
Former TPG executive's guilty plea upheld in US college admissions scandal
By Nate Raymond and Jonathan Stempel BOSTON (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Monday upheld the conviction of a former
2023-08-15 06:59

Clarence Avant, ‘Black Godfather' of entertainment, and benefactor of athletes and politicians, dies
Clarence Avant, the manager, entrepreneur, facilitator and adviser who helped launch or guide the careers of Quincy Jones, Bill Withers and many others and came to be known as the "Black Godfather" of entertainment and beyond has died at 92
2023-08-15 06:47

‘VAR is pathetic’: Jeff Stelling and the best reactions to Andre Onana penalty incident against Wolves
Manchester United earned a victory at Old Trafford as they hosted Wolves for their opening Premier League match of the season. Raphael Varane headed the hosts ahead in the second half to earn Erik ten Hag’s men all three points but things could have been very different if a VAR decision had gone against the hosts. Wolves, who were the more dominant side on the night, had a penalty shout late in stoppage time. Pedro Neto swung a cross in from the right wing and targeted the back post. Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, came off his line to claim the ball but arrived late. He missed it and cleaned out Wolves substitute Sasa Kalajdzic in the process with the pair clashing heads as Kalajdzic crumpled to the deck. Referee Simon Hooper initially played on as VAR looked at the incident. As the replays were shown it looked increasingly likely that the United goalkeeper may have given away a penalty but the decision went his way much to the befuddlement of many on social media. BBC pundit and former England star Gary Lineker tweeted: “United got away with one there. If the referee had given it they certainly wouldn’t have overruled the decision.” Jeff Stelling, the recently departed presenter of Sky’s Gillette Soccer Saturday, was less composed and labelled the VAR decision “pathetic” saying: “Remind me if I have said this before but VAR. pathetic. How can that not be a Wolves pen? Just a joke as it has been since its inception.” Other takes agreed that Onana had committed a foul with Sky’s Michelle Owen tweeting: “Contact with consequence… how is that not a penalty?! #MNF” ITV’s Mark Pougatch claiming that VAR didn’t do its job to overturn the “howler”. He said: “So VAR gets involved to give a penalty against Son at Brentford yesterday but decides to let that one go… to start the season. “VAR was introduced to eradicate the howler. Personally didn’t think the Brentford penalty was in that category. But THAT was a howler. I know nothing. #MUNWOL” Over on Sky Sports, former Manchester United captain Gary Neville agreed that the penalty should have been awarded saying: “The reason I think it was a penalty was because Onana was nowhere near the ball. I think he was never getting there, he was always under it so he could’ve made a decision before he jumped.” Had the decision been overturned Wolves would have been awarded a late penalty and the chance to equalise which was what their performance deserved. Unfortunately this one went against them and Manchester United claimed the points. Read More O’Neil derides decision to not award Wolves penalty at Man Utd Raphael Varane header earns Manchester United opening victory over Wolves Onana takes centre-stage in more than one way as Man United fall flat Man United vs Wolves LIVE: Premier League result and reaction How Sandro Tonali and his Italian predecessors fared on Premier League debuts Football rumours: Manchester United weighing up approach for Amadou Onana
2023-08-15 05:53

Did 'The Blind Side’ family lie about adopting Michael Oher? Ex-NFL player files lawsuit against Tuohy family
Michael Oher has sued the Tuohy family for manipulating him to take authority of his finances and business deals
2023-08-15 05:24

How is Bruce Willis? Emma Heming says she's putting her 'best foot forward' for family despite 'not feeling good'
'I do that for myself. I do that for our two children. And Bruce, who would not want me to live any other way,' Emma Heming Willis said
2023-08-15 04:56

Blind Sided: Michael Oher sues family over fake adoption allegations
"The Blind Side" subject Michael Oher has revealed a damning allegation: his family, the Tuohys, never actually adopted him. Here's what to know about the lawsuit.Michael Oher, the subject of the acclaimed movie "The Blind Side", is suing his family, the Tuohys, for alle...
2023-08-15 03:48

