Tennessee National Guard troops will join federal agents to combat crime in Memphis under a new partnership announced by Governor Bill Lee. The U.S. Marshals Service will deputize Guard members as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force alongside 13 federal agencies. Local law enforcement must request permission before troops can make arrests or carry weapons during operations. Guard personnel will wear standard uniforms without masks and avoid using armored vehicles.
Mayor Paul Young learned about the deployment through television reports but pledged to use the resources effectively. The initiative will bring FBI, ATF, and DEA agents to the city in planned phases. Lee committed $100 million in state funding plus 300 additional state...
A Santa Clarita dental practice owner defends herself against criticism following a viral video controversy. Dr. Harleen Grewal operates Skyline Smiles and MindBody Infusion practices. The resurfaced footage shows her making comments about providing different treatment based on patients' political preferences. Social media platforms spread the two-year-old recording, prompting some patients to seek new providers.
Grewal maintains the remarks were comedic statements delivered at a Republican women's gathering. The California Dental Board investigated her months earlier and found no violations. She characterizes the renewed attention as a politically motivated attack against her business. Local residents express concern about mixing...
Adele declined an offer to perform at the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. The Grammy-winning artist rejected the opportunity for the second time after considering the proposal from NFL and Roc Nation representatives. Sources indicate security worries and artistic control motivated her decision. Recent safety incidents at major public events heightened her concerns about performing.
The British singer previously turned down the same invitation in 2017. She expressed discomfort with the event's emphasis on spectacle rather than musical performance. Adele stated she felt unsuited for the show's theatrical demands and choreographed elements. Her rejection leaves organizers searching for alternative headlining acts.
Industry speculation...
Convicted rapper Daystar Peterson seeks court protection from additional depositions in Megan Thee Stallion's defamation lawsuit. Peterson's attorneys filed a motion requesting a protective order to prevent further questioning that could damage his criminal appeal. The rapper serves a prison sentence for shooting Megan and maintains he should not face repeated testimony as a non-party to the civil case. His legal team argues the depositions create constitutional risks and an unfair burden.
Peterson previously failed to cooperate during August testimony, prompting a judge to order his return. Megan pursues claims against blogger Milagro Gramz in California civil court over false statements about the shooting incident. The court also...
A jury cleared Metro Boomin of sexual assault charges after more than a year of legal proceedings. Vanessa LeMaistre had accused the Grammy-winning producer, born Leland Wayne, of four separate attacks. The verdict delivered Thursday ended a costly battle that Wayne said damaged his career and personal life. Wayne posted on Twitter that the false allegations hurt his reputation and caused financial losses.
He said professional opportunities disappeared while he fought the case. The producer expressed concern for his adopted younger siblings, who faced public scrutiny during the trial. Wayne criticized LeMaistre and her legal team for pursuing claims without merit. He thanked his attorneys and showed support for genuine assault victims.
Attorney Alex Spiro defended Kim Kardashian against recent accusations from Ray J. Spiro labeled the claims as false and defamatory while stating no federal investigation targets the Kardashian family. Law enforcement agencies have not initiated any proceedings against the celebrities. The lawyer questioned Ray J's credibility by referencing his past false statements.
The dispute stems from a nearly two-decade conflict between Ray J and the Kardashians. Their 2007 intimate video sparked the initial controversy and helped launch the family's reality show. Ray J has repeatedly attacked the family through interviews and social media posts over the years. He accused them in 2022 of lying about the tape's release circumstances.
Kardashian...
A state board approved hip hop artist Nas's $5 billion casino project for Queens, advancing the borough's bid to host a major New York gaming facility. The unanimous decision by six board members came after regulators rejected Jay-Z's competing Times Square proposal along with other Manhattan applications. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards praised the approval and celebrated the victory over Jay-Z's failed attempt.
Nas partnered with Genting's Resorts World to transform the existing Aqueduct racino into a full-scale casino featuring live table games and entertainment venues. The development will feature a sports academy led by NBA analyst Kenny Smith, a native of Queens. Jay-Z's partnership with Caesars and SL Green faced...
Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur died Thursday in Havana at age 78. Cuban authorities reported that health complications and advanced age caused her death. Her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, confirmed the news through social media. Federal agents had offered a $2 million reward for her capture.
Courts convicted Shakur in 1977 for the murder of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a 1973 highway incident. She broke out of prison in 1979 and escaped to Cuba. Fidel Castro provided her with political asylum on the island. Born Joanne Deborah Chesimard in Queens, she became involved in civil rights activities during the 1960s before joining militant groups.
Her 1987 autobiography gained influence among social justice...
President Trump announced new trade taxes on Thursday that will take effect on October 1 across multiple industries. Pharmaceutical companies face 100 percent duties on branded drugs unless they build factories in America. Heavy trucks will incur 25 percent levies, while kitchen cabinets will receive 50 percent charges, and furniture will be subject to 30 percent fees.
American consumers will pay higher prices for these goods under the new policy. Medicine costs could double if drugmakers refuse to relocate production stateside. Truck purchases may rise by thousands of dollars as companies pass expenses to buyers.
The administration aims to protect domestic manufacturers from foreign competition. Critics warn families already...
