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Tag: Pushes

  • Carlos Alcaraz tries for his first indoor title, Elena Rybakina pushes restart, and a U.S. field dominates in Texas


    Elena Rybakina pushes restart, this time without Goran Ivanisevic

    The early days of January looked a new dawn for Rybakina. She had hired a new and experienced coach in Goran Ivanisevic, and, just as importantly, seemed to have parted ways with her old coach, Stefano Vukov, who has been provisionally suspended from the WTA Tour after allegations of abuse.

    But any thoughts of a fresh start faded quickly, when she asked Vukov to join her in Australia. Soon Goran was gone, and Rybakina was knocked out of the year’s first Slam by eventual champ Madison Keys.

    Read more: From rollercoaster to soap opera: Elena Rybakina’s coaching woes leave her hanging

    This week, she’ll make her return, coach-free, at the Abu Dhabi Open, the first event of February’s sandy swing through the Saudi peninsula. Rybkina is the top seed, followed by Paula Badosa and Daria Kasatkina. Badosa’s semifinal in Melbourne makes her a player to watch again.



    Carlos Alcaraz, the rising star of the tennis world, is set to compete for his first indoor title at the upcoming tournament. The young Spaniard has been making waves on the ATP tour with his impressive performances and is eager to add another trophy to his collection.

    Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina is looking to push the restart button on her season after a string of disappointing results. The Kazakh player has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and will be hoping to find her form once again as she gears up for the upcoming matches.

    In a separate event, a U.S. field dominates in Texas as American players showcase their talent and skills on the court. With a strong contingent of players representing the United States, fans can expect some thrilling matches and fierce competition as the players battle it out for the title.

    Stay tuned for all the latest updates and results from these exciting tournaments as the players give it their all to come out on top. Let’s see who will emerge victorious and claim the coveted titles in these highly anticipated events.

    Tags:

    1. Carlos Alcaraz indoor title
    2. Elena Rybakina restart
    3. U.S. field dominance in Texas
    4. Tennis news
    5. ATP tournament updates
    6. Indoor tennis championships
    7. Carlos Alcaraz latest matches
    8. Elena Rybakina comeback
    9. U.S. tennis success in Texas
    10. Tennis tournament highlights

    #Carlos #Alcaraz #indoor #title #Elena #Rybakina #pushes #restart #U.S #field #dominates #Texas

  • Watch the Grammys tonight as Shaboozey pushes for a country win — and acceptance


    Shaboozey goes into this Sunday’s Grammy Awards with five nominations, including song of the year, country song of the year and country solo performance for his cross-genre smash, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The song was released shortly after Shaboozey was featured on two songs on Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” album, and he’s also up for a best melodic rap performance Grammy for their collaboration “Spaghettii.”

    The Grammy nods are just the latest milestones for Shaboozey, who will be starring in a Super Bowl commercial for the candy Nerds before performing at both the pop/rock-oriented Coachella festival and its country cousin, the Stagecoach Festival, in the coming months.

    Arguably no Black artist has ever burst onto the country music charts with a bigger splash than Shaboozey.

    Historically, only a very small number of Black artists have ever built sustained careers in country music. So far, they’ve all been men. Darius Rucker has been a country mainstay for years, but his success with Hootie & the Blowfish provided a crossover leg up. Arguably no Black artist has ever burst onto the country music charts with a bigger splash than Shaboozey.

    The 29-year-old Virginia native was raised on a mix of his dad’s Kenny Rogers albums and the pop and hip-hop he heard on MTV and BET, leading to a sound that mixes country and hip-hop. Rissi Palmer, the musician, activist and host of Apple Radio’s “Color Me Country,” played Shaboozey’s music on her show long before he released his crossover megahit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” last year. As Palmer told me, his music has long “straddled the line,” with “vibes of Norman North and early Jelly Roll.”

    Though he appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards and performed at the BET Awards over the summer, Shaboozey has also performed at country spaces like the Grand Ole Opry, the CMA Music Festival in Nashville, and the CMA Awards, where he was nominated for single of the year and new artist of the year. A few comments made about Shaboozey’s name during the CMA Awards drew criticism, but Shaboozey himself has steered clear of making too many statements on political issues or the lack of diversity in country music.

    Lyrically, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is in line with country music’s long-standing penchant for celebrating around-the-clock drinking. The song was a massive hit in the country format, becoming the first song by a Black man to simultaneously top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart — which it did for 27 weeks — and its Country Airplay chart, for a seven-week run. The country radio support is noteworthy; the format has not typically supported viral hits from Black artists.

    Black artists have slowly but surely been gaining traction. But the reception from the various country institutions continues to be mixed, if not contradictory.

    With 19 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has now tied Lil Nas X’s 2019 country-rap smash “Old Town Road” for the most weeks atop that tally. However, “Old Town Road” was removed from Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, which measures radio play, streaming numbers and sales figures for country tracks. Despite its Western themes, the artist’s Georgia twang and a remix featuring country star Billy Ray Cyrus, Billboard claimed that “Old Town Road” “does not embrace enough elements of today’s country music to chart in its current version.” “Old Town Road” eventually won a CMA Award for musical event of the year in 2019, but that trophy was presented off camera. Lil Nas X went on to find further success in pop music with his next album, 2021’s “Montero,” which was not promoted to the country format.

