Suspected SD Smuggling People and Debris Wash Ashore ... After Boat Capsizes, Kills 3
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4:28 PM PT -- The body count has ticked up as authorities have gotten a grasp on things -- there are now 3 people confirmed dead, and upwards of 27 people hospitalized with injuries. Here's another thing ... authorities are saying this appears to have been an illegal human smuggling operation gone wrong, with the captain of the ship now in custody for questioning.
A boat carrying dozens of people capsized in San Diego, killing 2 and injuring several more -- but it's clear the vessel did more than just flip over ... it was utterly destroyed.
The wreckage happened Sunday off the shores of Point Loma, a peninsula jutting out from SD's mainland. It's unclear what caused the boat -- which was reportedly carrying 25 people total -- to tip ... but once it did, emergency crews were called out to assist.
My daughter’ s Godfather and two of her friends are surrounded by debris near the Capsized boat at Ballast Pt. Point Loma,Ca. pic.twitter.com/ORv5eJ1T9i
— Jason Nocito (@HRYmonkey) May 2, 2021 @HRYmonkey
According to local reports, two people were pronounced dead at the scene ... while the 23 others were transported to area hospitals, with some requiring CPR on the spot.
However, somebody posted footage of the aftermath ... and it appears the boat got torn to pieces in the accident, with people onboard being washed ashore -- not to mention all the debris floating in the water as well. In the video, you hear someone say the boat "blew up."
Multiple agencies including @SDLifeguards rescued 25 people from the water. Sadly, two did not survive. 23 were taken to local hospitals. Federal agencies are still searching the water in vessels and aircraft.
— SDFD (@SDFD) May 2, 2021 @SDFD
The severity of the injuries isn't entirely known at this point, but officials have said different people were taken to different hospitals.
A search and rescue mission is underway at the moment to see if there's anybody else still in the water -- and an investigation will ultimately be headed up by the feds, as this appears to have happened in their jurisdiction.
Originally Published -- 2:10 PM PT
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SpaceX Astronauts Return Home in Spectacular Fashion!!!
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There was a spectacular site above the Gulf of Mexico early Sunday, when the SpaceX Dragon capsule careened and then floated into the sea with 4 astronauts on board.
The 4 astronauts -- 3 from the U.S. and 1 from Japan -- ended their 167-day mission ... the longest ever for a crew capsule launching from the United States.
The Dragon capsule -- named Resilience -- had a welcoming party at the ready. Several ships were nearby to recover the capsule and the astronauts. It was a perfect landing, judging by how close the capsule touched down next to the ships.
The seamen jumped into action and recovered the spaceship in a half an hour. Some people were so impressed with the speed, they likened it to a pit stop at a car race.
The folks at Mission Control were ecstatic ... sending a message to astronauts ... “We welcome you back to planet Earth and thanks for flying SpaceX. For those of you enrolled in our frequent flyer program, you’ve earned 68 million miles on this voyage.”
Spacecraft Commander Mike Hopkins was more than willing to accept the perk ...“We’ll take those miles. Are they transferrable?”
Now the capsule is headed back to Cape Canaveral for some refurbishment. It will be the home of the first private SpaceX crew mission which is set for September.
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Kamala Harris Madame Tussauds' 1st VP Wax Figure!!!
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Kamala Harris is getting the Madame Tussauds treatment ... becoming the first Veep EVER to get immortalized by the famous wax museum.
Madame Tussauds New York on Wednesday released the work-in-progress clay head sculptures of President Biden and the VP. The resemblance is uncanny ... as MT's work usually is.
But, what's interesting here is Harris -- the first woman, Black and Asian-American VP -- becomes the first Vice President to whom Madame Tussauds' extends this honor.
It's a tradition for the wax museum to feature each U.S. president to get the honor. In fact, Madame Tussauds announced Biden would get his own figure following his Presidential win.
But, with the Biden-Harris administration inching close to their 100th day in office ... Madame Tussauds decided Harris would also be included ... with their clay heads created by a team of London-based studio artists. The meticulous work included the artists researching hundreds of pics to get as close to perfection.
Madame Tussauds says it took around 6 weeks to sculpt the figure and it'll take another 4 to 6 months to complete it. When it's done the final product will feature Biden and Harris wearing replica outfits from Inauguration Day.
Biden's outfit will feature a midnight blue Ralph Lauren suit and Harris will sport a purple coat, dress, gold and pearl necklace and pearl earrings.
