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Legendary Hip-Hop Innovator Afrika Bambaataa Passes Away at 68, Leaving a Lasting Legacy

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Legendary Hip-Hop Innovator Afrika Bambaataa Passes Away at 68, Leaving a Lasting Legacy


Afrika Bambaataa, hailed as a foundational figure in the evolution of hip-hop, passed away on Thursday in Pennsylvania at the age of 68, following a battle with prostate cancer, as confirmed by his attorney.

The news of Bambaataa’s passing prompted a wave of tributes from a global community of friends, family, and fans, all acknowledging his significant and defining contributions to hip-hop, a genre renowned for its cultural and political influence worldwide. However, his legacy in recent years has been marred by allegations from several men who accused him of sexual abuse during their youth.

Renowned for iconic tracks such as the 1982 hit “Planet Rock,” Bambaataa also established the Universal Zulu Nation, an influential art collective that played a pivotal role in hip-hop culture.

Born Lance Taylor in 1957, Bambaataa grew up in the South Bronx amid a period of significant decline, marked by increased segregation and economic hardship. By the late 20th century, the neighborhood saw landlords setting fire to buildings for insurance claims rather than maintaining them, leaving predominantly Black and Puerto Rican families in dire straits.

With roots in Jamaica and Barbados, Bambaataa was raised by his mother in a public housing project. His musical journey began at an early age, influenced by his mother’s collection of vinyl records, as he shared in a 1998 interview with Frank Broughton.

The ability to repurpose and mix old hits became one of his signatures at the parties he began to throw in community centers across the neighborhood in the early 1970s, Bambaataa said in the interview. He was deeply inspired by the work of Kool Herc, who is often deemed the father of hip-hop.

Bambaataa and the parties where he DJ’ed swelled in popularity throughout the decade and well into the 1980s, when he released a series of electro tracks that helped shaped the burgeoning hip-hop and electro-funk music movements. He also was one of the first DJs to use beat breaks, incorporating the iconic Roland TR-808 drum machine.

“We was playin’ everything, everything that was funky,” he said. He later added that what set his parties apart was that “other DJs would play they great records for fifteen, twenty minutes. We was changing ours every minute or two. I couldn’t have no breakbeat go longer than a minute or two.”

At that time, Bambaataa said in previous interviews that he was able to leverage his affiliation with the local street gang the Black Spades in order to form a group he called the Zulu Nation, a nod to a South African ethnic group that he drew inspiration from. His slogan eventually became known as “peace, love, unity and having fun,” and he said that he sought to use hip-hops’ ballooning popularity to resolve local gang conflicts.

Later, Bambaataa changed the name to the Universal Zulu Nation to signal the inclusion of “all people from the planet earth.”

“At the core our music made people feel like they belong to a movement and not a moment, our music offered Hope something positive to believe in, it gave people identity, unity, and a way out,” Ellis Williams, a producer known as Mr. Biggs, wrote in an email to the AP. Mr. Biggs was a member of the group Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force that included Bambaataa.

Accused of sexual abuse

In recent years, numerous people have accused Bambaataa of sexual abuse.

In 2016, Bronx political activist and former music industry executive Ronald Savage accused Bambaataa of abusing him in 1980, when he was Savage was a young teen.

“I was scared, but at the same time I was like, ’This is Afrika Bambaataa,’ ” Savage told the AP in 2016. At the time he recalled, in detail, that encounter and four others that he said followed.

Bambaataa has vehemently denied those allegations.

After Savage went public with his claims, numerous other men came forward to share similar experiences about Bambaataa. In June 2016, the Universal Zulu Nation released a public letter apologizing to “the survivors of apparent sexual molestation by Bambaataa” saying that some members of the group knew about the abuse but “chose not to disclose” it.

“We extend our deepest and most sincere apologies to the many people who have been hurt,” organization wrote.

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Alexa Melton Reveals New Details about Her Breakup with Christian Pulisic

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Alexa Melton Reveals New Details about Her Breakup with Christian Pulisic

On Thursday, the unfolding saga between American soccer sensation Christian Pulisic and professional golfer Alexa Melton took a new turn. Melton retracted earlier statements regarding their breakup.

In a recent Instagram story, Melton clarified that her previous remarks about a “private matter” had been misconstrued. This appeared to address her earlier claims that Pulisic was active on the exclusive dating app Raya before their relationship had officially ended.