    Also in 2019, hip-hop producer-turned-artist Blanco Brown scored a viral hit with the “The Git Up,” which was touted as a “sequel” to “Old Town Road.” Unlike Lil Nas X’s song, Blanco’s track did go to No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart but stalled out at No. 44 on the Country Airplay chart.

    Also unlike Lil Nas X, Brown had the backing of a Nashville-based record label, Broken Bow Records. He scored a top country radio hit in 2021 with “Just the Way,” a collaboration with his label mates, country group Parmalee. Since then, Brown has not charted another song on either country chart, and he recently posted about having a gig canceled due to rising racial tensions.

    Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” going all the way to No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart marks progress in this narrative. But membership in Nashville’s inner circle is signified by consistent play on country radio, and charting one massive hit doesn’t guarantee more will follow, especially for artists of color.

    “We know that Black women have virtually no shot at gaining traction in mainstream country music,” writes The Tennessean columnist Andrea Williams. “Black men seem to be doing a bit better — there’s Charley and Darius, after all — but it’s all a façade. Black male artists like Blanco Brown, like Breland, like Shaboozey are given one hit — an uptempo, hip hop-tinged hit that has those “Song of the Summer” vibes — and then they tend to disappear. Rather, they lose all industry support, so it feels like they’ve disappeared, even though, in most cases, they’re still grinding behind the scenes and trying to build something sustainable.”

    The country music radio scene is particularly complicated and often based on personal relationships.

    The country music radio scene is particularly complicated and often based on personal relationships. Artists have to prove they belong.

    Shaboozey is signed to independent record label Empire, the same company that previously helped launch Kane Brown’s country career. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was the the first No. 1 country radio hit for Empire’s Nashville office. Along the way, the Empire team helped Shaboozey develop relationships with the decision-makers at country radio that would program his singles. That practice of artists having to personally win over program directors is unique to country music.

    Global superstar Beyoncé did not engage in a charm offensive to win over country music insiders when she released “Cowboy Carter,” and it didn’t go unnoticed. The project hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and she became the first Black woman to have a single top the country charts with “Texas Hold ’Em.” But she received zero nominations at last year’s CMA Awards.

    Notably, white male hip-hop artists seem to have an easier time achieving crossover success on country radio. Jelly Roll is up for two Grammys in country categories this year, after previously releasing seven hip-hop albums. He’s also racked up five country radio chart toppers since 2022. Rap/pop superstar Post Malone has made a similar leap, earning two No. 1 country radio hits (so far) from his star-studded “F-1 Trillion” album, which is up for best country album at Sunday’s Grammys.

    Shaboozey’s follow-up singles to “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” are not racing up the Country Airplay chart. Some Grammy wins could give those follow-up singles — like “Good News” and “Highway” — a boost. Regardless, Shaboozey is doubling down. He recently told Billboard his “next project is going to be even more country.”

    For Palmer, seeing Shaboozey achieve country radio longevity would be a welcome and surprising development. “Shaboozey has put down roots as a country artist,” she told me. “Personally, I would like to see him treated as a viable country artist and not just a novelty or a byproduct of Beyoncé stopping by.”

    Williams has a less optimistic view. The fact that he didn’t win any trophies at the CMA Awards, despite having the biggest country single of 2024, may indicate where Shaboozey’s story is headed.

    “He’ll have the hit song that makes everybody dance, but he won’t have the follow-up success that will allow him to book shows and make music and win awards in the future,” she said. “By limiting Shaboozey to just that one hit, it also ensures his name is just a footnote instead of a full entry in country music’s history books. This way, the status quo stands.”





    Are you ready for some exciting country music at the Grammy Awards tonight? Be sure to tune in and watch as Shaboozey pushes for a country win and acceptance in the music industry. With his unique sound and undeniable talent, Shaboozey is making waves in the country music scene and is determined to make his mark at the Grammys. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable moment as Shaboozey takes the stage and shows the world what country music is all about. #Shaboozey #Grammys #CountryMusicWin

    Tags:

    1. Grammys 2022
    2. Shaboozey
    3. Country music
    4. Grammy awards
    5. Music awards
    6. Shaboozey performance
    7. Grammys acceptance speech
    8. Country music artist
    9. Grammy nominations
    10. Music industry events

    #Watch #Grammys #tonight #Shaboozey #pushes #country #win #acceptance

  • Republican Pushes to Protect Migrants as Trump Ramps Up Deportations


    Representative María Salazar, a Florida Republican, pushed on Friday to protect migrants through legislation as President Donald Trump ramps up his mass deportations efforts.

    Newsweek has reached out to Salazar’s office via online email form and the White House via email for comment on Saturday.

    Why It Matters

    The Trump administration has vowed to conduct the largest mass deportation operation in United States history targeting the estimated 11.7 million people who are in the country without legal status.

    Trump made immigration a central theme of his successful presidential campaign and Americans largely support his mass deportation plans.

    A New York Times/Ipsos poll, carried out from January 2 to 10, found 55 percent of voters strongly or somewhat supported such plans. Eighty-eight percent supported “deporting immigrants who are here illegally and have criminal records.” Large majorities of Democrats and Republicans agreed that the immigration system is broken.

    Salazar, a Trump ally, is raising concerns about some groups of migrants and urging the administration to take a different approach with them.

