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Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Passes Away at 75: ‘Mortal Kombat’ Icon and Prolific Hollywood Actor Leaves Behind a Powerful Legacy
The beloved actor, best known as Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat franchise and for roles in The Last Emperor and The Man in the High Castle, died in Santa Barbara due to complications from a stroke.
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the internationally recognized actor whose commanding screen presence defined some of Hollywood’s most memorable villains and mentors, has died at the age of 75. His family confirmed that he passed away early Thursday in Santa Barbara due to complications from a stroke, surrounded by his children.
Tagawa’s career spanned more than four decades, with over 150 film, television, and video-game credits. For millions of fans around the world, he will forever be remembered as the iconic sorcerer Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat universe — a role he first brought to life in New Line Cinema’s 1995 film and later reprised in television series, animated projects, and multiple game installments, including Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat: Onslaught.
A defining figure of the Mortal Kombat franchise
Tagawa’s performance as Shang Tsung became a cultural landmark. His unforgettable delivery of lines like “Your soul is mine” and his fierce, theatrical presence helped push Mortal Kombat into mainstream popularity.

The original film grossed over $100 million on a modest $20 million budget, with Tagawa’s role widely considered one of the reasons for its lasting success.
He often credited director Paul W.S. Anderson and the film’s groundbreaking use of energetic metal music for shaping the franchise’s identity, saying it “matched the action so well” that audiences couldn’t stay still.
His commitment to the character — lending his likeness, voice, and physicality across multiple projects — made him one of the most beloved actors in video-game adaptation history.
Breakout role and rise in Hollywood
Tagawa’s breakthrough came in Bernardo Bertolucci’s Oscar-winning film The Last Emperor (1987), where he played Chang, the emperor’s driver. Despite limited screen time, his performance left a mark and opened the door to major studio productions.
He went on to appear in a long list of high-profile films that explored intersections between Asian and Western cultures, including:
- License to Kill
- Rising Sun
- Snow Falling on Cedars
- Pearl Harbor
- Planet of the Apes
- Elektra
- Memoirs of a Geisha
- 47 Ronin
His skills in martial arts were frequently incorporated into his roles. Born in Tokyo, Tagawa began training in Kendo as a teenager and later practiced traditional Japanese karate at the University of Southern California. He later studied in Japan under Master Nakayama of the Japan Karate Association and eventually created his own system, Chun-Shin, focused on energy rather than combat.
A prolific presence on television
Beyond films, Tagawa also built an impressive television career. He appeared in many major series over the years, including:
- MacGyver
- Star Trek: The Next Generation
- Miami Vice
- Nash Bridges (as Lt. A.J. Shimamura)
- Hawaii (as Captain Terry Harada)
- Revenge (as Satoshi Takeda)
- Lost in Space
- Blue Eye Samurai (voice role)
However, one of his most critically acclaimed performances came in Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle, where he played Nobusuke Tagomi, the Trade Minister of the Pacific States. His character’s layered ideology, inner conflict, and longing for peace resonated deeply with audiences.
Tagawa openly acknowledged parallels between Tagomi’s life and his own experience as a Japanese-born American navigating the post-war cultural landscape.
Early struggles and a global legacy
In interviews, Tagawa often spoke about the challenges of growing up as a Japanese child in the American South during the 1950s. Those experiences—marked by cultural tension, identity conflict, and discipline—shaped both his worldview and his approach to acting.
He worked with some of Hollywood’s most notable directors, including:

- Philip Kaufman
- Tim Burton
- Michael Bay
- Rob Marshall
- Ivan Reitman
- John Carpenter
His very first screen role was an uncredited appearance in Carpenter’s now-cult classic Big Trouble in Little China (1986). From there, his career grew rapidly, launching him into roles that would eventually make him a global icon.
Final years and family
Tagawa spent recent years living on the island of Kauai, where he and his wife Sally raised their children. Despite his fame, he often described his life in Hawaii as peaceful and grounding.
He is survived by:
- Three children: Calen, Brynne, and Cana
- Two grandchildren: River and Thea Clayton
His death marks the loss of a towering figure in both Hollywood cinema and the global martial-arts entertainment community. But Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa leaves behind a body of work, a legion of fans, and a legacy that will continue to inspire performers around the world.
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Democrats Demand Prosecution After ICE Agent’s Fatal Minneapolis Shooting Sparks National Outrage
As video of the Minneapolis shooting circulates, top Democrats clash with the Trump administration over accountability, immunity, and the future of ICE
A fatal shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis has ignited a fierce political and moral debate across the country, with prominent Democrats calling for prosecution while the Trump administration defends the agent’s actions as self-defense.
At the center of the controversy is the death of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old woman who was shot on Wednesday after masked federal officers approached her vehicle on a Minneapolis street. Video footage, widely shared online, shows officers surrounding Good’s car before it begins to move forward. Moments later, an officer opens fire. The vehicle then veers and crashes into parked cars.
The footage has prompted emotional reactions from Democratic leaders, who argue the shooting represents a dangerous lack of accountability within federal immigration enforcement.
Democrats Call It “Murder”
New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not mince words while speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill. Calling the shooting a “murder,” she warned that ICE has evolved into what many critics long feared — an agency operating with excessive force and little civilian oversight.

