Cardi B is a mom of two, so she she knows a few things about being a parent. So when TMZ asked the rapper to share what advice she has for soon-to-be first-time mom Rihanna, Cardi kept it simple: You got this.
“[Motherhood] comes so naturally. It really comes naturally,” the Grammy winner explained. Cardi hinted she received a ton of advice when she was pregnant with her first child, Kulture, but she wound up doing things her own way
“So many people give you advice,'” the rapper noted. “Once [the baby is] in there, that mother instinct comes out.”
Rihanna surprised fans in January when she quietly revealed she was expecting her first child with her boyfriend of two years, A$AP Rocky. Both have remained coy about the details, including the baby’s due date, gender and name.
Rihanna previously told British Vogue in March 2020 that she sees herself having “three or four” kids within the next 10 years.
Jon Hamm will be seen in theaters opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick when it premieres on May 24, but he can be seen flying for real now in a cool promo for the flight tech company Skyryse.
The California-based company develops systems that lets people pilot aircraft with just a few lessons, and the ability to use an iPad.
Normally, flying a helicopter is a pretty difficult skill to pick up — some have equated it to balancing on a slippery beach ball — and it takes many, many flight hours to get the hang of it.
However, in the promo, Hamm is first shown being put through his paces on a flight simulator of a Bell-style helicopter, where he’s shown the basics: The flight interface “is so intuitive,” he marvels, and with a swipe or two, along with tapping in numbers for altitude and airspeed, he takes to the air in his simulated chopper.
Thirty minutes later, he’s strapped into the real thing and, using the same iPad-based procedures, with no traditional flight training, he’s able to take off, fly around and land.
“Skyryse develops technology that automates the mechanics of flight, reducing the learning curve so that learning to fly is as easy as learning to drive,” the company’s website notes.
(WASHINGTON) — The Biden administration’s stark warning last week that as many as 100 million Americans could be infected during a COVID-19 wave in the fall and winter came as a shock to many in the country.
After all, 70.5% of the eligible U.S. population aged 5 and older are fully vaccinated and 47.8% of those aged 12 and older are boosted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What’s more, a recent CDC analysis estimated at least three out of every five Americans have antibodies that indicate being previously infected with COVID-19, meaning most people in the U.S. have natural immunity.
So with such high levels of protection, why would up to 30% of the population be infected during a potential new wave?
Scientists and public health experts said the 100 million estimate — based on mathematical models — does not surprise them and that as immunity wanes and people move indoors due to cold weather, cases will inevitably rise.
“Certainly we’re capable of sustaining 100 million infections this winter,” Dr. Shira Doron, an infectious disease physician and hospital epidemiologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, told ABC News. “The model doesn’t mean that there will be 100 million cases, but there is the potential for a lot of infections. It doesn’t mean everyone should panic.”
Doron explained that even with the high rates of vaccination in the U.S., immunity diminishes over time and COVID-19’s ability to mutate has helped it evade — at least partially — the protection offered by vaccines.
“Being vaccinated does protect you from serious illness, but it does not [fully] protect you from infection,” she said.
She said when the vaccines first rolled out in the winter of 2020-21, they were based on the original strain of the virus. Because of this, they were protective against infection, severe disease and death.
However, as the virus mutated, those vaccines became less effective at preventing infection while still being highly effective at protecting against the most serious effects of the disease.
“These vaccines are great, but they’re not perfect,” Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of preventive medicine and infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, told ABC News. “They can’t prevent widespread, mild infections. We haven’t got a vaccine that could turn off COVID like a light switch.”
This means it’s possible for Americans who are fully vaccinated and boosted to test positive for COVID-19, but it’s unlikely this group will get severely ill or die.
Another reason the U.S. could see such a high number of infections is because as temperatures drop, people will move indoors, which increases the risk of transmission.
“The weather will get colder, and we’ll start to go indoors again, and we had increased transmission during the last winter season and we may have increases again on the basis of seasonality,” Schaffner said.
