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June Top Stories

It’s official; we’ve hit the midway point of 2022. With such an array of breaking news headlines so far this year, let’s review the most resounding stories in the month of June.

Tulsa Shooting

Four people were killed in a shooting that broke out at a campus hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just eight days after the catastrophic shooting at Robb Elementary School. The gunman, unidentified, was also found dead, producing a total of five fatalities. As the shooting broke out, panic set in as there were “hundreds of rooms and hundreds of people,” located in the hospital, as reported by Richard Meulenberg.

NFL Player Jeff Gladney Dies

After suffering a fatal car accident in Dallas, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney has passed away. At the scene of the crash, along with Gladney, it was confirmed that Andrea Mercedes Palacios was also killed.

Previous Dallas Cowboys Player Marion Barber Found Dead

Marion Barber, former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, was discovered dead in his Frisco apartment. A complaint about a water leak was reported from Barber’s apartment, and police conducted a welfare check. At the scene, they found Barber neglected and unalive. It is uncertain what the cause of his death was.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Defamation Suit Ends

After a strenuous courtroom battle, both Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were found legally responsible for defamation by the jury. Their ultimate decision found Heard slandered Depp in three varying statements, with Depp defaming Heard in one statement.

Regarding the financial components, the jury awarded Depp with $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. For Heard, she was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

Jubilee Live Updates: UK kicks off celebrations for Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, United Kingdom

The ‘Trooping the color’ military parade kicks off four days of celebrations across the country for Queen Elizabeth II‘s Platinum Jubilee. Britain’s longest-serving monarch appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with other members of the royal family at 11 am Thursday. Today, June 2nd, is the first of four days of the Platinum Jubilee festivities.

Thousands of people have flocked to the British capital (London) to greet a queen who arrives at the event at the height of her popularity. Many citizens spent the night outdoors, camping on The Mall, the avenue that leads to Buckingham Palace, in order to reserve a place in the front rows and witness the parade of 1,500 officers and the subsequent flight of the Royal Air Force over the Palace.

Police officer will not be charged for a shooting he committed in 2016, Wisconsin

The officer who shot and killed three people in the line of duty over five years will not be charged in the 2016 shooting of a 25-year-old man who was found sleeping inside a car in a park.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke, Milwaukee attorney Scott Hansen and special prosecutors have reported their assessment of the incident and no legal basis has been found to charge and blame former police officer Joseph Mensah for having shot at Jay Anderson.

Phoenix Suffers Mass Shootings

The city of Phoenix, Arizona endured an array of mass shootings in the area. At the end of the month of May, one man was shot at a house party in west Phoenix, leaving an additional five injured.

Only one week later, three separate shootings occurred within 24 hours of each other. In the first, a teenage girl was shot dead at a Phoenix strip mall, with eight enduring injuries. The other two shootings left a teenage boy and a man dead by gunshot wounds.

Shootings in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Michigan Leave at Least Nine Dead

Saturday June 5 and Sunday June 6 attributed to the United States growing number of mass shootings in the year of 2022. In a shocking turn of events, shootings in Philadelphia, Tennessee and Michigan all broke out.

A fight broke out in Philadelphia that resulted in three people being slain, with 11 others shot in the crossfire. The next shooting occurred near a nightclub in Chattanooga with four people killed, and 14 more people suffering injuries from gunshots. The final shooting of the deadly weekend took place in Saginaw where an additional three people were killed.

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day, African American Independence Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day is a federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the proclamation of freedom for enslaved persons at Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Bringing together June and nineteenth, this festival represents pride and solidarity with the black community.

Latest update of the war in Ukraine

The United Nations (UN) denounces that Russia uses rape as a weapon of war. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to many allegations of war crimes and abuses perpetrated by Russian soldiers. The UN has corroborated 124 cases of alleged sexual violence committed in Ukraine.

The Secretary-General’s Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, has stated that “women make up the majority of potential victims”. Of the corroborated total, it indicates that 56 are women. It follows that 41 of the complaints are from girls and seven boys. It includes rape, forced public nudity, attempted rape, and threat of sexual violence.

Britney Spears Ties the Knot with Sam Asghari

The princess of pop herself, Britney Spears, married fiancé Sam Asghari in a magical ceremony Thursday June 9. Dressed by Donatella Versace, the bride and groom both worn custom Versace designs for their big day.

The magical, private evening took place at her Thousand Oaks home in California with around 60 guests. The icon celebrated the special night with some of her dearest friends and family, including Donatella, Paris Hilton, Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore and Madonna.

A celebration of love and freedom, Britney danced the night away at her well-deserved fairytale wedding.

Justin Bieber Suffers Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Justin Bieber announced the devastating news that he contracted Ramsay Hunt syndrome, “a neurological disorder characterized by paralysis of the facial nerve,” as defined by RareDiseases.org. Bieber took to his Instagram to announce the news, clarifying his recent cancellation of upcoming shows for the summer.

In a video posted to his Instagram, he showed followers the effects of the virus, stating, “As you can see, this eye is not blinking, I can’t smile on this side of my face, […] This nostril will not move. So full paralysis in this side of my face.”

Continuing he declared, “This is pretty serious, as you can see. I wish this wasn’t the case, but obviously my body’s telling me I gotta slow down.”

Texas Legislator Threatens Bill that would Prohibit Minors from Attending Drag Shows

Following a celebratory “Drag Your Kids to Pride” event held in Dallas, Texas, a Republican legislator has made threats to propose a bill that would forbid children from attending drag shows in the state. The event, held in celebration of Pride month, was described a family-friendly show that fostered honor and commemoration, like many other Pride events held throughout the month of June.

The event reportedly went viral across social media, alarming Texas Republican Bryan Slaton. Slaton took to Twitter to announce he would file a bill to restrict minors from attending drag shows. He stated, “I would never take my children to a drag show and I know Speaker Dade Phelan and my Republican colleagues wouldn’t either, […] The events of this past weekend were horrifying and show a disturbing trend in which perverted adults are obsessed with sexualizing young children.”

His disgust surrounding the celebratory event has alarmed people across the nation, especially after the mass elementary school shooting that occurred in Uvalde, Texas and left 22 dead one month prior.

