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Ex-SecDefs Revolt: Mattis, Austin, and Three Others Demand Senate Block President Trump’s Joint Chiefs Chairman Nominee Over Firing of CQ Brown

Former Protection Secretaries Condemn Trump’s Dismissal of Joint Chiefs Chair, Urge Congressional Motion

5 former U.S. Secretaries of Protection have issued a joint letter condemning President Donald Trump’s abrupt dismissal of Normal Charles “CQ” Brown Jr. as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Workers and urging Congress to dam the affirmation of his substitute, retired Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine. The signatories embody officers spanning 4 presidential administrations: William Perry (Clinton), Leon Panetta and Chuck Hagel (Obama), James Mattis (Trump), and Lloyd Austin (Biden).

Of their letter, launched publicly on February 27, 2025, the previous Pentagon leaders warned that Trump’s elimination of Brown and different senior navy officers—together with pending dismissals of the Military, Navy, and Air Power Choose Advocates Normal—appeared politically motivated and risked destabilizing the navy’s nonpartisan ethos. They referred to as for rapid congressional hearings to scrutinize the firings and halt affirmation of Caine till the administration offers justification.

Key Issues from the Letter
The previous officers argued that Trump’s actions lacked transparency, noting Brown had served lower than two years of his four-year time period. They accused the administration of in search of to “politicize the navy” and circumvent authorized safeguards designed to insulate management from partisan interference. The letter emphasised potential penalties, together with eroded belief within the armed forces and reluctance amongst service members to “communicate reality to energy.”

Quoting George Washington’s warning towards militarizing politics, the signatories urged Congress to uphold its oversight position, stating: “We’re not asking members of Congress to do us a favor; we’re asking them to do their jobs.”

Trump’s Nomination and Authorized Hurdles
Trump introduced Brown’s substitute by way of Fact Social on February 21, praising Caine as a “warfighter” who “delivered” the speedy defeat of ISIS throughout Trump’s first time period. Nevertheless, Caine’s nomination faces a authorized barrier: federal legislation requires the Joint Chiefs Chair to have served in prime roles equivalent to a service chief or combatant commander. Caine, a retired three-star basic, doesn’t meet these standards, necessitating a presidential waiver.

Caine’s background contains particular operations management in Iraq, a CIA liaison position, and private-sector ventures. His navy accolades embody the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star.

Extra Management Shakeups
Protection Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed additional deliberate dismissals, together with Navy Chief Adm. Lisa Franchetti and Air Power Vice Chief Gen. James Slife, whereas soliciting nominees for the Choose Advocate Normal posts. Hegseth acknowledged the overhaul goals to refocus the navy on “deterring, preventing, and profitable wars.”

Reactions and Implications
The letter underscores deepening tensions between Trump and navy management, echoing previous clashes throughout his first time period. Critics worry the turnover might speed up politicization inside the ranks, whereas Trump’s allies body the adjustments as essential to align the Pentagon together with his “America First” agenda.

Congressional Democrats have pledged to problem the waiver for Caine, whereas Senate Republicans face strain to uphold or reject the administration’s stance. The result might set a precedent for navy management appointments and congressional oversight in politically polarized climates.

Textual content of Trump’s Fact Social Announcement (excerpt):
“Normal Caine is a nationwide safety skilled who stated he might defeat ISIS shortly—and he did. Sleepy Joe Biden handed him over, however not anymore! Along with Secretary Hegseth, we’ll restore peace by power.”

Parts of the DOD’s assertion on Caine:
“Lt. Gen. Caine’s profession spans three many years of distinguished service, together with fight operations and joint particular operations command roles. His management embodies the warfighter ethos essential to fashionable protection challenges.”

The Senate Armed Providers Committee is predicted to schedule hearings on Caine’s nomination within the coming weeks.

