NYC legendary promoter Frank Watson, William Allen, DJ BRIAN HENRY via 360 MAGAZINE.
“I first met Frank Watson in Harlem in the early days of the 2010s, I can’t recall exactly the year, but I do recall his and others like him, an ambition trending group that would change how thousands would see themselves and attempt to define a new world, even for me. It was the breaking days of the New Harlem — young energy and freedom rushed in like a tsunami.
Frank had ideas about parties and asked me a lot of questions on how to do it in Harlem and NYCwide. I had spent a few years serving as a development advisor to an emerging magazine that expressed fashion freedom and black gay pride as well as help to create the first major black comedy club in the 1990s, located in Harlem, that created substantial new opportunities that formerly was only open to a few blacks at a time. More of my story later in another article.
In the pic above, it was at one of a handful of people at Frank’s first party venture that happened to take place in Harlem, the DJ Brian Henry, on my right, a mentee who had invited me, was a recent college graduate working at Verizon and living in Harlem. Brian is now the famous B-Hen, hosting amazing block parties all across the nation and performing abroad. Back to Frank. I’ll never forget that conversation that night and the countless others, his humility, charm, and drive to make other people enjoy their lives was evident. He had a soul that couldn’t be broken and was a strong architect of much needed ventures and events that made pride beyond one day, month, or a season. He gave life to a new generation that chose to be dominant in popular culture and not in the shadows. May God grant him peace. He was a king.” — William Allen
No.1 NYC LGBT party promoter, Frank Watson, memorialized via 360 MAGAZINE.
As we surpass the midway point of 2022, it’s safe to say this year has been nothing short of earth-shaking. From the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade, to the devastating number of mass shootings that have struck the United States, 2022 has been full of alarming headlines. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent stories for the month of July.
Heatwaves in Europe
Recently, many countries in Europe, such as Britain, Italy, France, Spain, Germany have experienced unusually high temperatures, with local highs reaching 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), which caused numerous wildfires.
Forest fires also broke out in many parts of Italy. One of the fires threatened to cut power and water to parts of the northeastern city of Trieste.
Meanwhile, the homes in Winnington, England were also damaged by the local fire. Some residents say they lost everything in the fire.
Scientists warn that extreme heat is exacerbated by climate change, making heat waves more intense and frequent and that the dry weather is likely to fuel wildfires.
Shinzo Abe dies from two gunshots
On July 8th, former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe suffered a terrorist attack while giving a speech in Nara city. Although Shinzo Abe had been hospitalized soon after being shot, the local fire department reported that he stopped cardiopulmonary function immediately after falling to the ground.
The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. local time as Abe made a speech in front of about 30 people near a subway station in Nara city, where he was campaigning for a liberal Democratic Party candidate in the upper house election. An unidentified man shot Abe from his back around 3 meters away. The Nara fire department said Abe lost consciousness, breath, and heartbeat after falling to the ground. Sixty-seven years old Abe was taken by helicopter to a hospital for emergency treatment and declared dead at 5:03 p.m. local time. The Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency later confirmed that Abe was shot in the left chest and the right side of the neck.
The suspect was arrested at the scene. According to Japanese media reports, the suspect is a man called Tetsuya Yamagami, 41 years old, a resident of Nara. He confessed to killing Abe with his homemade weapon and holding a grudge against a specific religious group. According to Tetsuya Yanagami, he attacked Abe in the end because his original target, one of the leaders of that group, was not there, and Abe was tied to that religious group.
At the end of June, US President Joe Biden signed a gun safety bill, almost one month following the catastrophic Uvalde elementary school massing shooting. The bill entails granting “groups [the ability] to petition courts to remove weapons from people deemed a threat to themselves or others.”
Other details of the bill include halting individuals that have been convicted of domestic abuse to own a gun, as well as increasing background checks on individuals from the ages of 18-to-21-years-old pursuing to purchase a gun.
Jayland Walker murdered in police shooting
25-year-old Jayland Walker was shot dead in a car/foot pursuit after he was stopped by police officers for traffic and equipment violations in Akron, Ohio. Recent video footage from the bodycams of officers involved in the pursuit and on the scene have just been released, and protests have undergone seeking justice surrounding the confrontation.
The chase began when Walker left the scene of a traffic stop on June 27. In the video footage release to the public, narration speaks that “a sound consistent with a gunshot can be heard,” with officers thinking that the noise came from Walker’s car.
After officers continued to pursue Walker, he stopped his car and began to run, while tasers were used to attempt to halt him. Akron Police Chief Stephen Mylett stated that after this, Walker “stopped and quickly turned towards the pursuing officers.” Walker was shot then, pronounced dead at the scene, unarmed.
While the shooting is under investigation, it has been revealed that a medical examiner found that Walker endured around 60 gunshot injuries from officers. Protests have undergone since Walker was killed, continuing to raise more awareness to the scarce gun control in the United States.
9 dead amongst weekend of Chicago shootings
Amidst the holiday weekend of the 4th of July, an array of shootings took place in Chicago, Illinois. A fatal shootout took place on the evening of July 1, and more shootings continued throughout the weekend. The devastating array of shootings left 9 dead and around 57 people suffering gunshot injuries.
