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Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, spoke candidly about her safety concerns following the recent shootings of two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota.

On Thursday, Crockett appeared on ABC’s The View. When asked if she feels safe “as an elected official in this political climate,” the 44-year-old told the co-hosts, “No, not at all,” according to The Hill.

Jasmine Crockett said Congress should shift funds to cover lawmakers’ security

Crockett continued, suggesting that Congress should allocate some funds from other projects, including the recent U.S. Army military parade President Donald Trump initiated on June 14 to coincide with his 79th birthday.

“I mean, here’s the deal: I do this job, and the fact that my safety is a part of doing this job is really bad, in and of itself, but while we spend millions upon millions just so that this guy can go and golf, or while they spent $45 million for his little birthday parade,” the lawmaker said.

“I’m just saying, can we reprioritize some of those dollars?” she asked.

.@RepJasmine tells ‘The View’ she does “not at all” feel safe as an elected official in the current political climate: “The fact that my safety is a part of doing this job is really bad in and of itself.” pic.twitter.com/5cFoGwKItr— The View (@TheView) June 19, 2025

‘We have nothing’

Crockett also pointed out that a recent spending bill included over $25 million for 24/7 security for the nine U.S. Supreme Court justices.

“Listen, I’m not even asking for a million, but can we get something? Because we have nothing,” Crockett said. “The only people in the House that have protection, you get protection based upon your leadership post. That’s it. Those are the only ones. And so when you figure out security, you have to hopefully raise enough money to then be able to pay for security yourself.”

“This is a problem, especially in light of the environment,” the congresswoman who has represented Texas’ 30th District since 2023 added.

Crockett said she spoke with a Republican colleague about introducing legislation to fund security for lawmakers. Despite political differences, both Democrats and Republicans have condemned the recent violence and threats against legislators.

“We still have a role to play,” Crockett said. “I get that nobody really likes the Congress, but I mean, we still are duly elected, and we’re a co-equal branch of government, but we always seem like we’re the stepchild.”

Who was the gunman in the Minnesota shootings?

Crockett’s comments come nearly a week after Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their home in the suburban neighborhood of Brooklyn Park.

In a separate shooting, state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot at their home in the Champlin suburb, Blavity reported.

The suspected gunman, Vance Luther Boelter, had an extensive list of other state Democratic lawmakers, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and state Attorney General Keith Ellison. He was later captured and taken into custody.

Kroger, the company that owns 1,239 grocery stores in 16 states, plans to close 60 of its locations in the next 18 months. The announcement comes after the company’s first-quarter earnings showed a decline in sales. The grocery retailer announced that 5% of the closures will be in Cincinnati, but it did not reveal where the bulk of the closings will be located.

Why is Kroger closing 60 stores across the U.S.?

According to CBS News, Kroger’s first-quarter report showed that sales dropped to $45.1 billion. That’s a slight decrease from a year ago, when the company reported $45.3 billion in sales.

“In the first quarter, Kroger recognized an impairment charge of $100 million related to the planned closing of approximately 60 stores over the next 18 months. As a result of these store closures, Kroger expects a modest financial benefit,” the company said in a statement after the latest report, per CBS News.

According to the grocery chain, the savings will be used to improve customer experience. The company also stated that all employees affected by the closures will have a chance to work at other locations.

Where is the Kroger location that is closing in Texas?

While the company hasn’t yet clarified where many of the closures will happen, a Kroger spokesperson confirmed that one Texas location is closing. According to WFAA, the store is located at 1707 W. University Drive in McKinney, Texas.

“Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close our McKinney store located at 1707 W. University Dr.,” Kroger said in a statement, per WFAA. “This closure is part of a larger company-wide decision to run more efficiently and ensure the long-term health of our business.”

What happened with Kroger’s attempt to merge with Albertsons?

Per the Associated Press, Kroger attempted to merge with Albertsons a year ago, but the plan was unsuccessful. Albertsons then sued Kroger, saying the company failed to ensure the merger had regulatory approval. The company added that Kroger did not show its “best efforts” to make the plan a success. Kroger, however, said Albertsons committed “repeated intentional material breaches and interference throughout the merger process.”

Albertsons said in its lawsuit that it’s seeking a $600 million termination fee and billions in legal fees. The court issued a permanent injunction in December to block the merger, the AP reported.

The popular Caribbean restaurant Bahama Breeze has announced that the business is for sale. The restaurant chain, owned by Darden Restaurants, made its latest announcement after shutting down 15 of its locations in May.

According to The U.S. Sun, Darden Restaurants CEO Rick Cardenas revealed the news in an earnings call on Friday.

What did CEO Rick Cardenas say about selling Bahama Breeze?

“We have made the difficult decision that these remaining locations are not a strategic priority for us,” Cardenas said, per The U.S. Sun. “We also believe this brand and these restaurants have the potential to benefit from a new owner. Consequently, we will be considering strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze.”