The prediction comes as the Biden administration asks Congress for $22.5 billion in funding for testing, vaccines and treatments.
If the funding is secured, a senior administration official told reporters Friday that the country will be better prepared to blunt the effects of the surge and keep hospitalization and death rates low.
If Congress rejects the funding, “the consequences of those 100 million being infected will be higher,” Doron said.
Cuts to funding will decrease testing, leading to COVID-19 infections being spread undetected, and fewer treatments for those at high risk of severe disease, which could lead to hospitalization, she said.
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, added this will also limit the number of people who access vaccines, treatments or tests.
“Some vulnerable folks who probably need additional doses will not get it if they have to pay out of pocket for a vaccine or not have it covered,” he told ABC News. “When people are not sure if they will be saddled with a bill, they’ll stay away from accessing care.”
The experts said the best way people can protect themselves ahead of a surge is to make sure they are up to date on their booster shots, whether they are eligible for one or two doses and to follow the advice of public health experts.
“There may be a call to get another dose of vaccine or in specific locations, people may have to wear masks again,” Schaffner said. “Please be open to this. … Be prepared, keep listening and reading updates on the virus in your area.”
(WASHINGTON) — The United States is bringing back a World War II-era program to bolster Ukraine’s war supplies.
Sitting at his desk in the Oval Office on Monday, President Joe Biden signed the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 into law. The legislation gives Biden the authority to lend or lease defense equipment to Ukraine and other Eastern European nations as Russia’s aggression in the region continues.
“It matters, it really matters,” Biden said as he signed the bill.
A similar lend-lease program was enacted in 1941 to provide pivotal aid to Allied nations in the battle against Nazi Germany. President Franklin Roosevelt said at the time that the U.S. should serve as a “great arsenal of democracy” to defeat Adolf Hitler.
The Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act of 2022 was a bipartisan undertaking, passing the Senate by unanimous consent and the House of Representatives with 417 votes.
Rep. John Katko, a cosponsor of the bill, said the law will “expand our nation’s ability to expeditiously deliver additional defense articles to the Government of Ukraine as they fight back against Vladimir Putin’s barbaric and unlawful invasion.”
“This is a necessary step to protect the future of Ukraine and the safety of its people,” Katko, R-N.Y., added.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, also cosponsor of the lend-lease legislation, said Congress “cannot let up” on providing assistance to Ukraine.
“As Ukraine fights for its future — and the future of liberal democracies around the globe — delivering military equipment to the frontlines is paramount,” Shaheen, D-N.H., told ABC News in a statement.
Biden signed the bill just hours after Russia’s commemoration of Victory Day, a holiday celebrating the 77th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the occasion to defend his invasion of Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24.
“You are fighting for the motherland, for its future, so that no one forgets the lessons of the Second World War,” Putin said in a speech on Monday.
Putin notably did not make any declaration of war or victory during his remarks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, remained defiant, stating there will soon be “two Victory Days in Ukraine.”
“On the Day of Victory over Nazism, we are fighting for a new victory,” Zelenskyy said in a video message. “The road to it is difficult, but we have no doubt that we will win.”
Miami’s favorite rap duo, City Girls, is gearing up to hit the road for a North American tour alongside Grammy-nominated rapper Jack Harlow.
Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated album, Come Home the Kids Miss You, Harlow tapped Quality Control’s first ladies for the fall concert series, named after the rapper’s second album.
Kicking off September 6 in Nashville, TN, the tour will make stops in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Florida and more before heading to Georgia for its final show in Atlanta. Don’t see your city on the list? Have no worries — more dates will reportedly be announced.
“It’s gone be a movie!” says the City Girls in their Instagram announcement on Monday, which also alerted fans of the ability to purchase pre-sale tickets starting this Wednesday, May 11. General-sale tickets go on sale starting Friday, May 13.