“I’ve made some comments on a private matter, and they’ve been taken out of context,” Melton explained. “I received false information. He is not a cheater. Any narrative beyond that is not from me.”

Melton added, “Out of respect for both Christian’s and my privacy, I will not make further comments on this issue.”

The timeline of their breakup remains unclear, but the couple initially went public with their relationship in July 2024, sharing an Instagram post on Melton’s account to announce their romance.

The photo has since been deleted. 

Melton made several comments on an Instagram post on Monday that suggested the two went through a messy breakup, including the suggestion that he was on Raya before they had ended their relationship. 

“How many likes to post his Raya profile,” she responded to one comment on her post. 

“Mans was on Raya before it even ended,” Melton also wrote. 

Pulisic said that he had slid into Melton’s DMs in the Paramount+ docuseries that ran on the streaming service last year. 

“I got the DM and I was like ‘Who is this dude with 8m followers and why is he DMing me?’” Melton said in an episode. “And then I scrolled through his Instagram and I was like ‘Oh he’s a big-time soccer player.’”

In the show, Pulisic described Melton as “a really special girl” and said that, “I’ve really changed my mentality with and also my faith and that in a lot of ways has sort of led me to her.”

This is the second time in recent memory that Pulisic’s personal life has made headlines as the American prepares for the World Cup, which is set to take place in June in North America. 

The AC Milan midfielder was forced to address rumors that linked him with actress Sydney Sweeney, despite the fact that the Euphoria star has been romantically linked to Scooter Braun since June of last year. 

Pulisic has been struggling to get on the score sheet for his club team or the U.S. Men’s National Team. 

The Hershey, Pennsylvania native was with the USMNT during their March camp in Atlanta and appeared in both friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.

“It’s frustrating. But I am just going to stay positive. I have a lot of big things ahead and I know I’m going to get to the other side and things are going to click,” Pulisic told reporters after the match against Portugal. 

Pulisic will be under the spotlight once the World Cup kicks off in June, with the United States facing plenty of pressure to make a run in this year’s tournament and Pulisic expected to play a large part in any sort of success.

Federal Lawsuits Target Resilience Healthcare Amid Closures of West Suburban and Weiss Memorial Hospitals

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Federal Lawsuits Target Resilience Healthcare Amid Closures of West Suburban and Weiss Memorial Hospitals

Since 2023, Resilience Healthcare has been embroiled in a series of federal lawsuits, a consequence of Manoj Prasad’s acquisition of West Suburban and Weiss Memorial Hospitals. This flurry of legal challenges has raised eyebrows, suggesting potential instability within the company.

Legal expert Gil Soffer, serving as ABC7’s Chief Legal Analyst, shared insights with the ABC7 I-Team, noting that the sheer number and diversity of these lawsuits could be indicative of deeper issues. “While it’s not uncommon for companies to face legal action, the situation becomes concerning when lawsuits keep accumulating,” Soffer explained.

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Though several of these legal actions have been dismissed, the nature and diversity of the claims hint at underlying troubles. According to Soffer, the array of plaintiffs and the types of disputes involved highlight significant distress within the organization.

“The collection and variety of these legal conflicts, coming from numerous sources, suggest a hospital in serious turmoil,” Soffer remarked, painting a picture of a healthcare entity grappling with substantial challenges.

“The number of these disputes, the variety of the disputes, the various different sources of the lawsuits really paint a picture of a company, of a hospital, that’s in serious distress,” Soffer said.

In December, one case resulted in Resilience Healthcare being ordered to pay almost $115,000 in outstanding bills and attorneys fees to a company providing parking services at Weiss Memorial. The judge’s order came after Weiss had already closed.

Another ongoing case was filed last fall by a healthcare service provider for a breach of contract dispute over invoice payments for the price of medical equipment leased, and equipment repair services performed at West Suburban, potentially totaling millions of dollars.

Another plaintiff contends West Suburban violated labor law by failing to offer an option to continue healthcare after employment.

And there is an ongoing lawsuit claiming race and compensation discrimination, and retaliation by West Suburban.

SEE ALSO | Secret meeting held to oust West Suburban CEO before hospital’s closure, warnings of dire situation

Questions remain on what the future holds for these lawsuits and the ability of any entity, state or private, to recoup money from the shuttered hospitals.