Highland Park Fourth of July parade shooting leaves at least 6 dead
A gunman disrupted the Highland Park Fourth of July parade in Illinois this Independence Day. The shooting left an estimated 6 people dead with other two dozen suffering injuries from the catastrophe. The suspected gunman is allegedly a white man between the age of 18- to 20-years-old, and has not been identified yet.
Ukraine news : the latest Russian invasion update
Russia claims to have destroyed a mercenary deployment point in Mykolaiv. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, said in his morning war report that the Russian Aerospace Forces attacked this place with high-precision weapons.
Player Brittney Griner’s desperate letter of help to Joe Biden
The WNBA player has been detained in Russia since February and she is accused of carrying cartridges with hashish oil when she was going to take a plane and could face a sentence of 10 years in prison. Brittney wrote to the president of the United States, Joe Biden, and asked for his help to get out of the Russian prison and return to her home as soon as possible.
Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker break the silence on the recent hospitalization of the drummer of Blink 182
The couple wanted to post their opinions about Barker‘s recent hospitalization on their verified social media accounts. “I went in for an endoscopy Monday feeling great,” Barker posted in a note posted on her Instagram stories. “But after dinner, I developed excruciating pain and have been hospitalized ever since.”
Travis explained that during his endoscopy, he had “a very small polyp removed right in a very sensitive area, usually handled by specialists, which unfortunately damaged a critical pancreatic drainage tube.” “This resulted in severe pancreatitis that was life-threatening,” he added. “I am very, very grateful that with the intensive treatment I am now much better.”
Copenhagen: At least 3 dead and several injured in a mass shooting in a shopping mall that occurred this Sunday in Denmark
Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, assured that the authorities continue to investigate what happened. “Denmark was hit by a cruel attack on Sunday night. Several were killed. Even more were injured,” she said.
What is known about the attacker? A 22-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack. On the morning of this Monday (July 4th), the Danish capital’s police chief, Soeren Thomassen, declared that his department does not believe that the attack was a terrorist event and assured that the suspect has a history of mental health problems.
Egypt: closes its beaches in the Red Sea due to a series of shark attacks
The Egyptian authorities closed several beaches on the Red Sea coast due to the death of two tourists due to different shark attacks. The regional governor said one of the victims was a 68-year-old Austrian woman whose arm was ripped off by a shark while she was swimming near the city of Hurghada.
It is rare for sharks to attack people in the Red Sea, but this year, there have been several incidents involving tourists.
British Airways cancels more than 1,000 summer flights from Gatwick and Heathrow
BA will cancel more than 1,000 additional flights this summer from Gatwick and Heathrow as staff shortages continue to affect its operations. More than 100,000 travelers planning to visit popular holiday destinations such as Spain or Portugal will be affected, although British Airways will mainly reduce routes with multiple daily departures.
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin breaks his silence after being denounced for domestic violence
Through a statement shared on Twitter, Ricky Martin assures that the accusations are “completely false” and that he will face the process responsibly. As it is a case under the Law for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the Puerto Rico police have not revealed the name of the complainant.
As it is a case under the Law for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the Puerto Rico police have not revealed the name of the complainant. In this way, his identity has been the subject of numerous speculations. As stated by the Puerto Rican newspaper El Vocero, the order indicates that Ricky Martin and the person who has denounced him were together for seven months and separated two years ago.
The measure aims to “address the current situation with extraordinary means and powers, with relief interventions and assistance to the affected population and restore the functionality of public and strategic services and strategic network infrastructures”, the Italian Government has revealed in a statement picked up by the transalpine press.
Australia’s largest city, Sydney, is affected by flooding
The floods in Sydney affect more than 30,000 inhabitants. Besides, mountainous seas and wild weather along the New South Wales coast thwarted plans to salvage a wrecked cargo ship with 21 crew members. Emergency crews carried out 100 rescues overnight Tuesday of people trapped in cars on flooded roads or in flooded houses in the Sydney area, State Emergency Service manager Ashley Sullivan said.
According to the local authorities, the incident happened shortly after midnight when a group of men armed with rifles and 9-millimeter pistols entered the bar. They shooted at the customers, causing 12 people dead at the scene and 2 more were cleared dead after being sent to the hospital. Police said that the suspects are still on the run.
Days of torrential rain have caused waterways to overflow and dams to overflow, producing a fourth flood emergency in 16 months in parts of the city of 5 million people.
Thor: Love and Thunder
On July 8 we will be able to enjoy the latest film in the Marvel Saga, directed by Taika Waititi with Chris Hemsworth again in the skin of the Asgardian, the return of Natalie Portman as Jane Foster and Christian Bale playing the villain Gorr, the Butcher of the Gods.
We are facing one of the biggest events of the summer, and many fanatics of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are eager to know how many surprises they will discover within it. Who knows! Perhaps there is not room for so many, at least if we look at the supposed length of the film that would have been leaked by some of the American theater chains, and that would leave us with the shortest Marvel movie since 2018. Are you ready to watch it? Coming soon in cinemas.
UK government crisis
The mismanagement of the scandals of the celebrations in the Coronavirus pandemic and in the ranks of his party knocked down the prime minister. On Wednesday, Boris Johnson continued to fight to stay in power as prime minister, in turn sacking cabinet minister Michael Gove after his government was rocked by a wave of ministerial resignations.
In a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, Sajid Javid, a British Conservative Party politician, said after his resignation that “the problem starts from the top and that is not going to change.”