Madame Tussauds will unveil the wax figures sometime this year and they'll be headed to the museum's "Oval Office" experience.
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Illinois Bowler Fills Ball W/ Dad's Ashes Bowls Perfect Game!!!
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This is going to hit you right in the feels.
A man in Illinois gave the ultimate tribute to his late father this month ... by filling a bowling ball with Dad's ashes -- and then bowling a PERFECT GAME!!!
38-year-old John Hinkle -- a 2-time NCAA bowling champion from Western Illinois University -- wanted to honor his dad, John Sr., following his death in 2016.
Since his father introduced him to the sport he loves so much, John spent years trying to find someone able to fill the thumb hole of a bowling ball with John Sr.'s ashes ... and vowed to one day bowl a perfect game with it.
On April 12, John hit up his hometown alley in Peoria, Illinois ... and set his eyes on perfection.
John told his brother, Joe, about his goal before the game ... saying, "I'm shooting a 300 with this ball ... And Joe said, 'Do it!,'" he told WMBD in Illinois.
And guess what -- he did it!!
John was overcome with emotions as he approached perfection ... saying, "I had tears in my eyes in the 11th and 12th frames. I couldn’t tell you where that last ball went, I had so many tears just throwing it," he told the outlet.
John -- who has hit several perfect games over the years -- says this was the "best and definitely the hardest" 300 he's ever had in his career.
"It’s special. Dad shot 298, 299, never had a 300. I had goosebumps, chills."
Incredible.
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NFL's Geno Hayes In Hospice Care at 33 ... 'Fighting For His Life'
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Ex-NFL linebacker Geno Hayes -- who's only 33 -- is in hospice care in Georgia stemming from liver issues ... and his friends and family are asking for prayers.
"He's fighting for his life," Geno's high school football coach Frankie Carroll told The Tallahassee Democrat.
No word on Geno's specific medical condition or his prognosis -- but clearly, the situation is dire.
He's currently being cared for at his parents' home in Valdosta, Georgia -- where close friends and family members have been visiting in the hopes he can make a recovery.
Hayes was a football star since his high school days -- when he was personally recruited by Florida State legend Bobby Bowden.
Geno lived up to his potential at FSU -- earning 1st Team All-ACC honors in 2007.
He went on to have a 7 year run in the NFL -- which started when he was selected by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the 6th round of the 2008 Draft.
Hayes went on to play with the Chicago Bears and the Jacksonville Jaguars before his pro career came to an end following the 2014 season.
In total, Hayes racked up 401 tackles, 10 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 6 interceptions in his pro career.
Off the field, Hayes was known as a generous guy who was always looking for ways to help out in his of Greenville, Florida ... hosting youth football camps and toy drives.
#PrayersUp
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Derek Chauvin Guilty of Murdering George Floyd
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4/20/21
5:01 PM PT -- Chauvin was booked at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Oak Park Heights, he was booked at 4:55pm local time.
3:17 PM PT -- George Floyd's family attorney, Ben Crump, is introducing George's family members ... who are about to speak about the verdict as well.
2:41 PM PT -- Earlier, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with several other members of the prosecution team, addressed the media about the Chauvin verdict.
Rev. Al Sharpton also spoke and delivered a prayer, praising God for justice being served.
Derek Chauvin -- the former Minneapolis officer who pressed his knee on George Floyd's neck for more than 9 minutes during his fatal arrest on May 25, 2020 -- has been found guilty of 2nd-degree murder.
The jury delivered the verdict after more than 10 hours of deliberation. The maximum penalty for 2nd-degree unintentional murder is 40 years in prison. Sentencing will be handed down in 8 weeks. Chauvin's bail was revoked and he was remanded into custody.
WATCH: George Floyd's family reacts to the conviction of Derek Chauvin on all three counts in the death of George Floyd. https://t.co/6nN46Fosol pic.twitter.com/15Q5jiE3oB
— ABC News (@ABC) April 20, 2021 @ABC
The jury also found Chauvin guilty of 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter, but the 2nd degree takes precedence since it was the highest charge.
The Floyd family attorney, Ben Crump, tweeted just minutes after the verdict was read, "GUILTY! Painfully earned justice has finally arrived for George Floyd’s family. This verdict is a turning point in history and sends a clear message on the need for accountability of law enforcement. Justice for Black America is justice for all of America!"
Crump continues, "We thank AG Keith Ellison & his team, along with our legal team, for fierce dedication to justice. But it does not end here. We still have work to do! We must pass George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to hold police accountable & prevent unjustified killings of marginalized POC."
