Nominations for the 77th Emmy Awards are being announced. See below for a live list of nominees.

Readers from around the world asked about Assemblyman Zohran Mamdanis surprising primary win, its effect on national politics and how The Times covers elections.

The tree, a beloved landmark that stood by Hadrians Wall in northern England, was found illegally cut down in 2023.

Some of the prime ministers political allies have quit over a proposal to make religious students serve in military, and more are threatening to do so.

Experts said the health secretarys remarks send a dangerous message: Dont trust your physician.

When Sheryl Song first bought this apartment, she could only afford a few IKEA pieces. Slowly, over the next ten years, I transformed this apartment into a reflection of who I am one chair, one corner, one layer at a time. READ MORE...

Apartment Therapy recommended the same thing a few years ago.READ MORE...

Nature, Published online: 15 July 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02241-2The appearance of thousands of formulaic biomedical studies has been linked to the rise of text-generating AI tools.

ESPN goes behind the scenes in camp with Oleksandr Usyk ahead of his undisputed heavyweight title fight against Daniel Dubois on July 19.

Though long favored to land with Georgia, five-star recruit Tyler Atkinson, ESPN's No. 1 OLB in the 2026 class, announced his commitment to Texas on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday.

FUTTIES has joined EA FC 25's women-centered Greats of the Game program.

by William Turton, Christopher Bing and Avi Asher-Schapiro ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published. The Internal Revenue Service is building a computer program that would give deportation officers unprecedented access to confidential tax data.ProPublica has obtained a blueprint of the system, which would create an on demand process allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to obtain the home addresses of people its seeking to deport.Last month, in a previously undisclosed dispute, the acting general counsel at the IRS, Andrew De Mello, refused to turn over the addresses of 7.3 million taxpayers sought by ICE. In an email obtained by ProPublica, De Mello said he had identified multiple legal deficiencies in the agencys request.Two days later, on June 27, De Mello was forced out of his job, people familiar with the dispute said. The addresses have not yet been released to ICE. De Mello did not respond to requests for comment, and the administration did not address questions sent by ProPublica about his departure.The Department of Government Efficiency began pushing the IRS to provide taxpayer data to immigration agents soon after President Donald Trump took office. The tax agencys acting general counsel refused and was replaced by De Mello, who Trump administration officials viewed as more willing to carry out the presidents agenda. Soon after, the Department of Homeland Security, ICEs parent agency, and the IRS negotiated a memorandum of understanding that included specific legal guardrails to safeguard taxpayers private information.In his email, De Mello said ICEs request for millions of records did not meet those requirements, which include having a written assurance that each taxpayer whose address is being sought was under active criminal investigation.Theres just no way ICE has 7 million real criminal investigations, thats a fantasy, said a former senior IRS official who had been advising the agency on this issue. The demands from the DHS were unprecedented, the official added, saying the agency was pressing the IRS to do what amounted to a big data dump. In the past, when law enforcement sought IRS data to support its investigations, agencies would give the IRS the full legal name of the target, an address on file and an explanation of why the information was relevant to a criminal inquiry. Such requests rarely involved more than a dozen people at a time, former IRS officials said.Danny Werfel, IRS commissioner during the Biden administration, said the privacy laws allowing federal investigators to obtain taxpayer data have never been read to open the door to the sharing of thousands, tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands of tax records for a broad-based enforcement initiative.A spokesperson for the White House said the planned use of IRS data was legal and a means of fulfilling Trumps campaign pledge to carry out mass deportations of illegal criminal aliens.Taxpayer data is among the most confidential in the federal government and is protected by strict privacy laws, which have historically limited its transfer to law enforcement and other government agencies. Unauthorized disclosure of taxpayer return information is a felony that can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison.The system that the IRS is now creating would give ICE automated access to home addresses en masse, limiting the ability of IRS officials to consider the legality of transfers. IRS insiders who reviewed a copy of the blueprint said it could result in immigration agents raiding wrong or outdated addresses.If this program is implemented in its current form, its extremely likely that incorrect addresses will be given to DHS and individuals will be wrongly targeted, said an IRS engineer who examined the blueprints and who, like other officials, spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution.The dispute that ended in De Mellos ouster was the culmination of months of pressure on the IRS to turn over massive amounts of data in ways that would redefine the relationship between the agency and law enforcement and reduce taxpayers privacy, records and interviews show.In one meeting in late March between senior IRS and DHS officials, a top ICE official made a suggestion: Why doesnt Homeland Security simply provide the name and state of its targets and have the IRS return the addresses of everyone who matches that criteria?The IRS lawyers were stunned. They feared they could face criminal liability if they handed over the addresses of individuals who were not under a criminal investigation. The conversation and news of deeper collaboration with ICE so disturbed career staff that it led to a series of departures in late March and early April across the IRS legal, IT and privacy offices.They were pushing the boundaries of the law, one official said. Everyone at IRS felt the same way.The BlueprintThe technical blueprint obtained by ProPublica shows that engineers at the agency are preparing to give DHS what it wants: a system that enables massive automated data sharing. The goal is to launch the new system before the end of July, two people familiar with the matter said.The DHS effort to obtain IRS data comes as top immigration enforcement leaders face escalating White House pressure to deport some 3,000 people per day, according to reports.One federal agent tasked with assisting ICE on deportations said recent operations have been hamstrung by outdated addresses. Better information could dramatically speed up arrests. Some of the leads that they were giving us were old, said the agent, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the press. Theyre like from two administrations ago.In early March, immigrants rights groups sued the IRS hoping to block the plan, arguing that the memorandum of understanding between DHS and the IRS is illegal. But a judge in early May ruled against them, saying the broader agreement complied with Section 6103, the existing law regulating IRS data sharing. That opened the door for engineers to begin building the system.The judge did not address the technical