Just a year after her VMA debut, Cardi B is back, she’s better than ever, and now she’s the newly crowned Best New Artist. As if anyone‘s surprised.
“I’m so happy to receive this award,” Cardi said while accepting her Moon Person statuette. “A couple of months ago, a lot of people were saying, ‘You’re gambling your career, you’re about to have a baby, what are you doing?’ And you know, I had a baby, I carried the baby, and now I’m still winning an award!”
With her husband, Offset, applauding in the audience, Cardi added that she’s so thankful for the support from her family, friends, and fans. “All the love … it’s genuine, it’s beautiful, and that’s something that God give me that you can’t buy. Bitch!”
Along with Best New Artist, Cardi racked up a whopping 10 additional nominations at this year’s VMAs — the most of any artist. With a come-up as crazy and exciting as hers, you can bet this VMA victory won’t be her last.
The indictments were announced Friday by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein as part of the ongoing special counsel probe into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. (July 13) AP
Microsoft has uncovered new Russian hacking attempts targeting U.S. political groups ahead of the midterm elections, the technology giant reported Tuesday.
This attempt, tied to a hacking group affiliated with the Russian government, spoofed a pair of conservative think-tanks, the Hudson Institute and the International Republican Institute.
There’s no sign the hackers were successful in getting anyone to click on the fake websites, the Associated Press reported, and both organizations said their global pro-democracy work has previously made them targets.
The New York Times reported that the latest hacking attempts underscore the Russian intelligence agency’s goal to disrupt any political challenges to Moscow and President Vladimir Putin.
“We are now seeing another uptick in attacks. What is particular in this instance is the broadening of the type of websites they are going after,” Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, was quoted in the NYT. “These are organizations that are informally tied to Republicans, so we see them broadening beyond the sites they have targeted in the past.”
The hacking attempts also included three other phony sites that appeared to be affiliated with the Senate, the Washington Post reported.
“This apparent spear-phishing attempt against the International Republican Institute and other organizations is consistent with the campaign of meddling that the Kremlin has waged against organizations that support democracy and human rights,” IRI President Daniel Twining told the Post. “It is clearly designed to sow confusion, conflict and fear among those who criticize Mr. Putin’s authoritarian regime.”
Microsoft obtained court approval last year allowing it to seize certain fake domains created by the hacking group, which it calls Strontium.
The fake websites, which were registered with major web-hosting companies, were at my-iri.org, hudsonorg-my-sharepoint.com, senate.group, adfs-senate.services, adfs-senate.email and office365-onedrive.com, according to Microsoft and reported by the Post.
A similar Microsoft discovery led Missouri Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who’s running for re-election, to reveal last month that Russian hackers tried unsuccessfully to infiltrate her Senate computer network.
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U.S. officials have warned Russian hackers have targeted home and business routers and other devices. Kim Komando has tips on keeping intruders out. Kim Komando, for USA TODAY
Camila Cabello has a long history as a fixture at the VMAs, especially in her years as a member of Fifth Harmony. But at the end of 2016, she announced she’d be following her own path, and now, it’s clear: 2018 is the year Camila has properly arrived as a solo pop phenom.
Need proof? After earlier winning Artist of the Year, Camila just took home the night’s top prize of Video of the Year for her Young Thug collab, “Havana,” the video for which is a positively sumptuous buffet of colors and vibes.
And onstage at the end of the night, Camila was handed the Moon Person statuette by none other than Madonna — who she decided to dedicate her win to.
“Madonna, I love you so, so much,” she said, a moment after admitting her hands were shaking. “I’ve seen every single music video of yours. I’ve seen every single documentary of yours. You’ve inspired me so much, and for that reason, this is a surreal moment. I love you, seriously. I can’t believe it.”
Madonna, for her part, prefaced the presentation of Camila’s award with her own lengthy personal tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died on August 16. But as soon as Camila stood up onstage next to her, she let her nervous charm pour forth in an effusive speech thanking literally everyone she could think of: fans, family, and director Dave Meyers (who also shared the award last year with the Little Homies for Kendrick Lamar’s sublime “Humble”).
