Austin Reaves injury update: Lakers wing likely to return from five-game absence Friday vs. TimberwolvesCountry singer Caleb Kennedy, who competed in American Idol Season 19, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following his involvement in a 2022 car crash that killed a man in Pacolet, South Carolina. Kennedy pled guilty last week to the felony charge of driving under the influence resulting in death, according to the Greenville News . He was initially sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $25,100 fine, but he had that sentence and fine reduced to eight years and $15,100, with three of those years served in home detention. He also received credit for the nearly three years he has already served. Additionally, the singer will serve five years of probation, and he is required to attend mental health and substance abuse counseling. The legal update comes nearly three years after Kennedy, then 17, struck and killed 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris while driving his Ford F-150 on February 8, 2022. Warrants alleged that Kennedy was under the influence of marijuana at the time, and he was arrested on the DUI charge on the day of the crash. Ryan Beasley, Kennedy’s attorney, told the News that the sentencing was fair. “He’s got no record, and he was a minor when this happened,” Beasley said. “This wasn’t such an egregious act that you see most of the time, where people were drinking and driving then they hit somebody at night or going the wrong way down the road. This was a weird reaction from his prescription medicine and possibly THC.” Beasley also said that Kennedy is “very remorseful” and that the sentencing “starts the healing process for everybody involved in this situation.” (The News notes that Parris’ family wanted the maximum 25-year sentence.) Kennedy made it to the Top 7 of American Idol Season 19 but withdrew from the competition after a video of him standing next to a person wearing a Ku Klux Klan-style hood resurfaced. “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse,” Kennedy said, in part, on social media at the time. “I wanna say I’m sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down.” More Headlines:Hawks predicted to make desperate trade for Bulls’ sensational All-Star center | Sporting News
Share Tweet Share Share Email In the modern world, influencers gone wild and fashion are two closely intertwined realms that drive cultural conversations and set the tone for what’s trendy. Social media platforms have revolutionized how fashion is perceived, consumed, and created, largely thanks to influencers who wield immense power over their audiences. But how do these influencers shape fashion, and what are the underlying stories and topics that dominate this space? This article delves into the dynamic relationship between influencers and fashion, exploring their impact, trends, and the future of this captivating industry. The Role of Influencers in Modern Fashion Influencers have emerged as pivotal players in the fashion world. They are no longer just people with a knack for style; they are tastemakers and trendsetters who redefine what it means to be fashionable. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have given these individuals a stage to showcase their creativity, authenticity, and unique perspectives on fashion. Unlike traditional celebrities, influencers are perceived as more relatable, which is one of their greatest assets. They connect with their audience on a personal level, making their fashion choices seem attainable and aspirational. Whether it’s an outfit of the day post, a haul video, or styling tips, influencers make fashion feel approachable for the everyday person. Their ability to mix high-end luxury brands with affordable, accessible pieces has democratized the fashion industry, breaking down barriers that once separated elite fashion from the masses your topics | multiple stories . Micro-Influencers vs. Macro-Influencers When discussing influencers, it’s essential to differentiate between micro-influencers and macro-influencers. Micro-influencers, with their smaller but highly engaged audiences, often focus on niche topics. In fashion, they might specialize in sustainable clothing, thrifted outfits, or specific styles like bohemian or streetwear. Macro-influencers, on the other hand, have millions of followers and often work with high-profile fashion brands. Both types of influencers play significant roles in the fashion ecosystem. Micro-influencers bring authenticity and relatability, often fostering close-knit communities around their fashion choices. Macro-influencers, with their broad reach, amplify trends and introduce new styles to global audiences. Together, they create a balanced dynamic that drives the fashion conversation forward. Fashion Trends Driven by Influencers Influencers are at the forefront of setting and spreading fashion trends. They’re often the first to experiment with bold styles, colors, and designs, which then gain traction among their followers. The power of influencers lies in their ability to make trends viral, turning niche ideas into mainstream movements. The Rise of Sustainable Fashion One of the most significant trends in recent years is the push for sustainable fashion, and influencers have played a crucial role in this movement. Many influencers use their platforms to promote eco-friendly brands and educate their followers about the environmental impact of fast fashion. By sharing content about