#MAGFAB: Simone Ashley for Vogue Germany - May 2026
#RHOA: NeNe Leakes and Carlos King Add New 'Queen & King of Reality' Tour Dates
NeNe Leakes and Carlos King are taking their sold-out “Queen & King of Reality” tour on the road again, adding four new stops after the first run quickly filled up.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the expanded schedule includes shows in Birmingham on May 13, Tampa on May 14, Dallas on June 5, and Houston on June 6. The live show pairs two of the biggest names connected to The Real Housewives of Atlanta for a night of audience Q&As, behind-the-scenes stories, relationship talk, and reality TV commentary.
The tour extension arrives just months after Leakes confirmed she is returning to Bravo. In January, she announced that she would appear in The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th, the anniversary edition of the franchise’s travel series celebrating 20 years of Housewives history. That announcement marked the first official reunion between Leakes and the network since her departure from Atlanta in 2020.
Now, with her Bravo return locked in and fan interest surging, Leakes and King say the demand for their live show made more dates inevitable.
“Baby, when I say the girls showed up, they showed OUT,” Leakes said in a statement announcing the new dates. “The love has been so real, we had no choice but to run it back in more cities.”
She added that the tour gives fans “exactly what they’ve been asking for,” describing the live experience as “fun,” “honest,” and “exciting.”
King echoed that response, saying the original goal was simply to create something real for longtime viewers. “Selling out those first shows told us everything we needed to know,” he said. “People are showing up for the laughs, the honesty, the unfiltered conversations about pop culture, relationships, and all the moments they’ve been talking about for years.”
The partnership between Leakes and King stretches back to the earliest days of RHOA. Leakes was one of the original cast members who helped turn the series into a cultural force, while King worked behind the scenes as an associate producer during the first season before eventually becoming an executive producer from seasons six through nine.
#MusicNews: PJ Morton Sets Dates For His ‘Saturday Night, Sunday Morning Tour’
The new project arrives on Juneteenth, and PJ will begin the tour a month later on July 19th. He’ll set it off in St. Louis before venturing on to major markets across North America. Among the cities he’ll hit this summer and fall are Nashville, Indianapolis, Philly, NYC, Boston, Virginia Beach, Raleigh, Montreal, Toronto, Dallas, Denver and Los Angeles.
Morton will play a mix of headlining shows and festival dates on this tour, which also includes one international date in Brazil to play Rock In Rio on September 11th. The last stop on PJ’s latest tour will be a homecoming show in New Orleans for his annual Black Friday concert on November 27th.
PJ Morton is excited to reconnect with his fans on this tour. “I think it’s time we all get back together! What you think?? I need to see you!” the GRAMMY-winning superstar wrote on his socials to accompany the tour announcement.
Concertgoers can expect to hear old favorites from PJ’s extensive catalog and new joints from Saturday Night, Sunday Morning, such as singles “Mutual” and “Mercy.” With the double album featuring one disc of R&B/soul and a second disc of exclusively gospel music, patrons should prepare to have a rip-roaring good time and to have church in the juke joint.
If this sounds like your kinda carrying on, lock in your tickets this week. Tickets go on presale on Thursday, April 23rd at 10 a.m. local time before going on sale to the general public on Friday, April 24th also at 10 a.m. local time.
View all of the Saturday Night, Sunday Morning Tour dates below. Visit the Shows section of PJ Morton’s website for links to purchase tickets and VIP upgrades where available.
PJ Morton Saturday Night, Sunday Morning Tour dates:
July 19 - St. Louis, MO - MATI Festival
July 23 - Memphis, TN - Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
July 24 - Nashville, TN - CMA Theater
July 26 - Columbus, OH - Columbus Jazz & Rib Festival
July 28 - Indianapolis, IN - Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
July 29 - Detroit, MI - Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre
July 31 - Philadelphia, PA - The Fillmore
August 1 - New York, NY - The Town Hall
August 2 - Boston, MA - The Wilbur
August 4 - Annapolis, MD - Rams Head On Stage
August 5 - Washington, D.C. - Warner Theatre
August 7 - Charlottesville, VA - The Jefferson Theater
August 8 - Virginia Beach, VA - Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
August 9 - Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall
August 11 - Chattanooga, TN - Walker Theatre
August 12 - Charlotte, NC - Carolina Theatre
August 14 - Raleigh, NC - Meymandi Concert Hall
August 16 - Cincinnati, OH - Bogart’s
August 18 - Buffalo, NY - Electric City
August 20 - Montreal, QC - Beanfield Theatre
August 21 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre
August 23 - Chicago, IL - Athenaeum Theatre
September 11 - Rio de Janeiro, BR - Rock In Rio
October 30 - Houston, TX - Bayou Music Center
October 31 - Dallas, TX - Majestic Theatre
November 1 - Oklahoma City, OK - Tower Theatre
November 3 - Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
November 7 - San Francisco, CA - The Castro
November 8 - Los Angeles, CA - The United Theater on Broadway
November 27 - New Orleans, LA - Orpheum Theater
Get them tix!
