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Together might not have started out as an interrogation of gender, but it accidentally became the queerest horror film of the year anyway.It also happens to be one of the years best, tooThe film, which comes from first-time feature director Michael Shanks and stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco (who also produced the movie), introduces audiences to Tim and Millie (Franco and Brie, respectively), an outwardly happy, middle-class, unmarried couple on the eve of a big milestone in their relationship. Millie, a teacher, has taken a new job outside the city, and Tim has agreed to come along, potentially leaving behind his dreams of rock stardom.Tim is also wracked with grief over the loss of his father, which has taken a toll on their intimacy something Millie is willing to look past, but that secretly gnaws at her.In other words, just beneath the surface of this relationship simmers a stew of resentment and insecurity. The question at the heart of the film is whether they really want to commit to a lifetime together flaws and all or if they should, wait for it, no longer be together.Moving away from their friends and Tims gigs only puts more pressure on the fault lines of their already fractured connection. To reconnect, they go for a hike, only to stumble quite literally into an underground chamber where something they encounter sets off a chain reaction. What follows is a feverishly toxic bond that only grows more intense... especially when their very flesh seems to want to fuse once again together.Its a concept born from Shanks own romantic history. Like his principal characters, he and his partner have been together since they were quite young, and the film reflects his own anxieties around commitment, toxic enmeshment, and loss of identity.Its about how crazy it is in any relationship to kind of fully commit to somebody, to share a life with somebody, he tells PRIDE. It's a weird and scary kind of thing to do.Its a dynamic that anyone, regardless of sexuality or gender, can relate to but how its expressed in the film is where things take a surprising left turn into a post-gender world.Its challenging to discuss without revealing the film's many twists and turns. But without venturing too far into the weeds, the film presents a mythology that renders gender obsolete and even a symptom of something fundamentally broken in humanity. It also features a pivotal queer character who serves as both witness and confidant to Millie and Tim as their life transition becomes more of a shall we say transformation.Brie is proud of the way the character's presence is treated casually, and she emphasizes the importance of that approach. You don't always have to be making a commentary on it really, just reflecting the way the world is, where we have all types of couples, she tells PRIDE.Although the film takes a darker view on the subject, in Together, love really is love. As a result, couples of all varieties will see their anxieties and emotions reflected in the story even Brie and Franco, who are married to one another and creative partners together, found themselves reflecting on their own dynamics while making the film. We had a lot of discussions about the differences between toxic codependency and maybe sort of like mild codependency, says Brie. I think we came to realize that we have some codependent tendencies in our relationship, but because of our jobs, we actually end up spending a lot of time apart, so we're able to cultivate really good independence and social circles away from each other. Then, when we come back and work together, it feels really nice.Its healthy to kind of miss each other from afar every once in a while, adds Franco to PRIDE. We dont really have many boundaries, and it might kind of become the toxic version of codependency, he jokes.Although the film is doubtlessly body horror, its a rare entry in the subgenre that offers some lightness. Part of that comes from the sharp comedic edge of its cast and it makes great use of more, shall we say, visceral moments for some shockingly funny sight gags. We were debating the other day if this is the first feel-good body horror movie. You do kind of walk away wanting to, like, dance and move your body and you're feeling good, says Franco. Although he also admits with a laugh, We've also heard from single people whove seen the movie who have said, This is a strong argument for staying single.Regardless of where audiences fall on that spectrum, they will undoubtedly also be presented with some fascinating questions about gender, what a post-gender world would look like, and if were better off without it all.Intentionally or not, the film presents those fascinating questions and leaves you with plenty more to chew on which is the sign of a great horror film. Together is the most romantic, queerest, and funniest body horror film in recent memory. Brie and Franco are perfectly cast, and their real-life chemistry shines through. Its a rom-com for sickos and queer folks and thats the highest compliment I can give a film.Together is out now in theaters. Check out the trailer below.