Drag officially has its king. The first season of Revrys groundbreaking series King of Drag concluded last weekend and crowned its winner, King Molasses, who wowed them all season long with their powerful and moving performances, and a level of confidence so colossal it practically had its own gravitational pull.That kind of confidence and sense of self may appear effortless now, but it came from years of hard work. Mo says they didn't always feel as comfortable in their own skin. I think it comes from just most of my life, not feeling very confident, they tell PRIDE. I've had to really work to get a strong sense of self. I didnt have one for a long time, coming up navigating just my own anxieties and my own struggles with mental health.Yet even they were struck when they watched the show back and saw just how much self-assuredness they exuded all season long. That caught me off guard, they admit.For Mo, drag is their calling, and they take it with utmost seriousness. The result speaks for itself, but it also makes its creation and their pursuit of meeting their own exacting standards one that can create a lot of anxiety for the artist making it.It comes out of necessity. It comes out of joy, it comes out of desire, it comes out of urgency. It might come out by force, they say, adding that they were unsure how that would come across on the show. I almost was thinking that I was going to get the Perka [$exxx] edit, because I remember just in the confessional being like, I'm anxious, they joke. The ADHD is heavy over here, and I get overstimulated, and I have sensory issues, and I'm like, I have no idea how this is going to look.In part, this was because King of Drag wasnt only their first foray into reality TV, but also their first time in a drag competition, period. Im sensitive about my art, Im sensitive about my perception, and Im someone who does not like to be uncomfortable. So when I came in, [the score] was 0-0.While their track record now has a major update in the W column, Mo was actually reluctant to join the cast initially; it took the prodding of Murray Hill himself to get them to take the plunge.When the news broke that the show was coming and casting was underway, Mo had just embarked on a planned break from drag. They were fresh off a successful appearance at Bushwig (an annual drag festival held in Brooklyn, New York) but had grown frustrated with some other projects not coming together. I was exhausted. I was broke. I'd really been investing and digging, and a lot of my investments weren't coming through, they recall, saying they had begun to fall out of love with drag entirely.They were growing weary of an industry that expected kings to do twice as much to make an impression as their queen sisters. I call it the pay to play, they explain. You have to spend twice as much. And it's not to say that every outfit that I wear is like twice as much as a RuGirl...but in terms of the relativity to my life, yeah, it's incredibly expensive.They also had concerns about doing the first season and were intending to wait until season two to put their cowboy hat in the ring. Enter Hill. Murray [and I] ended up on a call together, and Murray gave me this piece of advice that has stuck with me, they recall. He told me, Don't decline a job you haven't been offered.For Mo, that was all the sign they needed that the show was calling to them, and they were ready to answer the call even if it meant making themselves and their art more visible than ever. There are parts of me that are quite shy and [Ive had to adjust] to the amount of visibility that I'm getting, and have always sort of gotten as I've...performed and developed my craft, they say.Mo knew that saying yes to the show would be challenging in ways beyond just the competition itself, including the mental game it presented. I was just like, I have to just tell myself that I've won so I can put that away and just focus on being my best self and pushing my drag to its limit, they recall.It also occurred to Mo that being a part of the first season meant they could be part of creating the narrative around kinging and setting the blueprint for how the game was played. [Being] an inaugural cast member, gives all of us and gives me specifically a unique opportunity to do things differently, they say. This is the only competition of its kind, and it's against so many other franchises that when they first got out the gate, they changed the landscape of the art and