Steve Alexander highlights fantasy basketball names trending upwards or downwards, with key takeaways for each.

Regulators will decide whether a merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would improve shipment times or stifle competition. A decision is expected in 2027.

Andrew Farkas, a New York City real estate mogul, had assured investors that his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was for business only.

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The Supreme Court Building is seen in Washington on March 28, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)2025-12-19T19:07:58Z WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court sided with immigration judges on Friday, rebuffing the Trump administration for now in a case with possible implications for federal workers as the justices weigh expanding presidential firing power. The decision is a technical step in a long-running case, but it touches on the effects of a series of high-profile firings under President Donald Trump. The justices let stand a ruling that raised questions about the Trump administrations handling of the federal workforce, though they also signaled that lower courts should move cautiously.Immigration judges are federal employees, and the question at the center of the case is about whether they can sue to challenge a policy restricting their public speeches or if they are required to use a separate complaint system for the federal workforce. Trumps Republican administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene after an appeals court found that Trumps firings of top complaint system officials had raised questions about whether its still working as intended. The Justice Department said the firings are within the presidents power and the lower court had no grounds to raise questions. The solicitor general asked the Supreme Court to quickly freeze the ruling as he pushes to have the immigration judges case removed from federal court. The justices declined, though they also said the Trump administration could return if the lower courts moved too fast. The justices have allowed most of Trumps firings for now and are weighing whether to formally expand his legal power to fire independent agency officials by overturning job protections enshrined in a 90-year-old decision. A union formerly representing immigration judges, who work for the Justice Department, first sued in 2020 to challenge a policy restricting what the judges can speak about in public. They say the case is a free-speech issue that belongs in federal court. In recent months, Trumps administration has fired dozens of immigration judges seen by his allies as too lenient. While the order is not a final decision, the case could eventually have implications for other federal workers who want to challenge firings in court rather than the employee complaint system now largely overseen by Trump appointees. The decision comes after a series of wins for the Justice Department on the high courts emergency docket. The court has sided with the Trump administration about two dozen times on issues ranging from immigration to federal funding.___Follow the APs coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court. LINDSAY WHITEHURST Whitehurst covers the Supreme Court and legal affairs for The Associated Press. Shes won multiple journalism awards in a career thats spanned two decades. twitter mailto

The Senate of Kazakhstan passed a bill banning advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality yesterday, just a month after the Central Asian nations lower chamber passed the same law. The bill now heads to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who is expected to sign it.The bill, modeled on Russias ban on LGBTQ+ speech,included fines and jail timefor people found to have spread pro-LGBTQ+ messages in the media (including education and advertising materials) or on social media. The bill bans the use of media, literature, entertainment, and other events that promote non-traditional sexual relations and pedophilia, linking LGBTQ+ identities with child sex abuse, an old negative stereotype used to drum up support for homophobia. Related Russia blocks childrens gaming platform Roblox for violating anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda law Children and teenagers are exposed to information online every day that can negatively impact their ideas about family, morality, and the future, Kazakh Education Minister Gani Beisembayev told lawmakers before the vote.The Senate was supposed to vote on the bill on December 4, but tabled it on December 3, which, The Diplomat notes, is the same day that several members of Kazakhstans Parliament met with European Union Ambassador Aleshka Simki. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today During that meeting, Simki expressed concerns about the bill. We were contacted by the LGBT community, who are very concerned because they are already now seeing some intolerance issues, she told the Kazakh outlet Vlast.Supporting the bill, Kazakh Sen. Ruslan Rustemov said that an analysis of international experience shows that many countries around the world have adopted legislation that ensures the protection of national values and traditions, including those that provide for the protection of the institution of the traditional family. Not only has Russia passed a law like this, but Russia, Georgia, Hungary, and other nations have as well. Human rights organizations denounced the bill, including a coalition of seven international groups that said in a statement: If adopted, the proposed amendments to a draft law on archival affairs would violate fundamental human rights and increase the vulnerability of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and other queer people (LGBTIQ+) in Kazakhstan.Adopting a LGBT propaganda ban would blatantly violate Kazakhstans international human rights commitments, including childrens rights to education, health, and information, the groups said. Discriminatory and rights-violating provisions like those being proposed have no place in any democratic society, which Kazakhstan aspires to be, the statement continued.The bill stipulates that fines for supporting LGBTQ+ people in the media will be 150,000 Kazakh tenge (about $290), with a 300,000 tenge ($580) fine for subsequent offenses. President Tokayevhas indicated that he will sign it.The Muslim-majority nation does not ban homosexuality and only allows people to change the gender markers on official documents after surgery and sterilization. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Out trans Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE) was a key player whipping Republican votes against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes (R-GA) bill criminalizing gender-affirming care for minors, according to her colleague, out lesbian Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT).The bill passed the House on Wednesday with four Republicans voting no. Related Democrats should kick the three transphobes who voted for MTGs bill out of the caucus Sarah McBride takes her work very seriously. She will talk to anyone, Balint told NOTUS.As Democrats worked to keep members united three ultimately broke ranks and sided with Republicans a core group of House Democrats, including Equality Caucus members and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clarks team, was figuring out who had relationships with whom, and then each of us had separate conversations and then we would huddle back up and share information, Balint said. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Were most interested in the caucus, right? But we also suspected we might lose some Democrats, which is why Sarah was like, Look, Ill pick up votes wherever I can.McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress, went after some of those Republicans who ultimately voted no, according to sources. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Mike Kennedy (R-UT), and Gabe Evans (R-CO) bucked their party with votes against Greenes Protect Childrens Innocence Act.McBride has made an effort to avoid discussions of her trans identity since joining Congress in January, concentrating on economic issues, despite attacks that started even before she was sworn in, including Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) dictating what bathrooms McBride could use, and transphobic Rep. Nancy Maces (R-SC) barrage of social media insults.McBride has been repeatedly misgendered by other members in session, as well.But Greenes latest assault on trans minors inspired McBride to reach across the aisle to Republicans who had expressed reservations about the sweeping bill. Sources said that while their conversations were brief, some Republicans expressed openness to opposing the legislation with McBride. While hopeful about some Republican votes, Democrats were surprised when the final tally came in.Fitzpatrick, a Republican from swing state Pennsylvania, cited parental rights as a reason for rejecting the bill, saying he was concerned about the precedent this sets about parental decision-making.The same theory could be used to say that if parents dont vaccinate their kids, that they could be committing a crime, right? So the parent-child relationship, doctor-physician relationship, we have to always presume that these are sacred, Fitzpatrick said. Lawler seconded that reasoning.I voted no because this bill is unconstitutional and a clear overreach of federal authority. Criminalizing parents and doctors is a dangerous slippery slope that puts Washington in the middle of deeply personal medical decisions, the congressman said in a statement.What role McBrides discussions had in those votes is unclear, but the reps reasons echoed the same argument McBride made on the steps of the Capitol before the vote. People are going to have to make their own individual decisions, she said, but what is clear is that the bill that is on the floor today is the most extreme anti-LGBTQ bill that has likely ever come before a Congress.If I had come out four or five years before I did, if I had had the courage to come out a little bit earlier, my parents would have done the exact same thing that they did when I came out to them at 21: they would have gone and talked, first, to their pastor and, second, to a health care professional, she said.They would have supported me, which means that this bill would have imprisoned my parents.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