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched an investigation into a local restaurant and bar after it hosted a Pride event featuring drag performances, escalating ongoing tensions between state officials and the LGBTQ+ community.The venue in question, the Kilted Mermaid, held a Pride-themed tea dance on June 29 to celebrate Floridas LGBTQ+ history. The event, which organizers promoted as family-friendly, included performances by local drag artists and was open to attendees of all ages. According to organizers and attendees, the celebration was inclusive, positive and suitable for families.But now, the restaurant is under legal scrutiny. In early July, Uthmeiers office issued a subpoena demanding a wide range of documents from the Kilted Mermaid, including its guest list, reservation records, performer contracts and even surveillance footage from the event. The sweeping legal request has prompted alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates, civil rights organizations and privacy experts.In a statement released Tuesday, Uthmeier claimed that the event exposed children to adult, sexualized performances. However, the attorney generals office has not publicly disclosed any concrete evidence supporting those claims, nor has it specified which aspects of the performances were allegedly inappropriate. Critics say the vague language used by the state mirrors prior political attempts to censor queer expression under the guise of child protection.A Familiar Playbook in FloridaThe legal targeting of the Kilted Mermaid is not an isolated incident in Florida. Since 2023, state lawmakers and elected officials have pushed through a slate of bills aimed at restricting LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the realms of public education, healthcare, and drag performances.One of the most high-profile laws sought to ban minors from attending drag shows even when the shows were labeled as family-friendly. Under the proposed legislation, venues found in violation could face fines and the suspension or revocation of their liquor licenses. Performers, too, could face misdemeanor charges and steep penalties.The law prompted swift backlash from LGBTQ+ organizations and allies across the country. Many saw it as part of a broader political campaign to vilify queer culture especially drag by framing it as inherently dangerous to children. Drag artists and LGBTQ+ families pushed back, arguing that family-oriented drag shows are an expression of joy, creativity, and community, not a threat.In July 2023, a federal judge blocked the enforcement of the law after the popular Orlando LGBTQ+ restaurant Hamburger Marys filed a lawsuit. The restaurant, which regularly hosts inclusive drag brunches and family events, argued that the law infringed upon First Amendment rights. The judge agreed, declaring the statute unconstitutional.Still, state officials have not backed down from pursuing drag events under other legal avenues, often relying on ambiguous moral claims and selective enforcement. The subpoena against the Kilted Mermaid appears to be the latest example.Community Responds to What It Sees as IntimidationLGBTQ+ advocates are warning that the attorney generals investigation into the Pride tea dance is an act of political intimidation, not law enforcement.This is a baseless, politically motivated attack on a safe and inclusive space, said Nadine Ramirez, executive director of the Florida Equality Network. The attorney general is wasting taxpayer dollars on a witch hunt because queer people dared to gather and celebrate themselves during Pride.Ramirez noted that the subpoenas demand for guest lists and surveillance footage raises serious privacy concerns. What business does the state have identifying who attended a lawful Pride event? This is a gross overreach and a violation of basic civil liberties.Organizers of the Kilted Mermaid event have remained largely silent amid the investigation, likely on legal advice. However, a brief statement posted to the venues Instagram account in early July thanked the community for its support and reiterated that the June 29 event complied with all local and state regulations.We created a welcoming environment for everyone including families and we are proud of that, the post read.Drag and the Ongoing Cultural BattleDrag culture has long played a central role in LGBTQ+ history, from early acts of defiance at Stonewall to the mainstream success of shows like RuPauls Drag Race. But in recent years, it has also become a flashpoint in the culture wars, with conservative politicians increasingly using drag performances as a wedge issue.Advocates argue that this renewed moral panic around drag is a political tactic aimed at energizing a voter base ahead of elections, rather than a legitimate public safety concern. They point out that drag performances especially those aimed at younger audiences are overwhelmingly benign and celebratory.Theres nothing inherently sexual about a drag queen reading a storybook or lip-syncing to a pop song, said Professor Charles Whitmore, a legal scholar at the University of Miami who specializes in LGBTQ+ rights. The idea that every drag performance is inappropriate is rooted in bias, not evidence.What Happens Next?As of now, no charges have been filed against the Kilted Mermaid or the event organizers. The outcome of the investigation remains unclear, but legal experts expect it could be challenged in court, particularly if the attorney general attempts to penalize the venue without proving any violations of law.In the meantime, LGBTQ+ organizations across Florida are urging residents to remain vigilant and vocal. They are also encouraging local businesses to know their rights in the face of potential legal action.This is not just about one restaurant, said Ramirez. Its about whether or not queer people in Florida can live their lives openly, celebrate their culture, and gather without fear of government surveillance or retaliation.Source

