Jon Rahm downplayed a terse interaction with a fan during the first round of The Open Championship, saying bad timing on a whistle during his backswing drew his frustration.

Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz wants to follow the Big Ten's proposal of guaranteed automatic qualifiers for the College Football Playoff, likes eliminating the CFP selection committee and isn't opposed to cutting the SEC championship game.

Fever star Caitlin Clark will not participate in the WNBA 3-point contest or All-Star Game, saying she needs to rest after suffering a groin injury earlier this week.

The event has been built entirely around the Louisiana native taking the Octagon for his final time.

Steve Caballero has been skating since he was 12, and he's been thrilled to see the scene grow alongside Tony Hawk's Pro Skater.

by Eric Umansky ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published. What Happened: Former New York Police Department Commissioner Thomas Donlon sued Mayor Eric Adams and other top police officials on Wednesday, accusing Adams of running the force as a criminal enterprise that the mayor used to consolidate power, obstruct justice and punish dissent.In the 251-page complaint, Donlon said the mayor used the departments Community Response Team for political gain. CRT became the enforcement arm of Defendant Adams political strategy, the complaint says, a tool for projecting tough on crime optics at the expense of civil rights and constitutional law.It also calls the CRT a rogue unit that answered only to City Hall.The suit drew extensively from a recent ProPublica investigation, which detailed how the mayor championed the CRT despite concerns within the Police Department about the unit. Adams, former officials said, was so close to the unit he had access to a little-known livestream of the CRTs body-worn camera footage, a detail that Donlon cited in his legal complaint.What They Said: The Community Response Team speaks to the culture under Adams of willfully violating the constitutional rights of civilians and officers, John Scola, Donlons lawyer, told ProPublica. That culture is: Well do whatever we want.Background: In 2023, a senior NYPD official wrote a scathing internal audit after finding that CRT officers were wrongfully stopping New Yorkers and failing to document the incidents. Weeks later, Adams took to Instagram to boost the unit. Turning out with the team, he wrote, showing a photo of him wearing a wide smile and khaki pants, CRTs official uniform.The official who wrote that audit was pushed out months later. He and other top former commanders recently sued Adams alleging favoritism and misconduct, charges the mayor denies.Why It Matters: Donlon, a former FBI agent who held the job of police commissioner for only two months, from September to November 2024, lobbed his accusations against Adams as the mayor has been waging an uphill battle to keep his job. Adams was indicted last fall on federal charges of bribery, fraud and illegally taking campaign contributions from foreigners. He pleaded not guilty. He avoided trial by making a deal with President Donald Trump, who dropped the prosecution in exchange for Adams working with the administration on immigration enforcement. Still, he remains unpopular in the city and is running for reelection as an independent against a popular Democrat, Zohran Mamdani.Response: In a statement, the mayors office dismissed Donlons claims.These are baseless accusations from a disgruntled former employee who when given the opportunity to lead the greatest police department in the world proved himself to be ineffective, the statement said. This suit is nothing more than an attempt to seek compensation at the taxpayers expense after Mr. Donlon was rightfully removed from the role of interim police commissioner.Previously, Adam has defended the CRT. Asked about the unit at a press conference this spring, the mayor said, CRT is here. He continued, I support all my units.The NYPD did not respond to requests for comment about the suit.

The move was a stunning reversal of Biden-era efforts to address racial disparities in local law enforcement.

Russell T. Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, said he and other administration officials wanted access to the Feds building in Washington.

Yeison Rodriguez Acosta used data he had obtained as a Wells Fargo employee to spend customers money on luxury car payments and a body-shaping program, among other expenses, prosecutors said.

A Texas high school has won more championships in mock tiny home construction than any other school in the country. Could a team of rookies defend the title?

The post Trump: Im Not In These Nonexistent Files Concocted To Destroy Me appeared first on The Onion.

WASHINGTONDuring a speech Friday in which he sought to convince MAGA supporters that his administration did not withhold any important information from its release of the Epstein files, President Donald Trump reportedly invited Jeffrey Epstein on stage to explain that there was no conspiracy. Hey, everybody, Im Jeffreyyou probably know me from the pedophile stuff in the news, the financier said to a group of right-wing influencers and members of the White House press pool, admitting that he and the president had a good laugh over the notion that there was something suspicious about the way he died. To address any confusion or rumors that may have come up over the past five years, I just want everyone to know that I definitely did kill myself, and I am dead. As you can see, there are no suspicious marks on my neck that would suggest somebody else did it. Im just a regular old corpsecase closed. Id be happy to tell you exactly what happened in my prison cell during the nearly three minutes when the security tape blacked out, but Ive got to warn you, its pretty boring. This whole thing has been really blown out of proportion. As you can see, Im dead, and we should all move on now. At press time, Epstein was seen patting his empty pockets as proof that there was no such thing as a client list.The post Trump Invites Jeffrey Epstein On Stage To Explain There No Conspiracy appeared first on The Onion.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) again attacked transgender rights in an interview with conservative podcaster Shawn Ryan, claiming that its not homophobic to oppose letting trans kids participate in school sports, all while refusing to refer to trans girls as girls.Newsom discussed how he authorized marriages for same-sex couples when he was the mayor of San Francisco in 2004 and said that the national Democratic Party turned its back on him for doing so. Related Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes 3 pro-LGBTQ+ bills after signing several into law in September Newsom praised the intent of the bills, but worried about their ambiguous nature and whether they followed the law. I completely, yeah, just crushed by my own party, outraged by what I had done, he said in an interview released earlier this week. So I assure you, this was not politically correct or just something, Oh youre from San Francisco. It was not supported back then. And I thought it was the right thing to do and Im proud of that because I saw the human face. 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 He then contrasted the emotional intensity he felt from that time when he authorized same-sex marriage to what he claimed is unfair demands being made by trans kids.When you get to the issues around sports, trans issues? Thats now no longer about celebrating your rights, its about denying other people theirs, he said. Marriage equality was about everyones right- Your marriage was not diminished because a couple who had been together 30 years got married and happened to be the same sex. But your child may not have that same opportunity to get on the podium if a trans athlete is competing for that limited spot. He said that, two years ago, he believed that the right was just exploiting transphobia because there arent that many trans kids participating in school sports in the state. He said that there was a state track meet two years ago that changed his mind.We had a trans athlete that was successful and there was a video of the girl that lost and she was devastated, he said. And it was very emotional and it was very real, and you felt for the girl.Man, that wasnt fair, he said, noting that both the trans athlete and the girl dropped out of their teams due to the media attention. He kept on referring to the cisgender girl as simply the girl while the transgender girl was the transgender child, implying that he only thinks that one of the two girls is a girl. He then said that progressively minded people not bigots that are champions of trans policy, like I am, but didnt like the sports started coming up to him and asking him to help ban trans girls from participating in school sports. Because you oppose sports does not make you a bigot, doesnt make you homophobic, Newsom insisted. And my party needs to stop saying that.The vast majority of people I come in contact with that think its unfair are good human beings.Even support for marriage equality is declining now, Newsom said, possibly referring to a recent Gallup Poll. And I think this issue is really Theyve been really effective weaponizing it, very effectively expressing their anger about it and its hurting the broader movement.Ryan then asked if Newsom thinks that the LGBTQ agenda went a little too far and complained that gay people just get pushed in my face all the time and cited rainbow flags in corporate logos during Pride Month. Yeah, Newsom responded. Ryan claimed that blue states are letting authorities take your kid if youre against gender-affirming care, something that is not true but has been a rightwing bogeyman for several years. Newsom didnt disagree but instead dodged the question and rambled a bit about how many on the right have forgotten about the humanity of trans people.What about for your values, is eight-years-old too young? Ryan asked, referring to transitioning. Its unclear what Ryan or Newsom thought transitioning is like for kids that age, but it does not involve surgery. For pre-pubescent trans kids, social transitioning means letting a kid dress in the clothes they want to and referring to them with a name or pronouns they feel fit their gender identity. Yeah, Newsom responded. I mean, look, now that I have a nine-year-old, just became nine, come on man, I get it, so those are legit.He rambled on about politics for a while without answering the question and said that he doesnt understand the science behind gender-affirming care but that he has met families who talked about how gender-affirming care saved their trans kids lives. Ryan pressed him. To make that big of a decision he said. As a kid, you could also be destroying a lot of lives as well.Look, I come to this very much more open-minded than Ive ever been, more receptive, Newsom responded before going back to talking about sports. He then said that he supports laws banning discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, even though that was not the topic.That said, on the issue of children, this is a tough, tough issue, he concluded. The relevant conversation starts at around the 2:39 mark in the video below. This isnt the first time Newsom has said that he opposes trans girls having an equal right to sports education in schools. He told rightwing activist Charlie Kirk in March that its an issue of fairness and that its deeply unfair that trans girls get an equal opportunity.He brought it up, Newsom told Ryan about that conversation with Kirk. He said, Tell me thats not fair! and I said, Its not fair, youre right!'California passed a law in 2013 allowing trans girls to participate in school sports, so the state has not complied with the current presidential administrations attempts to get it to ban trans girls from school sports, and the Department of Justice is suing the state over the matter. Newsom called that law a challenge in the interview with Ryan. Newsom claimed that he has been talking to the president about the issue.He told me, You got abortion, I got this,' Newsom recounted. He told me that. Politics. Politics! Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

