D’Angelo, the acclaimed R&B and soul singer, passed away Tuesday at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family. The family expressed their heartbreak while also celebrating his musical legacy, which includes the influential debut album “Brown Sugar” and the hit song “Lady.” His loved ones acknowledged the enduring impact of his music and requested privacy during this difficult time. D’Angelo’s contributions to the music world will be remembered and celebrated.
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In a landmark decision, a South Korean court overturned the 1965 conviction of Choi Mal-ja, who was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm after biting off part of her attacker’s tongue during a sexual assault. The court ruled that her actions were justifiable self-defense, recognizing her attempt to escape the assault. This reversal comes after a retrial ordered by the Supreme Court, fueled by the #MeToo movement and Choi’s own determination to clear her name after six decades. The initial conviction stemmed from the aggressor receiving a lenient sentence for the assault while Choi was punished, sparking outrage and highlighting the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence.
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Harvey Weinstein’s retrial resulted in a conviction on one count of criminal sexual act, while the jury acquitted him on another and deadlocked on a rape charge. The six-week trial saw the prosecution argue Weinstein preyed on vulnerable women, while the defense portrayed him as a victim of the #MeToo movement. Testimony from three accusers detailed Weinstein’s alleged abuse of his power in the entertainment industry. This conviction adds to Weinstein’s existing lengthy prison sentence, likely ensuring he will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated.
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A new report details accusations of predatory behavior against Jared Leto by nine women. The allegations include inappropriate interactions with underage girls, ranging from unsolicited contact and sexually suggestive conversations to instances of alleged assault. A representative for Leto denies the accusations, claiming the communications were not sexual or inappropriate; however, several accusers directly refute this statement. Leto himself has yet to publicly respond to these claims.
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A Paris court found French actor Gérard Depardieu guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film *Les Volets Verts*, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence and a substantial fine. Depardieu, who denied the allegations and plans to appeal, was also ordered to be registered in the national sex offender database. The victims, who worked behind the scenes, testified that Depardieu used vulgar language and physically assaulted them, highlighting a pattern of behavior enabled by his fame and influence within the French film industry. This verdict is considered a significant step forward for France’s #MeToo movement.
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President Trump’s prediction of a market crash following a loss in the 2024 election appears to be coming true. His tariffs have rapidly shifted a bull market into a potential bear market, with the S&P 500 experiencing a significant 15% drop since his inauguration, exceeding the speed of any similar decline in modern presidential history. This market downturn, exacerbated by Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcements, is accompanied by increasing recessionary forecasts from major financial institutions. The interconnectedness of Wall Street and Main Street, coupled with the widespread participation in the stock market, suggests a potential economic downturn impacting a large portion of the American population.
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President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs triggered a significant market downturn, with the S&P 500 experiencing a substantial drop following China’s announcement of retaliatory tariffs. Despite a positive jobs report, analyst concerns regarding the outdated nature of the data and the impending economic impact of the trade war overshadowed the positive news. This decline follows earlier market instability caused by Trump’s tariff policies and has led to increased predictions of a global recession. Retaliatory measures from major trading partners such as China and the European Union further exacerbate the situation.
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Following the lifting of a Romanian travel ban, Andrew Tate, facing human trafficking charges, appeared at a UFC event alongside his brother and prominent figures including the UFC president and the FBI director, highlighting a stark shift in the US political landscape. This event, coupled with the rise of the manosphere and the resurgence of prominent figures accused of sexual misconduct, demonstrates a significant backlash against the #MeToo movement. Despite legal advancements and increased cultural awareness of sexual misconduct, the movement’s impact has been limited, with survivors facing significant risks and societal resistance persisting. While setbacks are evident, successful legal challenges against abusers, like that of Bay Higginbotham, offer a sliver of hope for continued progress.
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In less than a month, the S&P 500 plummeted 10% from its record high, resulting in a $5.28 trillion loss in market value. This sharp correction follows a period of escalating trade tensions and weakening economic indicators, including sluggish consumer sentiment and retail outlooks. Concerns over erratic policy and the unwinding of the AI-driven growth trade, which inflated valuations, also contributed to the decline. The S&P 500’s current price-to-earnings ratio significantly exceeds its historical average, suggesting overvaluation before the correction.
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The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee criticized the Trump administration for the significant decline in the stock market since the start of his presidency. The S&P 500 plummeted from near 6,100 in early February to 5,614.56 by Monday, representing a substantial loss. Simultaneously, the Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced sharp drops, reflecting market anxieties surrounding the administration’s economic policies. Uncertainty over tariffs and other policy decisions contributed to this market downturn.
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John Q. Hosedrinker