Tag: Leave

  • ‘Insane’ – Bryson DeChambeau gatecrashes Adelaide party mid-round to leave fellow golfer in disbelief

    ‘Insane’ – Bryson DeChambeau gatecrashes Adelaide party mid-round to leave fellow golfer in disbelief


    Bryson DeChambeau will go to extraordinary lengths to win on the golf course.

    The controversial American is a polarizing figure, but you cannot deny that he is box office.

    Dechambeau is a huge fan of the rowdy Adelaide event

    3

    Dechambeau is a huge fan of the rowdy Adelaide eventCredit: Getty

    LIV Golf is in Adelaide this week — an event known for boozy fans and a party atmosphere to rival the infamous Phoenix Open.

    The famous ‘Watering Hole’ lived up to its name in Friday’s first round as Patrick Reed was doused in beer after hitting a hole-in-one.

    Not to be upstaged, DeChambeau produced another viral sensation as he joined a group of fans on a balcony.

    The big-driving superstar hit a wayward tee shot into a patch of shrubs and couldn’t see the green.

    So he quickly dashed up the steps to join the cheering supporters, caught a rangefinder thrown by his caddie, and worked out how far away he was from the flag.

    DeChambeau chipped out and almost made a stunning par but ended up carding a bogey to move to one-under for his round.

    Playing partner Abraham Ancer ended the second round in a share of the lead on nine-under despite being distracted by DeChambaeu’s antics.

    “I was in the middle of the fairway, and he blocked it right, and off the tee you can’t really see where that would land because there’s some trees,” the Mexican said.

    “Myself and DJ (Dustin Johnson) were in disbelief, ‘Like where did he find that ball.’

    “He ended up hitting it in the middle of the fairway from the bush, and I think he almost made par, which would have been insane.

    DeChambeau stunned some fans by climbing onto their balcony

    3

    DeChambeau stunned some fans by climbing onto their balconyCredit: X @flushingitgolf
    The LIV star knows how to entertain fans

    3

    The LIV star knows how to entertain fansCredit: Getty

    “I see him in the house on the balcony. I had no idea what was going on.”

    DeChambeau’s all-action round included several bogeys but he also drove the ball 415 yards onto the green on the par four 15th.

    The 31-year-old was one of the most high-profile names to jump on the breakaway tour in golf’s acrimonious split.

    Talks are being held which could see LIV and the PGA Tour reunite for the benefit of the game.

    And Rory McIlroy, who initially took a hard stance on those who joined the splinter group, would like to see DeChambeau back in PGA events.

    “There are guys that were on the PGA Tour that went to play on LIV, and if they still have status, sure, come back, come back and play,” said the Northern Irishman.

    Paige Spiranac reveals she got ‘breathless’ when watching Bryson DeChambeau play Golf

    “For us, all of us have equity in this tour, so having Bryson DeChambeau come back and play on this tour is good.

    “Do I think he should (have equity in the PGA Tour)? I think he should have the ability to earn equity.

    “We have been given equity in this tour as a, I guess, quote, unquote, compensation, like for being loyal in some way or staying.

    “But I think these guys coming back, I think they should have the opportunity to earn equity, which I think will happen.

    “There’s going to be these recurring equity grants every year, so I think they should have the opportunity to earn it, but I don’t think they should be given it right away.”



    Attention all golf fans, have you heard about the latest antics from Bryson DeChambeau? The golfing sensation has once again left the golf world in shock as he gatecrashed an Adelaide party mid-round, leaving his fellow golfer in disbelief.

    During a tournament in Adelaide, DeChambeau somehow managed to sneak away from the course and crash a nearby party, much to the surprise of the guests in attendance. As he mingled with the crowd and enjoyed a few drinks, his fellow golfer looked on in astonishment, unable to believe what was happening.

    This latest stunt from DeChambeau has only added to his reputation as a maverick in the golfing world. Known for his unorthodox approach to the game, he continues to push the boundaries and surprise fans and fellow players alike.

    What will DeChambeau do next? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – he certainly knows how to keep things interesting on and off the course. Stay tuned for more updates on this golfing maverick. #Insane #BrysonDeChambeau #Golfantics

    Tags:

    Insane, Bryson DeChambeau, Adelaide party, golf, gatecrash, disbelief, PGA Tour, golf news, professional golfer, Bryson DeChambeau news

    #Insane #Bryson #DeChambeau #gatecrashes #Adelaide #party #midround #leave #fellow #golfer #disbelief

  • Gaza Strip: Trump says US will ‘take over’ the enclave while Palestinians who live there should leave




    CNN
     — 

    President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the United States “will take over” the Gaza Strip — possibly with the help of American troops — while the Palestinians who live there should leave, a stunning proposal that would dramatically reorient the Middle East and subject a population of more than a million to further displacement.

    “The US will take over the Gaza Strip and we will do a job with it too,” Trump said during a joint press conference alongside his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, later describing his vision for the area as a new “Riviera.”

    “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site, level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings,” he said.

    Asked whether he was willing to send US troops to fill a security vacuum in Gaza, Trump did not rule it out.

    “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece that we’re going to develop it,” he said.

    Trump’s comments are a remarkable assertion from a sitting American president, particularly one who rose to political power in the United States through his criticism of America’s longest wars in the Middle East and pledges to return US investments back to its citizens. They open a host of questions about how Trump’s land-grab would proceed, what its legal authorities would be and who would pay for the effort.

    “I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East, and maybe the entire Middle East,” Trump told reporters in the East Room of the White House. He said later: “This was not a decision made lightly. Everybody I’ve spoken to loves the idea of the United States owning that piece of land, developing and creating thousands of jobs with something that will be magnificent.”

    There will be many in the region who oppose Trump’s plan, despite his claim that all of his interlocutors love it. Already, Egypt and Jordan have rejected the notion of accepting additional Palestinian refugees, wary of destabilization and fearful they will never be allowed back home.

    Trump suggested that was exactly what he envisioned: a future in Gaza that largely does not involve Palestinians.

    “I don’t think people should be going back to Gaza,” Trump said in the Oval Office earlier in the day. “I heard that Gaza has been very unlucky for them. They live like hell. They live like they’re living in hell. Gaza is not a place for people to be living, and the only reason they want to go back, and I believe this strongly, is because they have no alternative.”

    Later, he added that Palestinians could be among those who return to Gaza, but he was clear he did not envision the strip as a permanent home for them.

    “Palestinians also. Palestinians will live there. Many people will live there,” he said.

    Trump, a former real estate developer, said during his press conference that he had studied the matter “closely, over a lot of months.”

    Those comments followed his suggestion earlier in the day that Gazans move to a new location provided by one or more nations in the Middle East.

    “I mean they’re there because they have no alternative. What do they have? It is a big pile of rubble right now,” Trump said moments before hosting Netanyahu for Oval Office talks.