February 28, 2025
Stereolab Announce Tour of North America and Europe

Stereolab will embark on a significant worldwide tour this spring, with a run of dates in North America and Europe that can take them proper by way of to the tip of the 12 months. Laetitia Sadier and the band hit the street in Could with a European stint that runs by way of June, earlier than heading to North America in September, October, and November, and returning to the UK in December. South American dates shall be introduced quickly, in keeping with the band. Try the present itinerary under.

Whereas Stereolab haven’t launched a studio album since 2010’s Not Music, they’ve spent the following years turning into some of the prolific reissuers of their period. (The newest was the 2022 entry within the Switched On sequence, Pulse of the Early Mind.) To that finish, they’ve introduced a brand new set of reissues of seven albums, now in double-disc type somewhat than the sooner triple-disc editions; these will retail at a less expensive price ticket. Watch the video under for an illustration of the modifications.

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Stereolab Play Dwell in 2025

Stereolab:

05-25 Brussels, Belgium – Botanique
05-26 Köln, Germany – Gloria
05-28 Hamburg, Germany – Grünspan
05-29 Berlin, Germany – Huxleys Neue Welt
05-30 Frankfurt, Germany – Zoom
05-31 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso
06-01 Nijmegen, Netherlands – Doornroosje
06-03 Nantes, France – Stereolux
06-04 Paris, France – Le Trianon
06-05 Bordeaux, France – Rock Faculty Barbey
06-06 Barcelona, Spain – Primavera Sound
06-07 Madrid, Spain – Teatro Eslava
06-09 Grenoble, France – La Belle Electrique
06-10 Ferrara, Italy – Ferrara Sotto le Stelle
06-11 Zurich, Switzerland – Volkshaus
06-12 Munich, Germany – Hansa 39
06-14 Zagreb, Croatia – Tvornica Kulture
06-15 Budapest, Hungary – A38 Ship
06-16 Vienna, Austria – WUK
06-17 Prague, Czech Republic – MeetFactory
06-19 Schorndorf, Germany – Manufaktur
06-20 Luxembourg Metropolis, Luxembourg – den Atelier
07-11 Cagliari, Italy – Siren Pageant
09-13 Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
09-14 Atlanta, GA – Selection Playhouse
09-16 Miami Seashore, FL – Miami Seashore Bandshell
09-18 New Orleans, LA – Civic Theatre
09-19 Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
09-20 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
09-21 Saxapahaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom
09-23 Washington, D.C. – The Howard Theatre
09-24 Philadelphia, PA – Union Switch
09-26 Boston, MA – Royale
09-27 Portland, ME – State Theatre
10-01 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Metal
10-03 South Burlington, VT – Greater Floor
10-04 Montreal, Quebec – Théâtre Beanfield
10-06 Toronto, Ontario – Danforth Music Corridor
10-07 Buffalo, NY – Asbury Corridor
10-08 Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron
10-09 Chicago, IL – Metro
10-11 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
10-12 Iowa Metropolis, IA – The Englert Theatre
10-14 Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
10-17 Vancouver, British Columbia – Vogue Theatre
10-18 Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre
10-19 Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
10-21 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
10-24 Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre
10-25 Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
10-28 San Diego, CA – Observatory North Park
10-30 Marfa, TX – Ballroom Marfa
10-31 Austin, TX – TBC
11-01 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Corridor
11-02 Dallas, TX – Granada Theatre
11-12 Mexico Metropolis, Mexico – Foro Indie Rocks!
12-05 Brighton, England – Brighton Dome Corn Change
12-06 London, England – Royal Pageant Corridor
12-08 Glasgow, Scotland – SWG3 Galvanisers
12-09 Leeds, England – Undertaking Home
12-11 Manchester, England – O2 Ritz
12-13 Oxford, England – O2 Academy Oxford

February 28, 2025
Nathan Fielder Reveals The Rehearsal Season 2 Premiere Date and Trailer: Watch

Nathan Fielder’s atypical TV present The Rehearsal—wherein the comic, a building crew, and actors assist folks “rehearse” future moments of their lives—has a Season 2 launch date locked in. The sequence returns on April 20 on HBO. To mark the event, the community has shared a teaser trailer of panning footage from what seems to be a behind-the-scenes second. You may watch the clip beneath.