As the Trump administration ends the national suicide prevention hotlines support options for LGBTQ+ youth, California is looking to fill the void by partnering with the Trevor Project.On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) announced the partnership between the national nonprofit and the states Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) to provide counselors at the 12 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call centers in California with enhanced training to respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people. Related The Trevor Project saved my life. Now its losing millions in federal funding thanks to Trump. One day a scared kid will Google,Is it okay to be queer? Lets make sure The Trevor Project is still there to answer. While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the gay community: we see you and were here for you, Newsom said in a statement. Were proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life. 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 During his first term in office, Trump signed legislation designating 988 as the national suicide prevention hotline similar to 911 emergency services. As The Mercury News notes, under former President Joe Biden, the Trevor Project began providing specialized support for LGBTQ+ youth through the 988 hotline in September 2022. Since then, the service has connected an estimated 1.5 million LGBTQ+ young people with support and the Trevor Project has handled roughly half of the hotlines overall calls, according to USA Today.But in April, the Trevor Project confirmed that a leaked Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget draft obtained by The Washington Post proposed eliminating all funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelines LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Service. In a statement last month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced that the hotlines Press 3 option, which connected LGBTQ+ youth to specialized services, would end on July 17.In a statement at the time, Trevor Project CEO Jaymes Black described the elimination of the Press 3 option as devastating.Ending the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelines LGBTQ+ youth specialized services will not just strip away access from millions of LGBTQ+ kids and teens it will put their lives at risk, Black said. These programs were implemented to address a proven, unprecedented, and ongoing mental health crisis among our nations young people with strong bipartisan support in Congress and signed into law by President Trump himself. The Trevor Projects own 2024 national survey on LGBTQ+ youth mental health found that 39 percent of LGBTQ+ young people reported seriously considering attempting suicide, while 50 percent of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental healthcare were not able to get it. Additionally, the survey indicated that the Trump administrations anti-LGBTQ+ policies and rhetoric are likely exacerbating the mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ young people, with 90 percent of respondents saying their well-being was negatively impacted by recent politics. The Trevor Projects crisis service saw a 33% increase in calls and messages on the day of Trumps inauguration compared to weeks prior, and a 700% increase in contacts on November 6th, the day after it was announced Donald Trump won the presidential election.There could not be a more stark reminder of the moral bankruptcy of this Administration than cutting off suicide prevention resources for LGBTQ youth, California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said in a statement Wednesday. These are young people reaching out in their time of deepest crisis and Im proud of Californias work to partner with the Trevor Project to creatively address this need.In Wednesdays announcement, Newsoms office said that Californias partnership with the nonprofit builds on the states Master Plan for Kids Mental Health and reflects a shared commitment to evidence-based, LGBTQ+ affirming crisis care.To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone. California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action, CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson said in a statement. Through this partnership, California will continue to lead, providing enhanced support for these young people.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