thrift shopping, upcycling, and supporting ethical brands, they’ve made sustainable fashion not just a choice but a statement. The Revival of Y2K Aesthetics Y2K fashion, characterized by bold colors, metallics, and nostalgic designs from the early 2000s, has made a massive comeback—largely thanks to influencers. Platforms like TikTok are filled with influencers sporting low-rise jeans, chunky accessories, and baby tees, reviving the iconic looks of the millennium era. Their embrace of this aesthetic has brought it back into mainstream retail stores and fashion collections worldwide. The Impact of Viral Challenges Fashionisk .com influencers have also leveraged viral challenges to popularize trends. Whether it’s styling a single piece of clothing in multiple ways or recreating runway looks on a budget, these challenges engage audiences and encourage participation. They blur the lines between influencer and follower, making fashion a collaborative experience. The Stories Behind Influencers and Fashion Behind every fashion influencer is a unique story that shapes their perspective and approach to style. These stories are what make their content resonate with audiences. From Passion to Profession Many influencers start their journey out of a genuine love for fashion. They begin by sharing their personal style and gradually build a following. Over time, their passion transforms into a profession, with opportunities to collaborate with brands, attend fashion weeks, and even launch their own fashion lines. This journey inspires their followers, showing that pursuing one’s passion can lead to extraordinary success. The Power of Authenticity Authenticity is the cornerstone of an influencer’s success in the fashion industry. Audiences value genuine recommendations and personal anecdotes over polished, overly commercial content. Influencers who share their struggles with body image, the challenges of finding inclusive clothing, or their efforts to adopt sustainable practices foster deeper connections with their followers. Diverse Voices in Fashion The rise of influencers has also brought more diversity to the fashion industry. Influencers from various cultural backgrounds, body types, and gender identities are challenging traditional beauty standards and redefining what’s considered fashionable. This inclusivity enriches the fashion world, offering fresh perspectives and inspiring a broader audience. Challenges Influencers Face in the Fashion World While influencers wield significant influence, their journey is not without challenges. The fast-paced nature of social media requires them to constantly produce new content, stay updated on trends, and maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive space Drew Pritchard New Wife . The Pressure to Stay Relevant Fashion trends evolve rapidly, and influencers must adapt quickly to stay ahead. The pressure to be on top of trends can be overwhelming, leading to burnout for some. Balancing authenticity with the need to produce trendy content is a delicate act that many influencers grapple with. Criticism and Backlash Influencers often face scrutiny for their choices, whether it’s partnering with controversial brands or promoting expensive products that alienate their audience. Navigating such criticism requires resilience and a strong sense of identity. The Future of Influencers in Fashion The relationship between influencers and fashion continues to evolve, with new possibilities on the horizon. As technology advances, so does the potential for influencers to reshape the fashion landscape. Virtual Influencers Virtual influencers, computer-generated characters with lifelike appearances, are gaining popularity. These digital personas collaborate with fashion brands, blurring the lines between technology and style. While they lack the relatability of human influencers, their ability to embody futuristic aesthetics makes them intriguing players in the fashion world. The Metaverse and Fashion The metaverse offers exciting opportunities for influencers to create and promote digital fashion. Virtual clothing and accessories, which can be worn by avatars in digital spaces, are becoming a new frontier for self-expression. Influencers are poised to lead this movement, merging fashion with the digital world of Malia Manocherian . Continued Focus on Sustainability As sustainability remains a priority, influencers will play a key role in promoting ethical fashion practices. Their platforms will continue to serve as powerful tools for raising awareness and driving change in the industry. Conclusion The synergy between influencers and fashion is undeniable. Influencers have transformed how we perceive and engage with fashion, making it more accessible, inclusive, and dynamic. From setting trends to advocating for sustainability and diversity, they shape the stories and topics that define the industry. As the fashion world evolves, influencers will undoubtedly remain at the heart of this transformation, driving innovation and inspiring millions. Their ability to connect, influence, and inspire ensures that their impact on fashion will endure for years to come. Related Items: fashion , influencers Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Shop Designer Bags Worldwide: Guide to Bags on Bolsino Global Fashion Trends The Evolution of Fashion: From Classic Elegance to Modern Statements CommentsEast Carolina cornerback Shavon Revel Jr., a potential first-round pick, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday. Revel, who sustained a torn left ACL in practice in September, had one season of eligibility remaining. "After an incredible journey at East Carolina, I am officially declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft," the senior posted on social media. "... Pirates nation, thank you for your unwavering energy and support every game. Representing ECU is an honor, and I look forward to continuing to do so on Sundays!" Revel recorded two interceptions in three games this season, returning one 50 yards for a touchdown on Sept. 14 against Appalachian State. Over three seasons with the Pirates, Revel had three interceptions, 15 passes defensed and 70 tackles in 24 games. He was a second-team All-American Athletic Conference selection last season. