In a controversial TikTok video, Diva Moore, a black career coach, delivered a stark warning to white South African refugees, emphasizing their lack of Secret Service protection in the U.S. This incident has fueled intense debates around racial tensions and immigration policies.
The video's impact coincides with broader discussions about the perceived preferential treatment of these refugees under President Donald Trump's administration, Daily Mail reported.
Diva Moore, who positions herself as an expert in human relations, utilized the platform to express her concerns over the treatment of white South Africans who were granted refugee status by the Trump administration. The administration expedited the process for 49 Afrikaners, citing their victimization through land confiscation without compensation by the South African government.
The situation has sparked a significant response, including from the Episcopal Church, which ended its nearly four-decade partnership with the federal government. The church cited a commitment to racial justice, indicating discomfort with the government's approach to refugee resettlement for these particular groups.
The church's decision is seen as a strong stance against what they perceive as unfair racial preferences. "The church has pledged to shut down its migration services' links to the federal government entirely by the end of the year," stated Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, highlighting the depth of their commitment to equality and justice.
Amidst this backdrop, Moore's video has resonated and inflamed public discourse. In the video, she powerfully states, "I just want to make you aware that the black people who were students during apartheid, we're grandmas and grandpas now...and you will not [have Secret Service]."
Moore's message underscores a broader discontent about inequalities, which linger from historical racial injustices, now perceived to be extended into contemporary refugee policies.
President Trump's statements have further intensified these debates. He labeled the situation in South Africa as a "genocide against white farmers," a claim that has been vehemently denied by South African authorities. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa refuted any allegations of genocide, stressing that crime in South Africa is not racially biased.
South Africa's stance is supported by Ronald Lamola, South African Foreign Minister, who argues that the claims of persecution are unfounded: "There is no data at all that backs up that there is persecution of white South Africans."
The White House, however, persists in its perspective, with Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller emphasizing that the situation represents "race-based persecution."
The first group of these refugees has recently arrived in Virginia, marking the beginning of what could be a complex integration process. Their arrival is under scrutiny, both from local communities and international observers.
The implications of the resettlement extend beyond immediate logistical challenges and touch on broader themes of racial justice, historical accountability, and the shaping of U.S. immigration policies.
Collen Msibi, a spokesperson for South Africa's transport ministry, indicated that all 49 refugees were thoroughly vetted by police before their departure, perhaps in response to international concerns about the legitimacy and safety of such migrations.
As this situation unfolds, it will likely continue to provoke dialogues around race, migration, and international diplomacy, signalling a contentious chapter in U.S.-South African relations and within the domestic spectrum of racial politics in America.
In a significant shift in pricing strategy, Apple has announced that its upcoming iPhone 16 will see a price increase exceeding 40%. This rise catapults the starting price from $799 to over $1,100.
According to the US Sun, the surge in pricing is attributed to innovative features in the iPhone 16, rather than the U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.
Apple's decision comes amid a challenging trade environment, specifically the 30% U.S. import levy on goods from China. Despite this, Apple has been proactive in relocating some of its production facilities to India, aiming to mitigate the financial strain from heightened tariffs.
The company's CEO, Tim Cook, highlighted that these tariffs had imposed an additional $900 million in costs for the current quarter. However, Cook emphasizes that the price hikes for the iPhone 16 relate to the technological enhancements rather than tariff impacts.
Rosenblatt Securities, an analyst firm, initially projected this price rise, linking it to the forthcoming advanced features in the iPhone 16 models.
According to Apple, the iPhone 16 models, including the iPhone 16e, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, will boast significant upgrades. These include a new ultrathin design, an A18 chip, extended battery life, and more sophisticated camera systems.
These enhancements underline Apple's commitment to pushing the envelope in smartphone technology, aiming to offer users an unmatched experience in terms of performance and design.
In response to the logistical hurdles posed by tariffs, Apple has improved its operational efficiency in India. The company has successfully lobbied for faster customs processing at Chennai airport, reducing it from 30 hours to merely six hours.
