Since it opened in 1989, Splash Mountain has been one of Disney’s most popular theme park attractions. The water-themed log ride was based on the controversial 1946 film “Song of the South,” which follows a seven-year-old boy as he befriends a former slave while visiting his grandmother’s plantation. Along with deeply racist undertones, it features the annoyingly catchy tune, “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”
For years, Black Disney fans have been asking the company to change the attraction so it’s based on a less problematic property.
In 2020, in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, and the worldwide Black Lives Matter protests, Disney finally announced that it would be re-theming Splash Mountain. The story would now center around the movie, “The Princess and the Frog.” Tiana’s Bayou Adventure follows the company’s first Black Disney Princess in her new life as a businesswoman.
As Disney has released sequels to many of its other animated classics, we’ve not-so-patiently waited for a follow-up to “The Princess and the Frog.” Since it seems like it may be a while before we get a sequel or live-action remake, it looks like the attraction will have to do for now.
With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is ready to start splashing guests at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort June 28, we’re exploring what fans can expect from Tiana’s next chapter and whether the attraction is “The Princess and the Frog” sequel we deserve.
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump, at his rally this week in the Bronx, invited two rappers on stage who have been charged in a sweeping gang case, with one of them facing attempted murder charges.
Michael Williams, better known as Sheff G, is a 25-year-old rapper whose songs and videos have millions of YouTube views and Spotify streams. He’s also a central figure in the gang case unveiled by Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez over a year ago, while he was serving a separate attempted weapons possession sentence.
Tegan Chambers, 24, who raps as Sleepy Hallow, has close to 11 million monthly listeners on Spotify. He faces conspiracy charges in the gang case. Both he and Sheff G have pleaded not guilty.
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee’s appearance with suspected gang members comes as Trump is on trial himself in his New York hush money case and as he recurringly slams New York and other Democrat-run cities as crime-ridden. Trump has railed against the Manhattan district attorney who is prosecuting him for “letting violent crime run rampant all over our city.”
Challenging the reelection of President Joe Biden, Trump is trying to make inroads with Black Americans, who are traditionally supportive of the Democratic Party. AP VoteCast found Trump won just 8% of Black voters nationwide in 2020 versus 91% who voted for Biden.
Rappers Sheff G, right, also known as Michael Williams, and Sleepy Hallow, center, also known as Tegan Chambers, join the Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in the south Bronx, Thursday, May. 23, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
He has claimed that his criminal indictments have boosted his support among Black voters, comparing his legal challenges to anti-Black prejudice in the U.S. legal system.
At a rally on the Jersey Shore earlier this month, Trump was joined on stage by NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who pleaded guilty in New York in 2011 to misdemeanor criminal charges of sexual misconduct and is a registered sex offender. Taylor said he had always been a Democrat until he met Trump.
U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democrat who represents the Bronx in Congress, said it is an offensive strategy for Trump to associate with people who are accused of violent crimes in order to appeal to Black voters.
“The conflation of communities of color with criminality is a racist trope that Donald Trump repeats,” said Torres, who is Black.
Images captured on Thursday show Sheff G walking into the park where the rally took place with cameras following him as teenage boys seem visibly excited at spotting the rapper. One of them said, “Oh my God. It’s Sheff G.”
Toward the end of his speech on Thursday, Trump asked his supporters, “Does everybody know Sheff G? Where is Sheff G?” before also introducing Sleepy Hallow.
“President Trump, my man,” Sheff G was heard saying before Trump gestured to him to approach the microphone.
“One thing I want to say: They are always going to whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures. Trump is going to shout the wins for all of us,” Sheff G told the crowd before Sleepy Hallow moved to the microphone to utter Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again.”
A spokesman for Trump’s campaign was asked about whether the campaign knew about the charges and whether it was the former president who sought the rappers’ support or the other way around.
“As Sheff G said: ‘They always whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures,’” campaign spokesman Steven Cheung responded in an email.
A spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service, which provides protection for Trump and secures his rallies, did not respond to a request for comment about Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow’s appearance on stage.
Trump called other speakers to the stage Thursday, including Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida and the Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., a former Democratic city council member in New York and state senator.
Both Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow are due back in court next month. Sheff G’s attorney, Arthur Aidala, said Friday that “intense litigation” was ongoing and “we’re cautiously optimistic that Mr. Williams will be exonerated.” A message seeking comment on the case was left with Sleepy Hallow’s attorney.
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After being paroled in his weapons case in June 2023, Sheff G was held on the new charges until last month, when a judge set bail at $1.5 million cash. Sleepy Hallow was released on $200,000 bail in May 2023.
Prosecutors say Sheff G’s money fueled and rewarded multiple shootings as members of the 8 Trey Crips and affiliated 9 Ways gangs affiliates battled foes. He treated Sleepy Hallow and others to a steak dinner to celebrate an October 2020 shooting that killed a purported member of a rival gang and injured five others, prosecutors say.
“It is how, in part, Sheff G and Tegan Chambers — Sleepy Hallow — assert influence, right? Because they take people out, and they’re able to spend money, and they’re able to encourage others to do some of the gang violence that’s just critically important to them and their status in the community,” Gonzalez said at a May 2023 news conference with New York Mayor Eric Adams. Both are Democrats.
Prosecutors have said they have surveillance video, text messages, social media posts, cell phone data and more to back up the allegations. While Gonzalez has noted that the rappers’ songs refer to gang retaliation and some of their rivals, he has said the lyrics weren’t used as evidence.
Prosecutors also say Sheff G chauffeured three co-defendants to and from an April 2021 shooting that targeted a gang rival but instead hit two bystanders.
The DA’s office declined to comment Friday on the case.
Elizabeth Teckenbrock has returned to TikTok after a brief hiatus following a viral video posted by her ex-husband, Andrew Cormier, accusing her of fraud and deception. The dramatic turn of events unfolded when Cormier, using the handle (@reinventingelizabeth), shared a video yesterday that quickly gained over two million views.
In his video, Cormier claimed he has full custody of their two young daughters and accused Teckenbrock of neglecting her parental duties to party frequently. He also posted a screenshot purportedly showing that Teckenbrock owes over $20,000 in past-due child support payments.
Furthermore, Cormier alleged that Teckenbrock has a criminal past, revealing that she was arrested in August 2023 by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on charges of third-degree grand theft and cash or deposit items with intent to defraud. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest.
The video’s virality and the seriousness of the accusations led Teckenbrock to deactivate her TikTok account. However, she has since reactivated her account, returning to the platform with a series of counterclaims against Cormier.
In her latest TikTok video, Teckenbrock asserts that her ex-husband is an abusive Scientologist, painting herself as the real victim in their tumultuous relationship. She bolstered her accusations by sharing another TikTok video that featured a different woman allegedly filing a restraining order against Cormier.
The back-and-forth between the former couple has captivated social media, with followers eagerly awaiting more details as the story continues to develop.
What are your thoughts? Drop a comment down below!
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Just what we had on our Bingo card for Memorial Day weekend: Another Nicki Minaj in the news story.
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According to BBC News reports, the rapper was detained at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport earlier today on her way to a stop on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour in Manchester, England.
An unhappy Minaj posted on her IG account: “They’ve been trying to stop me from coming to every show. They took my bags before I could see them. Put it on the plane. Now saying they’re waiting on customs. This is what it looks like when ppl are paid big money to try to sabotage a tour after all else failed. Everything they’ve done is illegal.”
Minaj’s subsequent series of posts on X revealed the arrest was for possession of weed, which is illegal in the Netherlands (though recreational use is tolerated). She threw her security and former tour manager under the bus, suggesting they planted the drugs in her luggage to sabotage her tour.
