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Newsom in Crisis Mode After Halle Berry Publicly Accuses Him of ‘Devaluing’ California Women
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Newsom in Crisis Mode After Halle Berry Publicly Accuses Him of ‘Devaluing’ California Women

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday that he will include funding to expand access to menopause care in next year’s state budget, one day after actress Halle Berry sharply criticized him at the New York Times’ Dealbook Summit in New York, as reported by The New York Post.

Berry accused Newsom of “overlooking” and “devaluing” women by vetoing menopause-related legislation two years in a row.

Berry’s remarks drew significant attention at the event, where she said the governor “probably should not be our next president” because of the vetoes.

New York, NY – May 9, 2019: Halle Berry attends the “John Wick: Chapter 3” world premiere at One Hanson Place

“Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row,” Berry said. “But that’s OK, because he’s not going to be governor forever, and the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us, he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”

When Newsom was approached Thursday by TMZ, he said, “Actually, I was just connected with her manager. We have the ability to reconcile that, so we’re reconciling.”

He confirmed that he plans to include menopause funding in the upcoming budget, saying, “I’ve included it in the budget next year.”

Newsom suggested Berry’s criticism resulted from a misunderstanding of his plans regarding the bill. “She didn’t know,” he said. “They didn’t understand we were already in the process of fixing it, so we’re getting it fixed.”

The legislation Berry supported would require health care plans to offer recommendations for menopause-related treatments and mandate additional training for health care providers in menopause care.

Newsom previously vetoed the bill over concerns that it would “unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women already stretched thin,” according to a spokesperson for his office.

The governor’s office confirmed that Newsom intends to include a proposal addressing expanded menopause care in the state budget on January 10.

“The Governor remains committed to fixing this issue – and we’ve been doing that work in real time,” a spokesperson told The Post.

Berry prefaced her comments on Wednesday with, “At this stage in my life, I have zero f–ks left to give,” before turning to California’s legislative battle over menopause coverage.

Her comments added renewed scrutiny to Newsom, who acknowledged in October that he is considering a 2028 presidential run. His term as governor ends in 2026.

Stephen A. Smith Clashes With ‘The View’ Over Sen. Kelly’s Video on Military Orders
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Stephen A. Smith Clashes With ‘The View’ Over Sen. Kelly’s Video on Military Orders

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ESPN host Stephen A. Smith engaged in a heated exchange Thursday on ABC’s “The View” after criticizing Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., for appearing in a video that urged U.S. military and intelligence personnel to refuse “illegal” orders, as reported by Fox News.

The panel confronted Smith over his remarks, prompting a back-and-forth that continued throughout the segment.

Co-host Sunny Hostin opened the discussion by calling Smith “loud and wrong” for condemning Kelly. After the show aired the clip of Smith’s original commentary, Hostin asked whether he wanted to reconsider.

“I’m not changing a thing,” Smith replied.

“I didn’t stutter when I said it.”

Hostin responded, “OK. You want to stay loud and wrong?”

Smith answered, “Well, you can call it loud and wrong all you want to. You’re entitled to your opinion, I’m entitled to mine.”

The controversy centers around a video released last month featuring six Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., and Kelly.

In the video, they urged military and intelligence community members to rely on their consciences and refuse to obey “illegal” orders, stating, “This administration is pitting our uniformed military and intelligence community officials against American citizens.”

Smith sharply criticized Kelly during his XM radio commentary last Wednesday.

“Respectfully, senator, what the hell are you doing?” Smith said. “Looking into the camera and telling military men and women to ignore the commander-in-chief? How dare you? How dare you do that?”

While debating on “The View,” Hostin attempted to counter Smith’s argument by referencing past comments from Pete Hegseth stating military members should not follow unlawful orders. Hostin said this aligned Hegseth with Kelly.

Smith rejected the comparison. “First of all, I don’t give a damn what Pete Hegseth has to say, because I will tell you right now, he was never qualified for the job… I don’t care what he has to say. Let me get that out the way,” Smith said.

Smith continued by arguing that Kelly’s military background puts him in a precarious position when making public statements on military compliance.

“You can be implicated for implying something if you are a former military member, or you are a present military member,” he said.

“It wasn’t what Mark Kelly said, it’s the fact that he was a combat Navy pilot who served in the military who would tell folks, ‘ignore an order,’ when it could get them in a world of trouble.”

Co-host Joy Behar and Hostin interjected to note that Kelly explicitly referred to ignoring “illegal” orders. Smith replied, “I said illegal. I’m talking about illegal.”

