2025-02-27 08:10:53.971

Two alleged gang members, Tsion Clayton (23) and Kimone Green (21), have been charged with malice murder in the death of Brianna Long (21), a former soccer star and Valdosta State University student. Long was killed by a stray bullet while working at The Pier in Remerton, Georgia on October 29, 2023, during a fight outside the bar. Clayton and Green were already in custody on unrelated charges when investigators linked them to Long's death. Long's co-worker was also injured in the shooting. The GBI believes the suspects were involved in an ongoing gang dispute. Additional charges are expected. Long was a standout soccer player and regional winner for Positive Athlete Georgia. Her mother, Brandi Spinks, has established the Brianna Long Foundation to honor her daughter's legacy and promote dental care initiatives.

2025-02-27 08:05:08.233

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg has tragically passed away at the age of 39. Her mother found her unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment Wednesday morning. Law enforcement sources report that Michelle was found lying on her back in bed. While she had recently undergone a liver transplant and experienced complications with her liver and thyroid, she had been active in the days leading up to her death, even going out with friends just last Thursday. Michelle had publicly defended her appearance online in recent months, stating she was 'happy and healthy'. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

2025-02-27 08:04:09.84

Nvidia announced a phenomenal fourth quarter, with revenue reaching $39.3 billion, a 12% increase from the previous quarter and a staggering 78% year-over-year growth. This success is largely attributed to the soaring demand for their Blackwell chips, crucial for powering artificial intelligence systems. Adjusted earnings per share reached 89 cents, surpassing analysts' predictions of 85 cents per share and $38.1 billion in revenue. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, highlighted the 'amazing' demand for Blackwell, emphasizing the role of increased compute power in enhancing AI model intelligence. Data center sales were a major contributor, reaching $35.6 billion – a 93% year-over-year increase. This growth aligns with the White House's initiative involving a $500 billion investment in AI infrastructure, a project where Nvidia is a partner. Nvidia's CFO, Colette Kress, revealed that Blackwell sales exceeded expectations, hitting $11 billion in Q4 – the fastest product ramp in the company's history. Large cloud service providers accounted for about 50% of their data center revenue. Nvidia's market value has exploded to over $3 trillion, making it the second-largest company on Wall Street. Despite concerns about inflation and potential economic challenges, Nvidia's success, along with other AI-related companies, has propelled the S&P 500 to record highs. While acknowledging uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs, Nvidia expressed its commitment to complying with any export controls or tariff regulations. The company also addressed the impact of DeepSeek's new AI model, which briefly caused a dip in Nvidia's stock value but was ultimately viewed as a positive development for the industry. Huang anticipates the next wave of AI innovation, including agentic AI, physical AI, and sovereign AI, with Nvidia at the forefront of these advancements.

2025-02-27 08:03:24.928

The Trump administration announced the elimination of more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) foreign aid contracts, amounting to $60 billion in overall U.S. assistance worldwide. This significantly reduces U.S. development and humanitarian aid abroad. The cuts, detailed in an internal memo and court filings, leave few USAID projects remaining. The Supreme Court temporarily blocked a lower court order requiring the administration to release billions in frozen foreign aid. The administration claims the cuts address "waste stemming from decades of institutional drift" and aim to "use taxpayer dollars wisely to advance American interests." However, critics, including Sen. Chris Murphy, argue the move circumvents Congress and courts. The cuts affect numerous programs, including those credited with saving millions of lives in Africa through HIV/AIDS treatment and Ebola containment. Nonprofits and contractors describe rushed contract terminations without proper review. The administration claims to be processing millions in back payments, but the bulk of the funds remain frozen pending Supreme Court review. The State Department said Secretary Marco Rubio reviewed the terminations. Specifically, 5,800 of 6,200 multiyear USAID contract awards ($54 billion) and 4,100 of 9,100 State Department grants ($4.4 billion) were eliminated. A coalition of businesses, NGOs, and former officials expressed alarm over the lack of transparency and potential consequences for counterterrorism, global health, food security, and international competition.