#HipHopNews: Popular Twitch streamer Kishka reveals Drake's Iceman album release date after finding a bag inside an ice block.
In the video below, Kishka opened up the large-print magazine on camera, which revealed that Iceman is set to arrive on May 15. Additionally, there's an inscription that reads, "2026 will be my year."
As a reward for Kishka's hard work in ice picking through hundreds of frozen blocks, Drake gifted the streamer a bag of money in Canadian currency. The OVO Sound leader even saluted Kishka for finding the prize, albeit, strangely, from the window of his luxurious mansion.
Kishka's major find and huge monetary windfall comes after fans converged to Drake's ice structure on Monday (April 20) to find the hidden treasure that would reveal his Iceman album release date.
The massive installation of hundreds of ice blocks was located in a Toronto-area parking lot. Aubrey supporters showed up to take selfies and marvel at the gigantic man-made glacier. Soon, several people went ham on the icy structures by either hitting them with ice axes, or setting them ablaze with blowtorches.
One person actually offered up a free car to anyone capable of finding a key he said was stashed deep inside one of the ice blocks. However, once people started igniting fires atop the massive installation, police had to come in and force the crowd to disperse.
Luckily, no one got hurt trying to find the elusive Iceman release date.
Azealia Banks Absent At Hearing Before Trial Over Manager Lawsuit
Azealia Banks failed to appear at a crucial hearing on Tuesday as a Los Angeles court prepared for a bench trial set for May 5. The trial will determine the damages she owes her former manager, Jeff Kwatinetz, following a ruling that held her liable for stalking, defamation, and civil extortion, among other allegations.
During the hearing, Los Angeles County Judge Brock T. Hammond emphasized that the upcoming trial could proceed even without the participation of Banks. The judge asked Kwatinetz’s legal team to ensure that Banks receives proper notice about the trial. It was also revealed that Kwatinetz and his wife, model and actress Natalie Loren Kwatinetz, intend to give testimony in person.
The legal dispute began in 2020 when Kwatinetz initially sued Banks. He later dismissed that case during what he described as extensive negotiations, but refiled a similar lawsuit in September 2021. The complaint reiterated claims including stalking, defamation, interference with contract, and civil extortion.
Kwatinetz alleged that Banks’ 2014 album, Broke With Expensive Taste, failed financially because she refused to promote it and engaged in what he termed “self-defeating acts.” He further accused her of orchestrating a “terrifying” smear campaign, which included threatening his family, posting photos of herself outside his Los Angeles residence, and inciting her fanbase against him. Additionally, he claimed Banks falsely accused him of operating a Ponzi scheme and implicated him in the death of his former girlfriend, actress Brittany Murphy.
In response, on November 18, 2021, Banks filed a cross-complaint alleging breach of contract, fraud, and negligence. She asserted that Kwatinetz had impersonated a romantic partner to financially exploit her. Subsequently, Kwatinetz amended his complaint to include a claim of intentional infliction of emotional distress.
On July 25, 2023, Banks arrived two hours late for her sole deposition. Under oath, she admitted she was aware of the scheduled time but claimed her delay was due to “straight-ironing [her] beautiful wig” in her hotel room, according to court documents. The filing also stated that Banks refused to answer relevant questions, committed perjury, insulted opposing counsel, and abruptly ended the deposition against the advice of her own attorney.
In September 2023, Judge Hammond found Banks in default for “willful evasion” of a subsequent deposition and “willful disobedience of a court order.” This ruling resulted in a legal victory for Kwatinetz, with Banks’ cross-complaint dismissed. On January 13, the court set a bench trial to determine damages, affirming Banks’ liability for stalking, defamation, and civil extortion.
