
Atlanta rapper OG Maco has died. He was 32. The musician, whose real name was Benedict Chiajulam Ihesiba Jr, grew up in the Atlanta suburb of College Park, Georgia. His 2014 debut single “U Guessed It” was a landmark of the trap genre and became a viral hit on Vine and other social media platforms. An official remix featuring 2 Chainz helped the song reach the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. His death was confirmed in a statement by his family on his offical Instagram account: “With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved Ben, known to the world as OG Maco. “His life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and boundless love. Through his music, passion, and unwavering spirit, he touched so many lives and left a lasting impact. “While we grieve this immense loss, we also celebrate the extraordinary life he lived – one that will continue to inspire and uplift others. Maco’s influence, both as an artist and as a person, will remain forever etched in our hearts.” The statement concluded: “For those who wish to offer condolences, share memories, or connect with the family, please reach out through this account. Your support means more than words can express. “To all of Maco’s fans, friends, and supporters: thank you for standing by him throughout his journey. Today, we celebrate a life that was extraordinary in every way.” According to TMZ , Maco was admitted to hospital on December 12 after suffering what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He spent two weeks in a coma before taking a turn for the worse and entering into critical condition. As well as his breakout single “U Guessed It”, Maco was also known for collaborating with Diplo on single “Doctor Pepper” and for his 2021 debut album The God Of Rage . If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. In the UK, people having mental health crises can contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org
Chandigarh: Punjab assembly speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on Tuesday advocated immediate action to discard error-ridden Punjabi, Hindi, and English editions of Gurshabd Ratnakar Mahan Kosh published by Punjabi University . Sandhwan also asked the higher education department to submit a report within three weeks. He said that this work is extremely important to “maintain the supremacy of Gurbani and rectify the misconceptions for future generations.” On Monday, Sandhwan convened a meeting for the conservation of the historic Diwan Todar Mal Haveli in Fatehgarh Sahib. It was attended by the Punjab tourism minister, officials of the department, and representatives of the Diwan Todar Mal Heritage Foundation and SGPC. Sandhwan on Monday also accused the Centre of turning a blind eye to the genuine demands of farmers, leaving them to languish on the roads instead of addressing their grievances. Urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open channels of communication with the farmers, he stressed that the Centre must take decisive action and resolve the farmers’ issues “without dragging its feet.” We also published the following articles recently Narwekar front-runner for Maharashtra assembly speaker in election on Monday Rahul Narwekar is likely to be re-elected as Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Monday. The BJP is expected to retain the crucial post. Narwekar's handling of recent disqualification cases has earned him praise. If Narwekar is chosen for a ministerial role, Sudhir Mungatiwar is a potential replacement. Special assembly session from Monday, Rabindra Nath Mahto likely to retain speakers post Jharkhand's Nala MLA Rabindra Nath Mahto is likely to be re-elected as Speaker of the State Assembly during its upcoming session. Although Mahto desired a ministerial position, the Hemant Soren-led government, now at full capacity, may propose him for the speakership again. The session, starting Monday, will see pro tem speaker Stephen Marandi administering oaths to newly elected MLAs. Haryana khap leaders respond to farmers march to Delhi: Demand unity among Punjab farmers Haryana's Khap leaders have expressed their willingness to join the farmers' protest march to Delhi, but only if the United Morcha (SKM) unites first. They emphasized that internal politics among Punjab farmer groups is hindering the movement's progress. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level MediaAlabama A&M fires football coach Connell Maynor after 7 seasons
Ice might not be safe on New Hampshire lakes, ponds; here's what to watch forGypsy Rose Blanchard has finalized her divorce . The sign-off couldn’t have come at a better time. The former prisoner is set to welcome her first child with Ken Urker in January. Apparently, She wants to set one more thing straight before she and Urker embark on their journey as parents. She recently recanted statements she made about her sex life with her ex-husband, Ryan Anderson . Gypsy Rose Blanchard is changing her tune about her sex life with Ryan Anderson Now that her divorce from Ryan Anderson is official, Gyspy Rose Blanchard is clearing the air about their sex life. In a chat with People , Blanchard revealed she never enjoyed the sexual aspect of her relationship with Anderson. She told the publication that she had approached Anderson privately about their lack of chemistry, but nothing improved. She chalked the problem up to a lack of attraction, insisting that everything changed for her sexually when she and Urker were first intimate. Blanchard’s recent admission is entirely different from what she had to say about her sexual experiences with Anderson when they were still together. Just after her release from prison, Blanchard defended her then-husband from social media trolls who criticized his looks and questioned his motives. She suggested the “haters” were just jealous before insisting the “D is fire.” Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s relationship timeline Gypsy Rose Blanchard spent most of her life so far imprisoned by her mother and then detained for her mother’s murder. That didn’t stop her from finding love, though. In 2017, she started a relationship with Ken Urker after he contacted her via letter while she was serving a prison term for her role in her mother’s murder. They wrote letters and then took their relationship to phone calls before making things official. They were engaged the following year but broke things off. In 2019, they briefly reconnected before Blanchard moved on to Ryan Anderson, who was also a pen pal first. Gyspy Rose Blanchard now insists there was no sexual chemistry between herself and Ryan Anderson, but the duo were married. Blanchard and Anderson wed in a jailhouse ceremony in 2022. He regularly visited her bride before her release, but things were often shaky. According to Betches , the relationship was never solid. The publication reveals that Blanchard was in contact with Urker in the weeks leading up to her wedding to Anderson. She even confessed her feelings for her ex to her soon-to-be-husband before their wedding. They worked through the issue and married anyway. When Blanchard was released from prison in December 2023, Anderson was on hand to take her home. The duo started their life together, but trouble arose quickly. By March 2024, the couple had separated. She was spotted spending time with Urker, who she claimed was just a “friend,” days later. By late April, the pair were seen making out. In July, six months after her release from prison, she announced her pregnancy.