blueprint, which didnt exist at the time of the ruling. But the case is pending, which means the new system could still come under legal review.Until now, little was known about the push and pull between the two agencies or the exact technical mechanics behind the arrangement.The plan has been shrouded in secrecy even within the IRS, with details of its development withheld from regular communications. Several IRS engineers and lawyers have avoided working on the project out of concerns about personal legal risk.Asked about the new system, a spokesperson for IRS parent agency the Treasury Department said the memorandum of understanding, often called an MOU, has been litigated and determined to be a lawful application of Section 6103, which provides for information sharing by the IRS in precise circumstances associated with law enforcement requests.At a time when Trump is making threats to deport not only undocumented immigrants but also U.S. citizens, the scope of information-sharing with the IRS could continue to grow, according to documents reviewed by ProPublica and sources familiar with the matter: DHS has been looking for ways to expand the agreement that could allow Homeland Security officials to seek IRS data on Americans being investigated for various crimes.Last month, an ICE attorney proposed updating the MOU to authorize new data requests on people associated with criminal activities which may include United States citizens or lawful permanent residents, according to a document seen by ProPublica. The status of this proposal is unclear. De Mello, at the time, rejected it and called for senior Treasury Department leadership to personally sign off on such a significant change.The White House described DHS work with the IRS as a good-faith effort to identify and deport those who are living in the country illegally.ProPublica continues to degrade their already terrible reputation by suggesting we should turn a blind eye to criminal illegal aliens present in the United States for the sake of trying to collect tax payments from them, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement after receiving questions about the blueprint from ProPublica.She pointed to the April MOU as giving the government the authority to create the new system and added, This isnt a surveillance system. Its part of President Trumps promise to carry out the mass deportation of criminal illegal aliens the promise that the American people elected him on and he is committed to fulfilling.In a separate statement, a senior DHS official also cited the courts approval of the MOU, saying that it outlines a process to ensure that sensitive taxpayer information is protected while allowing law enforcement to effectively pursue criminal violations.How the System WorksThe new system would represent a sea change, allowing law enforcement to request enormous swaths of confidential data in bulk through an automated, computerized process.The system, according to the blueprint and interviews with IRS engineers, would work like this:First, DHS would send the IRS a spreadsheet containing the names and previous addresses of the people its targeting. The request would include the date of a final removal order, a relevant criminal statute ICE is using to investigate the individual, and the tax period for which information is sought. If DHS fails to include any of this information, the system would reject the request.The system then attempts to match the information provided by the DHS to a specific taxpayer identification number, which is the primary method by which the IRS identifies an individual in its databases.If the system makes a match, it accesses the individuals associated tax file and pulls the address listed during the most recent tax period. Then the system would produce a new spreadsheet enriched with taxpayer data that contains DHS targets last known addresses. The spreadsheet would include a record of names rejected for lack of required information and names for which it could not make a match.Tax and privacy experts say they worry about how such a powerful yet crude platform could make dangerous mistakes. Because the search starts with a name instead of a taxpayer identification number, it risks returning the address of an innocent person with the same name as or a similar address to that of one of ICEs targets. The proposed system assumes the data provided by DHS is accurate and that each targeted individual is the subject of a valid criminal investigation. In effect, the IRS has no way to independently check the bases of these requests, experts told ProPublica.In addition, the blueprint does not limit the amount of data that can be transferred or how often DHS can request it. The system could easily be expanded to acquire all the information the IRS holds on taxpayers, said technical experts and IRS engineers who reviewed the documents. By shifting a single parameter, the program could return more information than just a targets address, said an engineer familiar with the plan, including employer and familial relationships.Engineers based at IRS offices in Lanham, Maryland, and Dallas are developing the blueprint.Gone Back on Its WordFor decades, the American government has encouraged everyone who makes an income in the U.S. to pay taxes regardless of immigration status with an implicit promise that their information would be protected. Now that same data may be used to locate and deport noncitizens.For years, the IRS has told immigrants that it only cares that they pay their taxes, said Nandan Joshi, an attorney with the Public Citizen Litigation Group, which is seeking to block the data-sharing agreement in federal court. By agreeing to share taxpayer data with ICE on a mass basis, the IRS has gone back on its word.The push to share IRS data with DHS emerged while Elon Musks DOGE reshaped the engineering staff of the IRS. Sam Corcos, a Silicon Valley startup founder with no government experience, pushed out more than 50 IRS engineers and restructured the agencys engineering priorities while he was the senior DOGE official at the agency. He later became chief information officer at Treasury. He has also led a separate IRS effort to create a master database using products from Silicon Valley giant Palantir Technologies, enabling the government to link and search large swaths of data.Corcos didnt respond to a request for comment. The White House said DOGE is not part of the DHS-IRS pact.Sen. Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Finance, which oversees the IRS, told ProPublica the system being built was ripe for abuse. It would allow an outside agency unprecedented access to IRS records for reasons that have nothing to do with tax administration, opening the door to endless fishing expeditions, he said.The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the departments internal watchdog, is already probing efforts by Trump and DOGE to obtain private taxpayer data and other sensitive information, ProPublica reported in April.The Trump administration continues to add government agencies to its deportation drive.DOGE and DHS are also working to build a national citizenship database, NPR reported last month. The database links information from the Social Security Administration and the DHS, ostensibly for the purpose of allowing state and local election officials to verify U.S. citizenship.And in May, a senior Treasury Department official directed 250 IRS criminal investigative agents to help deportation operations, a significant shift for two agencies that historically have had separate missions. McKenzie Funk contributed reporting, and Kirsten Berg and Alex Mierjeski contributed research.