This from the NY Post:
Nicki Minaj was apparently arrested in Amsterdam on Saturday for allegedly carrying drugs — despite the “Super Bass” songstress’ repeated insistence that she had no contraband, according to Instagram Live footage she posted of the incident.
One official said that they wanted to take the “Bang Bang” rapper into custody for “carrying drugs,” the video showed.
“I’m not going in there. I need a lawyer present,” the 41-year-old replied.
According to NBC, the police posted an item on X, explaining the performer was allowed to pay a fine and continue on.
Here’s a little more detail fromNBC:
Minaj, 41, was traveling to Manchester, England, from Amsterdam for a concert on her “Pink Friday 2 World Tour” when she was apparently arrested. Minaj, whose real name is Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, is scheduled to perform at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on Saturday night.
Police have not identified the name of the person arrested, but when asked if it was Minaj, a spokesperson said officers had “arrested a 41-year-old American woman at Schiphol Airport because of possession of soft drugs.”
Earlier on Saturday, Minaj had shared numerous posts on social media detailing the incident.
In one video she shared on X, the rapper is seen being told that her luggage needs to be searched.
Last we heard, Minaj arrived slightly behind schedule for Saturday night’s concert, but being late for a show is par for the course for her, so no harm, no foul.
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — A Detroit Democrat will not appear on the ballot after building significant support within the party in his attempt to unseat U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar in Michigan’s August primary, after election officials determined that he had not submitted enough valid signatures.
Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett’s ruling on Tuesday to keep former state Sen. Adam Hollier off the ballot could keep Detroit without Black representation in Congress for the second consecutive term. Detroit, which is nearly 80% Black, had maintained some Black representation in Congress for almost 70 years until 2023.
In April, Hollier submitted 1,550 signatures to meet the ballot requirement, surpassing the 1,000 needed. Thanedar challenged the validity of the signatures, and Wayne County election staff found that close to half of the signatures were invalid.
The ruling, which can be appealed to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, is a major boost for Thanedar’s reelection bid and a blow to Detroit’s Black community after coalescing around Hollier, who is Black.
Michigan State Sen. Adam Hollier, D-Detroit, sits at his desk as the Michigan Senate considers bills in Lansing, Mich, Dec. 12, 2018. (Dale G.Young/Detroit News via AP, File)
“I am extremely disappointed with the news from the Wayne County clerk following her professional review of our petitions,” Hollier said in a statement Tuesday. “Not for myself, but for the voters across the 13th District who deserve a real choice in who their next Congressperson will be.”
Thanedar, a former state representative and immigrant from India, topped a field of nine candidates in the Democratic primary in 2022. Hollier came in second, losing by just under 4,000 votes.
Thanedar’s win left Detroit this term without Black representation in Congress for the first time since the early 1950s.
Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, which includes part of Detroit, is represented by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian American. She is facing no significant challenges in her primary.
Faith leaders in Detroit and high-profile Michigan Democrats, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, endorsed Hollier’s campaign. In a rare move, the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus also endorsed Hollier over the incumbent.
“There’s some heartburn amongst Black Detroiters that they don’t have representation in Congress but also amongst Democrats in general,” said Adrian Hemond, a Democratic strategist in Michigan. “If you want to be able to keep ginning up Black Detroiters to vote, having some representation in the Congress is important.”
With Hollier out, that support could potentially shift to Mary Waters, a former state House member who has served on the Detroit City Council since 2021. But Waters had raised less than $10,000 through the end of March, and her campaign was seen as a longshot. Shakira Lynn Hawkins, an attorney, is also running in the Democratic primary.
Thanedar, a wealthy businessman who spent more than $10 million of his own money to run for governor in 2018, has a major cash advantage on Waters close to a month before absentee ballots will be sent out.
“Hollier was always going to be behind on resources, but he was at least going to have the resources to compete. Waters won’t,” said Hemond, the Democratic strategist. “Shri is going to spend money because that’s how he campaigns. And I expect that Shri will win this primary now.”
