lights rapper has primarily favored large rain boots and chunky designs made of synthetic materials in recent years.
He had lately displayed a particularly disheveled look with longer hair and a bushy beard, but he looked more clean cut with a buzzed hairdo and a closely trimmed beard.
‘i guess the money should of changed him,’ A$AP Nast captioned photos of himself and Kanye posing. ‘i guess of should of forgot where i came from.’
One photo featured Kanye snarling to show off his silvery fixed prosthodontics as he and Nast flashed their chains.
Kanye’s jewelry included a diamond-encrusted eagle holding machine or submachine guns in its talons, with a shield reading ‘Diplomats’ in front, while Nast displayed a more reserved ‘N’ covered in tiny jewels.
Kanye West causes a stir as he stops traffic in his all-chrome Mercedes-Maybach on his way to A$AP Rocky’s house. The flashy car turned heads as it gleamed in the sunlight, with Kanye making a grand entrance in true superstar fashion. Fans and onlookers couldn’t help but marvel at the sight of the luxurious vehicle and the man behind the wheel. It’s just another day in the life of Kanye West, where even a simple drive becomes a spectacle. #KanyeWest #MercedesMaybach #ASAPRocky #LuxuryCars #CelebritySightings
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Kanye West, shiny all-chrome Mercedes-Maybach, A$AP Rocky, traffic-stopping moment, celebrity cars, luxury vehicles, hip hop artists, celebrity hangouts, chrome car trend, Kanye West news
#Kanye #West #stops #traffic #shiny #allchrome #MercedesMaybach #heading #AAP #Rockys #house
LENAWEE COUNTY — There’s already been one month completed in 2025. January came to a conclusion on Friday ushering in the start of February.
With the arrival of a new month comes additional opportunities for residents to get involved throughout Lenawee County. Community events are starting to heat back up after a chilly January and some much-needed downtime following a busy holiday season.
Here are a couple of upcoming happenings in the county that could be of interest to check out or to get involved in:
From doughnuts to conversation hearts, and from keepsake boxes to Valentine’s bookmarks, the Lenawee District Library in Adrian and its branch locations across the county will have plenty of family-friendly activities scheduled during February.
To kick off its February slate, the Lenawee District Library and all its branches are having doughnuts and a scavenger hunt in celebration of “Take Your Child to the Library Day” on Saturday, Feb. 1. For dates, times and locations visit the Lenawee District Library’s website, Lenawee.lib.mi.us.
On Monday, Feb. 3, kids are encouraged to drop by the Deerfield Branch Library, 170 Raisin St., to decorate picture frames using candy conversation hearts from 4 to 5 p.m. While it is a no-sew activity, younger participants will require adult assistance.
Kids also are invited to the main branch of the Lenawee District Library in Adrian on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., to paint a keepsake box. Registration is not required for the program. The library in Adrian is at 4459 W. U.S. 223. It can be contacted by calling 517-263-1011.
The Friends of the Clinton Township Public Library will hold their next monthly book sale from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Clinton Township Public Library, 100 Brown St., one block north of the stoplight on U.S. 12 in Clinton.
Features for the February book sale include Presidents and politics, diet and exercise, and puzzles and games. Both hardcover and paperback sections of romance novels are fully stocked for the Valentine’s season.
“The Michigan section has been expanded, and includes books for both adults and children,” a news release from the Friends of the Clinton Township Public Library said. “The Children’s Area will feature Presidents, Valentine’s Day, more books about snow and many high-quality books suitable for gift giving.”
Customers may pay with cash, checks with proper identification or credit/debit cards. There is a 3% surcharge when using a credit/debit card.
The Friends of the Library welcome donations of books in clean, reusable condition. These are accepted any time the library is open, the release said.
New members also are welcome and are encouraged to learn more about how they can be involved. Information about becoming a member of the Friends of the Library is available at the circulation desk and at the checkout desk at the book sale.
The historic Adrian Armory and Events Center near downtown Adrian can serve as a host location for many events and functions including wedding receptions.
If you’re considering having a wedding reception at the Adrian Armory, 230 W. Maumee St., information about what’s available at the location can be learned from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, during a Wedding Reception and Event Open House. There is no cost to attend.
Attendees will be able to tour the venue, check out preferred vendors, see all that the Armory has to offer, and start planning their next event.
It can be difficult for some people to cope with the cold winter months. A program on “Conquering Cabin Fever” could prove to be helpful for those experiencing the winter blues.
“Conquering Cabin Fever” is the title of the next Caregiver Support Group meeting hosted at Daybreak Adult Day Services in Adrian, 327 Erie St. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required. The program is scheduled for a 2 p.m. start on Monday, Feb. 3.
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Members of the Greater Lenawee Chamber of Commerce (GLCC) and the public are invited to the chamber’s next Business After Hours event, which is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4.
What promises to be an evening for fun and networking, Business After Hours will be held at downtown Adrian’s newly opened Maumee Street: taproom + kitchen, 101 E. Maumee St. Attendees will be entered to win a $100 gift card. Food will be available for purchase.
Business After Hours events are free for GLCC members and are $5 per person for nonmembers. Registration is required and can be completed online at GreaterLenaweeChamber.org. Space is limited. For additional information or questions, contact the chamber of commerce by calling 517-423-3740.
— Contact reporter Brad Heineman at bheineman@lenconnect.com or follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LenaweeHeineman.
Join us this weekend for a triple treat of events at the Adrian Public Library!
First up, we have a variety of exciting library programming happening throughout the day. From storytime for the little ones to writing workshops for adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out our full schedule of events on our website or stop by the library to pick up a flyer.
Next, don’t miss our annual book sale! Browse through a wide selection of gently used books, DVDs, and more at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re looking for a new novel to dive into or a cookbook to add to your collection, you’re sure to find something you love.
And finally, the Adrian Armory will be hosting an open house for the community. Take a tour of this historic building, learn about its rich history, and discover how it’s being used today. It’s a rare opportunity to see inside this iconic structure, so be sure to stop by.
Don’t miss out on this jam-packed day of fun and exploration at the Adrian Public Library. We can’t wait to see you there!
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library programming, book sale, Adrian Armory, open house, community events, local library, book lovers, Adrian Michigan, family-friendly activities, educational programs, free events, community engagement, library events, book donations, historic building, community center, family fun, literary events
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