The century-old system faces infrastructure and climate challenges that are making its water problem worse.

The New York City Campaign Finance Board rejected Mayor Eric Adamss request for millions of dollars from the citys generous matching-funds program.

The aid group accused Ethiopias government of failing to properly investigate the slayings, which took place in the Tigray region in 2021. A New York Times investigation found that Ethiopian soldiers were responsible.

Heres what to know about the disturbing facts and unsubstantiated suspicions that make Jeffrey Epstein, a registered sex offender, a politically potent obsession.

The three-judge panel has allowed the case to languish in a kind of legal limbo, catching the eye of some legal experts.

The post White House Evacuated After Trans Alarm Goes Off appeared first on The Onion.

The post MAGA Voter Drills Hole Into Skull To Relieve Sudden Doubts About Trump appeared first on The Onion.

Sometimes you just want to curl up with something warm and familiar, and for many of us, that means a queer comfort watch. From beloved series to feel-good films, we asked our staff and readers to share their go-to favorites. Did yours make the list?Wynonna EarpThe former SyFy series Wynonna Earp was a top choice for many on social media, with one poster even saying, Theres not even a close second! The show, which ran from 2016 to 2021 (plus a 2024 movie on Tubi), has a large queer fanbaseand for good reason. It subverted many common queer tropes, including Bury Your Gays, and featured a strong romance between lead characters Waverly Earp (Dom Provost-Chalkley) and Nicole Haught (Kat Barrell).Where to watch: Netflix, Tubi, Hulu (Premium), Prime Video, Apple TVBut Im a CheerleaderCelebrating its 25th anniversary this year, But Im a Cheerleader made several posters comfort lists (including mine). The campy classic stars Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, and RuPaul, along with several other familiar faces. Cathy Moriarty plays Mary, who runs the candy-coated True Directions, a conversion therapy camp where queer teens are sent for deprogramming. But young love prevails when Megan (Lyonne) and Graham (DuVall) form an unexpected bond, all set to a soundtrack of late-90s riot grrrl and retro alternative rock.Fun fact: Sondra Morris, owner of Tagg Magazine, names But Im a Cheerleader as one of her queer comfort watches.Where to watch: Tubi, Plex, Prime Video, YouTube TVKinky BootsKinky Boots (2005) is a British comedy-drama about Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton), who inherits his familys struggling shoe factory. To save it, he partners with Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a fierce drag performer, to design a line of sturdy, stylish boots for drag queens. Inspired by true events, the film was later adapted into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein.Where to watch: Apple TV, Prime VideoBig EdenIn Big Eden (2000), New York artist Henry Hart (Arye Gross) returns to his Montana hometown to care for his grandfather (George Coe). While revisiting unresolved feelings for his high school crush Dean (Tim DeKay), he finds an unexpected connection with Pike (Eric Schweig), a quiet local shop owner. This gentle story of healing and love was hard to find for a few yearsbut is now available to stream.Where to watch: Tubi, YouTube (courtesy of Wolfe Video)Sense8Netflixs Sense8 became an instant hit with LGBTQ+ viewers when it premiered in 2015. Created by Lana and Lilly Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski, the series follows eight strangers around the globe who discover they are emotionally and mentally linked. After its initial cancellation, fan advocacy helped secure a second and final season in 2017. With themes of love, identity, and chosen family, the show remains a favorite.Sense8 because at its core its about family, community, and the bonds we create with each other, said fan and Bluesky user @xandany.Where to watch: NetflixSchitts CreekSchitts Creek follows the once-wealthy Rose family as they rebuild their lives in a quirky small town. While the show is full of heartfelt and hilarious relationships, many fans are especially drawn to the love story between David (Dan Levy) and Patrick (Noah Reid), whose romance grows from business partnership to life partnership. And, of course, theres Moira Rose (Catherine OHara) and her endless supply of quotable lines. Its comfort, like a glass of Herb Ertlinger fruit wine on a sunny day.Where to watch: Prime Video, HuluSaving FaceA beloved entry in queer cinema, Alice Wus Saving Face (2004) follows Wil (Michelle Krusiec), a Chinese American surgeon navigating her closeted relationship with dancer Vivian (Lynn Chen) and the surprise pregnancy of her widowed mother (Joan Chen), who is subsequently disowned by her conservative parents. The film balances humor and emotion as it explores love, family, and cultural expectations in a tight-knit Queens community.Where to watch: Fubo, Prime Video, FandangoThe Golden GirlsWhile not a queer show per se, The Golden Girls has long been a comfort for the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to its iconic cast and inclusive, thoughtfully handled storylines. Airing from 1985 to 1992, the series was one of the first sitcoms to tackle issues around sexuality and identity with humor and grace. With 180 episodes, theres a whole lot of comfort to go around.Fun fact: Matt Simonette, publisher of Windy City Times, names The Golden Girls as one of his top queer comfort watches.Where to watch: Hulu, Philo, Disney+The post Whats your queer comfort watch? Heres what made our list appeared first on News Is Out.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can move ahead with its plan to fire nearly 1,400 Education Department employees, a move that critics say will cripple the agencys ability to carry out Congressionally mandated functions and represents a clear threat to the Constitutions separation of powers.On Monday, July 14, the Courts six conservative justices granted the administrations emergency appeal, overturning a lower courts preliminary injunction preventing the mass layoffs. Writing for the Courts three liberal justices in her dissent, Justice Sonya Sotomayor warned of the decisions grave implications. Related Donald Trumps order to eliminate Dept. of Education offers no details He claims he wants to let states decide their own schools curriculum. They already do. When the Executive publicly announces its intent to break the law, and then executes on that promise, it is the Judiciarys duty to check that lawlessness, not expedite it, Sotomayor wrote. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today In March, President Donald Trump signed an executive order instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take all necessary steps permitted by law to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education. The departments primary functions overseeing the national student aid program and civil rights enforcement to ensure equal access to schools and educational programs should be returned to the States, Trump stated in the March 20 order.Advocacy groups blasted Trumps executive order for the harm it will inflict on marginalized students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+.As NBC News notes, McMahon subsequently issued a memo ordering mass layoffs, writing that her goal was to shut down the Education Department. However, neither the education secretary nor the president have the authority to eliminate the department, which was established by Congress in 1979, without Congressional approval. In May, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun ruled in favor of plaintiffs in two consolidated lawsuits challenging Trumps executive order. They argued that the layoffs and the administrations plan to transfer the departments function to other agencies amounted to an illegal closure of the Education Department, according to the Associated Press. Joun wrote that the evidence reveals that the defendants true intention is to effectively dismantle the department without an authorizing statute, according to NBC News.As USA Today and other outlets note, the Supreme Courts conservative majority did not explain its decision to overturn Jouns ruling. In her dissent, Sotomayor wrote that the Courts indefensible decision hands the Executive the power to repeal statutes by firing all those necessary to carry them out. The majority is either willfully blind to the implications of its ruling or naive, but either way the threat to our Constitutions separation of powers is grave.Without explaining to the American people its reasoning, a majority of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court have dealt a devastating blow to this nations promise of public education for all children, Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement following the courts ruling Monday. On its shadow docket, the Court has yet again ruled to overturn the decision of two lower courts without argument.Lawyers for Democracy Forward had argued that if the administration was allowed to go forward with the mass layoffs while the courts decide whether it was acting legally, it would be effectively impossible to undo much of the damage.According to USA Today, Perryman said that Democracy Forward would aggressively pursue every legal option as this case proceeds to ensure that all children in this country have access to the public education they deserve.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

