About McKinley Franklin

Roberto E. Wirth

Yesterday, Sunday, June 5, Roberto E. Wirth passed away suddenly at the age of 72. Fifth generation of a Swiss family of hoteliers and profoundly deaf since birth, Roberto Wirth always had a dream since childhood: to run a completely independent hotel and become a respected hotelier.

Thanks to his determination, always keeping his goal in mind, he succeeded in making his Hassler an icon in the International hospitality business. The Hassler has always been his passion as well as his home. With his motto “Never give up,” over the years he managed to develop the family business and expand its portfolio: Il Palazzetto in Rome, Parco del Principe in Tuscany, Borgo Bastia Creti in Umbria, and Hotel Vannucci in Citt della Pieve, also in Umbria.

“My five jewels,” he would say. These were and forever will be Mr. Wirth’s treasures.

His education and training started in Milan, at the Stresa Hospitality School, followed by experiences at Cornell University which allowed him to become the great man and entrepreneur we all knew. Brilliant, attentive, and forward-thinking, he has never ceased his personal commitment both to his city of Rome, where as president of the Via Sistina-via F. Crispi Association he has always fought for the redevelopment and decorum of the historic center, and to his non-profit organization, the Assistance Center for Deaf and Deafblind Children (CABSS).

Since 2004, his foundation CABSS has been supporting deaf and deaf-blind children from newborn to 6 years old as well as their families. Sharing his personal achievements in his biography Silence was my first friend, he carried his message forward: “Always look ahead with determination and confidence. Everything is possible in life and, with commitment, everyone can make it. We, deaf people can do everything but hear.” In 1992, he established a Fulbright – Roberto Wirth scholarship giving young both deaf and hearing graduates the opportunity to specialize at Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Gallaudet University is the only bilingual (American Sign Language and English) university in the world that is also accessible to deaf and deaf-blind students.

The best way to honor his memory is to treasure his life and how he led by example, cultivating values of humanity, responsibility and open-mindedness. His children Veruschka and Roberto Jr will now carry on their father’s legacy with the utmost pride.

ABOUT HOTEL HASSLER ROMA

Set atop the Spanish Steps and featuring a panoramic view of the entire city, Hotel Hassler Roma is owned by President and General Manager Roberto E. Wirth, fifth generation of a famous Swiss hotelier dynasty. For more than a century, Hotel Hassler Roma has continued its legacy as Romeߣs five-star lodging of choice for the worldߣs elite and discerning travelers. Each of the 87 rooms, 21 of which are suites, is individually designed with an elegant combination of classic and contemporary touches. Highlights include the Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant, Im&#e0;go, the Salone Eva and Palm Court restaurant and the Hassler Bar, as well as the neighboring, Hassler-owned Il Palazzetto, a hotel, wine bar and special event space.

Azulito the Penguin

Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego officially named one of their Little Blue Penguins. After receiving nearly 2,500 votes, this charismatic penguin will be named Azulito, which translates to “little blue” in Spanish. The name reveal took place Friday morning in the aquarium’s Giant Kelp Forest. Divers unfurled a banner underwater with the winning name surrounded by Leopard Sharks, Moray Eels and swaying kelp fronds while some of the Little Blues looked on.

“This is the first time we have invited the public to help name one of our animals. So, it was a special moment for aquarium fans as well as our staff. We hope this is the beginning of a long tradition of naming our penguins,” said Kayla Strate, lead penguin aquarist. “We want to thank everyone who submitted a name online. Azulito is the perfect fit for this tiny penguin and we love that it’s a nod to our binational region.”

Voters were asked to choose between five names — each option with unique ties to San Diego, Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego — during a naming campaign that launched on World Penguin Day (April 25). Azulito won by a landslide with 924 votes. Diego trailed behind with 588 votes and Flip came in third with 438, followed by Triton and Torrey with 234 and 281 votes, respectively.

Later this month, Azulito — along with Magic, Nero, Persimmon, Reka, Cornelius and Katie — will move into their new home. Guests can meet Azulito and the rest of the colony starting July 12 when Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins opens.

The 2,900 square foot exhibit follows the world’s smallest penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make Little Blues so unique (and adorable).

Penguin lovers will now be able to spend more time with the aquarium’s newest residents when the aquarium’s summer hours kick off on July 1. The aquarium will stay open until 7 p.m. daily, from July 1 to September 5, 2022.

Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins is included in the cost of general admission to Birch Aquarium which is $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17. Tickets for July are now available online. Advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Visit HERE for more information or to make a reservation.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves by engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 500,000 guests as well as more than 50,000 pre-K-12 students each year. Visit HERE for more information.

GIVĒON – GOT

Gearing up for the R&B event of the year, GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum R&B star GIVĒON will unveil his anxiously awaited full-length debut album, Give Or Take, on June 24, 2022 via Not So Fast/Epic Records. It is available for pre-order/pre-save HERE.

Setting the stage for the record, the Long Beach singer just shared a cinematic and stylish trailer for the album. Watch it HERE. In the clip, he sits in a condo engrossed in conversation with his mom as he scans the Los Angeles cityscape below him and sets the stage for what fans can expect on this project. Scenes of live footage and memories intercut with these pensive moments, conveying tension and emotion all at once.