If Darden cannot find a buyer, the remaining locations may be converted into the company’s other brands, including Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, Cardenas said.

Why is Bahama Breeze selling?

Per The U.S. Sun, Bahama Breeze has struggled to keep up with its competition in recent months while also facing similar challenges as many other restaurants that are struggling to survive due to rising wages and inflation. When the restaurant closed down its 15 locations in May, the company was still hoping to overcome the challenges and improve the remaining locations.

“Closing a restaurant is a difficult choice because it impacts our team members and guests,” spokesperson Kiara Buckner told USA Today in May. “However, we believe this is the right decision because it will allow Bahama Breeze to focus on its highest-performing restaurants and strengthen the brand’s overall performance.”

Now, however, the company is heading in a different direction. While the future remains unclear, Bahama Breeze said in May that it would help employees affected by the closures.

“We are doing everything we can to place as many impacted team members at nearby Darden brands, and all others will be provided with severance,” the spokesperson said at that time, according to ABC 24.

Bahama Breeze, founded in Orlando in 1996, currently operates about 43 locations in the U.S.

A massive data breach has exposed more than 16 billion passwords across multiple platforms, making it one of the most significant breaches in history.

Researchers at Cybernews confirmed the breach and published their findings on Wednesday, identifying 30 datasets, each containing billions of passwords for social media, VPNs, and user information related to other online services, including Apple and Google.

“This is not just a leak — it’s a blueprint for mass exploitation. With over 16 billion login records exposed, cybercriminals now have unprecedented access to personal credentials that can be used for account takeover, identity theft, and highly targeted phishing,” researchers said.

“What’s especially concerning is the structure and recency of these datasets — these aren’t just old breaches being recycled. This is fresh, weaponizable intelligence at scale,” they added.

The data breach was the largest cyber theft incident in history

Since early this year, the data watchdog has monitored the web. Its latest report reveals the largest-ever theft of sensitive data by infostealers, surpassing all previous cyber incidents.

Cybercriminals who initially obtain user passwords for sale on the dark web can exploit them to carry out identity theft, fraud and smishing.

The login information was only exposed briefly, prompting researchers to retrieve it quickly. However, they don’t know who was controlling most of the data, which was “temporarily accessible through unsecured Elasticsearch or object storage instances,” according to Cybernews.

Were passwords for Facebook, Apple and Google leaked?

Bob Diachenko, a Cybernews contributor, cybersecurity researcher, and owner of Security Discovery, shared details on whether the leaked datasets contained information from large tech companies.

“There was no centralized breach at any of these companies,” Diachenko said, adding that user information on those platforms still could have been exposed elsewhere.

“Credentials we’ve seen in infostealer logs contained login URLs to Apple, Facebook, and Google login pages,” Diachenko said.

How can consumers protect themselves?

Anyone would find it alarming to discover their personal information circulating online. Newsweek reported that the best way for consumers to protect themselves is to enhance security by using stronger, complex passwords and multi-factor authentication.

Google has also recommended that users upgrade their Gmail accounts by using more efficient methods with biometric authentication, such as a passkey system with physical certification, like fingerprint recognition, facial scans, or a pattern lock.

“It’s important to use tools that automatically secure your account and protect you from scams,” the tech company told Newsweek.

Recent cyber threat via text messages

In March, Blavity reported that the FBI warned iPhone and Android users to delete smishing text messages from threat actors claiming to be toll services and other government entities.

They send these phony messages to people, attempting to steal their information if the person clicks on the link asking them to pay alleged outstanding balances.

“The texts claim the recipient owes money for unpaid tolls and contain almost identical language,” the FBI stated. “The ‘outstanding toll amount’ is similar among the complaints reported to the [Internet Crime Complaint Center]. However, the link provided within the text is created to impersonate the state’s toll service name, and phone numbers appear to change between states.”

Fat Joe’s former hypeman, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, filed a $20 million federal lawsuit Thursday accusing the rapper, born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, of years of criminal behavior, including manipulation, sex abuse and exploitation.

Chris Brown recently appeared in a UK courtroom to enter a plea in the alleged club brawl lawsuit that left a music executive injured.

According to Times News Now, producer Abraham “Abe” Diaw filed a $16 million civil lawsuit against Brown in October 2023. Diaw claimed he was physically attacked by Brown at Tape nightclub in London’s Mayfair district in February 2023. After Diaw was allegedly struck with a tequila bottle, he says he was left unconscious due to Brown kicking and stomping him while he was on the ground, per The Sun.

“He hit me over the head two or three times,” Diaw told The Sun in a May 2025 interview. “My knee collapsed as well.” 