When Michelle Visage was asked for the secret to the success of her 28-year marriage, during a guest spot on Cush Jumbos podcast, she shared a surprising and honest answer: Compersion. Shes not alone. A fascinating trend in recent years is the rise in popularity of consensual non-monogamy. According to the 2023 SIA Study, nearly a third (31%) of singles reported having been in a non-monogamous relationship.But what exactly is compersion? And what role does it play in an open and non-monogamous relationship? Its commonly referred to as the opposite of jealousy, which is not entirely accurate as both can be felt simultaneously, Ally Iseman, a queer non-monogamous Certified Relationship Coach and founder of Passport 2 Pleasure, tells PRIDE. It is generally used to describe experiencing joy or pleasure from ones partner experiencing joy or pleasure with someone else.While it does not solely apply to sexual relationships in that context, it refers to the vicarious joy and/or the positive attitudes and behaviors one experiences in response to their partner taking pleasure from another relationship, Dr. Marie Thouin, a leading compersion expert and scholar, and the author of What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships tells PRIDE.So if you or a partner is curious about exploring an open relationship or if you already are, and are looking for a word to describe the feeling of joy you already experience simply by witnessing theirs, heres everything youve wanted to know about compersion. Where did the word compersion originate?While the feeling of compersion is timeless, the word itself does have an origin. The term compersion was coined and defined in the 1970s by the Kerista community, a San Francisco-based polyamorous group that has since disbanded, Dr Thouin explains.Although polyamorists were the first to coin this term in the English language, the concept had existed long before, she continues Buddhists had long considered sympathetic joy (referred to as mudita in Sanskrit) to be one of the four qualities of the enlightened person the other three being loving kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), and equanimity (upeksha).What does compersion feel like?Like all emotions, there is no one way to feel it. Individuals experience compersion, well, individually. In doing research for their book, Dr. Thouin discovered there were two main categories for how it was experienced.The first, she explains, is embodied compersion, which she says skews more closely to what people picture when they hear the word, says Dr. Thouin. Its the empathic, intoxicating joy we might feel when our partner is experiencing a pleasurable connection with someone else. Its an erotic and/or emotional turn on that is felt in the body, she says, adding that it is often described as a warm and fuzzy, titillating or bubbly feeling. [My] clients say its euphoric. Like a rush, Cheryl Maida, Director of Matchmaking at Matchmaking.com, tells PRIDE. They feel genuinely happy watching their partner experience real pleasure. For a few, its also a major turn-on. Some even described it as incredible foreplay. Its not about being disconnected, its about being deeply connected and feeling secure.The second type is attitudinal compersion, which is more of a feeling of support and interpretation of our partners happiness with another person as a positive event, and the supportive behaviors we show towards our partners other relationship. It involves holding a supportive outlook towards our partners other dates, explains Dr. Thoouin.How does compersion differ from empathy?If youre thinking, Well, that just sounds a lot like empathy, youre not wrong. Compersion and empathy are related, but there is a difference, Dr. Thouin says.Compersion is a form of empathy focused on positive events and feelings. In most of the psychological literature, empathy is researched from the lens of caring about or "feeling into" someone's painful experiences, she explains. Whereas, compersion, on the other hand, is another way to describe positive empathy, or vicarious joy.Can compersion be beneficial to your relationship?Compersion, it turns out, can be a powerful tool for deepening your bonds in all your relationships, not just romantic ones, because it increases trust and intimacy.Whether one is in a consensually non-monogamous relationship a designation that includes polyamory, open relationships, swinging, relationship anarchy, and other or not, compersion conveys to another person that we genuinely support them on their chosen path to wellbeing, says Dr. Thouin. Its a way to genuinely and selflessly grow bonds of trust, Byrd, a queer sex educator with Sex Ed With Byrd, tells PRIDE. [Because] it reframes your partners joy as your joy too, rather than a threat or something to be jealous about. It can create more spaciousness for communication and mutual support.Plus, it opens you up to unique ways to create meaningful memories and experiences, Sofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist, relationship therapist, and author at relationship magazine Passionerad, tells PRIDE. It not only gets you beautiful moments of shared joy where both of you truly feel great for one of your experiences or achievements, but if your partner gets happy for your sake, it also builds trust and an openness, she says, and that can only benefit your connection. If you feel that your partner wants the best, not only when you are with them, that will make your relationship so much stronger, but also more free, which will increase the chances of you having the best time together.Do LGBTQ+ people feel compersion more than their straight counterparts?The answer is, seemingly, yes: queer folks are more likely to experience compersion. While anyone can experience it, my research showed that a LGBTQ+ identity did positively correlate with compersion, Dr. Thouin shares. She posits that having already come out as LGBTQ+ made it easier for them to come out as non-monogamous, and they typically belonged to more sex-positive and inclusive communities that made compersion more likely to arise.Byrd also cites that queer communities being more open and less rigid culturally can also lead to a greater frequency of experiencing compersion. Theres often a cultural openness among LGBTQIA2S+ folks toward exploring love and connection outside rigid norms or societal scripts, they explain. Many of us have had to question societal rules or make up our own, which might make us more willing to embrace compersion. But anyone, regardless of orientation, can feel it!If compression doesnt come naturally, is it something that can be learned?For some, feelings of compersion arise naturally, while for others, not so much. The question is, though, can you learn to feel it? Is it something that can be fostered and grown? Byrd says, Absolutely, and describes it like building a new muscle. Therapy, self-reflection, communication, and mindful reframing help cultivate those feelings over time. They add the key is to learn how to reframe and redirect feelings of jealousy by refocusing on the joy your partner is feeling.Iseman agrees. Compersion itself is an emotional experience. Cultivating the ability to access and feel it more readily is a relationship skill that can be practiced, just like building up the ability to hold the discomfort of jealousy in order to learn from it rather than avoiding it, she explains. If someone is curious to experience it, it can be developed through practice and exposure, but it is by no means required for a successful open relationship.If it doesnt come naturally, Roos says to be patient with yourself and take your time. For many, compersion is an attitude and something you can learn to achieve, but it takes time, especially in a sexual context if youre used to viewing romantic and sexual relationships as monogamous, she shares. It can take time to master also when it comes to other types of situations than just sexual and romantic ones, because so many are used to feeling happiness related to their own success, because we dont really learn to feel happy for others in todays world.Does the LGBTQ+ community have a unique relationship to compersion?While all the experts agree that anyone, regardless of sexual identity or gender, can experience compersion, LGBTQ+ people do have a unique relationship to the feeling. Thats because our lived experiences are frequently less traditional and more integrated into our chosen communities. We challenge the traditional binary and norms, Anthony Canapi, MA, Gay Matchmaker & LGBTQ+ Dating Expert tells PRIDE. Queer folks often grow up without seeing themselves in dominant love stories. So, we write our own, and guess what others do, and it can connect with our own, and for some, compersion follows suit, regardless of whether it is platonic or romantic.Canapi continues, Due to our marginalizations and intersectionality, we hold as LGBTQ2IA people, we see things through a different cultural lens, with care and emotional freedom.Many LGBTQ+ folks build chosen families and community bonds where joy is collective, adds Byrd. Theres often a spirit of rooting for each others happiness, especially in contexts where our relationships have faced external stigma. That solidarity can overlap beautifully with compersion.Expert cited:Ally Iseman, a queer non-monogamous Certified Relationship Coach and founder of Passport 2 Pleasure Dr. Marie Thouin, a leading compersion expert and scholar, creator of www.whatiscompersion.com, and the author of What is Compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships Byrd, a queer sex educator with Sex Ed With ByrdSofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist, relationship therapist, and author at relationship magazine PassioneradAnthony Canapi, MA, Gay Matchmaker & LGBTQ+ Dating Expert