Drag superstar Alyssa Edwards, originally from Texas, has publicly communicated her discomfort with Republican officials’ responses to the shooting versus the Pride event. Edwards took to TMZ and Twitter with statements, asserting directly to Slaton, “You, sir, have tweeted more about #drag than the loss at #Uvalde. Is this truly about children or politics? #Priorities.”

A group of US senators reaches a minimum agreement to increase gun control, United States

The measures include a revision of the process for purchasing weapons for those under 21 years of age.
The group of senators that has reached an agreement in principle consists of 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats.

A group of United States senators announced on Sunday June 12 an agreement in principle to increase control over firearms, which proposes minimum measures after the mass shootings in a school in Uvalde (Texas) and in a supermarket in Buffalo (New York) . In a statement, the group of senators, both Democrats and Republicans, have indicated that the agreement includes a review of the process for purchasing weapons for those under 21 years of age ( the perpetrators of the #Uvalde and the #Buffalo shootings were both 18 years old).

Rapper Trouble dies after being shot at an apartment complex in Georgia

Atlanta rapper Trouble was shot to death at an apartment complex in Georgia. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office confirmed news of the 34-year-old man’s death to local media on Sunday, June 5. According to WSBTV Atlanta, Trouble, whose artist’s real name was Mariel Semonte Orr, was shot around 3:20 a.m. at the Lake St. James apartment complex in Conyers.

Police officers claimed that when they arrived at the crime scene, they found the rapper lying on the ground. He was shot once in the chest and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The rapper’s label, Def Jam, released a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the children, loved ones and fans of Trouble. A true voice for his city and an inspiration for the community he proudly represented. RIP Scoob.”

Bitcoin ATMs become more common, more than 880 machines installed in June already

In recent days, Bitcoin ATM installations around the world have increased, Coin ATM Radar has stated in its recent report. In the first two weeks of June alone, more than 882 Bitcoin ATMs have sprung up in different locations around the world. The increase in the number of these fiat-to-crypto exchange machines is related to the emerging regulation of cryptocurrencies in various countries. Besides, institutional investments in the crypto industry have managed to keep investor appetite intact, so more people have opened up their financial portfolios to also include crypto assets.

On average daily installation is between 16 and 23 crypto ATMs worldwide, data from Coin ATM Radar shows in a report.

Ranchers against the project to lower nitrogen pollution, Netherlands

The Dutch government announced on Friday, June 10, the obligation to lower emissions to 70% in some places and even up to 95% in others, to protect nature. The objective is to attack the emission of nitrogen from cattle that produces their digestion, feces and urine. The Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy, Christianne van der Wal, guarantees that it is an “inevitable transition”: “We have to emit much less nitrogen, and unfortunately the agricultural sector emits a lot of nitrogen. They have done a lot to emit less, but for unfortunately it is not enough. We still have to reduce it much more”.

Something that will cause major upheavals in the country’s multimillion-dollar agricultural industry since The Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world, after the United States. A definite NO from farmers’ associations; the head of the Netherlands Association for Horticulture and Agriculture, Sjaak van der Tak, replies: “Our members say that it is good enough, that we have reached the limit. That means that we will prepare the appropriate actions to make it clear, in a dignified way, that These plans are unacceptable.”

The new National Museum in Oslo becomes the largest cultural building in the Nordic region

The most striking feature of the new museum is the huge illuminated exhibition hall at the top of the building. It will be used for temporary exhibitions of international importance. The building was designed by architect Kleihues + Schuwerk Gesellschaft von Architekten, with an emphasis on longevity and dignity over sensational architecture. The roof terrace of the new museum offers a unique view of the inner fjord of Oslo. The square in front of the main entrance has become an urban meeting place, with a coffe shop and benches that invite you to enter to rest.

“The new National Museum is the largest museum in the Nordic countries and is built to contain, preserve and display our amazing collection of visual arts, crafts, design and architecture dating back to ancient times and continuing to this day,” explained the director from the National Museum, Karin Hindsbo.

Spanish NASA finally takes off: this is how its space agency should be to be effective, Spain

The Spanish Government will approve today (June 14) the Space Council to promote the start-up in 2023 of the long-awaited Spanish Space Agency. Scientists and engineers from the sector give their opinion on how this body should be and if it is feasible to locate it outside of Madrid.

Mick Jagger tests positive for covid-19, Amsterdam

The Rolling Stones cancel a concert in Amsterdam after singer Mick Jagger tested positive for covid-19. Mick Jagger’s positive status was announced in a statement on the band’s verified Instagram account: “The Rolling Stones have been forced to cancel tonight’s concert in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, after Mick Jagger tested positive after experiencing COVID symptoms upon arrival at the stadium,” the statement read. “The Rolling Stones deeply regret tonight’s postponement, but the safety of the audience, fellow musicians and touring crew must come first.”

The concert will be rescheduled for a later date and original tickets will be honored. The Rolling Stones’ current summer tour is for the band’s 60th anniversary.

The emotional farewell of the Real Madrid player: Marcelo Vieira, Spain

Marcelo: “I’ve done everything I set out to and leave here feeling happy, I leave a legacy for the youngsters”. “This season I realized that you don’t need to play to be important, you need to be part of a team and understand the coach”, he added.

The football player addressed the media at the press conference held after the tribute and farewell ceremony that took place at Real Madrid City: “I don’t think much about the future, I always live in the moment. It’s hard to leave the club of your life after so much joy, suffering, training, pain, giving your all for the club. Putting on this shirt is a beautiful and powerful thing. The future doesn’t scare me because history’s already been written, I had to do this. I’m pleased with myself and my family’s proud of me too. There’s no uncertainty”.

Current Real Madrid teammates like his compatriots Vinícius Júnior, Éder Militão or Casemiro, former teammates like, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, or Sergio Ramos have wanted to pay tribute on social networks to Marcelo, who leaves the white club after 16 seasons.

Shakira and Gerard Piqué confirm their separation as a couple, Spain

After twelve years together, Shakira and Gerard Piqué separated in the midst of an international scandal. The Colombian singer would have discovered her Spanish husband’s infidelities with a young model and decided to ask for a divorce.

