Latest news with #Kassi
Eater
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
One of Venice's Best Rooftops Returns as a Breezy Greek Hangout With Unbeatable Views
Skip to main content Current eater city: Los Angeles The prime rooftop of Venice's Hotel Erwin has been remolded into Kassi Venice Beach, opening on Friday, July 4, with a tight menu of Greek-inflected mezze, grilled skewers, and salads, plus a view of the Pacific Ocean. Coming from the Wish You Were Here group, which operates Elephante in Santa Monica and Belles Beach House in Venice, Kassi first opened in West Third Street back in 2019 before closing and resurfacing in Las Vegas's Virgin Hotels. There, it morphed into more of a party-like Italian American restaurant that befits Vegas. But the menu will return to its original Greek and Eastern Mediterranean flavors in Venice, operating from lunch to fairly late. On the rooftop, umbrellas encircle an elevated patch of clipped greenery, with lounge seating and dinner tables accommodating 185 diners at a time. Swaying palm trees and the shoreline offer a real island vibe as skateboarders, cyclists, and performing dancers thrive on the concrete expanse just a few blocks away on the Venice Boardwalk. Takes on Greek classics like a spanakopita quesadilla, fried zucchini chips, crispy saganaki with Fresno chile jam, and a cucumber-tomato-feta salad comprise the starters; familiar mezzes like hummus and tzatziki come with za'atar-sprinkled flat bread. Five-ounce portions of skewers feature lamb meatballs with pomegranate molasses, beef tenderloin in red chermoula, and harissa honey chicken. The food options are limited enough that decision fatigue shouldn't settle in. Kassi is as much about the drinks as it is panoramic views. Shaken sippers like the Oracle of Delphi mix tequila with watermelon, mazzura, and cucumber, while draft cocktails like honeydew thyme paloma should help the bartenders churn out boozy drinks. White and red wines lean toward Greek origins, while Bondi Brewing Co. lager hints at Mathers' and Lim's upbringings in Australia. Wish You Were Here, founded by Nick Mathers and helmed by chef Thomas Lim, seems to do these breezy spaces well, given the success of Belles and Elephante, the latter of which has expanded into other states like Arizona. Kassi should fit seamlessly into the Venice restaurant milieu, a relaxed, easygoing Greek restaurant with stunning vistas for days. Kassi Venice Beach is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and until 12 a.m. Thursday to Saturday; it's located at 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA, 90291, with reservations on OpenTable . Tickets to the opening July 4 party, also available on OpenTable, cost $40 each. See More:
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
She Planned a Sweet Date Night, Then Revealed He Was Going to Be a Father of 2 (Exclusive)
Kassi surprised her husband, Alvin, with a pregnancy reveal hidden in a painted portrait during a date night The emotional moment was caught on camera — and their tearful reaction has since gone viral on TikTok The couple hopes their creative reveal inspires other families to celebrate life's milestones in meaningful waysA simple date night transformed into an unforgettable viral moment for Kassi and Alvin, a couple whose TikTok video painting portraits of each other turned into a heartwarming pregnancy reveal. The clip, which captured Alvin's joyful reaction to learning he would soon be a father of two, has touched thousands. Kassi had been hoping for this moment for months. 'We actually have been trying for a while,' she tells PEOPLE. 'Then when I finally got the positive [test], emotions were just very all over the place…like definitely very overjoyed.' After getting the news, she couldn't wait. Known for her creativity and big-hearted gestures, Kassi came up with the idea that same day: a date night activity disguised as a surprise. She told Alvin she'd seen a TikTok trend where couples paint each other. What he didn't know was that her canvas would deliver more than just a portrait. 'I told him it would be fun, especially since he'd had a tough day at work,' she recalls. 'I wanted to cheer him up — and honestly, I just needed him in a better headspace so I could tell him in the way I wanted.' Alvin, unaware of the reveal that was coming, was immediately on board. He says it wasn't out of character for Kassi to lift his spirits when he was feeling off. 'She's always the type to not ever want to see me down in my spirits,' he tells PEOPLE. 'That's just why I love her a lot.' As the two painted, Kassi's nerves built. Even though she knew Alvin would be thrilled, there was still that moment of anticipation. 'That's literally what it felt like — like okay, there's no turning back now,' she says. 'I always get nervous when I'm about to tell him big news.' When Alvin turned her painting around, he was stunned. Kassi had drawn him — but also included a visual message revealing she was pregnant again. 'I had no words,' Alvin remembers. 'We'd been trying, and it was a long road to get here. I was just so happy.' That emotional moment captured on video and shared online led to an unexpected outpouring of support. 'It's definitely been way more than we ever expected,' Kassi says of the response. 