Irv Gotti, an influential figure in the music industry and the cofounder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at the age of 54.
While the cause of Gotti's death has not been confirmed, he had been open about his struggles with diabetes and had suffered multiple strokes in recent years.
Gotti's Career In The Music Industry
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Irv Gotti began his illustrious music career in the late 1990s. As an A&R for Def Jam Recordings, Gotti played a pivotal role in signing some of the most iconic artists of the time, such as DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule.
In 1998, Gotti co-founded Murder Inc. Records, an influential label that launched the careers of artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti. Over time, the label gained notoriety and played a significant role in shaping the music scene.
The label later rebranded as The Inc., expanding its reach by signing artists like Vanessa Carlton and entering the pop music scene. Gotti's career was marked by producing numerous hits for renowned artists, including Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Toni Braxton.
Health Struggles And Lifestyle Changes
Gotti's health challenges in recent years have been a matter of public knowledge. He had experienced a series of strokes and was managing diabetes, a condition he openly discussed.
Wack 100, a hip-hop record executive, reported that Gotti had endured a minor stroke over six months ago due to his long battle with diabetes. Gotti committed to lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet, to manage his condition and aid his recovery.
Though Gotti managed to make a recovery and was not in a rehabilitation facility, his health challenges ultimately persisted. He acknowledged the hereditary nature of diabetes and shared his hesitations about the lifestyle changes required to combat the disease.
Allegations And Legal Accusations
In July 2024, Gotti faced legal trouble as he was accused of sexual assault and abuse by a woman. The accusations related to incidents alleged to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.
The controversy and legal accusations had surfaced amid Gotti's ongoing personal health struggles. However, his contributions to the music industry and his impact remained significant.
Despite the allegations, Gotti's influence on the music scene left a lasting legacy within the industry.
The Impact Of Gotti's Passing
The Hollywood Reporter was the first to publicize Gotti's death, highlighting the end of an era in the music world. His death marks the loss of a prominent figure who shaped the careers of many well-known artists.
Gotti is survived by his three children: Angie, Sonny, and JJ. The family has been mourning the loss of their father while reflecting on his successful yet tumultuous life.
His passing has sparked an outpouring of memories and condolences from those within the music community and beyond, who acknowledge his influence and remember his contribution to the industry.
Legacy And Future Reflections
As reflections on Gotti's career and personal life continue to emerge, many are revisiting his influence on the hip-hop and pop music landscapes. His work established the foundation for many artists who rose to fame under his guidance.
Gotti's ability to identify and nurture talent positioned him as a staple in the music industry. Despite the controversies and challenges he faced, his professional achievements are notable.
The music world acknowledges Gotti's role as a trailblazer, marking the end of a chapter with his passing, yet celebrating the indelible mark he left on the industry.
The story of Irv Gotti's life serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal struggles and professional achievements in the world of music.
A Republican lawmaker from Iowa has died of a heart attack, leaving the state's Republicans in shock.
72-year-old Martin Graber entered politics later in life, winning election to the state House in 2020. His sudden death on Friday morning cut short his third term in the legislature.
Iowa Republican dead
A resident of Fort Madison, a city hugging the Mississippi, Graber represented most of Lee County in Iowa's southeastern corner, including Fort Madison, Keokuk, and Donnellson.
"If there’s one thing that I think we can all say about Rep. Graber — and this doesn’t happen too often in this business — is there’s not a lot of people, if anyone, that’s ever had a bad thing to say about Martin Graber," Speaker Grassley said. "And so he’s going to be deeply missed from this body. Please think about Coni and his family in the upcoming days."
The Iowa House was not in session Tuesday to allow lawmakers to attend Graber's funeral.
"The time is right. I’m a conservative conservative, meaning I’m conservative on fiscal issues, on social issues, just about everything,” Graber said at the time. “And, I’m a firm believer that if there is something you don’t like, you need to step up and try to change it.”
Before entering the state House, Graber was the chair of Lee County Republicans. He worked as a financial adviser for Ameriprise Financial in Fort Madison.