2025-02-27 08:03:24.926

Pope Francis is showing slight improvement in his battle against double pneumonia, but his prognosis remains guarded, according to a Wednesday update from the Vatican. A CT scan showed the infection is evolving normally under treatment. The 88-year-old pontiff, who had part of a lung removed as a young man, is still receiving high-flow oxygen but hasn't experienced respiratory crises since Saturday. Blood tests show improvement in low platelet counts and anemia, and kidney insufficiency has receded. He's undergoing respiratory physiotherapy. Despite the improvement, doctors maintain a guarded prognosis. The Pope resumed work from his hospital room, appointing new bishops and approving a new fundraising initiative. Meanwhile, pilgrims gather outside the hospital to offer prayers and well wishes. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, led a prayer vigil. Prayers were also offered at the Argentine church in Rome and at the hospital.

2025-02-27 08:03:24.923

NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Trachtenberg, a former child star who appeared in the 1996 “Harriet the Spy” hit movie and went on to co-star in two buzzy millennial-era TV shows — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” — has died. She was 39. Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood where officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” according to an NYPD statement. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death, police said. “The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement Wednesday. Trachtenberg was 8 when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” opposite Matthew Broderick. “Michelle comes off as genuine because she really is a genuine kid. Everyone can identify with her,” said Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996. In 2000 Trachtenberg joined the cast of “Buffy,” playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003. Trachtenberg thanked Gellar for speaking out against Joss Whedon in 2021, following abuse allegations made against the “Buffy” showrunner. “I am brave enough now as a 35-year-old woman to repost this,” she wrote on social media, and alluded to “his not appropriate behavior” she experienced as a teenage actor. In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discovery’s “Truth or Scare.” Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. For her fan-favorite role, she was nominated as a TV villain at the Teen Choice Award in 2012. “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl,” she told Seventeen in 2009. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.” She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 “Gossip Girl” revival. Blake Lively on Instagram on Tuesday honored her “Gossip Girl” co-star: “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.” As if to cement herself in millennial culture, Trachtenberg made a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for the “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” alongside Seth Green. Hollywood took to social media to mourn one of their own, one who had made the transition from kid star to teen queen to adult actor. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz said on Instagram it was “so very sad.. horrible news.” Melissa Gilbert, who starred with Trachtenberg in the 1996 film “A Holiday for Love,” wrote on Instagram: “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.” Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in her “Harriet the Spy” debut, said her death was “heartbreaking:” “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Glee star Chris Colfer remembered her this way: “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew,” he wrote. Trachtenberg’s later credits included “Ice Princess” in 2005, playing a math prodigy and aspiring figure skater. The AP said it had “a good, though feeble, heart and the best of intentions” and said Trachtenberg was “mining the same nervous twitter from her kid-sister days on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” The New York City-born Trachtenberg also appeared in the 2004 teen sex comedy “EuroTrip,” she co-starred with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 2009’s “17 Again” and played a murderous stalker and abductor on an episode of “Criminal Minds.” For “Killing Kennedy,” the 2013 film in which she played the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, around 80% of Trachtenberg’s dialogue was in Russian. She had learned the language from her mother growing up. Other credits included supporting roles in the films “Mysterious Skin” in 2004 and “Black Christmas” in 2006. She also starred on the NBC medical series “Mercy” (2009–2010) opposite Taylor Schilling. More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. ___ Associated Press Writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.

2025-02-27 08:03:13.14

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died at the age of 36. Her mother discovered her unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. While the exact cause of death is still unclear, law enforcement sources suggest that a recent liver transplant may have been a contributing factor. Trachtenberg was reportedly active and out with friends just days before her death. Tributes have poured in from co-stars, including Blake Lively and James Marsters, who remember her as a talented and vibrant individual. The news has shocked fans and the entertainment industry.