‘Te felicito‘ (I congratulate you): Shakira’s song whose lyrics all relate to Piqué. After the announcement of the separation, the speculations have not stopped and it has become a highly commented topic on television talk shows. The song has not only become popular for being a danceable theme, but also for the lyrics. And it is that there are many who have related the lyrics of the song with the FC Barcelona footballer on social platforms.

A jihadist attack in Burkina Faso causes 86 deaths and 19,000 displaced, Africa

The number of displaced people after the terrorist attack that took place in northern Burkina Faso on the night of June 11 to 12 and in which 86 people died, amounts to more than 19,000 people, the authorities of the African country reported this past Saturday.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been dealing with a jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced nearly two million people. The conflict, which is also affecting parts of Niger and Mali, is displacing rural communities and contributing to widespread food shortages.

The left political party makes history and wins the Presidency of Colombia for the first time with Gustavo Petro

With 98.86% of the recognized votes, Petro obtained 11,185,671 votes, equivalent to 50.49%. Gustavo Petro is a 62-year-old Colombian economist and politician, leader of the Political Coalition Historical Pact. he will succeed the president of Colombia, Iván Duque, from next August 7.

Beyonce releases “Break My Soul”

Beyonce released her new song on Monday June 20, and we can safely say that “Break My Soul” did its part in “breaking” the internet. With a house music melody, the single has marked the return of the artist. The new track also reunites queen Bey with bounce music legend Big Freedia, who collaborated on the artist’s 2016 track “Formation.”

VidCon 2022

VidCon returned for the first time in a few years and was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. An array of creators and digital moguls came together at the four-day event. A surplus of panels, vendors, meet and greets and after hour celebrations took place. Sponsored this year for the first time by the popular platform of TikTok, esteemed creators like Charli D’Amelio, MrBeast, Brittany Broski and Nia Sioux were in attendance.

R. Kelly senteced to 30 years prisontime

R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison for numerous sex trafficking charges. The R&B singer reportedly used his celebrity status throughout his career to coerce young individuals to participate in sexual acts.

Kelly’s conviction in 2021 found him guilty of one count of racketeering and eight breaches of the Mann Act, which criminalizes the use of “any woman or girl for prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.”

TOP STORIES – FEBRUARY

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2022 has proven to be nothing short of eventful with only one month under its belt. Below, we discuss and highlight the leading news stories for the month of love, February.

Rihanna pregnant with first baby

Esteemed musical artist, fashion and business icon Rihanna is expecting her first child with boyfriend A$AP Rocky. She debuted her baby bump for the first time while out in New York City – you’ve seen the photos; Rihanna looking effervescent in a long, pink jacket strolling through the streets of Harlem.

Whoopi Goldberg suspended from ‘The View’

The announcement of Whoopi Goldberg’s suspension from ‘The View’ came the evening of Tuesday February 1 following her stating that the Holocaust was “not about race.” She argued that both the Nazis and Jews were white on the programming, later apologizing for these comments.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, was invited to the show on Tuesday where he told Whoopi, “There’s no question that the Holocaust was about race. Literally, the first page of ‘Maus,’ the book you were talking about yesterday, Whoopi, opens with a quote from Hitler, and literally it says, ‘The Jews undoubtedly are a race, but they are not human.’ Hitler’s ideology was predicated on the idea that … the Jews were a subhuman race. It was a racialized anti-Semitism.”

Whoopi extended her apologies, stating, “So yesterday on our show, I misspoke… “I said that the Holocaust wasn’t about race, and it was instead about man’s inhumanity to man — but it is indeed about race, because Hitler and the Nazis considered Jews to be an inferior race.”

She continued, “Words matter, and mine are no exception. I regret my comments, and I stand corrected. I also stand with the Jewish people.”

US to deploy troops amidst Russia/Ukraine conflict

February 2, the Pentagon announced that United States President Joe Biden authorized the deployment of 3,000 US troops to Poland, Germany, and Romania. This repositioning of US military persons comes from the suspicion of a potential invasion of Ukraine initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This skepticism comes from the growing presence of Russian military near the borders. Which has caught the attention of Ukraine and fellow NATO allies. A total of 3,000 troops will be moved, with 2,000 leaving directly from the US and 1,000 troops already in Germany planning to relocate to Romania.

Pam & Tommy premieres

The long-awaited Hulu series Pam & Tommy premiered on February 2. The series follows the infamous love story of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, portrayed by Lily James and Sebastian Stan. The couple inadvertently went viral when their stolen 1995 confidential sex tape was posted online.

Pamela has voiced her disapproval of Pam & Tommy, while Tommy has been in support of the new show. An insider communicated that the robbed home video devastates Pamela and is a topic she does not wish to be rehashed.

The insider stated, “It was a violation having this tape taken. This was a very traumatic time in her life. And it’s shocking that they are recreating it.” They continued, referencing Pamela when saying, “apparently doesn’t deserve privacy because she’s a sex symbol. It’s a sad reflection of how far we’ve not come as a society. Where are the apologies owed to Pam?“

Tommy talked about the portrayal of their history, stating, “I think a lot of people would think that it’s one thing, but it’s really about privacy and how things got crazy then and there’s different laws now.” He continued, “It’s a cool story and people need to know. It’s cool. I’m stoked.“

Satellite images depict increasing Russian military presence in Belarus

Amidst the growing suspicion of a potential Russian military invasion into Ukraine, new satellite images from February 5 show an increase in intensity in Russian military sites in locations like Belarus. The images are assumed to be connected to combined efforts with Russian and Belarusian exercises.

Although these images may add to the rising awareness of Ukraine and NATO allies, further imaging also depicts camps being set up closer to Ukraine’s borders, far away from where the Russian/Belarus practices are set up.

Euphoria renewed for season 3

As the dramatic second season of the blockbuster HBO series Euphoria continues to air throughout the course of February, the show has been confirmed for a third season. As one of the most encapsulating series airing modern day, there was no question as to if the series would come back for a third series, but nonetheless this announcement gives us that reassurance we all were anticipating!