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02377-1Large-scale shifts in atmospheric circulations can reshape global weather patterns and extremes, and they imprint their signatures in cloud motion. Decades of satellite-observed cloud motion reveal that cloud speeds in the jet streams have increased, the polar fronts have shifted polewards and a tropical circulation pattern called the Hadley cell has widened northwards.

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09116-6A strategy to improve the implementation of nature-based climate solutions in global forests for climate mitigation is described, comprising four key components to highlight notable science and policy considerations and providing solutions to improve rigour.

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09248-9Using RFdiffusion, a general method for targeting intrinsically disordered proteins and regions for protein design has been developed.

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02137-1Sometimes, cancer cells that have spread become dormant but can start proliferating again later. A cue that can reactivate them has been discovered.

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09319-xAn Atlantic meridional overturning circulation slowdown drives widespread shifts in tropical rainfall through the propagation of high-latitude cooling into the tropical North Atlantic.

Carlos Correa said discussions about a trade from Minnesota back to Houston before Thursday's deadline aren't "serious," but he didn't rule out the possibility of returning to the city where he won a World Series.

The Phillies have agreed to a deal to acquire star closer Jhoan Duran from the Twins, sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Philly is sending right-hander Mick Abel and catcher Eduardo Tait, both prospects, to Minnesota in return.

The proposed 10-cent increase, the first since 2023, has been long in the works and would come after the mothballing of the MetroCard.

The crisis has echoes of past humanitarian crises that left presidents wringing their hands over how to respond.

The deal, which will require Brown to spend $50 million, comes after two other Ivy League schools negotiated with the Trump administration to restore millions in research dollars.

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo said that National Guard troops would assist in the deportation process for migrants in their custody.

Also, Kamala Harris will not run for California governor. Heres the latest at the end of Wednesday.

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In a world saturated with digital imagery, photographer Ashton Jay is making a compelling case for the artistic and intellectual value of erotic photography. Jay, a photographer who has recently published two premium hardback coffee table books, Portraits of the Penis and The Book of Butts, is challenging traditional notions of art by capturing the human forms most intimate areas with a focus on beauty, composition, and historical context.Jay recently sat down with Gayety to discuss the motivation and process behind his unique portfolio, revealing that his work aims to evoke a range of emotions, from arousal to a sense of peace. If theres an arousal, fantastic. If you feel a sense of peace, wonderful. If both happened at the same time. Even better, he said, speaking to the nuanced reception he hopes his art receives. This duality is central to his work, which he insists is an exploration of the human form as fine art, not pornography.The inspiration for this bold creative direction stemmed from organic, positive feedback he received on his initial erotic photography work. I think what happened for me was I was creating this sort of erotic portfolio and sometimes working with people who are particularly proud of certain areas of their body and wanted to showcase them anyways, Jay explained. This encouragement from his subjects led him to recognize a space for an artistic celebration of these often-sexualized but rarely artistically-documented body parts.To set his work apart and add an intellectual layer, Jay incorporates historical and cultural references throughout his books. A key feature of Portraits of the Penis is the inclusion of Shakespearean quotes and nicknames for the male member. This clever juxtaposition of classical literature with contemporary erotic imagery serves as a winking nod to history, reminding viewers that the fascination with the human body is timeless. Similarly, The Book of Butts draws inspiration from ancient sculptures and the art of the Renaissance, playfully crowning Michelangelo as the Master of the Butts for his refined skill in sculpting the male derriere. The books also sprinkle in humorous and unexpected quotes from figures like Mozart and even Betty White, adding a lighthearted and conversational tone to the work. One such quote, attributed to Betty White, reads, If the guys a cutie, youve got to tap that booty.The Book of Butts by Ashton Jay.Jays artistic approach is meticulous and intentional, with every photograph designed to create a sense of artistry and intimacy. He puts great thought into the lighting, composition, and layout of each image, often using techniques like backlighting and out-of-focus shots to draw the viewer in. This careful craftsmanship is evident in the quality of the books themselves, which are printed on high-quality 100lb paper and designed to be premium hardback coffee table books. This physical format is crucial to Jay, as it positions his work as a tangible, lasting piece of art meant for display and contemplation.The photographer also places a great deal of importance on the emotional experience of his subjects. Jay aims to make them feel comfortable and empowered during the photoshoots, creating a dynamic where the models are active collaborators in the creative process, not just passive subjects. This focus on collaboration and consent ensures that the final images are a true reflection of a moment that they share, as he puts it, rather than a forced or impersonal expression.For Jay, the project is a deep dive into the unique aspects of the male body. He believes that just like a fingerprint, everybodys penis is kind of like a fingerprint its like everybodys different in some way or another. This sentiment of celebrating diversity and uniqueness is a core theme in his work, which features a wide array of models with different shades, shapes, and sizes, all in a variety of states.As his portfolio grows, so does his ambition. Jay is already considering expanding his artistic exploration to include other body parts, such as hands and feet. This ongoing journey is a testament to his belief that art can be found in every part of the human form, and that an artistic lens can transform the intimate into something universally beautiful.Ultimately, Ashton Jays Portraits of the Penis and The Book of Butts are more than just collections of erotic photographs. They are a statement about the nature of art, the power of context, and the beauty of the human body in all its forms. By blending artistic composition with a sense of humor and historical reverence, Jay is creating work that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning, inviting audiences to reconsider what they define as art and, perhaps, to find a sense of peace and wonder in the most unexpected of places.Grab your copy of the books by visiting Ashton Jays site. Source

