Taylor Swift is going out in “Style.”

On the eve of wrapping up the US leg of her wildly successful Eras Tour, Swift on Monday thanked a slew of crew members who have done serious heavy lifting on the road with her — among them, the tour’s truck drivers — with a hefty bonus.

Swift stunned the tour’s trucking staff by giving each trucker a check in the amount of $100,000, Michael Scherkenbach, founder and CEO of Denver, Colorado-based Shomotion trucking company, told CNN.

Shomotion is one of two transportation companies used by the tour, he said. “My company handles transportation of the stage and structure, pretty much the skeleton that everything hangs on at the concert venue.”

While Scherkenbach declined to disclose how many of his staff received the six-figure bonus, he said it was a total of nearly 50 members of the combined trucking crews.

The “generous” amount, he said, far exceeds the standard expected bonus. “The typical amount is $5,000 to $10,000 each. So this large amount is unbelievable.”

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. 
Mat Hayward/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management

But more than that, Scherkenbach said it is a “life-changing” amount of money.

“These men and women, they live on the road. They sleep during the day and work all night,” he said. “It’s a grueling task. They leave their families, young children for weeks. For Taylor’s tour, they’ve been away from home for 24 weeks.”

To receive $100,000 is a down payment on a house or college tuition for a child, he said. “Look, fair wage doesn’t put you in a position to buy a home. But this opens up that possibility.”

A surprise meeting

Scherkenbach said his drivers were flabbergasted when they were called into what they thought was a routine production meeting on Monday. It was anything but that.

Then Swift’s father, Scott Swift, made a surprise visit.

“The Taylor family is always present and kind to our drivers but Scott generally doesn’t lead the meeting,” said Scherkenbach. “Scott gave a speech saying that he had discussed this with Taylor and they thought that it was only right that everybody received a bonus. Taylor insisted on writing a handwritten note to each driver and [added] a wax seal on the envelope with her monogram.”

Each envelope stated the amount of the bonus. “The drivers didn’t want to be overly rude and look at it. But one looked and thought it said $1,000, another driver saw it as $10,000 and then the third said ‘Well this has to be a joke!’” Scherkenbach said. After the letter, the checks were given with the corresponding tax document.

In addition to his staff, Scherkenbach said other tour crew members, including those in catering, video, audio and lighting, also received bonuses.

The Death of Aaliyah, 23 Years Later: What Caused the Tragic Plane Crash?

Aaliyah died at the age of 22 in August 2001

Aaliyah. Photo: RJ Capak/WireImage

Aaliyah changed the sound of R&B music and was one of the most beloved singers of the ‘90s.

Born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, the mononymous singer began her career at 11 years old when she performed with her aunt Gladys Knight for five nights in Las Vegas. Aaliyah was only 14 when she released her first album, Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number in 1994 — which received American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and Soul Train Awards nominations for best new artist and skyrocketed her into popularity.

Aaliyah’s second album, One in a Million, went double platinum after its release in 1996, and her third — and final — album, Aaliyah, dropped in 2001 and peaked at No. 2 on Billboard‘s top 10 list. Sadly, two months after the debut of her self-titled album, Aaliyah’s life was tragically cut short when she died in a plane crash in the Bahamas after filming her music video “Rock the Boat” on Aug. 25, 2001.

Following Aaliyah’s death, her musical and personal legacy lived on: She received three posthumous Grammy Awards nominations for Aaliyah and earned nods for her acting in the vampire movie Queen of the Damned.

In honor of the late singer’s birthday in January 2024, a tribute was posted on Instagram to celebrate what would have been her 45th birthday.

“You were more than just a daughter, sister, friend, and role model, Aaliyah,” it read. “You were a revolution of sound, a beacon of style and an inspiration to millions. You showed us how to own our power, embrace individuality, and move through the world with fierce grace. … We miss you every day, but your light still stays with us.”

To mark 23 years since the singer’s death, here’s a look at what happened the day Aaliyah died and the legacy she left behind.

How did Aaliyah die?

Aaliyah in concert in Irvine, California.Chris Walter/WireImage

Aaliyah died in a plane crash in the Bahamas when a small twin-engine Cessna 402B crashed shortly after takeoff.

The chartered plane was carrying Aaliyah and eight others, including the singer’s hairdresser, bodyguard, a record executive and the plane’s pilot, per The New York Times. The plane’s wings “shattered on impact,” and the engine and landing gear were torn off, the outlet reported. Aaliyah and five of the other passengers died instantly; three others died of their injuries the next day.