“If there is a bankruptcy then it changes the whole picture. Then the bankruptcy trustee, receiver, court, get involved and decide how much can be available and paid to whom, and its cents on the dollar, but it’s certainly not a full dollar return,” Soffer said.

A spokesperson for Resilience said, “We are not able to comment on pending litigation.”

With so many questions still unanswered at this point, and no firm public plan to reopen West Suburban or Weiss, a full picture of what comes next for the hospitals and the cases against Resilience Healthcare in court is unknown.

READ MORE | Pastors, community leaders call for West Suburban hospital to reopen under new leadership

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California Officer Fatally Attacked During Eviction Amid Intense Standoff

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California Officer Fatally Attacked During Eviction Amid Intense Standoff

A tragic incident unfolded in California on Thursday when a sheriff’s detective was fatally shot while executing an eviction notice. Authorities have labeled the attack as an apparent ambush, with an armed suspect opening fire on the deputies.

The confrontation occurred at approximately 10:40 a.m. in Porterville, according to Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux. Deputies faced gunfire from a suspect identified as David Morales, who allegedly used a high-powered rifle during the attack.

As of Thursday, Morales remained barricaded, engaging in a standoff with law enforcement officials.

Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux speaks during a news conference, Thursday, in Visalia, Calif.

During a news conference in Visalia, California, Sheriff Boudreaux provided further details about the incident, which resulted in the tragic loss of the detective. (Photo by Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times)

The detective, who sustained gunshot wounds, was rushed to Sierra View District Hospital but was pronounced dead at 11:57 a.m., Boudreaux confirmed.

“This situation went from a civil order of removal to where our officer was shot [and] killed. This is senseless,” Boudreaux said.

1993 Ford Mustang police vehicle with vintage emergency lights and sirens on display

A California sheriff’s detective was shot and killed while serving an eviction notice after a suspect allegedly ambushed deputies with a rifle. (Artur Widak/NurPhoto)

Authorities considered airlifting the detective to Fresno, but his condition was too unstable for transport.

Boudreaux said Morales had not paid rent for 35 days, and deputies were serving a final eviction notice when the shooting occurred.

Crime scene tape

Law enforcement agencies from across the region responded. (Matt Rourke/AP Photo, File)

The sheriff said Morales appeared to have been waiting for deputies and “laid in wait” before opening fire, prompting a call for additional units.

“I sat down at the hospital and met with the wife and his mom, and I can tell you there is no consoling that family at this point,” Boudreaux said. “Attacks on law enforcement of this nature must stop.”

Law enforcement agencies across the region responded to assist, and an escort was being organized to accompany the fallen detective from the hospital to the coroner’s office, Boudreaux said.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.

Does Insurance Cover Minoxidil for Hair Loss? Discover Ways to Save on Hair Regrowth Solutions

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Does Insurance Cover Minoxidil for Hair Loss? Discover Ways to Save on Hair Regrowth Solutions

Hair loss is a common concern, affecting up to 40% of men by the age of 35, and it’s not just a male issue—40% of those experiencing hair thinning are women. Many choose minoxidil, a treatment proven to decrease hair loss in 62% of users after a year. However, insurance coverage remains a gray area, as it’s often deemed a cosmetic treatment by insurers.

Is Minoxidil Covered by Insurance for Hair Loss? Save on Hair Growth Now

What Is Minoxidil Used For?

Minoxidil works by promoting hair growth for adults dealing with hereditary baldness, though the precise way it functions is not fully understood. According to Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and owner of Dermatology Circle NYC, it’s mainly used to treat androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. This condition involves hormonal changes that cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in progressively thinner hair.

The specialist’s insights reflect how minoxidil is used in practice: the topical solution is applied twice daily, with noticeable results emerging after several months of regular use. If treatment is discontinued, hair loss tends to resume, as demonstrated in studies where hair shedding decreased significantly from 69.7 to 33.8 hairs per wash with continued application.

Topical vs. Oral Minoxidil: Why Coverage Depends on Form

Topical minoxidil, accessible over-the-counter in a 5% concentration, is directly applied to the scalp for treating hair loss. However, insurance rarely covers it. Alternatively, oral minoxidil is sometimes prescribed off-label for alopecia in low doses, originally approved by the FDA for managing hypertension, which can sometimes make insurance coverage more feasible under that condition.