TV Personality Joy Behar

Hostin insisted, “He said you don’t have to follow an unlawful order, and that is in the military code of conduct. It didn’t sound like you were aware of that.”

“Which I’m aware of,” Smith said.

“But it didn’t sound like you were aware of that during your show,” Hostin said.

“I disagree with you,” Smith responded.

Smith later added that “two governors” had texted him to say he was wrong, aligning with “The View” co-hosts’ position. Hostin replied, “You are wrong.”

Smith countered, “And I had two senators that reached out to me and said ‘you aren’t wrong at all.’”

Halle Berry Has ‘Zero F**ks Left to Give’ Torches Gavin Newsom’s Treatment of Women
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Halle Berry Has ‘Zero F**ks Left to Give’ Torches Gavin Newsom’s Treatment of Women

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Actress Halle Berry used her appearance at the DealBook Summit on Wednesday to criticize California Gov. Gavin Newsom, saying he has “overlooked women” and should not be considered for the presidency.

Berry spoke at the Lincoln Center event in New York City before Newsom took the stage.

“At this stage in my life, I have zero f–ks left to give,” Berry said, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

She then directed her comments toward the governor.

“Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row. But that’s OK, because he’s not going to be governor forever, and the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us, he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”

Her remarks reportedly drew gasps from the audience. Newsom’s current term ends in 2026, and he has acknowledged he is considering a 2028 presidential run.

Polling has consistently listed him as a potential contender in a Democratic primary, alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Berry’s criticism followed Newsom’s decision in October to veto a bill aimed at expanding menopause care in California.

It was the second consecutive year he rejected similar legislation.

The proposal would have required healthcare plans to provide guidance on menopause-related treatments and mandated training for healthcare providers on menopause care.

Berry, 59, is the founder of Respin, a women’s health and longevity company focused in part on menopause support.

She said the issue is personal and reflects broader concerns about how women in midlife are treated.

“In 2025, there is a lot to still be talked about and discovered and uncovered, especially if you are a woman who is navigating midlife and thoughtfully considering your longevity, because in 2025 I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,” she said.

“Our culture thinks that, at 59 years old, I am past my prime, and that women my age start to become invisible in Hollywood, in the workplace, on social media. Women are pressured to stay forever 35.”

In response to Berry’s comments, spokesperson Izzy Gardon told The New York Post that Newsom vetoed the menopause bill due to concerns about cost increases for consumers.

“The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy and looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue,” Gardon said.

“He shares her goal of expanding access to menopause care that too many women struggle to get. He vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women already stretched thin — something he’s determined to avoid.”

Gardon added that the governor’s office remains open to future collaboration on menopause care policy.

“We’re confident that by working together this year, we can expand access to essential menopause treatment while protecting women from higher bills,” he said.

James Woods Calls for Minneapolis Mayor’s ‘Traitor A**’ to be ‘Thrown in the Clink’
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James Woods Calls for Minneapolis Mayor’s ‘Traitor A**’ to be ‘Thrown in the Clink’

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Actor James Woods criticized Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey on Tuesday after Frey announced that his administration would not assist federal immigration officers conducting enforcement actions in the Twin Cities area.

The Department of Homeland Security is directing additional immigration resources to the region, prompting the mayor to address the city’s position during a press conference.

Frey said he would not allow city government agencies to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement as ICE increases its presence in Minneapolis.

He also directed remarks to the city’s Somali community, reaffirming his support for them. During the press conference, Frey delivered part of his message in Somali.

Woods responded to Frey’s comments in a post on X, writing, “Throw his traitor ass in the clink then.”

Frey outlined guidance for illegal migrants on how to respond if approached by immigration officers.

“You have the right to remain silent and you have the right to a lawyer,” Frey said, according to the immigrant-focused outlet Shahan Journal.

“You can refuse to sign documents until that lawyer is present. You have the right to not open the door unless a warrant has been shown.”

Frey said Minneapolis “is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the entire country,” adding that Somali residents “benefit both the culture and the economic resilience of our city.”

The press conference was not the first time Frey used the Somali language during public remarks.

After his re-election in November, he delivered part of his victory speech in Somali.

Woods has frequently criticized opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

In October, he commented on a demonstration in Portland in which participants held a “nude die-in” to protest ICE, describing the protesters as “mentally ill Democrats.”