Seeking to avoid potential delays associated with tariffs, Apple has also organized last-minute flights to ship about 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S. using six cargo jets capable of carrying around 100 tons each. This move, since March, underscores Apple's agility in adapting to international trade pressures.
Tariffs had minimal effect on Apple during the March quarter, thanks to optimized supply chain and inventory strategies, as noted by CEO Tim Cook. He remarked, "Although tariffs had limited impact in the March quarter, due to our optimizations, the trade environment could evolve, and we foresee a greater impact from tariffs in the next quarter."
These strategic shifts not only reflect Apple's response to immediate fiscal pressures but also its broader plans for expansion in the U.S. market.
Further fortifying its ties to the U.S. economy, Apple has declared a massive investment plan. The tech giant intends to spend $500 billion over the next four years to establish facilities across several states. This move is part of a broader strategy to diversify its manufacturing and reduce dependency on any single geopolitical area.
During a recent analyst Q&A, Cook elaborated on their strategy, stating, "Build-ahead in manufacturing purchase obligations could benefit us in the June quarter." This indicates Apple's meticulous planning in navigating complex global trade dynamics.
Moreover, the resolution between the U.S. and China to ease tariffs has had a positive effect, boosting Apple's shares by 7% in premarket trading. This reflects the market's favorable response to Apple's strategic maneuvering amid ongoing international trade discussions.
Apple continues to innovate not only in its products but also in how it manages production and logistics worldwide. The iPhone 16's price hike, though significant, appears to be a calculated move to balance the cost of groundbreaking technological enhancements against an intricate backdrop of global tariffs and trade negotiations.
With these initiatives, Apple aims to safeguard its market leadership while navigating the economic and political shifts affecting global manufacturing and trade. The future of iPhone pricing and features may well set trends for the consumer electronics industry at large.
While the price increase could be a deterrent for some consumers, the array of features and enhancements in the iPhone 16 could very well justify the investment for tech enthusiasts seeking the cutting edge in smartphone technology.
A petting zoo worker in South Carolina met a fatal end after entering a kangaroo's enclosure for unknown reasons.
According to the US Sun, Eric Slate, 52, tragically lost his life after allegedly engaging with a kangaroo at a family-owned petting zoo.
5-Star Farm, located near Loris, South Carolina, is known for its variety of exotic animals, including kangaroos. Last Saturday, a distressing incident occurred there that led to the death of one of the zoo's workers, Eric Slate. Authorities discovered his body just after midnight.
Slate, who had a known history of entering the kangaroo's enclosure, succumbed to multiple blunt force injuries. The details surrounding the events are still unclear, but preliminary findings suggest that an interaction with the kangaroo may have turned fatal.
The Horry County Councilman, Dennis DiSabato, confirmed the involvement of a kangaroo in Slate's death, emphasizing that the incident was a result of the actions taken by the victim, not the animal's inherent aggression.
The kangaroo implicated in the incident, known affectionately as Mr. Jack by the farm's visitors, is a large red kangaroo. While it is not confirmed if Mr. Jack was directly involved, descriptions from the zoo before the incident highlight his generally docile nature, fond of neck scratches, and capable of taking treats gently from hands.
Local council member Mark Causey echoed sentiments of the animal's character, describing him as non-aggressive. "It's very sad… It was not the animal's fault," Causey reflected on the heartrending situation.
This statement rings in accordance with the broader consensus from the community and officials, emphasizing that the tragedy was an unfortunate result of human error rather than any malice on the part of the animal.
Eric Slate, the victim, was not only a zoo worker but also the brother of the zoo's owner, Robert Slate. This familial connection adds a layer of personal tragedy to the incident. Following the upsetting event, Robert Slate requested the community's support through thoughts and prayers, highlighting the profound impact on the family.