The Rehearsal’s new season focuses on how “the urgency of Fielder’s venture grows as he decides to place his assets towards a problem that impacts us all,” in response to HBO. Fielder is as soon as once more billed because the star, author, director, and govt producer.

“Nathan has sparked such a energetic dialog with The Rehearsal,” Amy Gravitt, the chief vice chairman of HBO programming, stated again in 2022 when asserting the TV present’s renewal. “We don’t know the place Season 2 will take us, and that’s the delight of this boundary pushing present from a really singular expertise.”

The Rehearsal turned a viral sensation with its episodic rollout in 2022, particularly because of its unconventional strategies and talent to blur the road between actuality and fiction. It’s one a part of Fielder’s total take care of HBO, which additionally included the beloved docuseries How To With John Wilson, which he executive-produced.

February 28, 2025
Who’s Becoming a member of the Forged of the Upcoming Film? – Hollywood Life

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Picture Credit score: Penske Media through Getty Photos

Followers of Shrek can breathe straightforward, because the beloved franchise is again with Shrek 5.

A brand new teaser clip shared by Common Footage on Thursday, February 27, confirms that Zendaya is becoming a member of the voice forged for the newest installment within the blockbuster animated movie franchise. “Far, Far Away’s most interesting are coming,” the studio wrote in a caption to the video on Instagram.

In August 2017, the Emmy-winning actress, now 28, posted on then-Twitter, “I watch Shrek too usually in my maturity.” After the announcement of her casting, the official Shrek account shared her throwback publish with the caption, “This aged properly.”

Be taught extra concerning the upcoming film, together with its launch date and the forged.

When Is the Launch Date for ‘Shrek 5’?

Shrek 5 is scheduled to hit theaters on December 23, 2026, in line with Common Footage’ official web site. This may mark just a little over 25 years because the launch of the unique film on Might 18, 2001.

Who’s within the Forged of ‘Shrek 5’?

Along with Zendaya, Common Footage has confirmed that a number of members of the unique forged will probably be returning for Shrek 5, together with Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona.

Mike Myers, Shrek, Fiona and Cameron Diaz throughout “Shrek 2” Los Angeles Premiere – Arrivals at Mann Village in Westwood, California, United States. (Picture by Chris Polk/FilmMagic)

John Lithgow, who portrayed Farquaad within the authentic Shrek, expressed in October 2024 that he could be very open to reprising his position. Nonetheless, for many who could not bear in mind, his character met an premature demise within the first movie, notably being eaten by the fire-breathing dragon who guarded Princess Fiona.

“It seems it’s unattainable to get better from being eaten by a dragon,” Lithgow jokingly informed PEOPLE, earlier than including about Shrek 5, “I do know nothing about it and no, I’m not part of it.”

‘Shrek 5’ Trailer

What Are the Different Motion pictures within the Shrek Franchise?

The primary Shrek movie hit theaters in 2001 and went on to win an Oscar for Greatest Animated Movie. Shrek 2 arrived in 2004, adopted by Shrek the Third in 2007 and Shrek Endlessly After in 2010.

Antonio Banderas‘ character, the sword-wielding orange cat, acquired two spinoffs: Puss in Boots in 2011 and Puss in Boots: The Final Want in 2022.

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February 28, 2025
The Finest Colours To Put on if You’re a Spring Shade Palette

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What Is Seasonal Shade Evaluation?

You’ve got in all probability seen this buzzy time period everywhere in the web. Chances are high, you are not the one with questions.

Sarah Shim, founding father of the private coloration evaluation and styling studio Yoni Shade Studio, explains it as “discovering the colour palette that flatters you finest by wanting on the distinction inside your options and the way they work collectively.”

There are 4 coloration seasons: winter, spring, autumn, and summer time.