the industry that they were platforming. Yes, I take my presence on the cast very, very seriously.Part of changing the landscape was showing just how talented kings are, part of it was highlighting the culture of kings and how it is quite different from their sisters in drag, but a large part was in highlighting political messages impacting Mos various intersecting identities and communities. But that should come as no surprise, as everything they do is political especially, as they point out, when facing the rising tide of fascism coming from the Right.Im one person with one output, and my output is high, says Mo. However, I'm not going to play the games of a system. I'm going to play my own, because existing within a system of oppression, I have to accept that I will not win, and history favors no one. So the things that are realistic in my lifetime are what are realistic in my lifetime.Ive lived in Washington, DC for over a decade. I understand that. I [know] that being an artist from the nation's capital will come with a political statement, even if I choose not to speak the moment that I walk into the room. Its an act of resistance, and it is, for me, a push toward a liberated people and a liberated future, they say.Part of not playing their game, Mo explains, is by not allowing them to be baited. If the forces that seek to really push against liberation are yelling, Im not going to yell. If theyre quiet, then Im going to turn the corner on them, but I'm not going to play their game, they say.Subtlety is Mos weapon of choice, and they point to choosing to embody Ira Glass in the impersonation challenge as an example. It was quite intentional. I don't actually have to say anything about the attacks on media and the disenfranchisement of local broadcasting and the impact of what that does for people [particularly] for rural communities and for Indigenous communities who rely on public broadcasting, they say. Its also not unintentional for me to pick a white person to portray. I don't have to actually talk about race for that choice to be significant, and whether or not it is discussed.As a Black person who exists in the diaspora of Black people, all I have to do is myself. I'm not going to do who seeks to oppress me, they add.By winning King of Drag, their stage and platform just got even bigger which means a bigger audience to absorb Mos art and their message. But it also means the private person behind the persona is having to get used to being more in the spotlight as well.I'm a person who really loves people. I do like my space, and I can actually be quite good with my solitude, Mo says, and they intend to keep some normalcy in their lives. I do like my routine. I like to go to bed at a reasonable time. I do go to the gym quite often. I meal prep, I cuddle my cat. Those are things that Im still doing, they add.Theyre also very aware of how the fans are responding to their appearance, and it's complicated for the performer. My body has looked different throughout various points of my life. This form of my body is the newest to me, to be honest. So I'm reacting the way that everyone is reacting to it, they say, while keeping a level head about the attention they are drawing. Love is not comfort, love is love, and as an artist with integrity...if love is leading me to be in the light and in view of all of these people. I'm just going to do my best to be in the light.That being said, theyre in no rush to be back in the light of reality TV anytime soon. [King of Drag] is one of the things that I know I'll be grateful for for the rest of my life. I don't know if I will do reality TV again, they admit. Reality TV is hard. TV is hard. Being a character on screen and also a full human person, that duality is something that I feel quite acutely.They arent counting a return to our screens out entirely, however. I have a great well of empathy, I think, for folks who participate in different types of franchises. I have a lot of empathy for the RuGirls and the Dragula girls, and I have empathy for people who go on competition shows to earnestly find things about themselves, they say. If its called to me to be on reality TV again, if its truly part of my call, I will answer the call, because thats always what I do. But I'm also happy to let this show conclude, take a little break, and to look and to celebrate what I've done, and to reflect upon it, and to get right back on the horse and continue to be King Molasses.