Banks did not respond to requests for comment on Tuesday, while attorneys for Kwatinetz declined to comment after the hearing.
In a recent trial brief, Kwatinetz’ legal team criticized Banks for generating more attention for her online controversies than for her music career over the past 20 years. The brief detailed a history of problematic behavior, noting that Banks has been banned from airlines, suspended from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), and removed from multiple music festivals due to homophobic and racist remarks.
The brief also referenced several incidents involving Banks, including arrests for slashing her sister’s neck with a box cutter and biting a security guard’s breast outside a nightclub. It concluded that for the past six years, Banks has engaged in a coordinated and sustained campaign to harass, defame, extort, and stalk her former talent manager.
Jennifer Hudson returns to 'American Idol' as a mentor, guest judge
The talk show host and EGOT winner joined her "American Idol" family Monday night as a mentor and guest judge. Hudson took a seat at the judges table alongside hosts Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and fellow "Idol" alum Carrie Underwood for this week's Disney night.
Hudson told ABC News that coming back to the show as a guest judge and mentor felt like a "dream come true."
"I got to call myself a judge today," she continued. "I don't take anything lightly and I celebrate everything. It's a celebration to be able to come back in my circle of life and be in the judging panel."
When asked what it was like returning to "American Idol" after all these years, Hudson said it "felt like it transported me back."
"As soon as I walked in and I saw the 'American Idol' sign, I felt like a contestant all over again," she said. "That feeling never leaves you. So my heart always goes out to the finalists."
As a guest judge, Hudson brought a surplus of shoes to compliment singers.
After finalist Keyla Richardson's performance of "Circle of Life," Hudson threw a shoe on stage at the 29-year-old and told her that the song, which she also sang in 2004 when she competed on the show, serves as a "full circle of my life."
"This song is a testimony and you just performed it like your testimony," Hudson added.
Hudson also threw her shoe at Jordan McCullough, 27, who sang "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocahontas."
"I had nothing to say, I threw the shoe," Hudson said.
"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest asked Hudson how many shoes she brought and Hudson replied, "I was looking at Carrie and was like, 'can I borrow your shoe?'"
Seacrest told ABC News after Monday night's show that seeing Hudson transform into the artist she's become over the years is a "full circle moment" and recalled how Hudson said "American Idol" was the "blueprint for everything that set her up to do what she's done."
"She's done so many remarkable things, she's won every single award, she is so personable and natural at not only being a performer but being a guest judge tonight," Seacrest added.
While Hudson didn't win "American Idol" in 2004 (she placed seventh), she went on to become an Emmy-nominated talk show host, Oscar winner and more. In 2022, Hudson achieved EGOT status when she won a Tony Award for her work as a producer on the Broadway show "A Strange Loop."
She earned her Emmy in 2021 for "Baba Yaga," which earned the trophy for outstanding interactive media for a daytime program. The first Grammy she won was in 2009 for best R&B album for her self-titled album "Jennifer Hudson."
In 2007, she won the Oscar for best supporting actress for her performance as Effie White in "Dreamgirls," which she starred in alongside Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose and Keith Robinson.
“Michael” Biopic Star Jaafar Jackson Says Biggest Misconception About Uncle Michael Jackson Is That He Wanted To Be White
#JaafarJackson is speaking out in defense of his famous late uncle, Michael Jackson.
Monday night (Apr. 20), Hollywood stepped out dressed to the nines for the premiere of the highly anticipated, self-titled #MichaelJackson biopic. While on the red carpet, Jaafar, who stars as the King of Pop, was asked by Extra about the biggest misconception surrounding his uncle. After taking a brief moment, he replied, “The biggest misconception…I would say that he wanted to be white.” He continued, “This film gives you that understanding of what vitiligo is and [how] it played a part in his life, and not a lot of people really understand what that is. He was dealing with that at an early age.”
Elsewhere in the interview, the 29-year-old shared that the hardest part of transforming into the music icon was the “performance” and “really owning the moves.” He admitted he doesn’t feel like he completely “nailed it,” but said he did reach a “flow state” with the music, which is something he’s proud of.
#Michael is set to hit theaters on April 24.
