Category Archives: media

media, politics

After judge rules Voice of America be revived, what’s next?

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**Federal Judge Orders Voice of America to Resume Full Operations Amid Uncertainty**

In a strongly worded decision this week, a federal judge ordered that Voice of America (VOA)—an international broadcaster with the mission to provide news to countries around the world—come roaring back to life after being largely shut down for the last year by the Trump administration. Whether or not that actually happens remains uncertain.

The government filed notice Thursday to appeal U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth’s order issued two days earlier, which directed hundreds of VOA employees who have been on paid leave for the last year to return to work.

Judge Lamberth ruled on March 7 that Kari Lake, President Trump’s choice to oversee the bureaucratic parent agency, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), did not have the authority to reduce VOA to a skeleton crew. Established during World War II, Voice of America beamed reports to many countries lacking a tradition of a free press.

Before Trump took office again last year, VOA operated in 49 different languages and was heard by an estimated 362 million people worldwide. However, Trump’s team contended that government-run news sources—not just VOA but also outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty—were examples of bloated government, and sought news reporting more favorable to the current administration.

Currently operating with a greatly reduced staff, VOA broadcasts mainly to Iran, Afghanistan, China, North Korea, and countries with large Kurdish populations.

In his decision, Judge Lamberth stated that Lake had “repeatedly thumbed her nose” at laws mandating VOA’s operation.

—

### Calls to Rebuild and Strengthen VOA

VOA Director Michael Abramowitz expressed optimism about the broadcaster’s future. He noted that legislators from both parties recognize the need for a strong operation and have allocated sufficient funding to get the job done.

“It is time for all parties to come together and work to rebuild and strengthen the agency,” Abramowitz said.

However, expectations for a swift recovery should be tempered. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly defended the administration’s position, saying, “President Trump was elected to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the administration, including the Voice of America, and efforts to improve efficiency at USAGM have been a tremendous success. This will not be the final say on the matter.”

—

### Challenges Ahead for VOA Staff

Patsy Widakuswara, VOA’s White House bureau chief and a plaintiff in the lawsuit to restore the agency, commented on the difficulties ahead.

“Restoring the physical infrastructure is going to take a lot of money and some time, but it can be done. What is more difficult is recovering from the trauma that our newsroom has gone through,” she said.

David Ensor, former VOA director from 2010 to 2014, questioned whether the administration wants a real news organization or merely a mouthpiece.

“We don’t know — maybe no one does at the moment — what the future holds,” Ensor said.

The administration’s efforts over the past year to bolster friendly outlets and suppress coverage displeasing to Trump offer some clues, despite congressional mandates requiring VOA to remain an objective and unbiased news source.

—

### New Leadership and Staffing Concerns

This week, it was announced that Christopher Wallace, a Newsmax executive with 15 years at Fox News Channel, will become the new deputy director at VOA. Michael Abramowitz stated he was unaware of this appointment until it was publicly announced. Widakuswara declined to comment on what Wallace’s appointment might mean, saying, “I’m not going to pass judgment before seeing his work.”

While Judge Lamberth ordered more than a thousand employees on leave to be reinstated, it remains unclear how many have moved on to other jobs or retired over the past year. Additionally, the judge said he lacked authority to reinstate hundreds of independent contractors who were terminated.

One former employee who left VOA is Steve Herman, previously the White House bureau chief and national correspondent, and now executive director of the Jordan Center for Journalism Advocacy and Innovation at the University of Mississippi. Despite the court decisions, Herman expressed skepticism about the future.

“I’m a bit of a pessimist,” Herman said. “I think it’s going to be very difficult.”

—

### Political Influence and Future Outlook

The Trump administration continues to resist defeat. Recently, the White House nominated Sarah Rogers, undersecretary of State for public diplomacy, to head the U.S. Agency for Global Media, potentially increasing administrative control—though her nomination requires Senate approval.

“Is Marco Rubio’s State Department going to allow objective journalism in 49 languages?” Herman questioned. “I don’t think so. I would want that to happen, but that’s a fairy tale.”

In the February budget bill, Congress allocated $200 million for VOA operations. While this represents roughly a 25% cut from the agency’s previous budget, it sends a bipartisan message of support, according to Kate Neeper, VOA’s director of strategy and performance evaluation.

Neeper, who also joined Widakuswara as a plaintiff in the lawsuit, has helped colleagues address concerns including immigration issues over the past year.

“There is a lot of enthusiasm for going back to work,” she said. “People are eager to show up on Monday.”

—

### The Enduring Importance of Voice of America

David Ensor highlighted the hunger for VOA’s information, particularly in Iran, during his tenure as director. Surveys showed that between a quarter and a third of Iranian households tuned in to VOA weekly, primarily via satellite television. While authorities occasionally cracked down and confiscated satellite dishes, Iranians could usually find replacements quickly.