Peloton enlists new CEO and removes 2,800 jobs

Popular fitness company Peloton announced the removal of their former CEO John Foley for his replacement Barry McCarthy. McCarthy has worked for the likes of Spotify and Netflix as the brands chief financial officers, now taking on the title of CEO and president of Peloton on Wednesday February 9.

Peloton, too, announced their elimination of around 2,800 employees amidst new brand operation plans. Further projects include the limitation of warehouses that the brand owns and making the switch to broadening delivery arrangements with more third-party sources. All these changes come to amass a whopping $800 million saving in annual expenses.

The company also announced that their official first factory in the United States is almost ready to open in Ohio. The production of the factory, like the other changes to the company, aims to lessen costs and save around $60 million for Peloton.

12-year-old Black swimmer almost excluded from swim meet after wearing a ‘Black Lives Matter’ swimsuit

A 12-year-old Black swimmer was nearly disqualified from a Wisconsin swim meet for wearing a ‘Black Lives Matter’ swimsuit. The Duluth Area Family YMCA, who was in sponsor of the February 6 meet, stated an independent volunteer official tried to ban the student from the meet, asserting that the suit went in opposition to a USA Swimming rule that bans political language.

Sarah Lyons, mother of Leidy, argued that her daughter wore the suit to show her unwavering support for the Black Lives Matter movement, as it is in an important cause to her. Lyons stated, “She is very passionate about social justice. She has been through a lot already at a young age. It’s a big part of her, which I think is wild at 12,” she told CNN affiliate KBJR.

The YMCA overrode the threat from the official to exclude Leidy from the swim meet. They further issued a statement that read, “The Duluth Area Family YMCA is committed to being an anti-racist organization and stands with BIPOC communities throughout the Northland and throughout our country. We know that Black Lives Matter and we will continue to work to educate ourselves, to stand against inequality, and to strive to be active allies in the ongoing fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

Book bans swarm US school libraries

The United States has reportedly seen a rise in the number of book bans, increasing from the end of 2021 to mid-February. Differing book bans in various places across the nation have been argued due to the contents of such books. Often, the books under fire contain some type of content relating to topics including race, gender and sexuality.

Local school boards and librarians have faced scrutiny and potential criminal charges from concerned parents. Bills in states such as Oklahoma have been created to outlaw public school libraries from housing books that had subject matter surrounding sexual activity/identity or gender identity. Another instance that had the nation, and Whoopi Goldberg, talking followed the exclusion of the ‘Maus’ from an eighth-grade module as voted on by the McMinn County Board of Education. The removal of the crucial Holocaust novel came due to “nudity and curse words.”

These book bans have been rather controversial due to the US’ protection of free speech under the first amendment. While conservative activists have been pushing for the restriction of books that delve into the US’ history of slavery and racial oppression, liberal activists have urged against books that may contain racist or insensitive material.

NYFW captivates NYC

New York Fashion Week commenced on Friday February in New York, New York. The week full of fashion commenced on February 11 and closes on February 16. An array of designers showcased at the shows in February, all elevating the world of fashion as we know it.

Shooting following Justin Bieber concert in LA

Saturday February 12, a shooting broke out at an afterparty following a Justin Bieber concert apart of the “Homecoming Weekend.” The shooting occurred on the outside of Beverly Grove restaurant. Police are still searching for the gunman who put at least four men in the hospital. Rapper Kodak Black was reported to be among the injured from the shooting.

Super Bowl LVI

February 13 at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA, the hometown Los Angeles Rams triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Kendrick Lamar all performed during the halftime show.

Bitcoin surpasses tech stocks by an average 12%

Though Bitcoin has suffering throughout the course of 2022, a substantial turnaround has been observed. Data in accordance with Finbold shows that as of February 13, Bitcoin outperformed leading tech stocks by an average return on investment (ROI) of 12.24%. Bitcoin surpassed six of the upper tech stocks, even including Amazon.

Sarah Palin x The New York Times defamation trial comes to an end

February 15 a Manhattan jury in the widespread Sarah Palin defamation trial against the Times ruled against the former Alaskan governor. This decision came following the judge’s decision to dismiss the suit on February 14. His reasoning stemmed from the fact that he believed that there was not enough suitable evidence to prove that the Times’ 2017 editorial in question defamed Palin.

Scientists may have a potential HIV cure

A New York woman may have been cured from HIV following an intensive stem cell treatment process. The treatment entails that patients must have a terminal cancer or condition that allows them to receive the full procedure.

While involving the use a radiation, the aim of the stem cell treatment is to replace the existing immune system with a new HIV resistant stem cells. This procedure has been proven effective in a total of three men, and a potential other two women.

Jasmine Kennedie Comes Out As Trans

Jasmine Kennedie, a contender on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 14, recently came out as trans on Untucked. Untucked is a companion show to Drag Race, where you get to see the competitors after they’ve received critiques from the judges and before the two queens to be eliminated are announced. The queens will discuss their performance, and whether or not they think they will stay within the competition, among other things.

During episode seven of the series, in a tear felt confession, Jasmine Kennedie says that she was going to begin hormones before entering the competition, and after seeing fellow trans contestant Kerri Colby, she felt the need to come out.

Russia-Ukraine Offensive

Russian leaders announced that they have approved a full-scale attack on Ukraine, after Putin announced that the neighboring country poses a threat to them. Putin believes there is aggression near the country’s border. Russia’s embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, has been cleared out. Putin delivered a fiery speech in which he declared that Ukraine had no right to exist, most likely based on the fact that the country gained its independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Russian troops are continuously added to the country’s border, and The Pentagon has stated that the attacks might occur at any time.

Ukraine President Volodomir Zelenskyy stated that Russia has no reason to believe Ukraine poses any threat to them, and asked for a call to Putin, which was denied. Ukraine has now issued a State of Emergency and is preparing for the invasion. Many national leaders are deeming invasion imminent. Sanctions have been placed on several Kremlin officials as a warning. Vice President Kamala Harris stated the US response to Russia would be “swift, severe, and united.”

New South Park Episode

South Park is releasing their newest episode, “BACK TO THE COLD WAR,” at 8 PM ET on March 2nd via Comedy Central. In the episode, a lot is riding on Butter’s ability to crush the competition in the all-important dressage championship.