Nia Long and Larenz Tate’s latest film won’t be “a continuation” of ‘Love Jones’: Here’s what to expect
Nia Long confirmed that Don’t Ever Wonder is not a sequel to Love Jones, despite her reunion with Larenz Tate.
The Netflix romantic dramedy centers on a couple navigating love during the empty-nester stage of life.
The Eugene Ashe-directed project includes Blair Underwood, Laz Alonso, and Susan Kelechi Watson, with Maxwell serving as executive producer.
Anyone going into Nia Long and Larenz Tate’s upcoming film, Don’t Ever Wonder, hoping for Love Jones 2 may want to temper those expectations now. On Tuesday (April 21), during her cover story with SELF, the award-winning actress shared what fans should — and definitely shouldn’t — expect from the “romantic dramedy” slated to arrive on Netflix.
While we may have to wait a little while longer for the trailer and release date, Long did share a few details about the Eugene Ashe-directed project, which is inspired by Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite. “This is not a continuation of Love Jones,” she told the publication. “This is a continuation of love, and of what happens once you’ve had your kids, they’re off to college, and you’re empty nesters. And that’s kind of where the story begins.”
So no, it may not be the Love Jones follow-up many fans have been hoping for, but Long did hint that it still carries some of what made the 1997 romance such a cult classic. “There’s a lot of funny, and there’s a lot of heartbreak,” she added. “I think it’s a really honest story.”
‘Don’t Ever Wonder’ has an all-star cast behind Nia Long and Larenz Tate
According to Deadline, the cast of Don’t Ever Wonder also includes Blair Underwood, Laz Alonso, Susan Kelechi Watson, Pauletta Washington, Dennis Haysbert, Chanté Adams, Algee Smith, Grasie Mercedes, Navia Robinson, and Yolonda Ross. Alongside Tate and Long, Maxwell and John D. Hammond serve as executive producers.
After wrapping up production in February, both Tate and Long shared a few more details that might get viewers even more curious about the film. “It’s really a story about love, and relationships, and children, and being empty nesters, and all of the human things that we go through as people and as couples,” she said. The Menace II Society actor added that the project has “a lot of soul.”
‘Don’t Ever Wonder’ isn’t the only major project Nia Long has on the way
The anticipation around Don’t Ever Wonder shouldn’t take away from Long’s next big-screen moment, which some might argue is just as major. On Friday (April 24), moviegoers can see her portray Katherine Jackson in Michael, the highly anticipated biographical drama about the King of Pop.
Doc Rivers steps down as Milwaukee Bucks head coach, appreciates fans' "unwavering support"
The Milwaukee Bucks finished 32-50 and missed the playoffs during Doc Rivers’ tenure.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s knee injury and contract status factor into the team’s offseason outlook.
The Bucks will begin another coaching search after moving on from Rivers.
It’s been a tough year for Milwaukee Bucks fans, even more so with the team missing out on the playoffs. To make matters worse — or, depending on who you ask, maybe a little better — Doc Rivers is stepping down as head coach.
“I have truly loved my time in Milwaukee,” Rivers shared in a statement Monday (April 13). “Coming back to where I got my start, to a city that has always embraced me, has been a privilege. I am disappointed that things did not turn out the way any of us hoped, but I am deeply grateful for this experience, the relationships built, and [the] unwavering support from our fans and the community.”
According to The Athletic, there are ongoing discussions about Rivers taking on “another role within the organization,” though it seems he may be more interested in taking a break altogether. He joined the Bucks in January 2024 on a massive $40 million contract and still had one season left, but there’s a chance he’ll still be paid out for that final year.
Inside the Milwaukee Bucks' difficult season, from losses to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injuries
Rivers' departure doesn’t come as much of a surprise, considering how difficult a season the Bucks had. They finished 32-50 and fell 11 games short of the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
To be fair, Milwaukee got off to a relatively good start, but things seemingly fell apart after star player Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a bone bruise and hyperextension in his left knee in March. On top of that, there’s also the question of what comes next, with AP News reporting that the team could either look into trading him or sign him to a four-year, $275 million extension in October.
What comes next for the Milwaukee Bucks after Doc Rivers’ departure
As ESPN’s Shams Charania pointed out, the Bucks will now be looking for their third head coach in the span of three years. Before Rivers, the team fired Adrian Griffin and turned to Joe Prunty as interim coach. There’s only so much talent to go around, but hopefully Milwaukee can find someone who helps get the franchise back on track!