Michael Oher, former NFL tackle known for 'The Blind Side,' sues to end Tuohys' conservatorship
Former NFL tackle Michael Oher has filed a petition in a Tennessee probate court saying the couple he thought adopted him actually remain his conservators
2023-08-15 03:26

Billy Porter criticised for calling Anna Wintour a ‘b****’ over Harry Styles Vogue cover
Billy Porter has sparked backlash after he called Anna Wintour a ‘b****’ over her decision to feature Harry Styles as the first-ever solo male cover star of Vogue. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, the Pose actor addressed criticism he initially received after hitting out at Styles for appearing on the cover of the fashion magazine wearing a Gucci dress. Porter - who’s known for championing gender-neutral fashion - explained how he would have better approached Wintour about “uplifting” those whose voices often go unheard in the fashion world. Speaking to the outlet, the 59-year-old actor explained that he participated in a Q&A with the Vogue editor-in-chief months before Styles’ cover was revealed in December 2019. “That b**** said to me at the end: ‘How can we do better?’ And I was so taken off guard that I didn’t say what I should have said,” Porter recalled. Looking back, the Cinderella star wished he had said: “Use your power as Vogue to uplift the voices of the leaders of this de-gendering of fashion movement.” However, Porter noted: “Six months later, Harry Styles is the first man on the cover.” “It’s not Harry Styles’ fault that he happens to be white and cute and straight and fit into the infrastructure that way... I call out the gatekeepers,” he continued, before suggesting that the former One Direction member was “on the cover” of Vogue because he’s “white and he’s straight”. “Non-binary blah blah blah blah. No. It doesn’t feel good to me. You’re using my community - or your people are using my community - to elevate you. You haven’t had to sacrifice anything,” Porter said. Despite the Tony award-winner’s efforts to promote inclusivity in fashion, his comments about Wintour sparked backlash online, as some fans deemed his remarks “misogynistic” towards the fashion editor. “Not him thinking he’s allowed to be misogynistic,” one person wrote on X, formally known as Twitter. “Calling a woman a b**** just because she didn’t do what you wanted will NEVER be okay.” “I’m not one to defend Anna or that cover, but using misogyny to make your case for de-gendering fashion is not smart,” another user tweeted. “I immediately tune out the second a man refers to a woman as a b****,” said someone else. “Your statement is now null”. Another person joked: “Oh he’s never getting invited to the Met Gala ever again.” Meanwhile, one user recalled how Porter recently admitted to selling his house as a result of the Hollywood strikes when they tweeted: “I would not be calling Anna Wintour a b**** if I was currently having to sell my house to be able to live but that’s just me.” In December 2019, Styles became Vogue’s first-ever solo male cover star when he posed on the cover of the magazine in a Gucci dress. Months later, Porter took issue with Vogue’s decision to feature Styles on the cover when he claimed that all the singer had to do to break barriers was “be white and straight”. “I was the first one doing it and now everybody is doing it,” the actor told The Sunday Times in October 2021. “I’m not dragging Harry Styles, but... He doesn’t care, he’s just doing it because it’s the thing to do. This is politics for me. This is my life. “I had to fight my entire life to get to the place where I could wear a dress to the Oscars,” Porter added. “All [Styles] has to do is be white and straight.” After facing criticism for his initial comments, Porter issued an apology to Styles live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, telling the camera: “Harry Styles, I apologise to you for having your name in my mouth. “It’s not about you. The conversation is not about you.” The American Horror Story alum went on to explain that the conversation surrounding inclusivity in fashion is “deeper,” as it is actually about “the systems of oppression and erasure of people of colour who contribute to the culture”. After acknowledging that there is a lot to “unpack” regarding the topic, Porter noted that he is willing to do so as long as it is without the interference of “the cancel culture of the internet”. “I’m willing to unpack it, sans the dragging and cancel culture of the internet, because I do not now, nor will ever, adjudicate my life or humanity in sound bites on social media,” he said. “So when you’re ready to have the real conversation, call a b****. Okay? I’m ready to have it!” Porter, who previously told The Sunday Times that he “changed the whole game” when it came to breaking gendered fashion barriers, famously wore a tuxedo dress custom-made by designer Christian Siriano to the 2019 Oscars. As of now, Wintour has not publicly acknowledged Porter’s recent remarks. The Independent has contacted representatives for Billy Porter and Anna Wintour for comment. Read More Billy Porter hits out at Harry Styles and Anna Wintour over Vogue cover: ‘You’re using my community’ Billy Porter reveals he has to sell his house due to Hollywood strikes: ‘You’ve already starved me out’ Billy Porter and husband Adam Smith split after six years of marriage Billy Porter hits out at Harry Styles and Anna Wintour over Vogue cover Supermodels including Naomi Campbell recreate iconic Vogue cover from 1990 Will the gendered separation in clothing ever cease to exist?
2023-08-15 03:22

