conversation 2 - The Latremie Post

‘Battling Between Good and Evil’: Ex-Wife of DMX on Marriage, Struggles, and the Day She Met Jesus

Tashera Draughn met Earl Simmons when she was just 11 years old. She dated him for 10 years before marrying the man who would later gain fame as rapper DMX.

During a recent conversation with CBN, Tashera shared about her marriage to the hip hop legend.

“This was always his dream. He knew that he was gifted with his talent, which I didn’t really see it for what it was until it actually, really happened. But he said, ‘This is how we going to make it out the hood,'” Tashera said.

She recalled how married life started off easily, then turned into a nightmare after DMX’s meteoric rise in the music world.

“In an industry where it is the devil’s playground, where morals and values are out the window, I watched my best friend gain the world,” she explained.

It is widely known that DMX struggled with drug addiction, which led to legal battles and multiple stints behind bars. Later in his career, the Grammy-nominated rapper, who often spoke about God, began to incorporate his love for God into his lyrics.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, DMX used social media to lead thousands in a Bible study and pray for salvation.

**MORE: Remembering Rapper DMX and His Pandemic Bible Study, Asking Followers to Receive Jesus**

“He’s the one who introduced me to Christ,” Tashera explained. “I knew that he knew he was being used for Christ. But I saw the constant fight he was battling. He was battling between good and evil.”

That evil included the pain of marital infidelity and abuse.

“To be totally transparent, I was lost,” said Tashera. “I lost myself. I lost my soul in that marriage. If it wasn’t for my oldest son saying that one day, he said, ‘If the next time I see my father and hear him abusing you verbally, I’m going to kill him.'”

Those words from 14-year-old Xavier served as a wake-up call for Tashera to take her family and leave.

“I saw the look in his eyes and I realized that if you’re not going to do it for yourself, Shera, you have to do it for your children,” Tashera said.

In 2025, while separated from her husband, Tashera, who grew up a Muslim, said she experienced a spiritual encounter that set her on a new path.

“I didn’t know Jesus the way I should have, so I was in the closet,” she explained. “Things were going really bad. It was going really left, and I cried the hardest cry. I mean, it was from my soul. It was from my spirit. I did not know what else to do. I felt warmth, a peace that I’ve never ever experienced before. And at the time, it was scary. But when I had to replay it, it was Jesus because I was crying out, ‘If You were real, You would come see me. You would show me Your love. This is not what You say You’re about.’ And that’s what I was saying in that moment, and then He came.”

***Please sign up for CBN Newsletters and download the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***

The experience is just one of many Tashera shares in her latest book, *Dying to Self*, which outlines her transformative journey.

“The industry that I was birthed in is the devil’s playground, and there’s so many women and men out there that they think they know, but they have no idea. And I felt like it was time. I owed it to Jesus to let the world know that, had it not been for Him on my side, I don’t know where I would be,” Tashera said.

In 2014, Tashera and Earl divorced, and on April 9, 2021, at the age of 50, DMX died after suffering a heart attack. At his funeral, Tashera shared about the love God had for Earl and his sincere desire to serve Christ.

Today, Tashera is on a mission to share the healing and hope she has found.

“Jesus Christ is love. I mean, that’s the only way I could really fully say it, because I didn’t know what love was until I found His love, His unconditional love, the love that when I mess up, when I make mistakes, when I get distracted, He’s still sitting there.”

It is a love that has made a strong impact on Tashera and Earl’s children who experienced their own challenges growing up in the home of the late rapper. Her youngest son Sean was recently baptized after committing his life to Christ.

“Our Godly Father has picked them up and turned their lives around. And they don’t have depression anymore. They don’t cut anymore. They don’t feel abandoned anymore because of the love of Jesus Christ.”
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2025/november/battling-between-good-and-evil-ex-wife-of-dmx-on-marriage-struggles-and-the-day-she-met-jesus

Carney meets China’s Xi after eight years, but deal remains elusive

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday, marking the first time leaders from both countries have sat down for official talks in eight years. The meeting took place during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea.

Carney told reporters on Saturday that people shouldn’t expect quick fixes from this single conversation. Instead, the goal was simply to restart dialogue at the highest level after such a long hiatus.

“What the meeting accomplished, which was the objective of the meeting, was to establish that relationship at the highest level for the first time in eight years, and to unlock a few things,” Carney said before heading back home.