He recently heralded Give Or Take with the ballad “Lie Again.” It has already amassed over 8.9 million Spotify streams and 4.4 million YouTube views on the music video. Right out of the gate, Rolling Stone hailed it as “beautifully painful,” and Complex proclaimed, “He shows his strength in vocals as he asks his partner to lie to him about past indiscretions.”

Stay tuned for more from GIVĒON soon.

Last September, GIVĒON shared “For Tonight,” the lead single off his forthcoming debut LP which is now RIAA certified Gold. The song was praised by outlets such as Complex and Rolling Stone on its way to amassing more than 175 million streams worldwide. Earlier this month, GIVĒON released a live version of “For Tonight” as part of the VEVO LIFT performance series. That followed his appearance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards where GIVĒON joined Justin Bieber and Daniel Caesar for a smooth, jam session-style performance of their chart-topping hit “Peaches.”

GIVĒON also kicked off his European tour titled “FROM THE FIVE SIX TWO” with two outstanding performances this past Tuesday and Wednesday evening in Amsterdam at Paradiso. The tour continues in Berlin, Germany on Friday June 3^rd and tickets are available at www.giveonofficial.com. With “For Tonight” and “Lie Again” GIVĒON offers another tantalizing taste of those shows and his debut album, further cementing his status as one of modern R&B’s great storytellers.

FROM THE FIVE SIX TWO tour dates:

Wednesday, June 1 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Paradiso

Friday, June 3 — Berlin, Germany — Kesselhaus

Sunday, June 5 — Paris, France — Elysee-Montmartre

Monday, June 6 — Paris, France — Elysee Montmarte

Wednesday, June 8 — Cologne, Germany — Kantine

Friday, June 10 — Barcelona, Spain — Primavera Sound

ABOUT GIVĒON

GIVĒON has made himself one of music’s brightest stars by bringing vivid color, depth, and soul to songs that capture the intensity of life’s twists and turns. After coming to fame via Drake’s “Chicago Freestyle,” the CA native became a force in his own right. GIVĒON had a whirlwind 2020 after releasing his Platinum-certified “Like I Want You” (225 million cross-platform streams in the US). He kept the momentum with “Heartbreak Anniversary,” a gauzy ballad that peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100, garnered over 951 million worldwide streams, and earned 2X Platinum status. In March 2020, GIVĒON’s debut EP, Take Time, confirmed his evocative songwriting prowess and would be nominated for Best R&B Album at the 2021 Grammys. His fall When It’s All Said and Done EP further explored the peaks and valleys of love and, when re-packaged with its predecessor in 2021, hit #5 on the Billboard 200. After being nominated for a 2020 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist, he won BET’s 2021 Best New Artist, and his audience is growing—to the tune of over 1.7 billion streams globally. He even hit #1 on the Hot 100 in March on Justin Bieber’s “Peaches.” That hit helped him win the award for Best Pop Song at the 2021 MTV VMA‘s where he was nominated for seven awards including Best New Artist, Best R&B and Best Pop Song. Drake then invited GIVĒON back into his world, this time for a sizzling verse on Certified Lover Boy’s “In the Bible” with Lil Durk—one of a guaranteed run of thrilling collabs to come. And at his festival debut, Lollapalooza 2021, he found a sea of voices who knew his lyrics. But success has never really been a goal— GIVĒON just wants to bear his soul.

JACQUEES – Say Yea

Jacquees releases his all-new single “Say Yea,” accompanied by a summer-inspired music video.

Stream the single HERE and catch the music video HERE.

About the single, ThisIsRNB stated, “Jacquees never misses. The single “Say Yea” out now can definitely become the summer anthem for all the smooth talkers…”

HipHopNMore, too, raved about the track when stating, “…if “Say Yea” tells us anything, then we know that we’re in for some sticky sweet R&B goodness.”

About Cash Money Records:

Since 1991, Brothers Bryan “Birdman” Williams aka “Baby” and Ronald “Slim” Williams have built Cash Money Records into a legendary force in the music industry. Through tireless devotion and an unparalleled work ethic, the duo founded the legendary label in the New Orleans housing projects and elevated it into a multi-million-dollar empire and cultural tastemaker. Not only is the company revered as an iconic and enduring global street brand, it’s become the most successful independent record label in America boasting a bevy of chart-dominating, multi-platinum artists and Grammy Award winners and cumulative sales over 100 million albums worldwide, the roster includes Jacquees, Blueface, Deemic, Juvenile and more. The label also houses Lil Wayne‘s imprint Young Money Entertainment (Drake and Nicki Minaj) as well as a publishing arm Cash Money Content. Cash Money Records is distributed by Republic Records, a division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company.

Jake Scott – Green Eyes

Pop singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jake Scott has released his new song, “Green Eyes.” Co-written and co-produced by Scott and Josh Kerr (Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, Camila Cabello), the melodic track blends stripped-down guitars with Scott’s heartfelt vocals. In true Jake Scott fashion, the offering chronicles his love story with his wife Rachel, illustrated by vivid and honest lyricism. “Green Eyes” is out today on all streaming services, with a companion lyric video available to watch HERE.

“‘Green Eyes’ is about that first spark, that moment of connection with someone new. It makes the simple sacred and if youߣre lucky, becomes the start of a story youߣll tell forever,” said Scott.