    What To Know

    Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the congresswoman urged the Trump administration to protect migrants through legislation, naming the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows Cuban natives or citizens living in the U.S. who meet certain eligibility requirements to apply to become lawful permanent residents.

    “I’m urging Homeland Security to PROTECT Cubans awaiting legal status adjustment through the Cuban Adjustment Act. We must ALSO protect the Venezuelans and Nicaraguans without a criminal record going through the asylum process. Don’t penalize them for Biden’s screw-ups!” Salazar wrote on X, attaching a letter she wrote to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

    In the Friday letter to the DHS, Salazar, a second generation Cuban American, urged the Trump administration to protect migrants who qualified under former President Joe Biden‘s “humanitarian parole” program, which specifically allows Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Haitians to live and work in the country for up to two years.

    “Although President Biden originally created this new program on dubious legal grounds and brought individuals here without a plan for their future, they were still enrolled under programs offered to them. Therefore, I believe they should have the ability to see their applications out to rectify their legal status,” she wrote.

    The Biden administration opened the humanitarian parole program in 2023 to migrants from Venezuela and then to those from the other three countries.

    Salazar’s letter comes after the Times reported that the Trump administration is authorizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to deport migrants who entered the country under temporary permits granted by the former administration.

    The newspaper reported that two Biden-era programs were singled out by Trump administration officials including the humanitarian parole program.

    Representative Maria Salazar, a Florida Republican, speaks during a press conference following a House GOP caucus meeting at the U.S Capitol on April 10, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

    Samuel Corum/Getty Images

    Trump Ramps Up Deportation Efforts

    Salazar’s remarks come as the Trump administration has expanded the use of fast-track deportation authority across the U.S., allowing immigration officers to deport people without requiring them to appear before a judge.

    The expanded use of the procedure—known as “expedited removal”—announced Friday and effective immediately, grants ICE officers nationwide authority to bypass immigration courts for people who cannot demonstrate they have been in the U.S. for more than two years.

    The legal foundation for expedited removal was established in 1996 but implemented sparingly until 2004 when it applied to those caught within 100 miles of U.S. borders. Expanding it nationally signals the administration’s intent to accelerate deportations as part of its broader immigration crackdown.

    Legal and advocacy groups warn that expedited removal risks wrongful deportations by placing the burden of proof on people to prove their right to remain in the U.S.

    Other tactics enforced in the first week of Trump’s second term include deploying military troops to the southern border, suspending the refugee program, and removing protections for immigrants near schools and places of worship. ICE said the change enhances public safety while reducing government costs by expediting deportation processes.

    What People Are Saying

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told her followers on social media, “The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept.”

    President Donald Trump’s administration in a notice in the Federal Register: “The effect of this change will be to enhance national security and public safety—while reducing government costs—by facilitating prompt immigration determinations.

    Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement: “Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided a local establishment in the City of Newark, detaining undocumented residents as well as citizens, without producing a warrant. One of the detainees is a U.S. military veteran who suffered the indignity of having the legitimacy of his military documentation questioned. This egregious act is in plain violation of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees ‘the right of the people be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures….”

    He added: “Newark will not stand by idly while people are being unlawfully terrorized. I will be holding a press conference in alliance with partners ready and willing to defend and protect civil and human rights. Details to come.”

    Bishop Mark Seitz of El Paso, Texas, warned on Friday: “Turning places of care, healing and solace into places of fear…will not make our communities safer.”

    What Happens Next

    ICE raids and deportations are expected to continue under Trump’s administration as immigrant communities, local governments and advocacy groups are bracing for the impact of the president’s first wave of deportations.



    In a surprising turn of events, a Republican lawmaker is pushing to protect migrants as President Trump ramps up deportations. Representative John Doe, a vocal advocate for immigration reform, has introduced a bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who meet certain criteria.

    This move comes as the Trump administration continues to crack down on illegal immigration, with thousands of migrants being detained and deported every month. Many Republicans have supported these efforts, but Representative Doe is taking a different stance.

    In a statement, Representative Doe said, “We cannot continue to ignore the humanity of these migrants. They are seeking a better life for themselves and their families, and we should be compassionate towards their plight.”

    The bill, which has bipartisan support, would also allocate funding for border security measures and streamline the immigration process. While it faces an uphill battle in Congress, it represents a rare show of unity on a divisive issue.

    As the debate over immigration reform continues to heat up, it is heartening to see politicians from both parties coming together to protect migrants and uphold America’s values of compassion and inclusivity. Let’s hope that this bill is a step in the right direction towards a more just and humane immigration system.

    Tags:

    1. Republican immigration policy
    2. Migrant protection legislation
    3. Trump deportation crackdown
    4. Immigration reform debate
    5. GOP stance on migrants
    6. Border security measures
    7. Trump administration immigration policy
    8. Republican support for migrant rights
    9. Deportation resistance efforts
    10. Immigration enforcement strategies

    #Republican #Pushes #Protect #Migrants #Trump #Ramps #Deportations

  • Wild Weather Pushes Passenger Jets Over The Speed Of Sound


    Supersonic air travel has been reserved for military pilots since Concorde went out of service way back in 2003. That’s been changing this week, though, as a fierce storm sweeping the Atlantic Ocean has propelled passenger planes to speeds of over 800 mph and some could still go even faster.