A United Nations draft report on sex-based violence against women and girls calls gender dysphoria socially contagious while disparaging social and medical transitioning for young people.The advanced edited version of the report from the U.N. Human Rights Council claims kids with autism are particularly vulnerable to turning to the so-called social contagion of gender dysphoria as a coping strategy, which it says puts them at risk of erroneously adopting stereotypes as their core identity while experiencing dissociation from their sexed bodies. Related The Supreme Courts latest cruel blow could make it a lot harder to win trans rights cases Out lawyer Shannon Minter talked about how the Court flip-flopped on trans rights in just the last five years while Democrats hold strong. The report also claimed there are long-lasting and harmful consequences of social and medical transitioning for kids, even though almost all gender-affirming medical care available to minors is reversible, and even though social transitioning merely means wearing clothes and hairstyles that reflect ones gender identity and perhaps going by a new name or pronouns. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The Human Rights Council praised countries that have restricted access to gender-affirming care for trans youth, specifically calling out the Netherlands, the U.K., and Brazil.Allowing children access to such procedures not only violates their right to safety, security, and freedom from violence, but also disregards their human right to the highest standards of health and goes against their best interests, the report claims. Children are also not able to provide informed consent for such procedures. In situations in which such procedures have been found to have caused grave and lifelong harm, consent would be meaningless for both adults and children.The council also cited data claiming that female detransitioners overwhelmingly were sexually attracted to women and convinced themselves they were trans to avoid shame from being gay. It also claimed a whopping 80 percent of cases of childhood gender distress will recede with puberty. That statistic came from a study led by Finnish doctor Riittakerttu Kaltiala, whom U.S.-based trans journalist Erin Reed eviscerated in a 2023 article where she called out Kaltialas gender clinic for harmful practices designed to steer young people away from their trans identities. The 80% statistic, Reed said, is based on decades-old data that has beenwidely debunkedbynewer studies.Dr. Kaltiala cannot be characterized merely as an impartial medical researcher, Reed explained. She has emerged as a key figurehead for an anti-trans movement. She has been deeply involved with many of the key players in trans care bans. Shes appeared in a podcast by Genspect, an entity known for opposing gender affirming careup to the age of 25,teasing transgender childrenon social media, andpromoting Moms for Libertya staunchly conservative anti-LGBTQ+ parental rights organization in the U.S.'In reality, a minuscule number of trans people end up detransitioning, and many who do say it is due to discrimination by friends and family, and not because they realized they were not trans. In a 2025 article, Reed also slammed the weaponization of neurodivergence by bad-faith and anti-LGBTQ forces to invalidate the existence of transgender people.Southern Poverty Law Center-designatedhate groupshave used ADHD, autism, and psychiatric mental health issues to write off all trans youth, she wrote, framing transness and gender diversity as a mere symptom of neurodivergence that needs to be snuffed out. Alternatively, such talking points falsely imply that all people with ADHD and/or autism have intellectual disabilities so profound that they are unable to assert their gender identity.Today,leading expertson the intersection of autism and gender say that attempts to restrict autistic transgender peoples access to gender care are unsupported by existing research, anddenounced the misrepresentationof their work to support anti-trans agendas, Reed added. The U.N. report also cited the anti-trans organizations LGB Alliance and LGB Courage Coalition, as well as For Women Scotland (FWS), the anti-trans organization behind the legal challenge that resulted inthe U.K. Supreme Courts rulinglast month that the legal definition of a woman under the countrys 2010 Equality Act is based on biological sex. Notoriously anti-trans author JK Rowling made headlines in February 2024 when she pledged a 70,000 (about $89,000) donation to FWS.The report defends its focus on gender dysphoria and trans identities by claiming that they threaten to erase women and thus make it harder to fight violence against them. If the category of biological females is erased or fundamentally decoupled from sex-based oppression, that oppression becomes increasingly difficult to identify and, thus, to combat, it said. In sum, what is not defined cannot be protected.The reports conclusion stated that these alleged attempts to erase women are their own form of violence against women and girls. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Youve likely heard of polyamory, swinging, and ethical non-monogamy, but what about the term 'soft swapping'?The practice has been around for a long time within the swinging community, but it gained popularity when it was featured on the reality show The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, which showed Taylor Frankie Pauls TikTok video where she talked about her and her friends being into soft swinging, also known as soft swapping. Pauls marriage eventually ended in divorce, but she managed to popularize the term, which she said in a TikTok live referred to swapping partners where you just hook up but you dont go all the way.Soft swapping can either be a relationship model or a way to dip your toe into ethical non-monogamy on your way to swinging or polyamory.The soft in soft swapping means that penetrative sex is off the table. But what does that mean for the queer community, where penetrative sex doesnt look the same as it does for straight couples? We talked to experts to break down what soft swapping is, whether or not its common for LGBTQ+ couples, which sexual activities are on the table, and what the downside is.So, what is soft swapping?In an open relationship, both partners are able to date and have sex with people outside of the committed relationship, but with soft swapping, partners become intimate with people within a friend group or swinging community, and sexual contact is limited. This is different from hard swapping or full swapping which refers to swinging where penetrative sexual activity is allowed.Soft swapping is a form of consensual or ethical non-monogamy (ENM) where a couple explores sexual play with other couples, or within a community of other couples. Its a lot like swinging but tends to have more boundaries set out about what is allowed and often will restrict partners from having penetrative sex outside the relationship, Emma Hewitt, a certified sex educator with Adulttoymegastore and the host of the podcast the Electric Rodeo, tells PRIDE.Is soft swapping common in LGBTQ+ relationships?Historically, swinging in general has been considered a very hetero activity. You know the stereotype. The husband puts his key in a bowl at the party and whichever wife pulls his keys is who goes off with him for a good time, Hewitt explains. Whether this party practice was ever actually popular or just a good trope for a comedy sitcom is up in the air, but what we do know is that how society learnt about swinging was definitely through a heterosexual lens.But statistics show that the LGBTQ+ community is more likely to participate in non-monogamous relationship models than their straight counterparts. According to a 2018 study on open relationships, 32% of gay participants, 5% of lesbian participants, and 22% of bisexual participants report being in open relationships, while only 2% of heterosexual participants say the same.LGBTQIA+ folks likely are as into soft swinging as straight folks, if not more, but we just havent heard as much about it. How queer people define sex tends to be different to how straight people do. While sex is often defined as penetrative sex by straight people, the definition is much more diverse for queer folks so how they define swinging or soft swinging is likely different too, Hewitt says.What activities are allowed, and which are not?The parameters are fairly clearly defined for straight folks looking to spice up their sex life with soft swapping: just stay away from PIV sex. But what activities arent allowed when youre dating in Queerland?In straight swinging circles, a soft swap usually refers to any non-penetrative sexual play, she explains. "So, it might involve kissing, touching and oral sex. But in queer circles, these boundaries may look different depending on what the swinging partners determine to be sex.Sex and relationship therapist Aimee Evnin-Bingham advises discussing your desires for soft swapping openly with your partner and then deciding together what sexual boundaries youre both comfortable with. Couples should decide on what they feel comfortable when opening up their relationship. It may differ on what is allowed depending on the relationship boundaries, she says.This means deciding together how you define sex and what sex acts are permitted within the agreement you have with your partner, and which ones are not. This also may be a good time to discuss how you both define cheating so that you know how to stay within the bounds of your commitment to each other.What are the benefits of soft swapping?Soft swapping can feel like a safe way to explore open relationships and have sexual experiences with new people without committing to swinging, polyamory, or other forms of ethical non-monogamy. According to Evnin-Bingham, since soft swapping is often done when both partners are in the same room, it can give someone feeling insecure a sense of control because they know what their partner is up to, while for others, it can spice up the bedroom.It may be exciting to see their partners soft swinging with other people. It can broaden your desire and you can learn more about what you like and what you don't like, she reveals.Hewitt agrees and says that soft swapping can also be a way to explore kinks, fetishes, and fantasies that their partner may not be interested in without completely opening up your relationship.The risks vs. the rewardsEven if you are in a stable relationship, jealousy can rear its ugly head and spell the end of your relationship. And if you end up falling for someone youre soft swapping with, you put your whole relationship at risk. This is exactly what happened to Paul when she developed feelings for someone outside of her marriage who she was soft swapping with.Soft swinging shouldnt be considered a band-aid for a relationship that is already in trouble. If you have trust issues with one another, its likely to put more strain and pressure on an already struggling relationship and can be a contributing factor to relationship dissolution, Hewitt says.What should you do if you want to try it, or if your partner does?If youre the one interested in trying soft swapping, have a conversation with your partner and be open about why you want to open your relationship in this way and how you think the experience will benefit you both. It can also help your partner feel less insecure if you remind them that you want to explore this with them, and not just as a way to skirt around monogamy.Then, give them the time and space to consider your request and be ready to accept it if they wont want to give it a try. Give them time to process and do some research about soft swinging if they arent sure what it means and dont hurry them into answering then and there. This isnt something that people should dive into on a whim, Hewitt explains. If they arent interested, respect that. Its ok to ask if its a conversation you can return to in the future but dont nag or pressure them if its something they dont want to do.And if your partner is the one who brings soft swapping up to you, try to keep an open mind and allow yourself to really think about it before you give an answer. Remember that it needs to work for everyone involved. If you are doing it because your partner wants to, but you dont, or vice versa, you are likely setting yourself up to fail as resentment inevitably kicks in, she says.Tips for soft swapping safelyIf youre going to start soft swapping, its important to make sure you are taking care of both your emotional and physical health.Like with most things in life, and sex, communication is key. Consider setting up regular check-ins to make sure you are both still happy, and be prepared to be open about how youre really feeling.Set up clear boundaries. Hewitt warns that setting up blanket rules for soft swapping wont be enough, instead you and your partner need to be specific about which sex acts are allowed with other partners and which are off the table since the way you each define sex and cheating may be different. Then, be clear about your boundaries with potential soft swapping partners.Talk about the future. After play sessions, you and your partner should talk openly about whether your needs are being met or your boundaries are being pushed so that you can decide together if you want to continue soft swapping.Safe sex is paramount. You are your partner need to be on the same page about your comfort level around fluid bonding, contraceptive use, and STI risks before you start soft swapping. Get tested regularly, consider going on PrEP, and talk openly about these things with anyone you and your partner may swap with.Sources cited Emma Hewitt, a certified sex educator with Adulttoymegastore and the host of the podcast the Electric Rodeo. Aimee Evnin-Bingham, a sex and relationship therapist.