In March, Scott made his national television debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show, performing his anthemic, anecdotal track “Texas Girl.” Scott hails from Arkansas a state that rivals Texas and ended up falling for his wife a Dallas native regardless. At the top of the year, he also sold out every date on his first ever North American headline tour. Additionally, Scott’s 2021 collaboration with multi-platinum country star Russell Dickerson “She Likes It” is now RIAA Certified Gold and has amassed nearly 100M total global streams. The song is currently #38 on the Mediabase Country chart, and #35 on Billboard Country Airplay as well. Along with being a featured artist on the track, Scott also co-penned the song with Dickerson, underscoring his prowess as a songwriter.

Scott is currently on the road supporting Ben Rector on tour, which hits Houston, TX at 713 Music Hall this evening. The full itinerary of dates can be found below, with all tickets available HERE.

Named one of People Magazine’s “Emerging Artists” to watch, Scott is currently in the studio working on his first full-length project with Elektra Records. Stay tuned for more to come, including more live shows this year.

Before – NIKI

Today, Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter, and producer NIKI unveils her new single and accompanying video for “Before.” The track is the first single from her forthcoming album Nicole. NIKI first announced the album on her social media pages earlier this week, read more HERE.

Stream/download the track HERE.

Watch the music video HERE.

The reflective record is tinged with nostalgia and sees NIKI yearning for a past relationship that has come to an end and grappling with navigating her feelings and how to let go. The reverb-drenched and scaled-back production of the track highlights NIKI’s lyrical ability to evoke strong emotions and sentimentality through her music.

“Before” continues to see NIKI shine revisiting her singer/songwriter roots through her genuine storytelling as seen on previous singles like “Split” released late last year.

In the accompanying music video, NIKI flies across the globe to the United States in an attempt to rekindle a relationship, but something feels amiss. The video is directed by Isaac Ravishankara and stars Indonesian-American actor Peter Adrian Sudarso opposite NIKI.

On the track, NIKI says “‘Before’ is the irresolute ending to my very first love story. I wrote it as a means to create the kind of closure I never had. I also feel itߣs ironically poetic to open this new chapter by telling you how it ends first. I’m so proud of it, and I can’t think of a better song to introduce the ultimate break-up record I’ve always fantasized of putting out but somehow haven’t until now.”

The release of “Before” comes fresh off the heels of NIKI’s unforgettable performance at Coachella in April, where she became the first Indonesian artist to ever perform at the festival, alongside Rich Brian. NIKI will follow up her Coachella appearance with a performance at 88rising’s 2022 Head in the Clouds Festival this August at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. NIKI previously performed at the 2021 Head in the Clouds Festival last November with a striking set that received acclaim from MTV, Flaunt, and The AV Club who hailed her a “goddamn superstar.”

Watch her full performance at the festival HERE.

Most recently, 88rising and NIKI collaborated with Honda on a new docu-series that captured her journey to Coachella, storying her time leading up to her dazzling performance. 88rising is the first Asian music media partner to collaborate with Honda on their music program. The docu-series presented by Honda highlighted various firsts for NIKI from chronicling her first Coachella performance to watching her journey in her first car, a 2022 Honda CR-V Hybrid, capturing this full circle moment all while celebrating her Indonesian heritage, as both episodes were released last month during AAPI Month. Watch episode 1 HERE and episode 2 HERE.

To date, NIKI has accumulated over 1.8 billion streams across all platforms. Her hit single “Every Summertime” from the soundtrack of Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings recently went viral and currently has over 220 million streams and climbing. The track, written and produced by NIKI and longtime collaborator Jacob Ray is an exuberant love song with a throwback sound reminiscent of classic R&B and soul. Stream the track HERE.

The aforementioned “Split” comes from the upcoming Head In The Clouds 3 collaboration album, 88rising’s game-changing third installation of the world-building effort that brings together rising artists from East to West. A retro slowburn, complete with steel guitar and NIKI’s sweet rasp, “Split” sees the 23-year-old’s artistic force chronicling the ache of feeling split between two worlds and two homes. Like all her well-loved songs, “Split” leaves a mark

Listen to “Split” HERE.

ABOUT NIKI

With over 1.8 BILLION+ streams to date, 23-year-old NIKI has slammed the door on the conventions of pop stardomߞwriting, recording, and producing her music on her own. Born in Jakarta and based in Los Angeles, NIKI has captured the attention of audiences around the world, earning praise from Billboard “as one of the brightest rising stars.” Earning wide critical acclaim since her breakthrough “Zephyr”, and her debut album, “MOONCHILD”, NIKI has cultivated fans around the globe with her expressive voice, personal songwriting and genre-blurring artistry, becoming a vibrant symbol of and an advocate for a generation of Asian musical artists.

NIKI’s debut album “MOONCHILD” was released on September 10, 2020 and currently has over 172M streams to date. Complex called MOONCHILD “a full-length offering reflective of the Indonesian vocalist/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist growth and abilities.” i-D shared that NIKI’s storytelling on MOONCHILD was “something we can only aspire to do.” To date, NIKI has garnered over 1.8 B+ streams and received praises from outlets like Harper’s BAZAAR, Forbes, Teen Vogue, Hypebae, and more.

Most recently, NIKI’s song “Every Summertime,” which appeared on the Marvel, Shang-Chi Legend of The Legend Ten Rings Official Soundtrack landed on Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits and Pop Rising amongst others and has been streamed over 200 million times worldwide. She was also the first Indonesian artist, alongside Rich Brian to ever take the stage at Coachella. She is also currently the face of Guess Originals Spring campaign.