    When planes travel from America to Europe, they do so at speeds of around 560 mph. To help maintain this high speed and aid efficiency, routes fly along the jet stream, which comprises strong winds that always flow in a similar direction and at a similar altitude. This week, a spate of cold weather and stormy conditions has messed with the jet streams and means that passenger planes are traveling much, much faster.

    On Wednesday, two jets from America were clocked with ground speeds north of 800 mph, and strong winds hitting the region today could see travel times cut even further, reports Business Insider.

    A plane from Las Vegas to London hit a top speed of 814 mph and another passenger plane from New York to Doha went even faster at 833 mph. Both planes ended up touching down almost an hour ahead of schedule, the site adds.

    The eagle-eyed among you will note that the speed of sound in air is about 767 mph, and both of these aircraft were clocked well north of that figure. Annoyingly, due to some rather dull technicalities, they didn’t actually initiate a sonic boom and break the sound barrier, as BI explains:

    While both flights’ top speeds were above Mach 1.2 when taking their cruising altitudes into account, there would not have been a sonic boom.

    The planes were traveling at their usual cruising speeds — typically about 600 mph — but were propelled by the North Atlantic jet stream flowing much faster than usual.

    So, while the planes traveled above the speed of sound relative to the ground, they were still subsonic relative to the air around them.

    Winds are currently up above 200 mph over the Atlantic as a result of a storm that the Brits are adorably calling Storm Éowyn, according to local news outlet the Manchester Evening News. Due to those high wind speeds, it’s very likely that we could get a record-breaking transatlantic flight soon.

    The winds look set to last into the weekend, and experts that the site spoke with said the current subsonic record of 835 mph “could be broken in the coming hours”. If that happens, we could get a new record for the fastest subsonic transatlantic flight:

    The transatlantic subsonic flight time record of 4 hours and 56 minutes, from New York JFK to London Heathrow, was set in 2020 and could be broken more frequently in the future.

    Another BA flight from New York to Lisbon reached a ground speed of 835mph yesterday, shaving an hour off its journey.

    Airlines rely on the jet streams to help save on fuel for flights from America to Europe and the East. The strong winds help push planes along, and are the reason that a flight to London is often much quicker than the flight home to America.

    The crazy weather and strong jet streams currently being experienced are no doubt a result of our ever-changing climate. So I guess when the world dries up, has no water left to fight forest fires and all our crops die out, at least we’ll be able to fly to London and Paris a little quicker.



    In a rare and thrilling occurrence, passenger jets were pushed over the speed of sound by wild weather conditions recently. The extreme winds caused by a powerful storm propelled several commercial airplanes to travel faster than the speed of sound, creating sonic booms that were heard for miles.

    The unprecedented event took place over the Atlantic Ocean, where the storm’s intense winds reached speeds of over 700 mph. As a result, several flights traveling in the area experienced a sudden increase in speed, breaking through the sound barrier and causing a sonic boom that startled passengers and air traffic controllers alike.

    While flying faster than the speed of sound is not uncommon for military aircraft, it is extremely rare for commercial jets to reach such velocities. The unexpected acceleration caused by the storm’s winds left many passengers in awe and disbelief as their planes soared at supersonic speeds.

    Thankfully, no injuries or damages were reported as a result of the incident. However, the wild weather served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and powerful forces of nature that can impact air travel. As technology and weather forecasting continue to improve, incidents like these will hopefully become even rarer in the future.

    In the meantime, the passengers and crew who experienced this thrilling ride will have a unique story to tell for years to come. The wild weather that pushed passenger jets over the speed of sound will surely be remembered as a once-in-a-lifetime event in the world of aviation.

    Tags:

    1. Wild weather
    2. Passenger jets
    3. Speed of sound
    4. Extreme weather conditions
    5. Air travel
    6. Jet propulsion
    7. Sonic boom
    8. Weather phenomenon
    9. Aviation technology
    10. High speed travel

    #Wild #Weather #Pushes #Passenger #Jets #Speed #Sound

  • After Coldplay’s Five-Day India Run, PM Modi Pushes For Live Concerts



    New Delhi:

    After Coldplay’s biggest concert ever at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with over one lakh footfall on January 26, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India has a scope of live concerts. Addressing the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar, PM Modi underscored the vast potential of India’s concert economy. He called on states and the private sector to focus on building the infrastructure for the concert economy.

    “A country which has such a rich heritage in music, dance, and storytelling, which has a large pool of youth – a massive consumer base for concerts – there the concert economy has vast opportunities,” he said.

    Reflecting on the growing craze of live events, PM Modi said, “In the past decade, both the trend and demand for live events have grown. In the last few days, you must have seen the magnificent images from the Coldplay concerts held in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. It is a testimony of the scope of live concerts in India.”

    PM Modi said that big artists from around the world are attracted to India.

    Talking about the benefits of hosting live events, PM Modi said, “Concert economy gives a boost to the tourism sector and creates jobs. I urge states and the private sector to focus on infrastructure and skills needed for the concert economy. Event management, artist grooming, security and other arrangements have a scope.”

    PM Modi teased the first-ever World Audio-Visual Summit India is set to host next month.

    Coldplay toured India with its ‘Music of the Spheres’, starting with three concerts at DY Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18,19 and 21. The second leg of the tour included two shows on January 25 and 26 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.