    Trump’s suggestion that Gazans leave the strip permanently amounts to a provocative stance that will endear him to Israel’s most conservative politicians but is generally a non-starter for Israel’s neighbors, who have said they are unwilling to accept new Palestinian refugees from the enclave.

    At first on Tuesday, Trump framed the matter as a humanitarian one, saying it was impossible to believe anyone would want to remain in the war-torn territory.

    “Why would they want to return? The place has been hell,” Trump said, ignoring a reporter who cried out: “Because it’s their home.”

    Instead of Gaza, he suggested the Palestinians be provided a “good, fresh, beautiful piece of land” to live.

    Netanyahu, sitting alongside Trump in the Oval Office, smiled as Trump was speaking. The Israeli leader, under conflicting pressures domestically, was in Washington to ascertain exactly where Trump stands on the next phase of a ceasefire in Gaza.

    But Trump’s dim views of Gaza as a permanent home for Palestinians was certain to provide grist for far-right allies of the Israeli leader, who have called on Netanyahu to abandon the temporary truce that was struck last month.

    A family rides in a horse-drawn cart past a destroyed mosque in Beit Lahia, Gaza, on January 29.

    ‘Hard to grasp and digest’

    Two Arab officials expressed puzzlement, concern and pessimism in the immediate wake of Trump’s unexpected remarks.

    It was “rough, raw, hard to grasp and digest,” one official said, adding that they “need clarity and further development to become understood.”

    A second official said the comments could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza, stressing the “profound implications such proposals have on the lives and dignity of the Palestinian people, as well as the broader Middle East.”

    “The reality remains that 1.8 million people in Gaza would resist such an initiative and refuse to leave,” the diplomat said. “Saudi Arabia is unlikely to pursue peace under these circumstances, and other nations may reconsider their commitments to the Abraham Accords.”

    Trump’s comments, meanwhile, drew skepticism from congressional lawmakers, including from some within his own party.

    “We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that. I think most South Carolinians would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza,” said South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. “I think that might be problematic. But I’ll keep an open mind.”

    The American president’s proclamation laying claim to Gaza as US territory did not appear likely to convince Hamas to return immediately to the negotiating table.

    Trump said he was still determined to free the remaining hostages in Gaza. “We’d like to get all of the hostages, and if we don’t, it will just make us somewhat more violent,” he said.

    Trump has claimed credit for the hostages-for-ceasefire agreement struck in the days before he entered office – and even officials in the outgoing Biden administration acknowledged Trump’s imminent arrival helped apply pressure on Israel and Hamas.

    Netanyahu, perhaps seeking to ingratiate himself with his host, praised Trump’s efforts.

    “I think President Trump added great force and powerful leadership to this effort,” Netanyahu said in the Oval Office.

    But for all of his prodding to get the deal inked, Trump will still need to oversee the remaining two phases of the three-phase plan.

    “We’ll see what happens. We’re dealing with very complicated people, but a deal can absolutely get done,” he said.

    There was plenty for Trump and Netanyahu to discuss beyond the immediate matter of the ceasefire agreement.

    There is the prospect of a broader normalization of relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, principally Saudi Arabia, that former President Joe Biden had been pursuing before the October 7, 2023, attacks. Trump, who openly pines for a Nobel Peace Prize, may see his opportunity in such a pursuit, which could transform the entire Middle East and create a new bulwark against Iran, a common foe to Jerusalem and Riyadh.

    It’s not clear his comments Tuesday will be helpful. In a statement on X following Trump’s remarks, the Saudi Foreign Ministry restated its long-held position that it will not commit to normalization of relations with Israel without guarantees of a Palestinian state.

    “Saudi Arabia will continue its relentless efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that,” the statement said.

    People wave Israeli national flags as a military helicopter transporting four newly-released Israeli hostages lands at the Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva, Israel, on January 25.

    Whether Netanyahu is interested in diplomacy – or whether he instead sees Trump’s arrival in Washington as a moment to take decisive action against Iran, potentially even taking out its nuclear program – remains to be seen.

    Ahead off his arrival, there was speculation Netanyahu could use the talks to take Trump’s temperature on a direct strike, seizing a moment when Iranian proxies have been decimated, Iran’s nuclear ambitions appear to be accelerating and while he has friendlier ties to Washington.

    Before Netanyahu arrived, Trump signed a directive authorizing a tough approach to Iran meant to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon while warning of “obliteration” should he be assassinated by Tehran’s operatives.

    Trump said he’d left directions for his team on how to respond should he fall prey to an Iranian assassination plot.

    “I’ve left instructions,” Trump said. “If they do it, they’ll be obliterated.”

    Netanyahu’s visit lasted several hours and included the joint press conference, all meant to demonstrate Trump’s solidarity with Israel.

    But the comity between the men belied a relationship that’s more complicated than it sometimes appears – with nothing less than the future of the Middle East potentially riding on Trump’s words.

    In the lead-up to last November’s election, there was little question among Biden’s team that Netanyahu favored a Trump victory, believing he would enjoy a far wider remit from the American government to prosecute his war aims with Trump in office instead of then-Vice President Kamala Harris.

    Those predictions have not been wrong.

    Already, Trump has lifted a hold on heavy bomb deliveries to Israel, rolling back one of the few Biden-era policies meant to exert leverage on Israel amid its war in Gaza.

    But while Trump is popular in Israel, and Netanyahu enthusiastically welcomed his return to the White House, things haven’t always been so cheerful.

    When Netanyahu congratulated Biden on his election victory in 2020, Trump was enraged at what he saw as betrayal. In the months that followed, Trump accused Netanyahu of disloyalty and fumed to the esteemed Israeli reporter Barak Ravid, now a CNN analyst: “F**k him.”

    Even three years later, after Hamas launched the worst terrorist attack in Israel’s history, it was clear Trump’s sore feelings hadn’t entirely faded.

    “(Netanyahu) was not prepared. He was not prepared, and Israel was not prepared,” Trump said in an interview shortly after the attacks, comments that drew condemnation even from Republicans.

    But Trump’s remarks Tuesday, delivered next to Netanyahu, suggest the animosity has been forgotten.

    The prime minister is planning to remain in Washington well beyond his Tuesday talks with Trump. He arrived to Blair House, the presidential guest residence, late Sunday and is expected to stay until the end of the week, including for meetings on Capitol Hill.

    This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

    CNN’s Alex Marquardt, Kaitlan Collins, Zeena Saifi, Lucas Lilieholm and Irene Nasser contributed to this report.



    The Gaza Strip has been a contentious issue for decades, with ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinians causing immense suffering for those living in the enclave. Recently, former President Donald Trump made a shocking statement, declaring that the United States will “take over” the Gaza Strip and that Palestinians who live there should leave.

