AP Illustration / Annie Ng2025-01-23T12:41:59Z NEW YORK (AP) The trouble started every day at around 3 p.m., after Cathy Higgins had spent five or six hours staring at an array of computer screens at her desk. Her university job overseeing research projects involved peering closely at numbers and details on contracts, applications and budgets.My vision was so blurry, I couldnt even see what was on the screen, and I was squinting so much that I could not function, Higgins said. When her eyesight got bad, Higgins walked around and spoke with members of her staff. She began planning in-person meetings for afternoons. But she would resume the computer work late at night after her children went to bed.If I had to continue working through the blurry vision, thats when the migraines would happen, Higgins said.Digital screens are pervasive, not only at work but in our homes, schools and shops. An estimated 104 million Americans of working age spend more than seven hours a day in front of screens, according to the American Optometric Association. All that screen time can take a toll. Too much exposure to screens can lead to dry or watery eyes, fuzzy vision and headaches. It can also lead to myopia, or nearsightedness, in some people, especially children. Some technology workers even describe short bouts of vertigo when they look at screens for too long. This article is part of APs Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Read more Be Well. Overworked eyesOne reason for the discomfort is that staring closely at screens for prolonged periods causes the muscle that helps eye focus to tighten up. That muscles not supposed to stay tight all day long. And if it does, its like picking up a light weight and trying to hold it over your head for hours, American Optometric Association President Steven Reed said. Its not hard to pick it up. But after a while, even though its not a heavy lift, your body just gets tired. Fortunately, exposure to blue light from computer screens and devices has not been shown to cause permanent eye damage, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology. Nevertheless, symptoms can disrupt work, family time and rest. As an optometrist in Mississippi, Reed sees patients who complain of frequent eye pain, headaches and blurry vision associated with computer use. He advises getting an eye exam and taking frequent breaks.For Higgins, trying to catch up on the work she couldnt do when her eyes were too fatigued on weekdays cut into time she spent with her daughters on weekends. Theyd be playing together, and I couldnt be as engaged as I would have liked to have been in what they were doing, she said.Here are some tips from eye health professionals to reduce eye strain caused by devices. Follow the 20-20-20 ruleTake a break every 20 minutes from sitting at a computer. During the break, focus your eyes on something thats about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Pausing close-up work and looking at something in the distance gives tired, tight muscles time to relax. Luckily, eye strain is temporary, said Raj Maturi, an ophthalmologist at Midwest Eye Institute in Indianapolis who serves as spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The best way to avoid these symptoms is by taking breaks from our screens or near work activities and using lubricating eye drops, if needed. People usually blink about 18 to 22 times per minute. But when looking at a screen, the rate drops to three to seven times per minute, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Thats where eye drops come in.Its good to move around and go outside, but when you dont have time for an outdoor walk, frequent 20-second breaks can help.Change your desk setupSome people find that using a larger computer monitor helps reduce eye fatigue. You can also increase the font size on your laptop, monitor or smartphone screen. Higgins did all of the above after she started a new job as senior vice president at Stand Up to Cancer. Since she works remotely from home in Midlothian, Virginia, she got a 29-inch monitor and sits about three feet away from it, about a foot farther than in most office setups. The changes helped. She still has occasional issues with blurriness, but not as frequently. When I have an extended day, like a 12-hour day, thats when I start to have vision issues again, she said.Sitting an arms length away from your screen and adjusting it so youre looking slightly downward also can help reduce eye strain, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology. Be wary of product claimsSome products, such as blue light glasses, are marketed with claims that they will reduce digital eye strain, improve sleep and prevent eye disease. But several studies have found the glasses are not very effective, according to the American Academy of Opthalmology. Its really our behavior with digital devices that causes symptoms, not the small amount of blue light coming from screens, the group said. Extracurricular opticsAfter stepping away from computers at work, many people find themselves reading or scrolling on smartphone screens. Its not just workers: children are using laptops, tablets and smart screens in school settings throughout the day. Too much screen time or focusing on nearby objects can accelerate the onset and progression of nearsightedness, especially in children, said Ayesha Malik, pediatric optometrist in the division of ophthalmology at Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. Anyone streaming shows should do so on a television, instead of a tablet, to help relieve eye strain, she said.Children should follow the 20-20-20-2 rule, which includes an extra 2 at the end to encourage playing outdoors for 2 hours a day, which helps with eye development, she said.The reality is that most children are engaging with screens throughout the day at school and home. It becomes difficult to track the total number of hours, Malik said. Aim for not more than 20 minutes during any one session. Sleeping soundlyThe blue light that digital screens emit can increase alertness, so watching Netflix on an iPad or scrolling through social media feeds in bed may make it hard to get restful sleep.To give your eyes and brain the rest they need, doctors recommend turning off screens one to two hours before going to sleep. You can also set devices to dark mode in the evening to reduce the impact of bright light. If youre used to streaming videos at night, try listening to an audiobook or podcast instead.___Have you overcome an obstacle or made a profound change in your work? Send your questions and story ideas to [emailprotected]. Follow APs Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well. CATHY BUSSEWITZ Bussewitz is a national business reporter for The Associated Press. She writes about the workplace, job issues and wellness. twitter mailto

This image made from video provided by KSAT shows law enforcement vehicles after multiple San Antonio, Texas, police officers were shot in San Antonio, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (KSAT via AP)2025-01-23T04:49:04Z SAN ANTONIO (AP) Seven San Antonio police officers were shot while responding to a suicide in progress call and the suspect was later found dead inside an apartment after a standoff, the citys police chief said.The officers were shot Wednesday night and a SWAT team was called to the Stone Oak neighborhood, San Antonio Police Chief Bill McManus said early Thursday. After several hours, the suspect was dead but it wasnt immediately known how he died, McManus said.He described the suspect as a man in his 40s and said the original call to police came from a family member.Earlier, McManus had said four officers were wounded and none of those officers injuries were believed to be life-threatening. In his later remarks, he didnt address the specific conditions of the officers.___EDITORS NOTE This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org. Helplines outside the U.S. can be found at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

The White House says President Donald Trumps anti-trans executive order will not affect transgender and nonbinary Americans existing passports.Among the flurry of executive orders signed by Trump on Inauguration Day was one that declared that the U.S. would only recognize two sexes, male and female. As part of the order, federal agencies are directed to use the term sex rather than gender and to only issue government documents, including passports, that reflect a persons sex assigned at birth. Related Donald Trump signs executive order rolling back many transgender rights & protections The order instructs the government to stop issuing documents reflecting trans peoples gender identity. Earlier this week, the White House told the Allbritton Journalism Institutes NOTUS that Trumps executive order would not invalidate previously issued passports that reflect trans peoples gender or passports bearing the gender marker X. But White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said when those existing documents are renewed, they will have to reflect the holders sex assigned at birth. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Trans and nonbinary people can still apply to renew their passport they just have to use their God-given sex, which was decided at birth, Leavitt told NOTUS. Thanks to President Trump, it is now the official policy of the federal government that there are only two sexes male and female.Since 2021, transgender Americans have been able to correct the gender marker on their passports without having to provide medical certification of their gender identity. That same year, then-Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that the U.S. State Department would allow people to choose the nonspecific X as their gender marker to better reflect the gender identity of non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming persons.The first U.S. passport bearing an X gender marker was issued in October 2021. It followed a 2019 ruling by a federal judge saying that the U.S. had to issue a passport to Dana Zzyym who is intersex and non-binary without an M or F gender marker. The X marker became a part of the routine U.S. passport application process the following year. Trumps executive order is scheduled to go into effect within 30 days. According to NOTUS, LGBTQ+ rights advocates expect Trumps executive order to be challenged in court. In a statement, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Kelley Robinson said the organization would fight back against these harmful provisions with everything weve got.Were going to look at what they actually do and when peoples rights are actually affected, then there will be lawsuits, Lambda Legal chief legal officer Jennifer Pizer told NOTUS.Sarah Warbelow, HRCs vice president of legal, noted that federal courts have repeatedly rejected arguments from U.S. states that wanted to deny trans and nonbinary people the right to update their gender on government documents.In most of the circumstances, the federal courts have ruled that it is a violation of the 14th Amendment to deny a transgender person the ability to update their gender markers, Warbelow said. So theres definitely precedent on this, besides the Dana Zzyym case.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The logo for the Justice Department is seen before a news conference at the Department of Justice, Aug. 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)2025-01-23T03:59:54Z WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trumps new Justice Department leadership has put a freeze on civil rights litigation and suggested it may reconsider police reform agreements negotiated by the Biden administration, according to two memos obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press. Attorneys in the departments Civil Rights Division were ordered not to file any new complaints, amicus briefs or other certain court papers until further notice, one of the memos said. Another memo directed attorneys to notify leadership of any settlements or consent decrees court-enforceable agreements to reform police agencies that were finalized by the Biden administration within the last 90 days. It said the new administration may wish to reconsider such agreements, raising the prospect that it may abandon two consent decrees finalized in the final weeks of the Biden administration in Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Those agreements, reached after investigations found police engaged in civil rights violations, still need to be approved by a judge. They were among 12 investigations into law enforcement agencies launched by the Civil Rights Division under Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Minneapolis City Council earlier this month approved the agreement to overhaul the citys police training and use-of-force policies in the wake of the 2020 murder of George Floyd. The Justice Department announced last month it had reached the agreement with Louisville to reform the citys police force after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor in 2020 and police treatment of protesters. The memos, sent by new chief of staff Chad Mizelle, is a sign of major changes expected in the Civil Rights Division under Trump. His pick to lead the division is Harmeet Dhillon, a well-known conservative attorney who last year made an unsuccessful bid for Republican National Committee chair. The Justice Department under the first Trump administration curtailed the use of consent decrees, and the Republican was expected to again radically reshape the departments priorities around civil rights.Its unclear how long the litigation freeze may last. The memo said the move was necessary to ensure that the federal government speaks with one voice in its view of the law and to ensure that the Presidents appointees or designees have the opportunity to decide whether to initiate new cases. ALANNA DURKIN RICHER Richer is an Associated Press reporter covering the Justice Department and legal issues from Washington. twitter mailto

AP Illustration / Annie Ng2025-01-23T13:19:57Z Theyre the possessions that tell your story: the photos of old friends and relatives. The ring your mom left you. The hand-knit Christmas stockings. Your grandfathers secretary desk and the letters inside.When disasters strike, these artifacts of your own rich history might be the toughest belongings to lose.It still hits me now a picture of my dad that my grandmother painted, which was hanging on the wall by the piano, says Martha Tecca, whose house in Lyme, New Hampshire, burned to the ground 10 years ago. She and her husband had been on a hike, and lost everything but the clothes they were wearing.The things that are sort of generational those are the pieces you feel worst about at the time, she says.Of course, lost things are just things. Those who mourn them are conscious that others are suffering far worse from catastrophes, including the wildfires, hurricanes, floods and other natural disasters that have struck with greater intensity in recent years.Still, these family heirlooms, mementoes and handmade relics are irreplaceable. How do you cope with losing them and perhaps recapture some of the lost memories? Be patient in processing it allGrief is the natural response to loss, whatever that loss is, says Mary-Frances OConnor, a psychology professor at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Body: How the Stress of Loss Can Be an Opportunity for Healing. Objects are often cues for our memory, our habits, for our culture, our social interaction. And it takes time, she says, to understand: What does it mean for our life that this thing is gone?There are so many immediate, practical tasks to attend to after a catastrophic event finding a place to live, filing insurance claims that it might take a while to really absorb the loss of mementoes.In Barbara Lamberts case, she gave herself permission to stop searching for everything that might have been lost, reluctant to stir up sadness over things she hadnt looked at in a long time, anyway. Lamberts Larchmont, New York, home was gutted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021. She grabbed documents, jewelry and medications as the waters rose around her legs. But the flood destroyed relics like scrapbooks, old Playbills from Broadway shows, ticket stubs and her sons grade-school art.Its very overwhelming, devastating, but you realize what you really need to get through life, she says.Look to communityJenny Mackenzies home in Peacham, Vermont, was destroyed along with half her familys belongings in the floods created by the remnants of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. While she was able, over time, to find and restore items like her daughters stuffed animals in the debris, the toughest loss was a handmade canoe shed received as a college graduation present. She found it two weeks later in shards along the river.Were it not for friends and neighbors, she would have walked away from the mud-filled house without trying to retrieve much. But dozens of people turned up to help. A neighbor came and dug up what was salvageable of her beloved garden beds, since replanted. Other neighbors spent days rescuing and restoring furniture. Picture over 60 people shoveling mud and passing our possessions across the river, she recalls. Natural disasters often affect entire communities, OConnor notes, so this is a shared loss.Our shared response builds meaning, and memorializes, she says.Tecca said friends around the country sent photos to help fill the gaps in her collection, unsolicited. One friend got Tecca and her husband new copies of their college diplomas.In terms of things, we ended up getting more than we lost, she said.Jack Pitney and his wife were at Toys R Us with their toddler when a mudslide slammed into their Glendale, California, house in 2005. They came home to find his playroom buried, and with it, all his toys.The only one he had left was in his hand: It was the one we had just bought, Pitney says. It was a big deal. For a 2-year-old, there is no such thing as an unimportant toy.Friends and colleagues brought toys from their own homes, helping to distract his son from what had happened. Remember, its not the things, its the storiesPersonal items matter because of the histories behind them, but theyre not the only way to tell those tales.The stuff is just a vehicle for the stories, says Matt Paxton, author of Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff. A decluttering expert, he often works with families who struggle to let go of sentimental belongings.Even those who have just experienced a calamity should still document and hold on to the meaning of whats lost, he says: Youre the most raw youve ever been right now. But now is the time to record the stories. You dont need the things for your legacy to live forward.Write down the memories and tell them to your kids and friends. Document the heirlooms and their history on apps like Artifcts, he says. Digitize any photos and videos you still might have, and any going forward. Your kids art? Scan it. The oldest story in the book is telling stories and passing them on thats why it hurts so much when we lose them, he says.While experts recommend digitizing, they acknowledge that a tactile object can evoke a more emotional response.Humans are such visual beings, but its not our only sense, says Jennifer Talarico, a psychology professor at Lafayette College. She cites the feel of a souvenir in your hand, the sound of a loved ones voice on voicemail, the taste of something that takes you back to childhood.Many items have stories that no one else would understand. Paxton remembers one family that held on to their grandmothers remote, the one she loved to watch Jeopardy! with.The new stuff will carry extra meaning tooMany survivors found, with time, that not everything from the experience was negative.It sounds weird maybe, but there was something in there that was a little bit freeing, free of having all that stuff. Of not knowing what to do with it, said Lambert.Going to a new home and acquiring new things marks a transitional moment, Talarico says. Its OK to mourn, but have faith that you can refill photo albums with new memories.A disaster, she says, might be a marker of the before and after, but there is an after.The gifts from friends carry tremendous emotional value themselves, says Tecca, who now lives in a different town. There are new stories, of the fire and of rebuilding.Every piece in our house at the moment is something someone gave us, or that we intentionally got, she says. The things become precious, the things you now fill your house with. Julia Rubin Rubin edits Lifestyles stories for The Associated Press. She was previously APs news editor in New York City and Anchorage; correspondent in Moscow; and entertainment editor. mailto

This image released by Netflix shows Karla Sofa Gascn, right, and Zoe Saldaa in a scene from "Emilia Prez." (Shanna Besson/Netflix via AP)2025-01-23T05:02:58Z In the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that struck at the heart of the movie industry, an embattled Hollywood lined up behind the Netflix narco-musical about trans identity Emilia Prez in Oscar nominations Thursday.Jacques Audiards Emilia Prez, a Spanish language, French-made film, dominated the nominations with a leading 13 nominations, including best picture and best actress for Karla Sofa Gascn, making her the first openly trans actor ever nominated for an Oscar. The film also landed nominations for directing, original screenplay, two of its songs and for Zoe Saldaa. Netflix, despite its starring role in Hollywood, has never won best picture. Many of its top contenders have previously racked up large numbers of nominations (including Mank, The Irishman and Roma) but gone home with only a handful of trophies.Emilia Prez, though, may be its best chance yet. It became the most nominated non-English language film ever, surpassing Netflixs own Roma, which scored 10 nominations.Another musical Wicked, the smash Broadway adaptation came away with nearly as many nominations. Jon M. Chus lavish Wizard of Oz riff scored 10 nominations, including best picture and acting nods for its stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.The Brutalist, Brady Corbets postwar epic filmed in VistaVision, also came away with a commanding 10 nominations, including best picture, best director and nominations for actor Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones.The nominees for best picture are: Anora; The Brutalist; A Complete Unknown; Conclave; Dune: Part Two; Emilia Prez; Im Still Here.; Nickel Boys; The Substance; Wicked.In a wide-open Oscar race, the six most honored films Emilia Prez, Wicked, The Brutalist, Anora (six nominations) Conclave (nine nominations) and A Complete Unknown (eight nominations) all fared as expected. The biggest surprises were the Brazilian film Im Still Here, which also landed Fernanda Torres a best actress nomination, and RaMell Ross Nickel Boys, a POV-shot drama. The nominations had originally been planned for Jan. 17. But after wildfires on Jan. 7 began burning through the Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other areas around Los Angeles, leaving behind historic levels of destruction, the academy extended its voting window and twice postponed the nominations announcement. Fresh fires outside Los Angeles continued Thursday. One of 2024s most audacious films, The Apprentice " landed two nominations, for Sebastian Stan and Jeremy Strong. The film dramatizes the formative years of President Donald Trump s emergence in New York real estate under the tutelage of attorney Roy Cohn. Trump has called those involved with the film human scum. With so many in the film industry reeling from the fires, some called on the academy to cancel the Oscars altogether. Academy leaders have argued the March 2 ceremony must go ahead, for their economic impact on Los Angeles and as a symbol of resilience for the industry. Organizers have vowed this years awards will celebrate the work that unites us as a global film community and acknowledge those who fought so bravely against the wildfires. We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry, Bill Kramer, academy chief executive, and Yang said in an email to members Wednesday.But much of the usual frothiness Hollywoods award season has been severely curtailed due to the fires, which continue to burn. The film academy canceled its annual nominees luncheon. Other events have been postponed or downsized. On Wednesday, Kramer and Yang said original song nominees wont be performed this year. Conan OBrien, whose Pacific Palisades home was spared by the fires, is hosting. ___For more coverage of this years Oscars, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/academy-awards JAKE COYLE Coyle has been a film critic and covered the movie industry for The Associated Press since 2013. He is based in New York City. twitter mailto

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football NFC divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)2025-01-23T14:00:13Z Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Jared Goff and Lamar Jackson are finalists for The Associated Press 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player award.Barkley, Burrow and Jackson also are finalists for Offensive Player of the Year and Burrow is also in the running for Comeback Player of the Year.The winners will be announced at NFL Honors on Feb. 6. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs began.Here are the finalists, in alphabetical order, for the eight AP NFL awards: Most Valuable PlayerAllen helped the Bills win their fifth straight AFC East title. He threw for 3,731 yards, 28 TDs and had six picks for a 101.4 passer rating. Allen ran for 531 yards and 12 scores.Barkley ran for 2,005 yards, eighth-best in NFL history. He sat out Philadelphias final regular-season game when he needed 101 yards to break Eric Dickersons single-season record. Barkley helped the Eagles win the NFC East and advance to the conference championship game.Burrow led the NFL with a career-high 4,918 yards passing and 43 TDs but the Cincinnati Bengals finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Goff threw for 4,629 yards, 37 TDs, nine interceptions and led Detroit to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Lions were eliminated in the divisional round by Washington.Jackson, the reigning winner, is seeking his third MVP award after leading the Ravens to an AFC North title. Jackson had career-highs with 4,172 yards passing, 41 TDs to just four interceptions and a 119.6 passer rating, which led the NFL. He was a first-team All-Pro for the third time and also ran for 915 yards and four TDs. The Ravens were knocked out of the divisional round by Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Offensive Player of the YearBarkley, Burrow, JaMarr Chase, Derrick Henry and Jackson are finalists for the award.Chase won the receiving triple crown, leading the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards and 17 TDs. The Bengals star wide receiver was a unanimous selection for All-Pro.Henry, the 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, had 1,921 yards rushing and 16 TDs in his first season with the Ravens. Defensive Player of the YearEagles linebacker Zack Baun went from mostly playing special teams for the Saints to earning All-Pro honors in his first season in Philadelphia.All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, had 14 sacks for the Cleveland Browns.Bengals All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks.Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II allowed just 37 receptions, had four picks and opposing quarterbacks had a 61.1 passer rating throwing against himSteelers edge rusher T.J. Watt, the 2021 winner, had 11 1/2 sacks and forced six fumbles. Offensive Rookie of the YearRaiders tight end Brock Bowers set a rookie record with 112 receptions and his 1,194 yards receiving were the most by a first-year player at his position. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels led the team to an eight-win improvement and has them one win away from a Super Bowl appearance. He threw for 3,568 yards, 25 TDs and posted a 100.1 rating. Daniels also ran for 891 yards and six scores.Giants receiver Malik Nabers had 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven TDs.Broncos QB Bo Nix helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in nine years. He had 3,775 yards passing, 29 TDs, 12 picks and ran for 430 yards and four scores.Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 TDs.Defensive Rookie of the YearEagles cornerback Cooper DeJean was among the highest-rated players in the slot, holding opponents to 50 receptions. He had five pass breakups and quarterbacks had an 82.2 passer rating against him.Rams defensive tackle Braden Fiske led the team and all rookies with 8 1/2 sacks. He had 51 pressures, two forced fumbles and recoveries, 10 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback hits.Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell allowed 40 receptions, had nine pass breakups and quarterbacks had an 87 passer rating against him.Dolphins edge Chop Robinson had six sacks, 20 pressures and eight tackles for loss.Rams edge Jared Verse had 4 1/2 sacks but led all rookies in quarterback hits (18), pressures (77) and hurries (56). He also had 11 tackles for loss. Coach of the YearDetroits Dan Campbell, Minnesotas Kevin OConnell, Denvers Sean Payton, Washingtons Dan Quinn and Kansas Citys Andy Reid are the finalists.Campbell guided the Lions (15-3) to the NFCs No. 1 seed. Connell led the Vikings (14-4) to the playoffs despite the departure of Kirk Cousins in free agency and losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending knee injury in training camp.Payton helped the Broncos (10-8) overcome salary-cap woes stemming from the decision to release Russell Wilson and ended a nine-year playoff drought.Quinn took over a 4-13 team and turned the Commanders into a 12-win playoff team.Reid had the Chiefs (16-2) back atop the AFC as the No. 1 seed in a quest for a third straight Super Bowl victory. Assistant Coach of the YearBills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Vikings DC Brian Flores, Lions DC Aaron Glenn and Lions OC Ben Johnson made the list.Comeback Player of the YearBurrow, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Bills safety Damar Hamlin are the finalists.___AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl ROB MAADDI Maaddi is senior NFL writer for The Associated Press. Hes covered the league for 24 years, including the first two decades as the Eagles beat writer. mailto