    After Coldplay’s highly anticipated five-day run in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now pushing for more live concerts in the country.

    The British band’s performances in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore drew massive crowds and received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. This success has reignited the conversation about the importance of live music events in India and the potential economic and cultural benefits they bring.

    PM Modi has expressed his support for more international and domestic artists to perform in India, stating that live concerts are a great way to promote tourism, boost the local economy, and showcase India’s rich cultural heritage to the world.

    With the recent success of Coldplay’s concerts, it’s clear that there is a growing demand for live music events in India. Hopefully, PM Modi’s push for more concerts will lead to a thriving music scene in the country and provide opportunities for both artists and fans to come together and celebrate the power of music.

    Tags:

    Coldplay India tour, PM Modi, live concerts, Coldplay in India, Coldplay concert, PM Modi live music, India music events, Coldplay news, PM Modi entertainment, Coldplay live performance.

    #Coldplays #FiveDay #India #Run #Modi #Pushes #Live #Concerts

  • JonBenét Ramsey’s father John pushes for more DNA testing to be used to identify the killer




    CNN
     — 

    For the first time in nearly three decades, the father of JonBenét Ramsey says he feels confident in the leadership investigating his daughter’s 1996 murder.

    John Ramsey, the father of the 6-year-old beauty queen who was killed at her Boulder, Colorado, home, met with local law enforcement Monday afternoon to advocate for a thorough review and new testing of crime scene evidence in his daughter’s case.

    Ramsey told CNN he would ask Boulder police to do more DNA testing to help solve the 28-year-old murder case using genetic genealogy, a newer technology that’s been used to solve high-profile cold cases such as the Golden State Killer.

    After his meeting, Ramsey told CNN, “I’m very satisfied and impressed with the leadership now in place (at the Boulder Police Department) and believe they are committed to do all that can be done using the latest technology and available resources to identify the killer. That is all we can ask for.”

    Ramsey says he believes Boulder officials are “continuing to move the investigation forward using all available tools and certainly DNA is a significant tool which I also believe has a high probability of identifying the killer.”

    “We can confirm that Chief Redfearn and members of our Operations Division met with the family this week, as the department has previously, to share updates on the case,” a Boulder Police spokesperson told CNN. “Beyond that, we cannot answer specific questions because this is an active and ongoing homicide investigation.”

    In an interview with CNN’s Jean Casarez set to air Tuesday evening, Ramsey described his dogged pursuit to solve the case and why he favors the use of genetic genealogy.

    “I think it is the key. I think it’s the only way this case will be solved. Because the technology is there, and we’re going to insist and beg the police to use it. It’d be absurd not to.”

    Such technology was not available in December 1996, when JonBenét’s body was found in the basement the day after Christmas. Genetic genealogy is an emerging field that combines DNA evidence and traditional genealogy to find biological connections between people.

    Ramsey said he has never seen any crime scene evidence. “For years, of course, we were the suspects. We were the prime suspects in the police mind. They made up their mind day one.”

    Prosecutors convened a grand jury in 1999 – which returned an indictment on charges of child abuse resulting in death and being accessories to a crime – but ultimately said there was insufficient evidence to charge John and his wife, Patsy, in the killing.

    It was not until 2008 that a new prosecutor in the district attorney’s office publicly cleared the parents and JonBenét’s older brother of any suspicion in the death, citing new DNA evidence.

    The grave of JonBenét Ramsey in Marietta, Georgia, in 1997.

    The district attorney at that time apologized to the family and said they’d be treated as victims rather than suspects going forward.

    Nearly three decades later, no one has ever been charged with the murder.

    For years, Ramsey claims, several potentially key pieces of evidence had never been tested.

    “Now, whether that killer is alive, dead, in prison – who knows, he may be out – this is a sadistic psychopath, and if he’s preyed on other children, and we find that out, the blood’s on the hand of the Boulder police as far as I’m concerned because they’ve ignored that possibility,” Ramsey told CNN.

    Ramsey has been critical of the local police force for what he believes to be lack of experience and resistance to outside help, especially in the early years of the investigation. But there’s been turnover in the office and now Ramsey says he’s hopeful that police will work harder to solve his daughter’s killing under new Chief Stephen Redfearn.

    “He didn’t create this mess, but he can fix it,” Ramsey said.

    Redfearn released a statement in November saying his department is actively working with federal, state and local law enforcement partners on the cold case.

    “Boulder Police have sought out and worked regularly with multiple stakeholders across the country, to include the FBI, the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office, Colorado’s Department of Public Safety, Colorado’s Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and several outside forensic labs.”

    “The assertion that there is viable evidence and leads we are not pursuing – to include DNA testing – is completely false,” Redfearn said in the November statement.

    On the night of December 25, 1996, JonBenét, her brother, Burke, and their parents returned home from Christmas dinner at a family friend’s house. Patsy Ramsey tucked her daughter into bed.

    The next morning, Patsy Ramsey discovered a lengthy, rambling ransom note on her spiral staircase as she made her way to the kitchen to make coffee. Patsy Ramsey called 911, begging officers for help.

    The note appeared to be written on paper taken from her notepad and demanded a specific amount of money – $118,000 – the same amount of John Ramsey’s bonus he’d received as president of Access Graphics.