Detroit is heavily Democratic, making the primary winner the overwhelming favorite to win in the November general election.
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Hollier is the latest high-profile Michigan candidate roiled by signature fraud. Just two years ago, five Republicans running for governor were kept off the ballot after fraudulent signatures were found on their nominating petitions. Multiple people have been charged with forgery and other crimes related to the phony petition signatures but no candidate was personally accused of knowingly submitting fraudulent petitions.
In his statement Tuesday, Hollier said he had put his trust “in someone who let us down in the collection of signatures.” His campaign has previously said that the “fraudulent activity was not conducted at the direction,” of the campaign. Wayne County election staff discovered that nearly 700 of the 1,550 signatures submitted by Hollier were invalid, citing reasons such as signers not being registered voters in the district and duplicate entries.
Hollier accused Thanedar of disenfranchising the Black voters of Detroit in his challenge, but Thanedar said all candidates should be expected to follow the rules to get on the ballot and “ensure the integrity of our election process.”
“Very little is asked of people who want to be on the ballot,” Thanedar told The Associated Press at an event in Detroit on Sunday. “All they need is 1,000 valid signatures. I don’t think that’s a tall order.”
Thanedar’s district holds part of metro Detroit’s large Arab American population and constituents have pushed back on his staunch support of Israel in its war against Hamas. In December, pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted an event he was speaking at and this month someone vandalized his community center with graffiti including the word “cease-fire.”
Opposing stances on the Israel-Hamas war also led to a tiff with Tlaib, who said Thanedar was too “busy posting memes” to help his constituents.
Ohio U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, also took a shot at Thanedar’s online presence in her endorsement of Hollier, saying that he would deliver results while “some politicians would rather tweet than show up.”
Bella Hadid, renowned for her daring fashion choices, once again turned heads at the 77th Cannes Film Festival with a striking keffiyeh-inspired dress, demonstrating her unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The model’s eye-catching ensemble featured a red and white checked keffiyeh dress adorned with tassels, perfectly paired with red heels, a matching hair scrunchie, gold hoop earrings, and tinted sunglasses. This bold fashion statement was not just a testament to her style but also a powerful political gesture.
Hadid, who frequently uses her social media platforms to express pride in her heritage, shared multiple Instagram stories about her Cannes appearance. She reposted a picture of the dress from the designer’s account, accompanied by the caption, “Free Palestine forever.”
In another report, Hadid elaborated on the symbolism of the keffiyeh pattern: “The patterns on the Palestinian keffiyeh symbolize various themes: Olive leaves: Strength, resilience, Perseverance. Fishnet: Connection between Palestinian sailors and the Mediterranean Sea. Bold lines: Trade routes going through Palestine, including the Silk Road.”
Bella Hadid Screenshot
This is far from the first time Hadid has publicly supported Palestine. She has been a vocal advocate for the cause for years, consistently using her platform to raise awareness.
In her previous appearances at Cannes, Hadid has also made headlines with her fashion choices, including a see-through YSL dress and a black sparkly number by Versace. Her latest outfit at Cannes further solidifies her position not only as a fashion icon but also as a passionate activist.
Bella Hadid’s keffiyeh-inspired dress at Cannes serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection of fashion and political advocacy, continuing to shine a spotlight on the Palestinian cause.
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Memorial Day means cookout season is officially underway and I couldn’t be more excited. There’s something special about stuffing your face with delicious food outside on paper plates while swatting bugs away.
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You probably already have your meat marinating, but you can’t forget your sides. And when it comes to side dishes, nothing beats macaroni and cheese for me (no shade to potato salad and deviled eggs). So you can imagine how excited I was to see people talking about Rihanna’s recipe for one of my favorites.
The Rude Boy singer first shared her recipe with Esquire in 2014. And ever since, fans and foodies everywhere have tried to recreate it.
Some love it, like this PopSugar piece which said, “this pasta recipe is sure to make you want to take a bow.”