With her Indonesian heritage essential to her story, she feels “a social responsibility representing Asian artists, especially as a role model for girls.” For aspiring Asian and Asian American talents aiming to break cultural norms and overcome music industry under-representation, NIKI proves that the highest dreams are indeed within reach.

Tiago PZK – Nos Comemos

The titan of the new wave of urban music coming out of Argentina, Tiago PZK, and global Latin music icon, Ozuna, join forces today and release a new single titled “Nos Comemos“ — an epic collaboration that promises to become a global hit.

The raucous new single “Nos Comemos,” a throwback reggaeton stomp penned by Tiago PZK and Ozuna, was recorded in Miami and Buenos Aires and produced by studio wizard Big One. The song’s eye-catching video directed by the fast-rising newcomer Martin Seipel was shot in April at a gas station and on the streets of Miami. The video relates the tale of two groups – one led by Tiago PZK and Ozuna – and the other comprised of female drivers with whom they end up challenging to a 2 vs 2 race on which everyone will bet everything they have.

“This collaboration came about in a very natural way,” says Tiago PZK. “I went to Miami after having performed in Las Vegas at the Latin American Music Awards. That night, I went to a BRESH party and there we met Ozuna. We hit it off, exchanged phone numbers, and I shared the song with him via WhatsApp. That same day in the afternoon, he already had his verse recorded. I think the result was very good and hopefully people will like it.”

Tiago PZK’s career continues to grow by leaps and bounds, demonstrating his formidable talent and astonishing versatility when it comes to composing and performing his songs. Armed with resounding success in Argentina and now, globally, as well, Tiago makes debut duet with an international artist, the first of many.

Last night, Tiago took the stage at the Premios HEAT Awards from Cap Cana, Dominican Republic where he performed his hit collaboration with Bizarrap, “Bombona” (BZRP Session #48) and took home two awards in the following categories: “Best Artist Southern Region” and “Best Video” for global hit “Entre Nosotros Remix”. Prior to this performance, he also performed “Entre Nosotros Remix” live for the first time at the Latin American Music Awards 2022 with Maria Becerra and LIT killah, receiving rave reviews and being the most viewed of the night. In addition, he performed at Vibra Urbana in Las Vegas and had impressive performances in Mexico in May.

Currently, the rising superstar coming out of Argentina is putting the finishing touches on his first studio album coming soon under Warner Music Latina/ Grand Move Records.

A.X.E: JUDGEMENT DAY

Years of tension and secrets between the heroes of the Marvel Universe will erupt into an emotional and apocalyptic war in A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY, the latest Marvel Comics crossover event coming this summer. Written by mastermind talent Kieron Gillen and featuring the grand-scale artwork of Valerio Schiti and color artist Marte Gracia, A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY will be a six-issue series that will spin out into multiple limited series, one-shots, and tie-in issues of your favorite ongoing series. The extraordinary odyssey will tie together radical plot developments that have been brewing in the pages of AVENGERS, ETERNALS, and X-MEN titles and leave a monumental impact on these three factions and their relationships with eachother moving forward.

The Avengers have become a more powerful global force than ever from their base inside a long-dead Celestial. The X-Men have achieved a form of immortality on their utopian island nation of Krakoa. And the Eternals have begun a new cycle of life as they continue their sworn mission to eliminate the Deviants. But when the Eternals learn that mutantkind itself is a form of excess deviation, a vicious assault on Krakoa ensues – with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes trapped in the middle. Get your glimpse at the opening battles in the all-new A.X.E.: JUGDMENT DAY #1 trailer, featuring never-before-seen artwork.

“Honestly, for me, speaking as a reader as much as a writer, there’s nothing worse than an event that comes out of nowhere,” Gillen said in a recent interview with Popverse. “It had to come from the books. So yeah, I was looking at the Avengers, what Jason [Aaron] has built in the mythology there. I was looking at the X-Books, the secrets of Krakoa coming to light, and I was looking at what I was doing in Eternals, which dances with both of them, the various tensions in Eternal society there. And now, that’s stuff going to blow up. It’s just that kind of ‘Oh, look, these are three logical strains that are intersecting, let’s then bring them forth and see what happens with them.'”

Check out the new trailer now and be there for the latest Marvel Comics epic when A.X.E.: JUDGMENT DAY #1 arrives on July 20. And don’t miss the exciting buildup in a special prelude issue, A.X.E.: EVE OF JUDGMENT #1, as well as current issues of AVENGERS, ETERNALS, IMMORTAL X-MEN, and X-MEN.

June Top Stories

It’s official; we’ve hit the midway point of 2022. With such an array of breaking news headlines so far this year, let’s review the most resounding stories in the month of June.

Tulsa Shooting

Four people were killed in a shooting that broke out at a campus hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just eight days after the catastrophic shooting at Robb Elementary School. The gunman, unidentified, was also found dead, producing a total of five fatalities. As the shooting broke out, panic set in as there were “hundreds of rooms and hundreds of people,” located in the hospital, as reported by Richard Meulenberg.

NFL Player Jeff Gladney Dies

After suffering a fatal car accident in Dallas, Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney has passed away. At the scene of the crash, along with Gladney, it was confirmed that Andrea Mercedes Palacios was also killed.