“Consider it’s a weapon for these days the place you actually pop,” says Shim. “When you understand what colours work finest on you, you are feeling very assured.”

Shim emphasizes that there aren’t any arduous and quick guidelines relating to style, however that figuring out your coloration season can function a useful guideline when searching for clothes and make-up.

How To Discover Your Shade Palette

In line with our skilled, coloration evaluation relies totally on the the undertone of your complexion.

“You’ll find that out by making an attempt on a shiny white T-shirt versus a beige or cream T-shirt,” she says. “Should you really feel like your options look softer in cream or beige, you’re nearer to heat undertones. Should you really feel you look extra crisp and sharp in shiny white, then you definately’re nearer to chill tones,” she explains.

Hair coloration can even play a job in figuring out your coloration palette. These with ashier tones and darkish, charcoal-hued hair are extra doubtless cool, whereas these with golden, honey, or darkish brown shades usually tend to have heat undertones.

Lastly, in the event you really feel that your options look extra outlined in darkish colours, you are doubtless an autumn or a winter. Alternatively, in the event you look brisker in softer pastel hues, you are in all probability a spring or summer time.

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February 28, 2025
Watch Lizzo’s Video for New Track “Love in Actual Life”

Lizzo is again. After extremely publicized authorized battles and her Barbie tune “Pink,” the pop singer returns together with her first new tune in two years. Doubling because the lead-single for a forthcoming album of the identical identify, “Love in Actual Life” arrives with a Colin Tilley-directed music video that pays homage to Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” video, with Lizzo wearing black lace and leather-based, main a bunch of dancers by an alley, and surviving assaults by face-melting characters. Watch it under.

Other than her Barbie contribution, Lizzo hasn’t launched any music since her album Particular got here out in 2022. That stated, she did be part of Incubus onstage in Los Angeles in 2023 for a flute cameo throughout “Aqueous Transmission” and broke out the instrument throughout an episode of The Simpsons.

In August 2023, Lizzo was sued by three former dancers for sexual harassment and making a hostile work atmosphere. The pop star referred to as the allegations “as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed” in a press release on social media, after which issued a proper denial in courtroom.

In a second lawsuit filed, in September 2023, by a unique former worker who labored in Lizzo’s wardrobe division on tour, named Asha Daniels, claimed that she was typically refused breaks throughout 20-hour shifts, and that she overheard racist and fatphobic feedback from members of her crew. In December 2024, a California federal decide dominated that Daniels didn’t have the standing to sue Lizzo as a person in that office harassment lawsuit as a result of she named the musician’s manufacturing firm and payroll firm as her direct employers, not the pop star.

Revisit the 2019 Pitchfork article “Lizzo’s 10 Greatest Flute Movies.”

February 28, 2025
Cal Raleigh, Jordan Chiles, Fred {Couples} amongst these honored at Seattle Sports activities Star awards

When longtime CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz was requested if he would introduce Fred {Couples}, his shut buddy and faculty roommate on the ninetieth annual Seattle Sports activities Star of the 12 months Awards, it took him this lengthy to resolve:

“A nanosecond,” Nantz stated.

{Couples}, the Seattle native and a World Golf Corridor of Famer, was given the Royal Brougham Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday evening on the Seattle Conference Middle, one of many highlights of the occasion celebrating the realm’s prime athletes.

“I’m very shy, so Jim Nantz stated he would come and sit with me,” stated {Couples}, the 1992 Masters winner, earlier than the ceremony. “Speeches are usually not my forte, and there’s going be 1,200 individuals right here, and that’s so much to try to impress. … It’s an enormous honor, and I’m actually excited for tonight. And for Jim Nantz to come back out and sit with me — he’s been a buddy endlessly — means so much.”

Nantz, who performed golf with {Couples} on the College of Houston, stated it was “by no means going to be something aside from I might be there.”

“This implies so much to him,” stated Nantz, who additionally launched {Couples} when he entered the World Golf Corridor of Fame in 2013. “He was so proud to be a Beacon Hill child raised proper within the shadows of downtown, and to be coming again residence right here and be acknowledged like this implies so much.”