A pseudonymous coder has created and released an open source tar pit to indefinitely trap AI training web crawlers in an infinitely, randomly-generating series of pages to waste their time and computing power. The program, called Nepenthes after the genus of carnivorous pitcher plants which trap and consume their prey, can be deployed by webpage owners to protect their own content from being scraped or can be deployed offensively as a honeypot trap to waste AI companies resources.It's less like flypaper and more an infinite maze holding a minotaur, except the crawler is the minotaur that cannot get out. The typical web crawler doesn't appear to have a lot of logic. It downloads a URL, and if it sees links to other URLs, it downloads those too. Nepenthes generates random links that always point back to itself - the crawler downloads those new links. Nepenthes happily just returns more and more lists of links pointing back to itself, Aaron B, the creator of Nepenthes, told 404 Media.Of course, these crawlers are massively scaled, and are downloading links from large swathes of the internet at any given time, they added. But they are still consuming resources, spinning around doing nothing helpful, unless they find a way to detect that they are stuck in this loop.Human users can see how Nepenthes works by clicking here, though I must warn that the page loads incredibly slowly (on purpose) and links endlessly to pages that load the same way. It looks like this, in practice: 0:00 /0:31 1 Aaron Bs website says THIS IS DELIBERATELY MALICIOUS CODE INTENDED TO CAUSE HARMFUL ACTIVITY. DO NOT DEPLOY IF YOU ARENT FULLY COMFORTABLE WITH WHAT YOURE DOING. It also notes it can be deployed defensively to flood our valid URLs within your sites domain name, making it unlikely the crawler will access the real content and offensively to actively trap and waste computing power: Let's say you've got horsepower and bandwidth to burn, and just want to see these AI models burn. Nepenthes has what you need In short, let them suck down as much bullshit as they have diskspace for and choke on it.We have previously written about the difficulty that website owners have had in blocking the web crawlers that train large language models. It is possible to use robots.txt to ask specific bots not to crawl a webpage, but different companies use different bots, the names of those bots often change, and some companies do not honor robots.txt requests or find ways to get around them. Nearly endless internet art projects have proven particularly difficult for bots to crawl; last year, the man who wrote The Internet for Dummies had the worlds lamest content farm, a website made up of billions of interconnected single-page sites, hit more than 3 million times by OpenAIs training bot in a single day. Anthropics AI scraper later hit the DIY repair company iFixit more than a million times in a day.Hearing these stories recently definitely pushed me into putting out a release, Aaron B said. It's also sort of an art work, just me unleashing shear unadulterated rage at how things are going. I was just sick and tired of how the internet is evolving into a money extraction panopticon, how the world as a whole is slipping into fascism and oligarchs are calling all the shots - and it's gotten bad enough we can't boycott or vote our way out, we have to start causing real pain to those above for any change to occur.Since they made and deployed a proof-of-concept, Aaron B said their pages have been hit millions of times by internet-scraping bots. On a Hacker News thread, someone claiming to be an AI company CEO said a tarpit like this is easy to avoid; Aaron B told 404 Media If thats, true, Ive several million lines of access log that says even Google Almighty didnt graduate to avoiding the trap.

The LGBTQ+ media watchdog group GLAAD is honoring LGBTQ Nations parent company, Q.Digital, with its Barbara Gittings Award for Excellence in LGBTQ Media. Barbara Gittings understood the power of LGBTQ+ media to build community and inspire action, said Q.Digital CEO Scott Gatz. Were humbled to carry on that legacy, especially during times like these. Related Awards show de-genders category in honor of nonbinary icon Janelle Mone In their acceptance speech, Mone said their spirit is lighter today than it used to be. Before Stonewall, when Barbara Gittings [was editor of] The Ladder, she recognized the importance of telling our stories and seeing that we are all part of a bigger community. My hope is that were doing the same thing for our readers and I am humbled that the GLAAD team thinks we are. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Q.Digital is a queer owned and operated media company, and its holdings include LGBTQ Nation, Queerty, INTO, Outsports, and GayCities. Founded in 2008, the companys goal is creating a world where everyone is free to be themselves and live life to the fullest.One of Q.Digitals websites, Outsports, has also been nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for online short-form video for its Ballin Out series. The five-part video series told the stories of LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches involved with Team USAs womens wheelchair basketball as they headed to the World Championships.Gatz stressed the importance of LGBTQ+ media that is owned and operated by LGBTQ+ people. Over the years weve seen mainstream outlets launch LGBTQ+ specific sites only to see them wither on the vine a few years later, he said. As an LGBTQ+ owned and operated company, were dedicated to our community in a way mainstream companies cannot be. Were passionate about what we do, and I hope that shows in all our work.Past recipients of the award include the Washington Blade and the LA Blade in 2023, Curve magazine founder Franco Stevens in 2022, and the Windy City Times in 2021.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In his short but poignant final address to the nation from Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, Joe Bidan spoke of his four years as president working to rebuild and transform the nation he cherishes. Referring to the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of freedom and beacon to the world, Biden delivered a love letter of sorts by talking about the dreams and ideas on which the United States was founded.He did not spend much time simply recounting his accomplishments as president, vice president, or as a senator from his home state of Delaware. Instead, he dedicated the majority of his speech to a final warning of where he sees the nation heading and where he perceives an erosion of the institutions he has worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen over his nearly five decades of public service. Related Donald Trumps inaugural address was an ode to white Christian patriarchy Where do I even begin? I want to warn the country of some things that give me great concern. And this is a dangerous concern. And thats the dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a very few ultra-wealthy people, Biden said. Dive deeper every day Join our newsletter for thought-provoking commentary that goes beyond the surface of LGBTQ+ issues Subscribe to our Newsletter today Today, an oligarchy is taking shape in America of extreme wealth, power and influence that literally threatens our entire democracy, our basic rights and freedoms, and a fair shot for everyone to get ahead.Though he did not mention any specific names, it seemed clear he was referring to ultra-rich power brokers like Elon Musk, the planets richest person, who has clear lines of influence over the Trump administration.Biden harkened back over a century ago to the gilded age of the robber barons, which was finally mitigated by antitrust laws and the power of labor unions: a constant priority during his administration. They didnt punish the wealthy. They just made the wealthy play by the rules everybody else had to. Workers wanted rights to earn their fair share, Biden said. They were dealt into the deal, and it helped put us on a path to building the largest middle class and the most prosperous century any nation in the world has ever seen. Weve got to do that again.Reminiscent of President Dwight D. Eisenhowers final address to the nation in January 1961 warning of the inordinate and increasing power of what he referred to as the military industrial complex, Biden said, Im equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country, as well.Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power. The free press is crumbling, editors are disappearing. Social media is giving up on fact checking. The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit. We must hold the social platforms accountable to protect our children, our families and our very democracy from the abuse of power, he urged.Bidens concern for the degradation of our democratic institutions is justified. In itsNovember 2021report, the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, placed the U.S. on a list of backsliding democracies. The report stated that the United States, therefore, no longer technically qualified as a democracy.The United States, the bastion of global democracy, fell victim to authoritarian tendencies itself, the report said. Citing the Center for Systemic Peaces Polity data set the one the CIA task force has found to be most reliable in predicting instability and violence Barbara F. Walter, author ofHowCivilWarsStart, wrote that the United States had become an anocracy, somewhere between a democracy and an autocratic state.U.S. democracy had received the Polity Indexs top score of 10, or close to it, for much of its history. But in the first years of the Trump era, it tumbled precipitously into the anocracy zone.By the end of Trumps first term, the U.S. score had fallen to a 5, making the country a partial democracy for the first time since 1800. We are no longer the worlds oldest continuous democracy, Walter said. That honor is now held by Switzerland, followed by New Zealand, and then Canada. We are no longer a peer to nations like Canada, Costa Rica, and Japan, which are all rated a +10 on the Polity index.Dropping five points in five years greatly increases the risk ofcivilwar. A partial democracy is three times as likely to experiencecivilwaras a full democracy, Walter states.A country standing on this threshold as America is now, at +5 can easily be pushed toward conflict through a combination of bad governance and increasingly undemocratic measures that further weaken its institutions. Right now after Bidens term, the score isback up to an 8. What we can do If we think about it, the solutions to most of the problems in the United States, in the best of all possible political and social environments, are quite simple. But when placed in the context of the sharp divisions and deep gaps in power between the socioeconomic and social classes, serious problems become very difficult to solve.Let us, for a few moments, envision solutions to our most intractable problems and the answers to our most difficult questions as if we lived in a world where anything was possible. How do we live up to the inspiring inscription written by Emma Lazarus on our beautiful Statue of Liberty? How can we embody a country that accepts the huddled masses yearning to breathe free, embracing people from other lands, and making dreams come true for all of our people?We can pass bipartisan legislation for an equitable and humane immigration policy that protects people fleeing life-threatening conditions in their home countries and brings families together while helping to fill needed jobs in our own country. This will involve increasing resources for processing and placement of incoming immigrants.We can pass legislation for a fair and equitable graduated income tax code with no loopholes where those who earn over a certain amount each year, say $750,000, pay at a rate of at least 24% (as would corporations on their profits), with significantly less for those who earn less. We can pass legislation that codifies areversalof at least three Supreme Court Cases:1.Citizens United v. FEC:This case, based on the freedom of speech clause of the First Amendment, prohibits the government from restricting independent expenditures for political campaigns by corporations, including for-profits, nonprofits, labor unions, and other kinds of associations. This has resulted in corporations and other special interest groups having inordinate power and control over elections as opposed to the limited resources individual voters provide.2.Trump v. United States:This case makes presidents presumptively immune from criminal liability for official acts while in office. It gives presidents the right to remain above the law, and it creates the further entrenchment of a two-tier system of justice. 3.Roe v. Wade:We can overwrite the Supreme Courts decision by codifying in law the protections once afforded byRoe v. Wadewhere people of all sexes and genders have and maintain the unrestricted and unquestionable right to control their own bodies and are guaranteed their bodily reproductive autonomy.We can also codify protections for transgender people through legislation to maintain the unrestricted and unquestionable right to control their own bodies, guaranteeing their bodily autonomy and access to the public accommodations of their choice.We can guarantee everyone living in the United States access to universal single payer healthcare at least equivalent to our other peer nations without the profit motive within the private health insurance industry. We can guarantee everyone a living minimum annual income, a safe and affordable place to live, and affordable healthy food to meet their nutritional needs.We can establish fair and equitable priorities to close the wage and wealth gaps while meeting the urgent needs of the many.We can guarantee everyone free public education, including people with special needs, through graduate division higher education or technical training for those with the desire, need, and skills.We can guarantee everyone a comfortable retirement free from financial worries during their senior years. We can honestly and thoroughly tackle our nations deeply entrenched racist past and present to live in a country as expressed by the great Rev. Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.where all people will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.We must, therefore, legislate the elimination of censorship, halting the banning of books and other curricular materials in our schools and libraries so that the free exchange and discussion of ideas are uninhibited in all subject areas.We can work for a country that ranks lowest in the world for incarcerations, where justice is doled out equally, equitably, and humanely regardless of background and social identities. We can increase our nations ability to aid our allies and other countries when their borders and sovereignty are threatened and when more powerful nations invade, subjugate, and create humanitarian crises.We must value science while supporting medical research, cleaning our environment, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, and investing at significantly higher levels in renewable clean and sustainable energy sources and in agricultural methods that eliminate greenhouse gases. We can grant subsidies to homes and businesses to install solar panels and/or wind turbines, continue and increase subsidies on electric powered vehicles, invest more in hydroelectric plants, and end the use of all fossil fuels no later than 2035.We can set aside even more acreage to public lands and subsidize the planting of significantly more trees and shrubs to increase the earths lung capacity to filter pollutants from the air and water. We can research ways to prevent large-scale fires that ravage forests and urban areas alike. We can reconstruct an insurmountable wall separating religion from the government where no religious doctrine or tenet can ever be used as the basis for creating laws and standards for how one lives. We can tax religious institutions that engage in political lobbying and advocacy.We can impose regulations on all forms of media, valuing our free press as the fourth estate and as one of the many defenders of our democratic principles and institutions by ensuring accuracy of reporting through fact checking in the dissemination of information.We can pass a constitutional amendment limiting the terms of federal judges, including those on the Supreme Court, to 18 years as President Biden suggested in his closing speech. We can restore the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to their original contours before the Supreme Court chipped away their effectiveness.We can rescind the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution if we wish to live in a country that values safety and security within our national community. We must eliminate the possibility of legally selling and distributing firearms as if they were toys. For guidance, we can look to some of our peer countries, like Australia, which allows firearms sales with considerable regulations on a need only basis.Maybe, just maybe ours will become a nation where we join together to work and vote to steer our country on a path toward freedom and justice for all, to work in solving the problems that have gotten us to this point of rupture, and to turn the tide in a spirit of dialogue and goodwill. Yes, it will take a redistribution of wealth and resources; it will take a restructuring of our nation to get on the path of truly forming a more perfect union. These are just some suggested solutions and there are many more to be tried.If we remain on our current course, though, we will continue backsliding, which will result in either a second civil war; an autocratic oligarchy like Russia, Hungary, and Turkey; or a theocratic dictatorship like Iran. This will give Donald Trump permission to fulfill his dream of invading and taking Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada and Mexico.But we need not continue in that direction. We can become a nation even better than the democratic republic our founders had envisioned and prevent the deterioration of our democracy.Simple, yes. Easy, certainly not.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

The nominees for the 97th Academy Awards have been announced, and Emilia Prez star Karla Sofa Gascn has now officially become the first trans actor in history to be nominated in an acting category at the Oscars.Besides Gascn's historic nomination, the Netflix film has been nominated for a record-breaking 13 awards at the 2025 Oscars more than any other foreign film in history.Namely, Emilia Prez was nominated for Best Actress (Karla Sofa Gascn), Best Picture, Best Director (Jacques Audiard), Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldaa), Best International Feature (France), Best Original Song ("El Mal" and "Mi Camino"), Best Adapted Screenplay (Jacques Audiard), Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Cinematography.At 52 years of age, Gascn, who was born in Alcobendas, Spain, was also recently honored as a 2024 Out100 honoree. See on Instagram The mind-blowing 13 nominations earned by Emilia Prez make it the most-nominated film at the 2025 Oscars. Trailing behind are Wicked and The Brutalist (10 nominations each), as well as A Complete Unknown and Conclave (eight nominations each).Leading up to this historic Oscars nomination, Gascn already won Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards.The 97th Academy Awards are scheduled to air Sunday, March 2 on ABC.