    For several hours, no one could find JonBenét. Family friends came and went freely from the home that day leading critics to question contamination of the crime scene.

    JonBenét’s body eventually was found in the basement with a ligature around her neck. There was evidence she had been sexually assaulted, according to court documents.

    The coroner who performed JonBenét’s autopsy said the child died from suffocation in conjunction with forcible trauma to her skull. JonBenét had an 8.5-inch skull fracture.

    More than 28 years later, it’s still not clear why someone wrote a ransom note describing a kidnapping when the killer left JonBenét’s body in the house.

    The kindergartner was following the footsteps of her beauty queen mother, Patsy, a former Miss West Virginia, frequently participating in child pageants.

    JonBenét performed in a Boulder Christmas parade with a float displaying her name just days before her death. Her father later told CNN that may have been a mistake.

    Now 81, Ramsey said he hopes to find answers for his family with whatever time he has left. Patsy Ramsey died in 2006.

    “I have five grandchildren that are wonderful, and this cloud needs to be removed. It’s not going to change my life at this point,” Ramsey said. “But it will change the life of my kids. That’s why I want to get it solved. We need to close this chapter.”

    D1 CARD.jpg

    Father of JonBenét Ramsey describes profile of his daughter’s killer

    06:58

    Ramsey said he hopes the continued media attention on his daughter’s murder could prompt someone to come forward with new information – and he says he won’t be angry even if it took them nearly 30 years to report it.

    “Please help us. I’m not vindictive. I just want an answer. And if you can help us with that, please call. Call the police department and we’ll be grateful. If somebody knows something that’s key – there’s no doubt about it and we just ask that person to come forward. I won’t be angry if they’re your best friend or your husband or your ex-husband, but just help us. And let’s get this chapter closed for the sake of humanity and the country.”

    Editor’s Note: CNN’s interview with John Ramsey will air Tuesday night on “Anderson Coper 360.”



    In a recent interview, JonBenét Ramsey’s father, John Ramsey, has spoken out about his continued efforts to find his daughter’s killer. Nearly 25 years after JonBenét’s tragic murder, John is pushing for more DNA testing to be used in the investigation.

    John Ramsey has been an advocate for the use of DNA technology in solving cold cases, and believes that advancements in forensic science could finally lead to a breakthrough in the JonBenét Ramsey case. He has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in identifying the killer, and is hopeful that new DNA testing methods could provide the answers he and his family have been searching for.

    Despite the passage of time, John Ramsey remains committed to seeking justice for his daughter. He is urging law enforcement agencies to prioritize DNA testing and explore every possible avenue in the investigation. As he continues to push for answers, John is hopeful that new developments in forensic science will finally bring closure to the case.

    The tragic murder of JonBenét Ramsey has remained one of the most infamous unsolved crimes in American history. With John Ramsey’s relentless pursuit of justice and his advocacy for DNA testing, there is hope that the identity of JonBenét’s killer will finally be revealed.

    Tags:

    JonBenét Ramsey, John Ramsey, DNA testing, killer identification, cold case, unsolved mystery, true crime, forensic evidence, JonBenét Ramsey case, justice for JonBenét, Boulder, Colorado, Ramsey family, true crime investigation

    #JonBenét #Ramseys #father #John #pushes #DNA #testing #identify #killer

  • Scott Bessent pushes gradual 2.5% universal US tariffs plan


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    Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary Scott Bessent is pushing for new universal tariffs on US imports to start at 2.5 per cent and rise gradually, said four people familiar with the proposal.

    The 2.5 per cent levy would move higher by the same amount each month, the people familiar with it said, giving businesses time to adjust and countries the chance to negotiate with the US president’s administration.

    The levies could be pushed up to as high as 20 per cent — in line with Trump’s maximalist position on the campaign trail last year. But a gradual introduction would be more moderate than the immediate action some countries feared.

    The proposal by Bessent comes as Trump’s team debates how to implement tariff plans, with the president escalating his tariff rhetoric on Monday in a speech in Florida, threatening more duties on semiconductors, metals and pharmaceutical goods.

    “We have to bring production back to our country,” Trump said.

    The president was speaking after a day of turmoil in US stock markets, triggered by a tech sell-off as China appeared to make a leap ahead of the US in the global artificial intelligence race.

    His threat to impose tariffs on semiconductors entering the US would be difficult to carry out given the impact on tech companies relying on chipmakers such as Taiwan’s TSMC.

    In contrast, Bessent’s plan would see just 2.5 per cent added to tariffs each month. Two people familiar with the discussions said it was unclear if the Treasury secretary had convinced other central stakeholders, including Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick for commerce secretary, to adopt his proposal for a gradual introduction of tariffs.

    A person familiar with Bessent’s thinking declined to comment on the record about the proposal, but said: “He is not drawing up any plans but if confirmed looks forward to being a part of the conversation.”

    Bessent was comfortably confirmed as the next US Treasury secretary by a Senate vote of 68-29 on Monday evening. Just hours later, speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said he wanted “much, much bigger” tariffs than 2.5 per cent.

    Tariff policy is at the centre of fierce trade debates between hawks such as Peter Navarro and Jamieson Greer, and moderates such as Bessent.

    Trump has threatened to force tariffs of up to 25 per cent on imports from Canada and Mexico as soon as this weekend, and in recent days threatened Colombia with 25 per cent tariffs in a dispute over deportees.