The Sports activities Star of the 12 months for males’s sports activities was Mariners star catcher Cal Raleigh; the Sports activities Star of the 12 months for girls’s sports activities was U.S. gold medal gymnast Jordan Chiles from Vancouver, Wash.

The Sports activities Story of the 12 months was Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell, the primary feminine to teach within the NHL.

Former Seahawks operating again Marshawn Lynch was awarded the Paul G. Allen Award for philanthropic contribution, former ESPN broadcaster Kenny Mayne acquired the Keith Jackson Award for media excellence, and 8-year-old Harper Wilson, who loves lacrosse and is battling leukemia, was given the Wayne Gittinger Inspirational Youth Award.

Seahawks president Chuck Arnold acquired the Sports activities Chief of the 12 months Award and the Sports activities Fairness & Inclusion Award was given to Skate Like a Lady group.

Raleigh took a break from spring coaching to obtain his award, saying he can be again in Arizona on Friday to rejoin the Mariners.

“I simply need to thank my teammates, with out them this might not be potential, and clearly my coaches and my nice group as nicely,” Raleigh stated. “I’m very proud to be a Mariner and actually trying ahead to this 12 months. … Lastly, I need to thank the followers. With out the followers, now we have nothing to play for. It’s vital to look ahead, to convey the World Collection to town quickly.”

Chiles, who spoke to the gang by way of a livestream, received a gold medal as a part of the successful U.S. group in Paris final 12 months and a bronze medal within the ground train.

“To be named Sports activities Star of the 12 months for girls’s sports activities in a metropolis that has meant a lot to me is past particular,” Chiles stated. “This previous 12 months has had a few of the most difficult and rewarding moments of my profession, from representing my nation on the world levels to pushing myself additional than I ever thought potential. I’ve realized that success isn’t nearly medals or podiums, it’s about resilience, ardour and the individuals you lived with alongside the way in which.”

Among the evening’s largest cheers had been for Lynch, who co-founded the Fam 1st Household Basis, has partnered with United Means of King County to offer cellphones to the homeless and has helped construct homes in Haiti. Lynch additionally joined the Kraken possession group to help the group’s humanitarian and youth-focused initiatives.

Lynch was requested what individuals might do to assist him.

“Be sure you try to be the most effective you that you could possibly be,” he stated. “I don’t do what I do for a person to offer me one thing — I’m not good at accepting that; that’s form of laborious, to be sincere — so it’s being the most effective person that you could possibly be, that’s what would assist.”

Campbell stated her award “is just not about me.”

“I feel it’s all about progress,” she stated. “It’s about what occurs after we cease asking if change is feasible and we show that it’s. I would be the first lady behind an NHL bench, however I’m certainly not the final, as a result of when one door will get opened, it by no means actually closes.”

The applause for Wilson rivaled that given to Lynch.

“Now my physique is getting stronger, and I’ll play once more,” Wilson stated of lacrosse. “Thanks a lot for this award and thanks to everybody for serving to me get higher so I can get again to taking part in.”

After Nantz launched {Couples}, he proceeded to do what he stated can be laborious: Impress the massive crowd throughout a several-minute sit-down interview with Nantz.

“Seattle is at all times on my thoughts,” stated {Couples}, who has not lived within the metropolis since he left for faculty. “I’m a Seattle child at coronary heart. I feel each one in all my associates on the PGA Tour know that.”

Earlier than the occasion, 5 had been inducted into the Pacific Northwest Soccer League of Fame: former Washington State and Seahawks operating again Steve Broussard, former Seahawks robust security Kam Chancellor, former UW and NFL operating again Corey Dillon, Dr. Kimberly Harmon from UW and Howard Mudd, a longtime Seahawks offensive line coach who died in 2020.