MAGA infighting erupted at Turning Point USAs America Fest in Phoenix, Arizona, as conservative broadcaster Ben Shapiro blasted Candace Owens for spreading conspiracy theories about the murder of Turning Points founder Charlie Kirk, Tucker Carlson for platforming neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes, and Steve Bannon for aiding the presidents poor handling of files related to convicted child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.The conservative movement is in serious danger from charlatans who claim to speak in the name of principle but actually traffic in conspiracism and dishonesty, Shapiro said, according to Politico. Related How Benny Johnson went from BuzzFeed plagiarist to MAGAs chief content creator Elsewhere, both ex-gay provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos said that Fuentes is gay and MAGA broadcaster Benny Johnson gets trashed and has sex with young boys in the latters hotel rooms at Turning Point conferences, leaving his wife weeping in the arms of other men downstairs amid the AIPAC leaflets and trestle tables, gay journalist Michaelangelo Signorile noted.One of the most distinctive things about the right wing in this country is its homosexual overtones, Yiannopoulos said while speaking to MAGA podcaster Tim Pool. Benny Johnson posts pictures of his children every two daysits weird. And everybody knows what went on with Benny Johnson in those lobbies and those hotel rooms at SAS [Student Action Summit, at Turning Point USA]. Everybody knows.Yiannopoulos also told Pool that he thinks Kirk was gay too and was planning to divorce his wife, Erika Kirk, who delivered the opening address at Turning Point USAs America Fest.

Tan France is officially closing a defining chapter of his career. After nearly a decade as one of the Fab Five on Netflixs Queer Eye, the fashion expert and style icon has wrapped filming on the shows final season, a shorter, five-episode farewell set in Washington, D.C.Speaking shortly after production ended, France reflected on what it meant to bring the beloved makeover series to the nations capital for its final run. Filming in D.C., he said, felt meaningful but also challenging given the citys current political climate.It was great filming in the Capitol, France said. It was hectic very hectic because of how things are right now. But it was good. It was a shorter season. Its only five episodes, but it felt lovely doing it in D.C. for our farewell.Since debuting in 2018, Queer Eye has become one of Netflixs most impactful unscripted hits, praised for its emphasis on empathy, personal growth and LGBTQ visibility. France, along with Antoni Porowski, Jonathan Van Ness, Karamo Brown and Bobby Berk, and the new addition of Jeremiah Brent helped redefine the makeover format, focusing as much on emotional transformation as outward change. Over nine seasons, the show earned multiple Emmy Awards and built a global fan base.For France, the end of Queer Eye marks not just a goodbye, but a turning point. He acknowledged that after eight and a half to nine years with the series, he feels ready to move forward.Im loving where my career might go, he said. Ive been on Queer Eye for nine years eight and a half, nine years and thats a long time. Im ready to see whats next.That next chapter is already taking shape. In recent years, France has expanded his rsum well beyond the makeover chair. He has hosted multiple reunion specials, including events tied to Selling Sunset and The White Lotus, and has become a familiar face across unscripted television. He also revealed that he is launching new digital projects later this year, signaling a shift toward more creator-driven and entrepreneurial work.Im launching digital projects this year, which Im really excited about, France said, offering a glimpse into what fans can expect from him postQueer Eye.While France is eager for the future, his affection for queer storytelling remains clear. Asked about a favorite pop culture moment of the year, he quickly pivoted to praising LGBTQ-centered comedy.I know I should say Heated Rivalry, but I havent started watching it yet, he said with a laugh. Instead, he highlighted Overcompensating, the comedy series from Benny Drama. I love Benny Drama. I loved the show. I was worried it wasnt going to get a second season because it took a long time, but Im so glad they did.As Queer Eye prepares to take its final bow, Frances legacy on the show is secure. He helped make kindness fashionable, queerness accessible and style deeply personal for millions of viewers. Filming the final season in Washington, D.C., underscores how far the series, and its stars, have come, bringing messages of acceptance and self-worth to the heart of the country.Though the Fab Five era is ending, Tan Frances influence is not. As he steps into a new phase of his career, one thing remains clear hes not done just yet.Source