To purchase tickets and sign up to receive tour information, including additional date announcements, visit the official websites of both the City Girls and Jack Harlow.
Here’s the Come Home the Kids Miss You tour itinerary:
9/6 — Nashville, TN, Nashville Municipal Auditorium
9/8 — Irving, TX, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
9/10 — Houston, TX, 713 Music Hall
9/11 — Austin, TX, Moody Center
9/13 — Phoenix, AZ, Arizona Federal Theatre
9/17 — San Diego, CA, Viejas Arena
9/23 — Seattle, WA, WAMU Theater
9/24 — Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
9/25 — Portland, OR, Veterans Memorial Coliseum
9/27 — Salt Lake City, UT, Maverik Center
9/28 — Denver, CO, 1STBANK Center
9/30 — Minneapolis, MN, The Armory
10/1 — Chicago, IL, Credit Union 1 Arena
10/2 — Detroit, MI, Fox Theatre
10/5 — Toronto, ON, Coca-Cola Coliseum
10/8 — Philadelphia, PA, The Liacouras Center
10/9 — Boston, MA, MGM Music Hall at Fenway
10/11 — Washington D.C., The Anthem
10/14 — Miami, FL, PFL Solar Amphitheater at Bayfront Park
10/15 — Tampa, FL, Yuengling Center
10/16 — Atlanta, GA, State Farm Arena
(NOTE LANGUAGE)In a new chat with Empire magazine, Jojo Rabbit Oscar winner Taika Waititi chats about Natalie Portman‘s return to the Thor franchise — and her claiming the God of Thunder’s mighty mantle herself.
“It’s been about eight years” since Chris Hemsworth‘s character has seen his former flame, physicist Jane Foster, the writer-director explains about the plot of the upcoming film, titled Thor: Love and Thunder. “She’s had a whole other life, and then the love of your life comes back on the scene, and is now dressed like you. It’s a real mindf*** for Thor.”
This time around, Portman’s character traces the arc of the Mighty Thor comics, which sees a cancer-stricken Jane being cured with a little lightning therapy.
Waititi adds, “You don’t want Natalie coming back and playing that same character who’s walking around with science equipment. You know, while Thor’s flying around, she’s left on Earth, tapping her foot going, ‘When’s he going to be back?’ That’s boring. You want her to be part of the adventure.”
Aside from her Portman’s Thor-like arms after she takes up the mantle, the Oscar-winning actress shows other strengths in the film, according to Taika.
“Natalie’s really funny in real life,” he explains. “She’s kind of goofy and has got a great sense of humor, and I don’t think that was exploited enough in the first films.”
The movie, which also stars Tessa Thompson, Chris Pratt, Russell Crowe and Christian Bale, opens July 8.
Marvel Studios is owned by Disney, parent company of ABC News.
Camila Cabello is the latest artist to join the fight against Florida’s recently approved “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The singer unveiled her Protect Our Kids Fund, which aims to combat the new legislation while providing support to those targeted by it.
The “Bam Bam” singer announced the new initiative on Sunday, explaining in an Instagram post that it “supports litigation against the hateful Don’t Say Gay or Trans law in [Florida].”
Camila continues in the post, “What’s happening in my home state is unacceptable and is harming LGBTQ+ youth and families. Some of the most special people in my life are in this community and it breaks my heart to see their identities try to be erased. We have to demand equal rights and respect for all.”
Camila says donations have already exceeded $500,000. In addition to raising money, the fund has “set up a special hotline for students, teachers, and parents who’ve been harmed under the law so experts can provide critical support.”
The “Havana” singer has teamed with Lambda Legal and Equality Florida to run the new initiative.
The legislation, titled the Parental Rights in Education law, bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. It also states that any instruction on those topics cannot occur “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”
That rumored collaboration between Tame Impala and R&B great Diana Ross may actually be coming to light.