The mountains above the village of Davos, where the annual meeting of World Economic Forum will take place, are covered with snow, in Davos, Switzerland, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)2025-01-23T08:55:09Z DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) Donald Trump is coming back to Davos. This time, virtually.The freshly reinaugurated U.S. president is to speak Thursday to an international audience for the first time after returning to the White House three days earlier, with a speech and question-and-answer by video conference at the World Economic Forums annual event. The fourth day of the annual gathering also has featured Javier Milei, the brash Argentine president, and Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who became interim leader of Bangladesh after the longtime president was driven from power during a public uprising.Business and tech whizzes will get their turns too. Dario Amodei of Anthropic, maker of artificial intelligence model Claude, and chief AI scientist Yann LeCun of Mark Zuckerbergs Meta will tackle the future of technology. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen will take up energy transition with the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol. A day earlier, a small group of pro-environment demonstrators staged a rally in which one placard read Sun Baby Sun a retort in favor of solar power to Trumps call for the United States to drill, baby, drill fossil fuels earlier this week.Heres a look at some of the main events Thursday in Davos: Trump shows, just not in-person Trump is no stranger to the gathering of CEOs, startup visionaries, government leaders, world-class academics and other elites who meet in the snowy Swiss town of Davos each January. He came twice during his first term.His barrage of executive orders including calling for a U.S. pullout from the Paris climate deal, creating a new agency to collect tariffs and a pause in a TikTok ban have fed the chatter in the Davos Congress Center corridors. His promotion of a business joint venture that could invest up to $500 billion in infrastructure tied to AI has drawn plaudits from tech-oriented executives in Davos, even if Trump ally and multibillionaire Elon Musk who is not on hand scoffed on his X social media platform that the partners dont actually have the money. Trump also drew praise from the U.N. chief. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, during a question-and-answer session after his speech a day earlier that focused on the threats of global warming and ungoverned AI, credited Trumps efforts before the inauguration to help win a ceasefire in Gaza.The negotiations were dragging, dragging, dragging. And then, all of a sudden, it happened, Guterres said as he also praised efforts by Qatar and Turkey. I think there was a large contribution of robust diplomacy of at the time the president-elect of the United States. Argentinas Milei rails against wokeismMilei launched a diatribe against what he called the ills of wokeism and described a global struggle between libertarians like him and left-wing progressives. He slammed social welfare, feminism, identity politics and the fight against climate change.I have come here to tell you that while our battle is not won, there is now hope that our moral duty has been reborn as well as our historic responsibility to dismantle the ideological structure of this sick wokeism, Milei said. Trump and Musk are among leaders forming an alliance of all the nations that want to be free, he said.The common denominator for the countries that are failing is the mental virus of woke ideology, he said. It is the great pandemic of our time that needs to be cured. It is the cancer that must be cut out. Pope Francis envoy evokes fraternityIn a message read by his envoy to Davos, Pope Francis praised technological advancements but warned about the dangers AI could pose to human dignity and fraternity.When used correctly, AI assists the human person in fulfilling his or her vocation in freedom and responsibility, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana said, reading the message.AI must be ordered to the human person and become part of efforts to achieve greater justice, more extensive fraternity, and a more humane order of social relations, which are more valuable than advances in the technical field, he added.The pontiff also expressed concerns about AIs effect on the growing crisis of truth in the public forum, Turkson said. NATOs Rutte urges more support for UkraineAnxiety in Europe has grown that Trump might seek to quickly end Russias war in Ukraine through talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on terms that might be unfavorable to Kyiv. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, speaking at a breakfast on the sidelines of the forum hosted by Ukrainian tycoon Victor Pinchuk, urged Ukraines Western backers to keep up their support nearly three years into the war. If we got a bad deal, it would only mean that we will see the president of Russia high-fiving with the leaders from North Korea, Iran and China and we cannot accept that, Rutte said. That would be geopolitically a big, big mistake.Richard Grenell, Trumps nominee as envoy for special missions, said by video from Los Angeles that Trump faced a terrible mess and not a lot of great choices in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. President Trump is somebody who has a credible threat and has already made clear that hes going to pressure both sides to end this. Hes focused on trying to stop the killing, the envoy-designate said.Putting more pressure on Putin economic or military remained a legitimate option for Trump, Grenell said.I would say just give President Trump a little time, he said.___Associated Press writer Lorne Cook in Brussels and Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, contributed to this report. JAMEY KEATEN Keaten is the chief Associated Press reporter in Geneva. He previously was posted in Paris and has reported from Afghanistan, the Middle East, North Africa and across Europe. twitter RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Amanda Knox arrives flanked by her husband Christopher Robinson, right, at the Florence courtroom in Florence, Italy, Wednesday, June 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)2025-01-23T05:39:38Z ROME (AP) Amanda Knox has a final shot at clearing her name of the last vestige of criminal wrongdoing when Italys highest court on Thursday hears her appeal of a slander conviction for falsely accusing a Congolese bar owner in the 2007 murder of her British flatmate.But the innocent man she accused, Patrick Lumbumba, told reporters outside Italys Cassation Court that he hopes the conviction stands and stays with her for the rest of her life.Both sides presented their cases during a two-hour hearing, with the high court set to begin deliberations later Thursday, but it was unclear when a verdict would be announced. The ruling should bring an end to a sensational 17-year legal saga that saw Knox and her Italian ex-boyfriend convicted and acquitted in flip-flop verdicts in 21-year-old Meredith Kerchers brutal murder, before being exonerated by the highest Cassation Court in 2015. The slander conviction against Knox remained the last legal stain against her. It survived multiple appeals, and Knox was reconvicted on the charge in June after a European court ruling that Italy had violated her human rights cleared the way for a new trial.Knox is watching the verdict at home confident and respectful of the justice system as she always has been. She is confident that this story will end today, her defense lawyer Carlo Dalla Vedova told reporters. Speaking recently on her Labyrinths podcast, Knox said: I hate the fact that I have to live consequences for a crime I did not commit. Her defense team says she accused Lumumba, who employed her at a bar in the central Italian university town of Perugia, during a long night of questioning and under pressure from police, who they said fed her false information. The European Court of Human Rights found that the police deprived her of a lawyer and provided a translator who acted more as a mediator. Ive been having nightmares about getting a bad verdict and just living the rest of my life with a shadow hanging over me. Its like a scarlet letter, Knox said on her podcast.Even if the high court upholds the conviction and three-year sentence, Knox does not risk any more time she jail. She has already served nearly four years during the investigation, initial murder trial and first appeal. Knox said the aim is to clear her name of all criminal wrongdoing. Living with a false conviction is horrific, personally, psychologically, emotionally,' she said on the podcast. Im fighting it, and well see what happens.Knox returned to the United States in 2011, after being freed by an appeals court in Perugia, and has established herself as a global campaigner for the wrongly convicted. She has a podcast with her husband and has a new memoir coming out titled, Free: My Search for Meaning. Knox returned to Italy in June for the verdict in the slander trial, and Dalla Vedova said at the time that she was very embittered by the conviction.Knox was a 20-year-old student in the central Italian university town of Perugia when Kercher was found stabbed to death on Nov. 2, 2007, in her bedroom in the apartment they shared with two Italian women. The case made global headlines as suspicion quickly fell on Knox and her boyfriend of just days, Rafaelle Sollecito. After eight years of trial, including two appeals to Italys highest court, they were fully exonerated in the murder in 2015.Another man, Rudy Hermann Guede, from the Ivory Coast, was convicted of murder after his DNA was found at the crime scene. He was freed in 2021, after serving most of his 16-year sentence. The European court ordered Italy to pay Knox damages for the police failures, noting she was particularly vulnerable as a foreign student not fluent in Italian.Italys high court ordered the new slander trial based on that ruling. It threw out two signed statements drafted by police falsely accusing Lumumba in the murder, and directed the appellate court that the only evidence it could consider was a hand-written letter she later wrote in English attempting to walk back the accusation. However, the appellate court in its reasoning said that the four-page memo supported a slander finding.On the basis of Knoxs statements, Lumumba was brought in for questioning, despite having an ironclad alibi. His business suffered, and he eventually moved to Poland with his Polish wife. Arriving at court, he underlined that Knox has never apologized to me.___Barry reported from Milan.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) said that he wants transgender children to live in fear of their own parents in response to a bishop asking Donald Trump to have mercy on LGBTQ+ people.Tuberville was responding to Right Rev. Marian Buddes plea earlier this week that Trump have empathy for LGBTQ+ people especially children and immigrants. Related Donald Trump may soon ban trans people in the military. Advocates say he wont get away with it. Trans rights advocates fought the ban in courts in Trumps first term. They say their case has only gotten stronger. You have felt the providential hand of a loving God. In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now, she said at a prayer service on Tuesday. There are gay, lesbian, and transgender children in Democratic, Republican and independent families, some who fear for their lives. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Tuberville took issue with the Christian leaders support for all children.These trans children should live in fear of their parents, Tuberville wrote on X, andthe sick people that enable those guardians.Its child abuse. An absolute disgrace.Tubervilles comments are based on the anti-LGBTQ+ myth that no one is actually LGBTQ+, that everyone is straight and cisgender until LGBTQ+ adults turn them gay or trans. This notion is false; homosexuality and trans identity are both natural parts of human diversity. Moreover, there is no evidence that a person who is not LGBTQ+ can be turned LGBTQ+ by their parents.Instead, its a common experience for trans youth to hide their identities from authority figures, including their parents and teachers, because they know they are expected to be cisgender. Trans kids who do come out to their families often face rejection, punishment, abuse, conversion therapy, and homelessness instead of finding acceptance for who they are. Tubervilles suggestion that trans children should be scared of their parents when they already experience greater rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation is antithetical to Jesus directive to treat others as you would have them treat yourself. Trans youth already face bullying at a much higher rate than their cisgender peers, and they certainly dont need a US senator adding to that harassment, the Alabama Transgender Rights Action Coalition said in remarks to AL.com.We take the remark to be a denial of all trans folks lived experiences, especially within the context of expected executive actions Science and medicine affirm the existence of a whole spectrum of gender that includes cisgender and transgender people alike. The administrations stance on this benefits no one, and contradicts widely accepted medical best practice.Trump also reacted negatively to being told to have mercy on LGBTQ+ people and immigrants, calling Bishop Budde nasty and demanding she apologize. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Donald Trumps war on diversity in the workplace has expanded to include the revocation of a landmark anti-discrimination act that has been in place for 60 years. Trumps order on Ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity revokes former President Lyndon B. Johnsons 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act (Executive Order 11246), which originally banned workplace discrimination based on race, creed, color, or national origin and ultimately expanded to include sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Related Donald Trump fires trailblazing Coast Guard commandant for excessive focus on DEI Linda Fagan was the first uniformed woman leader of a U.S. Armed Forces branch. The order also directed contractors to take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their marginalized identities. Insights for the LGBTQ+ community Subscribe to our briefing for insights into how politics impacts the LGBTQ+ community and more. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Trumps order claimed that inclusion programs utilize dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of so-called diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) or diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) that can violate the civil-rights laws of this Nation.The order claims these programs undermine our national unity, as they deny, discredit, and undermine the traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement in favor of an unlawful, corrosive, and pernicious identity-based spoils system. Hardworking Americans who deserve a shot at the American Dream should not be stigmatized, demeaned, or shut out of opportunities because of their race or sex.Essentially, he is saying DEI programs amount to discrimination against white men.Trumps order perpetuates the myth that DEI programs promote unqualified people to positions of power just because they are women or people of color.Since taking office on January 20th, Trump also signed an executive order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing. The order called DEI programs illegal and immoral and said they demonstrated immense public waste and shameful discrimination.Afterward, the administration ordered that all federal employees in positions associated with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) be placed on paid leave and eventually be terminated. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

US President Donald J. Trump is shown on screens as he addresses via remote connection a plenary session in the Congress Hall, during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Michael Buholzer/Keystone via AP)2025-01-23T16:40:09Z WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump used an address Thursday to the World Economic Forum to promise global elites lower taxes if they bring manufacturing to the U.S. and threatened to impose tariffs if they dont.Speaking by video from the White House to the annual summit in Davos, Switzerland, on his third full day in office, Trump ran through his flurry of executive actions since his swearing-in and claimed that he had a massive mandate from the American people to bring change. He laid out a carrot-and-stick approach for private investment in the U.S.Come make your product in America and we will give you among the lowest taxes as any nation on earth, Trump said. But if you dont make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply, you will have to pay a tariff differing amounts but a tariff, which will direct hundreds of billions of dollars and even trillions of dollars into our treasury to strengthen our economy and pay down debt under the Trump administration. Trump, who spoke Wednesday to Saudi Arabias crown prince, also said Thursday that the kingdom wants to invest $600 billion in the U.S. but that he would ask Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to increase it to $1 trillion. The remark drew some laughter from the crowd in the hall in Davos.Introducing Trump, Davos founder Klaus Schwab told the new president that his return and his agenda have been at the focus of our discussions this week. He invited Trump to speak at the summit in person next year.___Keaton reported from Davos, Switzerland. ZEKE MILLER Zeke is APs chief White House correspondent twitter mailto JOSH BOAK Boak covers the White House and economic policy for The Associated Press. He joined the AP in 2013. twitter mailto

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Southport stabbings suspect Axel Rudakubana, 18, shouting from the dock as he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, for his sentencing hearing after he pleaded guilty to murdering three young girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class, in Liverpool, England, Thursday Jan. 23, 2025. (Elizabeth Cook/PA via AP)2025-01-23T05:31:57Z LONDON (AP) A teenager who stabbed three young girls to death at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in England was sentenced Thursday to more than 50 years in prison for what a judge called the most extreme, shocking and exceptionally serious crime.Judge Julian Goose said 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana wanted to try and carry out mass murder of innocent, happy young girls and planned to kill as many people as he could.Goose said that he couldnt impose a sentence of life without parole, because Rudakabana was under 18 at the time of the crime.But the judge said he must serve more than 51 years before being considered for parole and it is likely he will never be released.Rudakbuana was 17 when he attacked the children in the seaside town of Southport in July. He killed girls, ages 6, 7 and 9, and wounded eight other children and two adults.The attack shocked the country and set off both street violence and soul-searching. The government has announced a public inquiry into how the system failed to stop the killer, who had been referred to the authorities multiple times over his obsession with violence. Defendant disrupts the hearing Rudakubana faced three counts of murder, 10 of attempted murder for those he wounded, and additional charges of possessing a knife, the poison ricin and an al-Qaida manual. He unexpectedly changed his plea to guilty on all charges on Monday.But he wasnt in court to hear the passing of the sentence on Thursday.Hours earlier he had been led into the dock at Liverpool Crown Court in northwest England, dressed in a gray prison tracksuit.But as prosecutors began outlining the evidence, Rudakubana interrupted by shouting from the dock that he felt ill and wanted to see a paramedic.Goose urged lawyers to continue, then ordered the accused to be removed when he continued shouting. A person in the courtroom shouted Coward! as Rudakubana was taken out. The hearing continued without him. Horror on a summer dayThe attack occurred on the first day of summer vacation when two dozen little girls were gathered around the tables making bracelets and singing along to Taylor Swift songs, prosecutor Deanna Heer told the court. Rudakubana, armed with a large knife, intruded and began stabbing the girls and their teacher.He lunged at each child in turn, the prosecutor said, acting so quickly that it was only when teacher Leanne Lucas was stabbed herself that she realized what was happening.The court was shown video of Rudakubana arriving at the Hart Space venue in a taxi and entering the building. Within seconds, screams erupted and children ran from the building in panic, some of them wounded. One girl made it to the doorway, but was pulled back inside by the attacker. She was stabbed 32 times but survived.Gasps and sobs could be heard in court as the videos played.Rudakubana killed Alice Da Silva Aguiar, 9, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Bebe King, 6. Eight other girls, ranging in age from 7 to 13, were wounded, along with Lucas and John Hayes, who worked in a business next door and intervened.Heer said two of the dead children suffered particularly horrific injuries which are difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature. One of the dead girls had 122 injuries, while another suffered 85 wounds. Wrenching testimony from victimsSeveral relatives and survivors read emotional statements in court about the impact of the attack.Lucas, 36, who ran the dance class, said that the trauma of being both a victim and a witness has been horrendous.I cannot give myself compassion or accept praise, as how can I live knowing I survived when children died? she said.A 14-year-old survivor, who cant be named because of a court order, described her serious injuries and said that while she was physically recovering. we will all have to live with the mental pain from that day forever.I hope you spend the rest of your life knowing that we think youre a coward, she said.The prosecutor read out a statement from the parents of Alice Da Silva Aguiar, who said their daughters killing had shattered our souls.We used to cook for three. Now we only cook for two. It doesnt seem right, they said. Alice was our purpose for living, so what do we do now? A teenager obsessed with violenceThe prosecutor said Rudakubana had no political or religious cause, but had a longstanding obsession with violence, killing, genocide.His only purpose was to kill. And he targeted the youngest and most vulnerable in society, she said, as relatives of the victims watched on in the courtroom.Heer said that when he was taken to a police station, Rudakubana was heard to say: Its a good thing those children are dead, Im so glad, Im so happy.The killings triggered days of anti-immigrant violence across the country after far-right activists seized on incorrect reports that the attacker was an asylum-seeker who had recently arrived in the U.K. Some suggested the crime was a jihadi attack, and alleged that police and the government were withholding information. Rudakubana was born in Cardiff, Wales, to Christian parents from Rwanda, and investigators havent been able to pin down his motivation. Police found documents about subjects including Nazi Germany, the Rwandan genocide and car bombs on his devices. In the years before the attack, he had been reported to multiple authorities over his violent interests and actions. All of the agencies failed to spot the danger he posed.In 2019, he phoned a childrens advice line to ask What should I do if I want to kill somebody? He said he had taken a knife to school because he wanted to kill someone who was bullying him. Two months later, he attacked a fellow student with a hockey stick and was convicted of assault.He was referred three times to the governments anti-extremism program, Prevent, when he was 13 and 14 once after researching school shootings in class, then for uploading pictures of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to Instagram and for researching a London terror attack.The government has declared the case a wake-up call and ordered a public inquiry into the failures that allowed Rudakubana to carry out his rampage.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that laws might need updating to combat a new threat from violent individuals whose mix of motivations test the traditional definition of terrorism, acts of extreme violence carried out by loners, misfits, young men in their bedrooms. JILL LAWLESS Lawless is an Associated Press reporter covering U.K. politics and more. She is based in London. twitter mailto

On day one of his presidency, one of Donald Trumps first acts in office was to sign an executive order declaring that there are only two sexes: male and female.The order is a transphobic, scientifically incorrect screed titled Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government that mischaracterizes sex and gender and demands that every agency and all Federal employees acting in an official capacity on behalf of their agency shall use the term sex and not gender in all applicable Federal policies and documents.The Social Security Administration and other government departments are complying with the order by scrubbing information about changing ones sex from its website.Are you a federal employee or contractor with knowledge of the changes described in this piece, or how employees are reacting to these changes? I would love to hear from you. Using a non-work device, you can message me securely on Signal at sam.404. Otherwise, send me an email at sam@404media.co.Ari Drennen spotted the change to the change sex identification site and posted a screenshot on X:And just like that, the how to change sex identification page has vanished from the Social Security Administration website. pic.twitter.com/cNj7XeeuVH Ari Drennen (@AriDrennen) January 23, 2025The site now says you are not authorized to access this page, blocking it from public view. It used to show basic information about how to change your sex on record with the Social Security Administration by requesting a new Social Security card, and a link to a questionnaire that helped determine how to go about it. You don't need to provide medical or legal evidence of your sex designation, the site said when it was online. Currently, you can change your sex identification to either male or female, but we are examining ways to provide an unspecified sex identification option in the future.The "change sex identification" page, on January 21 compared to today.Information about gender identity and access to guides on changing ones sex have also been scrubbed from the administrations main LGBTQIA+ site. Heres what looks like today, compared to how it looked last week.How the page looks today / How the SSA LGBTQI+ page looked on December 22, via the Internet ArchiveThe Gender Identity link thats now missing from that site and inaccessible to the publicshowing a 404 error and not a CMS login message, unlike the change sex identification siteused to provide links to forms one would need to fill out to start the process.Form SS-5: Application for A Social Security Card is still available for download on the Internet Archive. A page about how to get a social security card is still online, as is a page for locating a Social Security office.Several other government websites about gender identity and discrimination are also offline, including a Department of Labor site about discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and a State Department site about how to select your gender marker on your passport, are also gone or scrubbed of mentions of gender identity.Aside from being unscientific nonsense and anti-abortion rhetoric, the Defending Women from Gender Ideology executive order has triggered all of this essential information to go offline across the internet, adding to the confusion and panic that many queer and trans peopleand anyone who actually cares about reproductive rights or freedom of speechalready face going into Trumps presidency. And its not the first time Trumps administration took down a bunch of government websites to try to suppress scientific information: thousands of pages with climate change information were removed or buried during his first term.

The National LGBTQ Task Forces annual Creating Change conference has kicked off in Las Vegas at the newly renovated Rio Hotel and Casino. The conference, which has been in existence in some form since 1988, brings over 3000 attendees together to build skills and organize for LGBTQ+ rights and issues.Task Force President Kierra Johnson delivers remarks before the opening plenary. Photo: News is OutCreating Change offers five days of gathering for attendees, with plenary sessions like Black Leadership Rising and Democracy, Fascism and the Road Ahead and longer intensives focused on key topics from sex work to digital strategy.The conference has made accessibility a priority, with American Sign Language interpreters, protactile sign language and Spanish translation available to attendees. The plenary sessions include big screens with captions in Spanish and ASL interpretation as well.Even if you arent attending Creating Change, you can catch up with certain sessions via the Task Forces Youtube channel.Creating Change MC Trevell Anderson. Photo: News is OutIn addition to panels, workshops and intensives, the conference features an exhibit area with over 70 exhibitors, like nonprofits, LGBTQ+-owned businesses and a media hub. Also in the exhibit hall is the Creators Stage, featuring conversations for and from content creators and artists.The National LGBTQ Task Forces annual Creating Change conference has kicked off in Las Vegas at the newly renovated Rio Hotel and Casino. The conference, which has been in existence in some form since 1988, brings over 3000 attendees together to build skills and organize for LGBTQ+ rights and issues.Creating Change offers five days of gathering for attendees, with plenary sessions like Black Leadership Rising and Democracy, Fascism and the Road Ahead and longer intensive focused on key topics from sex work to digital strategy.The conference has made accessibility a priority, with American Sign Language interpreters, protactile sign language and Spanish translation available to attendees. The plenary sessions include big screens with captions in Spanish and ASL interpretation as well.The Care Bear Team offers support throughout the conference. Photo: News is Out Even if you arent attending Creating Change, you can catch up with certain sessions via the Task Forces YouTube channel.In addition to panels, workshops and intensives, the conference features an exhibit area with over 70 exhibitors, like nonprofits, LGBTQ+-owned businesses and a media hub. Also in the exhibit hall is the Creators Stage, featuring conversations for and from content creators and artists.Daylong self-care, conflict resolution and resources are available to attendees, as well as affinity spaces for multiple genders and sexual orientations and spiritual gathering spaces.The community and connection doesnt end after the sessions however, as Creating Change also offers entertainment in the evenings like a variety show, gaming parties and the Agents of Change Ball.To learn more about Creating Change or the National LGBTQ+ Task Force, visit thetaskforce.org/creating-change/.The post The Task Forces Creating Change conference brings community, collaboration and action to Las Vegas appeared first on News Is Out.

The Sundance Institute named Eugene Hernandez as Sundance Film Festival Director of the Park City-based (for now) fest in 2022. He previously worked as the Festival Director at the New York Film Festival and is a Member-at-Large of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and serves on the board of advisors for SXSW, [...]The post Sundance Film Festival Director Eugene Hernandez Talks Urgency of Queer Storytelling at this Years Fest and the Resilience of Artists first appeared on GLAAD.

Lexi Love may be best known as the high-energy queen from season 17 of RuPauls Drag Race, but today, shes making waves by sharing her HIV status and calling out the Trump administration.When President Donald Trumps team overhauled the official White House website on inauguration day, not only was the Spanish-language version of the site taken down and the accessibility features wiped out, but all references to the LGBTQ+ community and HIV resources were pulled down from federal government webpagesIn the wake of the wake of this move by Trump, the trans queen took to Instagram to speak out and seems to have announced that shes HIV-positive in the process. My health and well being as an entertainer is at risk now, Lexi wrote about the information being pulled from the White House website. I am personally affected by this stance and will work to use this new platform to not only find resources for myself but those who I am connected to socially and here! Im so sorry everyone! This is hard and its frustrating and its insulting.See on InstagramWhile the post was mostly met with support from followers, some people were rude and clearly didnt understand why having HIV information and resources on a government website is important.When someone asked if people actually turn to the federal government website for those resources, Lexi opened up and shared her own personal experience.I actually utilized the government funded program for over 10 years and its the only reason that I am alive today, she responded.See on InstagramMy heart is broken for the lack of education surrounding HIV protection in our community; I really did not think that I would have to explain myself like this today but it seems appropriate and necessary, she captioned a screenshot of the back-and-forth she had with the commenter.Lexi has now joined a long line of drag queens who put themselves at risk by speaking truth to power, which is even more impressive considering her trans identity and Trump making it clear with an executive order that only the binary male and female genders would be recognized by the government.