Every holiday season, one artists voice dominates the airwaves and the bottom line. Mariah Carey, hailed as the undisputed Queen of Christmas, continues to rake in impressive earnings from her perennial blockbuster, All I Want for Christmas Is You. From royalties to streaming windfalls, her yuletide smash has become one of the most lucrative songs in modern pop.The Evergreen Hit That Keeps GivingReleased in 1994, All I Want for Christmas Is You didnt just become an instant classic, it grew into a financial juggernaut. At last count, it has earned approximately $103 million in global revenue from sources including streaming, sales, and downloads. On streaming platforms alone, the song holds the records to prove its impact. Notably, it was the first holiday track to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify, and in 2023 alone, Spotify saw 249 million U.S. audio streams, nearly 50% more than in 2019. How Much She Makes Each YearEstimating annual earnings reveals a stunning, multi-million-dollar haul:Billboards 2022 estimate placed Mariahs take from downloads and streaming at $2.7 million to $3.3 million before considering other lucrative sources like TV specials or endorsements. Forbes broke down recording vs. publishing: about $1.55 million from recording royalties and up to $830,000 from publishing, totaling nearly $2.4 million, again excluding non-royalty income. Billboard provided another angle, reporting a total revenue of $8.5 million in 2022 with $5.3 million from master recording and $3.2 million in publishing royalties. After splits with Sony and co-writer Walter Afanasieff, Mariahs share is likely $2.7 million to $3.3 million. Investopedia calculates her annual haul at $2.5 million, and notes the song has generated over $60 million in streaming royalties alone. Spanish-language media echoes this, estimating she nets about $3 million annually from the song, which has generated nearly $70 million over the past 30 years. People magazine confirms the long-term haul of $60 million and an annual royalty income between $2.5 million and $3 million. In summary, depending on the methodology, Mariahs annual earnings from All I Want for Christmas Is You range from $2.5 million to over $3 million.Why the Payout Is So HighSeveral factors explain the massive earnings:Shes everywhere Mariah holds both songwriting and performing credits, meaning she collects from both publishing and master royalty streams. Seasonal ubiquity The song consistently returns to No. 1 on holiday singles charts and breaks streaming records every December. Expanded income streams Beyond audio royalties, revenue pours in from holiday concerts, TV specials, merchandise, brand deals, and licensing though these are harder to quantify publicly. A Financial Legacy That Keeps GivingWith copyright protections extending 70 years after her passing, Mariah, or her estate, could be collecting royalties well beyond her lifetime. The songs enduring cultural imprint extends beyond money, too:It has broken streaming records, including 21.2 million streams in a single day in 2022 the first song ever to pass 20 million daily plays. It holds the record for most weeks at No. 1 on Billboards Holiday 100 and is widely ranked as the greatest holiday song of all time. Mariah Carey, as a fierce advocate and queer icon, has become synonymous with holiday joy, self-expression, and resilience. Her role as the Queen of Christmas isnt just about music, its a cultural celebration that unites fans across identities and generations.Every stream, meme, and nostalgic trigger of All I Want for Christmas Is You signals a shared moment of warmth and empowerment, and yes, some serious royalty checks.Final Bell: The Gift That Keeps GivingMariah Careys holiday anthem is more than a festive favorite, its a cash-producing classic with staying power. Each year, All I Want for Christmas Is You brings her millions in earnings, while embedding itself further into cultural memory.Careys clever stewardship of the song, both creatively and commercially, ensures that for decades to come, shell remain the reigning Queen of Christmas, reminding us that sometimes, a timeless tune is the most precious gift of all.Source

Bowen Yang is set to depart Saturday Night Live, marking the end of a groundbreaking run for one of the shows most influential and visible queer cast members. Yangs final appearance as a cast member will air Saturday, with Wicked star Ariana Grande hosting and Cher serving as musical guest, a high-profile sendoff for a performer who helped reshape the shows comedic voice in recent years.Representatives for Yang and Saturday Night Live declined to comment on the decision. The exit comes midway through Yangs eighth season with the show, an unusual but not unprecedented move in the long-running sketch series history.Yang joined SNL as a writer in 2018 during Season 44, quickly becoming a standout behind the scenes. He was promoted to featured player in Season 45 and rose to repertory status beginning with Season 47. Over the years, Yang emerged as one of the shows most reliable scene-stealers, known for his sharp delivery, pop culture fluency and ability to inject camp, chaos and sincerity into even the most absurd sketches.For LGBTQ audiences, Yangs presence carried particular weight. As one of the first openly gay Asian American cast members in SNL history, he brought perspectives rarely centered on the iconic stage. His characters, from viral impressions to original creations, often leaned into queerness without apology, helping normalize LGBTQ humor that wasnt framed as a punchline but as a point of view.Yangs departure follows a significant cast shake-up ahead of Season 51, which premiered in October. Several longtime and newer players exited the show, including Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Michael Longfellow, Devon Walker, Emil Wakim and John Higgins. Higgins exit coincided with changes to the Please Dont Destroy trio, with Martin Herlihy moving to the writing staff and Ben Marshall joining the featured cast.While cast turnover is a constant at SNL, midseason exits are relatively rare. Notable performers who have left the show before finishing a season include Cecily Strong, Molly Shannon, Dana Carvey and Eddie Murphy. Norm Macdonald also departed midseason, though his exit was the result of being fired rather than a voluntary move.Yangs decision to leave early has sparked speculation about what comes next. In recent years, he has expanded his career beyond Studio 8H, appearing in major film projects such as Fire Island, Bros and the upcoming Wicked adaptation. He also co-hosts the popular comedy podcast Las Culturistas, which has cultivated a devoted fan base and earned critical acclaim for its blend of pop culture commentary and queer humor.Source

The offense-starved Pittsburgh Pirates finally made an aggressive offseason move, agreeing to acquire two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from Tampa Bay as part of a three-team trade that also includes the Houston Astros, reports say.