The decision came after the jury heard from 38 prosecution witnesses, including the Minneapolis Police Chief and use-of-force experts who criticized Chauvin ... and medical experts who explained Floyd died from more than 9 minutes of pressure from Chauvin's knee.
5/25/20
The defense called 7 witnesses, but Chauvin did not take the stand himself as he invoked his 5th Amendment right.
Chauvin was the first of the officers involved in Floyd's arrest to stand trial for the incident. He was charged with killing Floyd less than a week after video of him pressing his knee into Floyd's neck spread like wildfire online, and sparked nationwide protests and riots.
Chauvin's main defense in the case was that Floyd allegedly died from drugs and a heart condition and not from the ex-cop's actions. Chauvin's lawyers claimed Floyd "put drugs in his mouth" to conceal them when confronted by cops, and the drugs exacerbated his heart condition and caused his death.
But, prosecutors insisted drug use was a bogus defense, and Floyd was killed by Chauvin's unforgiving knee ... which he held to Floyd's neck as he struggled to breathe for more than 9 minutes.
Several witnesses supported the prosecution's theory, including Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, who took the stand to testify Chauvin's actions "absolutely" violated police policy.
Chauvin, however, defended his actions at the time by telling a witness he and the other cops had to stay on top of Floyd to control him because he's a "sizable guy" and because he was "probably on something."
During the trial, a couple paramedics testified Floyd's heart had already stopped by the time they arrived on scene. The ER doctor who pronounced Floyd dead at the hospital testified he believed oxygen deficiency was "one of the more likely" causes of his death.
Floyd's family already got a measure of justice when the City of Minneapolis settled a wrongful death lawsuit, agreeing to pay the family $27 million.
Originally Published -- 2:07 PM PT
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Magic Johnson Praises Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict ... 'Thank God'
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Magic Johnson believes justice has been served in the Derek Chauvin case -- thanking God after the former police officer was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd.
"Thank God ... guilty! Justice has been served," Johnson tweeted.
Chauvin was found guilty of 2nd-degree unintentional murder, 3rd-degree murder and 2nd-degree manslaughter stemming from the May 2020 incident in Minnesota.
Moments after the verdict was read and Chauvin was taken into custody, athletes from all over the world spoke out on social media.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also issued a joint statement with the executive director of the NBPA Michele Roberts.
"George Floyd’s murder was a flash point for how we look at race and justice in our country, and we are pleased that justice appears to have been served."
"But we also recognize that there is much work to be done and the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association, together with our newly-formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing."
LeBron James had a one-word reaction to the verdict ... tweeting, "ACCOUNTABILITY."
Renee Montgomery -- former WNBA player turned co-owner of the Atlanta Dream said, "Let’s make this the new normal. Accountability is served."
Mike Tyson -- "Guilty. Justice served."
Matt Barnes -- "Condolences to the Floyd Family. This is just the first step of starting to change a broken system."
Reggie Miller -- "Thank you JURY!!! ACCOUNTABILITY"
Matt Forte -- "I don’t celebrate the demise of another persons life no matter what they’ve done but I do celebrate JUSTICE, TRUTH AND RIGHTEOUSNESS because for so long that has been void of the criminal justice system in America for black and brown people."
Josh Hart -- "Put his ass under the jail."
Torrey Smith -- "I can’t believe what I just saw. They finally got one case right. GUILTY!!! Prayers up for the Floyd family."
Ex-NBA star Isiah Thomas -- "Crying hard tears right now, maybe things are changing in America?"
Karl-Anthony Towns -- "Justice and Accountability! Things I never thought I would see. There’s much more work to do, but this is an amazing start working toward the reform this country NEEDS!"
The Minnesota Timberwolves also issued a statement saying the team is "hopeful that today's decision will serve as a step forward, but it does not ease the physical and emotional pain that continues in an environment where systemic racism exists."
"To our BIPOC community, the Timberwolves and Lynx remain committed to influencing change, promoting impactful action, and using our platform to help heal and unite in pursuit of liberty and justice FOR ALL."
The WNBA says "while this verdict represents a step toward justice, we are reminded that justice is too often not the outcome for people of color."
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Walter Mondale Former VP Dead at 93
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Walter Mondale, the influential former Senator, Vice President and Democratic nominee for president, is dead.
