Vandals in the US have attacked the homes of the leaders of the two houses of Congress on the eve of a new session and the swearing-in of lawmakers.
Police said fake blood and a pig’s head were left outside the California home of Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In Kentucky, graffiti was scrawled on the house of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican.
Congress is deadlocked over a relief package for the coronavirus pandemic.
On Tuesday the House voted to increase the one-off payments sent to individuals from $600 (£440) to $2,000. The Democratic-controlled chamber passed the bill with the help of more than 40 Republicans.
But the Republican-led Senate has not approved the bigger cheques, despite calls to do so from US President Donald Trump.
What happened on Sunday?
The two houses of Congress convened for a new session, with recently elected lawmakers sworn in.
Ms Pelosi was re-elected as House speaker by only seven votes, after a handful of fellow Democrats defected.
Mr McConnell remains as Senate majority leader but could be unseated if the Democrats win special elections for both Senate seats in Georgia on Tuesday.
Control of the Senate is likely to determine the fate of President-elect Joe Biden’s legislative agenda. If the Republicans win, they will retain a narrow majority, giving them the power to vote down bills coming from the House.
Before Christmas, Democrats and Republicans blocked each other’s attempts to amend a vital $900bn (£665bn) stimulus package. The legislation, which comes with a $1.4tn federal budget attached, was agreed by both sides.
However, it was vetoed by President Donald Trump, who uncharacteristically sided with Democrats in wanting higher payments of $2,000, rather than $600.
“The Senate is not going to be bullied into rushing out more borrowed money into the hands of Democrats’ rich friends who don’t need the help,” Mr McConnell said on Wednesday.
What damage was done to McConnell and Pelosi’s houses?
On Saturday Mr McConnell’s house in Louisville, Kentucky, was daubed with the words “were’s my money” and “Mitch kills the poor”.
In a statement, Mr McConnell said he appreciated all Kentuckians who took part in the democratic process “whether they agree with me or not”.
“This is different,” he said. “Vandalism and the politics of fear have no place in our society.”
San Francisco police said they were investigating the incident at Ms Pelosi’s home. Graffiti was daubed on her garage door, which was later covered over with black plastic bags.
She has not yet commented.
Kilo Lazer officially steps into a new chapter with the release of his debut album, From the Mud a body of work that captures his journey, resilience, consistency, and undeniable growth.
Rooted in experience and shaped by the realities of coming from the bottom, From the Mud tells Kilo Lazer’s story through raw energy, honest storytelling, and a sound that reflects how far he has come.
More than a debut, the album is a testament to staying the course, trusting the process, and turning struggle into purpose.
Kilo Lazer’s From the Mud is out now on all major streaming platforms.
Multi-hyphenate artist, selector, and creative director Queen Petite is ushering in a bold, uninhibited era for global African music with the release of her brand-new single and self-engineered genre movement, “Ikapiano Pop.” Marking her second major genre innovation following her pioneering creation of Dembowpiano, the Nigeria-London based powerhouse continues to push global dancefloors into uncharted territory off the momentum of her standout projects PETITENESS and REBEL BLACK SHEEP.
Guided by her background behind the decks, Queen Petite’s work is driven by an instinctual command of room energy, seamless transitions, and dancefloor mechanics. Ikapiano Pop stands as a textured, high-octane fusion that layers trunk-rattling Miami basslines and crisp hip-hop drums over the hypnotic, swinging log-drums of Afropiano. Grounding this international production is her native heritage: the vocals are written and performed entirely in the Ika dialect, native to the South-South region of Nigeria, proving that raw, local storytelling holds universal cross-border appeal.
“Creating new sounds is second nature to me—first with Dembowpiano, and now stepping into my second genre creation with IKAPIANO POP,” states Queen Petite. “I didn’t start with an existing box and add my name to it; I built the blueprint from scratch. Being a DJ taught me how to read energy, and I wanted to construct something that feels incredible whether you’re listening in headphones or in a packed arena. It brings together my African identity, global influences, and pop accessibility so people feel free, confident, and unstoppable.”
Captured during an intense burst of inspiration, the track was recorded at London’s Hot Money Studios alongside engineer Patrick, with Queen Petite personally directing her Nigerian producer over the phone to execute the exact rhythmic blueprint in her mind. More than just a single release, Ikapiano Pop represents a long-term global movement set to anchor her upcoming DJ sets and live performances across the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Described in three words as Free, Vibrant, and Unstoppable, “Ikapiano Pop” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Watch the Official Music Video for “Ikapiano Pop”
Blow Money Records proudly announces the release of “Jẹjẹ,” the latest single and official music video from Nigerian Afro-fusion artist Temmy Dreddz.
Produced by the talented OxDBeat and visually brought to life by Kore Culture with breathtaking scenes filmed in South Africa, Jẹjẹ is a refreshing Afrobeats record that celebrates love, patience, hope, and the beauty of embracing life’s journey one step at a time.
More than just a song, Jẹjẹ delivers a powerful message in a world driven by urgency. Inspired by the Yoruba expression jẹjẹ, meaning gently or take it easy, the record reminds listeners that meaningful progress, genuine love, and lasting success are built with patience, consistency, and faith in the process.
Complementing the song is a visually captivating music video that blends cinematic storytelling with vibrant African scenery, perfectly reflecting the warmth, emotion, and uplifting spirit of the record. Shot against the stunning landscapes of South Africa, the video enhances the song’s message while showcasing Temmy Dreddz’s artistic identity on a global stage.
Speaking on the release, Temmy Dreddz describes Jẹje.
With this release, Temmy Dreddz continues to establish himself as one of the emerging voices in contemporary African music, delivering authentic stories through infectious melodies and relatable songwriting.
“Jẹjẹ” and its official music video are now available on all major digital streaming platforms and YouTube worldwide.
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