Despite his brother's history with similar actions, the reasons behind Eric's decision to enter the enclosure at that moment remain a mystery. This has left the family and community searching for answers amidst their grief.
Further complicating the emotional landscape is the state's lenient laws concerning exotic animal ownership. South Carolina does not require a permit to own kangaroos, which raises concerns about the safety protocols and regulations achievable under such a legislative framework.
In the aftermath of this fatal encounter, the farm has attracted attention not only from residents but also from exotic animal safety experts. They plan to evaluate the safety measures of the enclosure and the overall well-being of the animal later in the week.
These assessments help prevent such incidents in the future and ensure that both human and animal welfare take priority within the operational procedures of exotic animal facilities.
Ongoing discussions and preventative measures highlight the need for stringent safety protocols and responsible handling of all interactions involving powerful animals like kangaroos.
The Loris community and broader public have expressed mixed feelings of sorrow for the family and concerns over exotic animal laws, which allow such close human-animal interactions without stringent checks. This incident may prompt a reevaluation of policies related to the ownership and handling of exotic species in South Carolina.
Robert Slate's plea for prayers underscores the personal and community toll that follows such unexpected animal-related tragedies, reinforcing the unpredictable nature of wildlife, regardless of the environment in which humans place them.
As the town mourns the loss of one of its own, the tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the respect and caution that exotic animals command, especially in close-contact scenarios such as those encountered in petting zoos.
A single trip to Walt Disney World cost a Florida family nearly $1,400, sparking a viral outcry on social media.
According to the New York Post, Craig Stowell shared his grievances about the expensive day spent at the amusement park, highlighting a pricing model he feels punishes day visitors.
Craig Stowell, a father of three from Florida, intended to give his family a memorable day at Disney World in Orlando. However, the expense of the experience left him astounded and frustrated. Stowell recorded his displeasure in a TikTok video posted on May 6, 2025, which has since amassed millions of views.
In the video, Stowell outlined the costs of their day. The tickets alone for his family amounted to $974, even after a Florida resident discount. This price tag was for single-day access to one park only.
Aside from the ticket expense, Stowell mentioned additional costs that contributed to the day's high price. Parking at the park cost the family $30, and they spent over $245 on dinner alone. If they had decided to purchase Disney's Lightning Passes, which allow guests to skip lines, they would have needed to shell out another $400.
Despite recent internal surveys indicating a decline in repeat visits, Disney has planned another price increase for 2026. The current season's single-day tickets range from $119 to $199, depending on the date and demand.
Stowell's expenses, tallying up to $1,391.9,1, reflect a broader critique among park visitors, particularly locals who prefer day trips. According to Stowell, Disney's pricing structure seems designed to favor those staying for multiple days.
"I don’t want to say it this way, but if you do the average cost per ride, it probably isn’t worth it," Stowell commented, emphasizing the disproportion between the cost and the value received. His statement captures the sentiment of many working-class families who feel edged out by the continuous rise in Disney's prices.
Drawing attention on "FOX & Friends," Stowell explained his family's financial strain during the visit. "It started with the ticket purchase, and then it ran right into the parking, and then it just was like a cash cow for the rest of the day," he detailed.
His reflections also criticized Disney's apparent business strategy. "Unfortunately, I don’t think those day-trippers are what Disney wants," Stowell asserted. He feels that the park's target is guests who "never leave the park," ideally staying multiple days and spending significantly more.
In discussing the viral nature of his video, Stowell noted, "I kind of had a feeling it would go viral. It’s very relatable. Disney’s always a hot topic, and we’re all trying to pinch pennies." He was somewhat surprised by the widespread resonance his message achieved, underscoring the prevalent frustration with rising costs.
The public reaction to Stowell's video highlights a critical discourse on accessibility and affordability in entertainment spaces like Disney World. Many share Stowell's plight, feeling that the magical experience is increasingly out of reach for average families.
This incident calls into question the balance between corporate profit and customer satisfaction, a scale that seems to be tipping unfavorably for many. Disney has faced similar criticisms in the past, with visitors voicing that price increases are pushing the limits of what is considered reasonable for a family outing.
