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Janet Jackson Shines at Sold-Out Los Angeles Concert with YOLA and Ludacris

Janet Jackson Shines at Sold-Out Los Angeles Concert with YOLA and Ludacris

Nostalgic Night Features Special Performances and Youth Engagement

Janet Jackson brought youthful energy to her typically mature concert during a sold-out performance in Los Angeles on Saturday night. The iconic singer infused the evening with nostalgia, performing alongside the LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), which features 16 talented young musicians.

In a heartfelt moment, Jackson performed her 1993 ballad “Again,” engaging with an 11-year-old percussionist from the orchestra. “Tonight is very special to me because we’re here to support LA Phil,” she told the enthusiastic audience, who rose to their feet in appreciation. Jackson honored the YOLA program, which provides around 1,700 young musicians with free instruments, music instruction, academic support, and leadership training.

The young percussionist shared how she discovered YOLA through social media, expressing her excitement at being part of the program. After their conversation, Jackson invited her to participate in the special performance, which captivated the audience as they captured the moment on their phones.

Conducted by Thomas Wilkins, the orchestra accompanied Jackson for “Again,” a track from her fifth studio album that received an Oscar nomination for its role in the film “Poetic Justice.” Following this collaboration, Jackson transitioned back to her signature hits, delivering powerful renditions of “Any Time, Any Place,” “I Get Lonely,” “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “Nasty,” “Control,” and “Scream,” a duet with her late brother, Michael Jackson.

The concert attracted several notable attendees, including “Fast X” stars Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster, along with actors Larenz Tate and Lil Rel Howery. Ludacris, who opened the show with a high-energy 35-minute set, was supported by his co-stars as he performed hits like “What’s Your Fantasy,” “Area Codes,” and “Welcome to Atlanta.” Tate was seen dancing in the aisles, joining fellow concertgoers in celebrating the rapper’s performance.

After his set, Ludacris mingled with the audience, chatting with his “Fast X” castmates before the start of Jackson’s much-anticipated show. With a stellar lineup and memorable moments, the concert showcased not only Jackson’s enduring talent but also her commitment to supporting the next generation of musicians.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Tops Box Office, Outpacing ‘Spider-Verse’

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Tops Box Office, Outpacing ‘Spider-Verse’

Seventh Installment of Franchise Earns $60.5 Million in Opening Weekend

n a weekend showdown at the box office, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” emerged victorious over “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” taking the No. 1 spot with an estimated $60.5 million in its opening weekend across North America. Meanwhile, “Spider-Verse” secured a strong second place with approximately $55.4 million in its second weekend.

Released by Paramount Pictures in 3,678 theaters, “Rise of the Beasts” is set in 1994 and serves as both a sequel to the 1980s-set “Bumblebee” and a prequel to previous films in the franchise. Directed by Steven Caple Jr. and featuring a new cast led by Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, the film aims to revitalize the $4.8 billion franchise despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, holding a 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Critics pointed out the ongoing challenge of balancing human elements with the action-packed robot sequences. AP’s Mark Kennedy noted, “The problem with ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ is the same problem faced by all of the installments — balancing the humanity with the metal.” In contrast, audiences responded more favorably, giving the film an A- CinemaScore.

While the opening weekend figures may appear modest against a production budget of around $200 million, the “Transformers” series typically generates significant revenue from international markets. Since “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” in 2011, over 70% of the global box office has come from abroad, with both “Dark of the Moon” and “Age of Extinction” surpassing $1 billion in global earnings.

In the meantime, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” continues to perform well, having already surpassed the total domestic box office of its predecessor with $225.4 million in ticket sales in just two weeks. The film has become the highest-grossing release from Sony Pictures Animation and is expected to maintain strong performance due to its positive reviews.

“The Little Mermaid,” Disney’s live-action adaptation, claimed third place with $23 million in its third weekend, bringing its global total to $414.2 million. Rounding out the top five were “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” in fourth with $7 million and “The Boogeyman” in fifth with $6.9 million.

