Music:
The Good: Mariah Carey Opens Up About Bipolar Disorder
This week in a cover story by People’s Magazine Mariah Carey opened up about her battle with her Bipolar II Disorder diagnosis which she received back in 2001 after exhibiting symptoms of depression & hypomania. She recalled being rushed to the hospital after she suffered a physical and mental breakdown and said she “didn’t want to believe it.” Carey continued to rehash her struggle saying she:“lived in denial and isolation and in constant fear that someone would expose” her illness.” After experiencing a difficult couple of years professionally and separating with her fiancé, Carey began seeking treatment from a therapist and eventually began taking medication. Since being in therapy the New York native claims she has a better understanding of what she was going through saying: “I was irritable and in constant fear of letting people down, it turns out that I was experiencing a form of mania. Eventually I would just hit a wall. I guess my depressive episodes were characterized by having very low energy. I would feel so lonely and sad — even guilty that I wasn’t doing what I needed to be doing for my career.” As Carey continues to win the battle against the illness, she refuses to allow the disorder to distract her from the music and plans to release an album later this year. The cover story comes after Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson came forward last week on The Daily Express and opened up about his past struggle with depression sparking waves of support from social media.
The Bad: Drake’s Ex Manager Sentenced To Prison
Derrick Lawrence, one of the founders of the Aspire Music Group has been sentenced to 8 months in prison for tax evasion and will also be forced to pay nearly $600,000 in fees and penalties to the government. The music group was created in 2008 and was responsible for solely managing Drake. Prosecution claimed Lawrence’s personal taxes hadn’t been filled between 2009 – 2011. In court this past Monday Lawrence was recorded telling the judge: “It was never a disrespect to the government. It was a lack of knowledge,” later saying: “It’s my fault for not following up with my accountants who I hired,” This will be another financial battle that the Aspire Group is currently dealing with, Jas Prince who is credited with discovering Drake is still entangled in a multi million dollar lawsuit for unpaid royalties which he filed back in 2012.
Social Justice:
The Good: Saudi Women Attended Their First Soccer Game
This past week marked a historic game in Saudi Arabia as women in the kingdom of Jeddah were allowed to attend previously male only stadiums. The latest reforms for social change and women’s empowerment were announced by Mohammed Bin Salam, the new 32 year old prince of the region. Families could be seen taking photos and enjoying the soccer match which resulted in a 5-0 close out. Although historically Saudi Arabia has adhered to some of the most strict interpretations of Sunni Islam, women’s rights began to snow ball after it was announced that women would also be allowed to drive back in September of 2017. “Today, you brought happiness to every Saudi family and woman who attended the first game,” said Reema Bandar Al-Saud, a deputy at the General Sports Authority and also part of the Saudi Royal family. “This is a historic moment for the Kingdom.”
The Bad: Austrian Chancellor Wants To Ban Hijabs In School
This week the Chancellor of Austria, Sebastian Kurz announced plans to ban hijabs and head scarves on girls under the age of 10 in schools. Muslims in Austria are calling the move “patronizing” and say that most girls don’t even wear hijabs until they reach puberty. Austria has received an influx of Muslims seeking refugee from the Middle East which has caused fear amongst some Austrian natives that believe their mainstream culture may be negatively affected. Kurz’s recent election was bathed in anti Muslim rhetoric, even joining forces with the far right party “Freedom Group” which was created by neo nazi’s after World War II. Despite Kurz ties to the infamous hate group, the parties received much support from “concerned” Austrians. Last year Austria even began fining women who wore hijabs in public. The Islamic religious community has created an umbrella group called IGGO and described the recent moves as “counterproductive” and issued a statement regarding the hijabs: “What appears most problematic is that this is also about fundamental and human rights, such as the right to education and freedom of religion,”
Politics:
The Good: California Stilll Refuses To Listen To Trump
California announced that it will be sending 400 National Guard troops to assist in an ongoing transnational crime operation currently underway at the Mexican border, however they won’t be assisting in Trump’s deportation policies. The governor Jerry Brown was quoted as saying: “This will not be a mission to build a new wall. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life,” Brown said. “And the California National Guard will not be enforcing federal immigration laws.” Officials say that the extra troops are simply there to be an extra set of eyes and a physical deterrent. Although the governor has agreed to the assist it will likely take time to deploy the troops with past requests taking up to several months to complete.
The Bad: Trump’s Tweets Increase Anxiety Over Syria Situation
As the war in Syria continues with the government receiving support from Russian troops, Trump tweeted out warnings to Russian President Vladamir Putin last week. “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’,” Trump wrote. “You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!” Syria recently underwent a suspected chemical attack that laid waste to citizens many of whom were children under the age of 14. With relations with Russia continuing to fester since the fake news scandal, Trump’s tweets come at a bad time, a point even Trump seemed to realized in a later tweet: “Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?” Defense Secretary James Mattis said that U.S. intelligence is still reviewing whether or not the Syrian government was responsible for the recent chemical attacks and stands “ready to provide military options if they are appropriate as the President determined.
Hilarity:
Congratulations, You Played Yourself
Women Wants Job In Correctional Facility, Gets Arrested Instead
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name…other times you should just go elsewhere. Kristina Hoefs is a perfect example. This week the Department Of Corrections in New Hampshire received a job application from Hoefs but instead of giving her an interview or call back, they immediately arrested her after realizing she had an outstanding warrant in Maine. She was immediately taken into custody and scheduled for an arraignment this past Monday.
Man Arrested After Falling Through Ex’s Ceiling
A Kansas man is under arrest after he was caught wearing his ex girlfriends t -shirt, an item he stole after breaking into her home and falling through the attic. Tyler Bergkamp had been arrested previously for stealing from another home, yet after being discharged he went to the women’s house and tried hiding in apparent attempt to steal more clothing. The police were called when she came home and found a hospital gown and a giant hole in the roof.