Aaliyah’s official cause of death included “severe burns and a blow to the head,” the pathologist who performed autopsies on the victims testified in court during a coroner’s inquest into the crash in 2003, according to CBS News.

The pathologist also testified that an autopsy of the pilot, Luis Antonio Morales, revealed he had “cocaine in his urine and traces of alcohol in his stomach.” The pilot was also not certified to fly the Cessna 402B and had been hired by the charter company a few days before the crash, per The New York Times. Morales had also been sentenced to probation for cocaine possession two weeks prior.

In addition, the newspaper reported that the days leading up to the flight were filled with confusion and mistakes — including overweight cargo for Aaliyah’s music video being delivered to the wrong Bahamian island and multiple changes of which charter company would bring Aaliyah and her crew back to the United States.

After investigations into the causes of the crash, officials believed that the small twin-engine plane was 700 pounds overloaded when it took off from the airport on the Bahamian island of Abaco.

When did Aaliyah die?

Aaliyah during an apperance at Virgin Megastore in London.Fred Duval/FilmMagic

Aaliyah died on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2001, at around 6:45 p.m.

After wrapping filming for Aaliyah’s “Rock the Boat” music video in the Bahamas, the singer and her crew planned to return to the U.S. the same day. The New York Times reported that the charter plane company was changed at the last minute, downsizing the aircraft’s weight limit.

Despite the 10-seat Cessna piloted by Morales arriving nearly two hours late, the weight of the passengers and their baggage weren’t checked prior to boarding, as required by federal regulations, according to the publication. Experts later believed that the weight of passengers and cargo wasn’t evenly distributed.

During the 2003 coroner’s inquest into the causes of the crash, two taxi drivers — who dropped Aaliyah and her crew off at the airport — and a customs official testified that they were concerned about the amount of equipment they had with them, per CBS News.

When the plane took off at around 6:45 p.m., an eyewitness saw the plane “bank left and fall to the ground at a frightening speed,” he told The New York Times. The crash took “less than a minute,” he said.

Aaliyah died on impact along with five other passengers, and the remaining three later died of their injuries.

Where did Aaliyah die?

Aaliyah backstage at Madison Square Garden for Lifebeat’s Urban Aid benefit concert on October 5, 1995 in New York City.Catherine McGann/Getty

Aaliyah died on the Bahamian island of Abaco at the airport in Marsh Harbor. The Cessna 402B crashed a few yards from the airport’s runway.

Aaliyah and the plane’s other passengers were headed for Miami after spending two days on the island filming a music video for her song “Rock the Boat.”

The work was released posthumously and garnered attention as Aaliyah’s last creative project. The clip features scenes of Aaliyah dancing on a beach in Treasure Cay, a peninsula on the island, according to W magazine, as well as with her backup dancers on the deck of a yacht.

How old was Aaliyah when she died?

Aaliyah was 22 years old at the time of her death.

What lawsuits were filed after Aaliyah’s death?

Rashad Haughton and Diane Haughton at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29, 2002.Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

After Aaliyah died, her parents, Diane and Michael Haughton, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Instinct Productions — the video production company that created the “Rock the Boat” music video and coordinated transportation to and from the Bahamas — and other defendants, per The New York Times.

In the fall of 2003, two years after the singer’s death, the family reached an undisclosed settlement with the defendants.

The Haughton family also reached a settlement with Blackhawk (the company operating the Cessna 402B) and flight broker Atlantic Flight Group for negligence in the crash, Billboard reported in 2003.

The families of Eric Forman and Anthony Dodd — two of Aaliyah’s crew who were killed in the crash — also filed wrongful death lawsuits against Instinct, Blackhawk, Virgin Records and Blackground, according to Billboard.

How did the public react to Aaliyah’s death?

A fan of R&B singer/actress Aaliyah signs a record store mural of the late singer in what has become a shrine dedicated to her.Steve Grayson/WireImage

In the days after Aaliyah’s death, fans held memorials for the singer across the country, and fellow musicians honored her with heartfelt statements.

Two days after her death on Aug. 27, 2021, hundreds of people gathered near Aaliyah’s former high school in Detroit to remember the singer with a candlelight vigil. They admired her work and her position as a role model to young girls, according to Billboard.