All-New Season Episodes will be Available to Stream in HD HERE and HERE, and the Comedy Central App post-premiere. Comedy Central’s South Park the series launched on August 13, 1997, and is based on the VHS-shared, animated short entitled “The Spirit of Christmas.” Trey Parker and Matt Stone are the co-creators of South Park. Parker, Stone, Anne Garefino and Frank C. Agnone II are the Executive Producers of the Emmy^® and Peabody^® Award-winning show. Eric Stough, Adrien Beard, Bruce Howell and Vernon Chatman are Producers. Christopher Brion is the Creative Director of South Park Digital Studios.

Press Room Bar and Alamo Drafthouse

For movie lovers, an elegant theater is tucked away in Lower Manhattan. We went for a private preview held by Press Room Bar and Alamo Drafthouse for signature cocktails, hip treats and typographic activation. The highly anticipated Liberty Street is the third location of the New York metropolitan area.

With 36 locations throughout the country, it was established in 1997 by the contractor and producer Time League. The home to both blockbuster and classic films, featuring a dine-in American cinema with seat-side service.

Press Room Bar and Alamo Drafthouse inside 360 magazine.

The Meaning Behind Memorial Day

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THE MEANING BEHIND MEMORIAL DAY

By: Heather Skovlund-Reibsamen

“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes.” – Maya Angelou

Memorial Day, once referred to as Decoration Day, is an American holiday in the United States that honors military personnel along as well as mourn those that we have lost along the way. Decoration Day was for decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Memorial Day is formerly observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a solemn day, but it is also important to reflect upon, appreciate and be thankful for the freedom that we all get to enjoy every day in the United States of America.

Many gather with friends and family for barbeques and celebrating the beginning of summer while others visit cemeteries and memorials to remember their loved ones lost. Each year a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. It is important to remember that we are not celebrating the wars, instead we are remembering those who served and those who gave their last breath in order to ensure that the freedoms of our country would be passed on to the next generations. We remember for the price they paid for the cost of our freedom – their lives given so ours could go on.

Memorial Day was originated after the American Civil War, where the United States faced the task of burying and honoring 600,000 to 800,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the bloodiest military conflict in American history. The first commemoration of Memorial Day was held in Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868. On this day, both Union and Confederate soldiers were laid to rest. Over the years, cities across the United States host Memorial Day parades that involve military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Americans sometimes wear a red poppy in remembrance of their loved ones, which is a tradition that was born from a World War 1 poem.

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Memorial Day has a different meaning behind it for every American. Here at 360 Magazine, we were able to get a few opinions from veterans in the United States.

Kyle Skovlund: United States Air Force – Memorial Day has a different meaning for me. Growing up, my parents would travel to Brookings, South Dakota each year to put flowers on the graves of those they had lost. When my own daughter passed away, I began doing the same thing. Memorial Day, for me, is a day to reflect on those that have been lost.
Michael Miller: United States Air Force – Memorial Day means remembering and celebrating. Remembering the great men and women that gave their life for our great nation and celebrating the freedoms their sacrifices have given us.
J.M. Skovlund: United States Army – “Memorial Day means exactly what it was intended for, to remember and honor our fallen. They went above and beyond for our country, for the soldier on their left and right, and that’s something not everyone can say.” “Go out and remember the fallen the way you see fit. Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. If it’s having a drink in their honor, do that. If it’s going to their grave to chat, do that. Either way, remember the fallen the best way you can, don’t disgrace them.”

Florida Outsider Art

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An Irresistible Urge to Create

The Monroe Family Collection of Florida Outsider Art On view through September 5 at the Boca Raton Museum of Art

The passion for Outsider Art runs deep in Florida, where self-taught artists have forged an indelible mark of special attention on the creative landscape of the state. An Irresistible Urge to Create: The Monroe Family Collection of Florida Outsider Art is the most comprehensive exhibition of its kind, on view at the Boca Raton Museum of Art until September 5th. This is the first time a museum has presented this definitive group of artists with an exhibition of this size and scope. Against the odds, many of these artists created obsessively to escape from their worlds that were often full of deep conflict and personal struggles.

Starting in the early 1990s, the photographer Gary Monroe drove throughout the state of Florida for more than ten years― from Key West to Jacksonville to Pensacola― on a mission to find what he calls “Florida’s renegade artists.” Thirty years later, after collecting, protecting and archiving more than 1,000 works by outsider artists, the result is an exhibition that leaves viewers spellbound.

“When I made these journeys across Florida to seek out and connect with these outlier artists, it was before the internet and it was quite laborious,” says Monroe. During his decade-long quest across the state, Monroe personally met nearly all of these artists one by one and became part of their lives. At the time this required a major personal commitment: he had to earn their trust to be allowed into their reclusive worlds. “It was an adventure,” adds Monroe. “Especially since there were no cell phones or GPS. Just good old road maps and phone booths. “Monroe’s odyssey culminated in 2003 when his book Extraordinary Interpretations: Florida’s Self-Taught Artists was published by the University Press of Florida.

The Museum has selected 86 of these works by 44 Florida artists for this landmark exhibition, which has already been tapped to travel to two other museums. “This new project opens a welcome window into another world. The world of wonders that lies outside the artistic establishment” says Irvin Lippman, the Executive Director of the Boca Raton Museum of Art. “This confounds our understanding of contemporary art, in a good way.”

“Outliers, boundary-crossers, pilgrims, exiles”

An Irresistible Urge to Create presents 86 works, many never seen before, by 44 Florida artists including: Purvis Young, George Voronovsky, Aurelia “Mama” Johnson, Frank Ritchie, Ruby “Miss Ruby” Williams, Gene Beecher, Kathy d’Adesky, Brian Dowdall, Floryan (Florian) Ludwig, Reva Freedman, Ozzie Lee “OL” Samuels, Sybil Gibson, Joey Smollon, Polly Bernard, Milton Ellis, Janice Kennedy, John Gerdes, Susanne Blankemeier, Morgan Steele, Alyne Harris, and Ed Ott. “For these artists, making art was as essential as breathing,” says Irvin Lippman. “Their artistic freedom was a pure, sincere and intimate means of communication.”