JP Karliak is having a pinch me moment.The voiceover actor, queer activist, and self-proclaimed snappy dresser best known to a lot of LGBTQ+ comic fans as the voice of nonbinary shapeshifter, Morph, in Marvels X-Men 97 has his name attached to one of Julys biggest theatrical releases, and hes playing not one, but two lead villains. And not just any villains, either. He gets to ham it up as one of the greatest cartoon villains of the 1980s: Gargamel, the evil wizard of the Smurfs universe who makes his long-awaited return to the big screen with Smurfs on July 18.While you likely may not be familiar with his face (or his signature electric blue hair), just take a peek at Karliaks impressive IMDB and youll see that, odds are, youve very likely heard his exceptional vocal talents embody some of the most popular characters of the pop culture pantheon, including Wile E. Coyote, Spider-Man, Willy Wonka, the Tin Man, and Boss Baby (taking the reins from actor Alec Baldwin). But what makes Smurfs a feather in his cap is not just the fact that hes among a star-studded cast that includes John Goodman, Rihanna, Nick Offerman, Natasha Lyonne, and Kurt Russell (just to name a few), but the fact that an everyday voice actor like himself scored two lead villain roles in a single big-screen project. Smurfs poster of Gargamel and Razamel, both voiced by JP Karliak (right)Paramount Pictures; Tommy Flanagan (provided)Every part of it is a pinch me, jaw-dropping moment. Karliak tells our sister brand, Out. Because it doesn't happen to us workforce voice actors. It just doesn't. So it's been really cool.How Karliak landed the role isnt the typical I auditioned and got the part story youd expect. In fact, he never even had his sights set on the part of Gargamel at all. He actually earned the role by capturing the attention of executives with his sheer talent during a standard table read. With Smurfs, I was brought in along with a bunch of workhorse voice actors to do a table read and scratch, which is basically just laying down a track that they can storyboard with to work out stuff with the executives and the script before they do the inevitable celebrity casting, explains Karliak. Later, I was brought in for individual sessions not even starting with Gargamel. It was for a few different characters and they really zoned in on Razamel, Gargamel's brother. Karliak goes on to explain that, even though the executives seemed dazzled by his take on Razamel a voice he says he came up with on the fly he never imagined a no-name voice actor having a shot at nabbing the role of the main big bad. He assumed the studio would pursue a Jim Carrey-level A-lister. The whole time Im thinking, I love that they love what I'm doing, but they'll give me something like Smackity Smurf in the back row and I'll have like two lines.But while he was on a honeymoon with his newlywed husband in Athens, Greece, Karliak got a surprise phone from his agent that made that romantic trip extra special. He found out he actually scored the role of Razamel. Fast-forward to some time later, while in the midst of a recording session, Karliak once again impressed executives with his uncanny ability to transform into whatever character he imagines on a whim, this time channeling original Gargamel voice actor Paul Mitchell, which paved the way for some unexpected and unimaginable double duties on the film.We were recording a scene where Razumel and Gargamel talk to each other. And they didn't have the scratch of Gargamel, Karliak recalls. And they were like, Oh, we would have to go and get it. That'll take an hour. I was like, Do you want me to just do it? And so I just did the back-and-forth conversation. And they were a little mind-blown. A month later, they were like, Yea, you're both of them. Razamel and Gargamel (JP Karliak) and Papa Smurf (John Goodman) in Smurfs from Paramount Animation.Paramount PicturesGargamel and Razamel are just two more villains Karliak gets to add to his ever-growing roster of iconic evil-doers. Between his memorable take as Green Goblin in the animated Spidey and His Amazing Friends and following in the footsteps of Mark Hamill and voicing the Joker in two video games (Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and DC: Dark Legion), its pretty clear that the voiceover powerhouse has an affinity for villainy.I've always gravitated towards villains, he confesses. I've always found them to be my favorite characters.But not just any villain. Karliak has a particular soft spot for baddies of the flamboyant variety, and Gargamel certainly fits the bill. My number-one villain is Skeletor [from Masters of the Universe]. I definitely lean into those villains that are queer-coded and have that sort of mincing villainy, which I love, shares Karliak. I never identified with He-Man or that ultra masculinity. Villain-wise, I was never a fan of Shredder [from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles] either, because he is so masculine and so tough and everything. I was like, No, not me. Give me Cobra Commander. [Laughs] Gargamel is so much in that same vein as well.Speaking of queer-coded, theres no denying the apparent queerness of the Smurfs, especially the original 1981 cartoon. For decades, fans have theorized about their sexuality and have poked fun about how the mostly all-male population of shirtless blue twinks all perfectly fit most of the gay archetypes (Papa Smurf is the daddy, Hefty is the muscle queen, you get the picture). And its pretty unanimous that the swishy and self-absorbed Vanity Smurf is the queerest of them all (he even took the number 12 spot on Rankers list of gayest cartoon characters). While Karliak admits that there's certainly some fun to be had with how the Smurfs match up with those classic gay tropes, this new iteration is more in line with the recent canon, with Smurfette no longer being the lone female. But even in the original mythology, Smurfs were never known to physically reproduce their infants were delivered by storks from an unknown location. So, in the new film, dont expect to see any romances.I think the Smurfs whole sense of affection is platonic, says Karliak. I think anything that they almost feel like the archetype for like demisexuals or aroace [aromantic asexual] individuals where it's just like, they're just trying to build really strong, beautiful friendships. And it's really not about sexual attraction. And I think that's beautiful. I think there's something to be celebrated in that. Razamel (JP Karliak) in Smurfs from Paramount Animation.Paramount PicturesSmurfs isnt the only new project Karliaks fans are looking forward to. The voiceover wonder is also set to return to the X-Men universe, reprising his role as mutant superhero Morph in season 2 of Disney/Marvels critically acclaimed X-Men 97. Due to the secrecy surrounding the project, he couldnt say much, but he did offer an update. I have an ankle bracelet that will inject a poison into me and kill me if I say more, he quips. So we've wrapped season 2. I think it's coming out next year. Fingers crossed. And we've started work on season 3. As far as what you can expect to see, at the end of season 1, we tease the arrival of Apocalypse. So, of course, all of us are in far-flung different times, dimensions, all sorts of stuff. So it's going to be a wild and wacky journey, but I think you can still expect to see a lot of the beautiful relationship building that we did in season 1.As for his hopes and dreams beyond X-Men 97, Karliak says that Skeletor is his white whale the last iconic villain of his dream-role wishlist, but until then, hes always keeping his eye for new original characters, especially those of the queer variety. I would love to be involved in a project where I'm brought in as the villain who's never been heard of, original character, hopefully a queer story of some kind and being a part of that. That's the dream, shares Karliak, who also served as a voice and casting director for a totally original animated drag musical fantasy thats available now and its loaded with RuPauls Drag Race royalty. I will say the very first project that I've cast and directed is called Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, he shares, enthusiastically. It's an animated movie thats on all streaming platforms for purchase. And I'm very proud of this cast that I was able to pull together, but it features Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCreme, Mont X Change, Ros, Heidi N Closet, Lorraine Newman. It's a stellar, diverse, very queer cast.When hes not out at comic conventions promoting his creative endeavors or blowing away executives with his brand of vocal wizardry, Karliak is also an activist who spends a lot of time helping others in the community achieve their acting dreams. In 2021, he founded Queer Vox, a nonprofit academy for LGBTQIA+ voice actors. His goal? Per his official website: to train and showcase queer voiceover talent while championing true representation behind the mic.I run a nonprofit that advocates for queer and trans voice actors, called QueerVox, he says. We're encouraging our actors to lead with their talent first. We're also training them in gender vocal work where, not only are they able to attune their daily voice to being more gender euphoric and aligned with their identity, but also to be able to manipulate it so that they can play other gender identities, like cisgender people, and continue to get work in sparse times. Our community has been denied the opportunity to not only play ourselves, which seems like such a no-brainer, but unlike our cis straight compatriots Jared Leto who get to play all sorts of queer and trans roles, we don't get to play cis or straight roles," he continued. "And I consider myself a prime advocate for that because I have had the passing privilege of being able to voice Alec Baldwin and a bunch of other characters. So I really try my best to blow people's expectations out of the water when I walk into the room with my blue hair and my blue nails and be like, 'This is who you cast for your big military man.'Smurfs is now out in theaters. Watch the trailer below.