As Disney heads into another year with higher prices on the horizon, the debate continues about the accessibility of such cherished family destinations. For many, like Stowell, the magic of Disney is being overshadowed by the harsh realities of its costs.
A Houston man was arrested after allegedly conducting widespread fraud involving stolen vehicles and deceit.
Carlos Mireles faces felony charges for masterminding a $40,000 auto repair scam, bringing to light one victim's ordeal of losing his Jeep Wrangler, the US Sun reported.
Carlos Mireles, who reportedly owns an automotive repair shop on Chippewa Boulevard, ran a deceitful operation that stripped customers of both their vehicles and their cash. Vehicle owners filed multiple unresolved grievances linked to Mireles’ shop, reporting losses totaling about $40,000.
Juan Agosto, a victim of the fraudulent scheme, had trusted Mireles with his Jeep Wrangler for repairs and paid in full upfront. However, when attempts to contact the mechanic for updates led nowhere, Agosto's frustration and concern escalated.
Agosto’s persistence to uncover the status of his vehicle led him to the shop, only to find it vacant. The disappearance of his Jeep and no sign of Mireles or his employees left him devastated. He recounted, “Once I showed up at his place after he didn’t answer any of my phone calls, everything was gone. He moved shops without telling anyone anything. I was really upset at that point. I thought I lost my Jeep and I’d never see it again.”
Subsequently, investigators discovered that someone had illegally sold the Jeep to an unsuspecting buyer in Wharton, Texas. “My immediate thought was this guy went ahead and sold my car without my permission,” Agosto said, recognizing a serious escalation in the scam’s complexity.
Soon after, Agosto revealed the location of his missing Jeep, prompting law enforcement to step in. He tipped off the sheriff, who then used the information to track down Mireles and take him into custody.
Following the arrest, authorities charged Mireles with felony theft. Meanwhile, Harris County prosecutors are preparing for a trial that could expose the full scope of Mireles’ operations and potentially identify more victims.
Juan Agosto expressed relief and vindication at the news of Mireles' apprehension. Given Mireles' past—which Agosto hinted was fraught with similar incidents—the arrest, consequently, brought hope for justice to many others who might have fallen prey to the scam.
“It was a huge scam; he knows what he’s doing,” Agosto stated, reflecting on the sophistication and deceit Mireles used to con his customers. In turn, this sentiment resonates with many in the community, who are now more cautious about where and how they service their vehicles.
Ultimately, this case has not only illuminated the deep-rooted issues within informal business practices but also highlighted the importance of vigilance in consumer transactions. As the court date approaches, all eyes will be on the outcome, which could potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
The upcoming court proceedings will be crucial for Agosto and other victims who are seeking closure and reimbursement from the nefarious activities Mireles led. With a strong case building against him, the prosecution, therefore, aims to prevent Mireles from defrauding other innocent customers.
In response, the community has shown a mix of shock and support for those affected. To address the ongoing issue, organizers are considering launching awareness programs and legal advice seminars to help educate vehicle owners on how to protect themselves from such scams.
As for Agosto, he views getting his Jeep back as a partial win, but he believes the real victory will come when the court delivers justice. Ultimately, his ordeal reminds others of the risks hidden in everyday decisions—such as choosing where to repair a car. The case continues to unfold, and, as a result, officials expect more details to emerge as the trial begins.
In a captivating revelation, the enigmatic mummy preserved for centuries in Japan's storied Shosoin Treasure House has been identified conclusively as a Japanese marten.
According to the US Sun, the scientific investigation employed modern technologies, revealing that the creature, once thought mythical, dates back to between the 11th and 12th centuries.
The story of the so-called "rainbow dragon" begins in 1429, when the samurai Yoshinori Ashikaga uncovered the mummified creature at the historic Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan. Ashikaga, an esteemed warrior of his time, happened upon this mysterious artifact after he made a cut from the Ranjatai, an aromatic wood, and observed the creature, which had dried in the sun and resembled a small dragon.