The prime minister accepted an invitation from Xi to travel to China sometime in the new year. However, he refrained from commenting on when issues such as tariffs and travel restrictions between the two countries might be resolved.

“People sometimes simplify it down, to give this for that,” Carney explained. “That’s not the way it works.”

### Trade Disputes Between Canada and China

One of the major points of contention involves taxes placed on each other’s products. Last year, when Justin Trudeau was still prime minister, Canada imposed heavy tariffs on electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum imported from China. In response, China hit back by levying tariffs on Canadian food products, with canola being especially affected.

Canola represents a significant export for Canadian farmers selling to Asia, making these tariffs particularly impactful.

Carney expressed his desire to gradually open more opportunities for Canadian businesses in China. He highlighted clothing retailers such as Lululemon Athletica Inc. and Canada Goose Holdings Inc. as examples of companies that could benefit from improved trade relations.

However, he noted that some sectors, especially those involving cybersecurity technology, would likely continue to face investment restrictions due to security concerns.

### Walking a Careful Line on Electric Vehicles

When asked whether Canada would reconsider the 100% tariff imposed on Chinese electric vehicles, Carney did not provide a direct answer. He stated that the government would “proceed carefully” given the challenges facing the auto industry, likely alluding to tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian cars entering the United States.

Still, Carney sees potential for cooperation between Canada and China in clean energy projects. He pointed out that Chinese companies lead the world in offshore wind power and battery storage technology.

“Some of the most competitive companies in the world are Chinese, in both offshore wind and in battery storage,” Carney said. “It’s a natural potential area for cooperation even before you get to EVs.”

### Complications with the United States

Canada also faces trade difficulties closer to home. Last week, President Trump announced he was ending trade discussions with Canada. This announcement came shortly after Ontario released an advertisement featuring audio from former President Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs.

After speaking with Mark Carney, Ontario Premier Doug Ford decided to pause the advertising campaign on Monday to allow trade talks with the United States to resume. However, the ad continued to air during the World Series games over the weekend before the pause took effect.

“Our intention was always to initiate a conversation about the kind of economy that Americans want to build and the impact of tariffs on workers and businesses,” Ford said. “We’ve achieved our goal, having reached U.S. audiences at the highest levels.”
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/carney-meets-chinas-xi-after-eight-years-but-deal-remains-elusive/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=carney-meets-chinas-xi-after-eight-years-but-deal-remains-elusive

Warriors’ Steve Kerr fires back at Michael Jordan’s old-school load management take

As the Golden State Warriors fell to the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, 120-110, the loss came without the Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup. While some might argue that the Warriors have dominated teams featuring players like Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, the conversation around load management remains very much alive.

Recently, basketball legend Michael Jordan stated in an NBC interview that load management is unnecessary. However, Golden State head coach Steve Kerr offered a differing perspective. Acknowledging Jordan’s position, Kerr explained the unique challenges his team faces with veteran players such as Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford.

“For us, four of our top guys are 35-39,” Kerr said, according to The Athletic. “We now have performance teams. When I played with the Bulls, we had one trainer and one weight coach. And now we have reams of data (from) our performance team, which is comprised of 10 people or so.”

He continued, “They’re advising me when our guys are more vulnerable to injury. I believe in this stuff. I believe in the science, and I believe in having players healthy for the playoffs. And if you can try to get there, and it means resting guys along the way, then I’m all for doing so because that’s what counts come playoff time.”

Kerr emphasized that while there isn’t exact data to predict every injury, there are identifiable patterns. “I do think that there are patterns that we can see, that the experts can see, that can help us navigate through the season.”

### Steve Kerr on the Demands of the 82-Game Schedule

Despite the loss to the Bucks, the Warriors have had a dominant start to the season. When asked about how defense is played in today’s NBA, Kerr highlighted how teams manage the grueling 82-game schedule, especially with constant travel.

“This will be our sixth game in 10 games in four cities. Next 10, I think eight of them are on the road. When all is said and done, of our first 15 games, I think they’ll come in 26 days in 10 different cities,” Kerr explained.

“To ask our players to sprint, either full-court pressure, either dealing with it or applying it, racing out to the 3-point line, covering 3-point shooters, and then playing at this tempo is dramatically different from what it was 20 years ago.”