Camila ended up triumphant over fellow culture-topping nominees Ariana Grande’s “No Tears Left to Cry,” Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s “Finesse (Remix),” The Carters’ “APES**T,” Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” and Drake’s “God’s Plan” for the night’s highest honor.
The “Havana” clip also doubles as a hilarious (and mostly, but not completely) fictitious origin story where Camila watches alternate versions of herself on both a TV and a movie screen. Now, the world watched her accept her Moon Person award onstage, where she acknowledged her family “inspired” it.
“Havana” racked up four VMAs noms in total, and Camila also took home Artist of the Year. Still, even the top artists have their own faves. That’s why she left the stage making certain her influences were celebrated, too. “Honestly, I dedicate this to Madonna,” Camila said. It was in keeping with her previous speech — and though there’s no reason to be humble when you take the top prize, it’s refreshing to know that you still can be.
The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City Aug. 20, 2018, recognized and showcased top music talent. Jennifer Lopez performs onstage at the VMAs and was awarded the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, the VMAs’ version of a lifetime achievement award.
“Pete Davidson, thanks for existing,” Ariana Grande said onstage accepting the award for Best Pop at the 2018 VMAs for her lead Sweetener single, “No Tears Left to Cry.”
And with those five words, one of the most talked about new relationships of 2018 reached a peak. But the rest of Ari’s story this year is about perseverance.
Indeed, a lot can happen in a year. Only 12 months ago, Grande was nearly wrapping up her Dangerous Woman tour in Asia, while still reeling and recovering from the terrorist bombing that killed 22 people and injured 139 at her May 2017 concert in Manchester.
This weekend, however, Ari had much to celebrate — especially the release of her fourth album, Sweetener, which dropped on August 17. There was also, of course, her PDA-filled red-carpet debut with fiancé Pete Davidson earlier tonight. And earlier tonight, while accepting the Moon Person for “No Tears Left to Cry,” Ari naturally shouted out her family and friend, but also the fans who continually support her online and IRL.
“I’m so grateful, first of all, to my fans. I love you so much,” she said. “Friends on the internet, I love you. You’re the funniest, most supportive people.”
“No Tears” beat out Camila Cabello and Young Thug’s “Havana,” Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry,” Shawn Mendes’s “In My Blood,” P!nk’s “What About Us,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” for Best Pop. The song’s video, directed by Dave Meyers, is an Inception-style antigravity trip through flipped perspective and futurism that features Ari singing while upside down in a neo-noir cityscape, tangled up in reams of lights, and splitting into a panoply of kaleidoscopic faces.
Her win is a nice callback to 2014, when Ariana won Best Pop for “Problem,” her collab with Iggy Azalea. She was also nominated in 2016 for the rushing elation of “Into You.”
Ari’s nominated tonight for five VMAs in total, including Artist of the Year and Best Pop. She’s also set to perform “God Is a Woman” a little later in the show. Stay tuned for Pete Davidson’s reactions to that!
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke answers media questions moments after he announced Christopher Watts is facing nine felony charges. Sady Swanson, sswanson@coloradoan.com
The Colorado man accused of killing his pregnant wife and two young daughters earlier this month told police that he went into a rage and strangled his wife after witnessing her attack their children during the early morning hours of Aug. 13.
Christopher Watts, 33, of Frederick was formally charged on Monday with nine felony counts, including five counts of first-degree murder, in the deaths of Shanann Watts, 34, Bella Watts, 4, and Celeste Watts, 3.
Following the announcement of formal charges, the Weld County District Attorney’s Office requested the public release of the warrantless arrest affidavit for Christopher Watts.
The affidavit provides the most detail to date about the events that led to Christopher Watts’ Aug. 15 arrest. It paints a picture of a suspect who cooperated with a police search of his home but who for two days concealed details of the night of his family members’ deaths.
During the course of a two-day investigation following the disappearance of his wife and children, police learned that Christopher Watts was involved in an affair with a co-worker at Anadarko Petroleum, from which he was fired on Aug. 15, the day of his arrest. He told investigators that he and his wife had an emotional conversation during the early hours of Aug. 13 about his desire to separate.