In June, Woods said California Governor Gavin Newsom should resign after Newsom addressed rioters who had set fires in Los Angeles during protests involving opposition to ICE operations.

The Minneapolis mayor’s comments come as federal immigration authorities continue expanding enforcement actions in several regions, including the Twin Cities.

Pop Star Sabrina Carpenter Gets Trolled Hard After Crying About ICE Using Her Song
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Pop Star Sabrina Carpenter Gets Trolled Hard After Crying About ICE Using Her Song

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A dispute unfolded this week between the White House and pop singer Sabrina Carpenter after she publicly objected to the Trump administration’s use of her music in a video promoting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The video, which featured Carpenter’s song “Juno” set over footage of ICE raids, included a caption referencing her lyrics: “Have you ever tried this one? Bye-Bye,” followed by emoji.

Carpenter reacted online, calling the use of her music “evil and disgusting” and writing on X, “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded to Carpenter’s criticism when asked by Fox News for comment.

“Here’s a Short n’ Sweet message for Sabrina Carpenter: we won’t apologize for deporting dangerous criminal illegal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from our country. Anyone who would defend these sick monsters must be stupid, or is it slow?” Jackson said.

The public exchange drew reactions from social media users on both sides.

Several of Carpenter’s supporters expressed approval of her comments.

One user wrote that they were “proud to support an artist who uses her platform to support vulnerable, marginalized and demonized groups of people with her voice and charitable efforts.”

Another user referenced Carpenter and fellow pop artist Olivia Rodrigo, stating that “our new generation popstars are braver and more vocal about social issues than old popstars.”

Other online responses were critical of Carpenter.

One commenter wrote, “The job of the government is to put Americans first. It’s not inhumane for those who don’t belong here to go home. Americans should prioritize Americans and the government should prioritize Americans. That’s all there is to it.”

Another user referenced a past Carpenter music video filmed in a Catholic church, writing, “You used a Catholic Church to film a music video laden with sexual innuendo, and then defended yourself by claiming ‘Jesus was a Carpenter too.’ You have no right to call things evil or disgusting.”

Matt Lauer Eyeing Media Comeback Eight Years After NBC Firing, Reports Say
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Matt Lauer Eyeing Media Comeback Eight Years After NBC Firing, Reports Say

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Former NBC “Today” anchor Matt Lauer is reportedly exploring a return to the media industry nearly eight years after he was fired over allegations of inappropriate sexual behavior.

According to People, a source familiar with the situation said Lauer “wants to get back into the media arena in some capacity, if not TV” and has “talked to some people about it,” as reported by Page Six.

Lauer, now 67, was terminated by NBC in November 2017 after the network received what it described as a “detailed complaint from a colleague” and determined there was reason to believe the conduct “may not have been an isolated incident.”

Page Six separately reported that Lauer had been accused of sending lewd messages and explicit photos to female NBC staffers, including a young intern.

Following his firing, two additional women came forward with allegations. One woman said Lauer summoned her to his office for sex and said she “felt helpless because she didn’t want to lose her job.”

Lauer issued a public apology the day after his dismissal, but also claimed that some of the accusations were “untrue.”

“There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” Lauer said at the time.

“To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry.” He added that some claims were “untrue or mischaracterized,” while acknowledging “there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.”

In the aftermath of the scandal, Lauer and his then-wife Annette Roque, divorced, finalizing the split two years later. Since leaving NBC, Lauer has kept a low profile and has largely stayed out of public view while living in the Hamptons.

The People source said Lauer remains “still angry” over “the way he was treated by the industry” and by people he “thought were his friends.”

Over the past several years, the source said Lauer has focused on being a “good father” to his three children — Jack, 24, Romy, 22, and Thijs, 18 — and spending time with them.

Earlier this year, former CNN journalist Don Lemon publicly predicted Lauer’s return to the news industry, saying “the public misses him.”

Lauer has not announced any specific plans or confirmed whether he intends to pursue television or another form of media.

New Country Song Shows Women Aren’t Buying the Feminist Girlboss Lifestyle Anymore
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New Country Song Shows Women Aren’t Buying the Feminist Girlboss Lifestyle Anymore

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Country music artist Kelsea Ballerini released a new single on November 7 titled “I Sit in Parks,” a two-minute track centered on the tension between career ambitions and motherhood.

The song has drawn significant attention across social media and commentary platforms for its focus on regret tied to choosing professional goals over becoming a parent.