### Looking Ahead

The Golden State Warriors currently hold a 4-2 record as they prepare to take on the Indiana Pacers this Saturday. With load management strategies in place and a demanding schedule ahead, Kerr and his team aim to stay healthy and competitive throughout the season, with an eye firmly set on the playoffs.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/warriors-news-steve-kerr-fires-back-michael-jordans-old-school-load-management-take

Bold & Beautiful Spoilers Today: Deacon Makes a Confession to Taylor in Oct. 29 Recap

Bill initially criticizes a female staff member for failing to close the Harlan deal. However, his tone soon shifts as he tells everyone to relax. He advises Cassie not to stress about the situation, with Will and Liam closely observing his conversation. After Cassie exits, they applaud Bill for his thoughtful approach. Bill then reveals that Liam’s recent incident has made him realize that some things are more important than money.

Hope and Deke discuss Sheila with Deacon. Deacon and Deke embrace Hope after hearing the engagement news. Their conversation soon shifts to Deacon’s love life, with Hope asking him if he had imagined a life without Sheila. Deke hopes that Taylor might be able to help Deacon move on and guide him towards other options.

Deacon asks them to stop the discussion, but the duo continues by asking if he thinks he could move on with someone else. He reminds them that Sheila is his wife, but his kids point out that she lied to them. Hope and Deke remain hopeful that Taylor will guide Deacon in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Steffy expresses worries about Taylor. Steffy suspects that Taylor is preoccupied with a situation involving one of her patients. Taylor gives a guilty look, prompting Steffy to express her concern for her. She reminds Taylor that Ridge has moved on and asks about her future plans. Though Taylor seems hesitant, Steffy admits she doesn’t want her mother to be alone.

Taylor insists she doesn’t plan on going back to Ridge, but she does acknowledge that she won’t be alone. Steffy then asks if she’s ready to move on and start a new relationship.

Hope and Liam are happy to receive positive reactions from their family about the engagement. They hope that this celebratory occasion will bring everyone closer together. Hope also wishes that Sheila wouldn’t be included in the family dynamics.

Meanwhile, Deacon texts Taylor, asking when he can see her. Steffy suspects that someone new will come into Taylor’s life and wants her to openly accept love when it arrives. In the text, Deacon confesses that he cannot stop thinking about her and wants to meet soon. Taylor asks him to meet in the office, and Deacon immediately recalls their close moment.
https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/2052467-bold-and-beautiful-spoilers-recap-deacon-taylor-october-29

Listen to the Facebook (META) Q3 2025 earnings call here

This afternoon, Facebook (META) will report its earnings for the latest financial quarter. Shortly after, the company will hold an earnings call to discuss the results with investors.

If you’re interested in listening to the conversation, you can join Meta’s Q3 2025 earnings call today, October 29, at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET.

We’ll be streaming the call on our Twitch and X accounts. Additionally, Meta will host the call on their investor relations website.

Stay tuned to catch all the important updates from Meta’s latest financial performance.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146569/listen-to-meta-q3-2025-earnings-call

WATCH LIVE: Trump delivers keynote remarks at APEC CEO luncheon

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Asking Eric: Friend drags up addiction-related offenses, 31 years later

**Dear Eric: Reflections on Recovery and Friendship**

I have been in recovery from alcohol addiction for almost 31 years. Needless to say, my life is wonderful and so much better compared to those years when I was active in my addiction. Recently, I was with someone who knew me before recovery. In a room full of people who didn’t know me very well, she told a story about how I was drunk, in a blackout, and stole something from someone.

Now, I don’t know if this even happened. However, I was so embarrassed and hurt by the fact that she would do this to me. She is my dear friend, and we have been friends for more than 50 years. I am really upset enough by this to just want to end the friendship. It’s really not the first time it’s happened. It seems to happen when we are with people who have just met me or don’t know me very well at all.

I would appreciate your thoughts on the matter.
— Not My Past

—

**Dear Not My Past:**

Congratulations on your years of sobriety. Your friend may consciously or subconsciously resent the new life you’ve made for yourself, especially if she felt she got the short end of the friendship stick during your active addiction. But if those feelings exist, they’re on her side of the street.

Before you sever the friendship, consider having a conversation in which you explain how you felt hurt by her story and ask if she sees it the same way. She may not realize what she’s doing. If that’s the case, she should quickly apologize, acknowledge what she did that was hurtful, and seek to make it right going forward.

If she takes the position that it’s no big deal, however, you’re within your right to leave the past in the past — even if that means part of that past is your friendship.