As the summer movie season heats up, audiences can look forward to upcoming releases, including Pixar’s “Elemental” and “The Flash.”

Syracuse Incident Leaves 13 Injured Amid Gathering Chaos

Syracuse Incident Leaves 13 Injured Amid Gathering Chaos

Police Report All Victims Expected to Survive

Police in Syracuse reported that at least 13 people were injured after a gathering on the southwest side of the city turned chaotic late Saturday night into early Sunday morning. The incident occurred in the 100 block of Davis Street, prompting police to respond around 12:30 a.m. following reports of gunfire near Davis Street and Massena Street.

Upon arrival, officers found several victims among a large crowd who had either been shot, stabbed, or struck by vehicles fleeing the scene due to the escalating violence. Fortunately, authorities indicated that all victims are expected to survive, although the severity of their injuries remains uncertain.

Among the shooting victims, a 20-year-old woman was shot in the right hip, a 22-year-old woman sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, a 17-year-old girl was shot in the hip and midsection, and a 20-year-old man was shot in the forearm.

Those who were stabbed include two women, aged 23 and 19, who suffered head lacerations, as well as a 25-year-old woman with multiple lacerations to her shoulder and midsection. Additionally, a 17-year-old girl sustained wounds to her leg and arm, while a 17-year-old boy suffered a hand injury.

The victims struck by cars include a 24-year-old woman with lacerations on both legs, a 23-year-old woman with abrasions from being hit and falling, a 22-year-old man with abrasions on his side and foot after being struck, and another 22-year-old woman who suffered abrasions to her midsection.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with police working to uncover further details surrounding the events that led to this chaotic situation.

Putin Announces Deployment of Tactical Nuclear Weapons to Belarus

Putin Announces Deployment of Tactical Nuclear Weapons to Belarus

Move Seen as Blackmail by Belarusian Opposition

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Moscow will deploy tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus next month, a decision criticized by the Belarusian opposition as a tactic to intimidate the West. During a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin stated that facilities for the nuclear weapons are expected to be completed by July 7-8, after which the weapons will be transferred to Belarus.

This development comes amid heightened military activity as Ukraine has intensified attacks along the front lines, which some analysts interpret as the beginning of a long-anticipated counteroffensive. Russia has previously utilized Belarusian territory to launch troops into Ukraine since the conflict began on February 24, 2022.

“Everything is proceeding as planned,” Putin said in televised remarks from his residence in Sochi. He assured that preparations for the deployment would move forward immediately following the completion of the facilities.

Tactical nuclear weapons are designed for use on the battlefield against enemy troops and equipment, featuring a shorter range and lower yield compared to strategic nuclear warheads capable of devastating entire cities. Earlier this year, Putin had announced the intention to position these short-range nuclear weapons in Belarus, framing it as a response to increasing military support for Ukraine from Western nations, while asserting that Russia would maintain control over the weapons.

The exact number of nuclear weapons to be deployed has not been disclosed, but U.S. estimates suggest that Russia possesses around 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons, which include aircraft-delivered bombs, warheads for short-range missiles, and artillery shells.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the exiled leader of the Belarusian opposition, condemned the deployment plan. “Putin and his puppet Lukashenko are planning to deploy nuclear weapons in Belarus immediately before NATO’s summit in Vilnius in July,” she stated. “This is a rude blackmail, an attempt to force Europe to back down, but we can’t allow dictators to dodge punishment for their nuclear threats.”

Lukashenko, who has been in power for nearly three decades, has depended on Russian support to withstand ongoing protests, mass arrests, and Western sanctions following a 2020 election widely regarded as fraudulent.