Beyond politics, Graber was a decorated veteran. The retired brigadier general served in the Iowa National Guard for 32 years, earning numerous honors and distinctions for his service, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Superior Unit Award, and the prestigious Bronze and Silver Order of the de Fleury Medals from the Corps of Engineers Regiment.
Graber is survived by his wife, Coni, two daughters, two grandchildren, and six siblings.
Iowa governor Kim Reynolds (R) must call a special election to fill Graber's seat in Iowa's House District 100.
The election must be held "at the earliest practical time, giving at least 18 days' notice of the special election," the law states.
The prime minister of Sweden termed the shooting at an adult education facility in Örebro on Tuesday the worst mass shooting in Swedish history, killing at least 10 people.
How the incident happened is still being investigated by Swedish police, as The Daily Mail reported.
A shooting was reported in Örebro, a city 160 km west of Stockholm, at 12:33 p.m. local time (6:33 a.m. ET) on Tuesday.The incident happened at Campus Risbergska, a school for unschooled individuals.
Such facilities are called Komvux in Sweden. Komvuxes offer vocational training, Swedish language instruction, and other courses for persons seeking jobs. These programs are vital to Sweden's refugees and migrants.
Footage of the Event
As the alarms went off and the red lights flashed, students hid under desks in cellphone videos.
“We heard bangs and loud screams. At first we didn’t understand what it was, but then we realized it could be gunfire,” Andreas Sundling, a 28-year-old student at the campus, told CNN affiliate Expressen.
His classmates, he said, took cover behind the doors and waited for the police to arrive and evacuate the classroom, which took about an hour.
“There was blood all over the corridor,” Sundling said.
Casualties
The assault left at least ten individuals dead and six more wounded, according to the police. The assailant also passed away.
Örebro regional officials provided an update on Wednesday stating that the local university hospital was treating six individuals.
All five patients were adults; three women and two men had gunshot wounds and had surgery. Officials have stated that the five individuals are currently in a "stable but serious" condition, after initially being believed to have injuries that could cause death.
Officials said that no one else required hospitalization during the night.
Attack Events
Many of the students had already departed the campus following Tuesday's national exam, according to teacher Lena Warenmark, who spoke to Swedish state broadcaster SVT.
An individual stormed into Mary Pegado's classroom and ordered her and her kids to evacuate, according to the 54-year-old educator.
“I think of my students,” Pegado told Reuters. “Many of them have fled from countries where things like this happen, and now they experience it here. It is horrible,” she said.
In a report that has left critics of Washington's Deep State radicalism gasping, it has been confirmed that the FBI used 5,000 agents – of its 13,000 total – to go after J6ers and President Donald Trump.
The Gateway Pundit commented, "The FBI officials who worked on the J6 cases and Trump investigations were identified by a case management system."
And it cited NBC's Ken Dilanian who explained an internal FBI document obtained by NBC shows that executives use the FBI's Sentinel case file management system to identify agents and employees who worked on January 6 cases. "The document says there were around 2,400 investigations in total. The document says the search of case files was used to generate a list of names who then received a survey asking them exactly what they did on these cases," the report said.
The report said it's now that FBI agents are "in fear of being outed, demoted or denied promotions in the future."
Politico reported that FBI agents already have gone to court to try to keep their involvement in the cases a secret.
They claim, "Plaintiffs legitimately fear that the information being compiled will be accessed by persons who are not authorized to have access to it. Plaintiffs further assert that even if they are not targeted for termination, they may face other retaliatory acts such as demotion, denial of job opportunities or denial of promotions in the future."
They are complaining that they fear the list of agents who prosecuted Capitol trespassers with sometimes years-long jail terms, and who tried to put Trump in jail before his election, "will be used as part of a retaliation campaign."
The report also noted what is not surprising: That ex-chief Andrew McCabe claims the bureau is in "utter disarray."
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele offered to house convicted criminals who are American citizens in his nation's "mega-prison" after meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Breitbart reported. This marks a victory for Rubio on his first foreign visit in the role.
Rubio recently revealed the advantageous terms after his visit to El Salvador to meet with the leader. The agreement was also confirmed in Bukele's post to X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday.
"We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system. We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee. The fee would be relatively low for the U.S. but significant for us, making our entire prison system sustainable," Bukele wrote.