RuPaul's Drag Race host, main judge, and mogul RuPaul Charles has earned a 10th nomination in the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program category, breaking the all-time record for this accolade in the history of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.RuPaul reached nine nominations in the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program category in 2024. As a result, the Drag Race host tied with Heidi Klum, nominated nine times for hosting Project Runway; and Tom Bergeron, also nominated nine times for hosting Dancing With the Stars.This 10th nomination at the 2025 Emmys means that RuPaul has broken an all-time record in the category. It is noteworthy that the Drag Race mogul also holds the record for most consecutive nominations for this award. 10s across well, all of the 10 last Emmy ceremonies!The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards nominations are in. Unsurprisingly, Drag Race continues to be a dominant force at the awards show.RuPaul's Drag Race season 17 along with its companion series RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked, received a whopping 10 nominations this year:Design For A Variety Or Reality SeriesOutstanding Casting For A Reality ProgramOutstanding Directing For A Reality ProgramOutstanding Picture Editing For A Structured Reality Or Competition ProgramOutstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction For A SeriesOutstanding Makeup For A Variety, Nonfiction Or Reality ProgramOutstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality Competition ProgramOutstanding Reality Competition ProgramThe specific nominations for RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked are:Outstanding Picture Editing For An Unstructured Reality ProgramOutstanding Unstructured Reality ProgramThe 77th Primetime Emmy Awards telecast airs Sunday, September 14 on CBS and Paramount+.

Witches, drag lovers, and theater kids unite because Ginger Minj is casting her most ambitious spell yet. The RuPauls Drag Race icon and Hocus Pocus 2 scene-stealer has announced the return of her spellbinding stage production Hokus Pokus Live!, and this time, shes bringing a cauldron full of drag royalty along for the ride.This all-new theatrical experience will tour 22 U.S. cities from Sept. 4 to Oct. 6, co-starring Drag Race darlings Jujubee and Sapphira Cristl, along with Dragula champion Landon Cider.A Wickedly Starry LineupGinger Minj, known affectionately as The Glamour Toad, isnt just performing; she wrote, directed, and co-produced Hokus Pokus Live! through her Fruit Wine Productions. This marks the shows third iteration, but dont expect a rehash. Each performance promises a fresh blend of iconic characters, new songs, and supernatural sass tailored to the talents of this all-star cast.Its more than just a drag show, Minj said in a statement. Its a magical theatrical experience that will leave audiences spellbound.That magic comes in no small part thanks to her cast:Sapphira Cristl, the operatic powerhouse and runner-up of Drag Race Season 16.Jujubee, fan-favorite multi-season queen with Broadway chops from DRAG: The Musical.Landon Cider, a trailblazing drag king whose theatrical flair made him a Dragula winner.The Bette Midler BlessingThe origins of Hokus Pokus Live! are as iconic as the show itself. Ginger credits Hocus Pocus 2 co-star Bette Midler for planting the spellbinding seed. I just really love the way that you do me, Midler reportedly told Ginger. I would like to see you take this and run with it and turn it into something.Consider it done, Divine Miss M.Tour Dates & Ticket InfoThe tour kicks off Sept. 4 in Orlando, FL, and hits major cities like NYC, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles before wrapping Oct. 6 at The Novo. Tickets go on presale July 16 (Code: SPELLBOOK) and general sale July 18 at hokuspokuslive.com, with VIP packages available for those who want to hex it up with the cast.VIP Packages That SlayWhether youre looking for a spooky meet-and-greet or some exclusive glam swag, theres a VIP tier for every witchy wallet.Coven Ultra VIP includes front-row seats, Q&A sessions, exclusive merch, and a group photo with the cast.RIP (Really Important Person) includes premium seats, a supernatural meet-and-greet, signed posters, and more.Final SpellFrom Broadway-worthy vocals to drag transformations that defy reality, Hokus Pokus Live! promises a theater experience with a high-glam twist. And with a cast like this? The spell is already cast.Source

Jackson Arnold says he is ready for a fresh start at Auburn after hitting "rock bottom" last season at Oklahoma.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred defended his decision to add Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski to the All-Star Game, despite criticism over the selection.

Pro Bowl guard Trey Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs reached agreement ahead of Tuesday's franchise-tag deadline on a four-year, $94 million deal that includes $70 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the SEC coaches haven't reached a consensus in their support for a 16-team playoff model that would include the five highest-ranked conference champions and 11 at-large teams.

Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin said he's frustrated and disappointed with the talks of a contract extension.

Some big names (Alfonso Cuarn, Elisabeth Moss) were left off the Emmy nomination list while some underdogs (Jeff Hiller, Common Side Effects) sneaked on.

Michael Maggart, a high school friend of Andersons, has no training or aspirations to be an actor. The director keeps casting him anyway.

For a while, I have said that the AI slop endgame, for social media companies, is creating a hyper personalized feed full of highly specific content about anything one could possibly imagine. Because AI slop is so easy to make and because social media algorithms are so personalized, this means that Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube can feed you anything they perceive its users to possibly want. So this means that AI slop makers are exploring ever more niche areas of content.Case in point: Facebook AI slop about the horrific and deadly Texas flood. Topical AI content about disasters, war, current events, and news stories are at this point so commonplace that they are now sadly barely notable, and AI-powered misinformation about horrible events are all over every social media feed I can think of. But as we document our descent into this hellhole, I thought some AI slop surfaced on Bluesky by Christina Stephens was particularly notable:This is slop that shows Louisiana State University football coach Brian Kelly assisting in the Texas floods. Kelly is famous in that SEC football coaches are famousish, but he has no real connection to Texas and there is no reason for this content to exist other than the fact that it is being churned out by a Facebook page called LSU Gridiron Glory, which is specifically making AI slop about Kelly and other LSU football figures, including quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and some of his apparent girlfriends.In the grand scheme of things, Brian Kelly is a very minor figure.This page is churning out slop that includes Brian Kellys reaction to last months tragic Air India crash and the supposedly amazing line of encouragement he said (this line is never shared, and, of course, the football coach in Louisiana has not had anything to say about a plane that crashed in India). There is slop of Kelly getting his lost wallet returned to him, donating to the homeless, slop of Kelly in the hospital with a rare illness, slop of Kelly being deported by Trump, talking to Apple CEO Tim Cook, and slop of Kelly secretly paying off the debt owed by a struggling gardener. The slop is so completely random and specific that I struggle to imagine how one would decide to fill this niche, and, yet, the AI slop economy has done so, anyway.My point is that there is no reason for LSU football coach Brian Kelly flood rescue inspiration porn to exist on the internet because it did not happen and because it is so hyperspecific as to seem like there could not possibly be a market for such content. And yet someone has decided that ridiculously niche disaster content would get served up by the algorithm to someone who might interact with it.Then consider that essentially the exact same thing exists, but for fans of the NBC show The Voice. A page called The Voice Fandom is showing AI slop of judge Blake Shelton saving dogs in the Texas flood, Shelton carrying a girl out of a medical clinic in Kerr County, fellow judge Luke Bryan donating to an animal rescue shelter, etc. As we have seen with previous slop factories on Facebook, many of these bizarre images link out to AI-generated news websites that are overloaded with ads. There are, surely, thousands of other similar pages that are doing the exact same thing with celebrities big and small, creating an internet where the LSU fans of the world can imagine their coach as first responder or the judge of their favorite TV show as dog savior or whatever.Very little of this slop has much engagement on it, but one of the Blake Shelton photos has 18,000 likes and a few hundred comments. Slop has gotten so cheap and easy to produce, and Facebook is so easy to spam, that presumably the return is worth it. In covering these pages for months, I have learned that a single person can operate dozens or hundreds of pages and can keep them filled up with content, and so having something occasionally go viral can be enough to make the entire endeavor financially viable. There was a time a few months ago when I would click through these pages endlessly and marvel at the sheer volume of slop being posted, but the tactic has become so common at this point that we have become almost fully desensitized to it.