The chorus includes the lines: “Did I miss it? By now is it / A lucid dream? Is it my fault / For chasin’ things a body clock / Doesn’t wait for? I did the d**n tour / It’s what I wanted, what I got / I spun around and then I stopped / And wondered if I missed the mark.”

Ballerini, 32, is divorced and does not have children.

In the song, she reflects on the decision to prioritize her music career, conveying the pain and regret associated with that choice.

The release prompted a wide range of reactions, including criticism from feminist commentators and support from pro-natalist voices who viewed the song as a notable cultural moment in mainstream music.

Among those responding was BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey, who addressed the song on her program, “Relatable.”

“I can see how this vulnerability is speaking to what a lot of people feel. This is certainly not Christian, but it’s kind of reflecting this trend that we’re seeing among a lot of young people … wanting to go back to tradition, wanting to go back to church, wanting to go back to marriage, wanting to actually have children,” she said.

Stuckey discussed how the song aligns with concerns she has raised about the pressures placed on young women to avoid motherhood.

She argued that the idea that “motherhood isn’t for everyone” leads women toward choices they later find unfulfilling.

According to Stuckey, this message overlooks what she described as an ingrained maternal instinct.

“This motherhood instinct that we all have when we’re little girls — it doesn’t go away,” Stuckey said.

“We take care of our pets; we take care of our dolls; we take care of our flowers because that is the instinct that God has given us in general as women.”

Stuckey noted that even women who say they do not want children often direct nurturing tendencies toward pets, plants, work, or other areas.

She said this does not replace the fulfillment traditionally associated with motherhood.

She also stated that while marriage and having children are not part of everyone’s life, the drive to nurture remains and can be expressed through ministry, mentorship, or mission work.

She argued that channeling this instinct toward people is necessary to feel fulfilled if traditional motherhood is not part of a woman’s path.

Ballerini’s single, Stuckey said, illustrates what can result when motherhood is delayed or set aside entirely.

The song’s depiction of loneliness and reflection, she argued, resonates with listeners confronting similar questions about family, career, and long-term fulfillment.

Elton John Says What Could Make President Trump ‘One of the Greatest Presidents in History’
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Elton John Says What Could Make President Trump ‘One of the Greatest Presidents in History’

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Elton John said in an interview published this week that President Donald Trump could become “one of the greatest presidents in history” if he were to succeed in ending the AIDS epidemic, a goal the singer described as achievable due to bipartisan support and medical advancements, as reported by Breitbart.

Speaking with Variety, the “Rocketman” artist discussed his work addressing HIV/AIDS through global initiatives and praised support from leaders in both parties.

WASHINGTON – February 22, 2025: President Donald Trump arrives at the White House South Lawn on Marine One after his visit to CPAC.

John referenced a congressional delegation he led to South Africa, noting the level of agreement among lawmakers. “Lindsey Graham said it was the best bang for your buck you could possibly get,” John said.

John told the outlet that bipartisan cooperation on AIDS efforts “makes common sense” and pointed to decades of scientific advances.

“To see us come so far with the medical and scientific advances, and to think this is the only disease that can be completely cured in one’s lifetime,” he said.

“President Trump has maybe solved the peace problem. If he wants to go down as one of the greatest presidents in history … if he ended AIDS, that would really be a feather in his cap.”

Although the singer has never endorsed Trump and declined an invitation to perform at his 2016 inauguration, John acknowledged in a past interview that he found humor in one of the president’s widely discussed remarks.

Trump famously referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Little Rocket Man” in 2017, a public nickname referencing John’s hit song “Rocket Man.”

“I laughed. I thought that was brilliant. I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald.’ I’ve always been friendly toward him and I thank him for his support,” John said.

Shortly after the Variety interview drew attention, John posted on Instagram to clarify that his comments should not be interpreted as support for the president.

“Part of an interview I gave … is being taken out of context and falsely misconstrued as a personal endorsement of Donald Trump,” he wrote.

“It’s not. I was simply acknowledging the fact that Trump has long been a fan of my music, and that historically he’s been very kind to me about that.”

John added that he does not use his platform to direct his audience’s political decisions.

“I don’t go on stage and say to people, ‘you mustn’t vote for the Republicans, you mustn’t vote for the Democrats.’ It’s none of my business how they vote,” he said.

The interview marks one of the singer’s most direct comments regarding Trump’s presidency, though he reiterated that his views were limited to the administration’s posture toward AIDS research and his personal interactions with the president over the years.

