In his latest targeting of the Smithsonian, President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the nation’s museums are too “woke” and complained that they discuss “how bad Slavery was.”

“The Museums throughout Washington, but all over the Country are, essentially, the last remaining segment of “WOKE.” The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was,” Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

The president claimed that the museums—all a part of the Smithsonian Institution, which was founded in 1846 and includes 21 museums, 21 libraries, more than a dozen education and research centers and zoos—do not highlight the “success” and “brightness” of the United States.

“This Country cannot be WOKE, because WOKE IS BROKE. We have the “HOTTEST” Country in the World, and we want people to talk about it, including in our Museums,” said Trump.

The president’s latest remarks regarding the Smithsonian comes days after he ordered an internal review of the Smithsonian to ensure that “divisive or partisan narratives” are removed from the nation’s museums. The review is in compliance with Trump’s March executive order “Restoring Truth and Sanity in American History.”

Among the museums being targeted by the Trump White House is the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened its doors in 2016. The museum remains one of the most popular among the Smithsonian and surpassed 10 million visitors in 2023 after only seven years.

Trump’s targeting of Black history in schools and now the nation’s museums has garnered much condemnation.

In response to the president’s remarks about slavery, former Biden White House Public Engagement chief of staff Erica P. Loewe told theGrio, “This is an obvious attempt to whitewash history and silence voices that don’t fit President Trump’s narrative. Censoring museums will not erase the truth. It will only ensure Trump is remembered as the coward who feared it.”

She added, “Museums tell America’s story. President Trump just doesn’t want his chapter read aloud.”

Brandon Weathersby, spokesperson for the American Bridge 21st Century, a Democratic research firm, told theGrio, “Families didn’t vote for Trump to police museums or rant about exhibits showing the horrors of slavery.” He continued, “They voted for lower prices, good-paying jobs, and a better future for their kids.”

Weathersby said the president is “obsessing over historically accurate exhibits while Americans struggle to keep up with soaring costs at the grocery store.” He added, “Next year, Congressional Republicans will have to explain to their constituents why they’re still supporting Trump’s culture war fixation instead of delivering real solutions for working families.”

After Trump called for an internal review of several Smithsonian museums, U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., who is co-chair of the Congressional Museum Caucus, said the Smithsonian has an “impartial role and responsibility” to ensure an “accurate, and resonant telling of American history.”

“Trump has no right to censor our history, ignore the systemic oppression of marginalized people, and attack our intellectual freedom,” Pressley said in a statement. “Much like his disgraceful rollbacks of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and his campaign to ban books, this action is yet another attempt to whitewash our shared history and replace the challenges and triumphs of women, people of color, and Native Americans with false narratives forged with white supremacist ideology.”

The congresswoman added, “Black History is American history, and no amount of white-washing or erasure will change the truth.”

💔 End of an Era in the NBA

Noir Nation, it’s official—after 13 seasons in the league, NBA All-Star John Wall is hanging up his jersey. The 34-year-old guard shared the news on social media this morning, marking the end of a career defined by explosive talent, dedication, and the kind of resilience that turned setbacks into comebacks.

🎥 A Career Full of Highs and Challenges

In his emotional post, Wall highlighted some of the standout moments that shaped his journey. From his All-Star appearances to leading teams with his signature speed and playmaking, fans were reminded of the excitement and energy he brought every time he stepped on the court.

But Wall didn’t shy away from reflecting on the challenges he faced, including injuries that sidelined him during critical seasons. Despite the hurdles, his perseverance and work ethic became a blueprint for younger players chasing greatness.

🔥 Legacy Beyond the Stats

John Wall’s impact goes beyond points, assists, and highlight reels. He inspired countless fans and teammates with his humility, leadership, and passion for the game. His influence will be remembered not just in record books, but in the culture of the NBA itself.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Wall wrote. “Through the ups and downs, I’ve learned, grown, and left everything on the floor. Thank you to all my fans for riding with me every step of the way.”

🏀 NoirOnlineOrg Takeaway

From explosive fast breaks to unforgettable playoff moments, John Wall leaves behind a legacy of excellence and resilience. While the NBA will miss his presence on the court, his career stands as a testament to heart, determination, and the love of the game.

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In an exclusive interview with Where Is The Buzz, Mahina Napoleon, at only 15 years old, has become one of young Hollywood’s most exciting new voices. With performances that belie her youth, she’s made a name for herself as a force in emotionally nuanced, prestige television, combining vulnerability and strength in a manner that leaves viewers breathless.

A Breakthrough in the Walking Dead Universe

Napoleon initially gained audiences’ attention in NCIS: Hawai’i, where her effervescent performance as Julie Tennant highlighted her charm. However, it was her chilling turn as Ginny in The Walking Dead: Dead City that solidified her status as someone to look out for.

During the first season of the show, Ginny hardly spoke, a difficulty which compelled Mahina to use silence, body language, and naked expression to convey pain, loss, and resilience. By Season 2, the character had found her voice both literally and otherwise.