Previous Dallas Cowboys Player Marion Barber Found Dead

Marion Barber, former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, was discovered dead in his Frisco apartment. A complaint about a water leak was reported from Barber’s apartment, and police conducted a welfare check. At the scene, they found Barber neglected and unalive. It is uncertain what the cause of his death was.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Defamation Suit Ends

After a strenuous courtroom battle, both Johnny Depp and Amber Heard were found legally responsible for defamation by the jury. Their ultimate decision found Heard slandered Depp in three varying statements, with Depp defaming Heard in one statement.

Regarding the financial components, the jury awarded Depp with $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages. For Heard, she was awarded $2 million in compensatory damages.

Jubilee Live Updates: UK kicks off celebrations for Elizabeth II’s 70th year on the throne, United Kingdom

The ‘Trooping the color’ military parade kicks off four days of celebrations across the country for Queen Elizabeth II‘s Platinum Jubilee. Britain’s longest-serving monarch appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with other members of the royal family at 11 am Thursday. Today, June 2nd, is the first of four days of the Platinum Jubilee festivities.

Thousands of people have flocked to the British capital (London) to greet a queen who arrives at the event at the height of her popularity. Many citizens spent the night outdoors, camping on The Mall, the avenue that leads to Buckingham Palace, in order to reserve a place in the front rows and witness the parade of 1,500 officers and the subsequent flight of the Royal Air Force over the Palace.

Police officer will not be charged for a shooting he committed in 2016, Wisconsin

The officer who shot and killed three people in the line of duty over five years will not be charged in the 2016 shooting of a 25-year-old man who was found sleeping inside a car in a park.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke, Milwaukee attorney Scott Hansen and special prosecutors have reported their assessment of the incident and no legal basis has been found to charge and blame former police officer Joseph Mensah for having shot at Jay Anderson.

Phoenix Suffers Mass Shootings

The city of Phoenix, Arizona endured an array of mass shootings in the area. At the end of the month of May, one man was shot at a house party in west Phoenix, leaving an additional five injured.

Only one week later, three separate shootings occurred within 24 hours of each other. In the first, a teenage girl was shot dead at a Phoenix strip mall, with eight enduring injuries. The other two shootings left a teenage boy and a man dead by gunshot wounds.

Shootings in Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Michigan Leave at Least Nine Dead

Saturday June 5 and Sunday June 6 attributed to the United States growing number of mass shootings in the year of 2022. In a shocking turn of events, shootings in Philadelphia, Tennessee and Michigan all broke out.

A fight broke out in Philadelphia that resulted in three people being slain, with 11 others shot in the crossfire. The next shooting occurred near a nightclub in Chattanooga with four people killed, and 14 more people suffering injuries from gunshots. The final shooting of the deadly weekend took place in Saginaw where an additional three people were killed.

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth, also called Freedom Day, African American Independence Day, Emancipation Day, or Jubilee Day is a federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the proclamation of freedom for enslaved persons at Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Bringing together June and nineteenth, this festival represents pride and solidarity with the black community.

Latest update of the war in Ukraine

The United Nations (UN) denounces that Russia uses rape as a weapon of war. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to many allegations of war crimes and abuses perpetrated by Russian soldiers. The UN has corroborated 124 cases of alleged sexual violence committed in Ukraine.

The Secretary-General’s Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, has stated that “women make up the majority of potential victims”. Of the corroborated total, it indicates that 56 are women. It follows that 41 of the complaints are from girls and seven boys. It includes rape, forced public nudity, attempted rape, and threat of sexual violence.

Britney Spears Ties the Knot with Sam Asghari

The princess of pop herself, Britney Spears, married fiancé Sam Asghari in a magical ceremony Thursday June 9. Dressed by Donatella Versace, the bride and groom both worn custom Versace designs for their big day.

The magical, private evening took place at her Thousand Oaks home in California with around 60 guests. The icon celebrated the special night with some of her dearest friends and family, including Donatella, Paris Hilton, Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore and Madonna.

A celebration of love and freedom, Britney danced the night away at her well-deserved fairytale wedding.

Justin Bieber Suffers Ramsay Hunt Syndrome

Justin Bieber announced the devastating news that he contracted Ramsay Hunt syndrome, “a neurological disorder characterized by paralysis of the facial nerve,” as defined by RareDiseases.org. Bieber took to his Instagram to announce the news, clarifying his recent cancellation of upcoming shows for the summer.

In a video posted to his Instagram, he showed followers the effects of the virus, stating, “As you can see, this eye is not blinking, I can’t smile on this side of my face, […] This nostril will not move. So full paralysis in this side of my face.”

Continuing he declared, “This is pretty serious, as you can see. I wish this wasn’t the case, but obviously my body’s telling me I gotta slow down.”

Texas Legislator Threatens Bill that would Prohibit Minors from Attending Drag Shows

Following a celebratory “Drag Your Kids to Pride” event held in Dallas, Texas, a Republican legislator has made threats to propose a bill that would forbid children from attending drag shows in the state. The event, held in celebration of Pride month, was described a family-friendly show that fostered honor and commemoration, like many other Pride events held throughout the month of June.