Conservative states across the country have been rolling back reproductive rights since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022, but now a Democratic politician from Mississippi is introducing a bill that will impact mens sex lives.Mississippi state Sen. Bradford Blackmon, a Democrat, introduced the Contraception Begins at Erection Act that would make it illegal for men to masturbate or have sex where they arent trying to fertilize an embryo.The controversial bill, introduced Monday, would slap people who "discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo with a $1,000 fine for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense, and $10,000 for any subsequent offenses.The 34-year-old Mississippi attorney and freshman state senator pointed to men historically being excluded from responsibility when it comes to abortion bans and laws targeting contraception as the reason why hes pushing the bill."All across the country, especially here in Mississippi, the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the womans role when men are fifty percent of the equation," he said in a statement to WLBT News. "This bill highlights that fact and brings the mans role into the conversation. People can get up in arms and call it absurd but I cant say that bothers me. (@) Mississippi is one of 12 states that have total or near-total abortion bans that took effect after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade.The proposed legislation includes an exception for using contraception to prevent pregnancy and sperm donations "sold to a facility for the purpose of future procedures to fertilize an embryo but would otherwise ban masturbation for men. It is unclear how this would impact sex between gay men.If the bill passed through the GOP-led state legislature with a majority vote and is signed by Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, it would go into effect in July, NBC News reports.Blackmon did not immediately respond to PRIDEs request for comment.

Nitza Rubenstein, owner of Julia's Tienda Latina, a grocery store selling products from Latin America poses for a photo in Flandreau, S.D., Jan. 16, 2025. Rubenstein, who came to the U.S. from Honduras decades ago, is a community activist who assists younger generations of migrants, many in the U.S. illegally, who have flocked to this rural state seeking a brighter future. (AP Photo/Joshua Goodman)2025-01-23T18:04:45Z PIERRE, S.D. (AP) On a face-numbingly frigid afternoon last week, Gov. Kristi Noem used a farewell address to South Dakotans to warn of an invasion far away from the states windswept prairies and freedom-loving farmers.The illegal aliens and got-aways crossing the southern border, the governor said, pose an existential threat to the U.S. economy and national security, spreading cartel violence and deadly drugs.We see the consequences of Washingtons inaction here, said Noem, President Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a job that would put her at the forefront of the administrations promised immigration crackdown. Even known terrorists have crossed the border amongst the illegals and they could be anywhere.But Noems heated rhetoric belies a stark reality: With unemployment at 1.9% the lowest in the country her state faces an acute labor shortage and has grown increasingly dependent on the same migrants she may be tasked with deporting. Its those migrants, many in the U.S. illegally, who provide the low-paid labor powering the booming slaughterhouses, dairy farms and construction sites in South Dakota. And any immigration actions spearheaded by Noem, who is expected to be confirmed by the Senate in coming days, could have crippling consequences for businesses in her own backyard. That disconnect reflects a broader clash with fellow Republicans here who say shes put her own ambition for higher office ahead of local needs. The tension is most apparent in her embrace of Trumps hardline stance on immigration. Whether its expressing support for a Muslim ban during Trumps first administration, or dispatching South Dakotas national guard to the southern border war zone more than 1,000 miles away, Noem has left little doubt she will follow Trumps orders.And that is what is terrifying migrants, business owners and advocates alike. If strict enforcement comes into play, were going to drown in our own red meat, said Ray Epp, a hog farmer and former Yankton County commissioner, who noted the unparalleled work ethic and growing presence of migrant laborers in the states pork industry. Thered be a crash. Nitza Rubenstein, a community activist who works closely with migrants, was even more blunt: Whos going to milk the cows? If the Latinos dont, nobody will.Freedom fighter brand of politicsIn Noems telling, her fathers death in a farming accident in 1994 produced a political awakening that would come to define her small government, freedom fighter brand of politics.Pregnant at the time, she dropped out of college to take the reins of the family business soon feuding with bureaucrats over what she called a death tax that nearly bankrupted the ranch.Overseeing all the operations was eye-opening, she wrote in No Going Back, an autobiography that drew scorn last year for describing how she killed a rambunctious puppy. The government had its hand in everything we did.Twelve years later, at the urging of Tom Daschle, then the top Democrat in the U.S. Senate, Noem ran for the state Legislature as a Republican. An unbeaten string of eight electoral victories followed on her way to Congress and then the top office in the Mount Rushmore State. Noem won those races thanks to a homespun and hard-knuckled approach to politics. As if to emphasize her reputation for bashing opponents, she ended her State of the State address last week handing her longtime lieutenant governor a signed baseball bat.This used to be an old mens club, said Jim Smith, the Capitols longtime sergeant at arms, who remembers when lawmakers kept whisky bottles on their desk and filled the chambers with cigar smoke. You need sharp elbows to survive. Wooing TrumpShe catapulted to national prominence in 2020 as South Dakota rejected COVID-19 restrictions and remained open for business during the pandemic. That year she also wooed Trump to Mount Rushmore for a Fourth of July fireworks display over the objection of federal bureaucrats concerned about potential wildfires.As her national profile has risen, South Dakotas first female governor feuded repeatedly with state Republican lawmakers who said they believe she has been more focused on auditioning for Trump than on the states needs. Those fights range from her use of a government plane to attend out-of-state political events, state funding for a shooting range the Legislature previously rejected and a pipeline project she backed over the objections of landowners.Valuable time has been wasted on one persons political aspirations while life-changing issues have gone on the back burner, said Steven Haugaard, a former speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives who challenged Noem in 2022 for the Republican nomination for governor, garnering 24% of the vote.As her political ambition outgrew the newly fenced-in governors residence in Pierre, Noem increasingly has turned her attention to immigration, though her record was not always as harsh as her rhetoric. In 2019, for example, Noem rejected an offer by the first Trump administration to stop South Dakotas cooperation with a U.S. State Department program to resettle refugees. Its not clear how she feels about that program now. In her address last week, she criticized programs that have allowed many thousands who caught a free plane ride over our borders courtesy of the federal government.At her Senate confirmation hearing last week, Democrats questioned Noems qualifications for the job. As DHS secretary, shell be charged with managing the third-largest federal agency, with 240,000 employees and a budget of $108 billion more than 15 times the spending of South Dakota, with just 13,000 workers.The sprawling department is not only responsible for running immigration and border policy but oversees agencies investigating terrorism and cybersecurity threats as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Secret Service.When asked how she would protect rural states from work shortages while carrying out Trumps deportation plans, she offered few details other than to say shell focus initially on what she claimed were 425,000 migrants with criminal convictions.The number of migrants encountered trying to enter the U.S. skyrocketed under President Joe Biden, peaking in December 2023, when officials reported 301,000 encounters at the border. But theyve since ebbed to less than a third that amount.Noem, 53, didnt respond to repeated interview requests but has left little doubt on how she will run DHS.We will ensure that our borders are secure, she told the committee, and were addressing all threats that may come in from any direction.Migrants, business owners are anxious about crackdownAmong those bracing for the crackdown is a young Guatemalan couple living without legal status in a prairie hamlet about an hour from Noems homestead.Yoni and Petrona fell in love in South Dakota after each handed over their lifes savings to human smugglers, known as coyotes, to guide them across the U.S. border during the pandemic. Like many migrants interviewed by the AP, the two lack health insurance, a drivers license and cant open a bank account. But that hasnt stopped them from finding work.Within two weeks of arriving, Yoni, just 15 at the time, landed a job at the local egg farm for $12 an hour with a fake green card he bought for $150. He now earns double that in construction and says hes able to wire more remittances to family in Guatemala than friends who settled in California because rent in his state is cheap.The couples dream is to gain legal status or save enough to return home and provide their 18-month-old daughter, who was born in the U.S., a better upbringing than the one they had. The Associated Press agreed not to disclose the couples last names because they are afraid of being arrested and deported. Things are a little bit better here, Yoni said in Spanish on a rare day off because his employer suspended work due to the extreme cold. At least I know that if I work hard here Ill get paid.The couple, who spoke to the AP days before Trump was sworn in, live in fear that Noem will follow through on the threats and one day separate them from their daughter. Ive heard that theyre only going to deport the mothers and the kids will stay here, said Petrona. Imagine that.But those fears, stoked by Trump and Noem, dont match the warm welcome migrants described in nearby Huron, where on a recent evening a red wolf moon flooded the desolate plains surrounding the towns turkey plant.A co-op of ethnic German Hutterite farmers, who arrived in the 19th century, own the Dakota Provisions plant. But migrants from Venezuela, Thailand and other countries, earning around $14 per hour, perform the dangerous, back-breaking work.Huron, population 14,000, flourished with the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s, attracting migrants from all over Europe. But when the rail depot fell into disuse in the 1960s, the city began a long decline: a college closed, businesses shuttered and families uprooted.Migrants are now fueling something of a rural renaissance.The first contingent arrived some 20 years ago from Mexico and Central America. The latest are refugees fleeing ethnic violence in Myanmar. At the Beadle County courthouse, translation services are now offered in seven languages: Arabic, French, Karen, Nepali, Russian, Spanish and Swahili. A beef processing plant that is about to break ground is expected to attract even more foreign workers.All the while, the towns high school soccer team has become competitive. A half-dozen Latin bodegas sell exotic foods. And once-abandoned parks are brimming with families.Its not an invasion its an invitation, said Todd Manolis, owner of Manolis Grocery on Main Street. There were lots of growing pains at first. But without a doubt they saved us.On a recent afternoon, as Manolis waited on customers who chewed the fat and bought goods on store credit, the owner pointed to the stores license hanging from a wall. It showed the business had been started a century ago by Manolis grandfather, shortly after his arrival as an immigrant from Greece. ___Associated Press writer Stephen Groves contributed to this report from Washington. JOSHUA GOODMAN Goodman is a Miami-based investigative reporter who writes about the intersection of crime, corruption, drug trafficking and politics in Latin America. He previously spent two decades reporting from South America. twitter mailto JIM MUSTIAN Mustian is an Associated Press investigative reporter for breaking news. twitter mailto

A drill rig stands at a Fervo Energy geothermal site near Milford, Utah, Nov. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt, File)2025-01-23T14:31:43Z As promised, President Donald Trump began reversing the countrys energy policies his first day in office with a spate of orders largely favoring oil, gas and coal. But there is one renewable energy that did find favor: geothermal. Energy experts say that makes sense geothermal energy makes electricity 24/7. Many people working in the field came from the oil and gas industry and they use much of the same technology for drilling wells. Trump strongly supports and gets support from the oil and gas industry. And theres bipartisan support in Congress for geothermal. The embrace of advanced geothermal under this new administration, Id say is not a giant surprise, said Alex Kania, a managing director at Marathon Capital. Its reliable, its efficient, and frankly their ties to the more conventional forms of energy production, I think, is probably not lost on some people. Geothermal creates electricity cleanly by making steam from the Earths natural heat and using that steam to spin a turbine. Its a climate solution because it reduces the need for traditional power plants that burn fossil fuels and cause climate change. Trump declared an energy emergency on Monday, and included geothermal heat as one of the domestic energy resources that could help ensure a reliable, diversified and affordable supply of energy. Solar, wind and battery storage were omitted, and wind was singled out in a separate order with measures intended to slow it down. Geothermal is heating up and the Trump administration is going to empower the industry over the next four years to achieve its potential, said Bryant Jones, executive director of the geothermal trade association, Geothermal Rising.Its a vibrant business right now.New geothermal companies are adapting technology and practices from oil and gas to create steam from ubiquitous hot rock. That would make this kind of electricity possible in many more places. The Energy Department estimates the next generation of geothermal projects could provide some 90 gigawatts in the U.S. by 2050 enough to power 65 million homes or more. Former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm supported geothermal as a climate solution. Trumps pick for energy secretary, Chris Wright, is a fossil fuel executive who values geothermal, too. His company, Denver-based Liberty Energy, invested in Fervo Energy, a Houston-based geothermal company. Wright said at his confirmation hearing that hes excited about geothermal as an an enormous, abundant energy resource below everyones feet. Wrights appointment is a clear signal that this administration will support geothermal, said Terra Rogers, a program director who focuses on the technology at the nonprofit Clean Air Task Force.Hes well-informed of its risks and opportunities, and continues to be a strong advocate for what it could be, Rogers said. The United States is a world leader in electricity made from geothermal energy, but it still accounts for less than half a percent of the nations total large-scale generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The big states are California, Nevada, Utah, Hawaii, Oregon, Idaho and New Mexico, where reservoirs of steam, or very hot water, lie close to the surface. In its first actions this week, the new administration also indicated support for nuclear power and removing obstacles to mining uranium, which can be refined into nuclear fuel. Like geothermal, nuclear power does not cause climate change. The executive order also backs hydropower. Solar is the fastest-growing source of electricity generation in the United States. Trump wants to increase production of oil and gas in order for the U.S. to have the lowest-cost energy and electricity of any nation in the world, he says. He took aim at wind energy, temporarily halting offshore wind lease sales in federal waters and pausing federal approvals, permits and loans for projects both onshore and offshore. Trump says wind turbines are horrible, only work with subsidies and are many, many times more expensive than natural gas. Offshore wind is one of the most expensive sources of new power generation, but onshore wind is cheaper than new natural gas plants, according to estimates from the Energy Information Administration. Jones, at Geothermal Rising, said the industry hopes the support for geothermal energy will lead to streamlined permitting, more federal research and tax credits to promote innovation.Sage Geosystems in Houston is a geothermal company launched by former executives at oil and gas giant Shell. CEO Cindy Taff said its exciting to see more momentum building for geothermal. She hopes it will spur investment in large projects, including those that meet surging demand for electricity from data centers and artificial intelligence, and projects to make military facilities energy resilient. If geothermal projects could multiply fast across the country, she said, it would bring the cost down, and that would be good for everyone. This could be the decade of geothermal, Taff said. ___The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. JENNIFER McDERMOTT McDermott is a reporter on the Associated Press Climate and Environment team. She focuses on the transition to clean energy. twitter mailto

This week, Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde delivered a powerful sermon in the National Cathedral prayer service for the inauguration, fearlessly speaking truth to power about the realities all marginalized people face under the new presidential administration. She urged mercy and compassion directly from the pulpit. President Trump, Vice President Vance, their families, and key administration [...]The post Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde Delivers Powerful Inauguration Sermon in Support of Immigrants and LGBTQ People first appeared on GLAAD.

Karla Sofa Gascn has made history as the first openly transgender actor to receive an Academy Award nomination. The Spanish actress earned the recognition for her groundbreaking performance in the lead role of Emilia Prez, a musical crime film directed by Jacques Audiard, now streaming on Netflix.In Emilia Prez, Gascn portrays the titular character, Emilia, a ruthless and powerful drug lord who decides to fake her death and undergo gender-affirming surgery. To navigate this dangerous transition, she enlists the help of a lawyer, Rita, played by Zoe Saldaa. The film blends elements of crime and musical genres, providing a complex and dynamic platform for Gascns performance. Film critic Peter Debruge of Variety commended Gascn for electrifying the screen with her portrayal, highlighting her magnetic presence and emotional depth in the role.This historic nomination isnt Gascns first breakthrough in the entertainment industry this awards season. Earlier, she became the first transgender woman to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. The honor was shared with her co-stars Zoe Saldaa, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. Gascn also made history as the first openly transgender woman to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her acting.Gascns achievements come as a significant milestone for both the transgender community and the entertainment industry, which has historically underrepresented trans actors. While she is the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Oscar, she is not the first trans person to be recognized by the Academy. Three openly transgender individuals have been nominated in other categories before: composer Angela Morley, musician Anohni, and documentarian Yance Ford. Additionally, Elliot Page was nominated for his role in Juno (2007) prior to his public transition in 2020.The Oscars have also recognized cisgender actors for portraying transgender characters, such as Jared Leto, who won an Academy Award for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, Hilary Swank, who won for Boys Dont Cry, and Eddie Redmayne, who received a nomination for his role in The Danish Girl. While these performances were lauded, Gascns nomination marks a new era where a transgender actor is celebrated for playing a transgender character in a leading role.Before her role in Emilia Prez, Gascn was well-known for her work in television, particularly in telenovelas. She gained widespread recognition for her role in El Seor de los Cielos, a hit series produced by Telemundo that won an International Emmy. She also starred in Rebelde, a Netflix series popular among young audiences, where she showcased her versatility as an actress. Her film career includes a standout performance in Nosotros los Nobles (2013), a dark comedy directed by Gaz Alazraki.Gascns journey to becoming an Academy Award nominee reflects the broader movement for increased diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, especially for LGBTQ+ performers. Her recognition at the Oscars is not only a personal achievement but also a win for visibility, offering representation for transgender people both in front of and behind the camera.As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, Gascns nomination is a powerful reminder of the progress being made in the fight for equality. The recognition of trans actors, both in leading and supporting roles, is an important step toward ensuring that Hollywood truly reflects the diversity of the world it represents. Gascns achievement highlights the importance of creating spaces where all stories can be told authentically and where talent, regardless of gender identity, is celebrated.As the Oscars approach, the conversation surrounding Gascns nomination is expected to spark further dialogue about inclusion in the film industry, as well as the representation of transgender characters and actors in mainstream media. Gascns breakthrough moment stands as a symbol of hope for aspiring actors and filmmakers from marginalized communities, signaling that the industry is slowly becoming more open and accepting.Karla Sofa Gascns nomination is not just a personal triumph; it is a historic milestone for the transgender community in Hollywood, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of performers. With more diverse stories and voices reaching the forefront of the entertainment world, the future of film looks brighter for everyone.The post Karla Sofa Gascn Makes History as First Openly Transgender Actor Nominated for an Academy Award appeared first on Gayety.