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Revel as the No. 2 cornerback and No. 23 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class. --Field Level Media
Authored by Mike Shedlock via MishTalk.com, Protests based on the “California Values Act” which limits state cooperation with federal immigration authorities are underway... Hundreds of people demonstrated around the California Capitol on Monday to urge the Legislature to try to stop Trump’s mass deportation plans. They carried banners that said “Not one cent for mass deportation” and “MAGA out of California.” Gateway Hispanic reports States Resist Trump’s Mass Deportation Plans: California, New York, Maryland and Colorado Push Back In response to former President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans, states like California and New York have been vocal in their opposition, asserting their authority to protect immigrant communities from federal enforcement. California has long been at the forefront of this resistance. Under Senator Alex Padilla and Governor Gavin Newsom, the state has emphasized its commitment to shielding immigrants, particularly through Senate Bill 54, the “California Values Act,” which limits state and local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The conflict has raised significant questions about the balance of power between federal and state governments. Trump’s mass deportation agenda, which seeks to ramp up enforcement, clashes with the policies of these states that prioritize immigrant welfare. California and New York argue that they should have the discretion to create policies that reflect their values of inclusion and protection for all residents, including undocumented immigrants . California and New York can argue all they want, but Federal law trumps state law on this issue. On January 12, 2024, I discussed Texas National Guard Seizes Eagle Pass Park to Stop Illegal Immigration Over the objection of the Eagle Pass mayor, governor Abbott seized a public park that borders the Rio Grande river. Governor Abbott placed 29 miles of razor wire only to have the Biden administration remove the wire. On January 22, I commented Texas Showdown, Supreme Court Lets Feds Cut Abbott’s Razor Wire In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court sided with the Biden Administration. Federal authorities will cut the razor wire and open the illegal immigration floodgates. But in an appeals ruling on November 28, a US appeals court ruled Texas has right to build razor wire along border at Eagle Pass. This seems more than a bit bizarre that an appeals court apparently overrules the Supreme Court. But it appears Texas tried again with a new angle based on safeguarding property as opposed to setting immigration policy. CBS Austin reports U.S. appeals court rules Texas has right to build razor wire along border at Eagle Pass. In its official ruling, the court says Texas is entitled to a preliminary injunction because the state is seeking only to safeguard its property — not “regulate” Border Patrol. The ruling also affirms Texas’ right to build wired fences for immigration enforcement. The first part of the ruling above is narrow and seems correct. The second paragraph screams nonsense. More accurately, it was nonsense when the Federal government disagreed. Immigration policy belongs at the federal level. We do not want California, Illinois, or New York setting their own immigration policies. I thought so under Biden, and I do so now. Unlike others, I am consistent. Texas has no more right to set immigration policy than California. However, Texas should be able to safeguard its property. The distinction is important. Of course, I was blasted by hypocrites who wanted Texas to set immigration policy but now don’t want California to do the same. The Texas Tribune comments: “It was shocking to me that the federal government would go out of their way to cut razor wire to allow illegals to cross when we’re just trying to protect our own land,” Paxton said during a Wednesday evening appearance on Newsmax. “This wasn’t their land. This was our land, our private property. It had nothing due to the federal government. So this is a good win for Texas, a good win for the country, that this court recognized our ability to protect our land.” A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. That’s the question the Wall Street Journal asks today in its post Migrants Prepare for Mass Deportation Immigrants without legal status or in mixed-status families are avoiding going out in public, scrambling to apply for asylum and attending legal workshops ahead of Donald Trump’s return to power, fearful they will be swept up in the president-elect’s promised