    This inflammatory statement has sparked outrage and condemnation from around the world, with many viewing it as a blatant disregard for the rights and sovereignty of the Palestinian people. The idea of the US taking control of the Gaza Strip is not only impractical, but also goes against international law and the principles of self-determination.

    The people of Gaza have already faced unimaginable hardship, with limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare due to the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel. Trump’s statement only serves to further escalate tensions in the region and exacerbate the suffering of those already living in dire conditions.

    It is imperative that the international community condemns such reckless and dangerous rhetoric, and works towards finding a peaceful and just solution to the conflict in Gaza. The rights and dignity of the Palestinian people must be respected, and any attempts to forcibly displace them from their homes must be met with strong opposition.

    Tags:

    Gaza Strip, Trump, US, Palestinians, enclave, Middle East, conflict, Israel, Palestinian territories, occupation, relocation, politics, international relations

    #Gaza #Strip #Trump #enclave #Palestinians #live #leave

  • Education Officials Placed on Leave in Trump’s Sprawling Effort to Curb D.E.I.


    The Education Department placed dozens of employees on administrative leave on Friday, citing guidance from the Office of Personnel Management, which had directed agencies to submit plans for shedding staff associated with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts by the end of the day.

    In letters obtained by The New York Times, the department notified affected employees that they would lose access to their email accounts, but would continue to receive pay for an indefinite period.

    Brittany Holder, a spokeswoman for the American Federation of Government Employees, said the union estimated that at least 50 department employees had been suspended.

    The range of people affected on Friday led several of those who had been placed on leave to conclude that they had been ensnared in a governmentwide effort to stamp out diversity initiatives, despite what they described as little more than superficial contact with mentors offering general coaching on workplace inclusivity.

    The move was an early indication that Trump officials had begun looking to root out any D.E.I. efforts believed to be conducted “in disguise” after they had already moved to shutter offices explicitly focused on those efforts earlier in the week. It came as dozens of agencies raced to comply with an order issued by President Trump on his first day in office directing them to dismantle diversity offices and remove staff affiliated with them.

    But according to interviews with those placed on leave and people familiar with the notifications, the department appeared to have cast a wide net, suspending people whose job titles and official duties had no connection to D.E.I., and whose only apparent exposure to D.E.I. initiatives came in the form of trainings encouraged by their managers. One of the training workshops that employees speculated may have led to their being flagged took place more than nine years ago.

    It was not immediately clear what criteria the department used to identify those placed on leave on Friday, or which of those employees’ activities might fall under the broad order issued by Mr. Trump to roll back D.E.I. initiatives across the federal government. The Office of Personnel Management memo laying out the purge of diversity programs last month called on employees to report any efforts to “disguise these programs by using coded or imprecise language.”

    A spokesman for the department did not respond to requests for comment.

    Subodh Chandra, a civil rights lawyer who is representing one of the staff members placed on leave in the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, said his client was “utterly baffled” by the move. The staff member, a West Point graduate and an army veteran, was appointed to the employment, engagement and diversity and inclusion council formed under Mr. Trump’s previous administration by his political appointees, Kimberly Richey and Kenneth Marcus. A former prosecutor, he has received “perfect” ratings in the last three evaluations, Mr. Chandra said, in his role overseeing a two-state regional office.

    The committee continued under President Biden, but it has not met since December, Mr. Chandra said, and certainly not since Mr. Trump took office.

    “My client served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army during and after 9/11,” Mr. Chandra said. “He happens to be a white male, although that shouldn’t make any difference, whether he or anyone else is a victim of a McCarthyist witch hunt. He should not be a victim of retaliation for opposing discrimination against anyone. And I hope the administration will stop misguided persecution of those serving our country faithfully. We are contemplating all of our legal remedies.”

    Another staff member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of their tenuous position, said that diversity trainings were seen as routine around the department, with one two-day session having drawn around 300 people over several years.

    Several staff members said that Denise L. Carter, who was named acting education secretary until Mr. Trump’s nominee to lead the department is confirmed, had urged colleagues to attend sessions, offering them at no cost to participants as recently as last year.

    The letters sent on Friday included staff members who worked in the department’s Federal Student Aid office and others in the Office for Civil Rights. The department also notified all employees in the civil rights office who had joined recently and were still in a probationary period that their positions would be reviewed to determine their necessity.

    The letters told employees that the decision to place them on leave was “not being done for any disciplinary purpose,” and was “pursuant to the president’s executive order.” But they did not specify how long the leave would last, or why those employees had been identified for suspension.

    Through its first two weeks, the Trump administration has repeatedly said it would temporarily pause certain programs and sideline some federal workers while it conducts more comprehensive reviews that could inform staff reductions and bureaucratic changes. But it has done so haphazardly, leading to unintended disruptions and stoking anxiety among many federal workers.



    In a recent move to combat diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) initiatives in education, several education officials have been placed on leave by the Trump administration. This controversial decision is part of a larger effort to roll back efforts to promote equality and address systemic racism in schools.

    Critics argue that this move is a step backward in the fight for social justice and equality in education. By targeting officials who are working to create more inclusive and diverse learning environments, the Trump administration is sending a harmful message to students and educators across the country.

    It is crucial that we continue to advocate for D.E.I. in education and push back against these harmful actions. All students deserve access to a quality education that values and celebrates their unique backgrounds and experiences.

    Stay tuned for updates on this developing story and continue to support efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. #EducationForAll #DiversityMatters #InclusionIsKey

    Tags:

    1. Education officials
    2. Trump administration
    3. D.E.I. (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
    4. Leave of absence
    5. Education policy
    6. Government intervention
    7. Trump’s initiatives
    8. Education reform
    9. Controversial decisions
    10. Political implications

    #Education #Officials #Leave #Trumps #Sprawling #Effort #Curb #D.E.I

  • Did Sable Leave Brock Lesnar Following Allegations of Being Involved in Vince McMahon-Janel Grant S*x Trafficking Lawsuit? | WWE News


    Did Sable Leave Brock Lesnar Following Allegations of Being Involved in Vince McMahon-Janel Grant S*x Trafficking Lawsuit?

    Sable has been married to Brock Lesnar for many years now. However, she has not made any statement in regard to her husband allegedly being involved in the high-profile Janel Grant and Vince McMahon sex trafficking case.
    Brock Lesnar was a top fixture for WWE television programming for many years. However, the fans have not seen The Beast Incarnate since the 2023 SummerSlam event, where he was defeated by Cody Rhodes. This was due to Lesnar being allegedly involved in the lawsuit filed by former WWE employee Janel Grant against Vince McMahon and John Laurinitus on the charges of sex trafficking and sexual misconduct.
    WWE has also distanced themselves from Brock Lesnar taking him off television for more than a year and removing major references of him. Amidst the entire scandal, all attention has been paid to Vince McMahon and Janel Grant. None has paid attention to the effect that could have had on Lesnar’s family, especially on his relationship with his wife, former WWE superstar Sable.
    After all, Lesnar was alleged to have signed a WWE contract in 2021 offered by Vince McMahon, who shared explicit photos of Janel Grant and even reported engaging in sexual acts with her as part of the deal. This has left many wondering about the fact that it had strained his relationship with his wife, who has been out of the limelight for years.