This distinction is crucial as both topical and oral forms of minoxidil offer similar hair regrowth benefits, but they come with different side effects. Topical applications primarily cause scalp irritation, while oral forms can lead to systemic effects such as dizziness. Since insurance companies typically prioritize treatments with FDA-approved indications, oral prescriptions for hypertension are more likely to be covered than those for purely cosmetic hair restoration purposes.

Why Minoxidil Faces Insurance Denials

Insurers classify hair loss treatments as elective, not medically necessary, since pattern baldness poses no physical danger. Over-the-counter access for topicals further justifies denials, as no prescription proves urgency.

Formulary tiers and restrictions add hurdles; many plans exclude it entirely or cap quantities. Gender pricing even worsens costs, with women’s foam versions offering half the product for the same price. These factors leave patients paying full retail, often $20 to $30 monthly without aid.

When Insurance May Cover Minoxidil for Hair Loss

Coverage kicks in for medical necessities like chemotherapy-induced alopecia or autoimmune alopecia areata. Scalp psoriasis causing hair loss might qualify too, if other treatments fail.

Oral minoxidil for hypertension indirectly aids hair, qualifying under that code. Prior authorization helps here: doctors submit evidence, and plans approve for diagnosed conditions impacting function. One patient with post-cancer shedding regained coverage after documentation proved necessity.

How to Get Minoxidil Covered by Insurance—or Pay Less

Smart steps slash costs even without full coverage. This process builds on a solid foundation.

  • Start with a Diagnosis: Secure a formal alopecia diagnosis via scalp exam or biopsy; vague “hair thinning” won’t sway insurers.
  • See a Dermatologist (Not Your PCP): Specialists like Kazlouskaya provide detailed notes insurers respect over general practitioners.
  • Get the Green Light: Request prior authorization; your doctor justifies medical need, boosting approval odds.
  • Try Compounding Pharmacies: Custom low-dose orals cost $29 for 30 days versus retail highs, evading some denials.
  • Shop Online for Lower Prices: GoodRx drops generics to $5.99, undercutting pharmacies.
  • Use FSA or HSA Funds: Generally ineligible as cosmetic, but exceptions apply for diagnosed alopecia areata or chemotherapy loss.
  • Understand Billing: Check formularies; appeal denials with doctor letters citing studies like 62% efficacy.
  • Appeal Insurance Denials: Persist with evidence; many reverse initial no’s.

The Bottom Line on Insurance Coverage for Minoxidil

Minoxidil rarely covers for routine hair loss but succeeds with medical backing or oral hypertension scripts. Pair specialist care, appeals, and discounts for affordable regrowth. Patients saving via compounds report sustained use without breaking the bank. Consult your plan and doctor for tailored wins.

Mother Permits Intoxicated 14-Year-Old to Drive, Resulting in Fatal Collision with 67-Year-Old Cyclist

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Mother Permits Intoxicated 14-Year-Old to Drive, Resulting in Fatal Collision with 67-Year-Old Cyclist

A Texas mother is set to serve a prison sentence after allowing her intoxicated 14-year-old son to drive, resulting in the death of a 67-year-old cyclist.

Erika Martinez-Ramirez

Erika Martinez-Ramirez (McLennan County District Attorney).

Erika Martinez-Ramirez has been sentenced to two years behind bars following her conviction for child endangerment, as reported by the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office. The tragic event unfolded on July 14, 2024, in Bellmead, near Waco. At around 1:30 a.m., Martinez-Ramirez entrusted her car keys to her son, instructing him to drive his 10-year-old sister to a nearby location to collect some clothing.

While driving, the teenager collided with a bicyclist, identified by KWTX, a local CBS affiliate, as Dennis Welch. The boy subsequently crashed into a house, resulting in Welch’s death at the scene. Fortunately, the 10-year-old girl sustained only minor injuries.

Prosecutors revealed this was not the first incident involving the boy driving illegally. On December 12, 2023, he was previously stopped by law enforcement for driving without a license, along with other children in his mother’s car. Martinez-Ramirez had been cited for allowing her son to drive at that time as well.

According to prosecutors, it wasn’t the first time the 14-year-old — who was too young to have a license — was busted for driving. The first occurred on Dec. 12, 2023, when an officer stopped the boy, who was driving with several other kids in his mom’s car. Officers cited Martinez-Ramirez for allowing her son to drive.

Two weeks later, the boy was once again behind the wheel when he struck another car and fled the scene. Cops contacted Martinez-Ramirez and “repeated to her that allowing her son to drive was unacceptable,” prosecutors said.