Orioles acquire RHP Shane Baz from Rays for OF Slater de Brun, C Caden Bodine, RHP Michael Forret, OF Austin Overn and a competitive-balance Round A pick.

The Angels and the family of Tyler Skaggs have agreed to a last-minute settlement over the civil lawsuit stemming from the former pitcher's death in 2019.

The parents of Claudio Neves Valente had not seen or heard from him since he left Portugal for the United States to enroll at a graduate program at Brown more than two decades ago.

Prison guards have been accused of more than 120 acts of brutality that amounted to torture in the past decade in New York, a Times investigation found.

Passengers on Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road trains could face $8 fines if they keep waiting until after the train leaves to activate their mobile tickets.

Tree farmers and the marketing group that supports them want more Americans to buy live-cut trees. A new Home Depot ad gave them holiday hope.

The companies agreed to sell most of their drugs to Medicaid at the prices they charge in European countries and to sell drugs directly to consumers through a planned TrumpRx website.

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In this June 29, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs throws to an Oakland Athletics batter during a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)2025-12-19T19:19:52Z SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels on Friday settled a lawsuit over the drug overdose death of pitcher Tyler Skaggs.The decision to settle was reached after a two-month civil trial in Southern California over whether the Angels should be held responsible for Skaggs 2019 death after he snorted a fentanyl-laced pill provided by the teams communications director, Eric Kay.Skaggs widow, Carli, and his parents filed a lawsuit alleging the MLB team knew or should have known Kay was a drug addict and dealing painkillers to players. The team contended officials didnt know Skaggs was taking drugs and would have sought him help if they did.Jurors began deliberating earlier this week. Orange County Superior Court Judge H. Shaina Colover thanked jurors for their diligence. That is why this matter was able to be resolved today, she said, before releasing them. Six years ago, the 27-year-old left-handed pitcher was found dead in the suburban Dallas hotel room where he was staying as the Angels were supposed to open a four-game series against the Texas Rangers. A coroners report said the player choked to death on his vomit, and a toxic mix of alcohol, fentanyl and oxycodone was found in his system. Kay, a longtime Angels employee, was convicted in 2022 of providing Skaggs with a counterfeit oxycodone pill laced with fentanyl and sentenced to 22 years in prison. His criminal trial in Texas included testimony from five MLB players who said they received oxycodone from Kay at various times from 2017 to 2019. In California, MLB players including outfielder Mike Trout, Angels president John Carpino, and Skaggs and Kays relatives testified during the trial in a Santa Ana courtroom. Witnesses for the plaintiffs described how Kay was acting erratic at the stadium and found with multiple plastic bags filled with pills at his home and later hospitalized for a drug overdose. They also recounted how Kay got players massage appointments, tee times and even prescription medication, and was paid by players for stunts like taking a fastball to the leg. Angels attorneys pointed out that Skaggs was hooked on painkillers before he signed with the Angels in 2013. They said Skaggs got his teammates into taking pills and got Kay to provide them, but kept it secret out of concern it could jeopardize their MLB careers. Had team officials known Kay was dealing drugs, or Skaggs was taking them, they would have done something, the lawyers said.Witnesses also sparred during the case over how much money Skaggs would have made as a pitcher had he lived. Experts for the plaintiffs said he could have reeled in between $91 million and $101 million, while the Angels put the figure at no more than $32 million.Skaggs had been a regular in the Angels starting rotation since late 2016 and struggled with injuries repeatedly during that time. He previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks.After Skaggs death, the MLB reached a deal with the players association to start testing for opioids and to refer those who test positive to the treatment board. Before the judge announced the settlement Friday, jurors had remained behind closed doors after lawyers for both sides had gone to speak with Colover.Late Wednesday, jurors had sent out a note asking whether they get to decide the punitive damage amount, saying there is no field for it on the verdict form. The judge said she would send a note replying that if they decide there should be punitive damages, they would decide how much at a later time.The jury did not work on Thursday and resumed deliberations Friday morning. AMY TAXIN Taxin writes about food, farming and water in California for The Associated Press. She covers coastal issues and general news from Californias Orange County. twitter mailto

Fifty-seven-year-old Alvin Prasad exited the Badlands nightclub with his adult daughter and friends, enjoying a Halloween night out in Lavender Heights, Sacramentos LGBTQ+ district. But as they walked towards their car, a man approached Prasad and insulted his flamboyant costume.He calls my dad weird, Prasads daughter Andrea told KXTV. He says it in a very rude, aggressive way like he wants to hurt my dad. Related Man charged with felony over bizarre & disturbing Grindr stalking plot Prasad who was dressed in 18th-century coat and hat, with knee-high platform boots, a pink wig and large white wings strapped to his back tried to speak with the man. But the man punched Prasad in the forehead, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the pavement.Hes lying flat on his back, and hes, for lack of a better expression, hes breathing like a fish out of water, family friend Jonathon Wisinski said. He seemed like he was seizing up. Before I rolled him, I noticed that he was bleeding from the back of his head. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today His daughter called 911 while repeatedly calling out daddy, trying to get her injured father to respond. He didnt. Ever since, he has been hospitalized in a coma. Doctors say he has permanent damage to the front and back of his brain.Hell never be the same, his daughter said. He cant express himself cant go out dancing. Its just its not the same. Police arrested 24-year-old suspect Sean Wesley Payton Jr. and charged him with assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, personally inflicting great bodily injury, a hate-crime allegation, and resisting arrest. He pleaded not guilty and is now in jail awaiting his January 30 court hearing without bail.David Heitstuman, CEO of the Sacramento LGBT Community Center (which is near the scene of the attack), said in a statement that the brutal attack is part of a string of anti-LGBTQ+ attacks in the area.Weve also learned of several other bias and hate-related incidents in the neighborhood, from an attempt to tear down the Centers Pride flag and broken windows to multiple attacks targeting LGBTQ+ people over the last several months, Heitstuman said. These acts harm our community and threaten the sense of safety and belonging in the place we call home. He said the center is in contact with the Sacramento Police Department and intends to talk with local leadership, law enforcement, and community advocates about how to make the area safer.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