10-year-old rape victim travels across state lines to undergo abortion
One of the most shocking and prominent stories that broke the internet amidst the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade involves a 10-year-old rape victim. The young girl was refused the ability to have an abortion in her home state of Ohio. While she was six weeks and three days pregnant, this exceeded the ban in Ohio to perform an abortion at six weeks.
In Ohio, a child abuse doctor referred the victim to an obstetrician-gynecologist in Indiana to perform the procedure. She then traveled to undergo the practice, where the abortion ban had not been implemented. The Supreme Court’s decision shifted the rules on abortions in Ohio, where previously abortions were not banned until later in a pregnancy.
James Caan dies at the age of 82
James Caan, the actor who played Sonny Corleone in The Godfather has died. The American actor died on the night of July 6, as reported by his relatives on Twitter. “The family appreciates the love and condolences and asks that their privacy continue to be respected at this difficult time.”
Brittney Griner pleads guilty to drug charges in Russia
WNBA Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner has been stuck in Russia since February of 2022. Griner was at the Sheremetyevo International Airport when officials found small units of hashish oil in her belongings. Once discovered, she was taken into custody immediately, facing up to 10 years in prison in Russia for “large-scale transportation of drugs,” though her cartridge contained less than one gram of the marijuana concentrate.
Amongst the travesty, Griner appeared in trial this month with images of her handcuffed being posted all over social media. She has pleaded guilty to her charges, seemingly in hopes of returning to the US quicker. Griner sent a handwritten letter to the President of the US Joe Biden expressing her concern and fear for her freedom. Segments of the heart wrenching letter were released to the media by Griner’s representatives.
“As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever,” Griner expressed.
She continued to the president, stating, “I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”
With no way to measure how long Griner could be held in Russia, her teammates and supporters have taken a stand to urge for her release. As a Black, LGBTQ WNBA player, many have questioned the treatment of Griner. Her coach presented this point, stating, “If it was LeBron, he’d be home, right? […] It’s a statement about the value of women. It’s a statement about the value of a Black person. It’s a statement about the value of a gay person.”
The chain (Vkusno i Tochka) that replaces McDonald’s in Russia runs out of fries due to the sanctions for the war in Ukraine
Vkusno i Tochka (Delicious and Point), the fast food chain that took over McDonald’s restaurants in Russia in June is now facing a growing shortage of French fries due to Western sanctions against the Russian capital, according to RBK TV reported.
Balenciaga showcases celebrity models at Paris Fashion Week
Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Naomi Campbell, Nicole Kidman become the stars of the Balenciaga fashion show.
Balenciaga’s Fall 2022 Couture Collection fashion show transformed celebrities into the best ambassadors of the firm. Paris has become the center of fashion in recent days, because of Haute Couture Week. The great opportunity has brought together the most recognized faces in the sector, and amazing everyone with one of the most surprising Balenciaga fashion shows to date.
Kim Kardashian, the brand’s muse, melted into a striking black dress. She showed off the same color Naomi wore, but with a more voluminous design. Dua Lipa dazzled in a yellow one-shoulder dress, while Nicole triumphed in a mopped, long, metallic design.
The stars were able to parade through the impressive Balenciaga salons wearing the latest haute couture collection from the house, becoming the protagonists of the event and fashion week in the Parisian city. In this new Balenciaga collection, a common thread between the technological future and the past was seen, where a tribute was made to the work of the founder of the house. “It starts in the future and then sinks into the past, in the Infanta dresses that later became the origin of the house,” said Balenciaga designer and creative director Demna Gvasalia.
These uncovered faces, some of them world-famous, contrasted with the mannequins whose faces the creative director of the ‘Maison’ wanted to cover with black enameled polyurethane helmets, made by the Mercedes design team that made it impossible to identify those who they paraded
During these days, we have also been able to enjoy the designs of other major brands such as Chanel, Giorgio Armani, or Christian Dior. Although without hesitation, Balenciaga has overseen shaking up the ‘fashion’ universe at fashion week in Paris.
Oprah Winfrey’s father, Vernon Winfrey, passes away
At 89 years-old, Vernon Winfrey passed away after battling cancer. His daughter, Oprah Winfrey, released a statement via Instagram, where she stated, “Yesterday with family surrounding his bedside I had the sacred honor of witnessing the man responsible for my life, take his last breath, […] We could feel Peace enter the room at his passing.”
Big Brother 24 premieres
The 24th season of CBS’ Big Brother premiered on July 6 with an all-new cast. 16 contestants entered the Big Brother house, where they’re in for a summer full of game play, strategy, and challenges, all while making life-transforming memories. Who will conquer the competition and take home the $750,000 prize? We can’t wait to see!
Ukraine: 15 killed and 24 trapped by Russian missile
On July 10, a Russian missile hit eastern Ukraine and destroyed part of an apartment building, killing at least 15 people and making 24 buried beneath the debris.
“The search and rescue operation continues,” according to Pavlo Kyrylenko, the governor of Donetsk Oblast, “We have more proof of Russia’s crimes, that they shell residential areas of any community, whether it’s close to the front lines or not.”
Ukraine has accused Russia of launching a bunch of missiles to its cities in recent weeks, targeting civilians. Even though Russia denied the accusation, the army kept attacking population centers like Mariupol, Kharkiv and Severodonetsk.