—

**Dear Eric: Sister Jealousy Over a Friend’s Visit**

My sister and I were once best friends. She has a friend from high school who was also her best friend. This friend and I have always gotten along and enjoyed each other’s company. Our friendship has progressed, and now my sister feels jealous and threatened by it.

I live on the West Coast, and they live in the Midwest. The friend has wanted to come visit me and has expressed this desire often. Now, my sister is beside herself, thinking this friend is trying to take her place. I have reassured her many times that this is not possible. Now my sister isn’t talking to me.

What should I do?
— Only One Sister

—

**Dear Only One Sister:**

It sounds like a visit might be in order for you. Your sister’s emotions are hers to manage, but you can help by talking this out in person. Jealousy is natural—we all feel it from time to time. But we have to be responsible for what we do with it.

Is it reasonable for her to think she’s being replaced by her friend? No, but it speaks to some deeper insecurity or question she has about your relationship.

If you want to change things, you may need to show up and say, “I care about you, I feel hurt when you won’t talk to me. Can we get to the bottom of this?”

—

**Dear Eric: Thoughts on Elder Abuse and Family Conflict**

This is the first time I have ever written in your column but the letter from “Not My Daughter” moved me to share. The writer, who described herself as disabled, was concerned about an upcoming visit from her terminally ill husband’s adult daughter. She states the daughter steals from their home and “has told my husband that she wants me to leave when she comes to visit.”

The writer was asking about secretly recording the daughter’s nasty comments and behavior. Eric, you were absolutely spot on to dissuade her from this potentially illegal method.

However, I’d like to add that this behavior strongly hints at elder abuse. I’d suggest she consider inviting another trusted adult friend or family member—maybe two or three—to be present when the daughter arrives. An advocate in the room might help curb the nasty comments and provide an extra set of eyes to prevent stealing. It’s her home, and there’s nothing illegal about having someone else there as a witness.

If hospice is involved, she can also ask a team member to be present to mediate and act on behalf of her husband. Hospice professionals are trained for issues much like this.

— Concerned Reader

—

**Dear Concerned Reader:**

This is excellent advice, and I heartily agree. Moreover, having a friend or two or three in the home will provide more immediate support and more potential remedies than a recording ever would.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/21/asking-eric-friend-drags-up-addiction-related-offenses-31-years-later/

Florida House rolls out sweeping slate of property tax proposals for 2026 ballot

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — After months of waiting and several committee meetings, the Florida House is set to offer a slate of ideas for sweeping property tax reform in the next legislative session. The proposed constitutional amendments could significantly reshape how homeowners pay property taxes and how local governments fund essential services.

In a memo released Thursday, House Speaker Danny Perez criticized the Republican plans, labeling them politically motivated and potentially harmful to local communities.

Representative Driskell, speaking earlier this month, echoed these concerns. “The harm that these proposals would cause would not outweigh any potential benefits,” she said. She questioned the practical impact of the reforms, asking, “What firehouse would [Governor DeSantis] close in Tampa? What police station would he close in Orlando? What garbage collection would he stop in South Florida?”

Driskell warned that the proposals could leave small, rural counties struggling to fund basic services. “We’d basically be putting them in a situation where they would be living in a welfare state,” she said. “They would be funded by larger counties.”

Democrats argue that genuine affordability relief should focus on property insurance, healthcare, and overall living costs—not just property taxes. Driskell added, “This all seems to be a distraction. We need to focus on real solutions.”

### What’s Next

The House’s property tax reform proposals will be assigned to committees in the coming weeks, with debates expected to begin early in the 2026 session.
https://www.wptv.com/news/state/florida-house-rolls-out-sweeping-slate-of-property-tax-proposals-for-2026-ballot

Pokemon Legends Z-A Walkthrough: How to complete Battling in the Z-A Royale

Pokemon Legends Z-A Mission 4: Battling in the Z-A Royale Walkthrough

Battling in the Z-A Royale is the fourth mission in Pokemon Legends Z-A. In this mission, you will learn how the Z-A Royale works in the game.

To begin, you first need to complete Mission 3: A New Life in Lumiose City. The final part of that mission requires you to visit Hotel Z. Once inside, you will complete Mission 3 and meet either Trunie or Urbain. For this walkthrough, let’s assume you meet Trunie.

Both of you will sit on the sofas and have a conversation. Afterward, you will receive a notification about a promotional match announcement, revealing your opponent as Trainer Zach. Trunie will then explain what a promotional match is and how you can start your battle with Trainer Zach.

