(WASHINGTON) — The House of Representatives has voted to hold Trump White House officials Peter Navarro and Dan Scavino in contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with subpoenas for records and testimony from the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 Capitol attack
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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The Animals‘ long-out-of-print first four U.S. studio albums — their 1964 self-titled debut, 1965’s The Animals on Tour and Animal Tracks, and 1966’s Animalization — will be released as 180-gram vinyl LPs and expanded CDs on May 20.
In addition, a vinyl bundle will be issued the same day, titled The Animals Mickie Most Years and More, featuring the four LPs, plus a 12-inch vinyl reproduction of the group’s 1963 four-song EP, I Just Wanna Make Love to You.
The Animals’ debut album launched the Newcastle, U.K., band into stardom, thanks to the group’s hit cover of “The House of the Rising Sun,” which topped the U.S. and U.K. singles charts. The album itself peaked at #7 on the Billboard 200.
The Animals on Tour included “I’m Crying,” which reached #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. Animal Tracks boasted three top-40 hits — “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” “Bring It On Home to Me” and “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.” Animalization also featured a trio of top-40 singles — “Inside-Looking Out,” “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “See See Rider.”
All of the CD versions of the albums feature at least one bonus track dating from the time each record was recorded or released. The Animals includes an unedited version of the album track “Talkin’ ‘Bout You.” The Animals on Tour has three extra tracks, including a New Year’s spot from the band. Animal Tracks boasts five bonus tunes, among them the non-album hit “It’s My Life” and the single version of “We Gotta Get Out of This Place.” Animalization features three extra tracks, including stereo versions of “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “See See Rider.”
You can pre-order the vinyl reissues and the bundle now at ABKCO.com.
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(WASHINGTON) — Following two failed attempts, a new effort got underway on Wednesday to dislodge a 130-ton, fully-loaded cargo ship that has been mired in the mud of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland for more than three weeks.
U.S. Coast Guard officials said two large cranes and two barges were being moved to where the Ever Forward container ship ran aground in shallow water and crews are expected to begin off-loading a portion of the 5,000 cargo containers aboard, hoping that will give the vessel the buoyancy required to free it.
“They’re still staging the equipment so that they can remove the containers. It’s going to take a few days to get that set up,” Petty Officer Cynthia Oldham, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, told ABC News on Wednesday afternoon.
She said once the cranes and barges are in place, crews could start removing containers by this weekend or early next week.
“Hopefully, it’s going to be wrapped up around April 15, but that, of course, is dependent on a lot of different variables,” Oldham said.
The 1,095-foot ship belongs to Evergreen Marine Corp., the same company that owns the Ever Given cargo ship that got stuck in Egypt’s Suez Canal in March 2021, blocking the world-famous waterway for six days and causing massive delays in global shipping.
The Coast Guard said the Ever Forward is stranded in mud in about 23 feet of water off Downs Park in Pasadena, Maryland, about 20 miles south of Baltimore. The ship is outside of the deep-water shipping channel so it’s not blocking boat traffic on the Chesapeake Bay.
“The ship is grounded from bow to stern,” Oldham said.
Two previous attempts to free the vessel were not successful. Crews tried to move the ship with multiple tugboats, but it wouldn’t budge. Crews have also dredged around the hull of the big boat, but that effort was in vain, too.
The latest plan calls for removing some of the containers, which weigh 8,000 pounds each empty, from both the starboard and port side to maintain the stability of the ship, Oldham said.
“A few hundred containers are expected to be removed, not all of them,” Oldham said.
The refloating situation has gone so bad that the Evergreen Marine has notified anyone with a container on board that they will need to share in the cost of freeing the ship under the law of general average, a principal of maritime law dating back to 1890.
“Evergreen Line urges all cargo interests involved, and joint venture slot users to provide security bonds and necessary documents according to the adjusting rules that govern GA in order to take delivery of cargo after the vessel is freed and arrives at its future ports of discharge,” the company said in a statement released this week.
John Martino of the Annapolis School of Seamanship told ABC affiliate station WMAR in Baltimore that the new plan to free the ship is fraught with danger.
“They have to be careful the order they take the containers off,” said Martino, who visited the ship on Tuesday. “So, they have to make sure everything stays balanced as they go along.”
As a precaution, the Coast Guard is only allowing the work to unload the vessel to occur during daylight hours.
The container vessel ran aground March 13 after leaving the Seagirt marine terminal in Baltimore. The Hong Kong-flagged ship was headed to Norfolk, Virginia, when the mishap occurred.
There were no reports of injuries or damage to the ship or its cargo.