“I believe in Voice of America as a news organization and as a voice of America,” Ensor said. “It was important, and it can be again.”

—

As VOA stands at a crossroads after a turbulent year, the path forward remains uncertain. The commitment of its employees and bipartisan congressional support offer hope that the broadcaster can reclaim its historic mission of delivering reliable news to audiences worldwide.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-03-21/after-judge-rules-voice-of-america-be-revived-whats-next

crime, economy, media, politics, technology

New Mexico man allegedly kills mother, stores dismembered remains in home freezer for weeks: Report

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An Albuquerque, New Mexico man has been arrested on charges of allegedly killing and dismembering his mother before placing her remains in a freezer, according to reports.

Court records show 49-year-old Leroy Vallejos was booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center on Wednesday. He faces charges including first-degree murder, battery, battery of a household member, and tampering with evidence. Vallejos is currently being held under preventative detention.

The Albuquerque Police Department reported that Vallejos admitted to choking his 69-year-old mother, Ernestina Lucero, to death nearly three weeks ago, KRQE Albuquerque reported. Police further revealed that Vallejos claimed his mother was part of a “group of people giving their lives to darkness” who were conspiring against him.

Officers conducted a welfare check at Lucero’s home last Tuesday after Vallejos informed a healthcare company that his mother had been missing for about a week. He had contacted the company to request payment for her care despite not having seen her recently. During the welfare check, Vallejos allowed officers inside and told them his mother had gone to Mexico. However, officers found Lucero’s prescriptions still in her bedroom.

One officer reportedly found garbage bags inside a large freezer, which were later determined to contain the remains of a female, according to the station. This discovery prompted a more thorough search of the home, where officers found a saw with what appeared to be dried blood stains under a sink.

Prior to the welfare check, another family member had reported Lucero missing, leading the police department to issue a missing person bulletin on October 23 and begin an investigation. Preliminary findings indicated that Vallejos had allegedly withdrawn money from his mother’s bank account, and her vehicle had been sold before she was reported missing.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence in this disturbing case.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/new-mexico-man-allegedly-kills-mother-stores-dismembered-remains-home-freezer-weeks-report

culture, economy, entertainment, media, sports

Bouchard scores in OT to give Oilers 3-2 win against Blackhawks

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EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Evan Bouchard scored 2:43 into overtime to lift the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night.

Leon Draisaitl contributed a goal and an assist, while Jack Roslovic also found the back of the net. Connor McDavid recorded three assists for the Oilers, who have now won two of their last three games. Goaltender Stuart Skinner made 27 saves in the win.

For the Blackhawks, Tyler Bertuzzi and Andre Burakovsky scored in the loss, which marked Chicago’s second straight defeat and their third in the last four games. Spencer Knight stopped 27 shots in the net.

In overtime, Bouchard capitalized on his own rebound to secure the win for Edmonton.

The Oilers took a 2-1 lead on their second power-play goal of the game with 2:43 remaining in the second period. McDavid delivered a precise pass to Roslovic, who scored his second goal of the season.

Burakovsky evened the score for Chicago at 3:19 of the third period, forcing the game into overtime.

In a milestone for Edmonton, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins played in his 972nd career game with the Oilers, passing Ryan Smyth for the second-most games played in franchise history. Nugent-Hopkins has recorded 13 points in 13 games this season.

Draisaitl’s power-play goal just 54 seconds into the second period extended his points streak against Chicago to 19 games, dating back to October 28, 2018. This is the longest active streak by any NHL player against a single team. During this stretch, Draisaitl has accumulated 15 goals and 22 assists against the Blackhawks.

Additionally, Draisaitl is enjoying an eight-game overall points streak, with six goals and six assists during that span.

**Up Next:**
– Blackhawks: Visit the Seattle Kraken on Monday.
– Oilers: Visit the St. Louis Blues on Monday.

___
AP NHL
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/hockey-game-stories/10134212/bouchard-scores-in-ot-to-give-oilers-3-2-win-against-blackhawks.html

defense, economy, government, media, politics

Hegseth declines to discuss possible US strikes in Venezuela, blames Dems on troop pay amid shutdown

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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth declined to say whether the U.S. is preparing military strikes on Venezuela, while blasting Democrats over the ongoing shutdown that has delayed the federal government from paying U.S. troops.

The U.S. military has carried out more than a dozen strikes on vessels allegedly carrying drugs in international waters near Venezuela, killing dozens of suspected narco-terrorists. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group have been ordered deployed to the U.S. Southern Command region. These escalations have raised questions about whether the U.S. may be lining up to topple Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

A reporter asked Hegseth on Saturday at a gathering of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) defense ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, if the United States was planning to strike inside Venezuela.