February 28, 2025
BREAKING: Oscar-Successful Actor Gene Hackman, 95, Spouse, and Canine Discovered Lifeless in New Mexico House

Authorities in New Mexico confirmed Thursday that legendary actor Gene Hackman, his spouse, and their canine had been discovered deceased at their residence. The 95-year-old Oscar-winning star, recognized for iconic roles in movies reminiscent of The French Connection and Unforgiven, was found alongside his spouse, Betsy Arakawa, and their pet.

Police acknowledged that there isn’t any suspicion of foul play presently, and the investigation is ongoing. Whereas the precise reason behind demise has not been disclosed, preliminary studies counsel no indicators of pressured entry or wrestle had been discovered on the scene.

Hackman, who retired from appearing in 2004, had largely stayed out of the general public eye, having fun with a quiet life together with his spouse in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His decades-long profession earned him two Academy Awards, 4 Golden Globes, and a legacy as certainly one of Hollywood’s most versatile and revered actors.

Followers and colleagues have begun paying tribute to Hackman, celebrating his contributions to cinema and his enduring influence on the business.

February 27, 2025
Elon Musk Faces $100 Billion Loss as Tesla Shares Plunge, Stripping Trillion-Greenback Standing

Elon Musk Faces $100 Billion Loss as Tesla Shares Plunge, Stripping Trillion-Greenback Standing

Elon Musk, the world’s richest particular person, has seen his fortune take a major hit as Tesla’s inventory continues to slip, resulting in the lack of the corporate’s trillion-dollar valuation. Since mid-December, the 53-year-old CEO has seen his internet value drop by greater than $100 billion, with Tuesday’s (February 25) inventory fall exacerbating the decline. Tesla shares plummeted one other 8%, closing at $302.80, marking a 25% drop in worth to date this yr.

The downturn in Tesla’s inventory comes amidst troubling indicators for the electrical automobile (EV) big. Information reveals that automobile registrations in Europe have dropped by 45% in January in comparison with the identical interval final yr, regardless of an general enhance in EV gross sales on the continent. Gross sales figures in China additionally present indicators of a downward development, fueling considerations amongst traders.

Some analysts counsel that Tesla’s waning attraction in Europe could possibly be linked to Musk’s controversial ties to the Trump administration, which have strained relations between the U.S. and Europe. Others consider that traders are merely cashing out after Tesla’s important features over the previous yr, although the inventory has nonetheless risen by 52% within the final 12 months.

Gary Black, managing companion at The Future Fund funding group, warned that Tesla’s inventory might face additional declines this yr, citing uncertainties surrounding the corporate’s projected automobile deliveries for 2025.

Whereas Musk’s affect stretches far past Tesla, with management roles at SpaceX, X (previously Twitter), Neuralink, and AI firm xAI, his quite a few ventures haven’t shielded Tesla from challenges. Many traders have lengthy accepted Musk’s multitasking method, crediting his management for Tesla’s success. Nonetheless, latest occasions, such because the much-hyped “robotaxi” reveal in October, have left traders and analysts underwhelmed. The occasion, dubbed “I, Robotic,” failed to fulfill expectations, resulting in a 15% drop in Tesla’s inventory. Musk, who owns about 13% of the corporate, additionally noticed his internet value lower.

Along with market troubles, Tesla is going through a lawsuit from the manufacturing firm behind Blade Runner 2049 over the robotaxi design. Regardless of the setbacks, Musk stays centered on the long run, persevering with to roll out new Tesla fashions that cater to altering client preferences and increasing the corporate’s full self-driving know-how into China.

Gary Black stays optimistic, noting Tesla’s increasing product lineup and new, extra reasonably priced autos. “I consider this new type issue will broaden Tesla’s complete addressable market, and the promise of unsupervised autonomy will promote extra Teslas,” Black wrote on X.

Regardless of the challenges, Musk’s fortune remains to be substantial. As of now, his internet value stands at $379.9 billion, leaving him $144 billion forward of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, the second-richest particular person on the planet.

February 27, 2025