Beyoncé’s Former Dance Captain Says She Was Kicked Off a Cruise for Dancing to “Single Ladies”
On Tuesday morning (April 21), the 37-year-old dancer shared her account of the events across a number of posts shared to her Threads account.
Everett wrote, “I was kicked off the @virginvoyages club stage while dancing to the SINGLE LADIES song for the CONTENT CREATOR CRUISE I was INVITED ON—all because someone complained… They kicked me off.
“I left—immediately after they let all the complaining white folks up on that same stage,” she continued. “FYI. I’m in the single ladies music video btw. I know they’re not cause it’s only three of us lol. Virgin—do better. Know and LEARN your crowd.”
In an earlier post, Everett claimed, “Virgin voyages wants black creators and all their sauce— but doesn't acknowledge, highlight, or actually know them..??? Weird.”
“Took a chance & rang my birthday in on a brand trip who I’ve since learned doesn’t give a flying f*%# about me. @virginvoyages,” she continued further into the posts.
According to The Grio, the cruise, which sailed from Miami to Bimini aboard the Scarlet Lady with more than 1,000 creators, generated a wave of social media content, though Everett said her experience left her feeling overlooked while suggesting her treatment may have been influenced by appearance.
“I also like to switch my hair styles especially while traveling to tropical places-but sadly, I notice a drastic difference in how I'm treated, based on the styles I choose," she wrote, before attaching a photo of her hairstyle.
Everett also claimed the cruise ship did not seem to acknowledge her birthday, writing, “Alsooooo, @virginvoyages did NOTHIGN to try to make my birthday special yesterday… thank god for my friend @kimberlycherrell [heart hands emoji] I’m sadly very disappointed in them so far and I still have two more days to go smh. They better not try to blacklist me either cause that would be even more obvious they hate me. LOL.”
Although she did not take part in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter World Tour, Everett did appear in the singer’s 2024 Christmas halftime show, also known as the Beyoncé Bowl.
Stefon Diggs’s Accuser Demands Financial Records, Lawyer Says He 'Does Not Get to Sue and Hide'
Christopher Blake Griffith, the man accusing Stefon Diggs of sexual assault, is now asking a judge to force the NFL player to hand over financial records as part of their ongoing legal dispute.
According to legal documents reviewed by TMZ, Griffith wants evidence showing whether his allegations actually caused Diggs financial harm, arguing that Diggs has been uncooperative throughout the discovery process.
Griffith's attorney is pushing the court to intervene, saying Diggs "does not get to sue and hide," as they seek documentation tied to Diggs' claims of reputational and financial damage.
The dispute stems from Diggs' defamation lawsuit filed in November, in which he accused Griffith of fabricating claims that included allegations of being drugged, sexually assaulted, and targeted in a murder plot, all for online attention.
The influencer argues that Diggs’ lawsuit is an attempt to silence him and claims Diggs is trying to "obstruct any discovery that would test his claims."
He maintains that Diggs "can't have it both ways," insisting that if Diggs is alleging harm, he must provide the financial details to back it up.
In the lawsuit, Diggs claimed that in May 2023, he, along with Griffith and other influencers, hit up a local club following a charity basketball game in Washington, D.C., and later returned to Diggs’ home. From there, Diggs said he went to his bedroom, while his assistant asked Griffith to leave.
In the summer of 2025, Diggs claimed Griffith blasted out wildly false statements about that night and an alleged violent incident days later, that Griffith claimed Diggs orchestrated.
Griffith alleged that Diggs “drugged and sexually assaulted” him, before supposedly conspiring to have him killed to "suppress his gay/bisexual secrets from becoming exposed."
Diggs says Griffith posted the allegations to his tens of thousands of followers on social media while also tagging the NFL and Patriots social media accounts, as well as Uggs, with whom the wide receiver had a sponsorship deal with.
“Mr. Griffith is looking forward to showing the world in Court that regardless of the fairy tale fabricated by Mr. Diggs' high-priced New York Lawyers, he is the victim of Mr. Diggs' unwanted sexual advances and his brother's violent attacks,” said Jake Lebowitz, Griffith's attorney, at the time.
Diggs is seeking damages and attorneys' fees.