Japan Passes Controversial Refugee Law Allowing Forced Repatriation of Asylum Seekers

Japan Passes Controversial Refugee Law Allowing Forced Repatriation of Asylum Seekers

New Legislation Sparks Concerns Over Persecution Risks

Japan’s parliament has approved a significant revision to its immigration and refugee law, enabling the forced repatriation of asylum seekers who have been denied refugee status twice. This change, which has drawn sharp criticism from human rights activists, raises fears that individuals may face persecution or even death if returned to their home countries.

The revision was passed by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s governing coalition and other conservative parties, despite strong opposition and protests. Supporters argue that the law will streamline the process for immigration authorities to repatriate foreign nationals who do not meet the criteria for refugee status, thereby preventing prolonged detention for those who repeatedly apply for asylum to extend their stay in Japan.

Critics, however, warn that this could lead to the expulsion of individuals who are genuinely at risk in their home countries, as the law allows the government to deport anyone unable to demonstrate reasonable grounds for their asylum claim after two denials.

The passage of the refugee bill incited protests both inside and outside the parliament on the day of the vote, with demonstrators holding signs demanding an end to the “bad revision” and calling for the bill’s repeal. Opposition lawmakers also voiced their dissent through speeches during the parliamentary session.

In a separate development, Kishida’s Cabinet approved a plan to expand job categories eligible for foreign workers, potentially paving the way for their permanent residency. This initiative marks a notable shift in Japan’s traditionally restrictive immigration policy, aiming to address the challenges posed by a rapidly aging and declining population. The new plan will allow foreign workers in nine additional industries, including fisheries, agriculture, and hospitality, and enables those with short-term visas to apply for longer stays if they pass language and technical skills assessments.

Japan’s population, currently over 125 million, has been in decline for the past 16 years and is projected to drop to 87 million by 2070. This demographic shift poses significant challenges for the economy and national security, especially as Japan seeks to bolster its military in response to China’s growing assertiveness.

In 2022, Japan accepted only 202 refugees out of 10,195 applicants screened, reflecting a rejection rate of over 98%. A previous attempt to revise the refugee law in 2021 was abandoned following public outcry over the death of a Sri Lankan woman in immigration detention, who reportedly did not receive adequate medical care despite her deteriorating health.

Antony Blinken to Visit China Next Week Amid Efforts to Repair U.S.-China Relations

Antony Blinken to Visit China Next Week Amid Efforts to Repair U.S.-China Relations

Trip Follows Postponement Due to Spy Balloon Incident

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to China next week as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to mend the increasingly strained relationship between the U.S. and China. U.S. officials indicate that Blinken plans to be in Beijing on June 18 for meetings with senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Qin Gang and potentially President Xi Jinping.

This visit, originally scheduled for February, was postponed after a diplomatic incident involving a Chinese spy balloon that the U.S. shot down. Beijing claimed the balloon was a weather device that had drifted off course. Since then, while there have been some communications between the two countries, they have been infrequent and marked by rising tensions over various issues, including China’s actions in the South China Sea, its stance toward Taiwan, and its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Recently, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s request for a meeting with China’s defense minister at a security symposium in Singapore was declined. However, there have been some positive engagements; China’s commerce minister visited the U.S. last month, and in early May, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan met with China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, in Vienna. The White House described this meeting as part of ongoing efforts to maintain open lines of communication and manage competition responsibly.

Additionally, Daniel Kritenbrink, the top U.S. diplomat for the Asia-Pacific region, visited China earlier this week alongside a senior National Security Council official. This series of diplomatic interactions underscores the importance both nations place on maintaining communication amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Doug Burgum, North Dakota Governor, Launches Presidential Campaign

Doug Burgum, North Dakota Governor, Launches Presidential Campaign

Little-Known Politician Joins GOP Race Amid Growing Competition

Doug Burgum, the little-known governor of North Dakota, has officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for president, further expanding the crowded Republican primary field. Burgum, who won re-election in the strongly Republican state last year, shared his announcement on Wednesday morning. In a preview video released the day before, he branded himself as “a new leader for a changing economy,” suggesting a campaign focused on practical, everyday issues rather than divisive cultural debates.