The event reportedly went viral across social media, alarming Texas Republican Bryan Slaton. Slaton took to Twitter to announce he would file a bill to restrict minors from attending drag shows. He stated, “I would never take my children to a drag show and I know Speaker Dade Phelan and my Republican colleagues wouldn’t either, […] The events of this past weekend were horrifying and show a disturbing trend in which perverted adults are obsessed with sexualizing young children.”

His disgust surrounding the celebratory event has alarmed people across the nation, especially after the mass elementary school shooting that occurred in Uvalde, Texas and left 22 dead one month prior.

Drag superstar Alyssa Edwards, originally from Texas, has publicly communicated her discomfort with Republican officials’ responses to the shooting versus the Pride event. Edwards took to TMZ and Twitter with statements, asserting directly to Slaton, “You, sir, have tweeted more about #drag than the loss at #Uvalde. Is this truly about children or politics? #Priorities.”

A group of US senators reaches a minimum agreement to increase gun control, United States

The measures include a revision of the process for purchasing weapons for those under 21 years of age.
The group of senators that has reached an agreement in principle consists of 10 Republicans and 10 Democrats.

A group of United States senators announced on Sunday June 12 an agreement in principle to increase control over firearms, which proposes minimum measures after the mass shootings in a school in Uvalde (Texas) and in a supermarket in Buffalo (New York) . In a statement, the group of senators, both Democrats and Republicans, have indicated that the agreement includes a review of the process for purchasing weapons for those under 21 years of age ( the perpetrators of the #Uvalde and the #Buffalo shootings were both 18 years old).

Rapper Trouble dies after being shot at an apartment complex in Georgia

Atlanta rapper Trouble was shot to death at an apartment complex in Georgia. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office confirmed news of the 34-year-old man’s death to local media on Sunday, June 5. According to WSBTV Atlanta, Trouble, whose artist’s real name was Mariel Semonte Orr, was shot around 3:20 a.m. at the Lake St. James apartment complex in Conyers.

Police officers claimed that when they arrived at the crime scene, they found the rapper lying on the ground. He was shot once in the chest and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The rapper’s label, Def Jam, released a statement: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the children, loved ones and fans of Trouble. A true voice for his city and an inspiration for the community he proudly represented. RIP Scoob.”

Bitcoin ATMs become more common, more than 880 machines installed in June already

In recent days, Bitcoin ATM installations around the world have increased, Coin ATM Radar has stated in its recent report. In the first two weeks of June alone, more than 882 Bitcoin ATMs have sprung up in different locations around the world. The increase in the number of these fiat-to-crypto exchange machines is related to the emerging regulation of cryptocurrencies in various countries. Besides, institutional investments in the crypto industry have managed to keep investor appetite intact, so more people have opened up their financial portfolios to also include crypto assets.

On average daily installation is between 16 and 23 crypto ATMs worldwide, data from Coin ATM Radar shows in a report.

Ranchers against the project to lower nitrogen pollution, Netherlands

The Dutch government announced on Friday, June 10, the obligation to lower emissions to 70% in some places and even up to 95% in others, to protect nature. The objective is to attack the emission of nitrogen from cattle that produces their digestion, feces and urine. The Minister for Nature and Nitrogen Policy, Christianne van der Wal, guarantees that it is an “inevitable transition”: “We have to emit much less nitrogen, and unfortunately the agricultural sector emits a lot of nitrogen. They have done a lot to emit less, but for unfortunately it is not enough. We still have to reduce it much more”.

Something that will cause major upheavals in the country’s multimillion-dollar agricultural industry since The Netherlands is the second largest agricultural exporter in the world, after the United States. A definite NO from farmers’ associations; the head of the Netherlands Association for Horticulture and Agriculture, Sjaak van der Tak, replies: “Our members say that it is good enough, that we have reached the limit. That means that we will prepare the appropriate actions to make it clear, in a dignified way, that These plans are unacceptable.”

The new National Museum in Oslo becomes the largest cultural building in the Nordic region

The most striking feature of the new museum is the huge illuminated exhibition hall at the top of the building. It will be used for temporary exhibitions of international importance. The building was designed by architect Kleihues + Schuwerk Gesellschaft von Architekten, with an emphasis on longevity and dignity over sensational architecture. The roof terrace of the new museum offers a unique view of the inner fjord of Oslo. The square in front of the main entrance has become an urban meeting place, with a coffe shop and benches that invite you to enter to rest.

“The new National Museum is the largest museum in the Nordic countries and is built to contain, preserve and display our amazing collection of visual arts, crafts, design and architecture dating back to ancient times and continuing to this day,” explained the director from the National Museum, Karin Hindsbo.

Spanish NASA finally takes off: this is how its space agency should be to be effective, Spain

The Spanish Government will approve today (June 14) the Space Council to promote the start-up in 2023 of the long-awaited Spanish Space Agency. Scientists and engineers from the sector give their opinion on how this body should be and if it is feasible to locate it outside of Madrid.

Mick Jagger tests positive for covid-19, Amsterdam

The Rolling Stones cancel a concert in Amsterdam after singer Mick Jagger tested positive for covid-19. Mick Jagger’s positive status was announced in a statement on the band’s verified Instagram account: “The Rolling Stones have been forced to cancel tonight’s concert in Amsterdam at the Johan Cruijff ArenA, after Mick Jagger tested positive after experiencing COVID symptoms upon arrival at the stadium,” the statement read. “The Rolling Stones deeply regret tonight’s postponement, but the safety of the audience, fellow musicians and touring crew must come first.”