Janet Jackson declined to be portrayed in Michael biopic
Janet Jackson didn't want to appear as a character in Michael, the biopic about her late brother Michael Jackson.
La Toya Jackson has revealed that her sister turned down the opportunity to be portrayed in the new movie about the late King of Pop.
When asked why Janet does not appear as a character in the movie, La Toya told Variety, "I wish everybody was in the movie. She was asked and she kindly declined so you have to respect her wishes."
The Jackson family is well represented in the film. Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew, plays the late Billie Jean singer, while Colman Domingo and Nia Long play the heads of the family, Joe and Katherine Jackson.
Meanwhile, Jessica Sula plays La Toya in the movie, while Michael's brothers and Jackson 5 bandmates Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon appear as characters.
Director Antoine Fuqua told the outlet that it was "very important" to have the Jacksons involved in a movie about Michael, who died in 2009 aged 50.
"You're telling somebody's life, you want to make sure that they're happy," he said, before acknowledging Janet's wish to be excluded from the film. "I have so much respect and love for Janet, but you know it's OK. She's supportive of Jaafar and that's what matters."
During her interview, La Toya also gushed about her nephew Jaafar's portrayal of the music superstar.
"Oh my gosh, I have to tell you that Jaafar was absolutely fabulous," she praised. "I'm sure you've seen the movie and you know how wonderful he is, how we all forget and think that we're watching Mike. It's like, 'Oh, I forgot this is Jaafar.'"
Michael, which has received largely negative reviews, is in U.K. cinemas now and U.S. cinemas on Friday.
Eddie Murphy Says ‘Shrek 5’ and ‘Donkey’ Spinoff Are In The Works
Eddie Murphy is returning to the world of animation. The legendary comedian has confirmed that Shrek 5 and a Donkey spinoff are currently in the works. Speaking with “Extra,” where he was honored with the 51st AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, Murphy is excited about expanding.
”This is a beautiful thing,” Murphy said. “All my kids are here and, you know, Mike Myers is over there and ‘Shrek 5’ is coming out very soon and this is just a beautiful thing.”
“I’ve been making movies… since I was 20 years old and I’m 65 now,” Murphy added. “So, it’s a long time, and this business is a business where people come and go, like, most people don’t get to be around it this long. So, it’s a great feeling.”
Murphy is also at work on another installment of his classic Beverly Hills Cop franchise. No ‘Beverly Hills Cop 5’ in the immediate future, [but] ‘Shrek 5′ and ‘Donkey.’ The first Donkey movie… Donkey’s getting his own movie. Myers described Murphy as a “legend.”
“Obviously, I never got to work with Chaplin, never got to work with Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness, but I can say to my kids, I worked with Eddie Murphy,” Myers said.
Myers also shared his excitement about Shrek 5. “It’s fantastic. I’ve seen it. It’s great,” Myers said. “I’m thrilled.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook Stepping Down After 15 Years
Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after 15 years. He will remain the chief executive at Apple until September 1.
In a news release on Monday, April 20, Apple named John Ternus as the new CEO to replace Cook.
“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” Ternus said in the news release.
Ternus, 50, has worked at Apple since 2001. Cook, 65, joined Apple in 1998 and worked as chief operating officer under Steve Jobs who died from pancreatic cancer in 2011.
“I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people,” Cook said in the news release.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple launched multiple successful products, but he hesitated to develop artificial intelligence products. He delayed the rollout of a more intelligent AI-powered Siri multiple times.
Cook opted instead to partner with Google to use its Gemini AI models to enhance Siri and other Apple Intelligence features.
Late last year, Apple’s artificial intelligence chief left the company.
Virginia voters narrowly approve temporary redistricting map that could help Democrats in midterms
Virginia voters approved a congressional map on Tuesday that is likely to create four additional Democratic seats in Congress, handing the party a major win in the ongoing redistricting wars.
The victory also showed that the Democrats’ rank-and-file was willing to put aside cherished good-government principles to battle President Donald Trump, creating a gerrymandered map that includes 10 districts likely to elect a Democrat to the U.S. House and just one, located in the state’s conservative southwest, likely to back a Republican. The existing delegation consists of six Democrats and five Republicans.
The new maps would gerrymander the state to create 10 districts likely to elect a Democrat to the U.S. House and just one, located in the state’s conservative southwest, likely to back a Republican. The existing delegation consists of six Democrats and five Republicans.