Christoper Watts told police that he left the couple’s bedroom after talking to his wife and returned to see the baby monitor on Shanann Watts’ night stand. He told police that the video showed Bella “sprawled” out on her bed and Shanann actively strangling Celeste.
Watts told police that he went into a rage and strangled Shanann to death before loading the bodies of his three family members into his work truck and taking them to an oil work site. There, he said he buried his wife near two oil tanks and dumped the girls inside the tanks.
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke during a Monday press conference said he would not answer questions specific to the ongoing investigation of the case. Neither police nor Rourke’s office have addressed Christopher Watts’ claims.
On Friday, Christoper Watts’ defense attorney James Merson motioned the court requesting that judge Marcelo Kopcow compel a forensic pathologist to take DNA swabs of the throats of the girls’ necks.
Kopcow denied the motion, writing, “This court cannot order the prosecution and/or coroner how to conduct their investigation.”
Police were first called to the Watts’ house after a friend who had dropped Shanann Watts off at her home following a business trip to Arizona became concerned that Shanann was not answering her phone calls later in the morning of Aug. 13.
An officer seeking entrance to the Watts’ home called Christopher Watts, who said he was five minutes away and came to let the officer into his family’s home.
Once inside, officers observed that Shanann Watts’ personal effects were still in the house and that the bed in the master bedroom had been stripped of its bedding.
Christopher Watts told officers that the couple had discussed going through a separation and that Shanann told him she was going to a friend’s house that day. He told officers that he left for work at about 5:27 a.m. on Aug. 13.
The arrest affidavit says Watts told police that his wife was in bed at the time of his departure.
Officers did not find signs of foul play at the Watts’ home and began a search that ultimately involved the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and FBI.
Video surveillance from a neighbor’s home security system shows Shanann Watts being dropped off at the home before 1:48 a.m. and Christopher Watts’ truck backing up to the garage at 5:27 a.m. before leaving.
Christopher Watts initially told officers that he backed up his truck to the garage to load tools and leave for work.
During an interview with police two days later, Christopher Watts asked to speak to his father, saying he would tell the truth after doing so. At that point he claimed that his wife had strangled his children and he, in turn, strangled her before loading their bodies into the back seat of his truck and dumping them at the work site northeast of Hudson.
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Christopher Watts is scheduled for a 10 a.m. Tuesday appearance in Weld County court to hear the charges against him.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.
Logic triumphantly walked into the MTV Video Music Awards tonight (August 20) on a mission. Followed by 60 Latinx children wearing “we are all human beings” shirts, the Maryland rapper launched into a meaningful performance of “One Day” featuring Ryan Tedder. The moment was an artistic statement, which symbolized why so many Americans oppose the Trump administration’s misguided family separation policy.
As Logic rapped onstage with Latinx children behind him, a video screen featuring a border wall started to rise symbolically. When the song reached its mighty crescendo the children reunited with their parents, standing in solidarity against the injustice countless immigrants are currently facing. Last week, the Nobody rapper released the “One Day” music video. It details the gripping story of a boy who is separated from his family at the U.S. border and the trials he faces in a detention center.
Logic isn’t new to using his platform at award shows to advocate for important messages. At the 2017 VMAs, he performed “1-800-273-8255” with Khalid and Alessia Cara, and was accompanied onstage by suicide attempt survivors and loss survivors. The words he said a year ago still resonate, “We must fight for the equality of every man, woman, and child, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or sexual orientation.”
England face a huge challenge to save the third Test after a century from India captain Virat Kohli on day three, the hosts need 498 runs for an unlikely victory at Trent Bridge.
DALLAS — Dallas Diocese Bishop Edward Burns informed parishioners at St. Cecilia Catholic Church this weekend about allegations of sexual abuse by their former pastor, Reverend Edmundo Paredes.
According to the Diocese, the allegations came from three adults, who said the criminal sexual acts occurred when they were in their mid teens, more than a decade ago.
The accusers are all male.
Officials also said that they have not been able to locate Paredes. He is from the Philippines and takes yearly trips there, Diocese spokeswoman Annette Gonzales Taylor said.