Understanding the Z-A Royale and Promotional Matches

During the conversation, you’ll learn the core concept of the Z-A Royale and how promotional matches work. Here’s a brief explanation:

A promotional match is a battle you must win to climb the ranks and get promoted.
To participate, you need to earn the required number of Ticket Points.
In Zach’s case, you need 1,000 Ticket Points to obtain the Challenger’s Ticket.
Once you have the required Ticket Points, you can start your promotional match.

After the conversation concludes, Trunie will leave and tell you to find her when you’re ready to head out at night. This marks the beginning of the Battling in the Z-A Royale mission.

Starting the Mission

Once gameplay resumes, exit the hotel and head to the courtyard where you’ll find Trunie. Speak with her, and she’ll ask, “Feeling ready to brave the Z-A Royale?” Respond with “Ready as I’ll ever be!” to progress the mission.

Objective: Earn Ticket Points by Battling Trainers

To earn Ticket Points, you first need to head to a battle zone. These zones are easy to identify on the map as they have glowing red boundaries. If you walk straight out of the hotel compound, you will find a battle zone immediately to your left.

Inside the battle zone:

If any other Trainer spots you, a battle will automatically begin.
To earn the required 1,000 Ticket Points, you need to secure three victories.
After each win, return to Trunie to heal your Pokémon.

Proceed forward in the battle zone until you find Lida. Speak with her to learn about sneaking up on opponents and striking first to gain the upper hand in battle.

Here’s a quick tip:

Press the left stick button to crouch and hide behind objects. This allows you to approach opposing Trainers quietly and launch the first attack.

Once you’ve achieved three victories, you’ll earn 1,000 Ticket Points.

Healing and Preparing for the Promotional Match

After earning enough Ticket Points, meet up with Trunie at the nearby Pokémon Center. Heal your Pokémon there to prepare for the upcoming battle.

When you’re ready, head to the taxi lot just down the street.

Find Zach at the Taxi Lot for Your Promotional Match

Upon reaching the taxi lot, interact with Trunie. After a short cutscene, your promotional battle with Zach will begin. Zach will use the following Pokémon:

Slowpoke
Pidgey
Pikachu

By this stage, you should have a few Pokémon in your team, so swap between them to counter Zach’s lineup effectively. Defeat all three of his Pokémon to win the match.

Once you defeat Zach, you will be promoted to Y Rank, followed by a cutscene. After it ends, you will have successfully completed Mission 4: Battling in the Z-A Royale.

Additional Resources

For more information, check out these helpful guides and news:

https://www.sportskeeda.com/pokemon/pokemon-legends-z-a-walkthrough-how-complete-battling-z-a-royale

General Hospital Fans Have a Hilarious Doubt About Ric Surviving His Capture

In the latest episode of *General Hospital*, Cody finally found Ric hidden in Alexis’s basement. Ric had been kept there for quite some time, tied to the bed and gagged. This chilling revelation has sparked intense curiosity among fans, leading to a flood of reactions—some serious, others downright hilarious.

### Fans Question How Ric Survived Without Bathroom Access

Upon seeing Ric confined in the basement for weeks, many viewers immediately pondered the practicalities of his survival. How did he manage without eating properly or using a bathroom? Even if Alexis brought him food, being cuffed to a bed far from any facilities raised some important questions.

A lively discussion began on the *General Hospital Fans Official* Facebook page when one fan posted,
“How does Ric survive in the basement of the house without eating or using a bathroom for weeks?”

### A Mix of Logical and Humorous Responses

The responses ranged from logical explanations to cheeky soap-opera humor:

– “I guess we’re supposed to figure that he’s eating and drinking and using the bathroom off camera. She did bring him something to drink today, although that was the first time I noticed,” one fan suggested.
– Another chimed in, “In the land of Soaps, all bets are off.”
– A particularly funny comment read, “As I have said several times, he goes during commercials.”
– And a fan summed it up nicely with, “It’s a soap opera miracle ❤️.”

### Ric’s Long-Awaited Freedom and Confrontation

Regardless of the bathroom mysteries, the episode marked an important turning point as Ric finally broke free from his captivity. Later in the episode, he confronted Alexis, Ava, and Kristina about his ordeal, adding more drama and intensity to the storyline.

This development has definitely kept fans talking, blending suspense and humor in true soap opera fashion. Stay tuned to *General Hospital* for more twists and turns!
https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/2043906-general-hospital-ric-basement-survive-rescue-rick-hearst