There is no such thing as too many WLW movies. In fact, they are far too fewparticularly when it comes to films that celebrate sapphic love between queer women of color.While the list is much shorter than we would hopeand wed love to see that changewhat these movies lack in quantity, they more than make up for in quality.So, with that in mind, here are 9 movies that focus on Black lesbian love and lives, along with where to stream them.How to Blow Up a PipelinePart eco-thriller, part heist film, How to Blow Up a Pipeline follows a group of environmental activists planning to blow up a pipelinethats not a spoiler, its literally in the title. But if that isnt enough to catch your attention, at the films center is a lesbian couple. Theres a central lesbian couple: Alisha (Jayme Lawson) and Theo (Sasha Lane).Where to watch: HuluRafikiThis Kenyan film follows the friends-to-lovers romance between Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Sheila Munyiva), two women from rival families. Their sweet love story is set against the backdrop of a society that criminalizes homosexuality, forcing them to keep their love secret.Where to watch: TubiSet It OffThis film was an instant lesbian classic as soon as it dropped in 1996, and its still just as powerful today. In it, a group of friends become bank robbers. Among them is a lesbian named Cleo Sims, played by Queen Latifah, whose performance proved to be a lesbian awakening for many a Gen X sapphic.Where to watch: Pluto TVPariahThis moving coming-of-age film is a must-watch for every sapphic. In it, Alike (Adepero Oduye) is a 17-year-old who is coming to terms with her sexuality while trying to reconcile it with her conservative, religious family. She also embarks on her first romance with a girl named Bina (Aasha Davis); its incredibly sweet and poignant.Where to watch: Rent on Prime VideoBessieBased on the true story of blues singer Bessie Smith, the film stars Queen Latifah as the icon who overcame unbelievable obstacles to rise to fame in the 1920s and 30s. The film tracks her career as well as her complicated love life, which included her passionate romance with her lover Lucille (Tika Sumpter).Where to watch: HBO MaxBeautyInspired, but not based on the story of Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford, this Netflix original follows a young, talented lesbian singer named Beauty (Gracie Marie Bradley) on the brink of being signed to a record label, who struggles to find the balance between following her dreams, making her conservative mother (Niecy Nash-Betts) happy, and maintaining her relationship with her girlfriend Jasmine (Aleyse Shannon).Where to watch: NetflixStud LifeThis British drama follows a stud named JJ (TNia Miller), whose lifeand friendship with her friend and business partner Seb (Kyle Treslove)gets turned upside down when she falls for a gorgeous femme named Elle (Robyn Kerr).Where to watch: FandorHearts Beat LoudThis incredibly sweet indie comedy-drama primarily focuses on the relationship between father Frank Fisher (Nick Offerman) and his daughter Sam (Kiersey Clemons), who he cajoles into recording an unreleased song together and reconnecting. It also features a sapphic love story that sees Sam falling for her friend Rose (Sasha Lane).Where to watch: Tubi

The inaugural TikTok Awards officially arrived in the U.S. last night, transforming the Hollywood Palladium into something that felt less like a traditional awards show and more like a real-life For You Page. Amid razz-colored carpet glam, surprise collabs, and a high-voltage Ciara performance, viral creator Jools Lebron took a moment to reflect on the year that quietly changed everything.Lebron, who became an internet fixture after her use of the phrase very demure sparked a viral wave, spoke with Gayetys Andy on the carpet about what comes after a breakout moment, when the memes linger, but real life keeps moving.Its been up, its been down, Lebron said when asked about the months following her sudden rise. Rather than leaning into the fantasy of overnight success, she described a year shaped by contrast, noting that growth often came from moments that werent especially glamorous.Ive had a lot of times that made me grow, she added, framing the experience as something earned rather than bestowed.A New Normal After ViralityThe TikTok Awards marked a symbolic full circle for many creators in attendance, recognition from the very platform that launched their careers. For Lebron, it also highlighted how much had shifted since her viral moment first took off.This year I learned that sometimes youve got to get situated with yourself, she said. The lesson, she explained, was less about reinvention and more about grounding.What does normal look like after having the most viral moment in the world? Lebron asked, laughing, but clearly meaning it.That sense of recalibration echoed throughout the night. TikTok crowned creators, storytellers, trendsetters, and breakout talents who defined the For You Feed this year, while also signaling a broader commitment to creator culture in the U.S. In the spirit of its Creator of the Year winner, TikTok announced a $50,000 donation to Feeding America, supporting meal programs nationwide.Inside TikToks IRL For You PageThe ceremony itself leaned fully into the platforms chaotic charm. Ahead of the show, creators walked a bold razz-colored carpet, a playful departure from standard red carpet fare as live pre-show hosts Dylan Kevitch, Hannah Kosh, and Taylor King captured arrivals in real time.That energy spilled into a variety-style opening led by Mikey Angelo, who unveiled an original TikTok version of his annual year-end wrap. The crowd erupted when Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa reunited during Recap Guys performance, reprising their Dancing with the Stars chemistry.Ciara delivered the nights defining musical moment, tearing through a medley that blended new material like Ecstasy from CiCi with classics including Goodies, 1, 2 Step, and Like A Boy. Elsewhere, surprises kept coming: Mr. Fantasy emerged from the audience for an impromptu onstage collab, Labubu Cannon launched plushies into the crowd, and Creator Collab Cam paired unexpected duos for spontaneous content.As title sponsor, e.l.f. brought its Glow Reviver Collection to life through Lippie Land, an immersive playground complete with customization stations, photo ops, and product drops tied to TikTok Shop favorites.A Gay Moment That Made Her LaughWhen asked her favorite gay moment of the year, Lebron sidestepped the expected answers. Instead, she pointed to the internets reaction to JoJo Siwa.My favorite gay moment, she said, was a few of the things JoJo Siwa did that were hilarious because they ended up not being very gay at all.The comment landed as playful and perceptive, a reminder that queer culture often thrives on irony just as much as visibility.As the Palladium buzzed late into the night, Lebron appeared comfortable standing in her moment without clinging to it. In a room built to celebrate trends, her takeaway felt refreshingly steady: viral fame might open doors, but self-awareness is what carries you through them.Source