Rapper DMX, who starred alongside Aaliyah in the movie Romeo Must Die, released a statement after her death. “Talented, classy, warm, beautiful, compassionate [and] humble best describes my memories of Aaliyah, a down-to-earth sister with enough energy to put anyone on a cloud,” it read, according to Billboard.

Music producer Timbaland — who collaborated with Aaliyah on songs like “Are You That Somebody?” — spoke about the singer on MTV’s Total Request Live. “Me and her together had this chemistry. I kinda lost half of my creativity to her,” he said. “Beyond the music, she was a brilliant person, the [most special] person I ever met.”

A year after Aaliyah’s death, LeBron James revealed that the singer influenced his career. The NBA star James told Sports Illustrated that Aaliyah’s unexpected death inspired him to keep playing through a career-threatening injury in college. “You’re not promised tomorrow,” he explained. “I had to be out on the field with my team.”

What kind of legacy did Aaliyah leave behind?

Aaliyah at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards.Barry Roberts/BEI/Shutterstock

Today, Aaliyah’s music continues to generate buzz.

After years of disagreements between Aaliyah’s estate and her former record label — run by her uncle — regarding putting her music on streaming platforms, Aaliyah’s second album, One in a Million, was released on Spotify just before the 20th anniversary of the singer’s death in 2021, with the remaining projects released soon after.

Artists and fans regularly pay tribute to Aaliyah and her music over 20 years after her death. On the 18th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death in 2019, Victoria Monét remembered the late singer on X (formerly Twitter).

“I will forever hold her & her music with me as an influence in all of my goals, my voice, my movement, energy & soul. I love you Aaliyah,” she wrote.

On what would have been Aaliyah’s 40th birthday in 2019, her brother Rashad shared an original poem he penned in her honor.

Two years later, Missy Elliot also expressed her support of the “Try Again” vocalist on her 41st birthday.

“You are still inspiring people!” she wrote. “Your edgyness & smooth dancing SO EFFORTLESS your UNIQUENESS & STYLE unmatched 🔥MUSICALLY your songs will 4EVER be NEXT LEVEL! RIP babygal 4Ever Loved🕊🙏🏾❤️.”

“Paper Masterpieces: The Astonishing Portrait of Taylor Swift by a Cutting-Edge Artist”

In a world where digital and traditional art often intersect, a unique paper-cutting artist has captured the imagination of art enthusiasts with an incredibly detailed and accurate portrait of Taylor Swift. Utilizing nothing but paper and scissors, this artist has demonstrated that the power of simplicity and craftsmanship can produce breathtakingly realistic results. This article delves into the artistry behind this remarkable creation, the process involved, and the impact it has had on the art community.

Paper-cutting, an art form with ancient roots, involves creating intricate designs by cutting paper. From traditional Chinese paper cuts to modern interpretations, this medium showcases how precision and creativity can transform a simple sheet of paper into a stunning visual representation. The technique often involves layering and intricate detailing, resulting in pieces that are both delicate and compelling.

The artist in question, known for their extraordinary skill in paper-cutting, has taken this traditional craft to new heights with their portrait of pop sensation Taylor Swift. Taylor Swift, known for her evolution as an artist and her significant impact on the music industry, has been immortalized through a medium that contrasts sharply with the digital and photographic approaches typically used in modern portraiture.

The portrait captures Swift with an astonishing level of detail, from the expressive features of her face to the intricate patterns of her attire. The artist’s ability to render such complexity with just paper and scissors speaks volumes about their mastery of the craft.

Creating a paper-cutting portrait is no small feat. The process begins with selecting the right type of paper. The artist often uses a high-quality, heavyweight paper that can withstand multiple cuts and hold its shape. Next, a detailed sketch of the subject is drawn, which serves as a template for the cutting process.

The artist then meticulously cuts out the various layers of the portrait. Each cut requires precision and a steady hand, as even the slightest mistake can alter the final outcome. The layers are assembled and layered to create depth and dimension, resulting in a three-dimensional effect that adds realism to the portrait.

For Taylor Swift’s portrait, the artist would have had to capture not only her facial features but also the nuances of her expressions and the textures of her clothing. This requires an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of both the subject and the medium.

One of the primary challenges in paper-cutting art is achieving the desired level of detail without compromising the structural integrity of the paper. The artist must carefully plan each cut to ensure that the final piece remains cohesive and visually striking. This requires a balance between creativity and technical skill, as well as a thorough understanding of how light and shadow play on the cut surfaces.