mass-deportation campaign. “There is a lot of fear, a lot of concern,” said Lizeth Chacón, director of Workers Defense Project, in Texas. “There’s so much our community needs to plan for.” Yvonne Sanchez, a stay-at-home mother in the Milwaukee suburbs, has started taking steps to prepare her five children should authorities arrest her husband, who is a Mexican immigrant in the country illegally and the family’s sole breadwinner. Her husband has worked in the U.S. for nearly three decades, since he was 16 years old. Although Sanchez is a U.S. citizen, and the couple has been married for 13 years, she can’t sponsor her husband for a green card—which would grant him permanent U.S. residency—because he crossed into the country illegally. That would make him particularly vulnerable in a mass-deportation effort. Sanchez wondered recently, “should I just kiss my husband goodbye? How far is this going to go?” “I’m advising folks, make sure your affairs are in order,” said Lily Axelrod, an immigration attorney in Memphis, Tenn. “If you have kids, make sure their guardianship and custody situations are in order if, in the worst-case scenario, you are detained.” Roughly 860,000 immigrants are living in the U.S. with a form of deportation protection called Temporary Protected Status, granted to people whose countries are deemed too dangerous to return to. Trump has vowed not to renew those protections—granted to people from countries including Venezuela, Haiti and Honduras. The first set of protections, which covers 239,000 migrants from El Salvador who have lived in the U.S. since 2001, is due to expire in March. Hundreds of thousands more have entered the country under the Biden administration with explicit permission, granted a form of temporary status called humanitarian parole. Trump has promised to take their protections away, too. Kateryna Kyrylova came to the U.S. under Biden’s humanitarian program after fleeing the Russian siege of her home city of Mariupol, Ukraine, where a bomb killed her grandmother, her only living relative, and another leveled her apartment building. After searching in an online forum, Kyrylova found a retired military couple in San Antonio, willing to financially sponsor her. “I understand that he wants this illegal immigration to stop—it’s a huge problem for the country,” Kyrylova said. “I just want him to give me a chance to stay and live my life.” Deporting everyone on the ICE list charged with violent crimes regardless of other circumstances Deporting recent arrivals with no job and no sponsorship Deporting Venezuelan gang members Deporting spouses of US citizens Deporting parents of US citizens Deporting people who have been here for years, are employed, and are leading productive lives Deporting people, especially Afghans who risked their lives aiding the US for years in holding off the Taliban and who would immediately be killed upon return Deporting people without understanding the economic impacts Deport them all is both economically stupid and morally unjust. People who propose such policies are economic illiterates. Most of them just parrot whatever Trump says without question. But, if Trump wants to unleash a massive round of inflation by creating work shortages, all he has to do is listen to alleged mandates “deport them all”. October 1: What Would Trump’s Mass Deportation of Immigrants Cost? The Middle Ground We need sensible immigration policy. Mass deportation of 10 to 15 million immigrants (or even 6 million) is not sensible. It’s a dirty, not-so-secret, fact that red state and blue state alike depend on migrant labor for crops and construction projects. However, an open border is not the answer either. We can do without the crime and shelter costs that uncontrolled immigration bring. Flying Haitians (or anyone else) here is beyond ridiculous and begging for problems. I suggest we deport criminals, have a reasonable amnesty program for hard working immigrants who have been here for years, and mostly close the border using the military if necessary. Future immigration should be based on our genuine needs. October 18: How Difficult Would it Be For Trump to Deport Millions of Immigrants? Trump’s Pledge “As soon as I take the oath of office, I will terminate every open border policy of the Biden administration and begin the largest deportation operation in American history.” Fortunately, despite his harsh rhetoric, Trump seems to understand some of the economic arguments. On November 11, the Wall Street Journal commented on Trump’s Mass Deportation Promise He has a mandate on the border and to deport criminals. But more than that could get ugly fast. In short order, Mr. Trump will move to reinstate the border policies of his first term, such as Remain in Mexico, which seemed to work. Under that deal, migrants claiming asylum in the U.S. were sent back to Mexico while their cases were pending, which might take months or more. The idea was to break the incentives to game the system. Given the backlog of asylum cases, letting migrants into the U.S. while they wait is an enticement to come. The political rub may be Mr. Trump’s campaign promise to conduct “the largest deportation operation in the history of our country.” How it goes depends on what Mr. Trump means. Speaking Monday on Fox News, Mr. Homan said the priority will be “public-safety threats and national-security threats,” as well as migrants who “had due process” and “their federal judge said ‘you must go home,’ and they didn’t.” Good to hear, and add