GRUNGECAKE

Category: News

  • American Airlines baggage change

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    American Airlines is set to implement significant changes to its carry-on baggage policy in 2025, aligning with stricter international standards and aiming to streamline operations. Currently, passengers are permitted one personal item and one carry-on bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front and not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, whilst the carry-on bag is limited to 22 x 14 x 9 inches, including handles and wheels.

    The forthcoming policy adjustments are expected to reduce the allowable dimensions for both personal items and carry-on bags. This change is in response to recent regulatory updates in European airports, which have introduced more stringent carry-on size restrictions. By adopting these international standards, American Airlines aims to minimise delays caused by overcrowded overhead bins and enhance overall passenger comfort.

    Travelers should be aware that enforcement of these size limitations can vary by airport and aircraft type. Airports like Miami International have been noted for strict enforcement, often requiring passengers to check bags that marginally exceed the specified dimensions. Additionally, certain items, such as lithium batteries and large drones, are prohibited in carry-on luggage due to safety regulations.

    To prepare for these changes, passengers are advised to measure their luggage to ensure compliance with the new size restrictions and to review the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines on prohibited items. Staying informed about these updates will help travelers avoid potential inconveniences and ensure a smoother travel experience.

  • Justin Bieber teases potential music comeback

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    Justin Bieber is reportedly preparing to make a significant return to the music scene in 2025. According to Matthew Belloni of Puck News, the Canadian singer-songwriter is expected to release new material, marking his first major project since the 2021 album ‘Justice’. In recent months, Bieber has been hinting at his musical comeback. In October 2024, he shared a series of photos on Instagram, including images of himself in a recording studio and a picture with his wife, Hailey Bieber. These posts fueled speculation about his return to music.

    Additionally, Bieber made a surprise appearance at Don Toliver’s concert in Los Angeles in October 2024, performing their collaborative track ‘Private Landing’. This performance further indicated his readiness to reengage with the music industry. Beyond his professional endeavours, Bieber has been focusing on his personal life. In August 2024, he and Hailey welcomed their first child, Jack Blues Bieber. The couple has been enjoying parenthood, with sources noting that they are more in love than ever.

    Whilst an official release date for Bieber’s new music has not been announced, fans are eagerly anticipating his return. His previous album, ‘Justice’, received critical acclaim and commercial success, and expectations are high for his upcoming projects.

  • Rosé and Bruno Mars’ mega-hit ‘APT’ reaches platinum status

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    Rosé, a member of the renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK, and American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars have achieved a significant milestone with their collaborative single ‘APT’. The track has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over one million units sold in the United States. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it comes less than three months after the song’s release on October 18, 2024.

    ‘APT’ serves as the lead single from Rosé’s debut studio album, ‘Rosie’, which was released on December 6, 2024. The song has garnered international acclaim, topping charts in several countries. It debuted at number one on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excluding US Charts, marking Rosé’s second chart-topping single on these platforms. In Australia, ‘APT’ became the first song by a solo female K-pop artist to reach number one on the ARIA Singles Chart. Additionally, it peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, making Rosé the first female K-pop soloist to enter the top ten in the United Kingdom. In the United States, the single debuted at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, making Rosé the first female K-pop artist to enter the chart’s top ten.

    The rapid success of ‘APT’ has further solidified Rosé’s position in the global music scene. By November 2024, her rising popularity led to over fifty million monthly listeners on Spotify, breaking the record for the highest number of monthly listeners by a K-pop act on the platform.

    This platinum certification not only underscores the song’s widespread popularity but also highlights the successful collaboration between Rosé and Bruno Mars, blending diverse musical styles and appealing to a broad audience.

  • Daily Paper to close New York City flagship store amid financial hurdles

    Daily Paper, the Amsterdam-based fashion brand renowned for its Afrocentric design influences and storytelling, has announced the closure of its flagship store in downtown New York City. The decision, driven by financial hurdles, marks a bittersweet moment for a brand that has successfully carved a niche in the global streetwear and luxury markets.

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    A bold venture meets economic realities

    The store, opened to much fanfare, symbolised the brand’s ambitious foray into the United States market. Positioned in one of the most vibrant retail districts, the location was an opportunity to connect directly with the brand’s American fanbase, which has grown significantly in recent years. However, as the company revealed, low revenue and mounting operational costs have made it unsustainable to keep the location open.

    Despite its popularity among fashion enthusiasts and influencers, the store struggled to achieve the financial performance needed to sustain its presence in a competitive retail environment. This mirrors broader challenges faced by many independent and mid-sized brands navigating high rents, fluctuating foot traffic, and post-pandemic consumer behavior shifts.

    The vision behind Daily Paper

    Founded in 2012 by Abderrahmane Trabsini, Jefferson Osei, and Hussein Suleiman, Daily Paper quickly gained a reputation for its distinctive aesthetic, which blends African heritage with modern streetwear trends. The brand’s rise has been fueled by its commitment to community and cultural storytelling, resonating with a diverse and loyal customer base worldwide.