The artists in this exhibition were not interested in monetary gain or acclaim, they just wanted to create. “People who admire the independent spirit that unites these artists are awed by their sense of urgency. Their art is genuine. They let it flow from deep within their interior selves, they did not promote their work,” says Monroe. Most of George Voronovsky’s works, for example, have never been seen before. “I’ve been a custodian of his life’s work for the past 38 years,” adds Monroe.

The show is accompanied by an exhibition catalog with a specially commissioned poem by Campbell McGrath about artists’ urge to create. Titled Florida Primitives, the poem starts: “All Florida artists are primitives, so feral in their soil, so lush, endemic and elemental . . . All Florida artists are outsiders, outliers, highwaymen, boundary-crossers, pilgrims, exiles . . .,” and ends with: “art is an urge as irresistible as Florida.” The state, after all, continues to be known for its high strangeness. Home to 21 million people and growing more every day – especially after the pandemic– Florida also attracts more than 100 million tourists each year, adding to its population. The warm weather has also historically attracted homeless citizens from the colder regions, and people who live on the margins. Since its beginnings, Florida has always been known as a curious destination for artists of all types. Often what happens in Florida can serve as a lens to view upcoming cultural trends for the rest of the country too. The exhibition catalog explores how, over time, the vocabulary that is used to describe these “outsider “artists has evolved as the art world shifts its perception about what art is, and what art can be. “None of these artists were trained technicians, yet they each found their own way to technically transcribe their intuitions,” adds Monroe.

The History of Outsider Art

The interest in what is frequently called Outsider Art began in the early 20th-century with psychiatrists who studied artists who were institutionalized. In 1922, the book Artistry of the Mentally Ill became influential to the Surrealists. Later, in 1948, Jean Dubuffet and others founded the Compagnie de l’Art Brut, a collection of what they called “raw art” – art made outside the traditions of fine art. According to Kathleen Goncharov, the Senior Curator of the Boca Raton Museum of Art: “This interest has recently increased exponentially, as more mainstream institutions celebrate these kinds of artists. ‘Outsider’ artists are now most definitely ‘In.’ Many controversial terms have been bandied about to describe them, such as self-taught (in addition to ‘outsider’), but no truly definitive name yet. I suggest we call all creative works that are arresting, intriguing, and interesting conceptually, as simply ‘art’ and leave it at that. Jean Dubuffet said it best when he declared that art’s best moments are when it forgets what its own name is,” says Goncharov. “Artists create – that’s what they do.”

Up until 20 years ago, this work was not widely accepted as fine art. It wasn’t shown in museums and professionals from the art world looked down upon it. “This challenges the primary beliefs of traditional artmaking and has added a lot to the plurality of art,” says Monroe. “Being surrounded by such a large collection of artworks made by self-taught artists are invigorating. Especially because of their visual resolve to express themselves without convention.”

No Distance

These artists were not learning from their predecessors, their works are all coming from deep within themselves. Many of them dealt with deep emotional loss in their lives and debilitating conflict. Yet at the same time, they each experienced an overwhelming surge of creativity in their lives. “A lot of times, when going to see a museum or gallery show the viewer experiences a sense of distance, exhibitions can feel standoffish,” says Monroe. “Here, there is no distance between you and these self-taught artists. I think it’s because the work is so visceral. There’s no pretense whatsoever, no artifice, there are no rules.”

Most of the artists in this exhibition worked in total isolation. There were no political points to be made. These are people who created solely by delving into their own psyche and expressing themselves purely. Their art is not part of anything else except their own reality, they were not following canon. “There’s nothing between you and their art because it is so heartfelt,” adds Monroe. “This project gives you a glimpse into their psyche, which is so different from ours. Their whole being comes across. As the title suggests, they were driven to create.”

Virtual Art Experiences from the Museum’s Digital Galleries

The Boca Raton Museum of Art has created virtual tours and activities for art lovers from around the world to enjoy online, including this exclusive video presentation by Gary Monroe discussing the lives and work of under-recognized Florida artists, and Only in Florida! Your Story, Your Art with Dr. Caren Neile, a dynamic performance/lecture that weaves together the creative impulses and talents of storytellers and outsider visual artists – both groups who were long considered unworthy of serious recognition and study (funded through a grant from the Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities). Support is provided by Art Bridges Foundation for the Museum’s virtual programming #BocaMuseumatHome and #KeepKidsSmartwithArt.

More About the Exhibition and the Catalogue

After originating at the Boca Raton Museum of Art through September 5, the exhibition will travel to the Tampa Museum of Art (November 4, 2021 – May 22, 2022), and then to the Mennello Museum of American Art (June 10, 2022 – October 16, 2022). The exhibition catalog, published by the Boca Raton Museum of Art, is available for purchase at the museum store.

About the Museum

Kicking off its eighth decade in 2021, the Boca Raton Museum of Art encompasses a creative campus that includes the Museum in Mizner Park and the Art School. As one of South Florida’s cultural landmarks, the Museum has provided cultural and artistic service to the community, and to many visitors from around the world, since it was founded by artists in 1950. Visit the museum website to enjoy the Museum’s current online content, including video tours and digital gallery guides. Support for #BocaMuseumatHome and #KeepKidsSmartwithArt virtual programming is provided by Art Bridges Foundation. Museum hours, admission prices and more visitor information available here.

About Gary Monroe

Gary Monroe is a Florida photographer and author. He received a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Monroe has photographed people and culture in numerous countries and throughout Florida, including the endings of the old-world Jewry that once characterized Miami’s South Beach, with extensive travels throughout Haiti, tourists on their “rite of passage” at Disney World, and corporate effects on the landscape. In addition, Mr. Monroe has written ten books about Florida art, including the seminal book, The Highwaymen: Florida’s African-American Landscape Painters, which explores uncharted cultural territories and constitutes a meaningful part of our social history.

Klaus Jakelski on Doctors and the Unimaginable

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By Klaus Jakelski

Frank Lambert’s soul had hemorrhaged dry long before he volunteered for his present deployment. He just didn’t know it yet.