“What we saw is a murder, and murders in cold blood need to be prosecuted,” Ocasio-Cortez said, adding that ICE has increasingly acted like an “anti-civilian force” with no meaningful accountability.
California Congressman Ro Khanna echoed those sentiments after viewing the video. He described the incident as horrifying and called for the ICE agent involved to be arrested and put on trial.
“We cannot have a lawless agency continue in this country the way they are,” Khanna said. “There needs to be accountability.”
Minneapolis’ own representative in Congress, Ilhan Omar, condemned the shooting in even broader terms. In a statement, Omar labeled ICE’s conduct “unconscionable and reprehensible,” arguing that the incident crossed the line from law enforcement into state violence.
“This is not law enforcement. It is state violence,” Omar said, calling for a full investigation and legal action against the agency.
Legal Hurdles and Federal Immunity
Despite the outrage, whether the ICE agent will face criminal charges remains uncertain. As noted by Reuters, federal officers are typically shielded from state prosecution when performing duties authorized under federal law. For Minnesota to bring charges, prosecutors would need to prove that the agent acted outside his official responsibilities or that the use of force was clearly unlawful.
That legal reality has only intensified frustration among critics, who argue that immunity doctrines too often shield federal officers from consequences, even in fatal encounters.
Trump Administration Pushes Back
The Trump administration moved swiftly to defend the ICE agent. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the officer acted in self-defense, claiming that Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon in what she described as an act of “domestic terrorism.”
President Donald Trump also weighed in, saying on Truth Social that he had reviewed the video and believed the officer fired in self-defense. Trump described Good as “very disorderly, obstructing and resisting,” and said the incident was under full review while reiterating his support for federal agents.

Minnesota Leaders Reject Federal Narrative
State and local officials in Minnesota have sharply rejected the administration’s explanation. Governor Tim Walz dismissed the Department of Homeland Security’s claims outright.
“I’ve seen the video. Don’t believe this propaganda machine,” Walz said, promising a full, fair, and expedited investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey was even more blunt. Speaking at a press conference, Frey flatly rejected DHS’s description of the shooting as self-defense.
“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is bulls—,” Frey said. “This was an agent recklessly using power that resulted in somebody dying.”
The mayor went further, telling ICE to leave the city entirely. “We do not want you here,” Frey said. “Your stated reason for being in this city is to create safety, and you are doing the exact opposite.”
A Broader Reckoning
The Minneapolis shooting has become more than a single incident; it has evolved into a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement, federal power, and civilian safety. With Democrats demanding prosecution and Republicans defending the agent, the case underscores deep divisions over ICE’s role in American cities and whether federal officers should face greater oversight when deadly force is used.
As investigations move forward, the video evidence and public pressure may ultimately determine whether this case leads to charges — or becomes another chapter in a long-running struggle over accountability in federal law enforcement.
News
Sherrone Moore Jailed Hours After Being Fired as Michigan Head Coach: Investigation Into Alleged Assault Underway
Former Wolverines head coach detained the same night he was terminated for an “inappropriate relationship” with a staff member; police confirm arrest in alleged assault case.
Former University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore found himself behind bars on Wednesday night, just hours after being abruptly fired by the university. According to Washtenaw County Jail records, Moore was booked at 10:11 p.m. ET, and remained in custody through early Thursday morning. As of now, the jail system has not listed any formal charges, bond details, or upcoming court dates.
The unfolding situation has sent shockwaves through the college football world, not only because of Moore’s sudden dismissal but also because of the serious nature of the police investigation that followed.