'We've gotten so much love and support, not just from strangers but from our friends and family too.' The clip went viral, not just because of the surprise, but because of how clearly their love and joy shone through. Kassi says she's glad the moment resonated. 'I think it's just a creative way to share pregnancy news,' she says. 'And I hope it gives other people ideas or hope.' They've kept the painting on full display at home, a constant reminder of that night. And for Alvin, watching the video never gets old. 'I probably watch it every day to be honest,' he says. 'Just to see how thoughtful and creative she was to tell me in that way…it's something I'll never forget.' The moment is part of a broader digital legacy they're building for their children. 'Our son's childhood memories are going to be wild,' Kassi laughs. 'We didn't grow up with this kind of digital record, so I love that we get to capture these milestones in real time.' Their journey as a couple began in college, when a night out led to a spark neither expected. Kassi remembers seeing Alvin across the room and asking a mutual friend to introduce them. 'He was kind of cute, and I'd never seen him before,' she says with a smile. 'Turns out he'd asked about me too.' From that night in 2017 to now, married and raising a family, the transformation is something they still marvel at. 'I would say it's the greatest feeling in the world,' Alvin reflects. 'To see where we started to now having two kids…it's just crazy in a good way.' Kassi adds that watching each other grow through early adulthood has deepened their bond. 'We got to level up together,' she says. 'I've watched him grow into someone who always finds a way to provide, support, and pull me through the hard moments.' As they look ahead to welcoming their second child, the couple is most excited to see their son become a big brother. 'He's so loving already,' Kassi says. 'He'll come up to my belly and say, 'baby,' and give it a hug. It's the sweetest thing.' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. For Alvin, watching Kassi take on this next chapter is what he's looking forward to most. 'She just does everything right for us,' he says. 'Seeing her become an even greater mom — that's what I'm most excited about.' They credit their closeness to being intentional about making memories, even in small ways. 'Even if it's just going out to eat or doing something different from the routine,' Kassi says. 'That keeps things fun and reminds us of how we were when we first started.' Alvin agrees and emphasizes the importance of emotional check-ins. 'See how your partner's feeling, see what you can do to support them,' he says. 'It makes a big difference when you're working together as a team.' The video may have gone viral, but for Kassi, the real reward is knowing it might inspire someone else. 'Young relationships get a bad rap these days,' she says. 'If our story helps even one couple feel hopeful again, then it was worth sharing.' Read the original article on People
7NEWS
11-06-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
The Collagen Co. launches salted caramel and cinnamon churro flavours: Achieve your summer body in winter
Achieve your summer body this winter without fad diets or gruelling exercise routines. Aussie wellness shake brand, The Collagen Co. helps you get in shape and feel better with its delicious tasting Glow Shakes. The Collagen Co. is once again making waves with the launch of two highly anticipated additions to their best-selling Glow Shakes Collagen Meal Replacement range: Salted Caramel Milkshake and Cinnamon Churro. Already celebrated for transforming thousands of lives, these new flavours are taking excitement and taste buds to the next level. Described by fans as tasting 'just like salted caramel lollies' and 'cinnamon doughnuts in a glass,' the new shakes deliver indulgent flavour without compromise. But while they may taste like a treat, these shakes are all about results. With thousands of success stories already under their belt, Glow Shakes have become a staple in the wellness routines of women across the country. These shakes are more than a convenient meal replacement — they are helping people reach their goals, regain confidence, and glow from the inside out. What makes Glow Shakes stand out isn't just the flavour, it's the formula. Every shake is designed to make weight loss feel easy and enjoyable. With over 29 grams of protein per serve, including 17.5 grams of hydrolysed collagen peptides, the shakes help keep you full while supporting skin, hair, nail, and joint health. They also contain more than 5 grams of prebiotic fibre to support digestion and balance blood sugar levels, as well as MCT oil and green tea extract for a natural metabolism boost. Each shake includes a full profile of 24 vitamins and minerals to help meet daily nutritional needs, and all of this comes with less than 1 gram of sugar per serve. Despite the shakes' impressive nutritional profile, what truly keeps people coming back is the creamy, smooth texture and crave-worthy taste. Whether you're sipping on the Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry classic, or diving into the new Salted Caramel or Cinnamon Churro, every flavour feels like a treat, not a compromise. Shoppers have experienced incredible transformations after taking the Glow Shakes, with prices starting from $79. For example, one customer, Kassi lost 9.55kg in just 28 