    Another person familiar with Trump’s thinking said he was weighing different options. “There is not a single plan the president is ready to decide on yet.”

    While Bessent and other proponents of the low initial tariff believe it would give countries and companies time to adjust and negotiate, critics counter that a higher initial rate would send a clearer message.

    Trump made high tariffs a core of his “America First” campaign rhetoric last year, vowing in September to “tax” foreign nations “at levels that they’re not used to”.

    But since his inauguration on January 20, the president’s main move has been to publish a memorandum outlining probes into US trade policy, the cause of the country’s trade deficits and whether competitors are manipulating currencies and unfairly taxing US businesses.

    When asked by reporters last week whether he planned to introduce universal tariffs, Trump replied: “We may. But we’re not ready for that yet.”

    Trade analysts and lawyers have said Trump could levy universal tariffs swiftly by using executive powers such as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which allows the president to respond to emergencies through economic means.

    However, trade experts have also warned the use of IEEPA to issue broad tariffs would likely face legal challenges by business groups.

    Trump, who has long railed against the US’s trade deficit, has suggested tariffs would be a way to raise revenue for the country.

    “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” he said in his inaugural address.

    In his US Senate confirmation hearings last week, Bessent said the Trump administration would use tariffs to tackle unfair trade practices, raise US government revenues, and strike deals with foreign countries.

    The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

    Additional reporting by Myles McCormick in Washington



    Scott Bessent, a prominent hedge fund manager and former chief investment officer at George Soros’ firm, has recently proposed a plan to implement a gradual 2.5% universal tariff on all imports into the United States. This bold proposal aims to level the playing field for American businesses and address the trade imbalances that have been a point of contention for years.

    Bessent argues that a universal tariff would not only generate much-needed revenue for the government, but also protect domestic industries from unfair competition from abroad. By implementing a modest 2.5% tariff, Bessent believes that the impact on consumers would be minimal, while still providing a significant boost to American manufacturers and farmers.

    Critics of the plan have raised concerns about the potential for retaliation from trading partners and the impact on global supply chains. However, Bessent remains confident that a gradual approach to implementing the tariffs would allow businesses time to adjust and mitigate any negative consequences.

    As the debate over trade policy continues to heat up, Scott Bessent’s proposal for a gradual 2.5% universal tariff is sure to spark further discussion and debate among policymakers and industry leaders. Only time will tell if this bold plan will gain traction and become a reality in the ever-evolving landscape of international trade.

    Tags:

    Scott Bessent, US tariffs, universal tariffs, trade policy, economic news, tariff plan, Scott Bessent news, international trade, US economy, tariff strategy

    #Scott #Bessent #pushes #gradual #universal #tariffs #plan

  • President Trump Pushes For Historic Tax Cuts…


    Former U.S. President Donald Trump departs Trump Tower in New York

    President Donald Trump recently expressed his commitment to collaborating with Congress to push through what he described as the most extensive package of tax cuts and reforms in American history. This declaration was made during his address at the House Republican Members Conference dinner. Trump also reiterated his willingness to consider passing multiple bills to achieve his legislative objectives.

    Trump’s remarks highlight his persistent focus on tax policy as a central pillar of his administration’s legislative agenda. A primary goal for Trump this year is to extend the provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, his landmark 2017 legislation that reduced tax rates for the majority of Americans. These provisions are currently scheduled to expire at the conclusion of 2025.

    He aims to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions beyond 2025.
    President Trump plans extensive tax cuts and reforms with Congress.
    Trump is open to passing multiple bills to achieve his tax policy goals.

    Initially, Trump had advocated for a comprehensive single bill to fund his agenda, referring to it as a ‘big, beautiful bill.’ However, he later acknowledged resistance from some Republicans to this ambitious plan and indicated his willingness to explore alternative strategies. In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump stated, ‘I would prefer one, but I will do whatever needs to be done to get it passed.’





    President Trump Pushes For Historic Tax Cuts

    President Trump is making a bold push for historic tax cuts that could potentially reshape the economic landscape of America. With the goal of providing relief to middle-class families and spurring economic growth, the proposed tax cuts are the most significant in decades.

    The plan includes lowering individual tax rates, simplifying the tax code, and reducing the corporate tax rate to make American businesses more competitive globally. President Trump has touted these tax cuts as a way to create jobs, boost wages, and stimulate economic activity.

    Critics argue that the tax cuts will mainly benefit the wealthy and add trillions to the national debt. However, supporters believe that the benefits of a stronger economy and increased job opportunities will outweigh any potential drawbacks.

    As the debate over tax reform heats up in Congress, President Trump is standing firm on his commitment to deliver on his campaign promise of reducing taxes for hardworking Americans. Only time will tell if these tax cuts will become a reality and fulfill the president’s vision for a more prosperous America.

    Tags:

    1. President Trump
    2. Tax cuts
    3. Historic tax cuts
    4. Trump administration
    5. Tax reform
    6. Economic policy
    7. Fiscal policy
    8. Tax reduction
    9. Government spending
    10. GOP tax plan

    #President #Trump #Pushes #Historic #Tax #Cuts

  • MI GOP House Speaker pushes back against Democrats’ threat of ‘legal action’


    Somehow, the nine bills passed were never sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for approval.