How -- and when -- is best to donate to those affected by the Maui wildfires?
The destruction and suffering caused by the Maui wildfires in Hawaii prompted many to immediately look for ways to help
2023-08-15 03:20

How did Clarence Avant die? Music industry legend known as ‘Black Godfather’ was 92
Clarence Avant, 92, died on August 14 at his residence in Los Angeles
2023-08-15 03:18

Timothy Bliefnick made an eerie joke about his marriage on Family Feud. Then he murdered his wife
Timothy Bliefnick made headlines in his hometown of Quincy, Illinois, when he appeared in a 2020 episode of Family Feud. Cheerful, well-dressed, and with a party watching in support from home, Bliefnick answered one of the game show’s prompt questions by joking that the worst mistake on his wedding night was saying “I do”. His answer drew an audible gasp from the audience, with host Steve Harvey quipping that Bliefnick was going to face “a lot of hell to pay” when he got home. Bliefnick rushed to clarify that it “was not his [answer] to say” and that he loved his wife Rebecca “Becky” Bliefnick. “I’m going to get in trouble for that, aren’t I?” Bliefnick told Mr Harvey with a teasing smile. A year after the episode aired, the Bliefnicks filed for divorce. Bliefnick’s next turn in the headlines would come under vastly different circumstances. In March of this year, he was charged with breaking into his estranged wife’s home and shooting her 14 times. On 31 May, Bliefnick was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. Prosecutors said the killing marked the end of a long string of domestic violence and threats by Bliefnick against Becky. Bliefnick was convicted on 11 August to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Here is everything we know about the case: The crime Loved ones first became concerned when 41-year-old Becky, a doting mother and travel nurse, failed to pick up her three sons from school on 23 February. Before discovering the gruesome scene, Becky’s father William Postle received a text from Bliefnick, 39, asking him to check if she planned to pick up the children. Mr Postle told jurors at the Adam County Court House on 23 May that he drove to his daughter’s home and found the front door open, which he described as unusual. After finding Becky’s body in the bathroom, he rushed to a neighbour’s house to call 911 as he had forgotten his phone, according to KHQA. Adams County Assistant State’s Attorney Josh Jones said that shell casings found in Bliefnick’s basement matched the casings that were near his wife’s body. Crime scene investigators reportedly found Becky’s DNA in an Aldi bag found at her husband’s home. Prosecutors also claimed that DNA links Bliefnick to the crime scene. Another Aldi bag found at the scene was reportedly used as a homemade gun silencer by the killer. Mr Jones said during opening arguments that Becky spent her last moments “terrified, bleeding, and alone.” For the first week following Becky’s killing, Bliefnick was not charged or arrested in connection with her death. But on 1 March, the Quincy Police Department served a search warrant at his home. Bliefnick denied any involvement but said through an attorney that he was surprised authorities didn’t show up at his door sooner. “Given the circumstances, it is not surprising that the search warrant was issued and executed,” the attorney told local news outlet Muddy River News at the time. “My only surprise is that it took this long to do. It is just as important that QPD conduct such as investigation to rule Tim OUT as a suspect so that investigative efforts can be spent elsewhere.” Bliefnick was ultimately arrested on 13 March, and pleaded not guilty. Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented evidence they say proves Bliefnick was the perpetrator in his wife’s murder - including chilling searches for “how to wash off gunpowder,” “average police response time,” and “how to open a door with a crowbar” in his online history. On 31 March, a jury convicted Bliefnick on all counts related to Becky’s murder - after the defence declined to present any evidence. Jurors deliberated for just four hours before returning the guilty verdict. Now, Bliefnick is facing between 45 years to life in prison at his sentencing in August. Allegations of domestic violence The couple filed for divorce in early 2021, court filings show, following 13 years of marriage. Becky had filed a restraining order against Bliefnick and his father before the alleged murderer decided to also file one against his estranged wife. Mr