Looking back at that change, Napoleon conceded:

“It honestly felt so crazy, but also really exciting to finally get to speak on screen. In Season 1, I had to find alternative ways to convey Ginny’s emotions without words… so when Season 2 came around and I could actually use my voice, it felt like all that emotion I had been holding in finally had a place to come out.”

Her performance was key to Negan’s emotional development, imbuing a surprise tenderness into a world otherwise governed by violence and survival.

Grappling With Ginny’s Fate

Season 2 ended in tragedy: Ginny’s heartbreaking death. For Napoleon, entering her character’s last story arc was devastating.

“I can’t even explain how heartbroken I was when I first read it. I was honestly in denial, like, ‘No way this is actually happening.’ … But the way Eli wrote it was so powerful—I was crying just reading it, and then filming it was even more emotional.”

Though difficult, she recognized that Ginny’s story gave her castmates’ characters new depth while allowing audiences to witness a young girl’s quiet transformation into independence.

Mentorship and Growth on Set

Mahina attributes a lot of her development to her fellow actors, especially Lauren Cohan, who offered her guidance that influenced her performances.

“She always told me it’s better to give more than less, because the camera can always scale it back if needed, but if you hold back, it’s harder to really connect. That advice pushed me to go deeper and not be afraid of showing bigger emotions.”

This mentorship allowed Napoleon to tap into performances far beyond her years, navigating heavy emotional arcs with breathtaking authenticity.

From Hawai’i to the Apocalypse

The jump from portraying bubbly Julie Tennant on NCIS: Hawai’i to the traumatized, introverted Ginny has been life-changing for Napoleon.

“It’s kind of like they both brought out different sides of myself that I didn’t even realize were there… Having the chance to feel such different emotions and work with different crews so early in my career has been amazing. It’s not only helping me grow as an actress, but it’s also helping me grow into the best version of myself.”

Her capacity to portray polar opposites at this young age heralds the unusual versatility of a long-lasting actress.

A Legacy Beyond Survival

While Ginny’s story in Dead City has concluded, Mahina Napoleon hopes her character’s legacy will have significance for audiences, especially those around her own age.

“Even though Ginny’s story was short, it carried a lot of meaning… She learned independence and started to find her own confidence. For me, I don’t see her story as completely over—I see it more like the beginning, like she finally found her wings. And I hope young viewers… can take away that even in the hardest moments, you can find strength in yourself and learn how to stand on your own.”

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Audra McDonald has some thoughts on boundaries she’d like to share.  

In a video shared to her Instagram Reels on Saturday, August 16, a day ahead of her final bow in the historic Broadway revival of “Gypsy,” the 55-year-old Broadway star recounted a troubling encounter that happened after Friday night’s performance, when a fan followed her home.

“That is crossing a big ol’ boundary,” McDonald said in the video. “That’s now messing with my safety. And it’s not right.”

She explained that after Friday night’s performance, a fan “snuck around and found” the way she exited the theater and then followed her to where she was staying. The person even managed to get inside the building. Even once security finally got involved, McDonald said the fan still pressed for an autograph, insisting they deserved one because they had come from far away. 

The actress said that type of behavior is not only invasive but also dangerous.

“When you see an actor leave the stage door, if they don’t stop, leave them alone,” she added. “There is a reason that they’re not stopping, and it has nothing to do with you.”

The six-time Tony Award winner’s run as Mama Rose in “Gypsy” has made history. McDonald is the first Black actress to step into the role on Broadway. The production also earned her an 11th Tony nomination, further cementing her status. In addition to being the most nominated performer, she currently holds more wins than any other performer in Tony’s history.

However, as McDonald pointed out, no number of accolades and amount of buzz exempts performers from needing space. 

“Actors, as much as we would love to greet every single one of you after a show sometimes, we’re just exhausted and it’s hard,” she said. “Some people get anxiety about doing the stage door. Some people are in a rush to catch the train so they can get home. Some people avoid the stage door because of health reasons. And that’s perfectly fair.”

On Sunday, McDonald took her final bow in “Gypsy” at the Majestic Theatre. The star-studded audience included Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King, who cheered her on. 

King later revealed in an Instagram post that Winfrey said of McDonald, “She’s on fire!”

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It’s the type of news that leaves you stunned. Aubrey Plaza, the comedic actress best known for her Park and Recreation and White Lotus roles, has reacted to the unfortunate news regarding her husband, writer-director Jeff Baena‘s passing.

Baena, 47, took his own life at home in Los Angeles in January. Baena and Plaza were together for more than a decade and were married in a small wedding in 2021. Plaza and their loved ones were extremely devastated by his death, and they put out a brief statement together: “This is an unimaginable tragedy. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has offered support. Please respect our privacy during this time.”

After some time, Plaza has decided to discuss her feelings freely. She did so while appearing on the Good Hang podcast with her best friend Amy Poehler.

A Widow’s First Words

The Plaza is normally sarcastic and jokes around, but today she was all business. “Overall, I am here and I am fine,” Plaza said matter-of-factly. “I am very grateful for life. I think I am all right, but every day is a struggle, definitely.”