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Bengals quarterback 's home was broken into during Monday night's game against the Cowboys in the latest home burglary of a pro athlete in the U.S., authorities said Tuesday. No one was injured in the break-in, but the home was ransacked, according to a report provided by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Deputies weren't immediately able to determine what items were stolen. A person who is employed by Burrow arrived at the Anderson Township home Monday night to find a shattered bedroom window and the home in disarray. The person called their mother, and then 911 was contacted, according to the report. Deputies reached out to neighbors in an attempt to piece together surveillance footage. "Our investigators are exploring every avenue," public information officer Kyla Woods said. The homes of Chiefs stars and were broken into in October. In the NBA, Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis had his home broken into Nov. 2, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley's home was burglarized on Sept. 15 while he was at a game. Portis had offered a $40,000 reward for information. The NFL and NBA issued security alerts to players after those break-ins, urging them to take additional precautions to secure their homes. In league memos previously obtained by The Associated Press, the NFL said homes of professional athletes across multiple sports have become "increasingly targeted for burglaries by organized and skilled groups." The NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to "transnational South American Theft Groups" that are "reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices." Some of the burglary groups have conducted extensive surveillance on targets, including attempted home deliveries and posing as grounds maintenance or joggers in the neighborhood, according to officials.In the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon will take on the role of a transgender woman in a casting that has received mixed reactions online. The sequel will premiere on Netflix on Dec 26. It comes three years after the K-drama, about a high-stakes game where players put their lives on the line, became the most-watched series on the streaming platform. The first season in 2021 garnered more than 330 million views. Park, 39, is known for playing villains in series like The Glory (2022 to 2023) and Queen Of Tears (2024). In Squid Game 2, he will portray Hyun-ju, a former special forces soldier who joins the brutal game to win money for gender reassignment surgery. In a clip introducing the cast, Park said of Hyun-ju: “Even though she faces prejudice and tough situations, she shows incredible strength, decisiveness and natural leadership. Through her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character.” A transgender character in films or TV is rare in conservative South Korea, where there are no laws to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And while it seems the character was designed with good intentions, the casting of Park – a cisgender male – in the role of a transgender woman has divided opinions. While some praised the diversity of the characters in the series and the representation of a minority group, others on social media platforms such as X wondered why the role could not be given to a transgender actress, who might also be raising money for surgery like Hyun-ju. One netizen wrote: “A (cisgender) man pretending to be part of a minority group just doesn’t sit right with me.” But others backed the decision. Some felt that given South Korea’s fairly conservative society, where there are few openly queer public figures, a transgender actress would be exposed to intense vitriol if she were cast. One netizen said: “How do you expect (the production of Squid Game) to find a (transgender) actress who is willing to out herself to get the role, who hasn’t done any gender-affirming surgery, who can act and who is willing to withstand transphobic comments from people from (South Korea) and all over the world?” Series with LGBTQ characters have come under fire before from conservative groups in South Korea. In October, the series Love In The Big City (2024) – about a gay man and a straight woman navigating their romantic lives while living together – had to remove its trailer, which featured romantic scenes between men, from YouTube. Conservative groups criticised the show for “glorifying and promoting homosexuality”.
US expected to send £1 billion in weapons to Ukraine before Trump takes office
Where to buy GK Barry’s personalised necklace that she’s been spotted wearing in the I’m A Celeb jungleUS expected to send £1 billion in weapons to Ukraine before Trump takes officePostal worker steals credit card from mail and goes shopping with mom in Florida, feds say