Since then, the peculiar discovery has found a home in the Shosoin Treasure House, adding to the allure and mystique of its collection. Given its dragon-like appearance, the mummified creature has intrigued scholars and history enthusiasts for centuries, prompting many to speculate about its origins and true nature.
The breakthrough in the understanding of this creature came through the use of advanced technologies, including X-ray examination and radiocarbon dating. The X-ray analysis allowed researchers to compare its skeletal structure with known species, which identified the mummy as a Japanese marten, a weasel-like mammal native to the region.
Further analysis revealed the marten to be a fully grown female, approximately 40cm in length. Radiocarbon dating then placed the marten's remains between the mid-11th to mid-12th century, aligning with historical records from the Muromachi Period that mentioned a dragon-like object found at the same locale.
The investigation also pondered the circumstances under which the marten came to be mummified and enclosed within the Shosoin Treasure House. One theory suggests that the marten might have wandered into the treasure house during a period of repairs and subsequently became trapped. There, the creature died and was naturally mummified, preserving it for centuries.
Researchers considered another possibility: that someone deliberately placed the mummified marten inside the treasure house. They bolstered this theory by noting that someone never found the mummy's forelegs, suggesting possible human intervention in its preservation.
Mami Tsuru, a prominent conservationist involved in the research at Shosoin, expressed the significance of the findings for understanding the breadth of the collection housed here. "The age determination has significantly increased the possibility that the mummy is the sun-dried dragon-looking object recorded in the document from the Muromachi Period," Tsuru elaborated.
The 8th-century Shosoin Treasure House, known for its impressive array of artifacts from various cultures including Japan, China, India, and the Islamic world, has made a significant discovery. This discovery not only deepens our understanding of the artifacts housed there but also highlights the House's role in preserving a diverse range of items. Tsuru noted, "We believe this is a good example of how Shosoin has protected not only beautiful items but also all the items inside the repository."
In a broader context, this revelation sheds light on other items in the Shosoin collection, which people once believed were parts of mythical creatures, such as dragons. These items have since been identified as originating from more mundane sources like Kobe moles, crows, and pigeons. The reclassification of these items continues to reveal the rich and intricate history interwoven into the Shosoin collection.
This integration of modern scientific techniques with historical inquiry exemplifies how contemporary tools can enhance the understanding of ancient artifacts. As science continues to advance, it permits a more nuanced appreciation of historical narratives that were once clouded by mythology and speculation, bringing us closer to the tangible truths of our forebearers’ lives and their environments.
Shosoin's findings not only resolve a longstanding mystery but also reinforce the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in historical and cultural scholarship. They ensure that every item, no matter how small or initially misunderstood, receives its rightful place in the annals of history.
Two consecutive earthquakes shook Eunice, New Mexico, indicating the potential reactivation of the longstanding Alamogordo fault and the actively widening Rio Grande Rift, Daily Mail reported.
Two earthquakes struck New Mexico last Thursday, stirring residents from their routines. Occurring just five minutes apart, the seismic events registered magnitudes of 3.6 and 3.1 and hit near the town of Eunice at approximately 12:24 pm local time. The earthquakes centered less than 10 miles south of the town, directly impacting the area.
Both tremors were relatively moderate in intensity but were significant enough to rattle residents and stir concerns about the ancient faults beneath their feet. The twin quakes took place in a geologically complex region defined by the 600-mile long Rio Grande Rift, which extends from southern Colorado into north Mexico, and the 68-mile long Alamogordo fault running through central to southern New Mexico.
The Alamogordo fault, where these earthquakes occurred, was formed approximately 30 million years ago and has since been a notable structural feature in New Mexico’s geological landscape. Over millennia, such faults can accumulate stresses that occasionally release in the form of earthquakes.