    Has Sable left Brock Lesnar following allegations in the Vince McMahon-Janel Grant scandal?

    As of this date, there have been no reports of Brock Lesnar and Sable splitting up. In fact, they still seem to be leading a happy life. The former WWE Champion and Women’s Champion were spotted together backstage at a concert together in December 2024.

    This would mean that the couple is still very much together, as the allegations against Lesnar came to light last year. Moreover, this was also Sable’s first public appearance after being away from the spotlight and WWE for years.

    Brock Lesnar & Sable have been married for a long time

    Before Sable met Brock Lesnar in WWE, she was married to former wrestler Marc Mero. The couple were together for ten years. However, Sable became involved in an extra-martial affair with Lesnar around the early 2000s. Sable divorced Marc Mero in 2004 and married the former UFC Heavyweight Champion in 2006.
    With Brock Lesnar and Sable still being together after their photo surfaced on social media, it remains to be seen either of them would be responding to the allegations made against Lesnar in the Vince McMahon-Janel Grant case.
    Also read: Sable’s Relationship History: Exploring Past Marriages of the Former WWE Women’s Champion





    There have been rumors circulating in the wrestling world that Sable may have left her husband, Brock Lesnar, following allegations of her involvement in a s*x trafficking lawsuit against Vince McMahon and Janel Grant.

    The lawsuit alleges that McMahon and Grant were involved in a s*x trafficking ring that exploited young women in the wrestling industry. Sable’s name was brought up in connection to the lawsuit, causing speculation that she may have been involved in the illegal activities.

    While there has been no concrete evidence to support these claims, fans have been buzzing about the possibility of Sable leaving Lesnar amidst the controversy. The couple has always been private about their personal lives, so it’s unclear if there is any truth to these rumors.

    As of now, neither Sable nor Lesnar have made any public statements addressing the allegations or their relationship status. Until more information comes to light, the wrestling world will continue to speculate about the future of this power couple. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    • Sable
    • Brock Lesnar
    • Vince McMahon
    • Janel Grant
    • S*x trafficking lawsuit
    • WWE news
    • Did Sable leave Brock Lesnar
    • Allegations
    • Wrestling rumors
    • Celebrity gossip

    #Sable #Leave #Brock #Lesnar #Allegations #Involved #Vince #McMahonJanel #Grant #Trafficking #Lawsuit #WWE #News

  • 7 Shocking Revelations from Diddy’s Documentary That Will Leave You Speechless |


    Inside the explosive Diddy's documentary: 7 Shocking revelations that will leave you speechless

    With music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs facing serious federal charges, the entertainment world has been flooded with exposes attempting to uncover the darkest corners of his past. The latest docuseries, ‘The Fall of Diddy,’ takes the allegations to a whole new level, going beyond rumors of extravagant parties and excess to reveal chilling testimonies from former employees, acquaintances, and alleged victims.
    Premiered on January 27, the series presents a disturbing portrait of Combs’ alleged behavior, featuring shocking claims that range from physical abuse to criminal threats. If you don’t have time to watch the entire documentary, here are seven of the most jaw-dropping revelations that have surfaced.
    A disturbing incident at Howard University
    A former classmate of Diddy’s from Howard University recalled a frightening altercation from the 1980s. According to the witness, Combs was seen shouting aggressively outside a dormitory, demanding that someone come downstairs. The situation escalated when he pulled off his belt and began furiously striking a building. When a woman finally stepped outside, presumably the target of his rage, the former student claimed that Combs turned the belt on her, hitting her repeatedly.
    Threats against a magazine editor
    Danyel Smith, a former editor for Vibe and Billboard, recounted a terrifying experience with Combs in 1997. During a cover shoot for the magazine, Combs was unhappy with being dressed in white feathered wings and demanded to see the final layout before publication. When Smith denied his request, citing time constraints, Combs allegedly threatened her life, saying she would be found ‘dead in a trunk ‘ if she didn’t comply.
    Although he later issued a written apology after Smith’s lawyer got involved, she claims that two men showed up days later, seemingly to intimidate or attack her.
    Explosive new details about the 1999 club shooting
    In one of the most damning accounts, Diddy’s former driver, Wardel Fenderson, stated that he saw Combs holding a firearm the night of the 1999 Club New York shooting, which left three people injured. Natania Reuben, one of the victims, provided an even more harrowing account. She alleged that Diddy himself pulled the trigger, aiming directly at her face.
    “I was certain I was going to die,” she recalled. “I didn’t think a human could lose that much blood and survive.”
    The Bizarre R. Kelly comment
    Kat Pasion, an acquaintance of Combs, described an unsettling interaction that took place in 2019, shortly after the passing of Kim Porter. While watching Lifetime’s controversial docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly”, Combs allegedly walked into the room, glanced at the TV, and made an alarming statement before exiting:
    “There’s a little R. Kelly in all of us.”
    Pasion was horrified by the remark, immediately rejecting the idea: “What? No. There is NOT a little R. Kelly in all of us.”
    Allegations of secretive “freak-off” weekends
    One of Combs’ former security guards, Roger Bonds, claimed that the rapper would book hotel rooms for entire weekends, engaging in behavior that appeared highly suspicious.
    “I saw a lot of questionable things, but I never knew exactly what was happening behind closed doors,” Bonds admitted. He further alleged that during these weekends, he witnessed men entering and leaving Combs’ private quarters under mysterious circumstances.
    These allegations mirror claims made in Cassie Ventura’s lawsuit, where she accused Combs of forcing her to participate in sexual acts with other men for his pleasure.
    Allegations of abuse toward Kim Porter
    According to Danyel Smith, Combs frequently belittled, controlled, and humiliated his former girlfriend, Kim Porter. She described one particular incident where he angrily confronted her in public, demanding that she stay home instead of going out.
    “He was screaming at her, telling her she shouldn’t be out,” Smith revealed. “Then he grabbed her handbag, dumped everything onto the floor in front of a crowd, and walked away.”
    A celebrity basketball game turned deadly
    One of the most tragic incidents tied to Combs occurred in 1991 at City College of New York, where he co-hosted a celebrity basketball tournament alongside rapper Heavy D.
    The venue became dangerously overcrowded, and as frustrated fans forced their way in, a chaotic stampede ensued, leading to the deaths of nine people.
    The incident remains one of the deadliest disasters in hip-hop history, raising serious questions about event management and responsibility.
    As more testimonies come to light, the picture painted by ‘The Fall of Diddy’ is one of unchecked power, manipulation, and alleged criminal activity. With ongoing federal investigations and a mounting list of accusations, Sean Combs’ legacy as a hip-hop mogul and cultural icon is unraveling before the public eye. While his legal fate remains uncertain, one thing is clear the stories emerging from this documentary are impossible to ignore.