The battle-hardened surgeon had seen action in Rwanda, Burundi and Chechnya. Some of the bad memories he had suppressed. Others came to him only in nightmares, which he could never quite remember. His service had been one known for faultless, hard work in the operating room and afterwards, hard drinking to keep the demons out. Most recently he had substantially turned himself around — made himself better — at least that’s what he thought.

But life in the civilized world of Boston operating rooms had not been enough for him. He soon needed to feel the rush of adrenalin which propped up his self-identity.

Volunteering with an NGO that operated a forward relief station under NATO protection, he found himself in the middle of the Yugoslavian Civil war of the 90’s. He thought it was a simple mis-understood conflict in Europe — the civilized world after all — what could be horrible about that?

But as the conflict raged around Sarajevo, Frank and his nurse ally, Gwen Pakin, felt isolated from the main conflict. Until the inevitable arrived. The girls and young women who had been raped. Naturally, the two elected to do the procedures to free the girls from the captivity of unwanted pregnancy.

With each of his five daily cases, Frank became mesmerized by the splashing of the red evacuation bottle. Torn between gladness for the life he had restored and sadness for the life he had taken. Each one eating away at another part of his soul.

A cousin of mine, a battlefield trained ex US Navy anesthetist, recently volunteered to work in the ICU at Columbia Presbyterian hospital in Queens NY. Nothing in her training had prepared her for the month she spent there, looking after COVID-19 patients. Loosing an average of six patients per day is not a normal experience in anybody’s books. She told me she managed to suppress the bad parts of her experience.

Which is exactly what Frank had done all his working life. Especially in combat areas where each reparation of a torn human body whether it was by suturing, exploring a bodily cavity, amputation or some other surgical alchemy, was exactly the sort of thing that would result in a non-surgeon being recommended for a long stay in a psychiatric prison. But Frank, entrusted by regulatory authorities and accustomed to the controlled carnage of surgery as he was, had learned how to cope. At first suppressing the memories in a dark corner of his soul. And when the burden became too great, unlike my cousin, he began to self-medicate. At first with a little, but as the painful psychological provocation became too great, with more and more alcohol.

Such is the plight of many first responders, whether civilian, or in the military. If not alcohol, then another substance.

Even though nurse Pakin recognized that Frank was better than on his last deployment, she quickly saw through him, because she had issues herself. A life rocked by personal loss and service in conflict zones, no matter how altruistic, had left her with emotional scars too.

So Frank wasn’t quite able to compartmentalize his new reality. He wasn’t able to separate the liberation of a woman from her rape, from taking the life of her unborn. He knew just as well that the simple procedure would never return the woman’s soul to its rightful place after the tortuous transgression.

Frank found his trigger in the swirling red evacuation bottle on the wall of his makeshift operating room. The bottle that drew him in at the end of every case, one at a time, and separated him one more degree from his freedom, as he developed a new found affinity for a different bottle of liquor.

This type of scenario plays itself out repeatedly in our every day society. There’s no need to go to a war-torn area to meet an antagonist like the dark genocidal Kamenko Hradich, who has all the surface veneers of a gentle family man, until he reaches his breaking point. We know this all too well.

The people who deal with this type of suffering are right here. These first responders are all around us. Many of them as yet unaware of their trouble. We only need to recognize them.

As for the issue of war rape – It is so easy for us to sit in our comfortable space when bad things happen elsewhere.

Two hundred or so girls are kidnapped in Africa to the service of some African war lord. We see it on the evening news. We turn it off and say to each other, well I’m glad that is over there, as we roll over onto our pillows and go to sleep.

And still we don’t make the connection. The one that #Me Too is making. The one that is circulating in the most genteel corridors of our society, as well as our schools. The notion that a certain treatment of women is alright, as long as it never gets called out.

Really?

The systematic rape of thousands of women occurred in a civilized area of Europe, alongside the most monstrous genocide since the holocaust. What does it take for that sort of thing to boil over in another advanced society?

My guess is, as Frank followed his adrenalin rush from case to case, he didn’t have a chance.

How to Plan a Successful Vacation with Your Other Half

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Travel cannot only allow you to soak up different cultures and experience new sights and sounds, but it can potentially bring you and your spouse closer together. However, the destination you pick, the itinerary you create and the activities you choose can determine whether a break is a success or failure.

To ensure you both look back on a trip with much fondness, read the below advice on how to plan a successful vacation with your other half.

Choose a Destination to Suit You Both

While you might have your heart set on a destination, you should never push your idea onto your other half, or you could completely ruin their travel experience. Instead, you must choose a location that suits both your needs, which will ensure have an unforgettable time together.

Select the Right Mode of Transportation

Once you have chosen a destination together, you will next need to select the right mode of transport for you both. For example, if you are enjoying a vacation at home, you could jump into your car and enjoy a fun road trip.

If, however, you are traveling overseas or to the opposite end of the country, browse the market for the best flight times for your needs. However, if you are heading to Texas, you could add a little romance and luxury into your journey with a private jets Dallas flight.

Take Advantage of Travel Perks

Are you and your other half celebrating a milestone anniversary or honeymoon? Inform hotel staff once you arrive at your accommodation. As a result, you might receive:

• a complimentary room upgrade

• a bottle of champagne

• a free meal at the hotel’s restaurant

Enjoy Some Alone Time

Conflict can easily arise when you spend every waking minute together. Rather than allowing tension to bubble, it is beneficial to enjoy a little time apart on vacation.

For example, take a walk to the store alone, enjoy a dip in the pool while your partner reads a book, or go for a siesta to recharge your batteries. The short break away will also provide some time to miss your other half, so you will feel happier when you come back together.

Prioritize Activities

It is likely you and your partner will have a list of activities you want to experience at a destination. To ensure you each get to tick an attraction off your bucket list, you must both state the places or things you would like to see/do during a getaway. You must then prioritize attractions to maximize your time and prevent conflict.

Conclusion

A vacation will provide you and your partner with an opportunity to strengthen your connection, which can help your relationship to stand the test of time.

However, to enjoy a getaway together, you must choose your transportation wisely, take a short break from each other from time to time, and be willing to compromise. If you follow the above top tips, it is likely you will enjoy a romantic, hassle-free vacation from start to finish.