Despite the Chiefs' being eliminated from the NFL's postseason last week, Travis Kelce, the team's star tight end, plans to play in each of the final three games this season.

The NFL is suspending Seahawks outside linebacker Derick Hall for one game without pay for an act of unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct during Thursday night's game against the Rams.

The selection of Scott Beardsley by the G.O.P.-appointed board comes after the previous president resigned under pressure from the Trump administration. A new Democratic-appointed board could try to overturn the choice.

At a demonstration of devices designed to replace turnstiles, one rider got hit in the neck, and another sneaked through without paying.

Omar Garca Harfuch is overseeing one of the most aggressive offensives in years against Mexicos powerful criminal groups. Many before him have failed.

Karl Jordan Jr., godson of the musician, was convicted last year of murder in the service of a drug deal. The judge found that the government had not proved the motive.

Monica-Grace Mukendis career demonstrates the lasting impact of OneGoal, a nonprofit that helps low-income students attend college.

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Three young men who lured victims they found on Grindr and then assaulted them for Catch a Predator-style videos they posted to social media received light sentences from judges in New Zealand, despite finding that they were all guilty of committing hate crimes.Thomas Bull, Patrick Moloney and Ethan Jeffs, who were 18 or 19 years old at the time of the assaults, were sentenced to between just 8.5 and 10.5 months home detention for the assault spree. Related Teen gangs are forcing gay men to confess to pedophilia in pedo hunting TikTok trend The three were convicted on charges of assault, injuring with intent to injure, and posting a harmful digital communication.A summary of facts in the case said the three teens were in a Snapchat group they called Freaky Group, where they discussed catching so-called pedophiles and planned what they would do on their next hunt, the New Zealand Herald reports. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today A similar pattern was followed in multiple assaults, with the young men creating fake profiles on Grindr, exchanging messages with their intended victims, and luring them to private homes, parks, and streets, often late at night.A total of 13 separate assaults occurred between August and September 2024.When the victims arrived at their destination, they were ambushed by the three, with attacks that included punches, kicks, stomps and slaps. At least one victim was made to strip naked.All of the assaults were filmed and edited into videos many with music and titles that were then uploaded to social.Some videos included added drama when the victims would try and run. The group would take chase, with some wearing balaclavas for the hunts. Victims suffered bleeding, bruises, grazes and cuts to their faces, prosecutors showed.So-called pedo hunts have plagued both New Zealand and Australia over the last several years, with the slickest videos racking up millions of views on TikTok and other platforms.The judge in Moloneys case said at his sentencing hearing, to describe these assaults as despicable and cowardly is something of an understatement.All three judges in the separate cases agreed the multiple assaults added up to hate crimes.Jeffs lawyer argued that her clients intention was not to target gay men but to target pedophiles.The judge disagreed.Despite the defendants claim that these people had a sexual interest in minors, the judge couldnt divorce that from the fact that you targeted gay men.It was the targeting of gay men, and the clear conclusion I have reached is that this was a hate crime, the judge said.He also declined to give Jeffs a sentencing discount for good character.Your character is someone who enjoyed humiliating and disrespecting other people, who enjoyed watching victims squirm, be fearful, enjoyed intimidating them and have enjoyed further humiliating them by participating in the uploading on to social media of what occurred, the judge said. Jeffs compounded that impression by initiating further assaults following the first and failing to think, What the heck have I done?Given that rebuke and others, the light sentences are surprising. Despite the physical injuries, humiliation, and considerable emotional distress inflicted on their victims, the defendants wont serve any time behind bars.Moloneys judge cited him becoming a new father.The defendant should think about what role modelling you need to provide for your son, the judge told him, and how Moloney would feel about him being dealt with in the way that you dealt with the victims of your offending.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams dared fans to get freakier, and those fans said, Hold my beer. After throwing down the gauntlet, it took exactly one day for Williams to get told that his character, Shane Hollander, is pregnant on the popular fan fiction website AO3.This might be the first time Williams heard this information, but people have been commenting on Shane being in Mpreg stories and being an Omega since the first episode dropped, and it only got worse after episode 4, when Shane was shown holding a baby.But what is Mpreg, and why are people calling Shane an Omega? (@) Fan fiction gives fans an outlet to not only get creative with the worlds and characters from their favorite books, TV shows, and movies, but also tackle taboo and transgressive topics. And sometimes that means things get a little weird.If youve never fallen down a fan fiction rabbit hole before, you might be completely unaware of the Omegaverse (as this fan fiction subgenre is often called), but there are tons of stories where Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov have been written as an omega and his alpha who are having a baby together. So what do all of these terms mean, and whats going on with the memes taking over social media?What is AO3? (@) AO3, which stands for Archive of Our Own, is one of the most popular and largest fan-fiction websites on the internet, where anyone can post fanfic theyve written for the audience to read. There are fan-created stories about Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter falling in love, ones shipping Marvel characters in fact, Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid posted her story to the site as a Captain America/Bucky ship before publishing it and others that cast new characters in familiar worlds from books, TV shows, or movies. And the fans work quickly. Heated Rivalry has become such a popular topic for Omegaverse stories that there have already been 145 written since the show started airing. What is an omega? (@) The Omegaverse is a subgenre of erotic fan fiction that focuses on humans being divided into a hierarchy based on the myth that wolves fall into the dominant and submissive types of Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. This is why the subgenre is also sometimes referred to as A/B/O. In Heated Rivalry, Ilya comes across as a soft dom to the more submissive Shane, but in Omegaverse fan fiction, hes written as an Alpha and Shane is cast as an Omega. But what do these terms really mean?Alpha: Tops, socially and physically dominant.Beta: Neutral or has a mix of Alpha and Omega traits.Omega: Bottoms, submissive, gentle, nurturing, and can get pregnant.People are often drawn to the Omegaverse because of the way the subgenre plays with power dynamics, upends traditional gender roles, and leans into primal instincts.The Omegaverse has been around on fanfic websites since the early 2010s when the Supernatural fandom created the tropes that are still going strong today. Actor Jensen Ackles, who played Dean in the show, is widely considered the first Omega, with fans casting Jared Padalecki (who played his brother, Sam) as his Alpha. While it originated in the gay fanfic community, there are heterosexual versions of these tropes as well. Now, its become so popular that its broken out of fanfic websites, and erotic Omegaverse books can even be found on Amazon.Knotting, heats, and pheromones explained (@) Ok, so this is where things start getting weird. This subgenre has a whole set of tropes that are common and loosely based on wolf traits again, and they tend to be pretty horny and play with dom/sub dynamics. Knotting: Inspired by wolf anatomy, the base of the penis inflates to lock the Alpha inside the Omega during sex. Heats: Omegas have regular heats where they are usually extremely horny and driven to have sex and get pregnant. Omegas often have to take prescription heat suppressants, so they dont go into heat at inopportune times.Pheromones: Alphas have pheromones which they can release to assert dominance, or to scent mark a mate, and the smell can trigger an Omegas heat. Omegas also put out powerful pheromones during their heat that attract Alphas.What is Mpreg? (@) If youve never heard of this before, you may be baffled by the concept, but there is a whole subsection of the fanfic world devoted to Mpreg, short for male pregnancy. This popular trope usually involves the man having a uterus and the ability to get pregnant and give birth. The Omegaverse falls under this umbrella, but there are other fanfic subgenres that also play with Mpreg.Now that you've had a crash course on the Omegaverse and Mpreg, you'll be one step ahead of Hudson Williams, who was clearly confused when a fan brought up the popular memes.

