GRUNGECAKE

Author: grungecake

  • Trump Administration intensifies legal actions against New York’s immigration policies

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    On February 12, 2025, the Trump Administration filed a lawsuit against the state of New York, challenging its sanctuary policies that allegedly impede federal immigration enforcement efforts. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the legal action, asserting that New York’s practices endanger public safety by prioritising undocumented immigrants over citisens.

    The lawsuit specifically targets New York’s “Green Light Law”, which permits undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts the sharing of personal information with federal authorities without a judicial order. Bondi emphasized that such policies would no longer be tolerated, stating, “New York’s prioritisation of illegal aliens over its own citizens will end.”

    In response, Governor Kathy Hochul defended the state’s stance, highlighting the balance between security and privacy that the law aims to achieve. She postponed a scheduled meeting with President Trump following the lawsuit’s announcement.

    This legal action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge sanctuary policies in various states. A similar lawsuit was recently filed against Illinois, signaling the administration’s intent to enforce federal immigration laws more stringently. The lawsuit has intensified tensions between federal and state authorities, with New York officials and immigrant advocacy groups expressing strong opposition. Critics argue that the administration’s actions undermine state sovereignty and instill fear within immigrant communities.

    As the legal battle unfolds, it underscores the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and the balance of power between federal and state governments.

  • TikTok, the Chinese-owned short-form video-hosting service that caused a stir in North America, officially returns

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    According to multiple reports (and the notification I received late last night on my device), TikTok and its sister app CapCut have returned to the United States digital stores (Google Play and the Apple Store). The change comes as a result of assurances from the Trump administration that a ban wouldn’t immediately be enforced. However, the apparent security risks remain. Before anyone jumps to conclusions, let’s give it time to see how it all plays out. Under President Trump’s presidency, he may be able to get an American buyer. Some people are interested in acquiring the Chinese internet company ByteDance app, including YouTube star MrBeast. Notably, Marck Cuban is ready to fund a TikTok alternative built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol.

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  • XG, South Korea-based Japanese popstars, announces exclusive partnership with McDonald’s

    Global pop sensation XG has announced an exclusive partnership with McDonald’s Japan, marking their debut in television advertising. The collaboration features a space-themed commercial that premiered on Japanese television on February 10, 2025. In the ad, the seven-member group—Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona—step into a futuristic “McDonald’s Galaxy”, donning unique, alien-inspired outfits as they join fans, known as Alphaz, for a vibrant #FandomFeast.

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    The campaign extends beyond traditional media with the release of the web movie ‘Fandom Feast (McDonald’s Live Party)’ and a series of three new television spots. These initiatives invite fans to participate in a live McDonald’s party, sharing the excitement alongside their favourite artists. On February 19, XG will host the “#FandomFeast: McFries Feast” live event on McDonald’s official TikTok and YouTube channels, where they will share McDonald’s French Fries with viewers.

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    To celebrate the collaboration, a special ‘McDonald’s Galaxy Exhibition’ will be held at Hakkakukan in Harajuku from February 19 to 23. Fans will have the opportunity to view the outfits worn by XG in the commercial and access behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot. The commercial also features a remixed version of XG’s track ‘In the Rain (McDonald’s Remixx)’, a fresh take on the song from their second mini-album ‘Awe’ that originally made waves on the Billboard 200.

    This partnership comes as XG continues their XG 1st World Tour (The First Howl), with upcoming performances in Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka. In February, they will head to Australia, followed by China in March, and plans to expand into South America later this year. Notably, XG is set to become the only Japanese artist to perform at Coachella 2025, further cementing their global appeal.

    Fans have expressed excitement over the collaboration, noting that it embodies the energetic vibes of XG’s previous hits like ‘Shooting Star’ and ‘Left Right’. This exclusive partnership between XG and McDonald’s Japan not only showcases the group’s innovative approach to connecting with their audience but also highlights their rising prominence in the global music scene.

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  • American global icon Mariah Carey to headline this year’s Brighton Pride festival, after COVID-19 cancellation in 2020

    “It’s going to be a scorcher.”

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    According to the BBC, American global icon Mariah Carey will headline this year’s Brighton Pride Festival in the Summertime at Preston Park on August 2, 2025. The singer, with nineteen number-one singles, will take to the stage. It will be the singing diva’s first time live in the United Kingdom since a series of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in 2019.

    Paul Kemp, the Brighton Pride Managing Director, said, “We were so excited to have her join us in 2020 and absolutely gutted the show couldn’t go ahead due to pandemic restrictions that Summer.”

    Kemp continued, “Pride is always an amazing weekend of celebration and inclusiveness of our city, and this year is going to be incredibly momentous.”

    Carey’s appearance is a due-over linked to the cancellation of the festival in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets go on sale on February 20. You may want to get yours soon since approximately 300,000 people attend every year.

  • The National Park Service falls in line with President Trump’s executive order, mandating recognition of two genders only

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    Today (Thursday, February 13, 2025), during a news report on television, I heard about the removal of the transgender reference across the street from the Stonewall Inn in New York City. To read deeper into the change, I searched online and found an article by The Hill. According to the report, The National Park Service is referred to as the largest agency in line with President Trump’s executive order mandating that the country only recognise two genders (male and female). The changes made to the page dedicated to the Stonewall National Monument were first reported by The New York Times. To put it plainly, the staff deleted the words “transgender” and “queer” from the LGBTQ+ acronym. As a result, it just reads “LGB” for lesbian, gay, and bisexual.