Chris Brown appeared in court on Friday

According to the BBC, Brown attended his arraignment in London’s Southwark Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty to Diaw’s attempted grievous bodily harm allegations on Friday morning. Additionally, two more charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon were added to the case ahead of this proceeding.

The judge postponed Brown’s arraignment on those two charges, so he won’t be required to enter a plea until July 11 with the trial scheduled to begin on October 26, 2026.

Brown shared an Instagram photo of himself in a three-piece suit with the caption, “Let’s the sky fall. If im looking at you then my lense is a rose  #holyblindfold #BREEZYBOWL.”

Omololu Akinlolu, a friend of Brown’s who goes by Hood Baby, was also charged with grievous bodily harm; he pleaded not guilty as well.

Chris Brown was arrested in London ahead of his Breezy Bowl XX Tour

As Blavity reported, Brown was arrested in Salford, UK, in May ahead of the European leg of his tour for the 20th anniversary celebration of his debut self-titled album. He spent nearly a week in custody and was released after posting a $6.4 million security fee, which he could lose if he violates bail terms.

As part of his conditions, Brown must reside in the UK and surrender his passport. However, a special arrangement allows him to retrieve it for already booked tour dates. His European show began in Amsterdam on June 8, with the UK leg kicking off on June 15.

Pavel Durov, CEO and co-founder of the Telegram messaging app, revealed in a recent interview that he plans to pass his fortune to the hundreds of children he’s fathered. Speaking with French magazine Le Point, Durov said he has biological children he raised with three different women, as well as others he conceived with the sperm he donated, but they will all get his inheritance.

“They are all my children and will all have the same rights. I don’t want them to tear each other apart after my death,” Durov told the outlet, adding that he wrote his will recently.

What did Pavel Durov say about fathering over 100 children?

The Telegram founder went to social media last year and publicly spoke about why he decided to have more than a hundred children. Durov told his followers that it was a doctor who convinced him to have so many children. The doctor, according to Durov, told him he’s blessed with “high quality donor material,” so it’s his civic duty to donate sperm. As a result, Durov continued to donate his sperm in a span of 15 years, CNN reported.

Durov said he wrote his will now because he wants to protect his children if something unexpected happens.

“My work involves risks – defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states,” he said. “I want to protect my children, but also the company I created, Telegram. I want Telegram to forever remain faithful to the values I defend.”

What is Pavel Durov’s net worth?

While a Bloomberg report revealed that Durov is worth about $13.9 billion, the 40-year-old tech guru said that estimate is “theoretical.”

“Since I’m not selling Telegram, it doesn’t matter. I don’t have this money in a bank account. My liquid assets are much lower – and they don’t come from Telegram: they come from my investment in bitcoin in 2013,” Durov told Le Point.

With Durov planning to keep ownership of Telegram for many more years, he said his children will be waiting a while before they take over.

“I decided that my children would not have access to my fortune until a period of 30 years has elapsed, starting from today,” he said. “I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account.”

Supermarket chain Kroger is facing backlash over its Juneteenth-themed cakes sold at one of their Georgia locations. A video posted on TikTok has garnered over 10 million views. The creator showed cakes with minimal decorations and featuring text such as “Free @ Last” and “FREE.”

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It refers to June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that 250,000 enslaved people in the state were free by executive decree. Slavery was then officially abolished on December 18, 1865, when the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

The video, which was posted by @blaq.monalis on June 18, went viral after she showed the cakes that Kroger were selling in honor of Juneteenth.

“This is a mockery!” she captioned the video. “Why even bother if you’re going to lack creativity?”

“This is some bulls**t,” she said in the video. “Who the hell made these ugly a** s**t? I wish there was a manager here because ya’ll decorate everything else around here cute. Everything else around here cute, but for Juneteenth you want to just throw something on a freaking cookie cake and expect someone to buy it? That’s bulls**t.”

@blaq.monalisa Kroger count your days. Why even bother if you’re going to lack creativity. This is Kroger on Howell mill rd, Atlanta Ga. This is a mockery! Am I tripping, someone let me know! ♬ original sound – blaq monalisa

In the comments, some users validated her outrage while others supported the idea that the cakes were disrespectful.

“as a ex cake decorator… they did that on purpose,” one person wrote.

“It’s giving “here damn” ,” another person commented.

“It’s the “ congratulations “ for me like … congrats on being FREE ,” someone else chimed in.

“They were better off just not acknowledging Juneteenth fr,” a fourth person added.

Kroger responded to the backlash over its Juneteenth cakes

The supermarket chain has addressed the controversy in a statement sent to Newsweek.

“The cakes and cookies that were featured in the video were inconsistent with our provided guidance and not of the quality we would expect to see from our stores,” a Kroger spokesperson wrote. “The products have been removed, and we’ve addressed this directly with the store teams and the customer who took the initial video.”

A day after posting the viral video, the creator said the cakes were no longer available in the store. It is unclear if they were removed or if they were sold.