2025-02-27 08:03:13.132

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead in her Manhattan apartment Wednesday morning. Her mother, Lana, discovered her unresponsive in bed. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Trachtenberg, known for her role in Gossip Girl, had recently undergone a liver transplant which may have led to complications. Despite health concerns, she had maintained an active social life and defended her appearance online in recent months. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

2025-02-27 07:45:51.65

The Trump administration announced plans to eliminate over 90% of USAID's foreign aid contracts, totaling approximately $60 billion in cuts to global assistance. This drastic reduction leaves few USAID projects intact and intensifies ongoing legal challenges. Internal memos and court filings reveal the administration's intent to drastically scale back U.S. involvement in international aid and development, reversing decades of foreign policy. The cuts are justified as eliminating waste and advancing American interests. The administration claims to be targeting what it calls "institutional drift," while critics argue that the cuts harm vital programs, including those combating Ebola and HIV/AIDS in Africa. Nonprofits and contractors affected by the sudden contract terminations describe the process as rushed and lacking meaningful review. A federal judge's order to temporarily unfreeze the funds was temporarily blocked by the Supreme Court, pending further review. Lawmakers and organizations, including the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, expressed alarm over the lack of transparency and the potential negative consequences for global health, security, and U.S. interests.

2025-02-27 07:40:28.962

NEW YORK (AP) — Michelle Trachtenberg, a former child star who appeared in the 1996 “Harriet the Spy” hit movie and went on to co-star in two buzzy millennial-era TV shows — “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” — has died. She was 39. Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood where officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” according to an NYPD statement. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected and the New York Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of death, police said. “The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement Wednesday. Trachtenberg was 8 when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of “Harriet the Spy” and “Inspector Gadget,” opposite Matthew Broderick. “Michelle comes off as genuine because she really is a genuine kid. Everyone can identify with her,” said Debby Beece, president of Nickelodeon Movies in 1996. In 2000 Trachtenberg joined the cast of “Buffy,” playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003. Trachtenberg thanked Gellar for speaking out against Joss Whedon in 2021, following abuse allegations made against the “Buffy” showrunner. “I am brave enough now as a 35-year-old woman to repost this,” she wrote on social media, and alluded to “his not appropriate behavior” she experienced as a teenage actor. In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discovery’s “Truth or Scare.” Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on “Six Feet Under,” “Weeds” and “Gossip Girl,” where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. For her fan-favorite role, she was nominated as a TV villain at the Teen Choice Award in 2012. “It’s definitely a lot more fun than playing the good girl,” she told Seventeen in 2009. I love the reaction you get. I never understood why some actors don’t want to play villains or evil characters.” She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 “Gossip Girl” revival. Blake Lively on Instagram on Tuesday honored her “Gossip Girl” co-star: “The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.” As if to cement herself in millennial culture, Trachtenberg made a cameo in Fall Out Boy’s music video for the “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” alongside Seth Green. Hollywood took to social media to mourn one of their own, one who had made the transition from kid star to teen queen to adult actor. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” co-star David Boreanaz said on Instagram it was “so very sad.. horrible news.” Melissa Gilbert, who starred with Trachtenberg in the 1996 film “A Holiday for Love,” wrote on Instagram: “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.” Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in her “Harriet the Spy” debut, said her death was “heartbreaking:” “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Glee star Chris Colfer remembered her this way: “Michelle was the absolute sweetest and one of the most supportive people I knew,” he wrote. Trachtenberg’s later credits included “Ice Princess” in 2005, playing a math prodigy and aspiring figure skater. The AP said it had “a good, though feeble, heart and the best of intentions” and said Trachtenberg was “mining the same nervous twitter from her kid-sister days on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer.’” The New York City-born Trachtenberg also appeared in the 2004 teen sex comedy “EuroTrip,” she co-starred with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 2009’s “17 Again” and played a murderous stalker and abductor on an episode of “Criminal Minds.” For “Killing Kennedy,” the 2013 film in which she played the wife of Lee Harvey Oswald, around 80% of Trachtenberg’s dialogue was in Russian. She had learned the language from her mother growing up. Other credits included supporting roles in the films “Mysterious Skin” in 2004 and “Black Christmas” in 2006. She also starred on the NBC medical series “Mercy” (2009–2010) opposite Taylor Schilling. More recently, she hosted the true-crime docuseries “Meet, Marry, Murder” on Tubi. ___ Associated Press Writer Michael R. Sisak contributed to this report.