Despite these challenges, the artist’s dedication to their craft has led to a portrait that not only honors Taylor Swift’s likeness but also demonstrates the potential of paper-cutting as a medium. The portrait’s accuracy and attention to detail have earned it widespread acclaim and admiration from both art critics and fans.

The paper-cutting portrait of Taylor Swift has sparked renewed interest in traditional art forms. In an age where digital art and photography often dominate, this intricate paper masterpiece stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of handcrafted art. It serves as a reminder that creativity and skill can transcend modern technological advancements, offering a fresh perspective on how we view and appreciate art.

The portrait has also opened up new conversations about the versatility of paper as an artistic medium. While paper-cutting has been a staple in various cultures for centuries, this modern interpretation demonstrates that the art form can evolve and adapt to contemporary subjects and styles.

In interviews, the artist has expressed their passion for paper-cutting and their admiration for Taylor Swift. They describe the portrait as both a personal and artistic challenge, one that allowed them to push the boundaries of their craft. For the artist, the process of creating the portrait was as rewarding as the final result.

The artist’s dedication to their craft is evident in the meticulous care with which they approached the project. Each cut and layer reflects their commitment to achieving a likeness that honors both Taylor Swift’s image and the art form itself.

The success of the Taylor Swift portrait suggests a bright future for paper-cutting art. As more artists explore this medium and experiment with new techniques, we can expect to see a diverse range of innovative works that push the boundaries of traditional art forms. The portrait serves as an inspiration for emerging artists and a reminder of the beauty and potential that lie in simplicity.

In conclusion, the paper-cutting portrait of Taylor Swift is more than just a striking visual piece; it is a celebration of artistic skill and the timeless appeal of handcrafted art. Through a combination of precision, creativity, and dedication, the artist has created a masterpiece that captivates and inspires. As we continue to explore and appreciate different art forms, this portrait stands as a testament to the enduring power of traditional techniques in a modern world.

US entertainer Christian Oliver and his 2 girls Di*d in a plane accident in the Caribbean

The star of the movies Speed Racer and The Great German, Christian Oliver, and his two girls were killed in a plane accident in the Caribbean, as per police in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The police additionally made sense of that the accident happened Thursday only west of Petit Nevis island close to Bequia as the plane set out toward neighboring St. Lucia. They were going with a solitary motor plane which supposedly had a few issues right off the bat in the flight and afterward collided with the water.

“Minutes subsequent to removing, the airplane experienced troubles and dove into the sea,” agents said.

According to an assertion from the Imperial SVG Police Power, nearby jumpers, anglers, and individuals from the coast monitor raced to the scene to deliver help.

Military work force were in the end ready to recuperate the assortments of those locally available the plane: Oliver, his young ladies, Madita, 10, and Annik, 12 and the airplanes’ pilot and proprietor, Robert Sachs from Bequia.

The reason for the accident has not set in stone.

As indicated by Cutoff time, the entertainer had recently wrapped up shooting his last scenes for the impending film Everlastingly Stay quiet. The chief, Scratch Lyon, posted a photograph of himself and Oliver on Instagram ate Thursday night.

“We discussed delivering a film together for quite a long time lastly made it happen,” Lyon composed, adding that he and the late entertainer dealt with five ventures together consistently. “Much thanks to you for being an extraordinary partner, entertainer and companion.”

Lyon further alluded to Oliver as to “such a bold entertainer and a lovely individual.”

Oliver’s ex and mom to their girls said in a proclamation, “The profound security, irresistible giggling, and daring soul shared by Madita and Annik will be significantly missed in their networks,” among the rest.

Our contemplations and petitions to heaven go to the group of Oliver and his little girls. May they find happiness in the hereafter.

Kidd knew he had to give Luka Doncic his natural freedom, which he perhaps restricted Giannis to do.

During his tenure as the Milwaukee Bucks head coach, Jason Kidd successfully nurtured Giannis Antetokounmpo’s talent, facilitating his development to such an extent that he won the Most Improved Player award in the 2017-18 season as he became a double-double machine.

Nevertheless, there remained a prevalent belief that the Greek Freak was restrained from maximizing his full potential. J-Kidd himself doubled down on this speculation when he vowed not to commit the same mistake with Luka Doncic as he committed with the two-time MVP.