Bishop Edward Burns said that they have hired two private investigators to try and track the man down.
“Now that we know of his criminal sexual acts, we want to get a handle on him,” said Burns.
Upon learning of the allegations in February, Diocese officials immediately filed a report with law enforcement agencies to launch a criminal investigation.
“The allegations were found to be credible,” said Burns.
Paredes has been suspended and is no longer is allowed to function or represent himself as a priest. He left St. Cecilia last year, before the sex abuse allegations surfaced.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, or SNAP, issued a statement Sunday criticizing the Dallas Diocese, questioning why Burns didn’t notify parishioners of the abuse allegations until Saturday.
Burns “failed to notify parishioners in a timely manner” that Paredes was under investigation, the SNAP DFW chapter’s statement said.
“Why would Bishop burns suppress this crucial information?” SNAP said. “Was it to protect the diocese from scandal? What about concern for the safety of children and the need to comfort any survivors?”
Burns said that he had to consult with his Diocese review board before he could release the information. He said it became apparent after the Pennsylvania report that it was necessary.
“There are tears, disbelief, dismay, frustration,” he said of the reaction from the congregation.
In addition to the abuse allegations, the Diocese was also informed that theft had occurred at the parish while Paredes was pastor. Paredes has admitted to financial misconduct with certain parish funds, the Diocese said. The missing funds were an estimated $60,000-$80,000 in cash.
The funds from St. Cecilia Catholic School and the funds donated for the rebuilding of the church following a 2007 fire had not been affected.
Bishop Burns told parishioners Saturday evening that the Diocese’s “priority was to determine the truth and protect the victims who showed courage by coming forward. With the utmost sensitivity to victims, I have pledged to continue efforts of transparency and need to make you aware of this atrocious and sad event.”
“I want to assure the entire community that we are working to find solutions to create a safer environment,” Bishop Burns told the parishioners. “I offer my heartfelt apologies that these crimes have happened in your parish and please know I am praying for all victims of sexual abuse and for all of you here in the St. Cecilia community.”
The Diocese of Dallas has asked anyone who has suffered abuse by church personnel to report it to law enforcement and contact Victims Assistance Coordinator Mary Edlund at medlund@cathdal.org or 214379-2819.
Almost exactly a year ago, Shawn Mendes rocked the VMAs with a prototypically raspy rendition of his hit “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back.” That rasp, in addition to causing Bebe Rexha to shout, “Shawn, I love you!” and grabbing nearby Khalid for a mini dance party, was Mendes’s best asset, the element that leant an edge to his tuneful pop sensibilities.
But this year, as his rain-drenched, Cardi B-introduced 2018 VMA performance of “In My Blood” just proved, Mendes (who left behind his teen years when he turned 20 a few weeks ago) has much more than just the rasp. He’s gone full Rock Star, inviting everyone, even the folks in the last row of the joint, to join him in a chorus of whoas. And it’s a great look on him.
A quick look at last year’s VMA performance setup versus this year’s might not reveal all that much difference. Mendes has upgraded his acoustic for an electric and added a string section — though even that tweak is a little subtle.
But now, to kick off the show’s festivities, Mendes sang to the rafters and added a swelling coda to his personal anxiety anthem for a few more seconds of vowelly chants. In case it wasn’t clear that the stakes are higher than ever, the stage design reinforces the music video’s theme of crumbling walls and a gathering storm. In the middle of it all is Mendes’s stable voice, the calming presence keeping everything together. It’s just like the song’s music video suggests: Shawn is going to make it through, coming out stronger on the other side. And soaking wet.
It was enough to recall one of Mendes’s biggest influences, King of Leon, and their own throaty arena-rock staple “Use Somebody.” Mendes naturally covered it at his MTV Unplugged show in 2017, and it’s got the same mojo found across his newest album (though sometimes presented in slicker, funkier ways).
“In My Blood” is up for Best Pop, Best Cinematography, Best Direction awards this year. By the end of his performance, Mendes stood in the middle of Radio City Music Hall, soaking wet from a rain machine, and triumphant after a bout of menacing weather. And everyone there was with him, not ready to give up just yet either. It isn’t in their blood.
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