Following the incident, Evergreen immediately activated its emergency response plan and appointed a salvor to conduct underwater inspections of the ship and come up with refloating plan.
Evergreen reported that an inspection showed that no fuel or pollution have leaked from the ship into the Chesapeake Bay.
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(BOULDER, Colo.) — Last September, Ryan Christoff found his then 16-year-old daughter barely breathing in their home near Boulder, Colorado.
Little did he know at the time, but his daughter was suffering from an overdose. She had taken a half of a Percocet pill given to her by her then boyfriend not knowing that it was laced with Fentanyl – a synthetic opioid used to treat severe pain and is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin.
“I’m bored in my room,” said Sofia Christoff, who said she had found some “powder” substance. “I crushed it up, took a line. Felt kind of sparkly for two seconds and then I woke up in the hospital.”
Ryan Christoff said he had known that his daughter “smoked a little weed” occasionally, but had no idea that the sophomore had actually been secretly experimenting with a long list of drugs.
“Cocaine, Xanax, Ketamine once. Acid, Shrooms, Adderall,” said Sofia Christoff. “So just pills. Just like everything I could get my hands on.”
During that year, she was suspended from school and her grades fell.
“I felt stupid that I should have known,” said Ryan Christoff. “I just didn’t think she was doing that.”
Sergeant David Cohen of the Lafayette Colorado Police Department was in the vicinity when the frantic 9-1-1 call came in from Sofia Christoff’s father.
Cohen arrived on the scene in minutes as the 9-1-1 dispatcher and started chest compressions. He quickly administered Narcan to an unconscious and barely breating Sofia Christofff. Within seconds, she began gasping for air, according to Cohen. She was taken to the hospital, but was released only hours later.
Cohen said he used his training and experience to recognize the situation.
“I mean, I don’t know if it ever became clear to me until I administered Narcan, and it worked,” said Cohen, who said he also noticed “miscellaneous drug paraphernalia” in the bedroom.
On that day, Sofia Christoff survived. Others who have experienced Fentanyl-linked drug overdoses have not been as lucky.
“I get daily reports of suspected individuals who have passed away as a result of Fentanyl overdoses,” said Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen.
Pazen said bringing awareness to the issue is key.
“Folks think that this might be something else that they’re ingesting. So bringing awareness to this issue that that pill may not be Percocet. That pill may not be Xanax. That that pill may contain Fentanyl and potentially could be deadly is critical.”
Deaths linked to synthetic opioids like Fentanyl have nearly doubled over the past two years, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Additional CDC data revealed that of the more than 100,000 people who died from drug overdoses in a 12 month period ending in October 2021, nearly two-thirds of those deaths are linked to synthetic opioids like Fentanyl.
Fentanyl is cheap to produce and extremely potent, so it is sometimes mixed into other illicit drugs heroin, meth and cocaine and other pain pills like Percocet, Xanax, Vicodin and Oxycontin and can create a lethal combination, according to Pazen.
“It’s so cheap, it’s so easy to move, it’s so addictive for the end user,” Pazen said. “We are going to need everybody coming together as a country, as a state, federal, state, local law enforcement.”
In March, Colorado’s House of Representatives introduced a bill to enact stiffer criminal penalties on those involved with the sale and distribution of Fentanyl.
For Sofia Christoff, she said that buying drugs is as easy as sending the right emoji to a “plug,” a drug dealer who often finds customers on apps like Snapchat.
“I’m looking for a little plug emoji or like a fire emoji or you’re just whatever emoji the normal dealers have,” said Christoff.
“If you know where to go, it’s really easy,” she added.
The use of emojis to connect with drug dealers is not unique to Colorado, but now so common across the country that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency released a cheat sheet for parents and guardians to raise awareness of the emojis commonly used to buy drugs on social media.
“I cannot emphasize enough how deadly this drug is to human life, especially to unsuspecting youth in our community,” said Tatum King, a Homeland Security investigator. “These pills are widely available and often sold for dollars apiece on social media.”
On April 1, Snapchat issued a statement that detailed their efforts to flush out drug-related content and announced steps to curb illegal activity, saying they have “zero tolerance” for the promotion of illegal drugs on its platform.
Sofia Christoff said she carries the weight of her near-death experience everyday.
“’I’m the one that came back like, why me? So I’m just trying to have the mindset that I’m here, and I was a lucky one, and I gotta make it worth it,” said Christoff.
Sofia Christoff is now enjoying her junior year of high school and said she’s looking forward to being back on the field with her softball team next season. Her father is now on a mission to educate other teens and parents on the dangers of drug use and carries Narcan wherever he goes.