We have offered the United States of America the opportunity to outsource part of its prison system.
We are willing to take in only convicted criminals (including convicted U.S. citizens) into our mega-prison (CECOT) in exchange for a fee.
Rubio championed the agreement he brokered with Bukele. Rubio said it was "the most unprecedented, extraordinary, extraordinary migratory agreement anywhere in the world" for Bukele to make such an offer.
"He’s also offered to do the same for dangerous criminals currently in custody and serving their sentence in the United States even though they’re U.S. citizens or legal residents," Rubio added. A "senior Trump admin official" further stated that "El Salvador has agreed to accept U.S. deportations of any nationality, including violent criminals."
As Trump has ramped up deportations, some nations have refused to take back their citizens. Reuters reported that Colombia initially refused its own citizens deported from the U.S. until quickly relenting after Trump threatened tariffs and sanctions.
Bukele's offer likely comes because of his mutual respect for Trump due to their prior dealings. After President Joe Biden took office, he torpedoed that relationship.
Trump recently rekindled the commitment he had with Bukele to pursue the gangs and stop illegal immigration into the U.S. An American official made it clear that although the Trump administration felt it Bukele's offer was "significant," there are currently no "plans to try to deport American citizens."
El Salvador Prisons
Bukele takes great pride in his mega-prison as a key factor in tamping down crime in El Salvador, the Associated Press reported. He opened the Terrorism Confinement Center in 2023 as a way to crack down on violent gangs.
The conditions are intentionally harsh, with some prisoners being isolated and others subjected to vast overcrowding. Rather than focus on ideas like education and rehabilitation, the time there is meant to be a severe punishment as a deterrent to crime.
In 2023, Bukele touted its effectiveness. "El Salvador has managed to go from being the world’s most dangerous country, to the safest country in the Americas," he posted to X at the time.
"How did we do it? By putting criminals in jail. Is there space? There is now," Bukele said.
Rubio did a great job smoothing things over with El Salvador, and it appears the nation's leader is ready to help out. The left will balk at such an offer from Bukele, but the fact that he made it speaks volumes about the unprecedented clout of the Trump administration.
The Trump administration is reportedly making moves to terminate several FBI agents involved in high-profile investigations concerning former President Donald Trump. This development could significantly impact the operations of the federal law enforcement agency as it intervenes in the probing autonomy of the FBI.
The planned terminations are an extension of a broader trend of retributions directed at federal employees who participated in politicized investigations impacting Trump, Newsmax reported.
Officials within the Trump administration are currently identifying FBI employees for possible dismissal, specifically targeting those who were part of sensitive inquiries related to the former president. Although the exact number of agents at risk has not been disclosed, many of them were part of efforts scrutinizing Trump's actions during and after his presidency.
Implications of Firings on FBI Operations
The criteria for this purging include participation in investigations such as those examining Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results and his handling of classified materials at his Mar-a-Lago estate. Terminations of these officials reflect a recurring pattern seen earlier, marked by the removals of senior executives in the FBI and significant layoffs by the Justice Department involving prosecutors from Special Counsel Jack Smith's team.
These developments are crucial, considering indictments stemming from the investigations in question were withdrawn following Trump’s return to office. The Justice Department's guiding policy prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president. The investigations had set the stage for understanding the depth of Trump's involvement in specific controversial matters post-election.
Create A Weakening Of FBI Authority
The FBI Agents Association has voiced strong opposition to these plans, defining them as "outrageous actions" that clash with the law enforcement aims that former President Trump claimed to support. They emphasized that dismissing numerous agents could severely compromise the FBI's capability to manage national security and criminal threats efficiently.
The situation not only raises questions about the agency’s competence in fulfilling its duties but also risks undermining its new leadership.
Adding to this tension is the notable resistance from the acting FBI Director, Brian Driscoll, who stands firmly against the pending dismissals. Driscoll's objections highlight the friction between law enforcement personnel and the Trump administration regarding the proposed terminations.
Concerns Over Justice Department Changes
An absence of commentary from spokespeople for both the Justice Department and FBI leaves several questions unanswered about the potential impacts and motivations behind these plans. The lack of public statements may emphasize the sensitive and complex nature of these proceedings.