2025-02-27 07:39:56.329

The battle over the US budget is heating up, with significant consequences for Americans' healthcare. House Republicans aim to extend trillions in expiring tax cuts, but to offset this, they're considering cuts to federal programs, potentially including up to $880 billion from Medicaid over 10 years. While some Republicans, including Senator Josh Hawley, express reservations about cutting benefits for working individuals, the proposed cuts raise concerns. President Trump, despite past promises not to cut Medicaid, Medicare, or Social Security, has left room for cuts by focusing on fraud. Medicaid provides health insurance to over 72 million low-income Americans, covering children, seniors, people with disabilities, and more. Coverage and eligibility vary by state, with some states expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Funding is shared between the federal government and states. Republicans believe Medicaid is ripe for cuts due to perceived waste, fraud, and abuse, and a belief that able-bodied adults should work for government assistance. Proposed cuts could take several forms: implementing work requirements (risking coverage for 36 million), reducing the federal match for expansion populations (potentially causing states to drop expansion, impacting 20 million), and establishing a per capita cap on federal funding (potentially impacting 15 million). While there are improper payments in the system, the majority are due to insufficient documentation, not fraud. Despite the proposed cuts, Medicaid enjoys high public approval, with over three-quarters of Americans holding a favorable view.

2025-02-27 07:39:56.327

Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress who rose to fame as a child star in "Harriet the Spy" and went on to memorable roles in shows like "Gossip Girl," has died at age 39. New York City police responded to a 911 call on Wednesday morning and found her unresponsive in a Manhattan apartment. While the investigation is ongoing, police stated that criminality is not suspected, and an NYPD source indicated her death may be related to a recent medical issue. Trachtenberg's career began with roles on "The Adventures of Pete & Pete" and Nickelodeon's "Harriet the Spy," where she worked alongside Rosie O'Donnell, who described Trachtenberg's death as heartbreaking. She later gained recognition for her role as Dawn Summers on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and her villainous portrayal of Georgina Sparks on "Gossip Girl." Other stars from her era, including Melissa Joan Hart and Kenan Thompson, have expressed their condolences. Kim Cattrall, who co-starred with Trachtenberg in "Ice Princess," also shared a tribute. Trachtenberg's official cause of death is pending from the Medical Examiner's office. The family has requested privacy.

2025-02-27 07:39:39.143

Khloe Kardashian shared an embarrassing yet impressive moment with her mother, Kris Jenner. Khloe sought advice about a basketball player who wasn't returning her calls. Kris, after learning Khloe had only been on one or two dates, gave unsolicited and NSFW advice, suggesting Khloe should have performed oral sex on him. Khloe was mortified but also impressed by her mother's direct approach. This isn't the first time Kris offered unconventional dating advice; she previously encouraged Khloe to send nude photos to men she was interested in. Kris Jenner's dating wisdom is definitely unique and bold.

2025-02-27 07:39:34.541

Khloe Kardashian shared an embarrassing yet insightful moment with her mother, Kris Jenner. After Khloe complained about a basketball player ghosting her, Kris Jenner's unsolicited advice involved a specific sexual act, suggesting it was the reason for the lack of communication. Khloe was shocked but also admired her mother's direct and confident approach to dating. This isn't the first time Kris Jenner has offered unconventional dating advice; she previously encouraged Khloe to send nude photos to men she was interested in. The story highlights Kris Jenner's bold and sometimes shocking methods when it comes to dating.

2025-02-27 07:39:33.227

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," has died. Her mother found her unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. Trachtenberg had received a liver transplant within the last year, and authorities believe she may have died from complications related to organ rejection. She was reportedly active and out with friends just days before her death. Tributes have poured in from fellow actors and co-stars, remembering her talent and positive energy. Other news includes updates on Khloe Kardashian's dating life, Kanye West's involvement in a diss track, Jay Leno's response to Monica Lewinsky's comments, Brianna LaPaglia's reaction to a large settlement offer, Sarah C. Roberts' clarification on a viral video, Billy McFarland's plans for Fyre Festival 2, Teddi Mellencamp's health update, Sylvester Stallone's charity work, and Governor Gavin Newsom's decision to review the Menendez brothers' parole.