days and shared that she feels like she's completely transformed her life, calling herself blessed to have discovered both the product and the supportive community that surrounds it. Another customer, Rachel dropped from a size 18 to a 14, shedding 6.6kg and finding a new sense of pride in both her appearance and mindset. A third customer, Carmen, lost 8.1kg and saw dramatic improvements in her skin, even noticing the return of baby hairs, calling the shakes 'absolutely delicious.' For couple Ashleigh and Aaron, Glow Shakes helped them lose a combined 17.7kg, leaving them feeling less bloated, more energised, and excited to finally enjoy a product that tastes as good as it performs. The Collagen Co.'s mission is to help customers feel confident, radiant, and unstoppable. With a dedication to quality, sustainability, and results you can both see and feel, the brand continues to empower people to take control of their health and glow from within.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- USA Today
'Sextortion' scheme linked to California teen's death leads to arrests in West Africa
'Sextortion' scheme linked to California teen's death leads to arrests in West Africa Show Caption Hide Caption Investigation: Sextortion victims pay high price to recover photos After falling prey to sextortionists, victims turn to companies promising to get rid of the content in exchange for high fees. SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced the arrest of four men in West Africa for their roles in an international "sextortion" scheme that targeted thousands of victims, including minors, throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. The arrest of Alfred Kassi and three alleged accomplices, all in Côte d'Ivoire, represents the latest major development in the efforts to counter online shakedowns that have resulted in the suicide deaths of at least 30 American boys since 2021. In sextortion cases, the perpetrators typically contact their victims through social media and gain their trust, then convince them to share sexually explicit pictures, followed by a threat to post the photos online and a demand for payment. Among the victims, prosecutors said, was a high school senior from San Jose, California. Ryan Last, 17, took his own life in February 2022, "hours after being sextorted online" by an individual he thought was a 20-year-old woman, according to prosecutors. He had already paid $150 by then. 'Significant step in the fight against child exploitation' In addition to Kassi, Ivorian law enforcement also arrested two other individuals, Moussa Diaby and Oumar Cisse. Prosecutors said Diaby and Cisse are part of Kassi's alleged sextortion network and admitted to their sextortion crimes "At the time of his arrest, Kassi allegedly still had the sextortion messages he sent to the 17-year-old victim in February 2022 on his phone," the Justice Department said in a news release that also noted the department conducted a lengthy investigation with the help of Ivorian law enforcement. Federal prosecutors added that Oumarou Ouedraogo, an alleged money launderer, was arrested by Ivorian law enforcement last month. The accused men will be prosecuted in Côte d'Ivoire because the country does not extradite its citizens, the Department of Justice said. A U.S.-based accomplice, Jonathan Kassi, was convicted in a California state court in 2023 and sentenced to 18 months in jail, according to the Justice Department. The FBI said last month that a new global operation focusing on battling financial sextortion from Nigeria — another hotbed of the crime — had led to 22 arrests. About half of those were linked to suicides, according to the FBI. "This operation marks a significant step in the fight against child exploitation and brings justice and accountability to international perpetrators hiding anonymously behind screens," said the agency, which also listed guilty pleas in several sextortion cases since February among recent successes. Sextortion-related tips to the FBI rose by 30% The FBI said it has detected "a huge increase" in sextortion attempts on minors, often males between the ages of 14 and 17, reached via Instagram. The number of sextortion-related reports made to the FBI's national tip line soared by 30% from October 2024 to March 2025 compared to the previous such stretch. The victim total also spiked, from 34,000 in 2023 to 54,000 last year, resulting in about $65 million in financial losses. In its yearly report on internet crime released April 23, the bureau said complaints of online extortion attempts, not necessarily sextortion, more than doubled in recent years, from 39,416 in 2022 to 86,415 in 2024. It was the fastest-growing of the agency's 26 cybercrime categories. And the consequences are devastating for families, well beyond any financial losses. "Financial sextortion represents a grave and growing threat to children, especially teenage boys," said Julie Cordua, CEO of the technology nonprofit Thorn. "For our society, it's a reminder of the urgent need for layered protections to keep our kids safe online." The FBI urges victims of sextortion and their loved ones to contact their local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or make a report online at the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Additional resources can be found at Financially Motivated Sextortion – FBI.