You may recall that the U.K. tabloid The Sun reported last October that Ross and teamed up with Tame Impala for a track on her new album Thank You. However, when the record dropped the next month, Tame Impala was nowhere to be found.
Now, a mysterious poster has shown up in London that promises something from Tame Impala and Ross is “Coming Soon.”
The colorful ad, which was spotted by NME, also includes a list of several artists in smaller type, including Bleachers, Alabama Shakes‘ Brittany Howard, St. Vincent and Phoebe Bridgers. The bottom of the poster reads, “Produced by Jack Antonoff,” who also did some production on Thank You.
As for what exactly the poster is teasing, NME hypothesizes that a collaborative album between Ross and Tame Impala is in the works. However, there may be another possibility: the soundtrack to Minions 2.
The site Stereogum noticed that the poster features what looks to be one of the Minions, aka the adorable/obnoxious characters from the DespicableMe franchise, sticking out from Ross’ name. What’s more, Antonoff has already been announced as the soundtrack producer for Minions 2.
Nothing’s been officially confirmed yet, so stay tuned. Minions 2, aka Minions: The Rise of Gru, hits theaters on July 1.
Harry Styles broke into the music industry when he was 16. Over a decade later, the “As It Was” singer says he no longer wants to compete with the success he had as part of One Direction.
In an expanded Better Homes & Gardens interview, the 28-year-old Grammy winner spoke of watching Billie Eilish at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
“She was so much younger than I am, and, when I was in the band, we were always the young guys. When I did my first solo thing, I was still like the young guy,” said Harry.
“I’m not like an old man now, but she’s just a different generation,” the Don’t Worry Darling actor added. Instead of feeling threatened by Billie’s rising star status, he no longer tries being “the thing.”
Harry thinks it’s unhealthy and unsustainable to try to stay relevant and compete with younger artists, which he says has led to people breaking down and making poor career choices.
“You can’t win music. It’s not like Formula One,” he noted. “I was like, in my lifetime, there will be 10 more people who burst onto the scene in that way, and I’m only going to get further away from being the young thing.”
Harry now has a new “liberating” mindset, which is: “Get comfortable with finding something else that makes you happy.”
That mantra is what carried him through creating his new album, Harry’s House, which arrives May 20.
“Finally, it doesn’t feel like my life is over if this album isn’t a commercial success,” he exclaimed, while admitting that it’s the first time he’s ever felt that way. He’s no longer concerned with making “really big songs” or “playing it safe.” He just wants to make “stuff that is right, that is fun.”
After wrapping up their “Sin City Nights” Las Vegas residency last month, German rockers The Scorpions have now unveiled dates for a full 2022 North American tour in support of their latest studio album, Rock Believer.
The trek, which kicks off August 21 in Toronto, will feature Whitesnake serving as special guests at most of the shows. Whitesnake’s performances also will be part of their own Farewell Tour. Swedish rock band Thundermother also will perform as an open act on The Scorpions’ trek.
So far, 24 shows have been confirmed, and the outing is mapped out through an October 21 concert in Las Vegas.
Tickets for the Rock Believer tour go on sale to the general public this Friday, May 13, at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster. Members of The Scorpions’ Rock Zone club will be able to purchase pre-sale tickets starting Tuesday, May 10, at 10 a.m. local time; visit The-Scorpions.com/RockZone for more information. Whitesnake is also offering fans a chance to buy pre-sale tickets. Visit Whitesnake.com for more details.
“After the amazing start we’ve had with our residency in Las Vegas, it’s about time to come back for a real tour to rock the U.S. like a hurricane again,” says Scorpions frontman Klaus Meine. “We can’t wait to see all you Rock Believers out there!”
Adds Whitesnake’s David Coverdale, “Once again it’s time to feel the sting of The Scorpions & the bite of the Whitesnake!!! Can’t wait!!!”
First up for The Scorpions in a European tour that gets underway tonight in Lisbon, Portugal. Check out the band’s full schedule at The-Scorpions.com.