Nearly a month after the Supreme Courts devastating anti-trans ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, lawyers for Florida are citing the decision in their efforts to get the states ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care reinstated.In 2023, U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle struck down the ban, ruling that it violated the federal Medicaid statute, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Affordable Care Act.The state has appealed the ruling to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Related Supreme Court just threw out four pro-trans rulings The justices ordered appellate courts to review cases involving gender-affirming care coverage and birth certificates. As CBS News reports, following the Skrmetti ruling, the 11th Circuit directed attorneys on both sides to file briefs explaining how the Supreme Courts decision would impact the case. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Writing for the courts conservative majority in Skrmetti, Chief Justice John Roberts said that a Tennessee law banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors does not discriminate on the basis of sex or on the basis of transgender status in violation of the Equal Protection Clause because the law only makes distinctions based on a diagnosis of gender dysphoria.In their July 11 filing, lawyers for Florida argued that because the states ban on Medicaid coverage for gender-affirming care treatments is based on medical diagnoses, it also does not violate the Equal Protection Clause, and thus Hinkles decision should be struck down and the ban reinstated.Lawyers for the plaintiffs in the case, meanwhile, argued that the Skrmetti decision was fairly limited in its scope and breadth, according to CBS News. The Supreme Courts decision, they wrote in their brief, hinges on the Courts finding that Tennessees law classified based on age and medical condition. Floridas ban, meanwhile, irrationally targets transgender Medicaid beneficiaries of all ages.Floridas Medicaid coverage exclusions, they wrote, discriminate based on transgender status and therefore sex in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.Skrmetti, the plaintiffs brief continued, does not bless nor give license to such discrimination. To the contrary, the Fourteenth Amendment protects persons from governmental enactments, like the exclusions, that facially discriminate based on transgender status and/or are designed to effect an invidious discrimination against transgender individuals. Floridas lawyers, meanwhile, argued that it doesnt matter that the states ban targets adults as well as children.Falsely characterizing gender-affirming care treatments as experimental procedures, the states lawyers wrote that such treatments raise concerns for minors and adults alike, and the state gets to protect its minor and adult citizens from such procedures.In fact, every major American medical association and leading world health authority has endorsed gender-affirming care as evidence-based, safe, and in some cases lifesaving for both transgender adults and minors.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Bowen Yang has once again made Emmy history. The Saturday Night Live cast member received his fourth nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, solidifying his place as the most-nominated Asian male performer in the history of the Emmy Awards.Yang earned the nod for his standout work on the iconic NBC sketch comedy show. He joins an impressive list of fellow nominees this year, including Ike Barinholtz for The Studio, Colman Domingo for The Four Seasons, Harrison Ford for Shrinking, Jeff Hiller for Somebody Somewhere, Ebon Moss-Bachrach for The Bear, and Michael Urie also for Shrinking.The 2025 nomination marks a major milestone not just for Yang personally but for broader Asian representation in Hollywood. Actress Sandra Oh still holds the overall record for the most Emmy nominations by an Asian performer, with a total of 14 nominations and one win. Yang, now with four nominations, continues to pave the way for male Asian representation in comedy and beyond.Yang first joined Saturday Night Live in 2018 as a staff writer. A year later, he broke new ground when he became the shows first Asian American cast member. In 2021, he made further history by becoming the first featured player on the series to receive an acting nomination at the Emmys.His work on SNL continues to receive acclaim for both his comedic timing and versatility. Some of his most talked-about sketches this past season include Charades With Mom, in which he reunited with Wicked co-star Ariana Grande. Another fan favorite was One Uppers, where Yang and Jack Black play old college friends who constantly try to outdo one another during a dinner conversation. Shrek the Musical was also a viral hit, but perhaps the most memorable sketch of the year featured Yang as Moo Deng, a fictional celebrity baby hippo who became an instant sensation.Reflecting on the shows cultural legacy, Yang said one of his proudest moments this season was participating in the SNL 50 specials. I think getting to be a part of the SNL 50 specials this year was something Ill reflect on for the rest of my life, he said.In addition to his ongoing success on SNL, Yang was recently named to Varietys 2025 Comedy Impact List, an annual roundup recognizing the most influential comedic voices working today. His accomplishments extend far beyond sketch comedy.Yang is also the co-host of the Las Culturistas podcast alongside longtime collaborator and friend Matt Rogers. The podcast has gained a loyal following for its smart and satirical takes on pop culture, queerness, and life in the entertainment industry.On the big screen, Yang recently starred in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu. He plays Pfannee, a loyal and flashy confidante to Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande. The film also stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Wicked is the first installment of a two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The second part, titled Wicked: For Good, is scheduled to be released on November 21.Yangs Emmy recognition arrives at a time when conversations around diversity, inclusion, and representation remain at the forefront of the entertainment industry. His continued success not only reflects his own talent but also symbolizes meaningful progress for queer and Asian performers who are often underrepresented in mainstream media.As he adds yet another nomination to his already historic career, Yang stands as a testament to what authenticity, originality, and resilience can achieve in a landscape that is still evolving. For fans of comedy, queer representation, and breaking barriers, Bowen Yangs story is far from over.The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will be held later this year, and all eyes will be on whether Yang takes home the golden statue. Regardless of the outcome, his presence on the nominee list marks a victory for inclusive storytelling and a celebration of the communities he proudly represents.Source