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The CEO seemingly having an affair with the head of HR at his company at the Coldplay concert is a viral video for the ages, but it is also, unfortunately, emblematic of our current private surveillance and social media hellscape.The video, which is now viral on every platform that we can possibly think of, has been covered by various news outlets, and is Pop Crave official, shows Andy Byron, the CEO of a company called Astronomer, with his arms around Astronomers head of HR, Kristen Cabot. The jumbotron cuts from one fan to this seemingly happy couple. They both simultaneously die inside; Oh look at this happy couple, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin says. The woman covers her face and spins away. The man ducks out of frame. Either theyre having an affair or theyre very shy, Martin said. The camera pans to another company executive standing next to them, who is seemingly shaking out of discomfort.It is hard to describe how viral this is at the moment, in a world in which so many awful things are occurring and in which nothing holds anyones attention for any length of time and in a world in which we are all living in our own siloed realities. Andy Byron is currently the most popular trending Google term in the United States, with more than double the searches of the next closest term.There are so many levels to this embarrassmentthe Coldplay of it all, the HR violation occurring on jumbotron, etcthat one could likely write a doctoral dissertation on this 15 second video. 0:00 /0:19 1 But the aftermath of this video demonstrates a phenomenon that we have now seen over and over again on all of social media, but on TikTok especially: The instant, gleeful doxing of people for reasons that run the spectrum from the very bad (being a Nazi) to the utterly benign (dancing weird at a Taylor Swift concert, being a hot security guard, standing in public). TikTok help me find him / her is now so common that it is a meme.404 Media doesnt know whats going on in Byron or Cabots marriages and neither does anyone else posting about it; we have zero clue whats going on behind the scenes or what is currently occurring in the personal lives of everyone involved.It is worth briefly considering the dystopia of this situation and its aftermath. It is not clear exactly how the Astronomer CEO was initially identified, but we have seen numerous cases where TikTok commenters and creators use Pimeyes and other readily available, often free facial recognition and social media research tools to identify a person.The Astronomer CEOs name, his wifes name, the head of HRs name, and the third company executives name and social media profiles are all over the TikTok comments and Reddit comments. His latest LinkedIn post was full of comments about the incident, left before he disabled comments and ultimately deleted the post. Commenters have pointed out that his wife has removed his last name from several of her social media profiles.Polymarkets degenerate gamblers turned the scandal into a market. The site lets users bet on events with binary outcomes like whether or not Byron will lose his job as CEO of Astronomer. A gambler pays a few cents to vote yes or no on the outcome of the event and wins the difference up to a dollar on each vote if they guessed right. Each vote shifts the odds up and down.Today Polymarket opened two new Byron-related bets. The first asks the question: Andy Byron out as Astronomer CEO by next Friday? As of this writing, the site is giving him a 40 percent chance of leaving. Polymarket doesnt care if he resigns or gets fired, the bet pays out to its yes voters so long as he leaves.The crueler bet, and the one with more activity, is the Astronomer Divorce Parlay. A parlay is a series or combination of bets, and this Polymarket listing requires both Byron and Cabot to get divorced. An announcement will satisfy the bet, it doesnt have to be an official filing. But it can come from Byron and Cabot themselves or their spouses. The image attached to the bet is a screenshot from the moment the Jumbotron filmed the couple embracing.As of this writing, the odds are 21 percent that both couples divorce.Polymarkets X account got in on the action. As both of the markets opened, the account posted about Byron and Cabot four times in a row. Smart bet? Polymarket asked above a picture showing social media photos of the pair listed next to the current odds that theyd divorce their spouses.Brands are using Byron and Cabots face to build hype. The NEON film studio posted a picture of the couple on X to promote its upcoming horror movie Together. Chipotle commented on the story with a picture of its billboard that reads Its OK to Cheat. Most chilling, the NYC Department of Sanitation used the viral moment to remind everyone that it has cameras everywhere.Scrolling through a TikTok search for CEO of Astronomer (a TikTok-recommended search term) is full of wannabe influencers giving their own take on the saga, greenscreening the video behind their cut out faces with titles like CHEATING COLDPLAY AFFAIR BOSTON CONCERT COUPLE UPDATE, and COLDPLAY EXPUSO A DOS AMANTES. Fox News, Buzzfeed, and other huge accounts have posted the footage more or less unedited on their own accounts. Writing this article, we understand, puts us into this exact fray.But one does not have to have sympathy or empathy for a CEO to see how this sort of thing could and often does go off the rails. This example is emblematic of the problem specifically because its easy to laugh at these people and because theyre doing something distasteful, but not illegal. The same technologies used to dox and research this CEO are routinely deployed against the partners of random people who have had messy breakups, attractive security guards, people who look suspicious and are caught on Ring cameras by people on Nextdoor, people who dance funny in public, and so on. There has been endless debate about the ethics of doxing cops and ICE agents and Nazis, and there are many times where it makes sense to research people doing harm on behalf of the state or who are doing violent, scary things in to innocent people. It is another to deploy these technologies against random people you saw on an airplane or who had a messy breakup with an influencer. And of course, these same technologies are regularly deployed by police and the feds against undocumented immigrants, regular people, and people wanting to visit the United States on tourist visas.JUST IN: Astronomer CEO Andy Byrons wife removes his last name from her Facebook profile, a follow up post said next to a screenshot from Byrons wifes Facebook account. And in a reply: The odds of them both getting divorced this year are soaring. 52% chance.

RuPauls Drag Race alum Xunami Muse says she has relocated from the U.S. to Panama.In a Wednesday, July 16, Instagram post, Xunami wrote that she made the decision, in part, to be able to explore the WORLD [sic] and cited a difficult and complicated situation in the U.S. Related Drag performer arrested by ICE agents at asylum hearing Hilary Rivers was seeking asylum based on traumatic and severe persecution in his home country. As Out notes, while competing in the 16th season of Drag Race, Xunami opened up about being a beneficiary of the U.S.s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy. Enacted by former President Barack Obama in 2012, the program allowed some people who came to the United States as minors without documentation to apply for a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation, granting them a Social Security number and work authorization. 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 policy has been tied up in court since 2017, when the first Trump administration announced its intention to repeal it. Former President Joe Biden signed a 2021 executive order reinstating the program, but the following July, a federal judge ruled that DACA was created in violation of the law and illegally implemented because Obama had bypassed Congress by creating it via an executive branch memorandum. However, the ruling allowed for Dreamers those already protected by the program to retain their protected status and for renewals to proceed. Were not citizens, Xunami explained on Drag Race in 2024. Were kind of in limbo. Were legally here because we were already here, but we dont have the full rights of a citizen.While Xunami did not directly cite the current administrations ongoing brutal crackdown on undocumented immigrants, she did note that she will be joining fellow Drag Race stars Aja, Kandy Muse, and Dahlia Sin on a 10-city European tour next month, followed by a tour of Australia in November. To travel outside the U.S. and return legally, DACA recipients must apply for Advance Parole.Amid the administrations mass deportations and ICE raids, at least one fan on social media likened Xunamis decision to self-deportation.DACA queens are self-deporting now, X user @CTprogressive_ wrote. I hate how this country treats immigrants. She deserved better. DACA queens are self-deporting now I hate how this country treats immigrants. She deserved better CT Progressive (@CTprogressive_) July 16, 2025Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