John Ratcliffe, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)2025-01-23T19:26:35Z WASHINGTON (AP) The Senate on Thursday confirmed John Ratcliffe as CIA director, giving President Donald Trump the second member of his new Cabinet.Ratcliffe was director of national intelligence during Trumps first term and is the first person to have held that position and the top post at the CIA, the nations premier spy agency. The Texas Republican is a former federal prosecutor who emerged as a fierce Trump defender while serving as a congressman during Trumps first impeachment.The vote was 74-25.At his Senate hearing last week, Ratcliffe said the CIA must do better when it comes to using technology such as artificial intelligence to confront adversaries including Russia and China. He said the United States needed to improve its intelligence capabilities while also ensuring the protection of Americans civil rights.Ratcliffe said that if confirmed, he would push the CIA to do more to harness technologies such as AI and quantum computing while expanding use of human intelligence collection. Were not where were supposed to be, Ratcliffe told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Democrats raised questions about Ratcliffes objectivity and whether his loyalty to Trump would prompt him to politicize his position and blind him to the duties of the job. Concerns from Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., forced the Senates Republican leaders to postpone Ratcliffes confirmation vote, which originally was scheduled for Tuesday. Former Florida Sen. Marco Rubio was confirmed earlier this week as secretary of state, the first member of Trumps Cabinet.Ratcliffe has said he views China as Americas greatest geopolitical rival, and that Russia, Iran, North Korea and drug cartels, hacking gangs and terrorist organizations also pose challenges to national security.He supports the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a government spying program that allows authorities to collect without warrant the communications of non-Americans outside the country. If those people are communicating with Americans, those conversations can be swept up, too, which has led to questions about violations of personal rights. Trump and other Republicans have criticized the work of the CIA and other spy agencies, saying they have focused too much on climate change, workforce diversity and other issues.The calls for a broad overhaul have worried some current and former intelligence officials who say the changes could make the country less safe.Like other Trump nominees, Ratcliffe is a Trump loyalist. Aside from his work to defend Trump during his first impeachment proceedings, Ratcliffe also forcefully questioned former special counsel Robert Mueller when he testified before lawmakers about his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.As director of national intelligence, Ratcliffe oversaw and coordinated the work of more than a dozen spy agencies. Among other duties, the office directs efforts to detect and counter foreign efforts to influence U.S. politics. Trump picked Ratcliffe to serve in that position in 2019, but he quickly withdrew from consideration after lawmakers raised questions about his qualifications. He was ultimately confirmed by a sharply divided Senate after Trump resubmitted the nomination.In that job, Ratcliffe was accused by Democrats of politicizing intelligence when he declassified Russian intelligence that purported to reveal information about Democrats during the 2016 election even as he acknowledged the information might not be accurate.Trumps second-term nominee for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, faces a tougher road to confirmation. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has faced bipartisan criticism over past comments supportive of Russia and 2017 meetings with then-Syrian President Bashar Assad.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order regarding the southern border in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)2025-01-23T16:30:47Z An executive order President Donald Trump signed on his first day back in office offers a new federal government definition of the sexes that could have a major impact on transgender people nationwide.The order calls for the federal government to define sex as only male or female and for that to be reflected on official documents such as passports and policies such as federal prison assignments. As for federal spending, its not clear what his vow to end broader gender classifications will mean on the ground.Many of the provisions are likely to be challenged in court.Heres a look at the order. Defining male and female based on cells that dont exist at conceptionThe order declares that there are just two sexes, male and female. It rejects that people can transition from one gender to another or be considered something other than male or female such as nonbinary, which describes people who dont identify as strictly men or women, or intersex.The position reflects what many social conservatives have called for and conflicts with what the American Medical Association and other mainstream medical groups say: that extensive scientific research suggests sex and gender are better understood as a spectrum than as an either-or definition.Trumps order says it is intended to protect womens spaces from those who self-identify as women.It defines the sexes in an unconventional way, based on the reproductive cells large cells in females or small ones in males. And it suggests that humans have those cells at conception. Biologists say thats a problem because egg cells develop many weeks later, and sperm cells are produced at puberty, not at conception.At that stage, sexual differentiation has not started to take place, said Carl Bergstrom, a University of Washington evolutionary biologist. I cant see any logically coherent way to interpret the definition in this executive order, given the addition of the phrase at conception.Bergstrom said a scientific explanation could specify sex chromosomes, but the executive order seems to deliberately avoid that, presumably to sidestep the range of variations that include intersex people, who have physical traits that dont fit typical definitions for male or female categories. What parts of the order are in effect?The order has been signed, but much of it requires more federal action.Nothing is in effect, said Heron Greenesmith, deputy director of policy at the Transgender Law Center.The executive order tells one White House staff member to draft a bill for Congress within 30 days that would codify the definitions into law. Federal agencies must tell the president within 120 days what theyve done to comply with the order. Some parts might require going through the regulatory process or passing new laws.Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, a Lambda Legal lawyer, said on a call with journalists this week that the order does not change current law but rather creates a clear signal and road map of where this administrations policies lie when it comes to transgender people.State laws on participation in sports, bathroom use, gender-affirming care and other issues are not directly affected. What does it mean for federally-issued documents?The order calls for passports, visas and Global Entry cards to reflect the administrations definition of sexes.The State Department, which is responsible for passports, declined to answer questions about the current state of policy. The order suggests getting rid of the X designation that has been available on passports since 2021 after a long legal battle waged by an intersex activist.A department webpage that described how people could change their gender marker was taken offline, and Chase Strangio, an ACLU lawyer, said its unlikely that any new application to change the gender marker on a passport will be approved.What about transgender federal prison inmates?The order contains specific details on how it should apply in federal prisons, which house nearly 2,300 transgender inmates about 1.5% of the total population.It calls for housing transgender women there are more than 1,500 in mens prisons, and for halting gender-affirming medical care.At least two transgender inmates have had government-funded gender-affirming surgery in recent years as a result of court orders. A larger number have received other treatment, such as hormones. Sarah Warbelow, legal director at Human Rights Campaign, said court orders that grant inmates access to treatment remain in effect, even if federal policy changes.The ACLU says its heard from some defense lawyers that incarcerated transgender women were being moved into isolation or being told they would be transferred to mens prisons.The Bureau of Prisons did not respond to questions about whether inmates are to be moved. Will this stop Medicaid from paying for gender-affirming care?Medicaid, a joint federal-state health insurance program for lower-income people, covers gender-affirming care in some states.Former President Joe Bidens administration adopted a rule to make it do so nationally. But judges put that on hold.So far, its unclear what might happen to the coverage in states that chose to offer it.Lindsey Dawson, director of LGBTQ health policy at the health policy research organization KFF, said that eliminating the coverage where its already in place would likely involve a long process and, like others, would probably face court challenges.___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. GEOFF MULVIHILL Covering state government issues nationally twitter mailto CARLA K. JOHNSON Johnson covers research in cancer, addiction and more for The Associated Press. She is a member of APs Health and Science team. twitter mailto

Its a sunny Sunday afternoon in San Franciscos Mission District a welcomed reprieve from the more-frequent chilly, overcast, windy and rainy conditions in the city this time of the year.The warmer weather translates to people being out and about, stopping by popular local establishments such as Bi-Rite Creamery and Market, Dog Eared Books, and Tartine Bakery, and basking in the warmth at Mission Dolores Park.Another go-to spot, adjacent to the neighborhoods bustling Mission and Valencia streets, is an alley, with its lure being multitudinous, diverse murals on buildings walls and residences garage doors.Its the Clarion Alley Mural Project, or CAMP, and its where Oakland-based visual artist Marcel Pardo Arizas call to action mural Hire Trans Folks resides.One of my favorite things about the Mission is the resistance movement behind it, and how murals can be so political, Ariza said in a Google Meet video interview with the Bay Area Reporter.Arizas mural, a nod to the same-named campaign they launched with the citys Transgender District, is located on the right-hand side when entering from Valencia. Its colors hues of orange, yellow, and brown are bold; its all-capital-letters statement, HIRE TRANS FOLKS, is centered and large; and its accompanying message (also in all caps) Create trans friendly workplaces, provide gender affirming healthcare, professional development, all gender restrooms, fair compensation, job security, use correct pronouns, prioritize Black and Brown folks is succinct.Its really about, if people want to support trans people, hire trans people, right? Give us resources, a stable income, job security, health care all of these things that make it so that trans people can exist and thrive, Ariza said, adding, [a]nd it doesnt have an exclamation mark at the end its not necessarily a demanding thing. Its just kind of like, Hey, you can just do this, too?Ariza, who identifies as queer and trans, was one of 38 local artists and poets selected to contribute their work to Manifest Differently, a multi-site exhibition that interrogate[s] the history of Manifest Destiny and its legacies of inherited and perpetuated violence, trauma, and addiction, and the outgrowth of resistance and resilience giving fire to movements for social/culture change, as described on CAMPs website.They were like, We want to have your voice here, Ariza said about CAMPs interest in including them in the project and having their work featured on Clarion Alley.The eight-month project wrapped up in April 2024, with the murals themselves, such as Hire Trans Folks, longer-lasting, still viewable (albeit with some graffiti) on the small alleys sides as of January.Aware of the figurative murals throughout the alley, Ariza, 33, wasnt sure what the public response to their calligraphy-leaning piece would be when they completed it in August 2023, thereafter on display for all to see and read.I didnt know if it was going to be a good fit, but a lot of people have had really good things to say about it. Ive had so many people take selfies in front of it, they shared.For the trans community, the mural is a visual affirmation of both community and necessities, while also pointing to ongoing issues.So many trans folks resonate with what it says, because weve all faced workplace discrimination in one way or another. So I feel like it just hits this place of realizing, Oh, its not just me, they said.Artist Marcel Pardo Ariza poses in his studio in front of framed photographs depicting their friends and kin in different positions, some of them hugging. Photo: Salimatu AmabebeAriza, whos represented by OCHI Gallery, gravitates toward constructed photography, site-specific installations, and public programming that center on telling the stories of impactful and often-underrepresented queer individuals deserving of the spotlight and remembrance.To me, its important to make work that enters our history, because trans people of color have been left out of our history for so long. And I really feel like culture is where history happens, so if were not there, were kind of remaining invisible, they explained.An artists rootsFor Ariza, life has involved learning how to respond to environments in which theyve found themself.They spent their childhood in Botog, Colombia in a very Catholic environment; in the 1990s, i.e. the heyday of their youth, the country was rife with political instability and violence.I mean, theres still some [violence], but at that time, there was just a lot, they recalled about the decade.Their parents, whom they described as more theater people and teachers, used art as a means of resistance, imparting a way of being on young Ariza.I felt they kind of taught me this idea of joy in the midst of a constant crisis, Ariza shared.At age 16, Ariza left home for school in Costa Rica, taking their belongings and that life lesson with them. From there, it was onto North America, where they enrolled in undergraduate courses at Earlham College, a private liberal arts school with an underlying Quaker ethos in Richmond, Indiana. The city is home to over 35,000 residents, with about 79.9% identifying as white, according to the 2020 census.For Ariza, those initial years in the United States brought awareness.I was like, This is the U.S.? This is kind of wild. And I think it was one of the first times that I felt bothered in that way of being a Brown person, a queer person. I had a thicker accent back then, and so there were all these microaggressions of like, if I had to make a phone call, people would be like, I cant understand you, and hang up the phone and things like that, Ariza said.But spending four years at Earlham also meant they were able to make connections with people whose backgrounds and identities differed from theirs as well as with the minorities who lived in the city.Ariza said, It made me realize that I like building bridges with people who are different from me. And I felt kinship between me walking in an Indiana town with other queer people or other immigrants was so strong. I was like, Oh, this is very special when you connect with other people who feel the way that you do.About the latter individuals, they added, When we think about those places [i.e., a small town in a conservative state], we forget about the people who are deciding to stay there or dont have the luxury of moving out of there or creating resistance movements. And I thought that was so powerful, because all of the odds are really against them.Post-college graduation, Ariza moved to Brooklyn, New York, busying themself with gallery and art-handling work.I was just working under the table trying to get my [immigration] papers in order, they explained.During their time in New York City, a major portion of the Defense of Marriage Act was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, in the United States v. Windsor case (2013), ruling that DOMAs section three was unconstitutional that the federal government cannot discriminate against gay couples to determine federal benefits and protections.It was the first time that same-sex couples from different nationalities got federal benefits. I remember during that time, people were having conversations about whether or not same-sex marriage should even exist. It was also happening within the queer community. And so I always was like, Oh, this is really interesting, because for an immigrant queer person, this is a really life-changing policy, Ariza said.Ive been kind of dealing with immigration for 14 years now, and you realize those small victories do have an impact on so many people, they added.Finding community in San FranciscoIn 2014, Ariza made the trek from one coast to another to work on their masters degree at San Francisco Art Institute, a private contemporary art college (it closed in 2022).When I came to San Francisco, it was the first time that I felt like I met so many queer people, they said.They lived in the Mission, embracing and being embraced by the citys LGBTQ+ community and experiencing personal growth as an artist and individual.At that time, one of my friends got top surgery, and I was also just kind of coming to terms with my own transness, and the Bay just artistically became such a good home for me. The community here is amazing. Everyones lifting each other up because its so hard to stay, they said, referring to how expensive it is to live in the area.During those initial years in the city, they found a supportive infrastructure in the form of other LGBTQ+ creatives, including Julie Tolentino, a queer Filipinx-Salvadoran interdisciplinary artist, and Tolentinos partner, trans artist and performer Stosh Fila, also known as Pigpen.They kind of took me under their wing, and it was the first time that I had queer mentors. I was with older queers who didnt have kids, who were artists, and my mind was just sort of blown away. I didnt know that existed, shared Ariza.Tolentino is currently a visiting associate professor of the Practice in the Brown Arts Institute at Brown University. Shes also the co-founder of Clit Club, the legendary queer and sex-positive Friday night party held in Manhattans Meatpacking District in the 1990s, and appears in erotic photographs in Madonnas Sex book (1992).In an email to the B.A.R., Tolentino and Fila described Ariza as friend, family, future with contagious energy.Through encounters with their art, the projects they organize, and the width of friends and community they are deeply invested in, you cannot help but feel pulled into their fold, they wrote.As they do in all of their work and the queer/trans/gender-expansive beings who are their subjects and their inspiration, Marcel hones in on fierce poetics: visible and invisible sensual embodiments, the jagged lines of sex, labor, class, race, difference, alt worlds, and abilities. Their art highlights, processes, goes public. They reframe the notion of the document. They open themselves to anothers mark, imprint, scars historicizing and transforming the collective, Tolentino and Fila continued.Making their mark as an artistSince their move to the Bay Area, Ariza has had their work featured in art hubs such as the Institute of Contemporary Art San Jos; McEvoy Foundation for the Arts (closed in 2023); Palo Alto Art Center; San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries; and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Their pieces have also garnered various accolades, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Arts 2022 SECA Award, an annual recognition bestowed to Bay Area artists.The SECA Award gave Ariza the opportunity to exhibit their installation, I Am Very Lucky, Very Lucky To Be Trans (2022), in SFMOMA. It featured photographs that Ariza had taken of 33 Bay Area trans, intersex and gender-nonconforming changemakers, creatives, and leaders, including Honey Mahogany, the executive director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives and the co-founder of the SF Transgender District.In an email to the B.A.R., Mahogany, a Black trans person, reflected on her first time working with Ariza, which was for a photo shoot with legendary drag artist Juanita MORE! in front of San Francisco City Hall.The photo was taken at the end of [President Donald] Trumps first term and is still one of my favorite photos of myself. It spoke to our pride, defiance, and strength as a community, as well as our hope for the future, she wrote.For Mahogany, Arizas art is an affecting tribute to marginalized communities.In many ways, Marcels work has been a much needed celebration of who we are as trans people, queer people, people of color, immigrants The work is beautiful and feels urgent and important at the same time. I am so very proud to be trans, and so very proud to be included in Marcels work, she commented.Mahogany and Ariza have connected for other happenings, such as the Trans Leadership & Caring Futures panel in 2023, with Ariza as the organizer and moderator and Mahogany as one of the featured participants.Ariza has also worked with MORE! in the role of curator for Juanita: 30 Years of MORE! at San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries, which the B.A.R. had previously reported. It was an honor to be acknowledged by the San Francisco Arts Commission and my community for my 30 years in drag. It was also incredible to share my story while I am still here to tell it, stated MORE! in an email to the B.A.R.She holds Ariza and their curating skills in high regard, noting that partnering with them for Juanita: 30 Years of MORE! was a positive experience.[It] was a joy because we love and respect each other. Marcel dove into the project with great enthusiasm. Over the years, I accumulated so much stuff that narrowing down what we would be showing was tough. Working with Marcel made that a lot easier. They possessed the ability to create something extraordinary by seeing my world through their own eyes and conveying it beautifully and uniquely. Id be thrilled to work with Marcel anytime, MORE! commented.Paying tribute to the past in the presentSan Francisco isnt considered the LGBTQ+ capital of the world without reason. With queer neighborhoods like the Castro; nightlife staples like El Rio, the Stud, Jolenes, the Lookout, Oasis, and Mother; and organizations like the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, El/La Para TransLatinas (of which Ariza is an advisory committee member), and LYRIC Center for LGBTQQ+ Youth, its a city that has a lot to offer in terms of socializing, inclusive spaces, and resources.What we have here is so special thats why so many queer and trans people come here. The fact that we go outside, that we can look at each other, we can flirt, we can be public I feel like we sometimes forget how special it is and how many liberties we get to have here, commented Ariza.For them, the queer history of the city is an ever-important consideration, and their artwork, such as All the Nights We Got to Dance, intentionally shines a spotlight on it. The site-specific multimedia installations opening coincided with the GLBT Historical Societys 39th anniversary, with both celebrated at Living History, an event held in April 2024.Ive loved working with the GLBT Historical Society, working with their archives, seeing how much of where history has happened in San Francisco, they said.All the Nights We Got to Dance appears in the ground floor window of a hotel in the Transgender District (in the Tenderloin). It features replicas of signs from iconic San Francisco LGBTQ+ venues and bars, such as the Lexington Club, Finocchios, and Aunt Charlies Lounge.In an email to the B.A.R., Roberto Ordeana, executive director of the GLBT Historical Society, described Arizas installation as a breathtaking celebration of queer and trans resilience and joy.By honoring historic spaces that shaped San Franciscos LGBTQ+ nightlife, Marcel has created a poignant tribute to community, memory, and the vital cultural legacies of these venues, he wrote.Ordeana, a former San Francisco arts commissioner, also touched upon Arizas larger contributions as an artist.Through their art and activism, Marcel has profoundly impacted the LGBTQ+ community, elevating stories of intergenerational connection, collective care, and cultural resistance. Their work invites us to reflect on the past and inspires us to cherish and protect the spaces where our community and stories thrive, he commented.Culture makerIn 2023, Ariza was able to obtain a U.S. passport. It was a meaningful accomplishment for them and a source of inspiration for their art.Now that I finally have my passport, I feel this sense of relief, but I also feel like now I can say certain things or do certain work about trans migrants, when I feel like were just being a target all over again. So it just feels like crazy timing, they explained.Arizas currently working on a solo show that will open in August, during Transgender History Month, at Galera de la Razas 16th Street studio in the Mission.Its really exciting, because Galera de la Raza is one of the most important art spaces for Latinx artists. So many amazing Latinx artists have shown there since the 1970s. So Ive always wanted to do that, and it felt like the right time to reach out to Ani Rivera to do this project, Ariza said.Rivera did not respond to a request for comment.Arizas show will center on uplifting trans Latinx immigrants and creating culture with them.My goal for the show is to visualize a lot of people who I feel like are part of the trans community in San Francisco, that maybe are undocumented, monolingual, asylum seekers and to give them a place to know that theyre not struggling with all these things alone, they shared.But thats not their only aim for the project.I want someone who is coming from Latin America, Ariza said, to see this show as a way of being like, Oh shit. Its possible to be here. Its possible to cross the border to fight for who you are and to really become who you want to be without being afraid of losing your life.Queer resilienceThe new year brings new leadership, locally with San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie replacing London Breed, and nationally with Trump returning to the Oval Office and former President Joe Biden ending his term. Inevitably, changes loom.For Ariza, the past serves as evidence that the LGBTQ+ community will meet whatevers to come head-on.The day after the election, I went back to look at all my queer history books, and I was like, Weve gotten through different times before, Ariza said.They continued, It is an insane time; they do want us to be afraid. But I grew up in a place where we would have car bombs going off in the city all the time, and I just refuse to live in fear. Im like, F*ck no. Were here. Lets fight it off. So I feel hopeful.Pride is a protest after all.This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship lab through News is Out. The lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.The post For artist Marcel Pardo Ariza, representation matters appeared first on News Is Out.

Alan Cumming, the Emmy-winning actor and host of The Traitors, graces the cover of Out magazines January/February 2025 issue. In an exclusive interview with Out Editor-in-Chief Daniel Reynolds, Cumming opens up about his role in shaping a new era of queer representation on television, his fierce political activism, and the power of embracing individuality.Known for his boundary-pushing fashion choices, larger-than-life persona, and unapologetic stance on queer identity, Cumming has become an influential figure in both entertainment and social justice. His latest appearance in The Traitors has further cemented his place as a cultural icon, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights while defying societal expectations.Redefining Reality TV with Provocation and VisibilityIn the Out interview, Cumming reflects on the evolution of his career, which has taken on new dimensions in recent years. As the host of The Traitors, a popular reality competition show, Cumming has used his visibility to challenge stereotypes, promote queer inclusion, and embrace bold, gender-fluid fashion choices.Alan Cumming for Out Magazine. Photos courtesy of Arnaldo Anaya-Lucca for Out.I like provocation, I like being bigger than life in order to challenge people and make them think, Cumming explains in the interview. Anything you can do to remind people that its OK to be different, and its OK to be provocative, and its OK to have a different outlook on life is the best thing to do. And, also, its fun!Cummings impact in the entertainment industry goes beyond entertainment, as he has consistently used his platform to push for change. As an openly queer actor, Cumming is passionate about increasing visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, especially in mainstream media. His approach to both performance and activism continues to inspire fans and colleagues alike.Fighting for LGBTQ+ Rights in a Divided WorldThe actors conversation with Out also delves into his activism, particularly around the growing threats to LGBTQ+ rights in the current political climate. Cumming has been vocal in his support for marginalized communities, particularly the trans community, and he calls out dangerous policies that threaten their safety and freedom.In particular, Cumming addresses the increasingly contentious issue of anti-trans bathroom bans that have emerged in various U.S. states. Its not about toilets its about using a group in society that is vulnerable and easily hated to be the scapegoat in order to take attention away from the other terrible things that are happening, he says. Its a really terrifying time. So anything I can do to just show trans power and trans beauty and trans happiness, I do.Cummings words reflect his commitment to fighting for queer rights, especially at a time when anti-LGBTQ+ legislation continues to gain traction in parts of the world. His passion for uplifting trans voices and celebrating trans joy is evident in his public statements and actions, as he uses his platform to combat hate and amplify love.A New Season of The Traitors and the Power of AgingAs the host of The Traitors, Cumming continues to captivate audiences with his unique style and sharp wit. The show, which pits contestants against one another in a high-stakes psychological competition, returns for a new season this year. When asked about what viewers can expect, Cumming jokes, The Traitors is Lord of the Flies with Botox. His quick sense of humor and infectious energy have made him a standout host, and fans are eager to see what surprises the new season holds.In his Out interview, Cumming also reflects on the freedoms that come with aging. Now in his 50s, the actor embraces the liberating aspects of getting older. Thats one of the good things about being older is that you give less of a fuck, you truly do, he says. And then at the same time, you give more of a fuck. This balance of confidence and care is part of what makes Cumming such a powerful voice in both entertainment and activism.A True Trailblazer in Queer RepresentationAlan Cummings journey from acclaimed actor to activist has made him an invaluable figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. His ability to blend personal expression, political resistance, and artistic creativity has set him apart as a true trailblazer in queer representation, especially within mainstream television. As the host of The Traitors, Cumming continues to challenge expectations and spark conversations about identity, sexuality, and social justice.With his bold style, unfiltered opinions, and unwavering commitment to change, Cumming has proven that there is no one-size-fits-all formula for activism or for being queer. Whether through his fashion choices, his role on The Traitors, or his outspoken support for trans rights, Alan Cumming remains a vital force in both the entertainment industry and the LGBTQ+ movement.For more on Alan Cummings thoughts on queer identity, his role in shaping the future of television, and his political activism, pick up the January/February 2025 issue of Out, available now.The post Alan Cumming Speaks Out on Current Anti-Trans Politics: Its Not About Toilets appeared first on Gayety.