South Africa: Mass shooting kills at least 15 at a bar
At least 15 people died from a shooting in the South African township of Soweto on June 10, and several people were injured.
According to the local authorities, the incident happened shortly after midnight when a group of men armed with rifles and 9-millimeter pistols entered the bar. They shooted at the customers, causing 12 people dead at the scene and 2 more were cleared dead after being sent to the hospital. Police said that the suspects are still on the run.
France will deport any foreigner who has committed a serious crime
Under current French regulations, anyone who arrived in France before the age of 13 cannot be expelled. Although, the French government is studying the possibility of facilitating the expulsion from the country of “any foreigner who has committed serious acts”, lifting the age restrictions in this regard, according to Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of the Interior.
The Euro against the Dollar
The European currency reaches its lowest level in 20 years against the dollar. The euro and the dollar, both currencies, have been less than a cent from reaching exactly the same value, when the euro hovered around $1,007 last Monday, down almost 15% since the start of the year. This has been caused by different serious reasons. While the fear in the markets of an economic recession in Europe increases, in a context of growing uncertainty about the continuity in the supply of Russian gas and high inflation.
Brad Pitt’s Bullet Train to premiere in August
August 3 marks the date for the release of all-new film Bullet Train. Directed by David Leitch, Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train.
The Bachelorette 19 premieres with two leads
ABC’s The Bachelorette promised to be another one of the “most shocking seasons ever” when they named two women as the lead(s) of the popular reality dating series. After making it to the final three of Season 26 of The Bachelor, Gabby Windey and Rachel Recchia went through a shocking double breakup.
The pair was named the first set of double bachelorettes at the season finale of their original show. Season 19 of the show will now follow their journey to find love. Navigating how to date 30+ men side by side, the season premiered on July 11. Both Gabby and Rachel will travel the world dating a pool of men, hoping to leave engaged and in love!
US President Biden visits Israel and Saudi Arabia
US President Joe Biden made his tenth visit to Israel this summer. Many believe that at the forefront of Biden’s agenda was to tackle negotiations regarding oil production in Saudi Arabia. Others sincerely hoped Biden will tackle the issue of Iran gaining more nuclear weapons.
Uvalde elementary school shooting footage shows law enforcement lacking action
Footage from one of the deadliest mass shootings that the US has endured this year was released. Original video clips from the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that left 21 dead are lightly edited to eliminate identity and sounds of children screaming. The footage was published by the Austin American-Statesmen newspaper just days before family victims were scheduled to watch the footage.
The video shows the gunman crashing a car before shooting at two individuals who responded to the accident. Continuing, footage shows the gunman entering the school carrying his weapon. After he enters the school, a child comes around the corner where he watches the gunman enter another classroom and open fire, to which he runs away in horror.
The most outraging element of the leaked footage reveals officers lack of response to the incident, though they arrived at the scene 77 minutes before shooting the gunman dead. The lack of action from the officers has enraged the community and nation on a widespread scale. Uvalde County Commissioner Ronald Garza stated, “They just didn’t act. They just didn’t move, […] I just don’t know what was going through those policemen’s minds that tragic day, but … there was just no action on their part.”
POLAND: The ashes of more than 7,000 victims of a Nazi extermination camp have been located
The Polish country lost 17% of its population during World War II. An excavation carried out at the site of the former Nazi extermination camp in Soldau, near the city of Dzialdowo, has uncovered 17 tons of ashes which, according to researchers, indicate that at least 7,000 people were cremated there.
The number of victims has been calculated according to the weight of the ashes, Karol Nawrocki, president of the Institute of Historical Memory, has expressed, since a human corpse corresponds to around two kilos of ashes.
Ivana Trump dies at 73
Ivana Trump dies at the age of 73, the first wife of Donald Trump and the former US president has announced it on his social network (Truth Social). The businesswoman was the mother of three of the former president’s children and she was crucial in building his real estate empire. They divorced in 1992, long before Donald Trump entered politics.
Ivana Trump passed away at her Manhattan apartment on July 14. This has been announced by Trump himself on the Truth Social network and who has not indicated the causes of her death.
Greenwood Park Mall shooting leaves four dead
A shooting broke out at the Greenwood Park Mall, in which a gunman killed three and injured two. The unidentified gunman was, too, shot dead by an armed 22-year-old man. Greenwood Police Chief Jim Ison released a statement about the catastrophic event, stating that, “This has shaken us to our core. This isn’t something that we have seen here in Greenwood before. It is absolutely horrendous and our thoughts and prayers are with those loved ones hurting tonight.”
UK undergoes record heatwave
As wildfires spread around Europe, the UK endured scorching, record-breaking temperatures. The UK’s previous leading temperature of 101.7 degrees in July 2019 was estimated to be exceeded on July 18 with predictions of 105 degrees. The heatwave sent the UK into a “Level 4” heat warning which can be defined as a “national emergency.”
FRANCE: Shooting on a terrace of a bar in Paris
One person dead and four injured in a shooting with a Kalashnikov against the terrace of a bar in Paris. The events occurred around 21:30 pm on Popincourt Street. According to the Europe 1 channel, a “Kalashnikov-type” long weapon has been found. “Two individuals got out of a vehicle and shot two individuals sitting on the terrace of a bar,” specified the Paris police headquarters. The main hypothesis of the investigation is a reckoning.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck marry in Las Vegas
Actor Ben Affleck and singer Jennifer Lopez got married this Saturday (July 16) in a small family ceremony in which the two children of the singer and her mother have been present. Jennifer Lopez has confirmed the news with a statement. “We did it. Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out that love is patient. 20-year patience.”