In a literal erasure of LGBTQ+ identity in South Florida, the city of Boynton Beach has complied with recent orders from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) and the Trump administration to eliminate a rainbow crosswalk in the beachside city.Video reveals a road crew painting over the once-colorful intersection at East Ocean Avenue and Southeast First Street on Wednesday morning. Its now painted black. Related Pete Buttigiegs replacement begs governors to remove rainbow crosswalks, claiming they kill people He didnt offer any proof that rainbow crosswalks cause car crashes. Boynton Beach has removed the inclusionary-painted intersection on the 100 block of East Ocean Avenue to ensure full compliance with state and federal transportation mandates and address safety concerns, a statement from the city read. The decision follows recent guidance from the U.S. Transportation Secretary and the Florida Department of Transportation. 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 Pride commemoration was first unveiled in June 2021. The city of Boynton Beach today painted over its pride intersection.The move comes shortly after state and federal officials ordered the removal of all rainbow crosswalks.Reaction, plus what about other rainbow crosswalks in our area, tonight at 11 on @WPBF25News pic.twitter.com/wRalhV7HWT Ari Hait (@wpbf_ari) July 17, 2025The rainbow intersection has been vandalized before. During Pride month in 2023, surveillance video captured a motorcyclist burning out over the mural, leaving black tread marks across it. He then stopped to record the damage he caused.The Pride erasure comes just days after a coordinated campaign by the Florida governor and the federal Transportation Department to remove rainbow intersections across the state.On July 1, former Road Rules reality star and current Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy issued a social media edict to all U.S. governors to remove the crosswalk art.Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, Duffy declared. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple. https://t.co/hA5FBsVFXO Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) July 1, 2025In the order and subsequent interviews, Duffy implies the Pride crosswalks are causing chaos on the roads and have led to traffic fatalities.Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball, Duffy told the far-rightDaily Signal.Roads are for safety, he said somewhat incongruously, not political messages or artwork.Duffy didnt specify what percentage of the 39,345 traffic deaths in the U.S. in 2024 were caused by rainbow crosswalks.Other cities in South Florida with rainbow intersections, including Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, face the same state and federal mandates. It wasnt immediately clear whether or how they would comply.Other Pride crosswalks in the state have also been subject to vandalism, some repeatedly.Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue enthusiastically endorsed the federal mandate the day after it was issued.Floridas proactive efforts to ensure we keep our transportation facilities free & clear of political ideologies were cemented into law by @GovRonDeSantis, Perdue posted to socials. Great to now have our federal partners also aligned behind this same common-sense policy.Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, called the orders blackmail.This is just another example of the president and the governor blackmailing local governments by telling them theyre going to withhold funding so they can try to publicly erase the LGBTQ+ community, he told the Sun-Sentinel. This seems to be a priority of these administrations.Despite the public erasure, Hoch, who was present at the 2021 unveiling of the Boynton Beach Pride intersection, said LGBTQ+ people are not going to disappear.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Pedro Pascal is many things, acclaimed actor, Internets favorite zaddy, and now, queer slang interpreter. While promoting Marvels upcoming Fantastic Four: The First Steps, Pascal gave co-star Vanessa Kirby a heartfelt (and hysterical) lesson in one of the queer communitys most powerful adjectives: cunty.Pedro Pascal, Queer Lexicon ProfessorThe moment happened during an interview with Australian outlet Pedestrian TV, where journalist Bek Manibog complimented Kirbys intense performance look as Invisible Woman.Youre giving forcefield snatched cunty fierceness face, Manibog said, referring to Kirbys superhero power pose.Kirby, understandably caught off guard, looked puzzled. I dont know if thats a good thing, she said.Cue Pedro Pascal with the rescue, and the receipts.Cunty face is good, babe, he assured her, without missing a beat. Cunty face just means fierce, fabulous, beautiful, strong. Its good, its good.And just like that, Vanessa Kirby received her honorary queer linguistics degree, courtesy of Professor Pascal.A Message for Trans Fans Down UnderAs the conversation wrapped, Manibog thanked Pascal for his well-known support of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the trans community, and asked if he had a message for his trans fans in Australia.You are a symbol of courage and you inspire fear in those that are afraid of being their true selves, Pascal said earnestly. And I think that thats the threat. Your joy and your radical bravery in living your life in joy.Its a reminder that his allyship isnt performative, its personal. In June, Pascal drew headlines after publicly denouncing transphobia online, prompting backlash from the usual suspects including J.K. Rowling and Martina Navratilova.But Pascal remains unbothered, and unwavering.Whether hes teaching Marvel co-stars the art of the cunty face or showing up for queer fans around the globe, Pedro Pascal continues to prove that hes not just the Internets daddy, hes also one of its most devoted allies.Source

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LEXINGTON, KYStressing the importance of regularly performing mental gymnastics to prevent cognitive decline, local 80-year-old Edna Connolly confirmed Thursday that she keeps her mind active by justifying President Donald Trumps actions. I try to break out of my routine and engage my mind by rationalizing what the president is doing, even when its completely against the promises he made to voters, said Connolly, explaining that she spends at least 30 minutes a day improving her mental faculties and problem solving skills by making excuses for Trumps constant attacks on civil liberties. Im developing new neural pathways each time I shrug off Trumps clear violations of the Constitution and his total contempt for our system of checks and balances. You know, I have some friends who didnt spend time rationalizing Trumps actions, and they ended up in nursing homes. At press time, Connolly was reportedly stimulating her creativity by justifying the presidents decision to reverse course on releasing the Epstein files.The post Elderly Woman Keeps Mind Active Justifying Trumps Actions appeared first on The Onion.