With Democrats already favored to win control of the House in November, the victory in Virginia smooths their path and could enable the party to go after deeper-red territory elsewhere in the country.
“Virginia voters have spoken, and tonight they pushed back against a President who claims he is ‘entitled’ to more Republican seats in Congress,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said in a statement after the vote was called. “As we watched other states go along with those demands without voter input, Virginians refused to let that stand. We responded the right way: at the ballot box.”
The referendum vote was heavily contested and drew huge spending — roughly $60 million from Democrats and $30 million from the GOP, almost all of it from groups that do not have to disclose their donors.
It was the latest round of mid-decade redistricting provoked by Trump’s push to have Republicans redraw lines to eliminate Democratic-held seats in red states, including Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri and potentially Florida. Democrats have responded by drawing new maps in California and, now, Virginia.
The lead for “yes” was relatively narrow as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, at 51.3% of the vote compared with 48.7% for a “no” vote against approving the maps, showing how Republicans managed to wake up their lethargic base.
The vote also revealed how many voters who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 ― she won the state by six percentage points ― were uncomfortable with Democrats’ move to maximize their power. These voters, however, turned out to be a relatively small minority, with many Democratic leaders cheering on their voters’ willingness to play hardball.
“Maximum warfare, everywhere, all the time,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement celebrating the victory. A nonprofit closely affiliated with Jeffries was the leading funder of the “yes” effort.
Depending on what happens in Florida, where GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to call a special session to draw a new map next week, Democrats could now come out ahead in the redistricting wars. The party looks set to gain as many as 10 seats, compared to a maximum of eight for the GOP.
“There was an assumption that in the face of these attacks from Texas and Missouri and North Carolina and elsewhere that Democrats and blue states would just roll over or not stand up and fight,” said Kelly Hall, the executive director of the Fairness Project, which supports liberal ballot measures and spent $12 million backing a “yes” vote. “The balance really has evened out thanks to Virginia and California.”
If there is a bright spot for the GOP, it was a comparatively strong turnout from their voters, who have otherwise been difficult to get to the polls since Trump won in 2024.
Virginians had previously approved a nonpartisan redistricting commission, which drew the existing map in 2020. The new referendum sidelines the commission until 2030.
The four new seats likely to elect Democrats already have crowded fields of candidates running in primaries: former Rep. Tom Perriello, state Del. Sam Rasoul and journalist Beth Macy could all run for the new 6th District, and the new 7th District is likely to see a battle between never-Trump Republican-turned-Democrat Olivia Troye, former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe and state Del. Dan Helmer. Henrico County prosecutor Shannon Taylor is the leading candidate to win the new 5th District.
There remains a small chance the courts could block the new map. Virginia’s Supreme Court allowed the vote to take place without ultimately ruling on its legality.
There is also a long-term risk in the new map. None of the seats voted for Harris by more than 10 percentage points, and many could be vulnerable in 2028 or 2030 if the political environment improves for the GOP.
”This is a beautiful thing,” Murphy said. “All my kids are here and, you know, Mike Myers is over there and ‘Shrek 5’ is coming out very soon and this is just a beautiful thing.”
“I’ve been making movies… since I was 20 years old and I’m 65 now,” Murphy added. “So, it’s a long time, and this business is a business where people come and go, like, most people don’t get to be around it this long. So, it’s a great feeling.”
Murphy is also at work on another installment of his classic Beverly Hills Cop franchise. No ‘Beverly Hills Cop 5’ in the immediate future, [but] ‘Shrek 5′ and ‘Donkey.’ The first Donkey movie… Donkey’s getting his own movie. Myers described Murphy as a “legend.”
“Obviously, I never got to work with Chaplin, never got to work with Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness, but I can say to my kids, I worked with Eddie Murphy,” Myers said.
Myers also shared his excitement about Shrek 5. “It’s fantastic. I’ve seen it. It’s great,” Myers said. “I’m thrilled.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook Stepping Down After 15 Years
Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down after 15 years. He will remain the chief executive at Apple until September 1.
In a news release on Monday, April 20, Apple named John Ternus as the new CEO to replace Cook.
“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” Ternus said in the news release.
Ternus, 50, has worked at Apple since 2001. Cook, 65, joined Apple in 1998 and worked as chief operating officer under Steve Jobs who died from pancreatic cancer in 2011.