While others are skeptical, like this TikTok user whose face says it all:
And since I consider myself something of a macaroni connoisseur (aka snob), I had to weigh in. So let me start by saying, my family is from Alabama, so I’m partial to a good old fashioned macaroni and cheese casserole – the kind with mounds of hand-grated cheese and lots of butter, milk and eggs to make it extra creamy.
Rihanna is from Barbados, and her recipe borrows flavors from Caribbean macaroni pie. So if you’re looking for soul food, this ain’t it. I’m not saying I’m going to write it off all together, I just don’t know if I’m ready to serve this at my cookout. Lord knows I love me some RiRi, but here are five things I have to question about her macaroni and cheese recipe.
There Are No Vegetables in Mac and Cheese – Period
Okay, let’s just start with the most egregious offense here. Rihanna’s recipe calls for a medium white onion, a red bell pepper and 6 spring onions. And when you’re talking about soul food, that’s right up there with raisins in the potato salad. Let’s just put it out there – vegetables have no place in macaroni and cheese. I mean it’s in the name, after all. The macaroni is important, but we all know that the cheese is the star of the show.
There’s Not Nearly Enough Cheese in This Recipe
And while we’re talking about cheese, I have to talk about the cheese (or lack of) in this recipe. Rihanna’s recipe calls for 900 g (just under two pounds) of shredded Colby Jack cheese. And that’s a great place to start. But why stop there? My favorite mac and cheese recipes go heavy on the cheese. Why not throw in some cheddar? And if you’re feeling fancy, why not add a little Gruyère while you’re at it?
Where’s The Roux?
You might want to debate me on this, but it’s hard to deny what a difference a good roux makes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese. As far as I’m concerned, there’s no such thing as too much fat, so for me, this recipe is missing the milk, butter, flour and eggs that make this dish so creamy and delicious that you’ll want to fight your relatives for the leftovers.
What’s Up With the Mustard and Ketchup?
Mustard and ketchup are fine on hamburgers, but I can’t figure out why we’re putting them in this macaroni and cheese (a quarter cup of each, to be exact). Although some who have tried the recipe say the condiments, along with the 1-1/2 tablespoons of Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce add a sweet and spicy flavor, I’m just not sure I’m ready to go there.
This Thing Cooks Up Way Too Fast
They say good things come to those who wait, which is why I’m worried that this recipe only cooks for 15 minutes. If it doesn’t take 45 minutes to an hour to make, I have questions.
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — R&B superstar Usher will join the night concert lineup for this summer’s 30th anniversary of the Essence Festival of Culture.
Organizers announced late Thursday that Usher, who is no stranger to the event, will perform during the festival, which this year runs July 4-7 at various venues in New Orleans. As the festival marks its three-decade milestone, Usher also celebrates the 20th anniversary of his 2004 album “Confessions,” which helped propel his career.
“The evening concert series at the Caesar’s Superdome will be rooted in legacy and evolution, to represent the festival’s journey throughout its rich history to today,” the festival said in a news release.
Usher first performed at Essence in 1998 and has returned to the festival multiple times.
Usher performs at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2016 at Barclays Center in New York on Oct. 27, 2016. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)
Janet Jackson, Victoria Monet, Birdman & Friends and festival veteran Charlie Wilson will also appear. The four-day event will close with the return of the all-white party and a special tribute to Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, that’s being curated by producer and songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox, organizers said.
In addition to the nightly concerts inside the Superdome, the festival will include programming on networking, finance, careers, wellness, fashion, beauty and more at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and other venues citywide.
Launched in 1995 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine, the festival has evolved into the world’s largest celebration of Black women, culture and communities, convening more than 530,000 people annually over the July Fourth weekend in New Orleans, Essence Communications Inc. has said.
In the dynamic world of K-pop, where idols often wear many hats, several artists have carved out significant niches as models, showcasing their versatility and dedication to their craft. Among these multi-talented individuals, a few stand out for their commitment to their modeling careers, often landing major endorsements and gracing the covers of prestigious fashion magazines.