    1. Diddy’s Childhood Trauma: In the documentary, Diddy opens up about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, revealing the impact it had on his life and career.
    2. The Truth About Biggie’s Death: Diddy reveals new details about the murder of his close friend and collaborator, The Notorious B.I.G., shedding light on the events leading up to his tragic death.
    3. Diddy’s Struggle with Mental Health: The documentary delves into Diddy’s battle with depression and anxiety, showing a vulnerable side of the music mogul that many fans have never seen before.
    4. Diddy’s Complicated Relationship with Faith Evans: Viewers will be shocked to learn about the ups and downs of Diddy’s relationship with fellow musician Faith Evans, including their tumultuous breakup and reconciliation.
    5. Diddy’s Business Ventures: The documentary uncovers the truth behind Diddy’s rise to success in the music industry, showcasing his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
    6. Diddy’s Philanthropic Efforts: Fans will be inspired by Diddy’s philanthropic work, including his efforts to give back to communities in need and support charitable causes close to his heart.
    7. Diddy’s Legacy: The documentary explores Diddy’s impact on the music industry and popular culture, highlighting his influence as a trailblazer and trendsetter in the world of hip-hop.

    Tags:

    1. Diddy documentary
    2. Sean Combs revelations
    3. Celebrity documentaries
    4. Music industry secrets
    5. Hip hop culture
    6. Puff Daddy revelations
    7. Entertainment industry insights
    8. Diddy’s life story
    9. Behind the scenes with Diddy
    10. Music mogul secrets

    #Shocking #Revelations #Diddys #Documentary #Leave #Speechless

  • Jon Jones Responds as Calls Mount for Gable Steveson to Leave NCAA Amid UFC Rumors


    Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson has been on a wild ride in the past few years. After testing the waters in professional wrestling, the 24-year-old decided to make his return to NCAA wrestling. However, Steveson seems to have garnered fans’ attention recently, claiming that his participation is ‘unfair’ to other athletes because he’s already an established Olympic winner. But in these cries from the fans, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones shared a message regarding Steveson and his future combat sports.

    In 2021, Gable Steveson made waves in the pro wrestling industry after signing with the WWE as another coming of WWE legend Kurt Angle, who also won an Olympic gold medal. However, the 24-year-old didn’t seem to fit the mold and in 2024, the promotion released him after a brief stint in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT.

    Following his stint there, Steveson announced that he was all in on NCAA wrestling because he still wanted to be a part of the collegiate level, and despite fans fuming over this, Jon Jones appears to be siding with him. While there have been rumors about a possible UFC move for Gable Steveson after his WWE exit, Jon Jones responded to these rumors and the fans’ dissatisfaction with Steveson’s return to wrestling with a social media post.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Article continues below this ad

    Having known him personally and even retaining with the Olympic gold medalist, ‘Bones’ simply shared a story on Instagram, indicating his support for the decision Gable Steveson has taken for himself. The story by Jon Jones was a promotional post from the 24-year-old, where he was seen saying, “Wrestling raised me.”

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Article continues below this ad

    Meanwhile, Gable Steveson also weighed in on a potential career in the UFC, and guess what? It was somewhat positive. Hence, fans might want to take a sigh of relief after listening to what he had to say about that career. Let’s take a look.

    Will Gable Steveson come to the UFC?

    When Gable Steveson decided to join Jon Jones in training last year, he claimed to have been motivated by the UFC champion. The 24-year-old claimed that ‘Bones’ was so impressed that he even urged him to consider making the move to MMA and even invited him to train with his team under coach Greg Jackson. Steveson claimed that he’s not sure where he’d start his mixed martial arts journey, but he does see him doing that in the future, and if he ends up in the UFC, he will become the second Olympic gold medalist to compete in the Las Vegas-based promotion.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Article continues below this ad

    “Not sure of the promotion yet, but Jon definitely lit a fire under me and was like, ‘Hey, I think you should go back to wrestling, I think you should try MMA. We got a great team here in Albuquerque if you wanna join us,” Gable Steveson told Ariel Helwani. “With the wrestling, with the boxing work, with the jiu-jitsu, I feel like I could be very good really quick.”

    Well, for the moment, whether fans like it or not, Gable Steveson is still focused on continuing to wrestle. But to know what lies ahead, we’ll have to wait and see. Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.





    In the world of MMA, Jon Jones is a name that needs no introduction. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has been making headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his own fighting career.

    Calls have been mounting for Gable Steveson, the NCAA wrestling champion, to leave college and pursue a career in the UFC. Speculation has been swirling that Steveson could be the next big thing in the world of mixed martial arts, with many fans and experts urging him to make the jump to the professional ranks.

    Amidst all the rumors and pressure, Jon Jones has decided to weigh in on the situation. In a recent post on social media, Jones expressed his support for Steveson and encouraged him to follow his dreams.

    “Hey @GSteveson, I see all the noise about you potentially leaving NCAA for the UFC. Just wanted to let you know that I support you 100% in whatever decision you make. You have the talent and the drive to succeed in this sport, and I believe you could be a future champion. Keep grinding, and don’t let anyone hold you back. #TeamSteveson,” Jones wrote.

    With the backing of a legend like Jon Jones, it’s clear that Steveson has the potential to make a big impact in the world of MMA. Only time will tell if he decides to take the leap and join the UFC, but one thing is for sure – the world will be watching.

    Tags:

    Jon Jones, Gable Steveson, NCAA, UFC rumors, Jon Jones response, Gable Steveson controversy, MMA news, wrestling, UFC fighter, college wrestling, athlete rumors

    #Jon #Jones #Responds #Calls #Mount #Gable #Steveson #Leave #NCAA #UFC #Rumors

  • Democrats leave ’emergency’ meeting vowing ‘street fight’ in response to Trump actions


    House Democrats launched a multilateral effort Wednesday to combat the flood of executive actions from President Trump, vowing to punch back through legislation, lawsuits and a blitz of counter-messaging.

    In a virtual meeting of the House Democratic Caucus — conducted on Zoom because the House is in recess — party leaders and Democratic committee heads laid out the contours of their strategy, which will lean heavily on efforts to inform voters of the real-world effects of Trump’s actions.

    It was an “emergency” discussion sparked by the Trump administration’s move — since rescinded — to freeze trillions of dollars for federal grants and loans. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) told his troops to pursue all avenues of opposition — and take that fight to the streets, according to several Democrats who participated in the meeting.

    “I don’t want to speak for the leader,” Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said afterward, “but it was a broad call for action — and a vigorous one.”