Jones said during opening arguments that Bliefnick had reportedly told his slain wife that “she would not get his money.” According to the couple’s divorce attorney, Bliefnick was expected to pay $2,100 in maintenance and $472 per month in child support. Another attorney who took over the divorce case said the process was “very contested.” The couple was reportedly also fighting over custody arrangements. Bliefnick reportedly wanted his wife to have a psychiatric evaluation and Becky said it was his wish the children didn’t have any type of contact with her husband’s father. Becky’s boyfriend Ted Johnson also took the stand on 23 May. Testifying for the prosecution, Mr Johnson said that Becky was looking forward to having her difficult divorce finalised. Sarah Rilley, Becky’s sister, told jurors that she had first wanted to remain married to Bliefnick to keep their family together, but in the months leading up to her death had become afraid for her life. “If something ever happens to me, make sure the number one person of interest is Tim. I am putting this in writing that I’m fearful he will somehow harm me,” Becky reportedly texted her sister in 2021. A text Becky sent to a friend in May 2021 read: “He has screamed in my face, he shoved me in front of the kids, and has thrown things across the room where the kids and I were standing.” Another friend of Becky testified on 23 May that she had been told by Bliefnick that she’ll be dead before [having] any of [his] money.” At the time of Becky’s murder, there was a court order for Bliefnick to return a gun to her. He had reportedly told police he didn’t want to do it himself but law enforcement said they couldn’t get involved as it was a court ruling. ‘We’ve watched, waited, and prayed for justice’ Becky is described in her obituary as a compassionate and generous mother who had found her true calling in nursing. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she was a travel nurse at the Northeast Regional Medical Center and Hannibal Regional Hospital in Missouri. Family members and loved ones have also shared memories of the mother-of-three on social media. Following Mr Bliefnick’s arrest in March, a friend of Becky’s wrote on a Facebook post that the slain mother had been consumed by fear in the weeks leading up to her death. “... [W]e’ve watched, waited, and prayed for justice,” the post read. “We have to listen to women when they fear for their or their children’s safety. This could have been prevented. It breaks my heart to know that these boys will grow up without their mama. We have to do better.” A GoFundMe to support Becky’s children has raised more than $100,000. “Despite the circumstances of her death, she is remembered for the life she cherished—a life of compassion, generosity, faith, and fierce love for her family,” the description of the fundraiser read. Bliefnick is sentenced to life in prison Roughly six months after Becky Bliefnick’s killing, her murderer was sentenced to three life terms at a hearing on 11 August. As he handed down the sentence, Adams County Judge Robert Adrian counted to 14 — the number of bullets that Bliefnick unloaded during the attack. “You researched this murder,” Judge Adrian said, according to People. “You planned this murder. You practised this murder. Some of those shots were fired while she was lying on the ground and you did all of that while your children were upstairs at your house, lying snug in their beds.” Bliefnick, who appeared in court wearing orange and white prison scrubs and hand shackles, refused to make a statement. Loved ones of Becky Bliefnick addressed the court and slammed Bliefnick for cutting her life short during their victims’ impact statement. “When you murdered Becky you took from your boys the person who loved them the most on earth,” her grieving mother Bernadette said. “Becky’s family, friends coworkers and patients will never again see her smile, hear her laugh, feel her embrace or receive her love. We are left with emptiness that cannot be filled. We are only left with memories. Your soul is black with hate. Your heart has only love for itself. You should never be allowed to be free again.” Read More Family Feud star faces trial for allegedly shooting wife to death years after joking about marriage on show Bombshell letter where Brian Laundrie’s mother vowed to ‘dispose of body’ is given to Gabby Petito’s parents
2023-08-15 02:52

For Tyronn Lue, this trip to the Basketball World Cup was a long time coming
Tyronn Lue has waited a long time for this trip
2023-08-15 02:46