The holidays are the perfect time to deck the halls, and the tree, with a little extra pizazz. For LGBTQ+ shoppers or anyone looking to add a playful, colorful twist to their dcor, Etsy has become a treasure trove of gay Christmas ornaments. From glittery rainbows to cheeky slogans, these festive trinkets bring joy, pride, and a bit of whimsy to holiday celebrations.One of the most talked-about pieces this year is the Gay Agenda ornament. A playful and silly piece, it adds a splash of humor to any tree and will bring a chuckle to all who see it . Perfect for anyone who loves a little sass with their tinsel, this ornament doubles as a conversation starter at holiday parties and a festive nod to queer culture.Gay Agenda ornament from Etsy. Photo: Etsy (@T@TheBrooklynVibe)Etsys marketplace is full of similar gems. Many ornaments feature rainbow patterns, glitter, or playful designs that reimagine traditional holiday motifs. Santa hats, snowflakes, and candy canes get a queer twist, while pop culture-inspired ornaments celebrate iconic LGBTQ+ figures or classic queer humor. For those who love personalization, some artists even offer custom designs with names, pronouns, or fun slogans.Beyond aesthetics, these ornaments carry a sense of community. Handmade by queer artisans, theyre not just decorations, theyre a celebration of LGBTQ+ creativity and visibility. Whether youre shopping for your own tree, gifting a friend, or decorating a shared space, these ornaments bring both color and meaning to the season.Gay Couple Christmas Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@aCreativePanda)U-Haul Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@MorgansRoom222)Yas Queen Santa Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@LailaandLainey)Customizable Coming Out Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@MeaningfulGiftsUS)A Gay in a Manger Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@sophiegreen)Customizable Couple Moon Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@QuietBloomLab)Love Proudly Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@BKNYfeltcompany)Don We Now Our Gay Apparel Ugly Sweater Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@PandasLittleGifts)Rainbow Pride Gnome Ornament. Photo: Etsy (@EuphoriaThreadsApCo)The whimsical nature of gay Christmas ornaments also makes them a hit at parties and family gatherings. They can be subtle enough to blend in with traditional dcor or bold enough to steal the show. Whether its a glittery unicorn bauble, a rainbow candy cane, or a Gay Agenda comedic piece, these ornaments turn a standard holiday tree into a joyful expression of queer pride.This holiday season, dont settle for ordinary. Etsys LGBTQ+-friendly ornament selection proves that festive dcor can be fabulous and cheerful. Your tree, and everyone who sees it. will thank you.Source

The offense-starved Pirates finally made an aggressive offseason move, agreeing to acquire two-time All-Star second baseman Brandon Lowe from the Rays as part of a three-team trade that also includes the Astros, sources confirmed to ESPN.

WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN on Friday that despite the union's strike authorization vote amid their current negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, the WNBA players still want to play next season.

The basketball league will require teams to submit injury reports closer to tipoff, an attempt to close one source of inside information.

Ms. Stefanik, a Republican congresswoman and staunch ally of President Trump, abruptly ended her bid to unseat Gov. Kathy Hochul and said she would not seek another House term.

Workers hauled up large letters spelling out Mr. Trumps full name to add to the white marble face of the building on Friday morning.