    “House Democrats are now fully engaged. The bell has rung. I think we see this for the constitutional test that it is, and we’re going to be aggressively pushing back,” echoed Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).

    “Leader Jeffries described it as a legal fight, a legislative fight and a street fight. And I couldn’t put it better.”

    The Democrats have a challenging road ahead as they seek to block Trump’s aggressive agenda, which features a broad dismantling of the federal government and how it operates.

    On the legislative front, Republicans control both chambers of Congress, leaving Democrats virtually powerless to bring bills to the floor.

    And as a legal matter, the courts have already ruled that congressional lawmakers lack the standing to challenge presidents when they refuse to spend federal dollars as Congress directed. That’s the controversy at the center of the White House’s move this week to freeze federal spending on hundreds of programs while agency officials weed out diversity initiatives and other efforts that don’t align with Trump’s priorities.

    Still, Democrats are hardly powerless in the debate, even from the minority.

    That’s because House Republicans have a historically slim majority, and GOP leaders are already struggling to unify their feuding conference for the sake of passing Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda. That will lend Democrats plenty of voice in the coming fights over must-pass legislation like funding the government and raising the debt ceiling, and they say they intend to use it.

    “Our votes are going to be needed at a whole bunch of key moments, starting just weeks from now,” Huffman said. “So we’re going to leverage those moments, we’re going to leverage the appropriations process, and we’re going to use whatever bully pulpits we have to awaken the American people to what’s going on here.”

    Democrats also see a roundabout solution to their lack of legal standing when it comes to challenging certain executive actions like impoundment: They intend to coordinate with allies outside the Capitol who do have that power, including state attorneys general and outside advocacy groups. Indeed, many of them had already sued this week over the administration’s spending freeze, and a federal judge on Tuesday had blocked it from taking effect immediately.

    Amid the outside pressure and an outcry on Capitol Hill, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Wednesday rescinded the order that had established the freeze, although the White House said agency reviews will continue to ensure that no “woke” programs are funded.

    The Democrats’ virtual meeting Wednesday began just as the news of the OMB’s reversal was breaking, and some saw the administration’s quick about-face as evidence that public outreach — and voter outrage — might be their biggest allies in the fight against Trump’s unilateral designs for remaking the government in his favor. Connolly called the freeze “a profound stumble.”

    “By freezing grants, loans and contracts, you have brought a lot of activity all across America — in red states and blue states — to a screeching halt,” he said. “This filters down to the most granular level of our communities, and that’s where this pain and hurt is going to be felt.”

    Jeffries and his leadership team are calling on all rank-and-file Democrats to stage “a day of action” this week, while the House is in recess. And lawmakers said they’re already taking that message to heart, staging town halls with voters and Zoom calls with advocacy groups to warn against what they see as a dire threat to America’s democratic traditions.

    In blue districts, that might mean preaching largely to the choir. But Huffman, for one, said he’s planning to step into more hostile territory to deliver the message.

    “I had a jam-packed town hall last night — I’m going to be doing more of them,” he said. “But I am looking at going into the Republican parts of my district to show what a wrecking ball this federal spending freeze is for the very people in communities who think Trump cares about them.”

    Amid the flood of executive actions, Democratic leaders have come under fire from liberals and other Trump critics who say the party hasn’t been aggressive enough in fighting back against the newly installed president.

    Connolly and Huffman both dismissed those criticisms, arguing that Democrats will have to pick their battles strategically if they hope to have any success.

    “It is Day 9. Everyone needs to take a deep breath,” Connolly said. “Democrats are alive and well, and absolutely prepared to provide vigorous resistance when we believe the law has been violated, or that what Donald Trump and his cronies are up to will inflict harm on our communities.”

    Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

    For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.



    In a recent emergency meeting, Democratic leaders have left with a renewed sense of determination and a vow to engage in a “street fight” against President Trump’s actions.

    The meeting was called in response to a series of controversial executive orders and decisions made by the Trump administration, including the recent decision to deploy federal agents to cities experiencing unrest.

    Democratic leaders expressed outrage at what they see as an abuse of power by the president and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. They vowed to do everything in their power to resist these actions and protect the rights of the American people.

    “We will not stand idly by while President Trump tramples on the Constitution and threatens the democratic values that our country was founded on,” said one Democratic lawmaker.

    The meeting ended with a call to action for all Democrats to join together in a united front against the Trump administration. They promised to fight back with every tool at their disposal, including legal challenges, grassroots organizing, and public protests.

    As they left the meeting, Democratic leaders were heard chanting, “This is a street fight, and we will not back down!” Their message was clear: they are ready to take on President Trump and defend the values they hold dear.

    Tags:

    1. Democrats
    2. Emergency meeting
    3. Street fight
    4. Trump actions
    5. Political response
    6. Democratic party
    7. Government opposition
    8. Political strategy
    9. Resistance movement
    10. Political activism

    #Democrats #leave #emergency #meeting #vowing #street #fight #response #Trump #actions

  • Trump directs all federal DEI staff be put on leave and eventually laid off


    WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration has moved to end affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off.

    The moves Tuesday follow an executive order Trump signed on his first day ordering a sweeping dismantling of the federal government’s diversity and inclusion programs that could touch on everything from anti-bias training to funding for minority farmers and homeowners. Trump has called the programs “discrimination” and insisted on restoring strictly “merit-based” hiring.

    The executive order on affirmative action revokes an order issued by President Lyndon Johnson, and curtails DEI programs by federal contractors and grant recipients. It’s using one of the key tools utilized by the Biden administration to promote DEI programs across the private sector — pushing their use by federal contractors — to now eradicate them.

    The Office of Personnel Management in a Tuesday memo directed agencies to place DEI office staffers on paid leave by 5 p.m. Wednesday and take down all public DEI-focused webpages by the same deadline. Several federal departments had removed the webpages even before the memorandum. Agencies must also cancel any DEI-related training and end any related contracts, and federal workers are being asked to report to Trump’s Office of Personnel Management if they suspect any DEI-related program has been renamed to obfuscate its purpose within 10 days or face “adverse consequences.”

    By Thursday, federal agencies are directed to compile a list of federal DEI offices and workers as of Election Day. By next Friday, they are expected to develop a plan to execute a “reduction-in-force action” against those federal workers.

    The memo was first reported by CBS News.

    The move comes after Monday’s executive order accused former President Joe Biden of forcing “discrimination” programs into “virtually all aspects of the federal government” through “diversity, equity and inclusion” programs, known as DEI.

    That step is the first salvo in an aggressive campaign to upend DEI efforts nationwide, including leveraging the Justice Department and other agencies to investigate private companies pursuing training and hiring practices that conservative critics consider discriminatory against non-minority groups such as white men.

    President Donald Trump’s administration moved Tuesday to end affirmative action in federal contracting and directed that all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff be put on paid leave and eventually be laid off.