“Exactly what we wanted. Last night we flew to Las Vegas, queued for a license with four other couples, all making the same trip to the wedding capital of the world,” added the singer.
Japan: At Least 30 Endangered Green Sea Turtles Found With ‘Bleeding’ Neck Wounds
At least 30 endangered green sea turtles were found Thursday (July 19) with neck injuries near the remote island of Kumejima in southern Japan’s Okinawa prefecture. Police began investigating the case last Friday after the sea turtles were found at low tide. Some of these were barely breathing and others were bleeding. They had wounds around their necks caused by what appeared to be a blade.
US House passes bill that defends gay marriage rights
After the Supreme Court overturned the landmark decisioning in Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas suggested that other milestone rulings needed to be looked at again, like Obergefell v. Hodges, the ruling that established gay marriage rights. In response to this, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would ensure protection of equal marriage rights.
The bill passed by a vote of 267-157, and would ensure “federal protections for gay marriage and prohibits anyone from denying the validity of a marriage based on the race or sex of the couple.” Now, the bill will be reviewed and voted on by the Senate.
World Health Organization warns that global cases of COVID-19 have doubled in the last six weeks
Infections have reached their maximum peak in the first week of July. So the impact of omicron increased and created the seventh wave of the disease: From about three million weekly cases to six million currently, warned this Wednesday (July 2) the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“An increase in cases means that there may be more hospitalizations and deaths in the coming weeks,” Tedros Adhanom mentioned at a press conference, noting that most of the current infections seem to belong to the omicron variant, “for now the most contagious known,” he added.
US President Biden tests positive for COVID-19
For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, US President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday July 21. It was reported that he took Paxlovid for his symptoms which included a cough, runny nose and overall exhaustion.
Flight cancellations and delays in Germany due to Lufthansa strike
As the airline warned on its website this Monday (July 25) there will be delays and cancellations of flights in Germany due to the Lufthansa strikes this Wednesday (July 27). The warning strike will start at 3.45am and end at 6am this Thursday (July 28), the German Verdi union said in a statement. The German union orders a 9.5% salary increase for Lufthansa ground staff, with a minimum of 350 euros per month for one year.
Police officers in Mexico City seize 1.5 tons of cocaine bound for the West Coast of the US.
Mexican police seized 1.5 tons of cocaine headed for the west coast of the United States, Omar Garcia Harfuch, Secretary of Citizen Security, published on Tuesday (July 26), describing it as “the largest seizure of cocaine in the capital.” During a press conference, Omar commented that the cocaine has a value of up to US$20 million and added that after reaching its final destination it would be worth “almost twice as much, in Los Angeles.”
Red Hot Chilli Peppers announce new album: “Return of the dream canteen”
Kicking off their North American tour, the band have announced October 14 as the release date for their second studio album this year. “Return of the dream canteen” will be the second album after the band released “Unlimited love“. It will also be the second release produced by Rick Rubin.
Selena Gomez chose a Versace design with which she looked like a real princess on her 30th birthday
The actress welcomed her 30th birthday last Friday, July 22. She held a party for her birthday surrounded by family and friends. For this important occasion, the protagonist of her outfit was the elegant dress that she wore from the luxury brand Versace.
The dress is made in a pale peach tone with short sleeves and a delicate tulle that covered Selena’s bodice and neckline. Added to this are the transparent details from the height of the thigh to the end that dragged a few centimeters. To give her dress more prominence, the actress added some hoop earrings and tied her hair up in a high ponytail. There is no doubt that Selena Gomez chose an elegant ‘look’ to welcome her 30 years.
The Latin Grammy 2022 will be held on November 17 in Las Vegas
Another Nicaraguan opposition leader sentenced to 10 years in prison
In Masaya (Nicaragua), an opposition leader from the department of Masaya, Yubrank Suazo, was sentenced this Wednesday (July 27) to 10 years in prison for a crime committed in spreading false news and national integrity, the Nicaraguan Center reported on its social platforms. of Human Rights (Cenidh).
Nicki Minaj advances the release of her new song “Freaky Girl“
The musical return of the rapper after her motherhood is being as successful as we remembered. Nicki was for years the artist who released the most video clips and songs in a calendar year and this year she has returned to her origins by introducing what will be the fifth song of 2022. Its release will be on August 12 under the title of “Freaky Girl.”
Beyoncé releases new album RENAISSANCE
REINAISSANCE was released as Beyoncé’s latest studio album on Friday July 29. The album platforms the reignited dance genre infused with elements of disco, house, and pop music. The icon released the album’s first single “BREAK MY SOUL” earlier in the year, taking the industry by storm.
Yesterday, Sunday, June 5, Roberto E. Wirth passed away suddenly at the age of 72. Fifth generation of a Swiss family of hoteliers and profoundly deaf since birth, Roberto Wirth always had a dream since childhood: to run a completely independent hotel and become a respected hotelier.