Bella Ramsey continues to break boundaries in Hollywood. The 20-year-old star of HBOs The Last of Us received their second Primetime Emmy nomination on Tuesday morning, making history as the first openly nonbinary performer to earn more than one nomination from the Television Academy.Ramsey is nominated in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series category for their performance as Ellie in the hit series second season. They were previously nominated in the same category at the 75th Emmy Awards in 2023 for their work in Season 1 of the postapocalyptic drama.Ramseys back-to-back recognition signals a powerful moment for visibility and representation in an industry that has long struggled to make room for gender-diverse performers. While the Television Academy continues to separate acting categories by gender, Ramseys consistent presence among nominees underscores the need for broader inclusion in award show structures.HBOs The Last of Us earned 16 nominations this year, bringing the series total to 40 across its two seasons. The critically acclaimed show took home eight awards at the 2024 ceremony and remains one of the most lauded video game adaptations in television history.Based on the bestselling PlayStation game developed by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us is set two decades after a deadly fungal outbreak collapses modern society. Ramsey stars as Ellie, a teenage girl believed to hold the key to humanitys survival. Pedro Pascal co-stars as Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie across a devastated United States. Over time, their bond deepens, transforming their mission into a deeply emotional and often harrowing journey of survival.Season 2 of the series picks up five years after the events of the first season. Joel and Ellie now find themselves in an even more dangerous world, grappling with new enemies, evolving threats, and emotional rifts that challenge the strength of their relationship.Ramseys nomination highlights not only their compelling performance but also the continued conversations around how award shows categorize talent. Though Ramsey identifies as nonbinary and uses they and them pronouns, the Emmy categories remain gendered, forcing performers like them to choose between submitting under actor or actress.In 2023, Yellowjackets star Liv Hewson, who is also nonbinary, declined to submit for Emmy consideration, citing the lack of gender-inclusive categories. At the time, they shared that their decision was rooted in the desire for industry change. Theres not a place for me in the acting categories, Hewson told Variety.Despite the challenges, Ramsey has spoken openly about their views on the current awards system. In a previous interview, they acknowledged the need for more inclusive recognition but also emphasized the importance of maintaining a platform to honor womens achievements in entertainment. I dont want the recognition for women in the industry to be lost, Ramsey said.Their comments reflect the nuance and complexity of an evolving conversation in Hollywood, where visibility and recognition often intersect with institutional inertia. While some award shows and festivals have begun exploring or implementing gender-neutral categories, the major awards including the Emmys have yet to take that step.Still, Ramseys nomination represents a crucial step forward, especially in a landscape where gender nonconforming and transgender performers remain significantly underrepresented. Their performance in The Last of Us has drawn praise for its emotional depth, vulnerability, and resilience, all qualities that have made Ellie an iconic character in both gaming and television.As the Emmy conversation continues, Ramseys historic nomination adds to the growing momentum of LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media. It also serves as a powerful reminder that diverse stories and the people who tell them deserve to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will air this fall.Source

JoJo Siwa has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, or her truth. But after her stint on Celebrity Big Brother UK, her evolving identity and new romance with fellow contestant Chris Hughes have stirred up more than just headlines. Thankfully, Hughes is stepping in to clap back at critics questioning Siwas place in the LGBTQ+ community.From Labels to LiberationDuring her time on Big Brother, Siwa had a heartfelt conversation with Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard about how her understanding of herself has shifted. The 22-year-old performer, once a self-described lesbian, shared that queer now feels like the more accurate label.I feel, like, so queer, Siwa said on the show. Ive always told myself Im a lesbian, and I think being here Ive realised, Oh, Im not a lesbian, Im queer. Ive dropped the L and gone to the Q, baby!It wasnt just about who she loves. Siwa also cracked open her thoughts on gender identity, hinting at a deeper exploration thats still in process.I dont know its confusing, she told Hughes at one point. Ive met people in my life that are non-binary, and these beautiful non-binary people are who I feel the most like.A New Chapter and A New LoveAmid the self-discovery came something else unexpected: a budding romance with Hughes, the 32-year-old reality TV personality best known from Love Island. After weeks of speculation, Siwa confirmed to The Guardian in June that their connection had turned romantic.Its not platonic anymore, she said. Its a beautiful development Im absolutely head over heels for him.But not everyone celebrated the news. The internet, as it often does, had opinionsmany of them biphobic. Some critics even accused Siwa of turning straight, despite her very public queerness.Chris Hughes Isnt Having ItIn a recent interview with The Suns Fabulous magazine, Hughes directly addressed the backlash, and firmly defended Siwa.She is bisexual. Shes not now straight because shes with me, he said. Shes still part of the LGBTQ+ community; she always will be.He also shared how upsetting its been to see his partner face online hate.I do feel a sense of responsibility that being with me has led to her getting hate, Hughes admitted. But I dont understand how anyone could be mean to someone as caring as her.Age Is Just a Number and So Is the Gender of Who You LoveHughes also opened up about their 10-year age gap, brushing it off with a bit of humor: Shes one of the most mature people Ive ever met, and Im very immature. But it works.And yes, wedding bells might be in the daydreams.Id love to marry her, he added. Id be lying if I didnt tell you I run through scenarios of our wedding day.JoJo Siwas journey, like anyone elses, isnt up for public approval. Whether shes dropping letters from the LGBTQ+ acronym or dancing her way through new chapters, she remains proudly, unapologetically queer. And with Hughes by her side, shes not backing down anytime soon.Source

Olympic diver Tom Daley is known for his gravity-defying dives, but in the latest episode of Sony Music Entertainments Dinners on Me podcast, he dives even deeper into the emotional highs and lows that have shaped his journey. Hosted by Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the episode was recorded over a pasta meal at Bancone, a bustling Italian restaurant in Londons Covent Garden.In a vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, Daley opens up about losing his father as a teenager, navigating life in the public eye, finding love with screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, and how becoming a father changed everything. The two also discuss Daleys unexpected love for knitting and the inspiration behind his return to the Olympic Games.A Sons TributeDaley begins the conversation by reflecting on the death of his father when he was just 17 years old. His father had been a constant support in his diving career and life.My dad lived to make us happy, Daley says. He was at his happiest when we were.Growing up under the glare of public scrutiny only intensified the loss. Growing up is difficult anyway, but doing it publicly, trying to figure out whats right and wrong, made it even harder, Daley recalls.Now a parent himself, Daley finds parallels between his fathers devotion and his own experience raising two children with husband Dustin Lance Black. He says the upcoming BBC documentary about his life was partly made so his kids can one day see what their father accomplished.A Love That Changed His LifeFerguson and Daley also revisit the early days of Daleys relationship with Black. At the time, Daley was not yet publicly out, and their relationship began quietly.Its crazy now looking back, to think I was ever in the closet, Daley says. I wish the world was in a place where you didnt even have to come out.He credits Black with helping him through one of the darkest moments in his life, including the period after the 2016 Rio Olympics.He inspired me to keep going, Daley says. I was ready to quit diving.Daley admits he was very clear about what he wanted in a relationship from the start. I asked him right away if he could see himself getting married and having kids, he says. Why be in a relationship if you dont think its going to last?Childhood Trauma and ResilienceDaley also reflects on his experience making a recent BBC documentary, where he looked back at old footage from his youth.I almost feel like I was tortured through a lot of my childhood, he says.While he remembers his early years as fun and exciting, Daley acknowledges how his brain has protected him by suppressing painful memories of bullying.At one point, the bullying became physical. I was rugby tackled during lunch, and I injured my wrist, he says. I couldnt dive for a week.It was the first time that the cruelty he endured at school directly impacted his diving career, and he realized he could no longer keep the two parts of his life separate.Learning the Value of LosingOne of the most unexpected insights Daley shared was about the importance of failure.As an athlete, learning to lose was one of the most valuable lessons, he says. Its easy to win, but its incredibly difficult to lose. Thats where you grow.Daley explains how early on, he was entered into competitions against adults to toughen him up. And then I ended up winning those too, he adds with a smile.Rios HeartbreakDaley describes the 2016 Rio Olympics as one of the darkest chapters in his life.I might even say it was one of the lowest points in my whole life, he says.After setting an Olympic record in the preliminaries, Daley failed to make it past the semifinals.I couldnt believe it, he says. I had worked so hard for four years, and it all just fell apart.The loss left him questioning his future in diving. Thats when Black offered a new perspective.Lance said, maybe you werent meant to win this time, Daley recalls. Maybe your future child is meant to see you win a gold medal.Fatherhood and a New OutlookBy the time the Tokyo Olympics arrived, Daleys life had changed dramatically. He was now a husband and a father, and those roles helped redefine his approach to competition.For the first time, I felt like I was more than a diver, he says. It freed me from the pressure, and I could finally enjoy the experience.Competing in Tokyo during the pandemic meant empty stadiums and an eerie silence.They still did the full light show and announcements, but no one was in the seats, he says. It was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.Despite the strangeness, Daley believes the lack of a crowd helped his diving partner, Matty Lee, who was making his Olympic debut. It made it more focused, less overwhelming, Daley says.A Surprise Decision to ReturnDaley was not planning to return to the Olympics after Tokyo, but a trip to the Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs changed everything.After watching a short film about what it takes to be an Olympian, he found himself in tears.I just missed it, Daley says. I missed the teammates, the feeling of competition.Black immediately understood what was happening. Their son Robbie then asked, Whats the matter, Papa?Daley told him, I miss diving. Robbie responded, I want to see you dive at the Olympics. Daley smiled and replied, Well, you slept through the last one.That moment sealed the decision. Despite just having welcomed their second child, Daley told Black he wanted to make one last Olympic run.A Knitters PeaceIn one of the more lighthearted moments of the conversation, Daley shared how knitting became a central part of his recovery and relaxation routine.His coach encouraged him to find a way to sit still and rest. His husband suggested knitting, which is common on film sets.I went on YouTube and taught myself how to knit, Daley says. Then I got obsessed.Now hosting his own craft series called Made with Love and frequently sharing his creations online, Daley has found a surprising creative outlet that balances the intensity of his athletic life.A Life in Full ColorThroughout the podcast, Daley displays remarkable openness about pain, love, and growth. With Ferguson guiding the conversation, the episode feels more like a conversation between close friends than a formal interview.Whether he is describing the roar of an Olympic crowd, the silence of Tokyos empty stands, or the click of knitting needles, Daleys journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and love.Subscribe to Dinners on MeDinners on Me is available now on all major podcast platforms.Source