Kidd vowed to take a different approach

Prior to becoming a head coach in the NBA, Kidd had long been reputed for possessing elite basketball acumen, particularly in terms of maximizing the potential of a team’s best player. However, after he assumed the head coach role in Milwaukee, Kidd failed to make Antetokounmpo the team’s No. 1 option in his first two full seasons.

Even in the 2016-17 season, despite Giannis leading the team in scoring, assists, rebounding, steals, and blocks, Jabari Parker averaged more field goal attempts. This discrepancy clearly indicated that Kidd had not granted the 6’11” forward complete shooting freedom.

Upon his appointment as the head coach of the Mavs, ‘The Engine’ acknowledged his previous error in restricting Giannis’ shooting opportunities and pledged to not make the same issues with Luka Doncic. Put simply, the 2011 NBA Champ understood that for him to make the Slovenian star maximize his impact, the latter needed to shoot whenever he had the ball in hand.

“Luka is a different player,” Kidd said on ESPN’s The Jump.” I’m not gonna tell him not to shoot; he can shoot the ball. My job is to make the game easier for him, understand the game within the game, understand how to get guys going, (and) become a better leader. (I plan to) help him in every aspect of the game to try to make it easy. That’s what we did with Giannis in Milwaukee, and, again, I won’t tell him not to shoot like I did with you (Richard Jefferson) and Giannis.”

J-Kidd has stayed true to his word

Ever since the Nets legend took over Dallas, he has figured out how much Doncic loves to shoot; as a result, he has only encouraged him to take over 21 shots per game in a season. This boosted the 6’7″ guard to average 32.4 points per game in just his second season as head coach, and he also helped Luka Magic lead the league in scoring, even with another ball-dominant guard like Kyrie Irving on the roster.

So, while Jason may not have led Dallas to another NBA championship yet, he has learned from his mistakes in Milwaukee.

Who’s the best WNBA player? Within a matter of seconds, any basketball fan would say Caitlin Clark. Caitlin is yet to hit the WNBA court for a regular season game, but she’s already shaking up the scene. How? Well, she was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, captivating the audience every step of the way. Despite this and her accolades, Charles Barkley has his reservations about her.

A couple of months ago, she sparked a frenzy, revolutionizing deals and ticket sales for the Indiana Fever franchise. Even though she was the apple of the spectators’ eyes, basketball legends weren’t quite sure about her performance on the court. “When I first saw the WNBA TV schedule, the first thing I said was, oh, shit. I said, there’s going to be a negative impact, blowback from players, from media,” said Charles in a recent episode of a podcast.

But this is just a glimpse of ‘Sir Charles’ insights into Caitlin Clark. In a recent episode uploaded on the official account of The Steam Room with the title – No Caller ID + “the guys upstairs” – Charles Barkley sat with Ernie Johnson to discuss the ongoing scenario in women’s basketball. “So, Caitlin Clark, you know I’m a big Caitlin Clark fan. We all are,” Barkley added later in the same episode.

USA Today via Reuters

But why did ‘Sir Charles’ have different thoughts about Caitlin before?

Charles Barkley on Caitlin Clark

This too is answered by Barkley in the episode itself. He continued, “None that she had in it because of the number of games that she had a fever on. You would think that people who run the WNBA would be smart enough to know that there was going to be blowback. And I understand because you have the Aces who have been two-time defending champs.”

But he didn’t stop there. He also opened up about how he wanted things to happen. He added, “So, I wish they would have been smarter not to put her in a position cause she’s a shining star. And I know you have to show her, and I think it’s important we show her, but I think that’s overkill in my personal opinion.”

Though things didn’t happen as per Barkley’s and Johnson’s expectations, Caitlin is in a good position. She’s already one of the highly anticipated prospects in the history of the WNBA who’s turning heads before even hitting the hardwood. Now, the question is – Will Caitlin be able to keep up with the expectations of the spectators?

Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark: The Rookie Showdown and Its Fallout

Caitlin Clark has become a standout star in the WNBA, and her impact on the league is undeniable. Her performances have set new standards, making her a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year. However, this has overshadowed Angel Reese, another promising rookie whose journey has been marked by significant challenges. The comparisons and controversies surrounding these two players reveal much about the current state of women’s professional basketball.