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09286-3A preclinical covalent compound, CMX410, contains a aryl fluorosulfate warhead that targets the acyltransferase domain of Mtb Pks13, an essential enzyme in cell-wall biosynthesis, making it a promising candidate for tuberculosis treatment regimens.

Nature, Published online: 30 July 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-09346-8Retraction Note: Parkin and PINK1 mitigate STING-induced inflammation

The Mets are finalizing a deal to acquire Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, sources told ESPN. Helsley is expected to serve as the setup man for Edwin Diaz.

Flight instruments probably led the Black Hawk crew to believe the helicopter was lower than it actually was before the collision with a commercial airplane on Jan. 29.

The far-right activist is continuing to use her close association with President Trump to go after those she deems insufficiently loyal.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessents comments about the safety net program ventured onto the so-called third rail of American politics.

The central bank kept interest rates steady for a fifth straight meeting, despite badgering from President Trump. It has made no decisions on cutting rates at its next meeting, the Fed chair said.

A Harris ally says all options are on the table but cautions against reading too much into the former vice presidents choice to skip the California governor race.

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Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps agreed on Wednesday to teach the Baltimore Ravens how to swim.

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani threw six straight balls in the fourth inning and left the mound after dealing with cramping in his lower half during Wednesday night's start against the Reds.

Joe Kent, a former Army Green Beret, had attracted scrutiny over his associations with extremist groups and his promotion of conspiracy theories.

James Craig was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2023 death of his wife, Angela Craig. Prosecutors say he served her protein shakes laced with arsenic and later poisoned her with cyanide at a hospital.

The president stopped short of putting a 50 percent tariff on refined copper, as he had threatened earlier this year. The market reaction was swift anyway and prices tumbled.

Doja Cat is back in her trolling era, and this time her target is Sydney Sweeneys much-discussed American Eagle campaign. The rapper and pop provocateur recently posted a TikTok video poking fun at Sweeneys commercial, which has come under fire for what some are calling subtle nods to eugenics.In the now-viral clip, Doja Cat mimics the ads script nearly word-for-word, but with a twist. Using a dramatic Southern accent, she recites:Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair color, personality, and even eye color my jeans are blue.That final word, blue, is drawled as blee, driving the parody home and prompting viewers to both laugh and cringe in equal measure. Doja even confirmed in the video description that her pronunciation was fully intentional.The Ad That Sparked It AllIn the original American Eagle ad, Sweeney, known for her role on Euphoria, is shown lounging on a couch, buttoning up her jeans while softly delivering the same line. The ad ends with a narrator declaring, Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.Another ad in the campaign takes things a step further. Sweeney is seen walking past a billboard that reads Sydney Sweeney has great genes, which is then altered to say jeans. Critics were quick to point out the not-so-subtle pun and its potentially unsettling implications.The campaign quickly caught flak online for playing into language associated with eugenics, the outdated and dangerous pseudoscience that falsely claims some people are genetically superior to others. The blowback prompted American Eagle to quietly remove some of the campaign content from its platforms.Dojas TikTok: Satire or Shade?Doja Cats parody, which has racked up over 22 million views and counting, adds fuel to the ongoing backlash. Many fans praised her for lampooning the tone-deaf campaign, while others questioned whether she was the right person to throw stones, given her own history of internet controversies.Still, the moment reminded fans of the artists razor-sharp wit and unpredictable humor. Whether the video is a pure joke, a critique, or a mix of both, its clearly resonating.Neither Sweeney nor American Eagle has publicly responded to Doja Cats take. The Internet ReactsAcross TikTok, X, and Instagram, fans and critics alike are sounding off. Some are calling Dojas video the perfect response to a misstep in marketing. Others are more skeptical, suggesting her motivations might be less about social commentary and more about stirring the pot.Regardless of intent, Doja Cats parody has become the internets latest obsession, and yet another example of how quickly a few words (or blee) can snowball into cultural critique.Source