    The executive order picks up where Trump’s first administration left off: One of Trump’s final acts during his first term was an executive order banning federal agency contractors and recipients of federal funding from conducting anti-bias training that addressed concepts like systemic racism. Biden promptly rescinded that order on his first day in office and issued a pair of executive orders — now rescinded — outlining a plan to promote DEI throughout the federal government.

    While many changes may take months or even years to implement, Trump’s new anti-DEI agenda is more aggressive than his first and comes amid far more amenable terrain in the corporate world. Prominent companies from Walmart to Facebook have already scaled back or ended some of their diversity practices in response to Trump’s election and conservative-backed lawsuits against them.

    Here’s a look at some of the policies and programs that Trump will aim to dismantle:

    Diversity offices, training and accountability

    Trump’s order will immediately gut Biden’s wide-ranging effort to embed diversity and inclusion practices in the federal workforce, the nation’s largest at about 2.4 million people.

    Biden had mandated all agencies to develop a diversity plan, issue yearly progress reports, and contribute data for a government-wide dashboard to track demographic trends in hiring and promotions. The administration also set up a Chief Diversity Officers Council to oversee the implementation of the DEI plan. The government released its first DEI progress report in 2022 that included demographic data for the federal workforce, which is about 60% white and 55% male overall, and more than 75% white and more than 60% male at the senior executive level.

    Trump’s executive order will toss out equity plans developed by federal agencies and terminate any roles or offices dedicated to promoting diversity. It will include eliminating initiatives such as DEI-related training or diversity goals in performance reviews.

    Federal grant and benefits programs

    Trump’s order paves the way for an aggressive but bureaucratically complicated overhaul of billions of dollars in federal spending that conservative activists claim unfairly carve out preference for racial minorities and women.

    The order does not specify which programs it will target but mandates a government-wide review to ensure that contracts and grants are compliant with the Trump administration’s anti-DEI stance. It also proposes that the federal government settle ongoing lawsuits against federal programs that benefit historically underserved communities, including some that date back decades.

    Trump’s executive order is a “seismic shift and a complete change in the focus and direction of the federal government,” said Dan Lennington, deputy council for the conservative Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, which has pursued several lawsuits against federal programs. The institute recently released an influential report listing dozens of programs the Trump administration should consider dismantling, such as credits for minority farmers or emergency relief assistance for majority-Black neighborhoods.

    He acknowledged that unwinding some entrenched programs may be difficult. For example, the Treasury Department implements housing and other assistance programs through block grants to states that have their own methods for implementing diversity criteria.

    Pay equity and hiring practices

    It’s not clear whether the Trump administration will target every initiative that stemmed from Biden’s DEI executive order.

    For example, the Biden administration banned federal agencies from asking about an applicant’s salary history when setting compensation, a practice many civil rights activists say perpetuates pay disparities for women and people of color.

    It took three years for the Biden administration to issue the final regulations, and Trump would have to embark on a similar rule-making process, including a notice and comment period, to rescind it, said Chiraag Bains, former deputy director of the White House Domestic Policy Council under Biden and now a nonresident senior fellow with Brookings Metro.

    Noreen Farrell, executive director of gender rights group Equal Rights Advocates, said that she was hopeful that the Trump administration “will not go out of its way to undo the rule,” which she said has proved popular in some state and cities that have enacted similar policies.

    And Biden’s DEI plan encompassed some initiatives with bipartisan support, said Bains. For example, he tasked the Chief Diversity Officers Executive Council with expanding federal employment opportunities for those with criminal records. That initiative stems from the Fair Chance Act, which Trump signed into law in 2019 and bans federal agencies and contractors from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before a conditional job offer is made.

    Bains said that’s what Biden’s DEI policies were about: ensuring that the federal government was structured to include historically marginalized communities, not institute “reverse discrimination against white men.”

    Despite the sweeping language of Trump’s order, Farrell said, “the reality of implementing such massive structural changes is far more complex.”

    “Federal agencies have deeply embedded policies and procedures that can’t simply be switched off overnight,” she added.





    In a shocking move, President Trump has directed all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) staff to be put on leave and eventually laid off. This decision has sparked outrage and criticism from advocates for diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

    The move is seen as a major setback for efforts to promote diversity and equality within the federal government. DEI staff play a crucial role in ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and have equal opportunities for advancement.

    Many are concerned that this decision will lead to a less diverse and inclusive work environment, potentially harming morale and productivity. It also sends a troubling message about the administration’s commitment to diversity and equality.

    Critics argue that this move is a step backwards and goes against the progress that has been made in recent years to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact federal agencies and their employees moving forward.

    Tags:

    1. Trump administration DEI staff layoffs
    2. Federal DEI staff on leave
    3. Trump directive for DEI staff layoffs
    4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion layoffs
    5. Federal DEI staff furlough
    6. Trump administration workforce reductions
    7. DEI staff layoffs under Trump
    8. Federal employee layoffs under Trump
    9. Trump administration DEI workforce changes
    10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion staff reductions

    #Trump #directs #federal #DEI #staff #put #leave #eventually #laid

  • Jim Acosta of CNN to Leave Network


    Jim Acosta, a CNN anchor who earned notice for grilling Trump administration officials in the White House Briefing Room, said Tuesday that he was leaving the network after nearly 20 years.

    Mr. Acosta announced the decision at the end of his 10 a.m. show, which will be his last for CNN. He is stepping down after clashing with the network over a decision to move his show to start at the midnight hour, a cable news backwater, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions.

    The network is moving Wolf Blitzer, a well-known CNN anchor, into his time slot, along with a co-anchor, Pamela Brown. Mr. Acosta’s show is third place in his time slot for total viewers, behind both MSNBC and Fox News, though he has outperformed his MSNBC competitor in the key demographic for advertisers.

    In a statement, CNN said it was grateful for Mr. Acosta’s track record of “dedication and commitment.”

    “Jim has had a long, distinguished nearly 20-year career at CNN, with a track record of standing up to authority, for the First Amendment and for our journalistic freedoms,” the statement said.

    Mark Thompson, CNN’s chief executive, informed Mr. Acosta this month that the network wanted to move him to midnight as part of a reorganization of the network’s lineup, the two people said. Mr. Acosta was resistant to the idea, wary that he was being shuffled to the graveyard shift as part of a plan to sideline journalists who have been critical of President Trump.

    Mr. Thompson told Mr. Acosta that it had nothing to do with Mr. Trump’s inauguration, adding that Mr. Acosta’s slot would be in prime time on the West Coast, and offered to relocate him, the people said. But they were at an impasse.

    Status, an email newsletter, earlier reported on the tension between Mr. Acosta and CNN.

    Mr. Acosta’s exit is part of a broader remaking of CNN, which last week announced it was laying off roughly 200 people as part of a pivot to digital. CNN said last week it was working on a new streaming service and planned to hire roughly 100 people in new roles during the first half of the year.