Caitlin Clark’s Phenomenal Impact

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA has been nothing short of spectacular. She has set rookie records for the most assists, three-pointers in a season, and is the first rookie to achieve a triple-double. Her offensive prowess and leadership on the court have drawn widespread acclaim. Clark’s exceptional skill and versatility make her a franchise cornerstone, and her ability to perform under pressure continues to make headlines.

Angel Reese’s Struggles and Comparisons

In contrast, Angel Reese’s rookie season has been marred by difficulties. Despite a promising start, Reese has struggled with her performance, particularly with her shooting accuracy. Her field goal percentage has been notably low, and she has faced criticism for her movements on the court, which some describe as sluggish. The comparisons to Caitlin Clark, who is often hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, have exacerbated the scrutiny on Reese.

The situation has been further complicated by Reese’s public feud with Clark. Her association with Clark, who has overshadowed her in the media, has made it challenging for Reese to gain positive recognition. This rivalry has been amplified by Reese’s recent performance issues and public controversies.

Rejection from Key Figures and Teams

Angel Reese’s struggle is also reflected in her interactions with prominent figures in women’s basketball. Team USA Coach Cheryl Reeve, who is also the president and head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, notably avoided drafting Reese in the WNBA draft. Reeve’s decision to trade down rather than select Reese was a clear indication of her stance on the rookie’s fit with the team. Furthermore, Reese was left off the Olympic roster, further impacting her visibility and opportunities.

In addition, Reese’s attempts to bring Gabby Williams onto her team were met with rejection, highlighting ongoing challenges in her career. The Chicago Sky, where Reese was drafted, has seen mixed results, and Reese’s performance has been under the microscope as she tries to prove her worth.

The Impact of Performance and Perception

One of Reese’s significant hurdles is her comparison to Caitlin Clark. The shadow cast by Clark’s remarkable achievements has made it difficult for Reese to be evaluated on her own merits. Despite Reese’s own impressive stats and contributions, such as being a strong rebounder and energetic player, the constant comparisons detract from her accomplishments.

Reese’s attempt to embrace the “villain” role in the league has been met with mixed reactions. While she has expressed a willingness to take on the antagonist role, some critics argue that this stance has not translated into the positive outcomes she hoped for. Instead, it has sometimes seemed as if Reese’s attempts to assert herself have backfired.

The Future of Women’s Basketball and Unrivaled League

Looking ahead, the landscape of women’s basketball is poised for changes with the advent of new leagues like Unrivaled. This league, created by Brianna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, aims to provide additional opportunities for players during the WNBA’s off-season. It offers a new platform where players like Angel Reese could potentially showcase their talents, especially if Caitlin Clark also decides to participate.

The Unrivaled League promises higher salaries and equity shares for its players, which could make it an attractive option. While Caitlin Clark’s potential involvement in this league is still uncertain, her future decisions could impact the league’s dynamics significantly.

Conclusion

The ongoing saga between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark highlights both the personal and professional challenges faced by rising stars in women’s basketball. While Clark’s exceptional talent continues to set a high bar, Reese’s journey underscores the complexities of carving out a career in the shadow of such greatness. As both players navigate their paths, their experiences will likely shape the future of the sport in significant ways.

For now, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch closely as these athletes forge their paths and influence the evolving landscape of women’s basketball.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZJnGdracNI

FILE – Justin Bieber, left, and Hailey Bieber attend The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala on Sept. 13, 2021, in New York. (Evan Agostini | Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justin Bieber, who rose to international stardom in 2010 with his hit “Baby,” has welcomed one of his own with his wife, Hailey Bieber (nee Baldwin).

The singer, 30, posted a photo of a baby’s foot Friday on Instagram, revealing the child’s name as Jack Blues Bieber. The model, 27, reshared the post on Instagram Stories. It’s not clear when the baby was born; a representative for Hailey Bieber told The Associated Press on Friday night that no further details were available.

The couple announced they were expecting a baby in May via Instagram posts on their respective pages from an intimate vow renewal ceremony. The videos and photos show the model, who also founded the skincare brand Rhode, wearing a form-fitting white dress that showed off her baby bump. The AP confirmed Bieber was just over six months pregnant at the time of the announcement.

Since the pregnancy announcement, the couple have each shared photos together and of Hailey Bieber that displayed the model’s baby bump, including a campaign for the Rhode skincare line.