Tuesday nights WNBA game between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries delivered more than just buzzer-beater excitement, it also served up a surprise prop straight out of an adult novelty shop.With the score tied at 75-75 and less than a minute left in regulation, play was suddenly interrupted when an unexpected object, a lime green dildo, sailed onto the court at Gateway Center Arena. The item, seemingly tossed from the stands, landed on the free throw line and bounced across the hardwood, halting the game as stunned fans and broadcasters tried to make sense of what had just happened.Announcers Keep It Professional Sort OfThe broadcast team, led by Jacob Tobey and Morgan Ragan, reacted with a mix of amusement and confusion.Something flies on the court, I think there was something that flew from a fan on the court, Tobey said as the camera panned to the scene.This has been one of a kind can they figure out who did that and get em out? he added, clearly doing his best to stay composed.Ragan chimed in with her own assessment: Even so, when you have a lime green item just kind of fly thats when the whistle should be blown because as a player you want to feel protected and then theres confusion on that final possession.Security Steps InThe game was promptly paused as police and arena security made their way onto the court to remove the item and investigate the incident. Cameras caught fans pointing toward various sections of the arena, likely trying to help authorities identify the culprit, or just enjoy the chaos.Police and security are headed to the area where theyre going to try and figure out the fan, Tobey said, noting that many in the crowd were quick to nominate suspects.Ragans final on-air word on the matter? Oh my gosh, OK, inappropriate. Get em out of here, whoever it is.A Game to RememberThe object was eventually removed, and the game resumed. The Valkyries clinched the win in dramatic fashion, edging out the Dream 77-75.As of press time, it remains unclear whether police identified or took action against the fan responsible for the rogue airborne accessory.Whats certain, though, is that this game will be remembered not just for its nail-biting finish, but for a surreal moment that belongs in the WNBAs blooper reel hall of fame.Source

The Las Vegas Raiders reached a contract extension with starting left tackle Kolton Miller on Wednesday, with sources telling ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that the deal is for three years and $66 million, with $42.5M guaranteed.

The Mariners, in search of bullpen help, finalized a deal to acquire lefty reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates in exchange for minor leaguer Jeter Martinez.

The Atlanta Braves acquired veteran reliever Tyler Kinley from the Colorado Rockies for minor league pitcher Austin Smith on Wednesday, one day before the non-waiver trade deadline.

The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Mike Soroka from the Washington Nationals for two prospects on Wednesday night.

The Mariners have agreed to a deal to acquire third baseman Eugenio Suarez from the Diamondbacks, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan on Wednesday night.

Lionel Messi said he struggled to find rhythm in the first half against Atlas on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium before setting up two second-half goals -- including a late winner -- in a 2-1 victory to kick off Inter Miami CF's Leagues Cup campaign.

For years, the more than 10,000 items in the International Spy Museums collection were stored at a location outside Washington. That changed this summer.

U.S. trading partners are committing to buy more gas than they need or than the U.S. can produce, at least in the short term.

After hours of testimony and thousands of pages of new documents, heres what emerged in the first day of a marathon National Transportation Safety Board hearing.

The agreement comes after other American allies, like Japan, clinched their own deals, partly to moderate President Trumps tariff threats.

In the past week alone, three new countries have said they are ready to bestow recognition on a Palestinian state.

Nature, Published online: 31 July 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-02432-xThe immune system senses damage to cell membranes caused by pore-forming proteins and mounts a response.

The Lynx defeated the Liberty, 100-93, on Wednesday night in long-anticipated rematch of last year's WNBA Finals teams.

The Astros acquired utility infielder Ramon Urias from the Orioles in exchange for minor league pitcher Twine Palmer, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The Red Sox struck a deal with the Cardinals for veteran left-hander Steven Matz, with Boston sending minor league first baseman Blaze Jordan to St. Louis in return.