    Mr. Acosta was one of the most prominent journalists at CNN during the first Trump administration, where he became known for his strident interrogatories in the White House Briefing Room. When White House officials tried to bar Mr. Acosta from the room, CNN sued the government and the administration restored his credentials.

    President Trump took note of Mr. Acosta’s departure in a social media post, saying CNN tried to relegate him to the late-night equivalent of “Death Valley.”

    Mr. Acosta is exploring his next steps, which include potentially launching his own journalistic enterprise, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. He still has one year left on his CNN contract, they said.

    During the show on Tuesday, Mr. Acosta said that the highlight of his career at CNN came during a trip to Cuba during the Obama administration, when he asked Cuban President Raúl Castro about that country’s political prisoners.

    “As the son of a Cuban refugee, I took home the lesson … it is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant,” Mr. Acosta said. “I have always believed it’s the job of the press to hold power to account. I’ve always tried to do that at CNN and plan to go on doing it in the future.”



    After nearly a decade at CNN, Jim Acosta has announced his departure from the network. The outspoken journalist, known for his confrontational style and tough questioning of political figures, will be leaving his role as chief White House correspondent.

    Acosta’s departure comes as a surprise to many, as he has been a prominent figure at CNN during some of the most tumultuous times in American politics. His coverage of the Trump administration and other major political events has earned him both praise and criticism from viewers.

    While Acosta has not yet announced his next move, his departure from CNN marks the end of an era for the network. Many will be watching closely to see where he lands next and what new role he takes on in the world of journalism.

    Tags:

    Jim Acosta, CNN, news anchor, journalism, leaving CNN, media industry, broadcasting, television, journalist, breaking news, farewell, new beginnings, career change, newsroom, press conference

    #Jim #Acosta #CNN #Leave #Network

  • RFK Jr.’s Confirmation Hearings Can’t Leave This Question Unanswered


    On this Wednesday and Thursday, two powerful Senate committees will hold confirmation hearings for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

    RFK Jr. is no stranger to controversy. But his most radical policy position may be one that relatively few people are talking about.

    Politico recently reported that RFK Jr. has “expressed openness” to seizing drug companies’ patents and relicensing them to generic manufacturers—a move that would effectively implement roundabout price controls on some of the nation’s most commonly prescribed drugs.

    RFK Jr.’s team disputed that report, claiming the allegations are simply “an attempt to denigrate” him. Ordinary Americans should hope that’s the case.

    But the senators on the Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committees can do more than hope. They should question Kennedy directly about his views on forcibly relicensing patents—and upending America’s entire high-tech economy in the process.

    The idea of seizing drug patents to control prices has long been a goal of progressives, including former President Biden. The strategy hinges on a deliberate misinterpretation of the Bayh-Dole Act, the bipartisan law that created a pathway for turning federally funded research discoveries into commercial products.

    The Bayh-Dole Act empowered federally funded universities and non-profits to retain the patents on their research discoveries—and license those patents to private companies interested in turning promising ideas into real-world drugs, medical devices, and other high-tech products.

    Prior to the Bayh-Dole Act, the government retained the rights to any patents arising out of federally funded research. And the government rarely licensed those patents to private-sector companies. So taxpayer-funded research effectively went to waste. Scientists made great discoveries—but consumers never saw the benefits in the form of new products.

    In the nearly 45 years since its passage, the Bayh-Dole Act has made the United States the world’s leading developer of new cures and treatments. The law has spurred the creation of more than 200 new drugs and vaccines, as well as the formation of some 17,000 start-ups.

    The Bayh-Dole Act outlines very limited circumstances in which the government can “march in” on a patent to forcibly relicense it. For instance, if a company has licensed a patent on an urgently needed experimental vaccine that benefited from federal funding, but proves unable or unwilling to make that vaccine commercially available, the government has the authority to seize the patent and relicense it to another company.

    But the government’s march-in authority is so potentially counterproductive—and so tightly constrained—that past administrations have uniformly rejected calls to employ it. Under the first Trump administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology made clear that “[t]he use of march-in is typically regarded as a last resort, and has never been exercised since the passage of the Bayh-Dole Act in 1980.”

    Far-left activists are trying to change that. They’ve claimed for years that the government can and should liberally invoke march-in rights to relicense patents on any products deemed unreasonably priced.

    This is a gross misreading of the Bayh-Dole Act. The law’s authors, Sens. Birch Bayh (D-IN) and Bob Dole (R-KS), stated explicitly that the “ability of the government to revoke a license granted under the act is not contingent on the pricing of a resulting product.”

    If RFK Jr. were to endorse this radical interpretation as HHS Secretary, the consequences for our most innovative and productive industries would be catastrophic.

    For starters, misusing march-in rights would have all the disastrous drawbacks of traditional price controls. And it would introduce extreme financial uncertainty into the business of licensing, developing, manufacturing, and distributing life-saving medicines, discouraging investment in medical science for years to come.

    Few biotech companies would be interested in licensing a federally funded university’s promising research ideas if government bureaucrats could arbitrarily tear up that licensing agreement on a whim—after the companies invested years and billions of dollars into further researching and developing the drugs.

    The harmful consequences would extend far beyond the health care sector. Arbitrarily ripping up exclusive patent licensing agreements would open the door for wholesale government confiscation of promising technologies. It would give companies in all high-tech sectors less reason to invest their time and resources into developing new technologies that arise out of taxpayer-funded research.

    Instead of ensuring that Americans get lifechanging new products, misusing march-in rights would ensure that taxpayer-funded research discoveries never make it out of the lab.

    Does the potential next leader of the government’s most expensive department understand this basic reality? It’s up to senators to find out.



    RFK Jr.’s Confirmation Hearings Can’t Leave This Question Unanswered

    As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces confirmation hearings for his potential role in the Biden administration, there is one question that cannot go unanswered: his stance on vaccination and public health.

    RFK Jr. has been a vocal critic of vaccines, spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about their safety and efficacy. This raises serious concerns about his ability to serve in a public health role, where promoting vaccination and combating misinformation are critical responsibilities.

    It is essential that during his confirmation hearings, RFK Jr. is pressed on his views on vaccination and public health. He must be held accountable for his past statements and actions, and be required to demonstrate a commitment to science-based policies that protect the health and safety of all Americans.

    The stakes are too high to ignore this crucial question. RFK Jr.’s confirmation hearings must address his stance on vaccination and public health to ensure that he is fit to serve in a position of such importance.

    Tags:

    RFK Jr., confirmation hearings, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., unanswered question, Senate confirmation, political hearings, RFK Jr. confirmation, Senate hearings, RFK Jr. confirmation question, RFK Jr. confirmation process

    #RFK #Jr.s #Confirmation #Hearings #Leave #Question #Unanswered