Notably, Burgum refrained from mentioning President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump in his announcement video. Instead, he emphasized a need for constructive action, stating, “Anger, yelling, and fighting… that’s not gonna cut it anymore. Let’s get things done.”

While his campaign appears to prioritize economic concerns, Burgum’s record aligns him with the conservative wing of the GOP. He is a strong supporter of the fossil fuel industry—a key sector in North Dakota—and has enacted a near-total abortion ban in the state.

Burgum’s entry into the 2024 Republican presidential primary comes as a wave of candidates announces their bids. Just days prior, former Vice President Mike Pence and ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie filed their candidacy paperwork with the Federal Election Commission. Christie, once an ally of Trump, is now positioning himself as a critic, having launched his campaign at St. Anselm’s College in New Hampshire on June 6. Pence is scheduled to kick off his campaign with a rally on Wednesday, followed by a CNN town hall appearance that evening.

This week’s new candidates join an already diverse primary field, which includes notable figures such as Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom are persons of colour. The frontrunners in the race, Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, both hail from Florida, while lesser-known businessman Perry Johnson is based in Michigan.

With Burgum’s announcement, the Republican primary is shaping up to be one of the most varied and competitive in recent history.

Exploring the Evolutionary Roots of Masturbation in Primates

Exploring the Evolutionary Roots of Masturbation in Primates

Research Uncovers Evolutionary Significance of Self-Pleasure

Evolutionary biologists have traced the origins of masturbation to pre-ancient primates around 40 million years ago. Recent research suggests that this practice served important evolutionary functions, such as protecting males from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and enhancing fertility.

The study reveals that primates engage in masturbation more frequently than other animal species, indicating it is an older behaviour than previously believed. Dr. Matilda Brindle, the lead author from University College London, stated, “Our findings illuminate a common yet poorly understood sexual behaviour and mark a significant advancement in our understanding of masturbation’s functions.”

The research supports the idea that masturbation can increase reproductive success while also acting as a protective measure against STIs. Dr. Brindle noted that historically, masturbation was often viewed as either pathological or merely a by-product of sexual arousal, with past observations being too fragmented to fully comprehend its evolutionary significance.

To conduct this study, the team assembled the largest dataset on masturbation to date, incorporating nearly 400 sources, including 246 academic papers and 150 questionnaires from primatologists and zookeepers. This comprehensive data collection enabled the researchers to map the occurrence and evolution of masturbation across various primate species, identifying its presence in both males and females.

The findings suggest two primary adaptive functions for male masturbation: enhancing reproductive success and reducing the risk of STIs by cleansing the genital tract. Previous studies have indicated that increased masturbation may improve male sexual performance, enhance orgasm quality, relieve stress, and eliminate potentially cancerous prostate cells. For females, masturbation is linked to improved mood, heightened libido, and relief from menstrual cramps.

Dr. Brindle explained, “Masturbation has a long evolutionary history among primates, likely present in the common ancestor of all monkeys and apes, including humans.” However, many aspects of this behaviour remain unclear. Although evidence suggests a resemblance to gibbons in the common ancestor, definitive fossils have yet to be discovered.

The study also examined the ‘postcopulatory selection hypothesis,’ which posits that masturbation aids in successful fertilisation. This may occur in multiple ways: first, through masturbation without ejaculation to increase arousal before mating, particularly advantageous for low-ranking males who might be interrupted during copulation. Second, ejaculation during masturbation allows males to expel subpar sperm, leaving higher-quality sperm available for mating.

Furthermore, the research indicates that male masturbation has co-evolved with multi-male mating systems characterized by heightened competition. The ‘pathogen avoidance hypothesis’ further suggests that male masturbation helps prevent STIs after copulation by clearing the urethra, a primary infection site.