Police Confirm Arrest in Alleged Assault Case
Responding to media inquiries, Pittsfield Township Police released a statement saying officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Ann Arbor Saline Road to investigate a reported assault.
The statement confirmed:
- A suspect was taken into custody
- The incident “does not appear to be random in nature”
- The investigation remains active
- Police are currently prohibited from releasing additional details
Notably, the press release did not name the suspect. However, ESPN reported earlier Wednesday that Moore had been detained in Saline, Michigan, before being transferred to Pittsfield Township police for further investigation.
Fired With Cause: University Confirms Policy Violation
Sherrone Moore’s arrest came on the heels of his immediate termination from the University of Michigan. In a sharply worded statement, the university announced that Moore was fired “with cause” after an internal investigation found credible evidence that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The statement underscored the institution’s stance:
“This conduct constitutes a clear violation of University policy, and U-M maintains zero tolerance for such behavior.”
The abrupt firing ended Moore’s historic tenure as Michigan’s first Black head football coach, a position he assumed in 2024 after six seasons on the program’s offensive staff.
A Rapid Rise and a Sudden Fall
Moore’s ascent to head coach had been one of the most significant stories in college football. After Jim Harbaugh departed for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers’ job, Moore was promoted to lead the Wolverines. His tenure included:
- A 9-3 season record in 2024
- A dramatic win over Ohio State
- A bowl victory against Alabama
Before becoming head coach, Moore had twice taken over in Harbaugh’s absence during the 2023 season, leading Michigan to wins over Penn State, Maryland, and a pivotal victory against Ohio State.
However, Moore also faced setbacks. In 2024, he served a two-game suspension for his involvement in the NCAA investigation related to the Connor Stalions sign-stealing scandal, a saga that had already strained the program’s reputation.

The Wolverines Move Forward
With Moore’s termination and arrest occurring within hours of each other, the University of Michigan announced that Biff Poggi would serve as interim head coach. The Wolverines are still scheduled to face the University of Texas in the Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve, though the leadership change adds new complications during a critical phase of preparation.
Unanswered Questions Loom
As the investigation continues, several key details remain unclear:
- What specific charges, if any, will Moore face?
- How is the alleged assault connected, if at all, to his termination?
- When will police release additional information?
For now, the incident has raised profound questions about Moore’s future in coaching and has cast a shadow over a football program already navigating controversy.
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Eileen Higgins Becomes First Democratic Mayor of Miami in Nearly 30 Years, Marking a Historic Political Shift
The 61-year-old former county commissioner wins with 59% votes, becomes Miami’s first woman mayor, and signals a decisive new direction for the city
Miami has entered a new political era. Eileen Higgins, a Democrat and former county commissioner, has won the city’s mayoral race, becoming the first Democrat to hold the position in almost three decades and the first woman ever elected as mayor of Miami.
Her victory—securing 59% of the vote in a decisive runoff—defeated Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, who had received high-profile endorsements from former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, but finished with 41%.
Speaking to supporters during her election night celebration, Higgins said,
“Miami chose a new direction… you chose competence over chaos.”
Her message echoed throughout a city that has long leaned Republican at the local political level, making her win even more significant.

A Historic Win and the Start of a New Chapter
At 61, Higgins has made history as Miami’s first female mayor, a milestone widely highlighted across U.S. media.
She told her supporters that the election results, while historic, are just the beginning.
“This marks the beginning of the work ahead,” she said.
Her priorities include addressing Miami’s growing concerns over immigration policies, affordable housing, governance, and inclusivity.
Higgins campaigned on promises to build a city “that belongs to everyone,” a clear contrast to the tone adopted by her opponent.
Her message resonated strongly among voters in a city where more than half of the population consists of immigrants or first-generation Americans.
Higgins vs Trump-Backed Gonzalez: A Clear Contrast
Although the race was technically non-partisan, the political contrast between the candidates was unmistakable.
- Gonzalez was openly backed by Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis.
- Higgins was supported by prominent Democrats, including former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
In an interview with El Pais, Higgins highlighted her opposing stance on immigration, saying,
“He [Trump] and I have very different points of view on how we should treat our residents, many of whom are immigrants.”
During the mayoral debate, she criticized the former president’s immigration enforcement policies as “inhumane and cruel.”
Still, she emphasized a willingness to collaborate on shared goals, telling CBS News,
“When we disagree, I’ll make my voice heard.”

Democrats Riding Momentum After Multiple Wins
Higgins’ victory follows a wave of Democratic wins in the first major elections of President Trump’s second term.
Recent victories include:
- Zohran Mamdani defeating independent Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race
- Abigail Spanberger flipping Virginia’s governor’s seat from Republican to Democrat
- Mikie Sherrill winning the governor’s race in New Jersey
Higgins now replaces outgoing mayor Francis Suarez, who briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination.
Miami’s mayoral win continues a trend of Democrats gaining ground in traditionally challenging territories.
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