Further compounding the region's seismic activity is the Rio Grande Rift. Unlike many geological rifts that are quiescent, the Rio Grande Rift is active and continues to widen by as much as two millimeters annually. This rifting contributes significantly to reshaping the earth beneath New Mexico, stretching and thinning the Earth’s crust and creating new faults and adjustment zones.
Eunice is not only a geologically active area but also a hub for oil and gas activities, prominently featuring hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. This method involves injecting high-pressure mixtures into the earth to extract oil and natural gas. While fracking itself is not a direct trigger for earthquakes, the disposal of wastewater from this process can induce tremors.
The correlation between tremors and fracking wastewater disposal raises questions about human contributions to seismic events, as industrial actions can trigger minor adjustments or swarms of activity. We must consider these factors when evaluating the region’s seismic risk profile.
It is essential to clarify that the exact cause of Thursday's quakes remains uncertain; specialists are studying whether natural crustal activities or secondary activities like wastewater disposal were influential. Regardless of the earthquakes’ origins, the events underscore the persistent potential for seismic disturbances in this region.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the area is susceptible to future seismic events, which could be more damaging. Precautionary advice from the USGS urges: "Damaging earthquakes can occur in the future, so remember to: Drop, Cover, and Hold on." Additionally, the USGS has warned that "More earthquakes than usual (called aftershocks) will continue to occur near the main shock."
Local populations in Eunice and nearby cities such as Hobbs and Kermit potentially felt the tremors given their proximity to the epicenter. Hobbs, with a population of around 38,400, and Kermit, home to about 6,400 people, are particularly at risk given the geological features of the area.
Eunice, with its smaller population of approximately 3,100, experienced the tremors more profoundly as they occurred at shallow depths. Shallow earthquakes often feel stronger and can have more immediate impacts on small communities.
As local authorities and scientists continue to monitor the situation, the community remains vigilant. The recent earthquakes serve as a stark reminder of the dynamic and evolving nature of Earth beneath us and the ongoing need for preparedness in the face of natural unpredictabilities.
Breeze Airways is set to elevate the U.S. travel scene this summer with 19 new affordable routes.
According to the US Sun, Breeze Airways announced the introduction of 19 new routes across the United States, aiming to meet the surging demand for economical air travel to various destinations.
The expansion includes 13 direct flights and six BreezeThru routes, which involve one-stop journeys without a plane change. This strategic addition not only enhances the airline's network but also improves accessibility to key cities. Notably, Breeze Airways will serve three new cities - Rochester, NY; Albany, NY; and Memphis, TN.
The development begins with ticket sales that started in February, setting the stage for the first of these routes launched on April 30. This initial flight connected passengers nonstop from Pensacola, FL, to Raleigh-Durham, NC, and Providence, RI, marking a significant milestone in the airline's expansion.
David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, expressed his enthusiasm about the airline's growth, which saw a significant boost in 2024. "We experienced incredible growth in 2024 thanks to our amazing partners in the cities we serve and the hard work and dedication of our team members across the U.S., and we look forward to continuing that momentum this year," he said. His vision highlights the airline's robust development strategy and commitment to improving service offerings.
The airline will add new routes across various U.S. regions, including Maine, Florida, New York, and California, with plans to roll them out over the summer. Starting at just $39 for a one-way ticket, these flights are set to attract a large number of travelers, particularly those heading to beach destinations.
The operations vary, with some routes designated as seasonal and others as permanent fixtures in their timetable, providing flexibility and a wide array of options for travelers. The precise scheduling caters to different passenger needs, promoting convenience and efficiency.
A spokesperson from Breeze Airways highlighted the potential seen in secondary markets across the country, "We see great demand and opportunity for our premium product offering in secondary markets across the country and are excited to add Rochester, Albany, and Memphis to our network. These are cities where travelers can now enjoy affordable and convenient flights," the statement read, emphasizing the strategic choice of new destinations.