The 97th Academy Award nominations have been announced, and while the list features several LGBTQ+ triumphs, including the historic recognition of Emilia Prez and its star Karla Sofa Gascn as the first openly trans actor nominated for Best Actress, there were notable snubs for queer-centered films and performances. Among the highlights of this years Oscars, Emilia Prez made waves by breaking the record for most nominations by a foreign film, with 13 total nominations. However, despite significant contributions from LGBTQ+ artists and stories, some standout queer films and performers were unexpectedly left out. Heres a look at the biggest LGBTQ+ snubs of the 2025 Oscars.Will & Harper A Powerful Documentary OverlookedPerhaps the biggest queer snub of 2025, Will & Harper tells the deeply moving story of comedian Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele, who came out as transgender after decades of friendship. The documentary tracks their emotional 17-day road trip across the U.S., offering a poignant exploration of gender identity, friendship, and the resilience of the trans community. The film, widely praised for its honesty and warmth, was a bright spot in a difficult year for trans Americans. It highlighted the strength of queer relationships and the ever-evolving nature of self-identity. Despite critical acclaim, Will & Harper was shut out of all Oscar categories, a surprising omission for a film that captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike.Challengers No Nominations for Luca Guadagninos Queer MasterpieceChallengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, was heralded by many as the best queer film of 2024. The story, centered around a complex love triangle set against the backdrop of professional tennis, earned rave reviews for its direction, writing, and performances. The films talented cast, including Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh OConnor, gave standout performances that many believed were deserving of Oscar recognition. However, Challengers was completely shut out, failing to secure a single nomination. The films blistering score, crafted by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, also went unrecognized, despite being a standout element of the film. This lack of acknowledgment has left many fans and critics wondering why such an acclaimed film was ignored by the Academy.Josh OConnor, Zendaya and Mike Faist arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Amazon MGM Studios Challengers held at Westwood Village Theater on April 16, 2024 in Westwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Photo: Image Press Agency/NurPhoto / ShutterstockDaniel Craig for Queer Snubbed for an Oscar-Worthy PerformanceAnother major snub this year was Daniel Craigs performance in Queer, a second queer film directed by Luca Guadagnino. Craig, known for his role as James Bond, delivered what many critics called the best performance of his career in this deeply emotional and visually stunning film. Queer follows an American expat living in 1940s Mexico City who embarks on a complex relationship with a younger man. Craigs portrayal of a man grappling with love and identity was powerful, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. However, despite widespread critical acclaim, the Academy chose not to recognize Craigs exceptional performance, leaving him out of the Best Actor race entirely.Love Lies Bleeding Katy OBrians Breakout Role Deserves RecognitionIn Love Lies Bleeding, Katy OBrian delivered an explosive performance as a troubled and rage-filled bodybuilder who struggles with her identity and the search for love and acceptance. Directed by Rose Glass, this in-your-face film showcased OBrians remarkable range, with a performance that was unlike any other seen this year. As the troubled protagonist, OBrians portrayal of emotional turmoil and physical strength captivated audiences and critics alike. Many expected OBrian to earn a nomination in the Best Actress category for her transformative role, but the Academy overlooked her, making her one of the most surprising snubs of the year.A Year of Queer Triumphs, but Also Missed OpportunitiesWhile the 2025 Oscars showcased some incredible LGBTQ+ achievements, including Emilia Prez making history with Karla Sofa Gascn as the first openly transgender actor nominated for Best Actress, there were numerous snubs that highlighted the gaps in recognition for queer films and performances. While Emilia Prez and Wicked earned well-deserved nominations, the absence of key LGBTQ+ voices from the final list left many in the community feeling overlooked.The snubs of Will & Harper, Challengers, Daniel Craig, and others highlight a persistent issue within the Academy a lack of full recognition for the diversity of queer experiences. Although the Oscars have come a long way in terms of representation, these missed opportunities reflect that much work remains to be done in ensuring that all stories, especially those from marginalized communities, are given the recognition they deserve.As the industry moves forward, it is crucial that the visibility and impact of queer stories continue to grow, ensuring that future awards seasons include and celebrate the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ cinema and performance. While the 2025 Oscars were historic in many ways, the omission of so many deserving films and performers serves as a reminder that progress in Hollywood is still an ongoing journey.The post Will & Harper, Queer, and More of The Biggest LGBTQ+ Snubs of the 2025 Oscar Nominations appeared first on Gayety.

The Purdue Pharma offices are seen, May 8, 2007, in Stamford, Conn. (AP Photo/Douglas Healey, File)2025-01-23T17:05:49Z Members of the family who own OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, and the company itself, agreed to pay up to $7.4 billion in a new settlement to lawsuits over the toll of the powerful prescription painkiller, the attorneys general from several states announced Thursday.The deal, agreed to by Purdue Pharma, the Sackler family members who own the company and lawyers representing state and local governments and thousands of victims of the opioid crisis, replaces a previous settlement deal that was rejected last year by the U.S. Supreme Court. In the new one, the Sacklers agreed to pay up to $6.5 billion and give up ownership of the company, which would pay nearly $900 million. The maximum contribution from family members is $500 million more than the previous deal.Its among the largest settlements reached over the past several years in a series of lawsuits by local, state, Native American tribal governments and others seeking to hold companies responsible for a deadly epidemic. Aside from the Purdue deal, others worth around $50 billion have been announced and most of the money is required to be used to stem the crisis. The deal still needs court approval, and some of the details are yet to be ironed out. An arm of the federal Department of Justice opposed the previous settlement, even after every state agreed, and took the battle to the U.S. Supreme Court. But under President Donald Trump, the federal government is not expected to oppose the new deal. We are extremely pleased that a new agreement has been reached that will deliver billions of dollars to compensate victims, abate the opioid crisis, and deliver treatment and overdose rescue medicines that will save lives, Stamford, Connecticut-based Purdue said in a statement. Representatives for Sackler family members did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Kara Trainor, a Michigan woman in recovery for 17 years, said she became addicted to opioids after receiving a prescription for OxyContin to deal with a back injury 23 years ago, praised the deal. Everything in my life is shaped by a company that put profits over human lives, she said.While no amount of money will ever fully repair the damage they caused, this massive influx of funds will bring resources to communities in need so that we can heal, New York Attorney General Letitia James said.Joining James in reaching the deal were the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.Not every state has signed on yet. A spokesperson for Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, said the office is still reviewing the deal and weighing its options.Under the new proposal, like the previous one, members of the Sackler family would also give up ownership of Purdue, Theyve already stepped down from the companys board and have not taken distributions from Purdue since before the bankruptcy filing. The company would become a new entity with its board appointed by states and others who sued the company. Between $800 million and $850 million is also to go to victims of the opioid crisis or their survivors, Ed Neiger, a lawyer for individual victims said; thats a feature something that most opioid settlements do not include. The deal also includes as much as $800 million set aside to pay for future settlements if new lawsuits arise against the Sacklers, according to the New York attorney generals office.The Supreme Court blocked the earlier agreement last year because it protected members of the wealthy family from civil lawsuits over OxyContin even though the family members themselves were not in bankruptcy. The new agreement protects family members from lawsuits only from entities that agree to the settlement.If a new deal is not approved, it could open the floodgates to lawsuits against Sackler family members. A U.S. Bankruptcy judge is expected to decide Friday whether to keep temporary protections for them in place through February. The new settlement could bring to a close a chapter in a long legal saga over the toll of an opioid crisis that some experts assert began after the blockbuster painkiller OxyContin hit the market in 1996. Since then, opioids have been linked to hundreds of thousands of deaths in the U.S. The deadliest stretch has been since 2020, when illicit fentanyl has been found as a factor in more than 70,000 deaths annually.Members of the Sackler family been cast as villains and have seen their name removed from art galleries and universities around the world because of their role in the privately held company. Theyve continued to deny claims of any wrongdoing.Collectively, family members have been estimated to be worth billions more than theyd contribute in the settlement, but much of the wealth is in offshore accounts and might be impossible to access through lawsuits. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, said the settlement will be a big hit to the personal wealth of the Sackler family, but not financial ruin for them.This is about families impacted by this crisis. And this is about a group of people and a family that are among the most notorious wrongdoers and we are holding them accountable, he said.Purdue sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 as it faced thousands of lawsuits over the opioid crisis. Among the claims are that the company targeted doctors with a message that the addiction risk to the powerful painkillers was low.In an October 2024 filing, one branch of the family pledged to defend itself in any cases that are allowed to move ahead, saying that the legal theory at the heart of the lawsuits that Purdue and Sackler family members created a public nuisance is utterly devoid of merits.___Associated Press reporters David Collins and in Hartford, Connecticut, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this article. GEOFF MULVIHILL Covering state government issues nationally twitter mailto

People shop for Black Friday deals at a Walmart store in Rochester, New York on Friday, November 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)2025-01-23T17:26:09Z WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump has pledged cheaper prices and lower interest rates, but an economy transformed by the pandemic will make those promises difficult to keep. Economic growth is solid, driven by healthy consumer spending. And budget deficits are huge and could get even larger. Meanwhile, businesses are borrowing more to step up their investments in data centers and artificial intelligence, leading to a greater demand for loans that can raise interest rates.And if Trump follows through on his promises to impose widespread tariffs on imports and deport millions of immigrants, economists expect inflation could worsen -- making it less likely the Federal Reserve will cut its key interest rate much this year.All of these trends will likely keep borrowing costs higher, including for homes and cars. Yet on Thursday during the World Economic Forums annual event in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said, Ill demand that interest rates drop immediately, and likewise, they should be dropping all over the world, though he did not provide further details. The biggest reason for the likely persistence of higher borrowing costs is the surprising resilience of the economy following the upheavals of the pandemic, trillions of dollars of government financial support from Trump and former President Joe Biden, an inflation spike, and several rounds of recession fears. Jan Hatzius, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, says the economy is in the sweet spot of healthy growth. It has expanded at an annual rate of at least 3% for four out of the last five quarters, the longest such streak in a decade. Unemployment is at a historically low 4.1%. And inflation, which soared to a four-decade high in 2022 and soured most Americans on the economy, is back down to 2.4%, according to the Feds preferred measure. And wages, which badly trailed prices in 2021 and 2022, have risen faster than inflation for the past 18 months, which provides the needed fuel for ongoing growth. A healthier economy spurs more Americans to borrow to buy cars, homes, and large appliances, and businesses to invest in IT equipment and factories. Such moves are great for the economy but more demand for loans to fund all that spending can also keep interest rates elevated. And steadier growth could keep prices higher. Companies that see healthy consumer demand may decide they can charge more, as Netflix announced it would do Tuesday after signing up a surge of subscribers.Such trends are a big change from the last time Trump entered the White House in 2017. Back then, the U.S. economy was slowly emerging from an extended period of sluggish growth and very low inflation that followed the painful 2008-2009 Great Recession. Millions of households held back on spending and saved more after a borrowing binge earlier in the decade that drove up mortgage and credit card debt.Households were shrinking their balance sheets relative to their income, and thats a very significant disinflationary force that is not present now, said Julia Coronado, president of MacroPolicy Perspectives and a former Fed economist. Today, most households are carrying less debt and upper-income families in particular are benefitting from strong gains in home values and stock market wealth. About 40% of homes are now owned free and clear without a mortgage. Greater wealth can spur ongoing spending on travel, electronics, and dining out.In addition, high-tech firms are ramping up their investment in data centers to accelerate their work on artificial intelligence. Trump announced Tuesday a joint venture between OpenAI, Oracle and Japans Softbank to invest $500 billion in data centers and electricity generation to fuel AI research. Before the pandemic, many companies were stockpiling cash and werent investing as much, which can keep interest rates lower. We are in a different world, said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, a tax advisory and consulting firm. Gone is the era of low inflation and low interest rates. In its place is a new framework featuring scarce capital and higher rates. As a result, Trumps promises to stimulate the economy through tax cuts and deregulation, while also promising to impose tariffs and immigration restrictions, could keep prices elevated. Thats going to be inflationary, and thats going to push (Fed) policymakers to adopt more stringent policies than they would otherwise, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY. So youre going to be in a higher interest-rate environment. Trump is seeking to foster more production of oil and gas in the U.S., with the goal of reducing energy prices and bringing down broader inflation. That, in turn, would enable the Fed to cut its key interest rate. But that doesnt factor in the reaction of financial markets, which also affects the cost of borrowing for a home or car. Since the Fed began cutting its key rate in September, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note which strongly influences mortgage rates has actually risen substantially. Gennadiy Goldberg, head of U.S. rates strategy at TD Securities, says investors are anticipating a continuation of stronger growth, in part fueled by Trumps proposals to cut taxes and reduce regulation. In that scenario, the Fed would be less likely to cut its key rate. Many investors are discounting Trumps tariff threats, hoping that he intends to use them as leverage in international talks, rather than permanently impose them. I think there was an expectation that President Trump would bring all of the good policies and leave all of the bad policies for growth at the door, Goldberg said. Another trend that Trump has helped spark is the rise of protectionist measures around the world, after two decades of globalization. That has led to a scramble by multinational corporations to relocate their production from countries that are the target of Trumps ire, particularly China, to others, such as Vietnam or Malaysia. Instead of globalization driving prices lower, or at the very least putting a constraint on them, were now relocating supply chains and protectionist barriers are going up, Brusuelas said. Nearly all economists forecast that will push prices higher, though the increase could be modest. Another shift is that stubbornly high yearly budget deficits threaten to lift interest rates as well, because Wall Street investors may require higher yields to buy all the Treasury securities needed to finance the debt. Last week, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said this years deficit would likely reach $1.9 trillion, and grow to $2.7 trillion in a decade. Trumps proposals to extend his 2017 tax cuts, and implement new ones, such as eliminating taxes on tips, could raise deficits further. If we dont get fiscal deficits down, were going to see higher longer-term bond yields, said Fed governor Chris Waller earlier this month. And thats what were starting to see. CHRISTOPHER RUGABER Rugaber has covered the Federal Reserve and the U.S. economy for the AP for 16 years. He is a two-time finalist for the Gerald Loeb award for business reporting. twitter mailto

You can see the specific steps that a government agency is taking to comply with the Trump administrations policies against diversity, equity, and inclusion on the agencys GitHub, which shows it frantically deleting and editing various documents, employee handbooks, Slack bots, and job listings across everything the agency touches.18F is a much-hyped government agency within the General Services Administration that was founded under the Obama Administration after the disastrous rollout of Healthcare.gov. It more or less had the specific goal of attracting Silicon Valley talent to the federal government to help the government innovate and make many of its websites and digital services suck less. It is one of the cooler federal agencies, and has open sourced many of its projects on GitHub.GitHub is a website for open source development that shows changes across different commits, or changes to code and documentation. In the first days of the Trump administration, 18Fs commit list is full of change logs detailing the administrations attempts to destroy the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion.The changes show that in the last 48 hours, 18F has edited text and wholesale deleted both internal and external web pages about, for example Inclusive behaviors, healthy conflict and constructive feedback, DEIA resources, and Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It deleted a webpage about psychological safety (which now 404s) deleted all information about the DE&I leads at the agency, as well as language for employees that said "Anyone who has issues or concerns related to inclusion or equity in the 18F engineering chapter should feel empowered to reach out to the DE&I Leads. It has deleted, in various places, the word inclusion, as well as the term affinity groups.It also deleted an internal Slack Bot called Inclusion Bot, which is described as being integrated into Slack and passively listens for words or phrases that have racist, sexist, ableist, or otherwise exclusionary or discriminatory histories or backgrounds. When it hears those words, it privately lets the writer know and offers some suggested alternatives.Do you work for the federal government? I would love to hear from you. Using a non-work device, you can message me securely on Signal at +1 202 505 1702. Otherwise, send me an email at jason@404media.co.It has also notably deleted information intended for improving accessibility for blind and visually impaired employees, which asked employees to use visual descriptions when introducing themselves on Zoom meetings.In a hiring document, the language Teams should consider factors of equity and complexity of the research when determining compensation for participants on their project has been changed to team should consider other factors or complexity of the research.The Trump administration has not tried to hide that it is trying to delete web pages and employee information across the government. But seeing the change logs pop up as theyre happening on GitHub shows exactly how these changes are being done and how theyre rolling out.

Have Mae Martin and Parvati Shallow called it quits? A recent update isnt leaving fans hopeful for the state of this particular love story.Shallow recently spoke with People about her experiences dating following her 2021 divorce from fellow former Survivor contestant, John Fincher."Its been really tricky," she said. "I feel like I can succeed everywhere else, but dating is always throwing little wrenches in my plans."The reality TV star began dating Martin in March 2023. They went public with their relationship at the end of the year, and refuted rumors that they had broken up in summer 2024. (@) But fans have wondered whether something may have shifted in recent months, and Shallow seemed to confirm as much when she referred to their relationship as "an in flux situation.""Ive been through trying to fit myself into the structures of society and the definitions of dating and the definitions of relationships, and Im like, do I want to do that? Or do I want to just take a big ball of clay and make it into what I want?" she told People. "Im traveling so much and having these really fun, amazing adventures, so Im in this place of asking myself, what do I really want?"Both Martin and Shallow have kept busy when it comes to their respective careers. Martin recently announced the upcoming release of an "earnest music album" titled Im A TV, while Shallow has a memoir, Nice Girls Dont Win, scheduled for publication in July.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense Secretary, poses for a photo with Cabinet picks, other nominees and appointments, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)2025-01-23T18:36:00Z WASHINGTON (AP) Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced Thursday that she will vote against confirming Pete Hegseth to lead Pentagon, becoming the first Republican to oppose one of President Donald Trumps Cabinet picks.The Alaska Republicans decision comes ahead of a crucial test vote to advance Hegseths nomination toward confirmation.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.WASHINGTON (AP) Senate GOP leaders rushed to advance Pete Hegseth as President Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee in a crucial test vote Thursday, despite grave objections from Democrats and stirring unease among Republicans over his behavior and qualifications to lead the U.S. military.Rarely has a Cabinet choice encountered such swirling allegations of wrongdoing, including excessive drinking and aggressive actions toward women, which he has largely denied. Trump is standing by Hegseth, and the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee has dismissed the claims as factually inaccurate. I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee, Mr. Hegseth, is prepared to be the next secretary of defense, the chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in a statement on the eve of the test vote. The Senate needs to confirm this nominee as fast as possible. A new presidents national security nominees are often the first to be lined up for confirmation, to unsure U.S. safety at home and abroad. Already the Senate has overwhelmingly confirmed Marco Rubio as secretary of state in a unanimous vote, and it was on track to confirm John Ratcliffe as CIA director later Thursday. But Hegseth stands in a category of his own amid allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a Republican conference in California, which he has denied as a consensual encounter, and of heavy drinking at events when he led a veterans organization. He has also said women should not work in combat roles, a view he has since tempered during his confirmation process. A new claim emerged this week in an affidavit from a former sister-in-law who claimed Hegseth was abusive to his second wife to the point that she feared for her safety. Hegseth has denied the allegation. In divorce proceedings, neither Hegseth nor the woman claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse.Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Thursday that Hegseth is unqualified for the job because of his personal behavior, including drinking, and his lack of experience.One of the kindest words that might be used to describe Mr. Hegseth is erratic, and thats a term you dont want at DOD, Schumer said. He has a clear problem of judgment.A Princeton and Harvard-educated former combat veteran, Hegseth went on to make a career at Fox News, where he hosted a weekend show. Trump tapped him as the defense secretary to lead an organization with nearly 2.1 million service members, about 780,000 civilians and a budget of $850 billion.Hegseth has promised not to drink on the job if confirmed.But senators have remained doubtful of his experience and abilities and the alleged behavior that could lead to reprimand or firing for military personnel he would now be expected to lead. It will take a simple majority of 50 senators to advance Hegseths confirmation in Thursdays vote. Most Republicans, who hold a 53-seat majority in the chamber, have signaled they will back the nominee, including Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, herself a combat veteran and sexual assault survivor.However, several GOP senators, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, are being widely watched for their votes.Vice President JD Vance could be called upon to break a tie vote to advance Hegseth toward confirmation.During a fiery confirmation hearing, Hegseth swatted away allegations of wrongdoing one by one dismissing them as smears as he displayed his military credentials and vowed to bring warrior culture to the top Pentagon post.Wicker said he had been briefed a third time on the FBI background investigation into Hegseth. He said the allegations unfairly impugning his character do not pass scrutiny.