The concert will be rescheduled for a later date and original tickets will be honored. The Rolling Stones’ current summer tour is for the band’s 60th anniversary.

The emotional farewell of the Real Madrid player: Marcelo Vieira, Spain

Marcelo: “I’ve done everything I set out to and leave here feeling happy, I leave a legacy for the youngsters”. “This season I realized that you don’t need to play to be important, you need to be part of a team and understand the coach”, he added.

The football player addressed the media at the press conference held after the tribute and farewell ceremony that took place at Real Madrid City: “I don’t think much about the future, I always live in the moment. It’s hard to leave the club of your life after so much joy, suffering, training, pain, giving your all for the club. Putting on this shirt is a beautiful and powerful thing. The future doesn’t scare me because history’s already been written, I had to do this. I’m pleased with myself and my family’s proud of me too. There’s no uncertainty”.

Current Real Madrid teammates like his compatriots Vinícius Júnior, Éder Militão or Casemiro, former teammates like, Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, or Sergio Ramos have wanted to pay tribute on social networks to Marcelo, who leaves the white club after 16 seasons.

Shakira and Gerard Piqué confirm their separation as a couple, Spain

After twelve years together, Shakira and Gerard Piqué separated in the midst of an international scandal. The Colombian singer would have discovered her Spanish husband’s infidelities with a young model and decided to ask for a divorce.

‘Te felicito‘ (I congratulate you): Shakira’s song whose lyrics all relate to Piqué. After the announcement of the separation, the speculations have not stopped and it has become a highly commented topic on television talk shows. The song has not only become popular for being a danceable theme, but also for the lyrics. And it is that there are many who have related the lyrics of the song with the FC Barcelona footballer on social platforms.

A jihadist attack in Burkina Faso causes 86 deaths and 19,000 displaced, Africa

The number of displaced people after the terrorist attack that took place in northern Burkina Faso on the night of June 11 to 12 and in which 86 people died, amounts to more than 19,000 people, the authorities of the African country reported this past Saturday.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has been dealing with a jihadist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced nearly two million people. The conflict, which is also affecting parts of Niger and Mali, is displacing rural communities and contributing to widespread food shortages.

The left political party makes history and wins the Presidency of Colombia for the first time with Gustavo Petro

With 98.86% of the recognized votes, Petro obtained 11,185,671 votes, equivalent to 50.49%. Gustavo Petro is a 62-year-old Colombian economist and politician, leader of the Political Coalition Historical Pact. he will succeed the president of Colombia, Iván Duque, from next August 7.

Beyonce releases “Break My Soul”

Beyonce released her new song on Monday June 20, and we can safely say that “Break My Soul” did its part in “breaking” the internet. With a house music melody, the single has marked the return of the artist. The new track also reunites queen Bey with bounce music legend Big Freedia, who collaborated on the artist’s 2016 track “Formation.”

VidCon 2022

VidCon returned for the first time in a few years and was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. An array of creators and digital moguls came together at the four-day event. A surplus of panels, vendors, meet and greets and after hour celebrations took place. Sponsored this year for the first time by the popular platform of TikTok, esteemed creators like Charli D’Amelio, MrBeast, Brittany Broski and Nia Sioux were in attendance.

R. Kelly senteced to 30 years prisontime

R. Kelly was sentenced to 30 years in prison for numerous sex trafficking charges. The R&B singer reportedly used his celebrity status throughout his career to coerce young individuals to participate in sexual acts.

Kelly’s conviction in 2021 found him guilty of one count of racketeering and eight breaches of the Mann Act, which criminalizes the use of “any woman or girl for prostitution or debauchery, or for any other immoral purpose.”

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Woodland

Toyota is taking the RAV4 Hybrid to a whole new level of adventure with the new 2023 Woodland Edition. Equipped with everything needed for an outdoor excursion, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is the first hybrid off-road special edition SUV for the brand.

The arrival of the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition to dealerships this fall also demonstrates our support for a charitable endeavor. To support local communities and make our public lands more accessible and enjoyable for Americans of all abilities, Toyota is proud to contribute $500,000 to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) toward improving accessibility in these beloved spaces. Through local outreach projects, education programs and accessibility improvement efforts, Toyota and NEEF will make an impact that goes beyond the pavement.

TRD-Tuned & Ready

The new RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition, available in Midnight Black Metallic, Cavalry Blue and Ice Cap exterior colors, offers a distinctively rugged exterior and premium interior styling with the versatile features one would expect from the fifth-generation RAV4. Featuring a TRD-tuned suspension, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is engineered to enhance body control and small-bump isolation to help smooth out trails and rough city streets. Coil springs are tuned for an off-road focus and bump stops maximize compression-direction wheel travel. The twin-tube shocks feature internal rebound springs for optimal roll control and unique valving to help body control over large bumps and dips.