The shift would mean fewer shots recommended for children. But a Danish health official found the idea baffling, saying the United States was getting crazier and crazier in public health.

To prevent ramming attacks at Christmas markets, German officials have installed concrete blocks, chain barriers and, in one case, metal bollards removed by a hand-cranked crane.

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After a year of record-breaking WNBA attendance and viewership, and players speaking out about their wages not reflecting this rise in popularity, players have voted to authorize a strike.Labor negotiations reached a tipping point on Thursday when the WNBAs players association announced that its members voted to authorize a strike if one becomes necessary as the deadline for the leagues contract negotiations grows closer.After months of stalled talks over the players new collective bargaining agreement, which has seen players like Napheesa Collier speaking out about low player salaries despite record growth, 98% of players who participated in the vote agreed to authorize a strike. The negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement were set to expire on Nov. 30, before being extended until the new Jan. 9 deadline. "Let it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future," the WNBA players association said Thursday.But the league claims that the union "fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table, in a statement in response to a strike being authorized. The WNBA players are hoping to win profit sharing like the NBA, among other demands, such as improvements to practice and playing facilities, and enhanced player protections. On Wednesday, Unrivaled cofounder and union vice president Breanna Stewart said she welcomed help from the NBA commissioner during negotiations. What were doing right now isnt really getting us anywhere, Stewart said. If that means Adam [Silver] and Mark [Tatum] need to come to the table, were more than happy to have that.Collier, who is on the union's executive council, also said they are fighting for retirement and childcare benefits, NBC News reports.Obviously, theres frustration in that both sides are trying to get what they want, but we still have that fire within us that were willing to do what it takes, Collier said. Were going to do whatever it takes to get what we think we deserve.The leagues expansion draft was supposed to start this month, but has been delayed because of the talks. If there continue to be delays, as tensions flare, the regular 2026 timeline could be affected.

By the time Heated Rivalry reaches Episode 5, the series has already proven itself. The chemistry is established. The tension is locked in. The slow burn is no longer a tease, its a promise. And yet, this episode still manages to raise the bar, delivering an hour that reframes the story and clarifies what the show is actually about.This is not simply the best episode of the season. Its the moment Heated Rivalry steps into something larger: a character-driven drama that understands restraint, vulnerability, and consequence.Shanes Safer Choice, and Why It MattersThe episode opens with Shane attempting the version of life that feels manageable. His connection with Rose isnt cynical or manipulative. Its sincere in the way avoidance often is. He wants ease. He wants normalcy. He wants something that doesnt require risk.Sophie Nlisse plays Rose with a clarity that grounds the entire hour. She recognizes Shanes hesitation without demanding answers he cant give. More importantly, she offers acceptance without conditions. That response changes him. Being seen, and not punished for it, becomes the first crack in the wall Shane has spent years maintaining.That emotional permission doesnt solve his problems, but it makes honesty possible. Once he stops pretending with Rose, continuing to lie to himself becomes impossible.Two Men Moving at Different Speeds Toward the Same TruthThe heart of Episode 5 lives in the space between Shane and Ilya. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie navigate that space with precision, allowing silences to carry as much weight as dialogue.Their dynamic remains familiar: one advances, the other retreats. Whats different now is intent. Shane is no longer guessing. Ilya is no longer pretending not to understand. The conflict isnt confusion, its fear.Ilyas resistance isnt rooted in denial of feeling. Its rooted in reality. Family expectations. National ties. The cost of visibility. Being openly in love doesnt just change his life; it erases the possibility of returning home. That knowledge hardens him, even as his feelings deepen.Grief as a Breaking PointThe death of Ilyas father collapses what little emotional distance hes been maintaining. Grief exposes the guilt hes carried for years: guilt over not being enough, not fixing things, not saving anyone. None of it is fair. All of it feels unbearable.His decision to cut ties with his brother isnt impulsive, its survival. For the first time, Ilya chooses himself. That choice doesnt bring relief. It brings clarity.What he wants is Shane. What he needs is Shane. And knowing that doesnt make the situation easier. It makes it crueler.Love Without a Future Is Still LoveWhen Ilya finally says it, clearly, without deflection, it lands with devastating force. He doesnt just love Shane. He imagines a life with him. Ordinary moments. Shared mornings. A future that feels quiet instead of combative.That clarity is what makes the episode hurt. They arent circling feelings anymore. Theyre standing in them. And they both understand the same truth: wanting something doesnt make it attainable.The World Watches, and Misses EverythingOn the ice, their connection is visible without being legible. Fans speculate. Commentators deflect. The story remains just plausible enough to be ignored.Shanes injury reframes everything. His first instinct isnt fear, its control. If he cant manage his body, he can manage Ilyas reaction. That instinct reveals how deeply intertwined their emotional lives have become.A Risk Worth TakingIlyas choice to visit Shane in the hospital is reckless and necessary. In that moment, fear shifts shape. Its no longer about being found out. Its about losing someone without ever being allowed to grieve publicly.His confession isnt theatrical. Its quiet. Honest. Exhausted. And it changes the rules.Scott Hunter Changes the GameScotts public choice to live openly doesnt fix anything overnight. It complicates everything. But it introduces possibility.For Shane and Ilya, its proof that fear doesnt get the final word. Someone chose love and survived it. That matters.The episode ends without resolution, but with direction. Episode 6 still has work to do. Still, its hard to imagine anything surpassing the emotional clarity achieved here.Heated Rivalry Episode 5 isnt just a standout. Its the moment the series earns its ambition, and trusts the audience to sit with the ache.Source

Tulane coach Jon Sumrall mourned the death of his father Friday, a day before the Green Wave make their College Football Playoff debut against Ole Miss.

Part of the first generation of women ordained in America, she presided over the first bar mitzvah in Krakow, still scarred by the Holocaust, in decades. It did not go smoothly.