Brianna Chickenfry LaPaglia may have decided that she never wants to date men again after her infamously bad breakup with Zach Bryan, but now she says she might be on her way to being fully lesbian.On Wednesdays episode of the BFFs podcast, the 28-year-old social media star told her cohost Josh Richards that shes not interested in having a boyfriend, like, ever again.When Richards asked if that meant shed ever switch over to the girlfriend lane, LaPaglia responded, Maybe, Page Six reports.She admitted that not only is she thinking about dating women in the future, but shes had same-sex encounters in the past. Everyones saying Im a lesbian, which is fine. Ive dabbled for sure. Im thinking maybe girls is my play, the former Barstool Sports personality said.I think that theyre better, so maybe I really am fully a lesbian, so maybe thats why none of my relationships with men have worked out, LaPaglia continued. But I dont know. Time will tell.She even joked later in the episode that shes gonna have a girlfriend too soon, much like her cohost, who is dating TikTok star Gabi Moura.See on InstagramI love love, LaPaglia said.This admission comes in the wake of LaPaglia who first gained popularity for her unfiltered Barstool Sports podcasts making headlines after releasing a bombshell episode of BFFs where she detailed Bryans alleged emotional abuse while they were dating.LaPaglia may be well on her way to being full lesbian, but this isnt the first time shes spoken about her attraction to women. Two years ago, she came out as bisexual on the One Night With Steiny podcast, where she said her boyfriend at the time would get upset anytime she wanted to hook up with women.Sometimes I just, like, want to hook up with a girl and hell get mad, she said at the time, according to Page Six. Hell get more mad if I hook up with a girl than a guy.

This image released by Briarcliff Entertainment shows Jeremy Strong, left, and Sebastian Stan in a scene from the film "The Apprentice." (Pief Weyman/Briarcliff Entertainment via AP)2025-01-23T15:33:51Z PARK CITY, Utah (AP) In one of the more wide-open Oscar fields in recent history, there were plenty of nominations surprises Thursday.Not too long ago, it seemed that people like Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman were destined for best actress nominations, while general audience disinterest in the young Donald Trump movie The Apprentice might have indicated its awards chances were dead on arrival.But the members of the film academy had something different in mind. Here are some of the biggest snubs and surprises from the 97th Oscar nominations.SURPRISE: Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan, The ApprenticeThe young Trump movie The Apprentice has been one of the bigger awards season question marks, especially after it failed to resonate with moviegoers in theaters. And yet both Jeremy Strong, for his portrayal for Trump lawyer Roy Cohn, and Sebastian Stan (who was also in the conversation for A Different Man ), for playing the future two-time president, made it in. Only Strong got nominated by the Screen Actors Guild. SNUB: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hard TruthsThis will forever be one of the more confounding awards season oversights. Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivered one of the all-time great performances in Mike Leighs Hard Truths, as the perpetually aggrieved and sharp-tongued London woman Pansy. The general thinking is that it was either going to be Jean-Baptiste or Fernanda Torres, and Torres got in for the equally beloved Im Still Here. SNUB: Pamela Anderson, The Last ShowgirlThis is perhaps up for debate, but there was certainly a lot of goodwill behind Andersons movie-star turn in Gia Coppolas The Last Showgirl, especially considering her SAG nomination. But like with Jennifer Lopez and Hustlers a few years ago, it was not meant to be at the Oscars. SURPRISE: James Mangold, A Complete UnknownJames Mangold has directed several awards darlings, including Ford v Ferrari and Walk the Line but had consistently missed out on a best director nomination, until this year with A Complete Unknown. It may have come at the expense of Edward Berger, who missed out on a nod for Conclave or Denis Villeneuve for Dune: Part Two. SNUB: Daniel Craig, QueerDaniel Craig gave one of his best performances as an American expat in Mexico in the torrid May-December romance in Queer, but it hasnt been resonating with awards voters. The Oscar snub is the final piece in a puzzle that just never came together.SNUB: Angelina Jolie, MariaIf there ever were a shoo-in for a nomination and an Oscar, on paper at least, it would be for Angelina Jolie playing opera legend Maria Callas. Filmmaker Pablo Larran had not missed yet in getting best actress nominations for his famous, tragic women biopics, including Natalie Portman for Jackie and Kristen Stewart for Spencer. But somehow Jolie did not make the cut in the end.SNUB: Nicole Kidman, BabygirlBabygirl is not a cliche awards movie by a long stretch, but Nicole Kidmans performance as Romy, the buttoned-up, married CEO who begins a dangerous affair with a young intern at her company was undeniable. But a best actress win at the Venice Film Festival has never guaranteed Oscar success.SURPRISE: Felicity Jones, The BrutalistDespite the wide love for The Brutalist, Felicity Jones has been curiously absent from many nominations lists for her sharp portrayal of Erzsbet Tth. The cast did not even get recognized by SAG. But it just goes to show that its never too late to sneak in for the big one SNUB: Danielle Deadwyler, The Piano LessonA few years after Danielle Deadwyler was famously snubbed for Till, she has another snub to add to her resume for Malcolm Washingtons adaptation of The Piano Lesson. This latest campaign might not have had as much steam behind it as Till, but at the very least one would assume that it could have been a make good.SURPRISE: Monica Barbaro, A Complete UnknownSupporting actress was one of the more chaotic and unpredictable categories this year, with so many deserving performers in the mix. Monica Barbaro was one of those that was on the fringe of possibilities for her turn as Joan Baez, singing and all, for A Complete Unknown.SNUB: Selena Gomez, Emilia PrezOne who was not so lucky was Selena Gomez for Emilia Prez, perhaps because she was partially competing with her co-star, Zo Saldaa who simply had more momentum (and gave a moving speech at the Golden Globes). SNUB: Clarence Maclin, Sing SingThe incarceration drama Sing Sing did get several significant nominations including for Colman Domingo, adapted screenplay and original song. But Clarence Divine Eye Maclin, who delivered a revelatory performance based on his own experience, was not among them. He is, however, credited with helping to write the story.SNUB: Margaret Qualley, The SubstanceMargaret Qualley seems to have been unfairly left out of much of the awards conversation around The Substance, a movie that only works with a great Sue. But the focus has been more on Demi Moore, overdue for such recognition, and Coralie Fargeat the only woman to score a best director nomination.SNUB: Challengers scoreTrent Reznor and Atticus Ross delivered one of their most popular scores ever this year for Challengers and yet were left off in a batch of nominees that included The Brutalist, Conclave, Emilia Prez, Wicked and The Wild Robot. Its not even that theyre consistently overlooked by the academy theyve already won twice, for Soul and The Social Network. SURPRISE: FlowEveryone expected the Latvian cat movie Flow to get a best animated feature nomination, especially after it won the Golden Globe. But the big surprise is that it got a second for best international feature a first for Latvia. This is not a first for an animated movie to get into the international category, though: Waltz with Bashir and Flee had the honor before Flow, but neither ended up winning.SURPRISE: Nickel BoysRaMell Ross Nickel Boys has had quite the rollercoaster awards season journey, even though its widely considered one of the best films of the year. The film academy thought so too, including it among the 10 best picture nominees (alongside other relative surprises like Im Still Here and Dune: Part Two). Oddly, though, it missed out on cinematography despite its inventive first-person point of view.SNUB: Denzel Washington, Gladiator IIDenzel Washington was not about to hit the campaigning trail for Gladiator II but he was, at least at one point, thought to be a sure thing for a supporting nomination. In his review, AP film writer Jake Coyle wrote that Washingtons performance as the Machiavellian power broker Macrinus is a delicious blur of robes and grins so compellingly over-the-top that he nearly reaches 1990s Al Pacino standards. But dont cry for Washington: Hes notched an incredible 10 Oscar nominations in his career, including one for producing Fences, and two wins: supporting actor for Glory and best actor for Training Day. LINDSEY BAHR Bahr has been a film writer and critic for The Associated Press since 2014. twitter instagram mailto

President Donald Trump holding up a order for clemency for anti-abortion protesters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)2025-01-23T21:36:18Z CHICAGO (AP) President Donald Trump announced Thursday he would pardon anti-abortion activists convicted of blockading abortion clinic entrances.Trump called it a great honor to sign this.They should not have been prosecuted, he said as he signed pardons for peaceful pro-life protesters.The people pardoned were involved in the October 2020 invasion and blockade of a Washington clinic.Lauren Handy was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for leading the blockade by directing blockaders to link themselves together with locks and chains to block the clinics doors. A nurse sprained her ankle when one person pushed her while entering the clinic, and a woman was accosted by another blockader while having labor pains, prosecutors said. Police found five fetuses in Handys home after she was indicted.Trump pardoned Handy and her nine co-defendants: Jonathan Darnel of Virginia; Jay Smith, John Hinshaw and William Goodman, all of New York; Joan Bell of New Jersey; Paulette Harlow and Jean Marshall, both of Massachusetts; Heather Idoni of Michigan; and Herb Geraghty of Pennsylvania. In the first week of Trumps presidency, anti-abortion advocates have ramped up calls for Trump to pardon protesters charged with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, which is designed to protect abortion clinics from obstruction and threats. The 1994 law was passed during a time where clinic protests and blockades were on the rise, as was violence against abortion providers, such as the murder of Dr. David Gunn in 1993. Trump specifically mentioned Harlow in a June speech criticizing former President Joe Bidens Department of Justice for pursuing charges against protesters involved in blockades. Many people are in jail over this, he said in June, adding, Were going to get that taken care of immediately.Abortion rights advocates slammed Trumps pardons as evidence of his opposition to abortion access, despite his vague, contradictory statements on the issue as he attempted to find a middle ground on the campaign trail between anti-abortion allies and the majority of Americans who support abortion rights. Donald Trump on the campaign trail tried to have it both ways bragging about his role in overturning Roe v. Wade while saying he wasnt going to take action on abortion, said Ryan Stitzlein, vice president of political and government relations for the national abortion rights organization Reproductive Freedom for All. We never believed that that was true, and this shows us that we were right.The legal group Thomas More Society argued the FACE Act defendants they represent had been unjustly imprisoned.They have been heartened during their imprisonment and unjust prosecutions by your repeated messages to them during your campaign, urging them to persevere until you were able to take office, review their cases, and free them, the legal group said in a January letter to Trump.Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, among Trumps most loyal supporters, called the prosecution of anti-abortion protesters a grotesque assault on the principles of this country and urged Trump to pardon them while reading the stories of such anti-abortion protesters on the Senate floor Thursday. He highlighted Eva Edl, who was involved in a 2021 Tennessee clinic blockade and whose story has garnered attention from the largest national anti-abortion groups.Hawley said he had a great conversation Thursday morning with Trump about the protesters.The news of the pardons comes ahead of Fridays annual anti-abortion protest March for Life in Washington, where the president is expected to address the crowd in a video. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

One thing about Dom King? He's going to create some hot content.In fact, the model just added another trophy to his shelf of accolades by winning the award for Favorite Porn Star Creator at the 2025 GayVN Awards.It's no surprise King won the fan voted award since his videos are not only super sexy, but they also play up his strengths as a dominant top."I like a smaller guy that I can toss around! Flexibility is the sexiest thing in bed. Spread those legs open and do the splits," King tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Dom King loves to exert his power while filming his raunchy scenes, but the star also isn't afraid to reference pop culture in his movies.The creator is an avid Real Housewives fan, so he loves including iconic lines that have made Bravo a pop culture phenomenon."Porn needs to reference pop culture more. People can find that relatable! [I'd love to recreate] the Amsterdam dinner with Lisa Rinna and Kim Richards. Eat some bread and calm down! Let's not talk about the husband."Fans can keep up with Dom King by following him on Instagram here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

Enrique Tarrio, center right, is hugged by a supporter after arriving at Miami International Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Miami. Tarrio was pardoned by President Donald Trump after he was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)2025-01-23T18:35:13Z WASHINGTON (AP) After President Donald Trump pardoned around 1,500 Jan. 6 Capitol rioters on Monday, far-right activists cheered the move and said it strengthened their loyalty to him. Some also borrowed from the presidents own rhetoric, calling for retribution.Well never forget, well never forgive. You cant get rid of us, a California chapter of the far-right Proud Boys posted on Telegram.You are on notice. This is not going to end well for you, read an X post from one pardoned rioter addressed to anyone still attempting to continue to hold my brethren hostage.Enrique Tarrio, the former national Proud Boys leader whose 22-year sentence on seditious conspiracy charges was pardoned by Trump, went on the podcast of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones after his release.The people who did this, they need to feel the heat, Tarrio said. We need to find and put them behind bars for what they did. The pardons and rhetoric of retribution from some of those released this week is raising deep concern among attorneys, former federal investigators and experts who follow extremism. They worry that the indiscriminate release of everyone charged in the riots could embolden extremists and make political violence more common, including around contentious political issues such as border security and elections. This move doesnt just rewrite the narrative of January 6, said Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. It sets a dangerous precedent that political violence is a legitimate tool in American democracy. Plenty of the charges filed in the sprawling investigation didnt involve violence, and many who received clemency seem ready to move on with their lives. But for some, it could become a megaphone, said Michael Premo, director of the documentary Homegrown, which followed three right-wing activists, including a Proud Boy who participated in the riot. This going to build that base of support so when the next election cycle comes around ... theres the potential for Trump to hold onto power or to ensure his successor comes into office, Premo said.Trumps sweeping clemency order on Monday delivered on a campaign promise for the rioters he frequently referred to as patriots and political prisoners. He pardoned or vowed to dismiss the cases of nearly everyone charged in the Jan. 6 riots. Fourteen defendants, including several convicted of seditious conspiracy, had their sentences commuted.The order freed from prison people caught on camera viciously attacking police as well as leaders of far-right extremist groups convicted of orchestrating violent plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after his 2020 election loss. It also pardoned rioters who had been convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and already served their terms. Among them is Jacob Chansley, who became widely recognized for the horned fur hat he wore during the riot. Chansley celebrated the news of his pardon with an expletive on the social platform X, NOW I AM GONNA BUY SOME MOTHER ... GUNS!!! Former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who lost consciousness and suffered a heart attack after a rioter shocked him with a stun gun, said he tried and failed this week to obtain a protective order against those who assaulted him and have been let out of prison. The problem is that he couldnt determine where his assailants live now, information Trumps Department of Justice would have given him if the agency still considered him a victim.Because of the pardons, he and his family are left to fend for themselves. We have no recourse, he said, outside of buying a gun.Barb McQuade, a former U.S. attorney in Michigan who has written critically of Trumps messaging, said she worries the pardons of even violent offenders send a signal that political violence is acceptable when its committed in service of the leader.Many of the pardoned rioters and others who organized events around Jan. 6 responded to the news with devotion to Trump. I would storm the Capitol again for Donald Trump, Stop the Steal organizer Ali Alexander, who helped organize rallies before the attack but was not charged with any crimes, said in a Telegram livestream the day after the pardons were announced. I would start a militia for Donald Trump. I dare say Id I would die for Donald Trump, obviously.Tarrio called Trump the best president, I think, since George Washington.I love you, I love Elon Musk, and I love President Donald Trump and Im happy that all of us are going to be working together to make America great again, Tarrio said during his interview with Jones, the conspiracy theorist who lost a defamation lawsuit for spreading lies about the 2012 Sandy Hook school massacre that killed 20 first-graders and six educators. Tarrio wasnt in Washington when members of the Proud Boys joined the riot, having followed a judges order to leave the city after being arrested on charges that he defaced a Black Lives Matter banner during an earlier rally. During his sentencing, he called Jan. 6 a national embarrassment, apologizing to police officers and lawmakers and insisting he was done with politics.Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia who was found guilty of orchestrating a weekslong plot that culminated in his followers attacking the Capitol, told reporters outside the District of Columbia jail on Tuesday that Jan. 6 should be remembered as Patriots Day.Im only guilty of opposing those who are destroying the country, said Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence on seditious conspiracy charges was commuted by Trump. We stood up for our country because we knew the election was stolen. Biden did not get 81 million votes.The results of the 2020 election were affirmed by reviews, recounts and audits in all six of the battleground states where Trump disputed his loss. That included, Arizona and Georgia, which at the time had Republican governors and secretaries of state. Trumps own attorney general said there was no evidence of widespread fraud, and an Associated Press review in the six states revealed there far too few cases of potential fraud to have any impact on the outcome.Rhodes visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday to advocate for the release of another defendant. Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Maryland Democrat who was on the House committee that investigated the attack, questioned whether he and other defendants had been reformed by their shortened sentences.These people are definitely not innocent, and they havent suffered any procedural unfairness, he said. So, the question is, are they contrite? Are they repentant? Are they reformed or do they still pose a threat to police officers and to government in different parts of the country?Rhodes maintained Wednesday that he came to Washington to protest the election results in 2021, but didnt lead anything on Jan. 6 and does not bear responsibility for the riot. He did not enter the building that day and said other members of the Oath Keepers who did made a stupid decision, but werent criminals.Larry Rosenthal, chair of the UC Berkeley Center for Right-Wing Studies, said one marker of fascism throughout history has been the marriage of private militias with a political party. In fascist Italy, he said, such groups worked on behalf of the party in power to punish political enemies who wouldnt fall in line.Rosenthal said that in light of Trumps pardons, militia groups already active at the U.S. southern border would likely seek the Trump administrations approval when his sweeping immigration enforcement plan gets underway.The question, he said, is whether Trumps administration will bring them into the fold.Asked Tuesday if there was room for the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers in his movement, Trump said, Well, we have to see. Theyve been given a pardon. I thought their sentences were ridiculous and excessive.___Swenson reported from New York.___The Associated Pressreceives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. ALI SWENSON Swenson reports on election-related misinformation, disinformation and extremism for The Associated Press. twitter LINDSAY WHITEHURST Whitehurst covers the Supreme Court, legal affairs and criminal justice for The Associated Press in Washington, D.C. Past stops include Salt Lake City, New Mexico and Indiana. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order regarding the declassification and release of records relating to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)2025-01-23T21:51:09Z Follow live updates on President Donald Trumps return to Washington DALLAS (AP) President Donald Trump has ordered the release of thousands of classified governmental documents about the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which has fueled conspiracy theories for decades. The executive order Trump signed Thursday also aims to declassify the remaining federal records relating to the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The order is among a flurry of executive actions Trump has quickly taken the first week of his second term.Speaking to reporters, Trump said, everything will be revealed.Trump had promised during his reelection campaign to make public the last batches of still-classified documents surrounding President Kennedys assassination in Dallas, which has transfixed people for decades. He made a similar pledge during his first term, but ultimately bended to appeals from the CIA and FBI to keep some documents withheld. Trump has nominated Kennedys nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to be the health secretary in his new administration. Kennedy, whose father, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968 as he sought the Democratic presidential nomination and has said he isnt convinced that a lone gunman was solely responsible for the assassination of his uncle, President Kennedy, in 1963. The order directs the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to develop a plan within 15 days to release the remaining John F. Kennedy records, and within 45 days for the other two cases. It was not clear when the records would actually be released. Trump handed the pen used to sign the order to an aide and directed it to be given to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.Only a few thousand of the millions of governmental records related to the assassination of President Kennedy have yet to be fully declassified. And while many who have studied whats been released so far say the public shouldnt anticipate any earth-shattering revelations, there is still an intense interest in details related to the assassination and the events surrounding it. Theres always the possibility that something would slip through that would be the tiny tip of a much larger iceberg that would be revealing, said Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics and author of The Kennedy Half-Century. Thats what researchers look for. Now, odds are you wont find that but it is possible that its there. Kennedy was fatally shot in downtown Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, as his motorcade passed in front of the Texas School Book Depository building, where 24-year-old assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had positioned himself from a snipers perch on the sixth floor. Two days after Kennedy was killed, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during a jail transfer. In the early 1990s, the federal government mandated that all assassination-related documents be housed in a single collection in the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection of over 5 million records was required to be opened by 2017, barring any exemptions designated by the president. The order notes that although no congressional act directs the release of information on the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy or King, those governmental records being made public is also in the public interest.During his first term, Trump boasted that hed allow the release of all of the remaining records on the presidents assassination but ended up holding some back because of what he called the potential harm to national security. And while files have continued to be released under President Joe Biden, some still remain unseen.Sabato, who trains student researchers to comb through the documents, said that most researchers agree that roughly 3,000 records have not yet been released, either in whole or in part, and many of those originated with the CIA.The documents released over the last several years offer details on the way intelligence services operated at the time, and include CIA cables and memos discussing visits by Oswald to the Soviet and Cuban embassies during a trip to Mexico City just weeks before the assassination. The former Marine had previously defected to the Soviet Union before returning home to Texas. King and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated within two months of each other in 1968.King was outside a motel in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, when shots rang out. The civil rights leader, who had been in town to support striking sanitation workers, was set to lead marches and other nonviolent protests there. He died at a hospital less than an hour later.James Earl Ray pleaded guilty to assassinating King. He later though renounced that plea and maintained his innocence up until his death. FBI documents released over the years show how the bureau wiretapped Kings telephone lines, bugged his hotel rooms and used informants to get information against him. The agencys conduct was the subject of the recent documentary film, MLK/FBI. Robert F. Kennedy, then a New York senator, was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles moments after giving his victory speech for winning Californias Democratic presidential primary. His assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison.There are still some documents in the JFK collection though that researchers dont believe the president will be able to release. Around 500 documents, including tax returns, werent subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement. And, researchers note, documents have also been destroyed over the decades.___Associated Press writer Terry Tang contributed to this report from Phoenix.