While the importance of female masturbation remains less understood, Dr. Brindle emphasized the need for more data on female sexual behaviour to fully grasp its evolutionary role. She concluded, “More research on female sexual behaviour is essential to better understand the evolutionary significance of masturbation.”

Ellen Pompeo Reflects on Iconic ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Speech She Initially Opposed

Ellen Pompeo Reflects on Iconic ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Speech She Initially Opposed

Actress Shares Insights on Emotional Scene and Its Impact

Ellen Pompeo, who portrayed Meredith Grey for 19 seasons on Grey’s Anatomy, recently discussed her complicated feelings about one of the show’s most iconic speeches. In a conversation with former co-star Katherine Heigl for Variety’s annual “Actors on Actors” series, Pompeo revealed she strongly opposed the monologue in which her character begs Derek (played by Patrick Dempsey) to choose her over another woman.

The speech, which has become a hallmark of the series, features Meredith expressing her love in a dramatic and heartfelt manner: “Derek, I love you… So pick me. Choose me. Love me.” Despite its popularity among fans, Pompeo admitted she found the sentiment embarrassing, saying, “I can’t beg a man on TV! This is so embarrassing.”

Reflecting on the speech’s legacy, Pompeo noted, “I fought that speech so hard… And then it turns out to be one of the most famous scenes ever.” Heigl responded positively, calling it “a beautiful scene,” to which Pompeo added, “In the scene, I’m crying, but I’m really crying because I have to beg a man on television.”

The discussion also touched on the unique challenges of portraying surgeons while handling real animal parts during filming. Heigl recalled, “By season two, we’d become so desensitised to it, we’d be standing on our marks eating ramen over the cow intestines.”

As Pompeo moves on from her role, her reflections highlight the complexities of acting and the unexpected ways certain scenes resonate with audiences.

Pope Francis: An Overview of His Health Journey Over the Years

Pope Francis: An Overview of His Health Journey Over the Years

A Timeline of His Medical Challenges and Care

Since his election as pope in 2013, Pope Francis has faced various health challenges, including three hospitalizations and significant medical issues from his youth. Notably, he underwent major surgery in his early twenties to remove part of one lung due to a severe respiratory infection.

At 86 years old, the pontiff has experienced recurrent bouts of sciatica, causing him considerable pain while walking and standing. In recent times, he strained the ligaments in his knee and suffered a small fracture, necessitating the use of a wheelchair and walker for over a year.

Pope Francis is under the care of his personal physician, Dr. Roberto Bernabei, an internist and geriatric specialist from the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome. He also relies on his personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, who works within the Vatican health system. Francis has credited Strappetti with saving his life by diagnosing an intestinal problem in 2021, leading to the nurse being appointed as his “personal health care assistant” in 2022. Both Bernabei and Strappetti accompany the pope on his international trips.

Here’s a timeline of significant health events in the life of Pope Francis:

1957: In Argentina, Francis, then in his early twenties, suffers a severe respiratory infection that results in surgery to remove part of one lung. He later recalls that a nurse’s decision to double his medication was crucial to his recovery.
July 4-14, 2021: Francis spends ten days in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where doctors address a narrowing of the large intestine. They remove 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon. After the procedure, he expresses relief but mentions not responding well to general anesthesia.
January 24, 2023: Francis informs The Associated Press that diverticulosis, which led to his 2021 surgery, has returned but is currently manageable.
March 29-April 1, 2023: The pope is admitted to Gemelli Hospital for three days due to a respiratory infection, experiencing sharp chest pain and difficulty breathing. He is diagnosed with acute bronchitis and treated with intravenous antibiotics.
June 6, 2023: Francis undergoes unspecified medical checks at Gemelli Hospital before returning to the Vatican.
June 7, 2023: He is admitted to Gemelli for abdominal surgery related to a blocked intestine, with the Vatican indicating a multi-day hospital stay is anticipated.
Through these health challenges, Pope Francis continues to carry out his papal duties, supported by his dedicated medical team.