    The closure of the New York City store is a setback but does not diminish the brand’s significant impact on fashion culture. Over the years, Daily Paper has collaborated with major names like Puma and gained visibility through celebrities who align with its values.

    Moving forward

    In a statement, Daily Paper expressed gratitude to the New York community for their support, assuring fans that this is not the end of their journey in the United States market. While the physical store is closing, the brand remains focused on e-commerce and alternative retail strategies to continue serving its customers.

    This pivot reflects a broader trend in the fashion industry, where brands increasingly prioritise digital experiences and pop-up events to engage with consumers while minimising overhead costs.

    A reflection of industry trends

    Daily Paper’s story underscores the volatility of the retail landscape, particularly for emerging and independent brands. As economic pressures mount and consumer habits evolve, even highly creative and culturally significant brands are finding it challenging to maintain physical stores in prime locations.

    The closure of the New York City store is a reminder of the importance of adaptability and resilience in a fast-changing market. For fans and fashion insiders, the hope remains that Daily Paper will continue to thrive in other capacities, staying true to its mission of celebrating identity, culture, and community.

    This chapter in the brand’s history, though difficult, is likely to fuel its next phase of innovation and growth, keeping the Daily Paper spirit alive.

  • 2025 Basketball Africa League Combine to be held January 10-12 in Rabat, Morocco

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    The Basketball Africa League will host a Combine in Rabat for a second consecutive year from Friday, January 10 – Sunday, January 12. The three-day scouting event, which will be held at the Ibn Yassine Omnisports Hall, will feature more than thirty aspiring players from Africa, Europe, the United States, and around the world taking part in anthropometric and athletic testing, positional skill development, and 5-on-5 games in front of team executives, coaches and scouts. Six coaches who took part in the Africa Coaches Program at the NBA 2K25 Summer League last July in Las Vegas: Ahmed Salam (Algeria), Francois Enyegue (Cameroon), Leonel Manhique (Mozambique), Mohamed Lamine Kriedeche (Algeria), Ruth Glenna (Gabon) and Victor Samnick (Cameroon) will be part of the coaching staff.

    As part of the Combine, the league will host a BAL4HER women’s camp on January 10 to empower and develop talented young female athletes. The one-day camp will bring together twenty U-23 prospects from local communities around Rabat for an on-court development session. BAL4HER is the league’s platform for advancing gender equity in the African sports ecosystem and celebrating women in the sports industry who serve as role models to young women across the continent. The league will also host a coaching clinic for one-hundred local coaches.

    The BAL’s milestone fifth season will tip off on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco and culminate with the 2025 BAL Finals on Saturday, June 14 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the first BAL games in Morocco and the first time the BAL Finals will be held in South Africa. The 2025 BAL season will feature the top twelve club teams from twelve African countries playing forty-eight games in Rabat; Dakar, Senegal; Kigali, Rwanda; and Pretoria.

    The twelve teams will once again be divided into three conferences of four teams each. Each conference will play a twelve-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice. The Kalahari Conference group phase will take place from April 5 – Sunday, April 13 in Rabat. The Sahara Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, April 26 – Sunday, May 4 at the Dakar Arena in Senegal. The Nile Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 25 at BK Arena in Kigali. Eight teams from across the three conferences will qualify for the Playoffs in Pretoria, which will tip off on Friday, June 6 and culminate with the 2025 BAL Finals on Saturday, June 14. Fans can register their interest in tickets to games in all four markets at this link.

  • South Korean group TXT announces ‘Act: Promise EP 2’ 2025 world tour: See dates

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    South Korean boy band (TXT, or Tomorrow X Together, has officially announced their 2025 world tour, titled ‘Act: Promise EP 2’, marking a significant milestone with their first-ever concerts in Europe.

    Tour Schedule:

    Incheon, South Korea:
    – March 7, 2025 – INSPIRE Arena
    – March 8, 2025 – INSPIRE Arena
    – March 9, 2025 – INSPIRE Arena

    Europe:
    – March 20, 2025 – Barcelona, Spain
    – March 25, 2025 – London, United Kingdom
    – March 27, 2025 – Berlin, Germany
    – March 30, 2025 – Paris, France
    – April 1, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

    The European leg of the tour is particularly noteworthy, as it represents TXT’s inaugural performances on the continent, expanding their global reach and connecting with their international fanbase, known as MOA (Moments of Alwaysness). Prior to the tour, TXT will conclude their 2024 activities with a performance at the 39th Golden Disc Awards on January 5, 2025, before embarking on a long-term break. This hiatus is intended for the members to spend quality time with their families and rest in preparation for the upcoming tour.

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    TXT, comprising members Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Hueningkai, debuted in 2019 under BigHit Music. They have rapidly ascended in the K-pop industry, known for their dynamic performances and relatable music that resonates with youth worldwide. Their previous world tour, ‘Act: Sweet Mirage’, received widespread acclaim, and the upcoming ‘Act: Promise EP 2’ is anticipated to further solidify their status as global artists.

    Fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience TXT’s live performances, which are renowned for their high energy, intricate choreography, and engaging stage presence. As the tour dates approach, further details regarding ticket sales and additional venues are expected to be released, promising an exciting year ahead for MOAs around the world.

  • Listen to SZA’s deluxe version of ‘SOS’ with 15 additional tracks

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    SZA, the acclaimed R&B artist, has officially released the much-anticipated deluxe edition of her sophomore album, ‘SOS’, titled ‘SOS Deluxe: LANA’. The expanded project, which dropped on December 20, 2024, features a total of thirty-eight tracks, including fourteen new songs alongside the original twenty-three tracks from ‘SOS’. The release faced a slight delay; initially scheduled for midnight, it was postponed to noon due to final mixing adjustments. SZA addressed the delay on social media, stating:

    “Just needed a few more hours to make sure everything was perfect for you all.”

    Among the new additions, the track ‘Drive’ has garnered significant attention, accompanied by a music video featuring actor Ben Stiller.

    In the video, Stiller is seen driving and emotively lip-syncing to the song, culminating in a dance sequence on an empty highway. SZA makes an appearance towards the video’s end, transitioning into another track, ‘Crybaby’, donning prosthetics reminiscent of the album cover.

    Reflecting on the journey since the original ‘SOS’ release, SZA expressed gratitude towards her supporters, stating:

    “This past year has been a whirlwind, and I’m so thankful for everyone who has listened and connected with my music. *Lana* is a continuation of that journey, and I can’t wait for you all to experience it.”

    The original ‘SOS’ album achieved remarkable success, spending ten weeks atop the Billboard 200 and earning SZA her first #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. With the release of ‘SOS Deluxe: Lana’, SZA continues to solidify her position as a leading figure in contemporary R&B, offering fans an expanded and enriched musical experience.

  • TIME names WNBA star player Caitlin Clark TIME 100’s ‘Athlete of the Year’

    Caitlin Clark has been named “TIME 100’s Athlete of the Year for 2024”, a testament to her transformative impact on women’s basketball and sports culture. The twenty-two-year-old phenom has shattered records and redefined the fan experience during her illustrious career at the University of Iowa and now in the WNBA. Clark’s electrifying performances have captivated audiences, setting attendance and viewership records. She led Iowa to the 2023 NCAA Championship game, during which nearly ten million viewers tuned in—a milestone for women’s college basketball viewership. Her unparalleled scoring ability, including a record-breaking 191 points in the 2023 NCAA tournament, solidifies her as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

    Beyond statistics, Clark’s influence extends to boosting the sport’s visibility. Her games consistently draw massive live audiences, and she’s been credited with bringing newfound attention and respect to women’s basketball. TIME’s recognition celebrates her not just as an athlete, but as a cultural icon who has elevated women’s sports to unprecedented levels.

    From her collegiate stardom to her professional journey, Caitlin Clark continues to inspire young athletes while breaking barriers in sports. This accolade cements her place in history as a trailblazer redefining what’s possible on and off the court.

  • Jamie Foxx jokingly says he’s done dating white women, post-stroke: “I’m done”

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    Jamie Foxx recently grabbed attention with humor and candid revelations in his Netflix special, ‘What Had Happened Was’. During the show, the Oscar-winning actor reflected on his health recovery from a stroke and joked about his dating preferences. He playfully announced, “No more white girls,” adding a comedic twist with lyrics like “No more potato salad and raisins.” This lighthearted moment was met with laughter as Foxx joked about shifting his romantic outlook following his six-year relationship with Katie Holmes and his recent pairing with Alyce Huckstepp.

    Foxx’s humour extended to addressing rumours of him being cloned, which arose during his recovery. He joked that these speculations were dismissed once he was publicly seen with Huckstepp. The entertainer’s witty remarks added levity to his serious health journey, during which he openly shared details about his brain bleed and expressed gratitude to fans for their support.

    The special highlights Foxx’s resilience, blending his comedic genius with personal insights. His bold declarations and candid reflections continue to showcase his talent for turning life’s challenges into moments of connection and laughter.

  • President Joseph R Biden Jr pardons son Hunter Biden

    On Sunday (December 1), President Joseph R Biden Jr said he pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, after stating he would not interfere with the legal proceedings against him.

    In his statement, President Biden explains why he changed his mind: “Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted.”

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    The President continued, “Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions. It is clear that Hunter was treated differently. 
     
    The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election. Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unraveled in the court room – with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter’s cases.   
     
    No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter’s cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son – and that is wrong. There has been an effort to break Hunter – who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution. In trying to break Hunter, they’ve tried to break me – and there’s no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough. 
     
    For my entire career I have followed a simple principle: just tell the American people the truth. They’ll be fair-minded. Here’s the truth: I believe in the justice system, but as I have wrestled with this, I also believe raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice – and once I made this decision this weekend, there was no sense in delaying it further. I hope Americans will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.”