“I would want people to see that it can happen to even someone like Sofia, to even their daughter, to even their son,” he said. “Even [to] people you think you know it is the least likely to happen to, it can happen.”
Last month, Ryan Christoff and his now 17-year-old daughter visited the Lafayette Police Department to meet Sergeant David Cohen again, six months after his quick actions saved a life. After both giving him giant hugs of gratitude, Ryan Christoff gave the officer a framed picture of his daughter saying, “that’s her celebrating her birthday which she was only able to experience because of you.”
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The Weeknd is heading to Coachella with his “Moth to a Flame” collaborators Swedish House Mafia, taking over for Kanye West, who bowed out on Monday. The music festival unveiled its new lineup Wednesday. The Weeknd will take over the Sunday night performances on April 17 and 24. Harry Styles is also a headliner.
Gwen Stefani says she is “so into” her marriage with Blake Shelton, telling Ellen DeGeneres on her show, “He’s my best friend. He’s so much fun.” She explained Blake wasn’t at the taping because he’s “literally on the tractor right now turning dirt for me.” The “Sweet Escape” singer revealed she’s “planting seeds” in her garden soon, which includes daffodils, tulips, zinnias, wildflowers and more.
Taylor Swift‘s fans want so badly to see her speak and earn her doctorate from New York University, they’re bribing NYU students for their graduation tickets. The student-run blog, The Click, claims some fans are saying they’ll pay $500 a pop. NYU has now barred the sale of graduation tickets, saying students caught breaking the rules will face disciplinary measures, including “delayed issuance of a degree or diploma.”
Speaking of Taylor, pal Camila Cabello called her an “emo queen.” Camila revealed to U.K.’s Hits Radio the artists that took over her playlist, saying she loves “getting in my feels.” The “Bam Bam” singer added she would “love to collab” with Taylor.
Lady Gaga isn’t one to clap back at fans, but she felt this comment warranted a correction. When reminiscing about winning her first Grammy for “Poker Face,” a fan commented, “I miss the person in the picture so much” — a reference to Gaga’s pop era. The House of Gucci star wrote back, along with an upside down smiling emoji, “I’m still here. See you at the Chromatica ball.”
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Billie Eilish wasn’t bummed that Happier Than Ever missed out on the Album of the Year Grammy, says winner Jon Batiste. He told Stephen Colbert that, prior to his album We Are being announced as the category’s winner on Sunday, Billie and her brother FINNEAS turned around in their seats and told him, “We really hope you win this one.”
Lady Gaga isn’t one to clap back at fans, but she felt this comment warranted a correction. When reminiscing about winning her first Grammy for “Poker Face,” a fan commented, “I miss the person in the picture so much” — a reference to Gaga’s pop era. The House of Gucci star wrote back, along with an upside down smiling emoji, “I’m still here. See you at the Chromatica ball.”
Gwen Stefani says she is “so into” her marriage with Blake Shelton, telling Ellen DeGeneres on her show, “He’s my best friend. He’s so much fun.” She explained Blake wasn’t at the taping because he’s “literally on the tractor right now turning dirt for me.” The “Sweet Escape” singer revealed she’s “planting seeds” in her garden soon, which includes daffodils, tulips, zinnias, wildflowers and more.
Taylor Swift‘s fans are so desperate to see her speak and earn her doctorate from New York University, they’re practically bribing NYU students for their graduation tickets. The student-run blog, The Click, claims some fans are saying they’ll pay $500 a pop. NYU has now barred the sale of graduation tickets, saying students caught breaking the rules will face disciplinary measures, including “delayed issuance of a degree or diploma.”
Speaking of Taylor, pal Camila Cabello called her an “emo queen.” Camila revealed to U.K.’s Hits Radio the artists that took over her playlist, saying she loves “getting in my feels.” The “Bam Bam” singer added she would “love to collab” with Taylor.
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—Tory Lanez posted $350,000 bail on Tuesday, after he was taken into custody for violating a protective order against Megan Thee Stallion, per a Los Angeles judge.
Lanez, 29, appeared in court regarding the felony assault case in which the rapper is accused of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in her foot during a 2020 altercation. Lanez is said to have violated the order by allegedly sharing discovery in the case and addressing Megan on social media.
Only a few went hours went by, after it was reported that Lanez was arrested, before the rapper was seen getting into a Lamborghini and telling a court reporter he feels “amazing.”
—Russell Wilson revealed the details about his first date with now-wife Ciara.