The Rays will play potential postseason games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, setting up the possibility of a World Series staged in a minor league stadium.

Sauce Gardner and the Jets have agreed to a four-year, $120.4 extension, making him the NFL's highest-paid cornerback, sources told ESPN.

Drastic measures are necessary before we are crushed by the debt, the countrys prime minister warned.

The C.E.O. of JPMorgan Chase, who has rarely taken on President Trump during his second term, wades into the argument over the Federal Reserve chair.

The Cram wildfire grew rapidly over the weekend, threatening small communities and ranch land.

As a young officer in the French and Indian War, Washington was involved in a devastating friendly fire incident. Military veterans are helping archaeologists excavate the location.

And there are new patterns. READ MORE...

Trump loyalist Ric Grenell is sowing confusion on the world stage in his role as envoy of special missions, according to administration sources.Grenell, the former U.S. ambassador to Germany and briefly the acting Director of National Intelligence in the last, chaotic days of the first Trump administration, is already serving as Donald Trumps top cultural enforcer in his role as interim head of the Kennedy Center in Washington, and was tasked with overseeing the federal governments response to the wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Related Gay MAGA official scorns Hamilton creators for Kennedy Center boycott: They cosplay as victims Ric Grenell accused Lin Manuel Miranda and producer Jeffrey Seller of cosplaying as victims of intolerance. Those were door prizes after Grenell lobbied hard in the first days of the second administration for a high-profile post like Secretary of State or National Security Advisor and came up short. Both those jobs now belong to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 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 So Trump made Grenell Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions, a position without a clearly defined set of responsibilities but the word special in the title twice. One source close to Trump World said that Ric Grenell is a man in search of a job.Now, Grenell is earning contempt from Rubio and others in the administration who say his freelancing as special envoy is damaging U.S. diplomatic negotiations and threatening national security, The Hill reports.The latest example is a deal to swap Americans held in Venezuela for purported Venezuelan members of the Tren de Aragua gang deported from the U.S. and held in El Salvadors notorious CECOT prison. Earlier this year, State Department officials thought they had a deal that would result in the release of at least eight Americans held in captivity in Venezuela, along with several other political prisoners and other foreign nationals kidnapped by the Maduro regime and held as bargaining chips in negotiations with the U.S.At the same time, Grenell was brokering his own deal with the Maduro regime, which held more favorable terms for the Venezuelan despot, including a resumption of oil sales with American oil giant Chevron. Rubio has long rejected that concession.Rubio was unaware Grenell was negotiating with the same Venezuelan intermediary that the State Department was talking to, until both deals collapsed in May. I think thats what happens when Grenell goes freelancing, said Elliott Abrams, who served as special representative for Iran and Venezuela in Trumps first term and believes there are certainly tensions between Grenell and Rubio, whose job the special envoy covets.So I think what needs to happen here is to leave foreign affairs in the hands of the State Department, and in this case, Rubio and [Deputy Secretary of State] Chris Landau, and just get Grenells butt out.Another source described Grenell as a little untethered.I would describe Ric as kind of a little bit of maybe not even a little bit a loose cannon. Hes involved in a million things. Hes running around. The president likes him and its a classic thing, like, the president likes him, these guys feel empowered. Theres no checks, no balances, the source added.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Cooper Koch just unwrapped an early birthday gift, and its one for the books. The 28-year-old actor, best known for his haunting turn as Lyle Menendez in Netflixs Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, has officially received his first Primetime Emmy nomination.Koch was recognized for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 2025 Emmy Awards, marking a major breakthrough in a rising career already marked by buzzworthy performances, and a certain shirtless viral moment that fans wont soon forget.A Standout Performance in a Haunting StoryThe nine-episode Netflix limited series, part of Ryan Murphys Monsters anthology, revisits the infamous 1989 Beverly Hills murders committed by the Menendez brothers, who claimed years of parental abuse in their defense. Koch played Lyle, the elder brother, with unnerving precision and unexpected emotional depth, earning him earlier accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination.His co-stars Javier Bardem and Chlo Sevigny also received Emmy nods for their supporting roles, while the series itself landed a nomination for Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series.From Screen to Courtroom: A Real-Life ImpactThe Emmy buzz arrives on the heels of renewed legal developments in the Menendez case. Just nine months after Monsters debuted, a California judge responded to a resentencing petition by reducing the brothers sentences to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole. The decision followed mounting public interest sparked by the show and a subsequent Netflix documentary.Lyle and Erik Menendez are expected to appear before the California Parole Board this August. The shows resonance with viewers and lawmakers alike is a reminder of the power scripted drama can wield beyond entertainment, particularly in revisiting stories of justice and trauma through a modern lens.Whats Next for Koch?While Emmy voters are finally paying attention to Kochs work, so is the film world. The actor has reportedly joined the cast of Artificial, the next project from celebrated queer director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Challengers). Deadline reports Koch will appear alongside Andrew Garfield and Yura Borisov in the upcoming film, though plot details remain tightly under wraps.If Koch continues his current trajectory, balancing prestige TV, festival-circuit cinema, and the occasional cheeky viral moment, hes set to become a fixture in Hollywoods next generation of leading men. And now, with an Emmy nomination under his belt, that ascent is officially in motion.Source

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and coach Ruben Amorim were at Anfield on Monday to pay tribute to compatriots Diogo Jota and his brother Andr Silva.

Atltico Madrid have reached an agreement with Botafogo to sign Thiago Almada, the LaLiga club announced Tuesday.

Liverpool have rejected a 67.5 million (58.6m) bid from Bayern Munich to sign forward Luis Diaz, a source told ESPN.