As Democrats have ratcheted up condemnation of "replacement theory" in the wake of Saturday's mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, some Republicans on Capitol Hill have shied away from rejecting the racist idea that some members of their own party have espoused. At a news conference Tuesday afternoon, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was asked repeatedly about his views of "replacement theory," a conspiracy theory that holds that Democrats are trying to replace white Americans with undocumented immigrants and people of color in order to win elections. He repeatedly avoided denouncing it outright. MORE: How 'replacement theory' became prominent in mainstream US politics McConnell was asked whether he, as the party leader, had a responsibility to speak out against the theory, which authorities say was adopted by the 18-year-old white man accused of killing 10 Black people at a local food market. He responded by denouncing the actions of the suspect, … [Read more...] about McConnell, when asked, fails to denounce racist ‘replacement theory’
Algerian rapper Soolking plays Harlem’s Apollo during debut US tour
As his merengue-inflected single "Suavemente" once again topped France's songs chart, Algerian rapper Soolking was stateside, delighting fans and wooing new followers with his blend of rap and Maghrebian folk music. Already acclaimed in the Francophone world, the Algerian rapper Soolking this year set his sights on North America, where he played historic venues including New York's Apollo and the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles. "I never thought that one day I would come here to sing," the artist born Abderraouf Derradji told AFP backstage ahead of his set at Harlem's esteemed venue, which launched the careers of icons including Billie Holiday and Aretha Franklin, and where James Brown recorded a groundbreaking live album. "It's a mythical hall like Paris' Olympia... where so many legendary artists have performed," said Soolking, wearing oval sunglasses and a black beanie. "It's an honor for me; it's cool." Born and raised in a suburb of Algiers, the 32-year-old was born to a … [Read more...] about Algerian rapper Soolking plays Harlem’s Apollo during debut US tour
Justin Trudeau shares good news for royal fans
An opinion poll released by the Angus Reid research group in April shows a growing share of Canadians support eventually abolishing the country’s constitutional monarchy, with about 51% saying it should disappear in coming generations, up from 45% in January 2020. Although Canada ceased being a British colony in 1867, it remained a member of the British Commonwealth, with a British-appointed governor-general acting on the monarch’s behalf. But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday said Canadians are not preoccupied with constitutional change as Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla kicked off their Canadian tour in the eastern province of Newfoundland. “When I hear from Canadians about the things they’re preoccupied about, and the things they want their governments to work on, it’s not about constitutional change,” he said. The three-day tour, the prince’s 19th of Canada, will include the Northwest Territories and Canada’s capital region, and is focused on the … [Read more...] about Justin Trudeau shares good news for royal fans
Fast 10: Jason Momoa looks excited in new video with Vin Diesel
Jason Momoa replaced Dwayne the Rock Johnson after the latter refused to work on the Fast & Furious 10. The Game of Thrones actor is currently filming for the upcoming film with Vin Diesel and he looks quite excited to become part of the most popular franchise. Vin Diesel on Tuesday shared a video with Jason Momoa from the sets of Fast 10. Taking to Instagram, Diesel shared the video and revealed that the actors are busy filming for the highly anticipated movie. "Week 5, day one of an intense new action sequence,' he captioned the video. In March, Jason Momoa revealed that he will be playing an antagonist in the upcoming Fast & Furious 10. He disclosed the information during the red carpet of The Batman. He was recently seen in Denis Villeneuve’s Dune and is famous for his role in Aquaman and Game of Thrones. Fast 10, a working title expected to change, is rumoured to be the last film in the franchise. It is expected to feature the return of stars including … [Read more...] about Fast 10: Jason Momoa looks excited in new video with Vin Diesel
Five people charged in connection to New Year’s Day death at Manukau Velodrome
RICKY WILSON/STUFF Police examine a scene at Manukau Velodrome after a man died in Middlemore Hospital on New Year's Day. Five men have been charged in connection to the death of Joseph Tauati at the Manukau Velodrome on New Year's Day. Tauati, 21, arrived at Middlemore Hospital and died of his injuries shortly afterwards, police previously said. Court documents show three men have now been charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Tauati on New Year's Day. Two men have also been charged with assault. Two of the men charged are aged 22. The rest are aged 23, 28 and 31. READ MORE: Police name man who died in Manukau velodrome homicide Two groups clashed before Manukau velodrome death, police say Police at Manukau Velodrome after man dies overnight, homicide probe launched All five are set to appear at the Manukau District Court on Wednesday. Police previously said there was an altercation between two groups of people in the Manukau Velodrome … [Read more...] about Five people charged in connection to New Year’s Day death at Manukau Velodrome