Alaskais back! TheRuPauls Drag Racealum andAll Starswinner is set to return to the role of Kitty Galloway in DRAG: The Musical beginning February 8 after her fellow All Starsqueen JIMBO bows out on February 7. The news comes after the Off-Broadway production was announced as a recipient of a 36th GLAAD Media Awards Special Recognition [...]The post DRAG: The Musical Gets Extension to Summer 2025 as Alaska Announces Return to Show first appeared on GLAAD.

Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)2025-01-23T04:26:16Z NEW YORK (AP) U.S. stocks rose to a record Thursday as Wall Street regained some of the momentum that catapulted it to 57 all-time highs last year.The S&P 500 climbed 0.5% to surpass its record set early last month after coming close the day before. It was the seventh gain in eight days for the main measure of Wall Streets health. The Dow Jones Industrial Average piled on 408 points, or 0.9%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.2%.The gains came amid relatively calm moves for Treasury yields in the U.S. bond market. Big swings there in recent months have been shaking the stock market, particularly when rising worries about inflation and the U.S. governments heavy debt send Treasury yields higher. AP AUDIO: Stock market today: S&P 500 hangs near its record as markets worldwide drift The APs Seth Sutel reports stocks are losing some momentum. Treasury yields took a brief turn upward after President Donald Trump began talking about the prospect of tariffs in a speech by video at the World Economic Forum, saying products made outside of the United States will be subject to a tariff, but they pulled back after he gave few details. Crude prices also sank after Trump called on oil-producing countries to reduce the price of crude, which would ease worries about inflation. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.64% from 4.61% late Wednesday, though it remains below its high from earlier this month. The two-year Treasury yield eased to 4.29% from 4.30% late Wednesday.Yields earlier in the day had held relatively steady after a report showed slightly more U.S. workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than economists expected. While the numbers increased, they were well within the modest range established in recent months, according to Chris Larkin, managing director, trading and investing, at E-Trade from Morgan Stanley. Employment continues to highlight US economic outperformance. Traders dont expect the report to push the Federal Reserve to cut its main interest rate at its upcoming meeting next week, according to data from CME Group. If theyre correct, it would be the first meeting since September where the Fed hasnt lowered the federal funds rate to take pressure off the U.S. economy. Lower rates can goose prices for investments, but they can also give inflation more fuel. On Wall Street, GE Aerospace flew 6.6% higher after reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, which split off from General Electric with two other companies last year, said orders for its airplane engines and services jumped 50% from a year earlier to $12.9 billion.Netflix was another one of the strongest forces lifting the S&P 500. It rose another 3.2% after jumping 9.7% the day before following a better-than-expected profit report. Union Pacific chugged 5.2% higher after beating analysts expectations for profit in the latest quarter. The railroad said its workforce was more productive during the quarter, and its fuel consumption rate likewise improved. American Airlines lost 8.7% even though it reported stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. It said it may report a bigger loss for the first three months of 2025 than analysts expected. American also gave a forecasted range for profit over the full year whose midpoint fell short of analysts expectations. Video game maker Electronic Arts dropped 16.7% after it warned of a slowdown in revenue related to its soccer game, EA Sports FC25. It also said fewer gamers played its Dragon Age game during the latest quarter than it expected, further cutting into its revenue. All told, the S&P 500 rose 32.34 points to 6,118.71. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 408.34 to 44,565.07, and the Nasdaq composite added 44.34 to 20,053.68.In stock markets abroad, movements were mostly quiet, even after Chinas latest attempt to juice stock prices in the worlds second-largest economy. Stocks in Hong Kong got a brief boost from Chinas ordering of pensions and mutual funds to invest more in domestic stocks, for example, but the Hang Seng index ended with a dip of 0.4%. Japans Nikkei 225 gained 0.8% despite a sharp drop for Fuji Media Holdings after Masahiro Nakai, a top TV host and former pop star, said he was retiring to take responsibility over sexual assault allegations that are part of a wave roiling Japans entertainment industry. The Fuji TV scandal triggered an avalanche of lost advertising at one of the networks where he worked. In the cryptocurrency market, where prices have surged on hopes President Donald Trump will make Washington friendlier to the industry, bitcoin fell below $103,000, according to CoinDesk. It had set a record above $109,000 on Monday. ___AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)2025-01-23T21:18:00Z From federal agencies to stakeholders who get federal dollars for special training, many are trying to process how President Donald Trumps sweeping executive order putting a stop to diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the U.S. government will upend their work.DEI laws and programs have been under attack for years by Republicans who contend that the measures threaten merit-based hiring, promotion and educational opportunities of white people, specifically white men. Criticism comes from other sectors, as well: Some Asian Americans argue it unfairly limits opportunities for high-achieving students and workers, and some in the Black community believe it undermines years of progress.However, DEI supporters say the programs are necessary to ensure that institutions meet the needs of increasingly diverse populations and the impact of the loss of these measures goes beyond people of color. On Wednesday, Trump put the federal governments weight behind the push to end such programs by signing an executive order that would effectively dismantle them from all aspects of the federal government. To the people who oppose us, the ones who attack DEI, they have tried to bastardize that acronym, Virginia Kase Solomn, president and CEO of Common Cause, said Wednesday during a call-to-action panel after Trumps anti-DEI executive order. Instead, they want to diminish and exterminate and incapacitate progress towards a multiracial democracy to maintain white supremacy and concentration of wealth. How did it happen?Republican lawmakers who oppose DEI programs created to address systemic inequities faced by certain groups say they are discriminatory and promote left-wing ideology. During his campaign for president, Trump vowed to end wokeness and leftist indoctrination in education. He pledged to dismantle diversity programs that he says amount to discrimination and to impose fines on colleges up to the entire amount of their endowment.In 2023, conservatives notched a long-sought win when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs in higher education, finding that race-conscious admissions violate the Constitution. That ruling drew increased legal challenges to DEI initiatives, with some American companies citing the decision in scaling back their diversity policies.What does Trumps order call for?The executive action calls for the termination of DEI programs, mandates, policies, preferences and activities in the federal government along with the review and revision of existing federal employment practices, union contracts and training policies or programs. Agency, department and commission heads have 60 days to terminate to the maximum extent allowed by law all DEI, DEIA and environmental justice offices and positions, action plans, equity-related grants or contracts as well as end all DEI or DEIA performance requirements.It also targets federal contractors who have provided DEI training or materials, and grantees who received federal funding to provide or advance DEI programs, services or activities since former President Joe Biden took office in 2021. Paolo Gaudiano provides DEI consulting services to a government contractor and a federal academy via his company, Aleria, which helps organizations measure inclusion, and ARC, a nonprofit focused on DEI research. He has not heard from any agencies he works with about his contract status since Trumps executive order. What he is hearing is that employees are terrified because the orders meaning is unclear.Does it mean closing the office but giving them a different position? Gaudiano said. It is a mess, a complete mess.Many federal employees would not speak with reporters out of concern about the punitive environment within the White House. Its possible that I will reach out to them and find out that theyve all been terminated, Gaudiano said. Even with a rollback, Gaudiano is sure employees and contractors will still pursue some form of DEI programs, especially if it helps productivity. Although anti-DEI groups often focus on racial identity, underrepresented populations can mean women, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities or veterans. What is happening is that youre focusing on structural organizational problems, which often impacts minority groups or underrepresented groups more than majority groups, Gaudiano said. When youre fixing the problems, you fix the problems for everybody. And it just happens to benefit underrepresented groups as well as minority groups.What effect did the anti-DEI movement have before the executive order? Dozens of diversity, equity and inclusion programs have already closed in Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, Iowa, Nebraska, Texas and other states. Almost 200 diversity, equity and inclusion staff positions were either cut or reassigned across North Carolinas public university system. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees in May approved diverting $2.3 million of state funds for advancing diversity to public safety and policing. Texas 2023 law led to the University of Texas cutting 300 full- and part-time positions and eliminating more than 600 programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion training. In 2023, Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an anti-DEI order that led to last years termination of the national womens leadership program at the University of Oklahoma. Universities of Wisconsin regents reached a deal with Republican lawmakers in 2023 to limit DEI positions at the systems two dozen campuses in exchange for funds for staff raises and construction projects. The deal imposed a hiring freeze on diversity positions through 2026 and shifted more than 40 diversity-related positions to focus on student success.How will the executive order be carried out?The Office of Personnel Management in a Tuesday memo directed agencies to place DEI office staffers on paid leave by 5 p.m. Wednesday and take down all public DEI-focused webpages by the same deadline. Agencies must also cancel any DEI-related training and end any related contracts, and federal workers are being asked to report to Trumps Office of Personnel Management if they suspect any DEI-related program has been renamed to obfuscate its purpose within 10 days or face adverse consequences.By Thursday, federal agencies are directed to compile a list of federal DEI offices and workers as of Election Day. By next Friday, they are expected to develop a plan to execute a reduction-in-force action against those federal workers.It may be easy for Trump to sign such an order but more difficult to carry out, said Frederick Gooding Jr., African American studies professor at Texas Christian University and author of American Dream Deferred: Black Federal Workers in Washington, D.C., 1941-1981.Its not going to be as easy to execute. Its going to be more of a fantasy. There are no quick fixes for these issues that took years, if not centuries, to develop, Gooding said Wednesday.The National Urban League and the National Fair Housing Alliance, as government contractors, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against a similar executive order issued during Trumps first administration, arguing it trampled on freedom of speech rights. A California federal court suspended that order in response to a similar lawsuit filed by Lambda Legal, an organization that advocates for the rights of LGBTQ people. This will test us, National Urban League President Marc Moriel said Wednesday during a call-to-action roundtable that the group hosted. These orders are unlawful; they are unconstitutional.___ Figueroa reported from Austin, Texas. Alexander reported from Washington. Williams reported from Detroit. Associated Press reporter Alexandra Olson in New York City contributed to this report. FERNANDA FIGUEROA Figueroa reports on Latino/Hispanic affairs as a member of the APs Race & Ethnicity team. twitter mailto

Dogs are near a border wall separating Mexico from the United States Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)2025-01-23T22:42:59Z WASHINGTON (AP) Active duty military troops will begin arriving in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego on Thursday evening, in what defense officials said is the first batch of the new forces being deployed to secure the southern border.The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that about 1,500 troops were being sent to the border this week, as the department scrambles to put in motion President Donald Trumps executive order demanding an immediate crackdown on immigration.U.S. officials said they expect additional troops to be ordered to deploy in the next few days as defense and homeland security leaders iron out requests for more support. The officials said its not yet clear how many more service members would get tapped in the near future, but they would include active duty, National Guard and Reserves, and come from land, air and sea forces. Other defense and military officials this week estimated that the additional number deployed could be in the thousands. The troops announced Wednesday include about 1,000 Army soldiers from a variety of units and 500 Marines from Camp Pendleton in California. Officials said Thursday that they expect the bulk of them to be in El Paso including Fort Bliss or in San Diego by Friday, where they will get their mission assignments and prepare to spread out along the border. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details on troop movements. There were already about 2,500 Guard and Reserve forces deployed to the border, and the new 1,500 would add to that total. But officials noted that given the length of the nearly 2,000-mile border with Mexico, it will take additional forces to help put large rolls of concertina wire barriers in place and provide needed transportation, intelligence and other support to the Border Patrol.As of Thursday there were still no requests for the use of military bases to house migrants or for troops to be used for law enforcement duties. LOLITA C. BALDOR Baldor has covered the Pentagon and national security issues for The Associated Press since 2005. She has reported from all over the world including warzones in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Ippei Mizuhara, left, stands next to Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, right, during an interview at Dodger Stadium, Feb. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)2025-01-24T03:02:43Z A nearly four-minute audio recording allegedly captured Shohei Ohtani s former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara impersonating the baseball star on a call with a bank as he attempted to transfer $200,000 for what he describes as a car loan, federal prosecutors said Thursday. The recording referenced in a court filing and obtained by The Associated Press is being used to back up prosecutors push for a nearly five-year sentence for Mizuhara, who previously pleaded guilty to bank and tax fraud for stealing almost $17 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers star.Prosecutors are also seeking restitution of the nearly $17 million to Ohtani, as well as a penalty of more than $1 million to the IRS.Mizuhara is due to be sentenced Feb. 6 after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return.His attorney, Michael G. Freedman, did not respond to an email from The Associated Press requesting comment. In the recording, a man is heard identifying himself as Ohtani and saying that he tried to log into online banking but it wasnt available. He later confirms that the transaction amount is $200,000. When the woman from the bank asks him the reason for the transaction, he says its for a car loan.What is your relationship to the payee? she asks.Um, hes my friend, the man responds.The recording was obtained from the bank, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Mitchell. Its unclear when it was made. Towards the end of the call, the woman from the bank asks, Will there be any future wires to your friend?Possibly, the man says.The recording was first obtained by The Athletic.The legal filing says Mizuhara accessed Ohtanis account beginning around November 2021 and changed its security protocols so he could impersonate him to authorize wire transfers. By 2024, Mizuhara allegedly had used that money to buy about $325,000 worth of baseball cards at online resellers eBay and Whatnot. Mizuhara pleaded guilty in June to spending millions from Ohtanis Arizona bank account to cover his growing gambling bets and debts with an illegal bookmaker, as well as medical bills and the $325,000 worth of baseball cards.Mizuhara was there for many of the Japanese sensations career highlights: He was Ohtanis catcher during the Home Run Derby at the 2021 All-Star Game and was also present for his two American League MVP wins and record-shattering $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers. Off the field, he became Ohtanis friend and confidant. Mizuhara famously resigned from the Los Angeles Angels during the 2021 MLB lockout so he could keep speaking to Ohtani he was rehired after a deal was struck and their wives reportedly socialized.But he gambled it all away, betting tens of millions of dollars that werent his to wager on international soccer, the NBA, the NFL and college football though prosecutors said he never bet on baseball.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice for defense secretary, appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)2025-01-23T21:46:56Z WASHINGTON (AP) Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trumps nominee for defense secretary, paid $50,000 to the woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, according to answers he provided to a senator during his confirmation process that The Associated Press has obtained.The written answers were provided to Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren in response to additional questions she had for Hegseth as part of the vetting process.His attorney, Timothy Parlatore, declined to comment Thursday on the dollar figure, which was previously unknown. In November, Parlatore confirmed that the settlement payment had been made, and Hegseth told senators during his confirmation hearing last week that he was falsely accused and completely cleared. News of the payment came as the Senate advanced Hegseths nomination along party lines, with a final vote on his confirmation expected Friday. Democrats and two Republicans have raised concerns about Hegseth, who also has faced allegations of excessive drinking and abuse of his second wife, which he denies. Two days after Hegseth was grilled by senators at this confirmation hearing, Trumps transition team briefed the two leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee on an additional statement that Hegseths second wife, Samantha Hegseth, had provided to the FBI. In the statement that the transition team read Jan. 16 to Mississippi Republican Roger Wicker and Rhode Island Democrat Jack Reed, she said Pete Hegseth had and continues to have a problem with alcohol abuse, a person familiar with the FBI briefing and its findings told The Associated Press. Reed has called Hegseths FBI background check substandard. He said in a statement Thursday that he and Wicker received multiple FBI briefings about the defense secretary nominee, something he had not seen in more than 25 years on the Armed Services Committee, and that the recent reports about the contents of the background briefings on Mr. Hegseth are true and accurate. Parlatore, Hegseths attorney, said Thursday that Reed is knowingly lying because what Samantha Hegseth actually told the FBI is that Pete Hegseth drinks more often than not, but she also acknowledged that she had not spent time with him for about seven years.Senators also received an affidavit Tuesday from a former sister-in-law of the Pentagon nominee alleging his repeated drunkenness and that he was abusive to Samantha Hegseth to the point where she feared for her safety. He and his ex-wife have denied that he was abusive, and Parlatore called the affidavit a clear and admitted partisan attempt to derail Mr. Hegseths confirmation.Meanwhile, the $50,000 payment was made years after the woman told police that Hegseth sexually assaulted her in a California hotel room in 2017 after he took her phone, blocked the door and refused to let her leave, according to an investigative report released in November.Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing. The report does not say that police found the allegations were false. Police recommended the case report be forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorneys Office for review.Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said her office declined to file charges in January 2018 because it didnt have proof beyond a reasonable doubt.Parlatore has said the payment was made as part of a confidential settlement a few years after the police investigation because Hegseth was concerned that she was prepared to sue and that could have gotten him fired from Fox News, where he was a popular host.___AP reporter Eric Tucker contributed from Washington. TARA COPP Copp covers the Pentagon and national security for the Associated Press. She has reported from Afghanistan, Iraq, throughout the Middle East, Europe and Asia. twitter mailto

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau answers questions from reporters as he makes his way to a meeting of the Liberal caucus in West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP)2025-01-24T00:21:39Z TORONTO (AP) Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday American consumers will pay more whenever President Donald Trump decides to apply sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Thursday that he still plans to tariff Canada and Mexico at 25% rates starting as soon as Feb. 1. Trump previously threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China as soon as he took office but the tariffs werent applied on day one.Trudeau said if Trump does go forward whether it be back on Jan. 20th, on Feb. 1st or Feb. 15th as a Valentines Day present, or on April 1st or whenever Canada will respond with retaliatory tariffs and prices for American consumers on just about everything will go up.We dont think he wants that, Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. By targeting Americas second largest trading partner after Mexico, Trump risks upending the markets for autos, lumber and oil all of which could carry over quickly to consumers. The premier of oil-rich Alberta, Danielle Smith, said Americans in some states could pay more than a dollar per gallon more for gas if Trump puts the tariff on Canadian oil. Despite Trumps repeated claim that the U.S doesnt need Canada, nearly a quarter of the oil America consumes per day comes from Canada.Americas northern neighbor also has 34 critical minerals and metals that the U.S. is eager for and is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium. The U.S. should be working even more with Canada on our energy, on our critical minerals, on the goods they need to deliver the economic growth that Donald Trump has promised, Trudeau said. That is our first choice. If they do move forward on tariffs we are ready to respond in a strong way but in a way ... to figure out how to get them removed as soon as possible. Canada is looking at putting retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products if Trump follows through with his threat. When Trump imposed higher tariffs during his first term in office, Canada announced billions of dollars in new duties in 2018 against the U.S. in a tit-for-tat response to new taxes on Canadian steel and aluminumEverything is on the table. Trudeau said. It would be bad for Canada, but it would also be bad for American consumers.Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states.Trudeau said Trump remains preoccupied with the border. The U.S. president told reporters at the White House earlier this week that, in his opinion, the amount of fentanyl coming through Canada and Mexico is massive.We have highlighted that less than one percent of illegal drugs coming into the United States, less than one percent of migrants going into the United States come from Canada but were still investing over a billion dollars and strengthening our border, Trudeau said. Trump continues to erroneously cast the U.S. trade deficit with Canada a natural resource-rich nation that provides the U.S. with commodities like oil as a subsidy. Trump incorrectly claims the U.S. has a $200 billion trade deficit.Were not going to have that anymore. We cant do that, Trump said in a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum. You can always become a state, and if youre a state, we dont have a deficit. We wont have to tariff you.