Authorities declined to provide details about the 14-year-old’s prosecution because of his age. Prosecutors said they didn’t charge Martinez-Ramirez with manslaughter because they didn’t have evidence that showed she knew her son was intoxicated at the time of the crash. She was originally facing a criminally negligent homicide charge but they opted to prosecute her on the endangering a child count because both charges carry the same punishment and the endangering charge is easier to prove, the district attorney said.

The case was prosecuted by assistant district attorneys Michaelina Yearty and Duncan Widmann.

“Parents are rarely prosecuted for crimes committed by their children, but this mother’s actions were so irresponsible and so frequent that both prosecution and a maximum sentence were warranted,” they said in a statement.

 

Blistering Heat and Strong Winds Sweep Through Three States

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Blistering Heat and Strong Winds Sweep Through Three States

Residents across southern and eastern Australia are bracing for a day of unpredictable weather, with forecasts predicting winds reaching up to 100 km/h and temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius.

According to Weatherzone, a robust low-pressure system located in the Southern Ocean is responsible for the unusual combination of heat and chill.

“As cold polar air pushes northward, warm interior air is being pulled southward by strong north-westerly winds, due to the natural flow from high-pressure to low-pressure areas,” explains the report.

Gusts could be at their strongest on Friday morning, with dark purple equating to around 100 km/h. (Weatherzone)

The Bureau of Meteorology noted that Tasmania was the first to experience this wintry shift, with the change arriving overnight.

In Tasmania, maximum temperatures are expected to hover around 17 degrees Celsius, but the wind chill will make it feel considerably colder, likely around 10 degrees throughout the day.

Maximum temperatures for the Apple Isle are about 17 degrees, but with the wind chill it will feel much colder – probably around 10 degrees for most of today.

There will also be showers across the entire state, with the chance of hail and snow in western parts.

When the polar air moves across the Tasman Sea in coming hours, Victoria and southern NSW can expect much of the same conditions.

A damaging wind warning has been issued for the state’s eastern ranges, with gusts of 110km/h forecast for Alpine regions.

Heat is on in the east

Meanwhile, mid-autumn will feel like high summer for parts of eastern NSW and South-East Queensland.

Brisbane is set for a sunny day with temperatures in the centre of the city reaching a top temperature of 30 degrees, while in the western suburbs the mercury will soar to 37 degrees.

NSW residents should expect similar temperatures, with some parts pushing for record temperatures.

Central Sydney is forecast for a top of 33 degrees, with the city’s west will be two degrees warmer.

Similar maximum temperatures are also set for the regional cities of Wollongong, Newcastle and Maitland. It will be even hotter through the north-west, with Bourke up to 39 degrees.

Forecasters say the hot conditions in NSW will be over by tomorrow as the cooler air moves north later today.

With the polar conditions tightening their grip, there’ll be snowfalls in the Victorian high country, the Snowy Mountains of NSW, and higher parts of Tasmania.

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Epstein Survivors Accuse Melania Trump of Deflecting Focus in Ongoing Scandal Allegations

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Epstein Survivors Accuse Melania Trump of Deflecting Focus in Ongoing Scandal Allegations

Survivors of the notorious financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have voiced their reactions following First Lady Melania Trump’s surprising claim that she is not one of them.

In a collective response, these victims criticized the First Lady for allegedly ‘redirecting attention’ from their ordeal and shielding ‘those in authority’. This came after Melania Trump urged Congress to conduct hearings with the victims.

“Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein have already demonstrated remarkable bravery by stepping forward, filing reports, and providing testimony,” stated the victims’ joint message, endorsed by 15 women who have accused Epstein of sex trafficking.

“Demanding more from them now is not justice, but a diversion of accountability.”

The statement further accused Melania of “placing the burden on survivors under politicized circumstances that safeguard those in power: the Department of Justice, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Trump Administration, which still hasn’t fully complied with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.”

The the Epstein Files Transparency Act requires the Trump Administration to publish all files related to Epstein’s crimes.

In addition, they claimed the attention was a distraction from pressuring officials who are being subpoenaed to testify on their role in releasing the files.  

‘It also diverts attention from Pam Bondi, who must answer for withheld files and the exposure of survivors’ identities,’ the victims said of the ousted Attorney General. ‘Those failures continue to put lives at risk while shielding enablers.’