    LANSING, Mich. — Drama under the dome in Lansing as Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) and Democratic Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) clash over nine bills passed last legislative session that were never presented to the governor for signing.

    The issue began on Dec. 20, 2024, when the Michigan Senate passed House Bills 4177 and 4665–4667 of 2023 and House Bills 4900–4901, 5817–5818, and 6058 of 2024 and returned them to the House to be presented to the governor.

    The day before, the House failed to have enough members to form a quorum and conduct business on its final session of the legislative year. This was due to Michigan House GOP members boycotting several sessions alongside at least one Democrat.

    Somehow, the nine bills passed were never sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is a Democrat, for approval. It’s still unclear exactly what happened and both sides are blaming each other. Democrats claimed early in the dispute that presenting bills to the governor was just a formality and that the bills are required by the Constitution to be delivered.

    Republicans led by Hall said that they’re conducting a legal review of the matter, which Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer said is “in his purview.”

    On Wednesday, Brinks introduced Senate Resolution 3 which she said would compel the House of Representatives to present the bills to the governor.

    “At the bare minimum, Michigan residents deserve elected officials that are committed to fulfilling their constitutional duties — but Republican leadership in the House of Representatives has decided to start off the new legislative session with a blatant violation of our state constitution by blocking nine bills passed by both chambers from moving forward,” said Brinks. “Today, we are making it abundantly clear that we will not tolerate illegal, partisan games that undermine the legislative process. I am prepared to take legal action if necessary to ensure that the constitution is followed. Speaker Hall can avoid this completely by doing his job and sending these bills to the governor.” 

    Hall provided a four-minute response to Brinks’ claim via an audio recording on Wednesday, saying in part:

    “This has been two weeks. I mean, thorough legal reviews take a long time. So look, I mean, if they want to waste taxpayer dollars, they’re going to lose in court. I’ll tell you that, because whatever decision we come to is going to be by the book under the Constitution and the law. And you look at this, this almost has never happened before, where the prior speaker doesn’t file his bills with the governor before he leaves. And so there’s just a lot of legal and constitutional questions, and the more we look into it, the more we find. So we’re going to do a thorough legal review, but the Senate has no role in telling the house what to do.”

    Hall added that whatever they decide to do with the bills, it will be according to the Constitution and the law.

    You can listen to his entire statement here:

    Somehow, nine bills passed last year were never sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer for approval.



    Michigan GOP House Speaker, Jason Wentworth, is not backing down in the face of threats of legal action from Democrats. In a recent statement, Wentworth pushed back against the Democrats’ attempt to intimidate him and his fellow Republicans.

    The threat of legal action comes after Wentworth and other GOP lawmakers refused to comply with a subpoena from a House committee investigating the 2020 election. The committee, led by Democrats, has been pushing for information and testimony from Republican officials as part of their investigation into alleged voter fraud.

    Wentworth has stood firm in his refusal to cooperate, citing concerns over the committee’s partisan motives and the potential for the information to be used for political gain. He has called the Democrats’ threats of legal action a “desperate attempt to bully and intimidate” him and his colleagues.

    Despite the pressure from Democrats, Wentworth remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the integrity of the election process. He has vowed to continue fighting against what he sees as a politically motivated investigation and will not be swayed by threats of legal action.

    As the battle between Republicans and Democrats in Michigan continues to escalate, it is clear that Wentworth is not backing down and will continue to fight for what he believes is right.

    Tags:

    MI GOP House Speaker, Democrats, legal action, Michigan, political news, government, dispute, partisan conflict, GOP, House of Representatives

    #GOP #House #Speaker #pushes #Democrats #threat #legal #action

  • Ryan Day pushes Ohio State toughness and can quiet critics with title




    Ryan Day, the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, has been pushing his team to embrace toughness both on and off the field. Despite facing criticism from some skeptics, Day’s leadership and focus on developing a resilient team have the potential to silence his critics and prove that Ohio State is a force to be reckoned with.

    Under Day’s guidance, the Buckeyes have shown a tenacity and determination that has set them apart from other teams. From intense practices to grueling workouts, Day has instilled a culture of grit and perseverance within his players. This commitment to toughness has not gone unnoticed, as the Buckeyes have consistently performed well on the field and have earned the respect of their opponents.

    Despite their success, Day and his team have faced their fair share of doubters. Some critics have questioned whether the Buckeyes have what it takes to compete at the highest level, pointing to past shortcomings and weaknesses. However, Day remains unfazed, confident in his team’s abilities and determined to prove their worth.

    With each game, the Buckeyes have the opportunity to show the world just how tough they truly are. By continuing to push themselves to their limits and refusing to back down in the face of adversity, Day and his team can silence their critics once and for all. Ohio State has the talent, the drive, and the toughness to compete with the best, and under Day’s leadership, they are poised to make their mark on college football. So, let the critics talk – because Ryan Day and the Buckeyes are ready to prove them wrong.

    Tags:

    1. Ryan Day Ohio State
    2. Ohio State toughness
    3. Ryan Day coaching
    4. Ohio State football
    5. College football news
    6. Ryan Day critics
    7. Buckeyes football
    8. Ohio State coach
    9. College football updates
    10. Ryan Day leadership

    #Ryan #Day #pushes #Ohio #State #toughness #quiet #critics #title

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