Mondale, who served as President Jimmy Carter's veep from 1977 to 1981, died Monday in Minneapolis ... according to his family.
Known as Fritz to loved ones, friends and voters, Mondale was the Democratic nominee for president in 1984 after transforming the VP role while serving alongside Carter ... but he lost the general election in a landslide to Ronald Reagan.
Despite missing out on the presidency, Mondale made history with his running mate Geraldine Ferraro ... making her the first woman to run for VP on a major party's ticket.
Mondale was the first VP to take on a larger role, becoming a model for those who followed ... including Joe Biden, Dick Cheney, Al Gore and George H.W. Bush.
In fact, Biden famously said Mondale was the first person he called when Barack Obama asked him to be vice president.
Mondale was born and raised in Minnesota and served as the state's U.S. Senator for 12 years from 1964 to 1976, helping boost civil rights, social programs and environmental protections during Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency.
He also served as the U.S. ambassador to Japan for 3 years, being appointed in 1993 by President Bill Clinton.
Mondale was 93.
RIP
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Lil Durk Concert Ends Early ... Folks thought they heard gunfire
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11:08 AM PT -- Smurkchella -- the organizers of Durk's concert -- say there was no gunfire during Saturday's event ... and that it was just a microphone dropping on the ground, which made a loud noise.
The company also says reports of a woman being grazed by a bullet are false, and that no one required paramedic attention amid the chaos.
Lil Durk's concert was cut short Saturday night after gunshots rang out concert in Phoenix at the Celebrity Theatre.
Durk was performing at the Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix when the crowd of 10,000 heard gunfire erupt. The crowd scrambled as people fought to flee the venue.
The Phoenix PD says they couldn't locate anyone who was directly hit by bullets, and reports that one woman was grazed in the leg by a bullet are not true. Phoenix Police say It was reported to their team that the injury was not from gunfire. A few people suffered non-life-threatening injuries from attempting to fleeing the area. This is an ongoing investigation.
Durk seemed upset about something when he posted, "10k people sold out and no drama stop tryna stop us." He posted this before the gunfire but during the concert. It's unclear the drama to which he was referring.
The event was tagged, "Smurkchella," as Lil Durk and other rappers hit the stage.
so this is how smurkchella went. pic.twitter.com/AttKnyjSw8
— - (@deeeonlydonlady) April 18, 2021 @deeeonlydonlady
Various videos were posted showing the mad dash to the exits as the crowd tried to get out of harm's way. Chairs were knocked over, people screaming ... the works.
The show abruptly stopped and that was the end of it.
So far, no suspects are in custody.
Originally Published -- 7:26 AM PT
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Jeffree Star Hospitalized After 'Scariest' Car Crash
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5:38 PM PT -- Jeffree says he's in "excruciating pain" after suffering fractures in his spine as a result of the crash, which he calls one of the "scariest moments" in his entire life.
The good news ... Jeffree says he's grateful to be alive and his doctor expects him to make a full recovery, though it might take a few months to get back to speed.
1:35 PM PT -- Cops say Jeffree was behind the wheel at the time of the crash, and thankfully, both were wearing seatbelts.
12:35 PM PT -- Wyoming Highway Patrol tells TMZ ... preliminary findings suggest drugs and alcohol do NOT appear to be a factor in the crash, though the investigation is ongoing.
We're told the crash happened around 8:30 AM on Hat 6 Road, with the Rolls Royce Jeffree was riding in losing control and rolling over after experiencing slushy road conditions.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
BTW ... Jeffree's been showing off a hot pink RR on social media lately, but it's unclear if this is the car involved in the crash.
Police also say it's too early to tell if speed was a factor in the accident.
Jeffree Star is in a hospital bed with a neck brace ... and he says he's lucky to be alive after his car flipped 3 times in a scary accident.
The YouTube star and beauty influencer says he was in a severe car accident Friday -- the car he was riding in lost control on black ice and ended up tumbling over.
Jeffree says his friend Daniel was in the car with him, and he posted a photo of them both in hospital gowns ... but as you can see, it looks like Jeffree got the worst of it.
The rollover reportedly went down near Casper, Wyoming ... with local reports saying Jeffree is getting treatment at Wyoming Medical Center and he's in stable condition.
Jeffree was reportedly driving a brand new Rolls Royce, with Daniel as his passenger.
Story developing ...
Originally Published -- 11:56 AM PT
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DAUNTE WRIGHT KILLING Ex-Cop Charged With Manslaughter ... Released From Jail on $100k Bond
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4:52 PM PT -- Potter has been released from the Hennepin County jail after posting a $100,000 bond.