The broader landscape of the federal law enforcement environment underlines the importance of these developments. The Justice Department has pursued actions against over 1,500 supporters of Trump involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. In a stark counteraction, Trump granted clemency to all implicated parties on his first day back in office, stirring additional controversy.
This scenario of clemency contributes to the backdrop against which these firings are occurring, intensifying debates about the balance of justice and political influence. As federal agency operations already face public scrutiny, proposed changes deepen concerns about their functional independence and integrity.
FBI Leadership Faces Challenges Ahead
With anticipations of significant structural changes within the FBI, the conversation now extends to the impacts on ongoing investigations and agency morale. Questions linger regarding the agency's preparedness to fulfill its objectives amidst potential internal turbulence.
Challenging circumstances await the FBI's forthcoming leadership. This concerted effort by the administration to remove specific FBI personnel calls for careful examination of the motives and consequences of such actions, especially in their intersection with the standards set for ensuring unbiased law enforcement actions.
It illustrates a critical juncture for the federal agency in maintaining its constitutional mandate free from political influence. The unfolding events serve as a reminder of the delicate balance of power, accountability, and autonomy within the oldest federal law enforcement agency, urging keen attention to its ability to uphold justice impartially.
The third solider who died in the plane crash over the Potomac River has been identified as a former Biden administration aide, adding a new mysterious connection to a tragedy that has already sparked a fierce political debate over diversity.
The U.S. Army named 28-year-old Captain Rebecca Lobach, of Durham, North Carolina, as the third victim in the Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines jetliner. Her family said she was a volunteer military social aide under Joe Biden, ABC News reported.
Biden aide linked to crash
Lobach was co-piloting the doomed Black Hawk helicopter on a routine training mission alongside Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves, 39, of Great Mills, Md., and Staff. Sgt. Ryan Austin O’Hara, 28, of Lilburn, Ga, who also died.
Lobach's identity was initially withheld at the request of her family, as a political controversy began to brew over the crash and its possible causes.
"We are devastated by the loss of our beloved Rebecca. She was a bright star in all our lives. She was kind, generous, brilliant, funny, ambitious and strong. No one dreamed bigger or worked harder to achieve her goals,” her family said in a statement.
“We request that you please respect our privacy as we grieve this devastating loss,” Lobach’s family added.
Lobach served in the Army since 2019 and was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The Army said she had no deployments but was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medical and Army Service Ribbon.
Role of diversity scrutinized
Lobach served as a social aide at the White House, assisting with official events under Joe Biden. Just weeks before her death, she was pictured escorting fashion designer Ralph Lauren on January 4 as he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"Her life was short, but she made a difference in the lives of all who knew her. Our hearts break for the other families who have lost loved ones in this national tragedy and we mourn with them," her family added.
While an investigation into the crash has just begun, officials believe the helicopter was flying too high before it collided with an American Airlines flight last Wednesday, killing 67 people.
President Trump sparked outrage last week by speculating about the possible role of reduced hiring standards and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies pushed by the last administration. Trump's Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has echoed Trump's comments.
"The environment around which we choose pilots or air traffic controllers, as the president pointed out correctly yesterday, better be highest possible standard," Hegseth told Fox News last week.
A Deep State worker in the federal government has confirmed that he can "interpret" the policies set by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Krist Noem, and then decide what to do.
The video of Brandon Wright, platform services manager for the DHS, was obtained on hidden camera by O'Keefe Media Group.
Wright cited the multiple layers of bureaucracy.
And he said, "By the time the actual marching orders get to me and below, we can filter it in a way that steadies the ship."
He continued, "If we don't agree with those priorities … there's a lot of room for interpretation."
He addressed directly the new leadership from Noem.
"Kristi Noem doesn't know… She doesn't know her a**," he said. "The Department of Homeland Security could fall on her f****** head, and she wouldn't recognize what it is."
He admitted he personally doesn't like her.
"To say that I am not excited about this would be the most epic understatement."
OMG reported that DHS provided a statement: "Secretary Noem has not seen the video in its entirety. This type of behavior will not be tolerated. This person has been placed on leave and is under investigation … The senior official says the termination of the official is imminent."