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Police in the Malaysian state of Kelantan arrested 12 men during a raid on a gay party, the regional news site Sloboden Pecat reported. The arrests follow 20 that occurred in the state capital of Kota Bharu in June, amid a nationwide crackdown on LGBTQ+ people.Kelantan state police chief Mohd Yusof Mamat said that officers found no evidence of sexual activity at the party, but they did discover condoms and HIV medication, suggesting that sexual activity may have been planned for later on. Police also found that three men had explicit adult images on their phones police arrested and charged those three individuals. The officers didnt arrest any additional people because they could find neither incriminating evidence nor specific charges to press against them. Related Trans rights reach all-time low in Asia & Europe for first time in 13 years Anti-democratic U.S. forces like The Heritage Foundation are partly to blame. During interrogation, [party attendees] admitted that they belonged to a homosexual group, Mamat said. We are concerned about this type of behavior We will continue to monitor the movements of homosexual groups. 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 police chief said over 100 local men attended the party, though most of them had left by the time the raid began.Like one-fourth of the world, Malaysias anti-gay laws were originallyimported by British colonizers. In the modern era, powerful Muslim clerics and politicians have used the laws to whip up outrage and support among conservative citizens. Recently, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the country has gotten louder and deadlier.In 2023, the Malaysian government reportedly began requiring music venues to have an emergency kill switch to quickly shut down concerts following anonstage same-sex kissbetween members of the British rock band The 1975 at a Malaysian music festival. Government authorities also said that police will now conduct background checks on artists from other countries before scheduling performances to ensure that they will not promote illegal activities. In 2022, 20 local Muslims were detained by religious authorities for cross-dressing or encouraging vice during a raid on an LGBTQ+ Halloween party. Local censors also said that between 2020 and May of this year, LGBTQ+ content accounted for half of all banned publications, the South China Morning Post reported.In 2019, Malaysia caned four men between the ages of 26 and 37 for having a consensual same-sex encounter behind closed doors. The mens actions violated a Sharia law forbidding intercourse against the order of nature. The men were reportedly discovered by authorities after the government monitored their private messaging. Around 50 officers raided the apartment where the men met to arrest those involved.In March 2019, Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi claimedthere are no queer or trans people in Malaysia, a statement which drew condemnation from the countrys LGBTQ+ community. Despite the countrys anti-LGBTQ+ actions, it still hosts an annualSeksualiti Merdeka(Independent Sexuality) festival, though politicians have increasingly tried to prevent it from occurring. Since 2019, multiple trans women in Malaysia have also been beaten, hospitalized, or killed by violent mobs.In August 2018, police in Kuala Lumpur raided the gay bar Blue Boy afterwards, the Federal Territory ministryclaimed the arrests were meantto stop the spread of LGBTQ culture in society. That same month, authoritiessentenced two women to public caningfor attempted sexual relations.In June 2017, the countrys healthoffered its citizens cash prizes for making anti-LGBTQ videos. The following month, a hardline national Muslim grouptold its 50,000 members to oppose Starbucksfor the coffeehouse chains pro-LGBTQ workplace policies. That same year, an 18-year-old boy wasbeaten with helmets, burned, shot in the groin,and declared brain dead by medical authorities his classmates had attacked him for being effeminate. In 2013, the Malaysian governmentsponsored a touring musical,entitledAsmara Songsang(Abnormal Desire), to teach young people about the dangers of being queer. In 2015, Human Rights Watch criticized Malaysia forfining and imprisoning transgender women.In 2012, the countrybanned gay charactersfrom all national TV shows and radio programs. In 2011, Malaysian school authoritiessent 66 Muslim teenage boys to a correctional campto learn masculine behaviors after their teachers identified them as effeminate.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Pardon me, but youre going to need to see this. Today, the trailer for Platonic season two dropped, and it features something very important: Luke MacFarlane doing hunky, sweaty things. The series stars Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne as Sylvia and Will, friends who have reunited after a falling out and become wildly and hilariously enmeshed. Which is, ya know, pretty gay, even if it is strictly platonic. But more importantly, it also stars Luke Macfarlane as Sylvias sweet and bo-hunky partner Charlie, who we see hitting the weights with Will in the trailer. It's sweaty, and funny, and honestly, were hooked on this show. It's a burst of serotonin with more than a dash of MacFarlanes sweet bod. What's not to love? The ensemble cast also stars Tre Hale, Carla Gallo, Andrew Lopez, and Aidy Bryant. Platonic season 2 premieres August 6 on Apple TV+. Check out the trailer below.

There are a broad spectrum of disabilities in the world, but representation in media is still severely lacking. If you're hoping for intersectionality, that number dwindles to something even smaller. Fortunately, this sort of inclusivity does seem to be something media is gradually getting just a little bit better at, one character at a time. So for now, here are seven of our favorite LGBTQ+ characters with disabilities on TV.1. Ryan Hayes - 'Special'Ryan O'Connell's Special centered entirely around the life of a gay man with cerebral palsy played by a gay man with cerebral palsy. Serving as both star and creator, O'Connell brought a level of authenticity to the show that was deeply refreshing, especially considering its candid take on relationships and sex.2. Bibi Garvey - 'Bad Sisters'The first season of Bad Sisters was a masterclass in revelations, including the horrific way in which middle sister Bibi Garvey lost her eye. Although she's mostly adjusted to the change by the time the show begins, unexpected difficulties do factor in to her arc; fortunately, she's got the support of not only her sisters, but her wife, too.3. Marvin - 'Queer as Folk (2022)'Peacock's Queer as Folk reboot may not have lasted long, but it did give us some memorable moments, including one episode that revolved around a "crip rave" for disabled queers looking to hook up. Marvin (played by gay, disabled actor Eric Graise), a double amputee and wheelchair user, wasn't the only queer, disabled character on the show (Julian, played by Ryan O'Connell, was another regular), but he's one we certainly would have liked to see more of had the show continued.4. General Amaya - 'The Dragon Prince'General Amaya is the kind of badass character you love to love no matter what kind of representation she offers. But having a deaf character meant a lot to fans of the animated series, and when it started becoming clear that Amaya was a fan of the ladies, she solidified her place among our iconic faves.5. Izzy Hands - 'Our Flag Means Death'Izzy Hands was a controversial character, but he also served as a great reminder that characters don't have to be good people in order to make for great TV or to be beloved by fans. Izzy loses his leg early on in season two of the pirate romcom, leading to some enjoyable shenanigans regarding the crew's attempt to fashion him a prosthetic leg.6. Quinni Gallagher-Jones - 'Heartbreak High'Netflix's Heartbreak High reboot has been praised for the way it approached Quinni's autism, largely just because the show made her a full-fledged character with meaningful relationships without shying away from the difficulties she and others (including her gf) have navigating her disability. Quinni is played by autistic actor Chlo Hayden.7. Alex Manes - 'Roswell, NM'Roswell, NM did face some criticism for not always remembering to have Alex Manes (played by bisexual actor Tyler Blackburn) act like he had a prosthetic leg, but overall, this was still welcome intersectional representation. And fans sure did love the relationship between him and Michael.

Lady Gaga launched her highly anticipated Mayhem Ball tour Wednesday night in Las Vegas, and true to its name, it delivered glitter, grit and glorious chaos.Taking over the T-Mobile Arena, Gaga gave fans a high-octane mix of career-defining hits, new tracks from her Mayhem album, and just enough theatrical flair to make you wonder if Broadway had relocated to the Strip.A Familiar Blueprint With Fresh TwistsThe tours opening night closely mirrored the structure of her headline-making Coachella sets from earlier this year, but with several major shakeups in the second half. Longtime fan favorites Just Dance, Applause, and the deep cut Summerboy made triumphant returns to the stage. Summerboy, a track from The Fame, hadnt been performed in 18 years, making it one of the nights rarest gems.Gaga also debuted the Mayhem track Kill for Love live for the first time, adding to the evolving mythology of her latest era.Gondolas, Grit, and a Gothic EncoreNever one to play it safe, Gaga gave her Oscar-winning ballad Shallow a complete visual makeover, performing the song mid-air from a Venetian gondola suspended above the crowd. (Because why not?)Her live version of Die With a Smile, the fan-favorite Bruno Mars collab, was also reimagined, stripped of its past polish and injected with moody new energy.And just when audiences thought the spectacle had ended, after the dramatic crescendo of Bad Romance and faux end credits rolled, Gaga pulled a Marvel-style twist. The lights stayed down, the big screens lit up with backstage footage, and the pop powerhouse returned in a Cramps t-shirt for a gritty encore of How Bad Do U Want Me. Though it had popped up in previous performances this year, this was the tracks debut as a surprise closer.A Compact But Power-Packed TourWhile her 2025 U.S. run is limited to just six cities, Gaga is making each stop count. Shell play multi-night stints in Las Vegas, Seattle, New York, Miami, Toronto and Chicago through September 17 before taking the show overseas to London, Stockholm, Rome, Paris and more. The European leg currently wraps November 20.Compared to her previous Chromatica stadium tour, this arena-based trek is a more intimate experience. But given the demand, and the scale of her spectacle, it feels less like an underplay and more like a calculated tease.As for what 2026 holds? Gaga hasnt said. But if the opening night of Mayhem Ball proved anything, its that she still knows how to keep fans guessing, and gasping.Full Las Vegas Setlist:Act IBloody MaryAbracadabraJudasAuraScheisseGarden of EdenPoker FaceAct IIPerfect CelebrityDiseasePaparazziLoveGameAlejandroThe BeastAct IIIKillahZombieboyLove DrugApplauseJust DanceAct IVShadow of a ManKill for LoveSummerboyBorn This WayMillion ReasonsShallow (Gondola Version)Die With a SmileVanish Into YouFinaleBad RomanceEncoreHow Bad Do U Want MeArtpopSource