Rhode Island has played a significant role in the airline's expansion. Governor Dan McKee expressed his pride and optimism, "This is an exciting day for Rhode Island," he said. "We're proud to be home to one of the top ten airports in the world and we're even prouder to have Breeze Airways expanding its footprint in our state."
Since beginning operations in 2021, Breeze Airways has dramatically scaled its service, growing from serving 16 destinations to offering over 170 nonstop routes nationwide. This expansion reflects the airline’s rapid ascension in the competitive airline market and its ability to adapt to dynamic travel demands.
David Neeleman extended his gratitude towards various stakeholder groups, including government and community partners. "A large part of the success Breeze has achieved in such a short period can be attributed to the support we have received from many of our airport, government, and community partners, such as right here in the state of Rhode Island," he elaborated.
To further illustrate the community impact, he thanked local leaders, "I am very grateful to Governor McKee, Senator Reed, the Speaker, Senate President and General Assembly, and to Iftikhar and the whole team at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation for their unwavering support and belief in what we are building,” Neeleman added, acknowledging the pivotal roles played by these individuals and groups.
The expansion not only benefits travelers but also boosts local economies by bringing in more economic activity, good-paying jobs, and increased tourism. Governor McKee highlighted these advantages, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of Breeze Airways' growth in Rhode Island and beyond.
As summer approaches, Breeze Airways is poised to become a go-to option for many travelers, offering a mix of low-cost, convenient flights across the United States. The plans for continuing service expansion and maintaining affordable prices show the airline's commitment to making air travel more accessible to the wider public.
In doing so, Breeze Airways not only enhances its market presence but also enriches the travel experiences of its customers, promising a bright future in the skies. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, these new routes from Breeze offer promising options for all kinds of travelers this summer.
A pre-Met Gala incident involving celebrity stylist Jessica Paster and NYPD officers outside the Carlyle Hotel in New York City has sparked a viral debate.
According to Page Six, Police restrained Jessica Paster as she attempted to enter the Carlyle Hotel to style high-profile clients for the Met Gala, despite her possessing proper credentials.
According to reports, Paster was preparing to style celebrities—including Simone Biles, Quinta Brunson, and Miranda Kerr—for the glamorous Met Gala event. She had scheduled these preparations at the Carlyle Hotel, a popular choice among celebrities attending the gala.
Reuters captured live video footage showing a distressing interaction between Paster and the officers at the entrance of the upscale hotel. The footage showed her wearing a sweatsuit and asserting that she was a guest at the Carlyle during the confrontation.
The stylist claimed that NYPD officers manhandled her, sparking considerable discussion among fashion industry professionals and the public.
During the recorded ordeal, the video shows Paster attempting to follow the officers’ directions to enter the hotel through a specified entry but encountering repeated redirections. She voiced her frustration about being told to use the service door, only to be sent back to the lobby. The situation quickly escalated into what Paster described as a physical altercation with the police.
Paster shared her account with Page Six, stating that she followed the NYPD’s instructions but was still manhandled. “I listened to people. They said go through the service door, and when I did, they said go back to the lobby. And all of a sudden, they attacked me, they manhandled me,” she explained during the interview.
The stylist further detailed the physical pain she endured following the incident, signifying the severity of the altercation: "I am in a lot of pain. She [the cop] is lucky she didn’t break my arms,” she conveyed to Page Six.
In response to the unfolding events, an NYPD spokesperson elaborated on the incident, stating that Paster first tried to enter the Carlyle through its main entrance, but hotel security stopped her. She reportedly attempted to enter again and was denied, prompting officers on site to intervene.
Afterward, officers directed Paster toward a service entry. Once she fulfilled the required steps, they allowed her to enter the hotel through the main entrance, according to accounts from hotel security and police.
An assistant defending Paster emphasized the instinctual nature of her reaction, stating, “Anyone would react [as she did] if they were grabbed out of nowhere after following instructions.” This statement underscores the confusion and distress that characterized the incident.