“Appreciate the question, but of course, we would not share any amount of operational details about what may or may not happen,” Hegseth said to reporters.

### Senators Look to Block Trump from Engaging in ‘Hostilities’ in Venezuela

President Donald Trump said Friday that he was not considering strikes inside Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the White House both pushed back against reports citing unnamed “sources” claiming any such plan was in motion.

Hegseth was also asked if there was an ethics review for an anonymous $130 million donation that was made to pay troops while the government is shut down. Timothy Mellon, a reclusive billionaire and a major financial backer of President Donald Trump, made the donation, according to The New York Times.

“We are very grateful for generous Americans who would be willing to ensure that U.S. troops are paid,” Hegseth said. “And we’re thankful to President Trump and Vice President Vance and everyone, [director of the Office of Management and Budget] Russ Vought, and others who made sure, and our department did make sure, that no matter what’s happening, the troops are getting paid.”

Hegseth emphasized that getting troops paid is a priority of the president and slammed Democrats for not voting to reopen the government.

“Democrats are not contributing to that,” Hegseth said about the troops getting paid.

### Trump Touts US Strike as Maduro Slams Military ‘Threat’ off Venezuela

“President Trump’s making that happen and that’s an important outcome, because the work we’re talking about right here, across our country, certainly the Department of War is front and center of that,” he said.

The pause in funding stems from the October 1 shutdown after Senate lawmakers failed to reach a spending agreement in time for the end of fiscal year 2025. This came after a short-term extension of fiscal year 2025 funding, aimed at keeping the government open through November 21, passed the House mainly along party lines earlier in September.

Timothy Mellon, a grandson of former Treasury Secretary Andrew W. Mellon, is a strong backer of Trump who gave tens of millions of dollars to groups supporting the president’s 2024 campaign. Last year, he made a $50 million contribution to a super PAC supporting Trump, marking one of the largest single donations ever disclosed, the New York Times noted.

Hegseth was also asked about reports that the United States was planning a “show of force” in response to recent Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. He said those reports are not in line with what’s happening currently.

“[Indo-Pacific Commander] Admiral Papara and I are in close coordination at all times, ensuring we’ve got capabilities where we need them, when we need them, but those specific reports are not in keeping with what’s happening right now,” Hegseth said.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/hegseth-declines-discuss-possible-us-strikes-venezuela-blames-dems-troop-pay-amid-shutdown

culture, economy, education, entertainment, media

Nurses at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital take young patients trick-or-treating

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The Halloween spirit was thriving at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Southwest Miami-Dade.

The hospital’s nurses and young patients enjoyed a fun-filled day of dressing up, embracing the festive atmosphere together.

From colorful costumes to cheerful decorations, the celebration brought smiles and laughter throughout the hospital, creating memorable moments for everyone involved.
https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/nurses-at-nicklaus-childrens-hospital-take-young-patients-trick-or-treating/

culture, economy, entertainment, media, politics

King Charles Destroys His Brother Over Epstein. America Dithers

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Born into unimaginable luxury and showered with honors, the man formerly known as His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York, will henceforth be addressed as plain old Mr. Mountbatten Windsor.

This significant change marks a new chapter in his life, stripping away the royal titles that once defined his public persona. The transition reflects a departure from the privileges and formalities associated with his former status, bringing him closer to the experiences of everyday citizens.
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-10-31/epstein-files-king-charles-destroys-his-brother-andrew-while-america-dithers

culture, economy, entertainment, media, politics

Why Was Melissa Barrera From ‘Scream 7’? Here’s the Reason She Got Axed & Her Response

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**Scream 7 Release Set for February 2026 Amid Controversy Surrounding Melissa Barrera’s Departure**

The highly anticipated *Scream 7* is finally slated for theatrical release in February 2026, arriving more than two years after the unexpected firing of Melissa Barrera from the project. When news of her exit broke, horror fans were shocked, with some vowing to boycott the upcoming installment. However, with original final girl Neve Campbell and fan favorites like Matthew Lillard returning to the franchise, many remain excited to see Ghostface unleash terror once again.

**Melissa Barrera’s Role in the Scream Franchise**

Melissa Barrera has appeared in two *Scream* films: 2022’s *Scream* and 2023’s *Scream VI*, portraying Samantha “Sam” Carpenter. Her character quickly became a fan favorite, making her sudden removal from *Scream 7* all the more surprising.