Senator Kelly Cries to Kimmel Over ‘Illegal Orders’ Backlash Despite Not Naming Any
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Senator Kelly Cries to Kimmel Over ‘Illegal Orders’ Backlash Despite Not Naming Any

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Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona said he is “not backing down” from his message telling U.S. service members to refuse what he called President Donald Trump’s “illegal orders,” even as he acknowledged during a television interview that he could not name any specific illegal order that the president has given.

Kelly, a retired Naval captain, addressed the issue during an appearance with host Jimmy Kimmel.

“You can’t keep track of this guy and what he says. I’ll tell you this though, I’m not backing down. We said something very simple. Members of the military need to follow the law. We wanted to say that we have their backs. His response, kill them,” Kelly told Kimmel.

Kelly appeared in a video alongside five other lawmakers promoting the message that service members should refuse orders they believe to be unlawful.

The video included statements from Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan and Reps. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, and Jason Crow of Colorado.

After the video began circulating on social media, the Trump administration and the Department of War said Kelly was under review for a possible court martial related to “serious allegations of misconduct.”

Kelly responded to that development during his interview with Kimmel.

“This is what he can do this week, go after me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is a law in the military, which is kind of wild because we recited something in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and he is going to prosecute me under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for reciting the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It is so ridiculous, it is like you can’t make this shit up,” Kelly said.

Kelly also claimed that actions taken by the administration were inconsistent with constitutional principles.

“What I am worried about is the reaction and what this transmits to the military and the public, which is basically, shut up and listen to that guy. That is not the way our system works. My oath and every member of the military took is loyalty to the Constitution, not to a person. He is trying to get some fear out there, and fear can be contagious, but what also can be contagious is courage and patriotism,” he said.

He further accused the president of undermining democratic norms.

“It is how democracy dies. It is right out of the playbook. The playbook of authoritarianism, that’s what they do. They try to suppress speech. Every one of us has First Amendment speech rights. I think the president is infringing on those, and he is sending a strong message, you don’t want to cross him and your loyalty should be to him. It should not. It always should be to the Constitution,” Kelly said.

In a separate appearance on Rachel Maddow’s program, Kelly stated that he could not identify any specific “illegal order” he believes the president has issued to the military.

Disoriented Actress Tara Reid Removed on Stretcher After Alleged Drink Tampering Incident
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Disoriented Actress Tara Reid Removed on Stretcher After Alleged Drink Tampering Incident

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Actress Tara Reid says she was taken to a Chicago hospital after her drink was allegedly tampered with at a hotel bar over the weekend, as reported by Fox News.

Reid, who was in Chicago for Comic Con, appeared disoriented in video footage obtained by TMZ, which showed several people assisting her into a wheelchair.

In the footage, she is seen slurring her words and clinging to another hotel guest before being seated.

Another clip showed paramedics moving Reid out of the hotel on a stretcher while bystanders offered words of support. A source told Fox News Digital that Reid had gone to the hotel bar to have a drink and a cigarette.

After stepping outside to smoke, she returned to find her glass of wine with a napkin placed over it. According to the source, Reid did not remember putting a napkin on the glass and thought it was unusual.

The source said Reid took two sips of wine and later woke up in a hospital. Her agent retrieved her from the hospital, and the two flew back to Los Angeles.

The source said, “She is very worried about people leaving their drinks unsupervised, and she is traumatized by the incident.”

A representative for Reid told Fox News Digital that she is preparing to file a police report.

The representative said, “Tara Reid is in the process of filing a police report after an incident in which she believes her drink was tampered with. Tara is recovering and asks for privacy during this traumatic time. She also urges everyone to be careful, watch your drinks, and never leave them unattended, as this can happen to anyone. She will not be making further comments at this stage.”

However, police told People on Monday that Reid had not yet filed the report.

Reid has previously spoken publicly about difficulties in her career. In 2023, she told Fox News Digital she has “been bullied a lot” and said her appearance on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test” was aimed at showing another side of herself.

She said, “And stop bullying me for kind of always the same things. And to let them see, you know, I’m not just this girl who’s 21 and partying in ‘American Pie.’”

Reid added, “I’m 47 years old now. I’m a woman and I want them to see that I am strong, and I do have a heart and I do care. And I hope that comes across.”

Reid also said the negative attention led her to temporarily step back from the industry, explaining, “I needed a break. You know, I think everyone needs a break from something when it becomes too much.”

No additional details have been released regarding the investigation.


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