Leonie Fiebich has made the most of her increased opportunity on the Liberty, while Brittney Griner continues to have a down season.

Cowboys star defensive end Micah Parsons announces in social media post that he has requested a trade amid stalled contract extension talks.

The first 5K held in the memory of John and Matthew Gaudreau helped raise more than $500,000, enough to break ground later this year on an accessible playground at the special education school where the hockey players' mother works.

Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett returned to practice Friday after missing three straight sessions with a hamstring injury.

Set your lineups for the week ahead in fantasy baseball with our forecaster, which features pitcher rankings, hitter ratings, schedule observations and more.

The company is among the first casualties of a vote to strip roughly $500 million in federal funding from NPR, PBS and local stations across the country.

So far, Americans are experiencing costs but not the purported benefits of his attempt to remake the global economy.

Lawyers for the family of a woman struck and killed by a Tesla sedan in 2019 argued that the companys Autopilot software should have avoided the crash.

Four radioactive wasp nests may indicate previously undetected environmental contamination at the decades-old Savannah River Site. Heres what to know.

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Just over seven months into the presidents second term, and despite fervent demonstrations from a dwindling number of public supporters, gender-affirming care for trans youth is disappearing from hospitals across the country at an accelerating rate.In the past two weeks alone, at least six major medical institutions have ended gender-affirming care for young people amid multiple financial and legal ultimatums from the federal government that threaten the hospitals survival. Related FTC seeks public comment about being deceived by gender-affirming care providers The agency says it will gauge the harm consumers may have experienced from false or unsupported claims about gender-affirming care. There was momentary hope in March that the programs might be spared, following a judges order halting the presidents January executive order Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation.But following the Supreme CourtsSkrmettidecision in May allowing Tennessees ban on gender-affirming care to stand, providers across the country came to grips with multiple attacks: threats to end vital federal funding for hospitals (in the form of frozen grants and Medicare and state Medicaid participation); possible investigations and legal proceedings against hospitals for forcing doctors and nurses to perform gender-affirming care, and proceedings against medical providers themselves; as well as a legal landscape newly hostile to the rights of trans youth and their families as they navigate medical decisions in the face of government scrutiny. 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 latest onslaught against trans medical rights is an effort by the Federal Trade Commission to claim that hospitals defrauded patients and their families about the effectiveness of gender-affirming care.Not all providers have caved to the pressure though. Bostons Childrens Hospital, which founded the countrys first pediatric and adolescent trans health program and has endured intimidation amid a relentless right-wing pressure campaign to close its doors, remains open and resolute.We are here to affirm, uplift, and advocate for transgender and gender diverse youth, the hospital said in a statement last week, and we remain committed to doing all we can to support their care and well-being.Among the hospitals that have been forced to end their gender-affirming care programs for trans youth recently are the following. University of Chicago Medicine ended gender-affirming care effective immediately on July 18.Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, indefinitely paused hormonal care for new patients under 18 on July 16.California-based Kaiser Permanente, which serves patients in eight states, ended care on July 23, citing significant risks imposed by the current presidential administration. Stanford Medicine in California indefinitely paused gender-related surgical procedures for patients under 19 on June 2. Yale New Haven Hospital discontinued hormone-based gender-affirming care for patients under 19 on July 23.Virginia Commonwealth University Health announced it will no longer provide gender-affirming care to patients under age 19 on July 29. University of IllinoisHealth announced it has ended gender-affirming surgeries for trans youth effective August 1.Childrens National Hospital in Washington, DC said in July it will end gender-affirming care for its patients on August 30.The Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles, the largest program of its kind in the country,shut down completely on July 22.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Gay fans of Walton Goggins may have fallen for his bad-boy charm in Justified, swooned for his half-unbuttoned Hawaiian shirts when he starred on the newest season of White Lotus, and were gagged by his hot speedo pics, but now that hes been spotted hanging out in a lesbian bar, the sapphics are fans too. Goggins was just seen posted up in the beloved West Village lesbian bar, the Cubbyhole, on a random Wednesday night.[Walton Goggins being at a lesbian bar was not on my bingo card on a Wed night but so glad were here, TikToker @julia_odle labeled the video that already has over 14,000 views at the time of publication. In the video, which was paired with the White Lotus season 2 theme song, Goggins can be seen chatting with a group of women.Julia added in the caption, We love that hes an ally!!@julia_odleWe love that hes an ally!!Fans in the comments were agog that Goggins was spending time in a lesbian bar. BABY BILLY?!?! one person commented, referencing Goggins The Righteous Gemstones character.LookWalton Goggins gets a lesbian bar pass I dont make the rules, someone else wrote, while another person commented, I was there too this was so random and funny, Lesbian bars may be closing across the country, but Cubbyhole has been in business since the late 80s though it was renamed to its current name in 1994 and is clearly still going strong if even straight celebs are finding their way inside. This isnt the first time the historic lesbian bar has been in the headlines lately. New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani shouted out the iconic night life spot when he appeared in episode of the popular TikTok show Gaydar. Maybe Chappell Roans Pink Pony Club has everyone wanting to feel the freedom of dancing in a lesbian bar!