‘Survivors have done their part,’ they concluded. ‘Now, it’s time for those in power to do theirs.’ 

Melania Trump denied rumors on Thursday that she was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein's

Melania Trump denied rumors on Thursday that she was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein’s 

Epstein's victims (pictured in February) argued they have already done their part, after Melania called on Congress to hold hearings with the victims

Epstein’s victims (pictured in February) argued they have already done their part, after Melania called on Congress to hold hearings with the victims

The victims called out ousted Attorney General Pam Bondi for withholding documents related to Epstein's case and exposing some of the victims' identitities

The victims called out ousted Attorney General Pam Bondi for withholding documents related to Epstein’s case and exposing some of the victims’ identitities

It remains unclear why the First Lady decided to publicly deny any connection with Epstein on Thursday, as there have not been any recent revelations or reporting linking them.

Still, she told reporters from the Cross Hall of the White House: ‘I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.’

Trump and Melania met in 1998 at the Kit Kat Klub in New York when she was 28 years old. Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agency boss who is serving as Trump’s special envoy for global partnerships, claims he introduced the couple who married in 2005. 

Melania also said in her address that she has ‘never been friends with Epstein’ and denied any intimacy with Ghislaine Maxwell after an email to the British socialite appeared in the files released by the Justice Department. 

She said she first met the financier in 2000 and was unaware of any allegations against him; as it was five years that he was publicly accused of sex trafficking.

The First Lady then said she had seen ‘fake images and statements’ linking her to Epstein on social media for years, and urged viewers to ‘be cautious about what you believe.’ 

‘These images and stories are completely false. I’m not a witness or unnamed witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes,’ she said.

‘The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop,’ the First Lady continued.

‘My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation.’

Donald and Melania Trump with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at  Mar-a-Lago in February 2000. Melania said she first met Epstein that year

Donald and Melania Trump with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at  Mar-a-Lago in February 2000. Melania said she first met Epstein that year

Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria's Secret party at Manhattan's Laura Belle club in April 1997

Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party at Manhattan’s Laura Belle club in April 1997

Melania went on to call for justice in the Epstein case, noting that he did not work alone and that several prominent male executives had resigned as the scandal grew increasingly politicized.

That did not amount to guilt, she said, but added, ‘we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth.’

Melania also addressed an email she sent Maxwell that was uncovered in the Epstein files in January, insisting her reply was merely polite and did not indicate a close relationship. 

‘My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note,’ Melania said. 

Buried in the tranche of more than three million Epstein Files is an email signed ‘Love, Melania’ that appears to be addressed to Maxwell. 

The names of the sender and recipient are redacted in the October 23, 2002 email. 

The message begins: ‘Dear G! How are you? Nice story about JE in NY mag. You look great on the picture.’

That week, New York Magazine ran a now-infamous story headlined: ‘Jeffrey Epstein: International Moneyman of Mystery.’

The article featured a full-page color illustration of Epstein grinning alongside Bill Clinton in front of his private jet, as the actors Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker board the aircraft.

Melania seemed nervous throughout her address on Thursday, after which she declined to take any questions

Melania seemed nervous throughout her address on Thursday, after which she declined to take any questions

The piece included a photo of Maxwell with Epstein at a black-tie event, as well as a photo of Donald Trump and the financier chatting to Belgian supermodel Ingrid Seynhaeve at a Victoria’s Secret party.

The email continues: ‘I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time!’

The First Lady seemed visibly nervous throughout her address on Thursday, trembling and looking down at her notes rather than into the camera. She took no questions before walking away from the podium.

But Marc Beckman, Exclusive Senior Advisor to First Lady Melania Trump, later told the Daily Mail: ‘First Lady Melania Trump spoke out now because enough is enough. The lies must stop.

‘It is time for the public and media to focus on her incredible achievements as First Lady, the lives she has positively impacted, and her commitment to our nation.’

Epstein was found hanged in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, and Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in the conspiracy. 

Melania Trump’s full remarks on Jeffrey Epstein:

Good afternoon. The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation. I have never been friends with Epstein. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach. 

To be clear, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. My email reply to Maxwell cannot be characterized as anything more than casual correspondence. My polite reply to her email doesn’t amount to anything more than a trivial note. I am not Epstein’s victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.