Ningning of Aespa
Ningning, the powerhouse vocalist of Aespa, has been turning heads not just with her vocal talent but also with her striking visual presence. Her unique look and bold fashion sense have made her a favorite among designers, leading to numerous high-profile modeling gigs. Ningning’s ability to embody different styles and aesthetics has made her a sought-after figure in the fashion industry, reflecting her dedication to her modeling career.
Ahyeon of Babymonster
As a member of the rookie group Babymonster, Ahyeon has quickly established herself as a promising talent in both music and modeling. Her fresh and youthful appearance, coupled with her confident demeanor, has earned her several endorsement deals. Ahyeon’s serious approach to modeling, including rigorous training and a keen interest in fashion, highlights her determination to excel in this field.
Sunwoo of The Boyz
Sunwoo of The Boyz is another idol who takes his modeling career seriously. Known for his sharp features and charismatic stage presence, Sunwoo has become a favorite among fashion photographers and brands. His versatility in adapting to various fashion concepts has made him a prominent figure in both domestic and international fashion scenes.
Jennie of Blackpink
Jennie from Blackpink is a household name not just in the K-pop industry but also in the world of fashion. As a global ambassador for major luxury brands like Chanel, Jennie has demonstrated a profound commitment to her modeling career. Her sophisticated style and innate elegance have cemented her status as a fashion icon, influencing trends and inspiring fans worldwide.
Joy of Red Velvet
Joy of Red Velvet has made significant strides in her modeling career, showcasing her talent beyond the music stage. Known for her vibrant personality and stunning visuals, Joy has worked with numerous fashion brands and appeared in various editorial shoots. Her dedication to modeling is evident in her ability to seamlessly transition between different looks and styles, making her a versatile and reliable model.
Eric of The Boyz
Eric, another member of The Boyz, is known for his boyish charm and photogenic looks. His dedication to modeling is apparent in his frequent collaborations with fashion magazines and brands. Eric’s serious approach to his modeling assignments, including his attention to detail and willingness to experiment with different styles, underscores his commitment to this aspect of his career.
YooA (Soloist)
YooA, formerly of Oh My Girl and now a successful soloist, has also made a name for herself in the modeling world. Her ethereal beauty and unique sense of style have garnered her numerous modeling opportunities. YooA’s commitment to her modeling career is reflected in her professionalism and the diverse range of projects she undertakes, from high-fashion editorials to commercial endorsements.
Asa of Babymonster
Asa, a member of the emerging group Babymonster, is quickly gaining recognition for her modeling potential. Her distinct look and strong stage presence have caught the attention of the fashion industry. Asa’s serious approach to modeling, including her dedication to learning and improving her skills, marks her as a rising star to watch.
Jisoo of Blackpink
Jisoo of Blackpink is not only an accomplished singer but also a prominent figure in the fashion world. As a global ambassador for Dior, Jisoo has shown an unwavering commitment to her modeling career. Her grace, elegance, and ability to connect with the camera have made her a favorite among designers and photographers, solidifying her status as a top model.
Pharita of Babymonster
Pharita, another talented member of Babymonster, is making waves with her modeling endeavors. Her striking visuals and poised demeanor have led to numerous modeling opportunities, even in the early stages of her career. Pharita’s dedication to her modeling career is evident in her work ethic and her ability to adapt to various fashion concepts with ease.
These idols exemplify the blend of talent and hard work that defines success in both the K-pop and fashion industries. Their serious approach to modeling not only enhances their personal brands but also sets new standards for what it means to be a multi-faceted artist in today’s entertainment landscape.
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No matter how often people try to ignore him, Ye — formerly known as Kanye West — always finds his way back into public conversation. This week, it’s because a clip from an interview he did nearly two years ago has resurfaced. – Noah A. McGee Read More