12:29 PM PT -- Prosecutors just charged Potter with second-degree manslaughter in Wright's shooting death.
According to the criminal complaint, during the fatal interaction with Wright, Potter pulled out her Glock 9mm handgun with her right hand and pointed it at Wright while saying she would tase him.
The complaint says Potter said "Taser, Taser, Taser" and pulled the trigger on her handgun, firing one fatal round into Wright's left side.
According to the complaint, an investigator from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension examined Potter’s duty belt and noted her handgun is holstered on the right side of the belt and her Taser is holstered on the left side of the belt in a straight-draw position, meaning she would have to use her left hand to pull the Taser out from the holster.
11:17 AM PT -- Potter was just booked into Hennepin County Jail, where she's being held without bail ... jail records show. She also posed for a mug shot.
As you can see, Potter's home in Champlin, MN is already being protected with a chain link fence and concrete barriers blocking the property.
Kim Potter, the Brooklyn Center police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright and then resigned, has just been arrested ... and she's about to booked into jail and charged in his death.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension announced Wednesday agents took Potter into custody around 11:30 AM CT at the BCA in St. Paul.
The BCA says Potter will be booked into the Hennepin County Jail on probable cause for second-degree manslaughter ... and Washington County prosecutors will soon file charges.
4/11/21
As you know ... 20-year-old Wright was shot and killed by Potter Sunday afternoon in a Minneapolis suburb, sparking massive protests and riots. Potter's body cam footage shows her yelling "Taser" as she's holding her handgun, and she fires one deadly round. You also hear Potter on body cam saying, "S***, I just shot him."
Police were trying to take Wright into custody during a traffic stop, after learning he had an outstanding warrant.
As we reported ... Potter resigned from the police force Tuesday, effective immediately.
In a letter to Mayor Mike Elliott, Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards and Police Chief Tim Gannon, who later resigned, Potter said ... "I have loved every minute of being a police officer and serving this community to the best of my ability, but I believe it is in the best interest of the community, the department, and my fellow officers if I resign immediately."
Wright's family has retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump, and loved ones openly wept and called for justice Tuesday during a super emotional news conference.
The BCA also says there is an active investigation into the fatal shooting.
Originally published -- 10:09 AM PT
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Daunte Wright Killing Cop Who Shot Him Resigns ... Chief Quits Too
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Kim Potter, the Brooklyn Center police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright, has resigned from the force, effective immediately.
Potter wrote a letter Tuesday to Mayor Mike Elliott, Acting City Manager Reggie Edwards and Police Chief Tim Gannon ... saying, "I have loved every minute of being a police officer and serving this community to the best of my ability, but I believe it is in the best interest of the community, the department, and my fellow officers if I resign immediately."
Mayor Elliott announced Chief Gannon is also stepping down.
The resignations come following the second night of unrest in Minnesota that included looting, clashes with police and arrests. As we reported, citizens took to the streets Monday night in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center ... gathering outside the police station to demand justice.
There had been a 7 PM curfew set in place but the streets remained flooded with protesters. Cops ultimately dispersed the crowd with flash bombs and chemical agents. Protesters also got violent ... launching objects at cops.
4/11/21
The protests came after 20-year-old Wright was shot and killed by Potter ... whose body cam footage shows her yelling "Taser" as she clearly was holding her handgun. She fired one round that ultimately killed Wright. You can also hear Potter on body cam footage saying, "S**t, I just shot him."
Gannon later said the cop meant to reach for her taser, but instead accidentally discharged her gun.
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Macaulay Culkin I'm a Daddy!!!
Here's something to make ya feel old ... Macaulay Culkin is now a proud parent!!!
Macaulay, best known as Kevin McAllister in the insanely popular 1990s 'Home Alone' movies, just announced the birth of his first child with his partner, actress Brenda Song.
Macaulay and Brenda welcomed their son, Dakota Song Culkin, into the world last Monday in Los Angeles. A rep for the couple says he was named after Culkin's sister who passed away in 2008.
The baby boy is healthy after weighing in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces.
It's pretty jarring to think of Macaulay as a father and not as little Kevin ... entire generations have grown up knowing MC only from his classic Christmas movies, and the Google holiday ads reprising his iconic role.
In fact, filming wrapped on the OG 'Home Alone' a few months before Macaulay's 10th birthday, and he was 11 years old when he played Kevin in the 1992 sequel.