Thanks to his determination, always keeping his goal in mind, he succeeded in making his Hassler an icon in the International hospitality business. The Hassler has always been his passion as well as his home. With his motto “Never give up,” over the years he managed to develop the family business and expand its portfolio: Il Palazzetto in Rome, Parco del Principe in Tuscany, Borgo Bastia Creti in Umbria, and Hotel Vannucci in Citt della Pieve, also in Umbria.
“My five jewels,” he would say. These were and forever will be Mr. Wirth’s treasures.
His education and training started in Milan, at the Stresa Hospitality School, followed by experiences at Cornell University which allowed him to become the great man and entrepreneur we all knew. Brilliant, attentive, and forward-thinking, he has never ceased his personal commitment both to his city of Rome, where as president of the Via Sistina-via F. Crispi Association he has always fought for the redevelopment and decorum of the historic center, and to his non-profit organization, the Assistance Center for Deaf and Deafblind Children (CABSS).
Since 2004, his foundation CABSS has been supporting deaf and deaf-blind children from newborn to 6 years old as well as their families. Sharing his personal achievements in his biography Silence was my first friend, he carried his message forward: “Always look ahead with determination and confidence. Everything is possible in life and, with commitment, everyone can make it. We, deaf people can do everything but hear.” In 1992, he established a Fulbright – Roberto Wirth scholarship giving young both deaf and hearing graduates the opportunity to specialize at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Gallaudet University is the only bilingual (American Sign Language and English) university in the world that is also accessible to deaf and deaf-blind students.
The best way to honor his memory is to treasure his life and how he led by example, cultivating values of humanity, responsibility and open-mindedness. His children Veruschka and Roberto Jr will now carry on their father’s legacy with the utmost pride.
ABOUT HOTEL HASSLER ROMA
Set atop the Spanish Steps and featuring a panoramic view of the entire city, Hotel Hassler Roma is owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty. For more than a century, Hotel Hassler Roma has continued its legacy as Romeߣs five-star lodging of choice for the worldߣs elite and discerning travelers. Each of the 87 rooms, 21 of which are suites, is individually designed with an elegant combination of classic and contemporary touches. Highlights include the Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, Im&#e0;go, the Salone Eva and Palm Court restaurant and the Hassler Bar, as well as the neighboring, Hassler-owned Il Palazzetto, a hotel, wine bar and special event space.
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.
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 atReal 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”.
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.”
Amidst the perseverance of the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry has taken a massive blow. There are intense staffing shortages in the field, and the public is suffering from these scarcities. The Washington Post gave a detailed report on these worsening staff deficiencies, more specifically in long term care facilities.
Nursing homes tend to lessen the stress on hospitals as recovered patients typically move there after being released. Without proper staffing, though, facilities have not been able to take in patients from hospitals. A specific example of this misfortune stems from the Terrace View nursing home in Buffalo, New York. The home is currently not running at full capacity, and there are up to 22 beds not being used due to lack of staff.
The Washington Post article elaborates on this disaster, highlighting another facility affected. “That means some fully recovered patients in the adjacent Erie County Medical Center must stay in their hospital rooms, waiting for a bed in the nursing home. Which means some patients in the emergency department, who should be admitted to the hospital, must stay there until a hospital bed opens up. The emergency department becomes stretched so thin that 10 to 20 percent of arrivals leave without seeing a caregiver — after an average wait of six to eight hours, according to the hospital’s data.”
Many long-term care facilities across the country are facing these same troubles. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) found 58% of nursing homes are cutting down on arrivals, again, because of the shortage of staff members.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that 425,000 long term care workers left the industry since February 2020. Though other industries have seen economic growth since the onset of the pandemic, nursing homes have not had the same luck. “Remarkably, despite the horrific incidents of death and illness in nursing homes at the outset of the pandemic, more staff departures have come during the economic recovery. As restaurants and shops reopened and hiring set records, nursing homes continued to bleed workers, even as residents returned.”
These troubles are heightened in more rural areas. The article, too, depicts the story of Diakonos Group in Medford, Oklahoma, that had to shut down since there was simply not enough staff. The facility provided care for patients with mental health needs, but after the pandemic started, they found that their staff had endured too much. Diakonos Group CEO Scott Pilgrim explained that although the business offered a raise in hourly wages, bonuses and overtime, employees continued to leave, and they could not withstand these absences.
AHCA/NCAL urges lawmakers to work with the long term care division of healthcare to fix this staffing crisis and devote resources to employ caregivers. As hospitals continue to be directly affected by this catastrophe, change must be made as soon as possible. AHCA/NCAL encourages Congress to take action and ease these tensions placed on both hospitals and long term care facilities.
THE FIRST FOLIO ATLAS EVER PRINTED IN THE ISLAMIC WORLD FOUND AMONG SEVERAL EXCITING DISCOVERIES AT WESTON HALL – HOME OF THE FAMOUS SITWELL FAMILY FOR 300 YEARS
The first folio atlas ever printed in the Islamic world has been discovered in one of the nine attics at Weston Hall in Northamptonshire, home of the famous Sitwell family for more than 300 years. The exceptionally rare Ottoman atlas is by Mahmoud Raif Efendi and is titled Cedid Atlas Tercumesi (A translation of a New Atlas). It is one of only 50 ever produced and is one of several exciting discoveries made at the house, when specialists were brought in to catalog the contents of the house, which will be offered in an extensive auction titled Weston Hall and the Sitwells: A Family Legacy at Dreweatts on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
The maps are based on William Faden’sGeneral Atlas and are accompanied by Raif’s geographical treatise. When it was produced, several copies were reserved for high-ranking officials and important institutions and this copy is thought, therefore to have been brought back to Britain by a Sitwell family member (General Lord Hely-Hutchinson, during his military campaigns in the Middle East). The remaining copies were partially destroyed in a warehouse fire during the Janissary revolt of 1807/8, during which Raif himself was killed. It is thought that a maximum of only 20 complete copies survives, which are held in institutional or private libraries.