Kimora Lee Simmons Joins The Unmentionables to Aid Refugees in Greece

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Athens, Greece, June 20th, 2018: In an impassioned show of support for today’s World Refugee Day, fashion designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Kimora Lee Simmons and her family are on the ground in Greece with international nonprofit The Unmentionables working with refugees, listening to their stories and learning what can be done to help this vulnerable population. In April of this year, Simmons was named Global Ambassador to The Unmentionables, and together with her family she is helping protect refugees from exploitation and trafficking. Coupled with her business acumen and passion for empowering others, she has emerged as a powerful voice for human rights via her desire to bring awareness to the annual World Refugee Day on Wednesday, June 20th.

Simmons and her family are taking a hands-on approach to giving, dedicating time this summer to migrant and refugee families on behalf of The Unmentionables, who provide training, supplies and education to the refugee community in Greece. Through funds raised on 2017’s Giving Tuesday and a generous personal donation from Simmons, a new resource center for refugees in Athens, Greece was opened earlier this year. Simmons and her family will work from the center and along the migrant path, providing safe and consistent access to basic, important intimate health products as well as sexual health and reproductive education and care to refugees.

According to the International Rescue Committee, Greece, a popular European entry point to migrants escaping perilous conditions in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, currently hosts approximately 50,000 refugees. Earlier this year, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), expressed grave concerns for the safety of women and children in what are known as “hotspots” on Greece’s islands — specifically focusing on overcrowding and lack of hygiene and sanitation. Five camps on Greek islands close to the Turkish coast have surpassed double their capacity as reported by Public Radio International in May 2018. UNICEF warned that in 2017, over 1,800 unaccompanied children were without proper shelter and care in Greece alone. The number of children arriving separated from their families is unprecedented, and currently more than 75% of migrant and refugee children trying to reach Europe via the Central Mediterranean route face appalling levels of sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking. EU border agency, Frontex, has reported that human trafficking has been on the rise over the past few years (April 2018, ANSA). Human trafficking is prevalent for refugees, especially on the Central Mediterranean route according to an IOM report— 76% of male and 67% of female respondents answered “yes” to at least one of four human trafficking indicators. The indicators include experience of physical violence, work without payment and imprisonment. 80% of males and 66% of females experienced physical violence of any sort during their journey, while 64% of male and 56% of female were held against their will (2017, IOM).

Trafficking and sexual exploitation is not just limited to girls. Although adolescent boys comprise a substantial majority of the population of unaccompanied and separated children, they are rarely the focus of policy discussions and are consistently left out of gender-based violence prevention and response efforts (2018, PLoS Med). The majority of unaccompanied minors in Greece particularly are boys between ages 14-17, stranded and awaiting decisions on asylum and processing, without adequate shelter or ways to generate income. As a result of increasingly dire circumstances, sexual exploitation of minors is rapidly increasing everywhere from encampments to public spaces, where young boys desperate to survive are exploited by older men for payment.

“It’s incredibly important to me to expose this global crisis and bring attention to the level of deep, humanitarian need that exists to support persecuted people around the world,” comments Simmons. “I am deeply grateful to support World Refugee Day and that I can expose my own children to opportunities to make true, hands-on impact for the greater good. There are so many strife-torn families and separated children that need our collective protection as fellow humans to ensure their safety – how can we turn a blind eye? These kids look a lot like mine – they are young, hopeful, beautiful souls.” World Refugee Day, founded by the UN and held annually every June 20th, was designed to spotlight the plight of migrant refugees fleeing for their lives. A staggering 65.6 million people around the world have been forced from home, and among them are nearly 22.5 million refugees, over half of whom are under the age of 18. Nearly 20 people are forcibly displaced every minute as a result of conflict or persecution across our world (UNHCR).

Simmons’ partnership with The Unmentionables initially began in 2017, and her role in the organization has steadily grown. She will further her philanthropic commitment to this cause throughout the year, dedicating fundraising efforts to further the impact of the humanitarian global aid The Unmentionables provides to those most in need. Along with her unwavering commitment, Simmons will continue to advocate for refugees at risk of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

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About The Unmentionables

The Unmentionables is a non-profit organization committed to providing forcibly displaced individuals and communities around the world with safe and consistent access to sexual and reproductive health education, services, protection and empowerment programs, providing them the knowledge, tools, and skills to make well-informed decisions for their futures. Since 2016, The Unmentionables has supplied more than 147,581 intimate health products. The Unmentionables is legally based in the USA and is a tax-exempt charity designated as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Find more information about The Unmentionables on the organization’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by emailing info@theunmentionablesglobal.org.

About Kimora Lee Simmons

Kimora Lee Simmons has had a successful career as a fashion model, creative director, fashion and lifestyle entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is currently founder and CEO of KLS Holdings LLC and the KIMORA LEE SIMMONS designer brand. A native of St. Louis, Mo., Simmons began her career as a fashion model at the early age of 13, when she was personally chosen by well-known fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld as his muse for the house of Chanel in Paris. Her success as a runway model gave her an innate sense of style that propels her as a fashion designer. As a venture capitalist, Kimora manages KLS Holdings and its dynamic portfolio which encompasses fashion, beauty, technology, nutrition and fitness.

Simmons has also made her mark in Hollywood. Her upbeat, fun, and charismatic personality keeps her in demand as a media personality and lifestyle authority. She has hosted E!’s Fashion Police and went on to produce and star in Style Network’s highest rated series, Life in the Fab Lane. An enthusiastic philanthropist and patron of the arts, Simmons lends her time and support to numerous charitable organizations, especially those institutions that target disadvantaged youth. She established the Kimora Lee Simmons Scholarship Fund with New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and FIDM in Los Angeles for students who aspire to pursue careers in all areas of the fashion industry. She also lends her time and resources to the Hetrick-Martin Institute, Dress for Success and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, where she is on the board of directors.

As part of her collaboration with The Unmentionables, Simmons and her family traveled to Texas last summer to help with organization’s relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey. She also has helped to fund the distribution of reusable menstrual products through the organization’s partners in Kenya and matched donations on Giving Tuesday, raising a record breaking fundraising amount for The Unmentionables with the help of her large and enthusiastic social network.