“I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people,” Cook said in the news release.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple launched multiple successful products, but he hesitated to develop artificial intelligence products. He delayed the rollout of a more intelligent AI-powered Siri multiple times.
Cook opted instead to partner with Google to use its Gemini AI models to enhance Siri and other Apple Intelligence features.
Late last year, Apple’s artificial intelligence chief left the company.
Virginia voters narrowly approve temporary redistricting map that could help Democrats in midterms
Virginia voters approved a congressional map on Tuesday that is likely to create four additional Democratic seats in Congress, handing the party a major win in the ongoing redistricting wars.
The victory also showed that the Democrats’ rank-and-file was willing to put aside cherished good-government principles to battle President Donald Trump, creating a gerrymandered map that includes 10 districts likely to elect a Democrat to the U.S. House and just one, located in the state’s conservative southwest, likely to back a Republican. The existing delegation consists of six Democrats and five Republicans.
The new maps would gerrymander the state to create 10 districts likely to elect a Democrat to the U.S. House and just one, located in the state’s conservative southwest, likely to back a Republican. The existing delegation consists of six Democrats and five Republicans.
With Democrats already favored to win control of the House in November, the victory in Virginia smooths their path and could enable the party to go after deeper-red territory elsewhere in the country.
“Virginia voters have spoken, and tonight they pushed back against a President who claims he is ‘entitled’ to more Republican seats in Congress,” Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said in a statement after the vote was called. “As we watched other states go along with those demands without voter input, Virginians refused to let that stand. We responded the right way: at the ballot box.”
The referendum vote was heavily contested and drew huge spending — roughly $60 million from Democrats and $30 million from the GOP, almost all of it from groups that do not have to disclose their donors.
It was the latest round of mid-decade redistricting provoked by Trump’s push to have Republicans redraw lines to eliminate Democratic-held seats in red states, including Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri and potentially Florida. Democrats have responded by drawing new maps in California and, now, Virginia.
The lead for “yes” was relatively narrow as of 10 p.m. on Tuesday, at 51.3% of the vote compared with 48.7% for a “no” vote against approving the maps, showing how Republicans managed to wake up their lethargic base.
The vote also revealed how many voters who supported former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024 ― she won the state by six percentage points ― were uncomfortable with Democrats’ move to maximize their power. These voters, however, turned out to be a relatively small minority, with many Democratic leaders cheering on their voters’ willingness to play hardball.
“Maximum warfare, everywhere, all the time,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement celebrating the victory. A nonprofit closely affiliated with Jeffries was the leading funder of the “yes” effort.
Depending on what happens in Florida, where GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to call a special session to draw a new map next week, Democrats could now come out ahead in the redistricting wars. The party looks set to gain as many as 10 seats, compared to a maximum of eight for the GOP.
“There was an assumption that in the face of these attacks from Texas and Missouri and North Carolina and elsewhere that Democrats and blue states would just roll over or not stand up and fight,” said Kelly Hall, the executive director of the Fairness Project, which supports liberal ballot measures and spent $12 million backing a “yes” vote. “The balance really has evened out thanks to Virginia and California.”
If there is a bright spot for the GOP, it was a comparatively strong turnout from their voters, who have otherwise been difficult to get to the polls since Trump won in 2024.
Virginians had previously approved a nonpartisan redistricting commission, which drew the existing map in 2020. The new referendum sidelines the commission until 2030.
The four new seats likely to elect Democrats already have crowded fields of candidates running in primaries: former Rep. Tom Perriello, state Del. Sam Rasoul and journalist Beth Macy could all run for the new 6th District, and the new 7th District is likely to see a battle between never-Trump Republican-turned-Democrat Olivia Troye, former Virginia first lady Dorothy McAuliffe and state Del. Dan Helmer. Henrico County prosecutor Shannon Taylor is the leading candidate to win the new 5th District.
There remains a small chance the courts could block the new map. Virginia’s Supreme Court allowed the vote to take place without ultimately ruling on its legality.
There is also a long-term risk in the new map. None of the seats voted for Harris by more than 10 percentage points, and many could be vulnerable in 2028 or 2030 if the political environment improves for the GOP.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
Courtesy of P.O.Wm
I don’t think you can park there bestie
The spot and the parking job !
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