To anyone who witnessed her rise, from a stand-up sitcom star to a formidable Emmy-nominated lead actress, it’s difficult to consider the private struggles beneath the public persona. She explained that she clings to moments of thankfulness, but there’s melancholy in all she does.

The “Gorge” of Grief

She defined her agony in one particular manner: like a science fiction film. She referred to a film, The Gorge, starring Miles Teller, where one gets trapped between mountains with eerie things lurking beneath.

“I vowed to myself when I looked at it, I thought, that’s my sadness … or what sadness would be like,” Plaza said. “I can usually see a lot of sadness. Occasionally I want to jump into it and become part of it. Other times I look at it, and sometimes I want to get away from it. But, it is always there.”

It’s a photo that’s so realistic it hurts, reminding us that sorrow is not linear, but rather like an endless terrain with cliffs and perils from which one can never be certain of ever escaping.

The anchor that remains

Amy Poehler, Plaza’s co-star and close pal, graciously reminded readers of the small things which aided Plaza through difficult periods: her dog, which always provided solace in difficult months. This demonstrates a supremely human emotion, experiencing love, sorrow, and devotion within the daily companionship of a pet.

A Tale of Love Cut Short

They began dating in 2011. For a number of years, they were one of the most secretive and lasting of Hollywood couples, exuding charm and humor. Plaza has humorously stated on Ellen’s program that their wedding took place almost by accident.

“I said I wanted to get married fast, and he said, ‘We can’t marry that fast,’” she recalled. “Then I said, ‘Wouldn’t we be happy to get married on our actual anniversary?’” She surfed the Net and discovered onehourmarriage.com.

Their sense of humor and compassion were such a large part of them, two independent individuals who lived and loved on their own terms. That’s why individuals are feeling their loss deeply.

A Somber Reminder

A media report on Plaza’s issues is preferable over a star interview. It reveals the grave issue people are facing. Suicide ends lives and inflicts a lot of suffering on those who are left.

Her bravery in speaking of this experience and describing her everyday hardships will certainly resonate with all those who have encountered profound loss.

Jeff Baena was able to tell stories. Aubrey Plaza is, too. But she is telling stories now that fame cannot strip of meaning, nor time alter of sadness. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know you are not alone. In the U.S., dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with trained counselors 24/7.

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The internet loves a good charity stream. Add MrBeast’s name to it, and suddenly the stakes rise, the donations balloon, and headlines practically write themselves. But according to YouTube gaming star Nick Eh 30, all that media glow might be shining just a little too brightly on one man. And in typical gamer fashion, he wasn’t afraid to press “go live” on his opinions.

Nick Eh 30 Says: MrBeast Takes the Glory

Nick laid it out plain and simple:
“Team Water, what do you think of when you’re not thinking of any other creator except MrBeast? So MrBeast gets all the credit.”

For Nick, the problem isn’t charity itself, it’s the pressure. When creators are nudged to donate in front of thousands, he argues, it feels less like generosity and more like a flex for Jimmy Donaldson’s (aka MrBeast’s) brand. “It’s not BillBobJrTheSecond donating a million dollars that’s going to get the recognition,” Nick explained. “It’s gonna be MrBeast raises over 10 million dollars to Team Water.”

Translation? Why would smaller creators throw their money into a pot that’s ultimately branded MrBeast’s success storyinstead of their own? To Nick, it’s not shady, but it is “a little weird.”

MrBeast Responds: “Without Creators TeamWater is Nothing”

MrBeast, never one to leave a narrative hanging, fired back on X (formerly Twitter). He reminded everyone that donations do get spotlighted, especially the big ones:

“As he said this yesterday there was literally over 10,000 tweets about Sophie Rain’s donation lol. I also do my best to also push big donations thru tweets and my insta stories to shine a light on them as well. Without creators TeamWater is nothing!”

It’s classic MrBeast, polite but firm, with just enough data receipts to clap back. He wants the world to know he isn’t hoarding the credit, he’s just orchestrating the stage.

Sophie Rain: The Million-Dollar Mic Drop

Then came the ultimate rebuttal: Sophie Rain, the 20-year-old OnlyFans millionaire who stole the whole damn stream by casually pledging $1 million live on air. Her take? Nick’s critique is missing the point.

Rain tweeted:

“he put together the whole charity of course he’s getting the most recognition. why shouldn’t he? people will find any way to argue why they can’t be charitable…”

That’s a drag if I’ve ever seen one. Sophie basically told Nick: stop worrying about credit and just open your wallet.

And let’s not forget the moment itself. On MrBeast’s Kick livestream, Sophie answered the phone and dropped the million-dollar bombshell:

“I want to donate $1 million, is what I want to donate.”

MrBeast’s jaw literally hitting the floor. “You sure?!” he asked, eyes wide. Sophie doubled down: “I am 100% sure. This is an awesome cause.”

The chat exploded. Co-hosts Adin Ross and xQc nearly combusted. And by Friday morning, MrBeast announced the livestream had crossed $12 million, claiming it was the most money ever raised on a livestream. TeamWater as a whole? Over $30 million.

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