Apple Maps has unveiled a fresh edition in its I Just Love guide series titled Where Jesse Tyler Ferguson Eats in L.A. with Friends. The latest guide, launched on Thursday, July 17th features top picks from actor, writer, producer and podcaster Jesse Tyler Ferguson. In each of the ten selected restaurants, Ferguson shares a personal anecdote from his hit podcast Dinners on Me. The series opens up candid glimpses of celebrity life, covering topics such as relationships, mental health and personal growth.In the newly released restaurant guide, Ferguson gives fans a seat at the table. Among his ten featured restaurants is Dante in Beverly Hills, perched atop the Maybourne Hotel. He recalls visiting the venue with Sofia Vergara, describing the evening as a blend of glamour and fun. We ordered the salmon, perfection, and the pizza Bianca, which Sofia ordered in her signature style, Ferguson writes. He also highlights Dantes iconic Garibaldi cocktail, noting he opted for the virgin version. The whole night was pure fun, from the first sip to the last slice, he adds.Fergusons connection to each of the featured restaurants goes beyond the meal. His guide offers insight into how great food, spirited conversation and quality company converge. Dinners on Me invites listeners to tune in as Ferguson shares a meal and meaningful conversation with notable guests including comedians, actors and advocates. The show explores a wide range of topics, from personal struggles to moments of triumph, with food and drink as a catalyst for connection.Apples I Just Love series invites tastemakers to curate highly personalized lists of their favorite places in their cities. Other guides include Chance the Rappers indie music wonders, Meghan Trainors health centric food spots in the Valley and Rita Oras wellness hideaways. The guide series is crafted for users who appreciate insider perspectives and want to experience a city through the eyes of beloved public figures.The new Jesse Tyler Ferguson guide arrives at a time when Apple Maps is strengthening its offerings for food lovers. Users can now discover MICHELIN starred eateries, Green Star rated kitchens committed to sustainable practices and Bib Gourmand selections. The Apple Maps update currently supports these features in the United States, with plans to expand to other regions in the future.Furthermore people using Apple Maps can craft their own guides with ease. Whether marking local gems in their hometown or highlighting must visit restaurants during a trip, users can create tailored lists and share them with friends. The tools make it simple to track favorite spots, create walking food tours or even leave notes for personal use.For fans of Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the guide offers both star power and substance. Ferguson rose to prominence in the hit sitcom Modern Family, earning multiple Emmy nominations for his role as Mitchell Pritchett. He came out publicly in 2007 and has since become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ rights and mental health awareness. He also makes headlines through his podcast, which blends humor with heartfelt conversations, and unwavering support for chosen family and acceptance.Dinners on Me has become a popular platform, showcasing Fergusons warmth, quick laughter and ability to navigate complex topics with care. Recording dinner conversations with guests in bustling restaurants or intimate backdrops gives listeners a sense of place and connection. By sharing memories tied to specific eateries, Ferguson opens pathways into understanding how food and friendship intertwine.In the new guide, Ferguson includes a mix of restaurant types, from casual local hangouts to elegant destination dining. Each listing features a personal narrative, offering insider access to his experiences. He highlights the sensory aspects of each meal aromas, textures and ambiance that frame each visit in memorable ways. Whether describing the comfort of a beloved dish or the radiance of a shared laugh, Ferguson captures the intangible magic of communal dining.The guide encourages diners to discover new Los Angeles eateries while reflecting on the transformative power of gathering around food. Speakers may laugh over a shared anecdote, lend empathy during hard conversations or simply enjoy the deep sense of belonging that home cooked moments evoke. Fergusons guide weaves together culinary exploration with emotional resonance.Apples investment in local curation and celebrity voices supports larger trends in experiential dining. Consumers no longer simply want to eat outthey want to belong to something. They crave authenticity and insider knowledge. By mixing star curation with user empowered recommendations, Apple Maps is positioning itself as more than just a navigation app. It becomes a lifestyle device for discovering culture, community and cuisine.For members of the LGBTQ community and allies, Fergusons prominence in mainstream media adds extra significance. A guide by a gay celebrity who speaks openly about mental health, marriage equality and social justice can feel both personal and politically powerful. Fergusons marriage to director and producer Justin Mikita makes each dining recommendation feel like an invitation to participate in the vibrancy of queer life.The endorsement of sustainable dining and inclusive spaces also aligns with Fergusons broader advocacy. Whether discussing composting practices at a Green Star rated restaurant, or noting how a particular venue celebrates queer love through artwork or events, the guide transforms meals into models of progressive values.Why does the guide matter right now? On the heels of Pride Month and amid ongoing global conversations about food justice, mental health and LGBTQ rights, Fergusons new Apple Maps guide arrives as both a signpost and a celebration. It offers escape, joy and solidarity even satisfying locales telling readers that the best meals are the ones shared with open hearts and curious minds.For Los Angeles residents and visitors alike, the guide is a roadmap to belonging an invitation to eat, laugh and reflect with some of the communitys most vibrant voices. The app integration means there is no searching for reviews or copy pasting addresses. Just tap and go, bringing Fergusons curated experiences into real time.As Apple Maps continues to evolve, users can expect more celebrated voices and even deeper storytelling. Fergusons guide sets a high bar. It offers moments of wonder both on the plate and in the heart, proving that great restaurants do more than satisfy hungerthey feed our need for connection, empathy and shared humanity.Apple Maps users can find the new guide by searching for I Just Love Jesse Tyler Ferguson in the app. The entries include addresses, directions and brief personal reflections. As Ferguson writes, Food is a vehicle for everything I love conversation, community and a lot of laughter. With this guide, he invites you to take a seat at the table and fill that seat with your story too.Source

Nature, Published online: 17 July 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02278-3Study reveals how the tech behemoth is using the motions sensors on phones to expand quake warnings to more countries.

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President Donald Trump is considering an executive order that would require federal authorities to clarify whether college athletes can be considered employees of their schools.

Texas A&M coach Mike Elko quashed speculation about Shemar Stewart potentially seeking a return to college amid the rookie's contract dispute with the Bengals.

The president has fired or demoted over 20 inspectors general since he took office. Employees say they are demoralized and reluctant to pursue investigations that could prompt political blowback.

The company was accused of marketing its products to teenagers, causing a surge in use.