Wright noted, "The truth is, we don't let them [political appointees] get in our way."
The state of California has been caught pushing occult religions on children, with counseling to consider "Tarot and Tidings," your own "high priestess," and situations "where your magic grows," according to a report at Harbingers Daily.
It is the Department of Healthcare Services in California that pays for and promotes to children a website called Soluna.
It boasts of being free and completely anonymous.
It calls itself, "your space to destress, bounce back, and reset. Completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults."
And it offers one-on-one counseling: "Connect with a trained Soluna Coach whenever you need someone in your corner. Whether you're looking to talk right now or want to schedule ahead, our coaches are here for you. No insurance needed, no session limits, and absolutely free – just open, judgment-free support on your terms."
But the report explains how the app "advises teens to drop Christianity and embrace the occult."
The so-called "mental health" app actually promotes "the occult, the New Age, homosexuality, transgenderism, fornication, and more," the report said. "The attack on biblical principles and precepts is clear."
One "lesson" cited in the report is called "Tarot and Tidings: a holiday spread to protect your peace."
It promotes children creating "your own reality" and tells them to get ready to cast a "spell."
Then the series promotes a "high priestess" that students must "channel."
"Another lesson in the mental-health app is titled 'Coming out to immigrant parents: parent POV,'" the report said.
Also there are ubiquitous promotions for "physical intimacy," encouraging fornication.
In that chapter it promotes doing "whatever you're comfortable with," as long as there's "consent" and "protection."
"It even encourages children to consider whether they want to be monogamous or polyamorous, having numerous sexual partners at the same time, as if this were normal," the report explained.
Promoting ideology that directly conflicts with the Bible, it suggests slogans such as "everything is temporary," "I am good enough," and "I am worthy of a happy and fulfilling life."
Democrats can't stand the idea of Tulsi Gabbard becoming President Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and recently made that very clear during a hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee.
According to Real Clear Politics, during the hearing, Sen. Mark Kelly asked her why she repeated "Russian talking points" about the U.S. supporting al-Qaeda, while opposing U.S. intervention in Syria.
Gabbard is expected to pass her confirmation but some believe she could run into trouble with some Senate Democrats and even some Republicans.
The Democrat-turned-Republican admitted during the Senate hearing that she helped investigate an Obama-led program that helped train what would eventually become al-Qaeda-supporting terrorists.
What happened?
The exchange with Sen. Kelly was intense, as he accused her multiple times of what he claimed to be talking points from Russia and Iran.
"Colonel Gabbard, when Russia was denying Assad's use of chemical weapons, they accused the U.S. of supporting terrorists. This is a line Putin used frequently during the Syrian civil war as he supported Assad. Syrian officials made similar comments. They did it repeatedly, they did it in public and did it at the United Nations," Kelly said.
He pointed out several other things she said over the years related to the issue.
"I am interested to hear, what was your goal in saying these things? Did you consider, before saying them, that Iran and Russia, what their motives may have been making these claims?" Kelly said before allowing her to respond.
She began her response by reminding those in attendance why she chose to enlist in the military in the first place, before expanding.
"When, as a member of Congress, I learned about President Obama's dual programs that he had begun really to overthrow the regime of Syria and, being willing through the CIA’s "Timber Sycamore" program -- now made public -- was working with, arming, and equipping al-Qaeda in an effort to overthrow that regime, starting yet another regime change war in the Middle East," Gabbard said.
She added, "The Department of Defense’s Train and Equip program, also under President Obama, has been widely known, looked at, and studied, and cresulted in over half a billion dollars being used to train what they called "moderate rebels" -- but in reality, they were fighters working with and aligned with al-Qaeda’s affiliate on the ground in Syria.
Making a point
Gabbard concluded by pointing out that while she "sheds no tears" over the fall of the Assad regime, it only helped create a more radical Islamist extremist regime to take its place.
"Why that should be acceptable to anyone is beyond me," Gabbard said.
Kelly responded with, "It shouldn’t be. I appreciate your answer. My concern has to do with the tendency to repeat Russian and Syrian—and, in some cases, even Iranian—information while discounting what comes from our intelligence community."
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