The football star recently appeared on Kevin Hart‘s Laugh Out Loud Radio show, where he let the hosts in on the conversation that changed his relationship status from single to taken.
Recalling the unforgettable moment he said, “First day we met – and we had been talking for two-and-a-half hours, hanging out – she saw [my old] wallet, sitting on the table. She said, ‘What the hell is that? You’re losing with that.'”
His response, putting his finger up and saying, “First of all, with me, you’re never losing,” turned out to be one she clearly appreciated. The two tied the knot in 2016 and are raising three children together.
—Kanye West‘s name can’t seem to stay off the internet blogs — this time there’s something to celebrate!
The 24-time Grammy-winner landed spot number 1513 on Forbes World’s Billionaire List, as his net worth increased to $2 billion according to the business magazine.
His Yeezy sneaker brand, Gap & Balenciaga partnerships and stake in Kim Kardashian‘s shape wear brand Skims, all contribute to the rapper’s income.
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Douglas Trumbull, the Oscar winner who revolutionized cinematic visual effects, and who passed away February 7, will be joining some other science fiction film legends for one final mission to space.
The company Celestis announced that some of Trumbull’s remains will join those of Star Trek‘s James “Scotty” Doohan, and Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, and his wife, former Star Trek actress Majel Barrett Roddenberry.
They will depart on Celestis’ first ever deep space Voyager mission aboard United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Rocket that will be launched later this year from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Trumbull’s expertise helped the Trek crew reach space onscreen, in Star Trek: The Motion Picture. He also inspired and trained artists who worked on Star Wars and countless other films.
“From his youth, throughout all of his life, Douglas was fascinated and in awe of the stars, planets, space and beyond,” said Julia Trumbull, his widow. “The mysteries of the universe, its beauty, grace and power inspired his imagination, his work and his life. I can think of no greater honor and fitting adventure for Douglas to join his Star Trek friends on this final voyage on the Enterprise flight into deep space.”
According to the company, “The Celestis Enterprise Flight will launch from planet Earth and travel beyond the Earth-Moon system, beyond the James Webb telescope, and into interplanetary deep space — where it will join the other planets, moons, comets, and asteroids in our solar system on a never-ending journey through the cosmos.”
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Camila Cabello has never been one to hold back, and she definitely doesn’t in a new interview with U.K.’s Hits Radio.
In a round of “Answering the Internet,” Camila responds to random questions or comments that people have asked about her or made about her on Twitter. Asked to name the most surreal place she’s been recognized, Camila admits, “I think there was a picture of me at a sex toy shop once, and I was just, like, getting a vibrator.”
She laughs, “There was a picture, and I was like, ‘That’s a weird place for people to be like, ‘Is that the singer?'”
When another fan asks her about her notorious “nip slip” on BBC’s The One Show — in which she briefly exposed her breast while showing off her favorite dance move — Camila replied, “I really don’t care about my nip slip…I’ve purposely nip-slipped before. Publicly! Have you ever been topless, ladies, in the ocean? It feels amazing and I hate that they deprive us of that!”
Asked to name the first thing she does in the morning, Camila says bluntly, “On a day when I’m not working and I can sleep late…I’ll just get up and pee.”
Finally, asked what she and her pals Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift talk about when they’re hanging out, Camila laughed, “We’ve hung out together, like, two times and we were all very drunk. I don’t remember what we talked about!”
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(NOTE LANGUAGE) Washington, D.C. venue Bliss nightclub issued an apology earlier this week, after receiving backlash for hosting a home-going event for a dead rapper — with his corpse on full display.
Public outcry broke out after photos and videos of 24-year-old Maryland rapper Goonew, born Markelle Marrow, circulated online, with the rapper reportedly propped upright on stage, fully clothed and wearing a crown on his head, according to ABC affiliate WJLA.
In a statement posted on Twitter, club management claimed to have been aware of the home-going celebration but not of “what would transpire.”
The Twitter apology reads in full: “Our deepest condolences to Goonew’s family, friends and fans. Bliss was contacted by a local funeral home to rent out our venue for Goonew’s home-going celebration. Bliss was never made aware of what would transpire. We sincerely apologize to all those who may be upset or offended. Please keep Goonew’s family and friends in your prayers at this difficult time.”
Rapper 50 cent was among many who was stunned by the footage. “oh s*** ! i just realized what this is,” he said. Another Twitter user wrote, “the way my heart DROPPED when i realized that he’s actually NOT alive, & NOT holding his body up on his own…”
What may come as a surprise to some is the alleged response by the family, as reported by TMZ, who say the decision to bring the rapper’s dead body to the club is “what he would have wanted.”
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