New York Post
13-05-2025
- New York Post
Four West African men charged in sick sextortion scam linked to California teen's suicide
Four men from West Africa have been arrested in a sick 'sextortion' scam that caused a California teen to take his own life, the Department of Justice announced. High school senior Ryan Last, 17, killed himself in February 2022 just hours after he sent nude photos online to a scammer he believed to be a 20-year-old woman — who then threatened to make the image public if he refused to pay. 'He didn't realize these people were taking advantage of him, and he was terrified of what it would do to us,' Last's mother, Pauline Stuart, told the Los Angeles Times. Advertisement Last's death sparked a massive international investigation into the scheme that targeted 'thousands of victims' — including minors — in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy, according to federal prosecutors. 5 Ryan Last, 17, killed himself in Feb. 2022 after he was sextorted on Meta. via San Jose Police Department 5 The high school senior from San Jose planned to attend Washington State University. via San Jose Police Department Advertisement Last was contacted on Meta by Alfred Kassi, of Côte d'Ivoire, who, posing as a young woman, allegedly sent an explicit photo and then asked for one in return. Kassi then immediately demanded $5,000 from the boy, threatening to share the nude photo with Last's friends and family, CNN reported. Kassi lowered the price to just $150 when the desperate teen said he couldn't afford what he'd asked. Stuart said that once her son forwarded the money, the scammers 'continued to hound him.' Before taking his own life, Last wrote a note apologizing for what had happened, his mother said. Advertisement Kassi was arrested by Ivorian law enforcement on April 29. He was found with the sextortion exchange still on his phone, according to the Justice Department. 5 Last had sent a nude photo to a scammer he believed to be a 20-year-old woman. via San Jose Police Department 5 Last's mother she hopes the arrests scare scammers targeting Americans from abroad. Investigators also identified several money laundering accomplices who had helped Kassi move Last's $150. Advertisement One of those alleged money launderers is Oumarou Ouedraogo, who was arrested by Ivorian law enforcement on April 25. Two other Ivorians, Moussa Diaby and Oumar Cisse, were also part of Kassi's sextortion network and confessed to their own sextortion crimes. A US-based accomplice, Jonathan Kassi — unrelated to Alfred Kassi — was convicted in 2023 in a California State Court and sentenced to 18 months in jail. 5 Ryan Last via San Jose Police Department Côte d'Ivoire does not extradite its own citizens, meaning the four defendants living in Africa will be prosecuted in their home country under Ivorian cybercrime laws, according to the DOJ. Stuart said she hopes the arrests send a strong message to scammers targeting Americans from abroad. 'We're feeling grateful that [law enforcement officials] didn't give up and they continued to work,' Stuart said. Advertisement 'Unfortunately, it will never bring Ryan back. It's one of those double-edged swords,' she added. 'My son's still gone, but I'm hoping that, with this arrest, it brings awareness and scares the scammers, because they kind of feel safe over in a foreign country. They don't think they can be touched.'