The Biebers married in November 2018, which they also announced through an Instagram post. The singer posted a photo of the duo with the caption, “My wife is awesome,” and his wife followed up by changing her Instagram username to “Hailey Bieber.” The couple dated for about a month before tying the knot.

Justin Bieber rose to fame as a teenager and went on to become a Grammy-winning artist with eight No. 1 songs under his belt, including “Sorry,” “Love Yourself” and “What Do You Mean?” His latest album, “Justice,” was released in 2021.

The UK Streaming Charts get a dose of Deadpool.

Deadpool & Wolverine continues to propel *NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye” to new heights. This week’s UK Official Streaming Chart sees the 90s classic clocking in at #12. This is a wild ascent for a song that predates this particular chart’s existence by a few decades! Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s MCU romp continues to bring in returns at the box office. But, these kinds of streaming numbers mean they have kept the Y2K wave rolling in popular culture as well. (Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” has also enjoyed the buoying effect of the movie too.) While maybe not every single video on the world’s FYP is of Deadpool doing this iconic dance, there are still a lot of them out there.

Going through some quick numbers helps put this achievement into context. On the U.S. Exclusive Chart, “Bye, Bye, Bye” made it all the way to number 8. Over on the Billboard Hot 100, *NSYNC’s old single ended up at number 45 just a little while ago. (There was never any doubt that it would come close to hitting number 4, the previous high water mark for the song back when it was released.) Still, that 800% increase in sales since Deadpool & Wolverine hit theaters is nothing to scoff at. We’re looking at a genuine monoculture moment around the MCU after people had argued that time had passed this franchise by.

In the first week after release, Deadpool & Wolverine managed to get “Bye, Bye, Bye” into the Spotify Top 20. Shawn Levy himself had to laugh about the development on social media after discovering that kind of sway. It’s been 24 years since *NSYNC decided to light up our lives with a very “of the time”music video for the single. Who would have thought the summer of 2024 would have been a resurgence on this scale?

What Else Happens In Deadpool & Wolverine?

(Photo:From top left: Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez of *NSYNC photographed circa 2000.

– Tim Roney/Getty Images)
In Marvel Studios’ Deadpool & Wolverine, Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) will change the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Wolverine (Hugh Jackman). The film also stars Matthew Macfadyen as Paradox, and Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova, with the return of Deadpool alums Morena Baccarin as Vanessa Carlysle, Leslie Uggams as Blind Al, Karan Soni as Dopinder, Stefan Kapičić as Piotr Rasputin/Colossus, Brianna Hildebrand as Negasonic Teenage Warhead, Rob Delaney as Peter, and Lewis Tan as Shatterstar. Aaron Stanford is returning as Pyro from the X-Men film series, with Jennifer Garner rumored to return as Elektra Natchios.

Kevin Feige, Ryan Reynolds, Shawn Levy and Lauren Shuler Donner produce with Louis D’Esposito, Wendy Jacobson, Mary McLaglen, Josh McLaglen, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, George Dewey and Simon Kinberg serving as executive producers. Deadpool & Wolverine is written by Ryan Reynolds & Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick & Zeb Wells & Shawn Levy.

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In a surprising turn of events, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has made headlines for his curt response to the ongoing $10 million controversy involving star player Travis Kelce. Reid’s reaction, a terse “Not My Problem,” has sparked significant buzz within the NFL community and beyond.

The controversy revolves around a reported $10 million financial dispute linked to Kelce, whose recent contract negotiations and endorsement deals have been under intense scrutiny. Sources indicate that the issue concerns a significant discrepancy related to Kelce’s compensation, either from a contractual obligation or a financial arrangement connected to his high-profile endorsements.

Reid’s reaction came during a press conference when asked about the situation. Rather than addressing the specifics or engaging in a detailed explanation, Reid’s response was blunt and dismissive. “Not My Problem,” he said, a statement that has since been interpreted as a sign of his frustration with the ongoing media circus surrounding the issue.

The terse comment has fueled speculation and debate about Reid’s stance on the matter. Some analysts suggest that Reid’s response indicates a desire to distance himself from the controversy and avoid getting entangled in financial disputes involving his players. Others interpret it as a sign of Reid’s frustration with how the situation is being handled by the league and the media.

The incident has added a layer of drama to an already charged atmosphere, with fans and commentators weighing in on Reid’s unconventional approach to dealing with such controversies. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how both Reid and Kelce navigate the fallout from this unexpected outburst and how it might impact their standing within the NFL.