what Mr. Homan told “60 Minutes” last month. “It’s not going to be a mass sweep of neighborhoods,” he said. “It’s not going to be building concentration camps. I’ve read it all. It’s ridiculous.” Instead he said Mr. Trump’s plan would involve “targeted arrests,” and eventually “worksite enforcement operations.” If officers making an arrest also find an undocumented grandma in the house, will they detain her? “It depends,” Mr. Homan said. “Let the judge decide.” Some of Mr. Trump’s advisers, including Mr. Miller, have talked about mass deportation in sweeping terms. But enforcement priorities are up to the President, and Mr. Trump has suggested he isn’t interested in illegal grandmothers. When he visited the Journal recently, we asked about aliens who have been here for years, who might have U.S. citizen spouses and children. His response was that he wanted to help them. “We have a lot of good people in this country, and we have to do something about it,” Mr. Trump said. “This has been going on for a long time. It’s a complicated subject.” He declined to specify whom he’d deport: “I don’t want to go too much into clarification, because the nicer I become, the more people that come over illegally.” Yet after stringent talk about deterrence, he ended with nuance: “There are some human questions that get in the way of being perfect, and we have to have the heart, too.” I 100 percent endorse that statement vs “deport them all” economic foolishness. At the same time, I reject statements from California, Illinois, New York, and Colorado governors who think they can override federal law. There is an easy middle ground that makes economic and moral sense. Seal the border Reinstitute remain in Mexico Deport the criminals, gang members, and those on ICE lists, defining criminal as something other than being here illegally Help those who risk their lives assisting US policy in places like Afghanistan Work out a sensible policy on case-by-case immigration My proposal is based in part on The Dignity Act , a bipartisan bill sponsored Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Florida). For discussion, please see The New Home for Hispanics is the Republican Party Click above to see an interview of Florida rep. Maria Salazar on Hispanics, Trump, and deportations.MALIBU, Calif., Dec. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — As the Franklin Fire nears containment, having scorched over 4,000 acres and displaced thousands of residents, the Satellite Phone Store ( satellitephonestore.com ) is stepping up to provide critical communication solutions to assist recovery efforts and prepare communities for future emergencies. The Franklin Fire, which destroyed six homes and damaged others, left many areas without reliable communication infrastructure. Satellite communication devices such as sat phones & starlink terminals , which function independently of damaged cell networks, are proving essential for both emergency responders and returning residents. IN RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS, THE SATELLITE PHONE STORE IS OFFERING: “A WAKE-UP CALL FOR PREPAREDNESS” “Disasters like the Franklin Fire remind us how essential reliable communication is during and after an emergency,” said Tina Blanco, CEO of Satellite Phone Store. “We’re here to help Malibu recover, but we also want to encourage everyone to think ahead. It’s never too late to prepare for the unexpected, and having the right tools can make all the difference.” SATELLITE COMMUNICATION: A LIFELINE DURING AND AFTER A CRISIS As displaced residents begin returning home, satellite communication tools are helping: With the wildfire starting to be under control, attention now shifts to the importance of emergency preparedness. Wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters can happen at any time, and satellite communication ensures connectivity when traditional networks fail. WHY PREPAREDNESS MATTERS The Satellite Phone Store emphasizes the importance of readiness for future emergencies: PREPARE TODAY FOR TOMORROW’S EMERGENCIES As Malibu rebuilds, the Satellite Phone Store urges individuals and communities to take action now to prepare for what’s next. Reliable communication tools aren’t just for disasters—they’re a safeguard for the unexpected challenges of the future. About Satellite Phone Store: The Satellite Phone Store, a division of Connecta Satellite Solutions LLC , is a global leader in satellite communication technology. Specializing in satellite phones, portable internet hotspots, GPS trackers, and emergency equipment, the company equips families, businesses, and governments with tools to stay connected in extreme conditions. For more information, visit https://SatellitePhoneStore.com/ or call 1-877-324-6913. MEDIA CONTACT: Lacey Moore Website: SatellitePhoneStore.com Email: Care@SatellitePhoneStore.com Phone: 1-877-324-6913 Locations: California, Florida, Alaska NEWS SOURCE: Satellite Phone Store Keywords: Telecom and VoIP, Emergency, Telecom, Technology, Internet, Natural Disasters, malibu wildfires, portable internet, satellite internet, sat phones, franklin fires, emergency response, california, MALIBU, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Satellite Phone Store) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122844 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/satellite-phone-store-steps-in-to-support-malibu-wildfire-recovery-with-lifesaving-communication-tools/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.