The spread of the altercation's video across various platforms quickly pulled it into the spotlight, becoming a hot topic among fashion insiders and a broader audience. A source noted the rapid circulation of the footage among community members: “Literally everyone was sending it to each other.”
This incident highlights the intense security measures often found at high-profile events like the Met Gala and raises significant questions about the procedures and communication between the event’s security detail and their guests.
As the video continues to generate debates online, the fashion community and observers wait for further developments or responses from the involved parties, reflecting on the effects such public incidents have on professional operations and personal experiences in the high-stakes environment of celebrity events.
A 50-square-mile section of Yellowstone National Park has earned a chilling nickname: the "Zone of Death."
According to the US Sun, this unusual area straddles the border of Idaho within Wyoming's federal judicial district, creating a juridical conundrum where, theoretically, certain crimes could go unpunished due to constitutional complications.
The anomaly was first brought to light in 2005 by Brian Kalt, a law professor at Michigan State University. Kalt uncovered a loophole built into the Sixth Amendment, which states that a jury must consist of individuals residing in both the state and the district where the crime occurred. In this specific patch of Yellowstone, however, no one lives.
While researching this clause, Kalt discovered that should a serious crime happen within this Idaho segment of the park, forming a jury would be impossible. “According to a legal loophole that I identified, criminals could argue that there is no way to prosecute them for major crimes without violating the Constitution,” Kalt stated.
Legally, this poses a unique challenge; the requirement for a fair jury becomes unattainable. Kalt elucidates, "If you commit a federal crime in the Idaho portion of Yellowstone, the jury would have to be from the state, Idaho, but from the district, Wyoming. But no one lives there, so there’s no way to get a jury."
The scenario has been more than a theoretical anomaly. In 2007, Michael Belderrain, a man who illegally shot an elk in Montana's section of the park, chose to argue his case using this loophole. However, instead of pushing legal boundaries, he accepted a plea deal, circumventing a definitive legal precedent on the issue.
The case briefly captured attention, but no substantial legal challenge ensued until much later. Kalt noted, “They had an opportunity to close it there, and they didn’t. If you persist, a prosecution could still occur, but it might result in a more severe sentence.”
Kalt emphasizes the peculiarity of this scenario, explaining, "This is the only district where that happens, so this is the only place in America where that’s an issue."
This loophole has been recognized for over a decade, but Congress has shown little interest in addressing it. The solution appears simple yet eludes implementation, primarily due to political and procedural obstacles. Kalt criticizes the legislative inertia, stating, "Congress isn’t interested in fixing hypothetical problems."
At one point, an attempt was made to reassign parts of Yellowstone to different judicial districts to resolve this anomaly, which brought its own set of concerns. “There were concerns about what would happen if part of the park was put into the district of Idaho because the appellate court overseeing Idaho was more liberal,” Kalt explained. Yet, these efforts were eventually stalled, reflecting the complexity of federal jurisdiction and political reluctance.
Meanwhile, Kalt voices his frustration with the sluggish pace of reform. "They’re not gonna listen to me but they might pay attention to the legislature of Idaho. But nothing came of it," he says, disillusioned by the lack of progress.
In 2021, the mystery surrounding Gabby Petito’s death rekindled interest in this geographical oddity. Though there was no evidence linking her case directly to the Zone of Death, the media spotlight cast on Yellowstone due to her tragedy brought renewed scrutiny to the legal issue.
Professor Kalt clarifies the legal interpretation that often confuses the public: “It does not make murder legal in the zone. It just presents a reason why it might be harder to prosecute someone for it successfully.” Despite this clarification, the legal loophole’s existence continues to captivate and concern both the public and legal experts alike.
The Zone of Death remains a stark reminder of the imperfections in our judicial framework. As this legal curiosity persists, it challenges legislators, jurists, and citizens to reflect on the intricate balance of federal and local jurisdiction—and the importance of ensuring justice prevails across every inch of the United States.