This complete copy is a single volume and features a hand-colored, engraved pictorial title with the tughra (monogram) of Sultan Selim III. The text is in Ottoman Turkish with 24 hand-colored terrestrial maps, including two twin-hemispheres and one world, all double-page, with a plain celestial chart. It is stamped and dated 1804. It is estimated to fetch £20,000-£30,000 at auction. 360 Magazine is excited to witness this priceless Atlas, which contains such history.
Following the news of the passing of longtime People For board member, LGBTQ+ advocate, and the first openly gay U.S. Ambassador, James Hormel, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous and People For the American Way Founder Norman Lear released the following statements:
“Jim was a true hero, so full of courage, humor and generosity,” said People For President Ben Jealous. “As a longtime board member of People For the American Way, he understood that building power among young people was critical to the future of our democracy. Jim was a truly kind and lovely soul, and his loss will be felt deeply. Our hearts and prayers are with his husband Michael and their extended family.”
“I loved Jim Hormel deeply,” said People For founder Norman Lear. “Through the years he was an incredible asset to People For the American Way, a provider of ideas and insights and deep understanding. He was also a fighter, passionate about so many issues we hold dear, from voting rights to free expression and the fight against censorship. I will miss him tremendously.”
About People For the American Way
People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: People For the American Way.
“How can this happen on a military base? How can this happen while she was on duty? How can this just happen and then let it go under the rug like it was nothing?” These were the words of Mayra Guillen, sister of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, who has been missing for months and is now confirmed dead.
On April 22nd, Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, a 20-year-old Hispanic Small Arms and Artillery Repairer, went missing. She was last seen alive at a parking lot at squadron headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. For months, Pfc. Guillen’s family held out hope that their beloved was still alive, yet the discovery of remains near the Leon River, north of Austin, has vanquished that hope. While the FBI is still awaiting a positive DNA analysis, the family believes that the remains belong to Vanessa.
Yet, this story does not begin with her disappearance nor does it end with her death. Prior to her vanishing, Pfc. Guillen, according to her sisters, was having difficulties with sexual harassment while stationed at Fort Hood, outside Killeen, Texas. The attorney representing the family in the case revealed that Guillen had confided to her sisters and several other soldiers that a superior had walked in on her while taking a shower and that he proceeded to sit down and watch her. Other relatives and Pfc. Guillen’s boyfriend have noted on social media that something is “not right” and that Vanessa felt unsafe at the military base.
Spc. Robinson was the leading suspect in Vanessa Guillen’s disappearance, and as authorities caught up with him on Tuesday evening, he shot himself. It has since been revealed that Robinson was, in fact, responsible for the murder of Pfc. Guillen’s. Guillen’s was bludgeoned to death with a hammer in the armory where she worked, according to the family’s attorney. They made this discovery through an extensive investigation, in which witnesses divulged that they saw Robinson transporting a large box labelled “very heavy in weight.”
Then, after consenting to an examination of his cellphone records, court documents reveal, it was discovered that Robinson made several phone-calls to his girlfriend Cecily Aguilar on the night of Apri 22nd and into the early hours of the April 23rd. After being interviewed multiple times, Aguilar finally told investigators that her boyfriend had murdered Guillen. She also revealed how she and her boyfriend had met up and dismembered Guillen’s body together with a “hatchet or machete type knife” and, after attempting to set her corpse on fire, buried Guillen’s body parts in three different holes. Texas Rangers have since arrested Aguilar and she now faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The issue of sexual harassment within the Army remains a problem in this case, given that Guillen’s family, according to their attorney, claimed that Vanessa was planning on reporting Robinson the day after she was murdered, and had delayed over fear of reprisal and inaction. Yet the Army says there exists no credible evidence that she was sexually harassed before her disappearance, and in a statement from the Fort Hood Press Center, officials said that the criminal investigation “has not found any connection between sexual harassment and Vanessa’s disappearance.” They plan to continue their investigation in light of new revelations.
The family is now pushing for legislation to create an independent agency for soldiers who are victims of sexual harassment and assault.
After a year Vanessa’s fiancé speaks out claiming “They failed us,” see the full ABC interview here.
For more updated information and to read other statements from family and friends click here.
It has been a year since Vanessa’s body was found and her family members, friends, and fellow military members still have many unanswered questions. While it is assumed that Vanessa’s killer was one of another soldier stationed at Fort Hood in Texas, Aaron Robinson, the army is still investigating. Her fiancé spoke to ABC last week, discussing his anger and frustration at the lack of answers and closure he, her family and friends have. Many are upset with how the Army handled the situation and investigation. Interrogating her friends instead of going after Robinson, who many suspected from the beginning.