This initial encounter with my husband is documented in a detail in my book, Melania. The first time I crossed paths with Epstein was in the year 2000, at an event Donald and I attended together. At the time, I had never met Epstein and had no knowledge of his criminal undertakings. Numerous fake images and statements about Epstein and me have been circulating on social media for years now.

Be cautious about what you believe. These images and stories are completely false. I’m not a witness or a named witness in connection with any of Epstein’s crimes. My name has never appeared in court documents, depositions, victim statements, or FBI interviews surrounding the Epstein matter. I have never had any knowledge of Epstein’s abuse of his victims. I was never involved in any capacity – I was not a participant. I was never on Epstein’s plane and never visited his private island. 

I have never been legally accused or convicted of a crime in connection with Epstein’s sex trafficking, abuse of minors and other repulsive behavior. The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop.

My attorneys and I have fought these unfounded and baseless lies with success, and will continue to maintain my sound reputation without hesitation. To date, several individuals and companies have been legally obligated to publicly apologize and retract their lies about me, such as Daily Beast, James Carville and Harper Collins UK. Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone.

Several prominent male executives resigned from their powerful positions after this matter became widely politicized. Of course, this doesn’t amount to guilt, but we still must work openly and transparently to uncover the truth. I call on Congress to provide the women who have been victimized by Epstein with the public hearing specifically centered around the survivors. Give these victims their opportunity to testify under oath in front of Congress with the power of sworn testimony.

Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes. And then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record. Then, and only then, we will have the truth. Thank you.

Legal Drama Unfolds: Ex-Owner of K9 Nero Faces Court Appearance

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Legal Drama Unfolds: Ex-Owner of K9 Nero Faces Court Appearance

The unfolding story in Unicoi County, Tennessee, has once again brought attention to an animal cruelty case surrounding a former police K9. On Thursday, the dog’s previous owner, Lilliana Long, made a brief appearance in court, where proceedings were postponed until June 25.

Long, a 19-year-old resident of Erwin, faces charges of animal cruelty following the discovery of Nero, a retired police dog, in a severely malnourished state and suffering from significant hair loss.

Photo: 19-year-old Lilliana Long briefly appeared in court on Thursday before her appearance was reset to June 25. (WJHL)

The incident came to light after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced on March 30 that it had launched a probe into the troubling condition of K9 Nero.

Influencer Cash Cartier Receives 40-Year Sentence for Girlfriend’s Death Initially Attributed to Dog

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Influencer Cash Cartier Receives 40-Year Sentence for Girlfriend’s Death Initially Attributed to Dog

Kaleb Mickens, widely recognized on social media as Cash Cartier, has been handed a 40-year prison sentence following the tragic death of his girlfriend—a crime he initially attributed to his pet dog.

Mickens admitted to charges of first-degree aggravated assault in a family violence case involving the severe beating and drugging of Sheila Cuevas. This information was disclosed in an April 7 press release from the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.

In addition to the 40-year sentence, the 34-year-old influencer received a 20-year sentence for a probation violation related to a prior aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury. Another 15-year sentence was imposed for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The press release highlighted that “each of these offenses involved different women with whom Mickens had relationships.”

During the court proceedings, numerous women delivered impact statements, sharing harrowing accounts of “torment, torture, manipulation, and sexual assault” endured at the hands of Mickens.

According to a spokesperson from the district attorney’s office, Mickens will serve his sentences concurrently, as reported by Oxygen.

“There can be no justice that brings Sheila back, but there can be outcomes,” Cuevas’ family told Mickens in court, “and there can be accountability and you deserve this.”  

Back in October 2023, Mickens called 911 claiming Cuevas had been attacked by his dog Soldier and was not breathing, according to the press release. The report led to the dog being euthanized, however, authorities later discovered that the dog was not involved in Cuevas’ death.   

Mickens was described as a well-known personality in the business platform IM Academy, according to the press release, “where he lured young people into joining his training team with the promise of making thousands of dollars.” 

“He used his perceived wealth and status to manipulate men and women with threats and promises,” the release noted, “while hiding his very violent private persona.”

Prosecutor Peter Gieseking explained why Mickens was not charged with murder despite the death.

“There were some complications with the case with the medical examiner proving the cause of death, so we weren’t able to charge him with murder, so ultimately charged with a first-degree felony offense,” Gieseking told Fox 4. “But ultimately, what happened on that day we don’t really know.”
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