“TikTok, y’all did it,” she said. “I still feel some type of way that they didn’t replace it with better Juneteenth cakes.”

@blaq.monalisa Went back to Kroger, Howell mill rd, Atlanta Ga. They removed the cookie cakes, or I guess someone purchased them! ♬ original sound – blaq monalisa

That Mexican OT is standing by his use of the N-word.

According to Complex, the Texas rapper addressed using the word while appearing on the Lip Service podcast, where he explained that he uses the word out of love for the Black people and isn’t afraid of being canceled for it. Here’s what he said and how people are reacting to it on social media.

The rapper believes he can say the word because no one will (or could) stop him

The topic of That Mexican OT’s vocabulary came up after Lip Service host Angela Yee brought up artists, celebrities and influencers becoming more aware of their language and how it may affect others.

The rapper confessed that he isn’t concerned about insulting others.  

“I don’t think I can get canceled. I can’t get canceled because I didn’t sell my music; I sold me,” That Mexican OT explained on the show. “These people know who the f**k I am, and they love me, and they appreciate me. That’s why I can go f**kin’ jump off a bridge and eat a bowl of s**t, and they’re gonna f**kin’ love it.”

The rapper added, “Even if you don’t agree with what the f**k I’m saying, there’s a whole world that is behind me. And not only is there a whole behind me, it’s so fearlessly me that you have no choice but to respect it.”

That’s when Lip Service co-host Cleotrapa mentioned That Mexican OT’s prior use of the N-word.

That Mexican OT is facing backlash after saying he believes he can say the N-word after being asked by Cleotrapa on Angela Yee’s Lip Service Podcast.“What the f*ck are you going to do about it?” pic.twitter.com/PNvYSQLdsP— XXL Magazine (@XXL) June 20, 2025

“You’re from the South, obviously you grew up a different kind of way, and you’re a rapper, too,” she said before asking, “Do you feel like you can say the N-word?”

That Mexican OT said he believes he can use it because no one will do anything about it.

“I’m gonna tell you why … I wish there was some Black dudes in here,” Complex reported he said before finding one in the room. “OK, we’re gonna use him. What the f**k are you gonna do about it? And then second of all, I grew up loving these motherf**kers. I grew up fighting with them. I grew up eating with them. I grew up f**kin’ doing bad s**t with them.”

The rapper also explained that he has Black relatives, alluding to that fact, making it OK for him to use the N-word.

“Even if I wasn’t related to nobody that was Black, I mean, s**t, it’s what the f**k I was surrounded by,” he said.

That Mexican OT added that he understands why many don’t feel comfortable with non-Black people using the word, but he feels exempt from that because of his background.

He argued, “But if you’re from where I’m from, or anywhere, what the f**k are you gonna do about it? I went to the jungle and earned the lion’s head. And now I’ll dominate anywhere … You will respect me the same way I respect you.”

Social media users disagree with That Mexican OT’s use of the word. Many on X, formerly Twitter, let the rapper know that his use of the word is not OK.

One person wrote, “Mexican OT is another non-Black person that wishes they were as cool as a Black person. Because if he actually respected the Black people he grew up with, he wouldn’t be saying the N-word.”

Rapper Monaleo tweeted, “all this talk about who can/can’t say n*gga a day after juneteenth is egregious if not u not black don’t say ngga! the fck be wrong with yall? shame on anybody condoning the use of a slur towards a marginalized community that isn’t even your own. in 2025 at that. the audacity !”

View more reactions below:

all this talk about who can/can’t say n*gga a day after juneteenth is egregiousif not u not black don’t say ngga! the fck be wrong with yall?shame on anybody condoning the use of a slur towards a marginalized community that isn’t even your own. in 2025 at that. the audacity !— MONALEO (@themonaleo) June 20, 2025

Mexican OT is another non-Black person that wishes they were as cool as a Black person. Because if he actually respected the Black people he grew up with, he wouldn’t be saying the N-word.— S. (@sinsandsunsets) June 20, 2025

And to those people who sat in that room and let the Mexican OT say “what the fuck yall gonna do if I say nigga?” And just laughed … I know what yall are. Cowards amongst other things— the alchemist (@yunglacc) June 20, 2025

Mexican OT needs his fucking ass beat Omm you Texas niggas need to handle that shit swiftly— TheeOtakuPoodle (@ViquiMichell) June 20, 2025

More importantly his arrogant ass said “what we finna do about it” — Frescovelli (@Willifresco) June 20, 2025

yea he can deffly go to hell. i hate when hispanic people try to justify saying it cause of where they grew up or that we all minorities so they should be able to. BITCH YOU NOT A NIGGA SO DONT SAY NIGGA @ThatMexicanOT_ https://t.co/e1lv2Z0FdS— doo doo garbagé (@iamkimosabe) June 19, 2025