2025-02-27 05:18:00.873

Nvidia closed out 2024 with record-breaking sales and profit growth, exceeding Wall Street's expectations and easing concerns within Silicon Valley about the future of the AI industry. The company reported $39.3 billion in sales for the January quarter, a 78% year-over-year increase, and profits surged 72% to $22 billion. For the full year, profits more than doubled to $74.3 billion. Despite a slight initial dip, Nvidia's shares rose 2.7% after the earnings report. The company anticipates continued growth, projecting $43 billion in sales for the current quarter, a 65% year-over-year increase. This success underscores Nvidia's dominance in providing AI chips, despite increased competition and recent concerns sparked by DeepSeek, a highly efficient AI model from a Chinese startup. While some feared DeepSeek might signal overspending by US tech giants, major players have committed to continued substantial investment in AI infrastructure. Analysts predict $325 billion in capital expenditures from the "Magnificent Seven" tech companies this year, with much of it dedicated to AI. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang envisions a future where AI permeates various aspects of life, highlighting the automotive industry as a prime example. Despite initial concerns, Nvidia's strong performance and continued investment from major players reaffirm its leading position in the AI landscape.

2025-02-27 05:16:00.27

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, announced a major shift in the newspaper's opinion section, narrowing its focus to defending personal liberties and the free market. This decision led to the resignation of opinion editor David Shipley. Bezos stated that viewpoints opposing these pillars will be published elsewhere, asserting that the internet now covers a broader range of opinions. The move has been interpreted by some as an attempt to avoid potential retaliation from former President Donald Trump, while others see it as a reflection of Bezos' business interests and a move towards a more conservative viewpoint. The decision follows other recent changes at the Post, including the decision not to endorse a presidential candidate, the resignation of cartoonist Ann Telnaes, and the restructuring of the newsroom. The shift has drawn both praise from some conservatives and criticism from others, who accuse Bezos of aligning the Post with a right-wing agenda and silencing dissenting voices. The change is already evident in the Post's opinion section's focus.

2025-02-26 19:24:50.802

Simona Pettinato, among many gathered outside Gemelli Hospital, exemplifies the faith fueling prayers for Pope Francis, hospitalized since February 14th with pneumonia. The Vatican describes his condition as "complex" and prognosis as "reserved," despite reports of slight improvement. This is Francis' longest hospital stay since 2013, keeping the church's central administration on high alert. Twice-daily health updates trigger waves of anxiety and anticipation among reporters and officials. Doctors provide briefings, offering glimpses of hope alongside uncertainty. From his 10th-floor suite, the pope maintains some work activities, making phone calls and showing resilience. A makeshift shrine beneath a John Paul II statue at the hospital reflects public devotion. Similar scenes unfold in St. Peter's Square, where daily rosary services echo those held for John Paul II in 2005. Pilgrims and tourists join the prayers, highlighting Francis' global influence. Cardinal Timothy Dolan's suggestion of the Pope's possible near-death has added to the tension, although he lacks privileged information. Interfaith prayers underscore Francis' bridge-building legacy. The atmosphere in the Vatican resembles a pre-conclave, fueled by the movie "Conclave's" popularity and daily evening prayer services led by different cardinals. However, despite his frailty, Francis remains determined, driven by a deep sense of mission. His recent meetings and announcements signal his continued authority. His proactive release of detailed health updates and meeting with the Italian Prime Minister before Vatican officials showcase his political astuteness. The prolonged hospitalization fuels speculation about a possible resignation, especially given a 2013 letter addressing incapacitation. The situation is described as a "montagne russe" – a rollercoaster – reflecting the uncertainty and intense emotions surrounding the Pope's health and future.