Now, he's a first-time father at 40 ... and with baby Dakota joining the fold, Macaulay and Brenda will no longer be home alone. Also, their sleep will most likely suffer.
Congrats!!! 👏🏽
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Netflix's 'Cheer' Navarro Finishes 2nd At Daytona ... 15th Title Hopes Crushed
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12:18 PM PT -- UPSET ALERT -- Navarro finished the competition in 2nd place ... with Trinity Valley Community College taking the crown in 2021.
The results were close -- TVCC received a score of 98.2292 ... with Navarro earning a 98.0708. That's a 0.1584 difference.
It's a bummer for Bulldog fans ... but one thing's for sure -- they'll be back.
DOMINATION!!!!
The Netflix-famous Navarro College cheer squad just straight-up CRUSHED their routine at Daytona on Friday ... in hopes of adding yet another national championship trophy to their collection.
The Bulldogs are looking to secure top honors at the NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer & Dance Championship on Friday ... after performing a near-perfect routine.
Navarro College Cheer - Finals - NCA Collegiate Championship 2021
— Trey Jack (@Treycheer11) April 9, 2021 @Treycheer11
I do not own the rights to the music and video. All rights and credits reserved to Varsity TV & FloCheer pic.twitter.com/1WkZfMX5HN
If everything goes in the Bulldogs' favor, it'll be Navarro's 15th national championship -- and its third since 2018.
Of course, the Navarro cheer team blew up on the scene following the premiere of the docuseries, "Cheer," in early 2020 ... which followed their quest for a 14th championship in 2019.
Navarro's hopes of defending their title in 2020 were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic ... but despite a year off, there was no rust detected!!!
The team was once again led by coach Monica Aldama and returning star Gabi Butler, who was prominently featured on the show.
Will a trophy-wielding sprint into the ocean be on the horizon?? Awards will be announced in just a few hours.
Stay tuned ...
Originally Published -- 10:10 AM PT
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Prince Philip Queen Elizabeth's Husband Dead at 99
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Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Elizabeth II's husband of nearly 73 years, has died ... TMZ has learned.
Buckingham Palace released this statement ... "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh."
The statement goes on ... "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. Further announcements will be made in due course. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."
Prince Philip has had major health issues recently ... he was hospitalized back in February with heart issues.
The Prince had mostly been secluded as of late -- along with the Queen -- not necessarily for direct health issues ... but due to the recent safety precautions regarding the coronavirus pandemic. Philip was at-risk as a very old man with pre-existing conditions.
He was even hospitalized briefly in December to treat one of those conditions, but was released to join the Queen in time for Christmas.
Of course, in January 2019 he was also involved in an alarming car crash in which he was the driver. He was unhurt but decided to voluntarily turn in his driving license afterward ... at the age of 97.
Philip married Elizabeth in 1947 ... she became Queen in 1952, and he was dubbed a Prince of the UK in 1957.
Philip was born in Greece into the royal families of that country and Denmark. He was raised all over Europe, but joined the British Royal Navy at the age of 18. He served in WWII, and eventually rose to rank of commander until he retired from military service.
He retired from his official royal duties in August 2017 at the age of 96 after 65 years of service.
Philip is survived by QEII, their 4 children (Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward), 8 grandchildren (including Prince William and Prince Harry), and 8 great-grandchildren ... including the youngest heir to the throne, Prince George.
He was the oldest-ever male British Royal at 99.
RIP
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Jack Hanna Family Announces He Has Alzheimer's
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Jack Hanna -- the famed and beloved animal expert -- is battling with Alzheimer's disease ... and his family says it's progressed "much faster in the last few months."
Jack's three daughters -- Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie -- made the sad announcement Wednesday and said he's "no longer able to participate in the public life as he used to" ... largely in part to the fact the disease progressed faster than anyone could have anticipated.
The girls added, "Even though Dad is no longer able to travel and work in the same way, we know that this infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy."
Jack, of course, dedicated his life to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium since he first arrived in 1978 to serve as the director ... until retirement from that role in 1992. He'd go on to become a spokesperson for the zoo and even embarked on a tour -- from late-night shows and beyond -- with some of the most exotic animals.
Jack's daughters wanted to also let fans know that while their dad's health has deteriorated quickly, they can assure everyone their dad hasn't lost his sense of humor. And, to drive home their point the girls said, "And yes -- he still wears his khakis at home." ❤️