Her family now hopes that the “I Am Vanessa Guillen” bill, which will make sexual harassment a crime in military law will be approved and help prevent other soldiers from being harassed while defending their country, and other families from feeling the loss they do.
Stay tuned to 360 Magazine for more updates and links to current articles and videos.
ABC will also be airing coverage every week until someone is convicted.
Black Rob, Rapper and Former Bad Boy Artist, Has Passed Away at 52 Years Old
Best known for his 2000 single “Whoa!” the rapper was recently hospitalized in Atlanta
Robert Ross, the rap artist known as Black Rob, died April 17 at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. Fellow Bad Boy rapper Mark Curry stated the cause of death was cardiac arrest, according to Pitchfork. He added that Black Rob was dealing with a number of health issues prior to his death, including lupus, kidney failure, diabetes, and multiple strokes. Black Rob was 52 years old.
“I don’t know where to begin this, but I thank everybody for the donations. Rob passed away about an hour ago,” a teary-eyed Curry said in a video. “I need for his daughter, Iona Ross, little Robert Ross, y’all get in touch with me, please.”
In a second video, Curry stated that he had spoken to Bad Boy founder Combs for the first time in 15 years following Rob’s passing.
“I just want to say thank you. We really did some amazing stuff. RIP to my brother. I was dead with him, I was dead with him,” Curry said. “I ain’t talk to Puff in 15 years. We talked today. This is the beginning of a new us. Rob made sure he knew what he had to do before he parted this world to make sure we all alright — and that’s what he did. Bad Boy for life, yo.”
Diddy posted a tribute on Instagram, stating: “Rest in power King @therealblackrob! As I listen to your records today there’s one thing that they all have in common! You have made millions of people all over the world feel good and dance! You are one of a kind! GOD BLESS! Love. You will be truly missed!!!!”
Born Robert Ross in Buffalo, N.Y., the Bad Boy rapper grew up in East Harlem where he began rapping as a preteen leading to the formation of his first group, the Schizophrenics. He released four studio albums, his most successful being his 2000 debut “Life Story.” Rob is best known for his hit single “Whoa!” which peaked at No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100. Along with Curry, Rob was featured on Sean “P. Diddy” Combs’ “Bad Boy 4 Life,” which charted at No. 33. Though he left Bad Boy Records in the mid-2000s, Rob reunited with the crew for select dates of the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour in 2016.
EIGHT KILLED IN INDIANAPOLIS FEDEX FACILITY SHOOTING
What we know so far
Brandon Hole, the shooting suspect, opened fire outside and inside of a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday evening.
Eight people were shot and killed, while several others were wounded in addition to the gunman.
Police believe the gunman killed himself as officers encountered him.
The motive for the shooting known at this time.
Law enforcement were notified of a mass casualty situation at the Indianapolis FedEx location late Thursday evening. Timothy Boillat, a FedEx employee, was inside of the building when the gunshots began, according to CNN. He was on break when he heard “two loud metal clangs,” not realizing that it was gun shots. Boillat said his friend saw someone grabbing a gun out of the trunk of their car. It was at that moment that Boillat saw a body on the ground. Levi Miller was interviewed this morning by the Today Show and stated “I saw a man, a hooded figure. The man did have an AR in his hand, and he started shouting and then he started firing. I thought he saw me, so I immediately ducked for cover.”
Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations for Indianapolis Police, Craig McCartt, stated that four of the victims were found inside of the FedEx facility and four were found outside. The suspect was found deceased, in addition to eight other people. The Indianapolis Police Department said they have an idea of who the suspect was, however, have not formally identified him. The Department believes that the shooter was using a rifle, but they do not yet have any specifics on the weapon. The police are being assisted by the FBI in searching the suspect’s house. Special agent Paul Keenan is in charge.
During a news conference McCartt stated, “This suspect came to the facility. He got out of his car and pretty quickly started some random shooting outside the facility. There was no confrontation with anyone. That began in the parking lot and then he did go into the building.”
Alfarena McGinty, the Chief Deputy Coroner at the Marion County Coroner’s Office, said that the Department is conducting an investigation, but cannot yet enter the crime scene to confirm the victims’ identity until all evidence has been collected. “We are still a number of hours out before we are able to go on to the scene to conduct our investigation, and then after that, we’ll work with the families. Following that process, what we have to do is we will perform our examinations,” she said, adding that extra staff will be called in to complete those examinations in the next 48 to 72 hours, reports CNN.
According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, there have been at least 147 mass shootings incidents in 2021 in the United States. The Gun Violence Archive is an online archive of gun violence incidents collected from various law enforcement, media, government and commercial sources daily in order to provide near-real time data about the results of gun violence. GVA is a non-profit corporation based out of Washington DC, as stated on their website.
UPDATE:
Indianapolis Police has released the names of the deceased victims from Thursday night’s shooting.
The victims are:
32-year-old Matthew R Alexander
19-year-old Samaria Blackwell
66-year-old Amarjeet Johal
64-year-old Jaswinder Kaur
68-year-old Jaswinder Singh
48-year-old Amarjit Sekhon
19-year-old Karlie Smith
74-year-old John Weisert
A statement by IMPD says the next of kin has been notified by the Marion County Coroner’s Office.
The cause of death will be determined after autopsies are complete, according to the statement.
IMPD said the names of those injured are not being released.