**Why Was Melissa Barrera Fired From Scream 7?**

Spyglass Media reportedly fired Melissa Barrera due to her public comments regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. In one of her Instagram Stories, Melissa wrote:

*“Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp. Cornering everyone together, with nowhere to go, no electricity, no water. People have learnt nothing from our histories. And just like our histories, people are still silently watching it all happen. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING.”*

Following the backlash, Spyglass Media released an official statement to *Variety* through a spokesperson:

*“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”*

**Director Christopher Landon Clarifies He Did Not Fire Melissa**

Contrary to some rumors, original *Scream 7* director Christopher Landon was not responsible for Melissa’s firing. Addressing the situation on social media, Landon tweeted:

*“This is my statement: Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”*

**Melissa Barrera’s Response to Her Firing**

Melissa addressed the controversy and her dismissal in a heartfelt message, beginning with:

*“First and foremost, I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.”*

She continued:

*“As a Latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore, I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.”*

Melissa also emphasized the importance of human rights for all:

*“Every person on this earth regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom.”*

She added:

*“I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism. I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom. Silence is not an option for me.”*

**Why Is Jenna Ortega Not in Scream 7?**

Initial reports suggested Jenna Ortega left *Scream 7* due to scheduling conflicts with other projects, such as *Wednesday*. However, in an April 2025 interview with *The Cut*, Jenna clarified:

*“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling. The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart.”*

She further explained that multiple key figures had exited the film:

*“Not only did filmmaker Christopher exit the film, but directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin also left after I stepped down.”*

Jenna summed up her decision by saying:

*“If Scream VII wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people I fell in love with, then it didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time.”*

—

The *Scream* franchise is undoubtedly navigating a turbulent chapter, but with iconic faces returning and fans eagerly awaiting its release, February 2026 promises an intense and thrilling comeback for Ghostface.
https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/why-was-melissa-barrera-fired-scream-7-5483207/

culture, economy, entertainment, media, technology

Fortnite Sidekicks are new customizable companions

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Epic Games has announced the arrival of Sidekicks, new companions designed to accompany players in Fortnite. These customizable creatures will be available across multiple game modes, including Battle Royale and LEGO Fortnite, as well as other titles developed by Epic.

Sidekicks are set to debut with the launch of the next season on November 1. As revealed in a recent blog post, these companions will travel alongside players as they explore the map and engage in battles. While Sidekicks do not provide any competitive advantage, they add a layer of personality by mimicking player emotes and reacting to in-game actions.

Most Sidekicks will be customizable upon acquisition, allowing players to personalize their companions. However, once customization choices are finalized, they become permanent. Players can earn Sidekick Points (SP) through gameplay, which can be spent to unlock a variety of new cosmetic options for their Sidekicks.

Several Sidekicks have already been unveiled. Among them is Peels, a playful banana puppy that players can earn through the new Battle Pass starting November 1, 2025. Additionally, Bonesy, Spike, and Lil’ Raptor will be available for purchase in the Item Shop beginning November 7.

With their charm and unique interactions, Sidekicks are set to bring a fun and fresh dynamic to the Fortnite experience in the upcoming season.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146591/fortnite-sidekicks-companions-announced

entertainment, media

PAC-MAN joins Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

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Gaming is set to make a big impact this year in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, as Bandai Namco has announced that Pac-Man will be featured as a new balloon in the iconic event.

The Pac-Man balloon is making its debut on November 27, the day the parade takes place. Bandai Namco shared the exciting news and details about the balloon in a social media post earlier this week, revealing that the classic video game character will be joining the lineup of parade balloons for the first time.

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has a history of showcasing beloved video game characters, including Sonic the Hedgehog and Pikachu from Pokémon. However, this year promises to be even more special, with a variety of new balloons inspired by popular video games.

In addition to Pac-Man, it was announced earlier this month that Nintendo will be introducing a Mario balloon to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros.

With these additions, the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is shaping up to be a must-watch event for gaming fans and parade enthusiasts alike.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146570/macys-thanksgiving-parade-pac-man-2025

entertainment, media

Ariana Grande Reveals Wickedly Good Brunette Hair Transformation

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Do you like Ariana Grande’s hair? Well, she just got it! The Wicked actress debuted a fresh new look ahead of joining Cynthia Erivo for the sequel’s press tour, swapping out her bleach blonde locks for the first time since 2022.

Alongside a mirror selfie showing off her natural hair color, Ariana cheekily wrote in an October 29 Instagram post, “It’s good to see me, isn’t it?” Fans were excited to see the change, but Ariana wasn’t the only one impressed by her return to a darker shade.

Her hair colorist, Francesco De Chiara, also couldn’t help but gush over the darker tresses. He reposted the photo to his Instagram Story with the caption, “Here she is.” On Ariana’s own post, Francesco added, “We’re back amore.”

Francesco further teased a fresh start for the “Positions” singer by reposting a fan reaction praising Ariana’s new brunette curls that read, “A new chapter has begun!”

It seems this new look marks an exciting new phase for Ariana Grande as she prepares for upcoming projects and appearances.
https://www.eonline.com/news/1424398/ariana-grande-debuts-brunette-hair?cmpid=rss-syndicate-genericrss-us-top_stories