  • Nelly and Ashanti filming new docu-series, following their marriage and first child together

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    According to a report that aired on Fox 2 St Louis, American superstar entertainer Nelly and famous R&B singer-songwriter Ashanti are allegedly shooting a new one-season docu-series with Peacock after reuniting, marrying and having a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, who was born on July 18, 2024. The show promises to give insight into their lives during their first year of marriage and the birth of their first child. There’s no word yet on when the alleged documentary gets an airdate. The Missouri-bred superstar plans to open a bowling alley in Florissant, also, called, “Dirty Bowling”.

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    The couple dated in 2003, and called it quits in 2013. The 2000s couple reunited in 2023.

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  • Kanye West and Bianca Censori reportedly split, heading for divorce

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    According to TMZ, Kanye West and Bianca Censori are reportedly calling it quits after two years of marriage. It comes after the controversial couple’s red-carpet appearance at the 2025 GRAMMYs and several anti-Semitic rants on X (formerly known as Twitter). Fans are speculating reasons for their split. However, according to reports, Censori could get up to five million dollars in a settlement.

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    Editor’s Note (February 13, 2025, 7:58 PM EST):

    Now, on X, these claims were quickly followed by statements from their representatives denying the divorce rumours, indicating that the couple remains together. We’ll have to see what the future holds.

  • Watch Sexyy Red speak to Jennifer Hudson about motherhood, her music career, and working with Bruno Mars

    Recently, Jennifer Hudson sat down with the illustrative and entertaining American superstar rapper Sexyy Red to discuss the “Spirit Tunnel”, how she started rapping, her relationship with her children, and her recent explosive collaboration with global superstar Bruno Mars! Watch the short video clip to see the lovely women converse and how one of today’s hottest rappers interacts with the live studio audience on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

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  • Haitian-American melodic rapper-singer Kam’Geez shares the official video for his latest single ‘Grimas’

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    Over a week ago, rising Massachusetts-based musical artist Kam’Geez shared the official music video to his latest track, ‘Grimas’, where he sings about a disloyal lady called “Life” showcasing dual flows on the track. The ‘That’s On Me’ author covers topics like the people who talk about him when he isn’t present, pretending like he doesn’t hear the lies they spread, and stating that those individuals could never say he’s broke. Check out the Cam Lunden direction below to see the talented bilingual rapper-singer get a tattoo and the faces of the select folks he keeps close.

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  • Shopify takes down Ye’s website selling swastika shirts following Super Bowl ad

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    E-commerce giant Shopify has removed a website affiliated with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, after it was found selling merchandise featuring swastikas. The decision comes in the wake of a controversial Super Bowl advertisement that directed viewers to the website, sparking immediate backlash and public outcry. According to CNBC, Shopify confirmed that it shut down Ye’s storefront for violating its Acceptable Use Policy, which prohibits the sale of hateful or discriminatory content. The website, which had been actively selling shirts emblasoned with swastikas and other offensive symbols, was met with swift criticism from advocacy groups and the public.

    Background on the controversy

    Ye, the rapper and entrepreneur, has been no stranger to controversy. Over the past few years, he has faced significant backlash for his antisemitic comments and inflammatory statements. His business ventures, including his previous partnerships with major brands like Adidas, have suffered as a result of these controversies. The latest incident, which involved using one of the most-watched television events in the United States as a platform for his website, reignited concerns over his influence and messaging.

    Shopify’s response and policy enforcement

    Shopify, which provides e-commerce infrastructure for millions of businesses worldwide, swiftly acted to remove Ye’s website from its platform. In a statement, the company reaffirmed its commitment to prohibiting content that promotes hate or discrimination. The platform’s Acceptable Use Policy explicitly bans users from selling products that incite violence, promote hatred, or feature offensive symbols such as the swastika. This move is not the first time Shopify has taken action against controversial figures. The company has previously deplatformed businesses and individuals for selling extremist or harmful content, reinforcing its stance on maintaining an inclusive and responsible online marketplace.

    Public reaction and industry impact

    The decision to remove Ye’s website has been widely praised by advocacy groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which has been vocal about combating antisemitism and hate speech. Many social media users and industry leaders have applauded Shopify’s swift action, seeing it as a necessary step in preventing the spread of hate-driven content. However, some of Ye’s supporters argue that Shopify’s decision raises questions about free speech and censorship in the digital marketplace. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming response from the business community and human rights organisations has been in favor of Shopify’s action.

    What’s next for Ye?

    This latest controversy adds to Ye’s ongoing struggles in the business world. His reputation, already marred by previous scandals, continues to take a hit, making it increasingly difficult for him to maintain mainstream commercial partnerships. Whilst he still has a dedicated fan base, his ability to leverage traditional platforms for business ventures may become more restricted in the future. As the fallout from this incident unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Ye will attempt to relaunch his store on an alternative platform or if other tech companies will follow Shopify’s lead in distancing themselves from his brand.

    Regardless, this move underscores the growing responsibility of tech platforms in regulating the content they host and the impact of corporate accountability in shaping digital commerce.