Designed with a focus on versatility and efficiency, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition also comes standard with Falken WILDPEAK AT tires for optimal off-roading, raised black roof rack cross bars to pack an array of supplies for a weekend camping trip and a 120V inverter to power-up an array of compatible household items for a short day trip or an overnight camping excursion. Other mentionable standard features include:

Flow-formed Bronze-colored wheels for greater strength
Custom all-weather floor and cargo mats
Black badging
Black mud guards
Dual black chrome-tipped exhaust

And with the roominess to fit people, pets, and recreational gear – the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition also comes standard with features like LED projector-beam headlights and integrated fog lights. Handy storage abounds in the RAV4 Hybrid, including the console’s large volume, side-by-side cup holders and an open tray capable of holding small items. In addition, an in-dash tray within easy reach of the front passenger can hold electronics, sunglasses and other travel must-haves. Rear seat passengers will appreciate the spacious cabin. The rear cargo area features a reversible cargo floor insert as well as side nets for storing small items. The 60/40 folding rear seats easily expand the rear cargo area.

Hybrid+AWD for RAV4 Woodland Edition

Engineered to tackle urban, suburban and outdoor adventures, the fifth-generation RAV4 is built on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-K) platform. With a boldly chiseled design inspired by Toyota’s tough trucks, this latest RAV4 amplifies the desirable crossover traits that made the first RAV4 an instant success a quarter-century ago. Depending on model grade and options, the current RAV4 can be whatever the customer needs it to be, from the exceptionally well equipped LE model to a technology tour de force plug-in hybrid, with various levels of luxury and adventure in between.

In any RAV4 Hybrid, the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) works in sync with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force Engine to make the hybrid models performance and efficiency leaders of the RAV4 family. It is truly the no-compromise compact SUV.

In the hybrid models, a Continuously-Variable Transmission (CVT) is exclusively paired with an Electronic All-Wheel Drive system (AWD), making it possible to operate at all vehicle speeds. An improvement from previous generation, the rear axle motor operates proactively anytime rear torque would be beneficial to keep the vehicle on the driver’s intended line, or when conditions get slippery. The AWD system uses an independent electric motor at the rear wheels, rather than a torque-distribution system in the transmission and additional driveshaft to the rear.

New to RAV4: Toyota Audio Multimedia and Gauge Cluster Tech

RAV4 for 2023 will receive some updates across all trims, as well. For 2023, all RAV4 models have the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system.

Thanks to the Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technology team, RAV4 drivers will be at the ready thanks to a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the available Connected Service Drive Connect trial or subscription, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Cloud Navigation, the available onboard navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate the next destination.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. With further connectivity, the RAV4 has an available Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription that offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices – turning the RAV4 into an AT&T Hotspot. Adding to the already robust offering of audio playback ability with HD Radio®, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription, an active Wi-Fi Connect trial or subscription also enables the new Integrated Streaming feature, providing the ability to link separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle for onboard control.

New for 2023, RAV4 receives upgrades to both its Multimedia and Multi-Information Display screens, as well. An 8-inch Multimedia screen now comes standard on LE/Hybrid LE, XLE/Hybrid XLE, XLE Premium/Hybrid XLE Premium, Adventure and Hybrid SE, while TRD Off-Road, Hybrid XSE, Limited/Hybrid Limited, and Prime XSE now all come standard with a new 10.5-inch Multimedia display for 2023. Also new to RAV4 for 2023 is a 12.3-inch Multi-Information Display that comes standard on Limited/Hybrid Limited and Prime XSE. The 12.3-inch display is an optional upgrade on XLE Premium/Hybrid XLE Premium, TRD Off-Road and Hybrid XSE grades. A 7-inch Multi-Information Display screen is also now standard on LE/Hybrid LE, XLE/Hybrid XLE and Hybrid SE grades.

Standard Safety

The 2023 RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, Toyota’s suite of active safety systems. It includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that features enhancements over the previous generation, including the ability to detect an oncoming vehicle or a pedestrian at intersections when making a turn. The Pre-Collision System is designed to detect vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists and provide audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain conditions. Emergency steering assist is an additional function designed to detect pedestrians and stabilize the driver’s emergency evasive steering maneuvers and help prevent lane departure.

TSS2.5 on RAV4 also includes Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). Lane Departure Alert is designed to notify the driver via audible alert if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a turn signal. When DRCC is set and engaged, Lane Tracing Assist is designed to assist the driver by providing a slight steering force to help center the vehicle in its lane using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle.

Automatic High Beams are designed to detect preceding or oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize certain road sign information using a forward-facing camera and display them on the multi-information display (MID).

In addition to the TSS 2.5 system, other standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor, which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert can offer added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is designed to provide warning and if needed, implement brake control when there’s a possibility of a collision with a stationary object or an approaching vehicle while parking. In addition to TSS 2.5, the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Smart Stop Technology (SST). Available safety technologies include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Bird’s Eye View Camera, Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) and Rear Cross Traffic Braking (RCTB) system.

Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder also comes standard on RAV4. The feature can note whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by multitone chimes.

Toyota Limited Warranty

Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The HV battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable across ownership.

RAV4 also comes with ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years of Roadside Assistance, regardless of mileage.

About Toyota

Toyota has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.

To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit HERE.

About NEEF

The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is the nation’s leading organization in lifelong environmental learning, creating opportunities for people to experience and learn about the environment in ways that improve their lives and the health of the planet. Congressionally chartered in 1990 as a 501c3 nonprofit to complement the work of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NEEF is a non-partisan, non-advocacy organization working to make the environment more accessible, relatable, relevant, and connected to people’s daily lives. Visit HERE.