Outside of soccer, the WNBA may just be the most sapphic sport around, and yet fans still want more!There are lesbian WNBA players getting married and having babies, sapphic couples playing for the same team, and others who were split up by a trade. The internet cant get enough of rookie Paige Bueckers and her college baller girlfriend Azzi Fudd. Two stud lesbians took over the WNBAs All-Star weekend and charmed the pants off the nation. And a lime green dildo was just thrown onto the court of a contentious game by a fan who was doing too much. At this point, youd be hard pressed to make the game we all know and love any more sapphic, but fans are still clamoring for confirmation that Connecticut Sun veteran Marina Mabrey is dating rookie Saniya Rivers.Fans have been shipping the Sun teammates for months now, but a new photo of Mabreys nails have lesbians on the internet in a spiral. (@) While getting ready on TikTok live, eagle-eyed fans clocked the star guards lesbian nails. While curling her eyelashes, Marinas long acrylic nails were on display, but followers quickly noticed that her pointer and middle finger nails were kept short. "Oh she wanted us to KNOW shes putting thoose mfkas inside her girl," one fan commented, while someone else wrote, "Are her 2 on her hand short?! Like no nail?! Lmao girlllll."Other fans pointed out that Mabrey was also wearing a silk bonnet in the video, with people in the comments calling this the Black girlfriend effect. (@) The plot thickens!This also wasnt the first time Mabrey was spotted with *those" nails missing. (@) Could they have broken off accidentally? Sure...During the StudBudz takeover of All-Star weekend, a moment was caught on camera where the pink-haired duo told Rivers shes with a bad bitch in reference to Mabrey, which fans felt was as close to a confirmation as weve gotten so far. (@) There was also the video that went viral of Rivers and Mabrey in a pool where Mabrey can only be seen from the neck up while Rivers is behind her holding onto Mabrey and putting her weight on her injured teammate to work out her knee. The video is beyond suggestive, and fans went nuts for the intimate moment. (@) Rivers also recently admitted that she didnt like Mabrey when they first met, but after binge-watching a show together, the two bonded and have been close ever since. I dont know how it happened, but hey, Im not mad about it, Rivers admitted during an NBC Boston interview.@nbcsboston"I did not like her at first." Saniya Rivers talks about special bond with Marina Mabrey Watch the full exclusive interview at the link in bio"Oh so they got a whole enemies to lovers storyline?!?!" one fan wrote in the comments.Ok, so none of this is actual confirmation, but fans are keeping their fingers (with and without nails) crossed that this is another Paige Bueckers/Azzie Fudd situation.

Owner Josh Harris grew up watching Washington in Super Bowls and is thrilled to renew that history with a move back to RFK.

Miyu Yamashita carded a 7-under 65 on Friday at the Women's Open, propelling her to a three-shot lead over Rio Takeda after two rounds of play at Royal Porthcawl.

United States women's national team forward Ally Sentnor has joined the NWSL-leading Kansas City Current from the Utah Royals, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The Washington Commanders are going home to D.C. after the district's council voted Friday to approve a deal between the team and the city for a new stadium where its former home field -- RFK Stadium -- still stands.

by Renee Dudley ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories as soon as theyre published. Last month, Microsoft announced that Chinese state-sponsored hackers had exploited vulnerabilities in SharePoint, the companys widely used collaboration software, to access the computer systems of hundreds of companies and government agencies, including the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.The company did not include in its announcement, however, that support for SharePoint is handled by a China-based engineering team that has been responsible for maintaining the software for years.ProPublica viewed screenshots of Microsofts internal work-tracking system that showed China-based employees recently fixing bugs for SharePoint OnPrem, the version of the software involved in last months attacks. The term, short for on premises, refers to software installed and run on customers own computers and servers.Microsoft said the China-based team is supervised by a US-based engineer and subject to all security requirements and manager code review. Work is already underway to shift this work to another location.Its unclear if Microsofts China-based staff had any role in the SharePoint hack. But experts have said allowing China-based personnel to perform technical support and maintenance on U.S. government systems can pose major security risks. Laws in China grant the countrys officials broad authority to collect data, and experts say it is difficult for any Chinese citizen or company to meaningfully resist a direct request from security forces or law enforcement. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has deemed China the most active and persistent cyber threat to U.S. Government, private-sector, and critical infrastructure networks. ProPublica revealed in a story published last month that Microsoft has for a decade relied on foreign workers including those based in China to maintain the Defense Departments cloud systems, with oversight coming from U.S.-based personnel known as digital escorts. But those escorts often dont have the advanced technical expertise to police foreign counterparts with far more advanced skills, leaving highly sensitive information vulnerable, the investigation showed.ProPublica found that Microsoft developed the escort arrangement to satisfy Defense Department officials who were concerned about the companys foreign employees, and to meet the departments requirement that people handling sensitive data be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Microsoft went on to win federal cloud computing business and has said in earnings reports that it receives substantial revenue from government contracts. ProPublica also found that Microsoft uses its China-based engineers to maintain the cloud systems of other federal departments, including parts of Justice, Treasury and Commerce.In response to the reporting, Microsoft said that it had halted its use of China-based engineers to support Defense Department cloud computing systems, and that it was considering the same change for other government cloud customers. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth launched a review of tech companies reliance on foreign-based engineers to support the department. Sens. Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, have written letters to Hegseth, citing ProPublicas investigation, to demand more information about Microsofts China-based support.Microsoft said its analysis showed that Chinese hackers were exploiting SharePoint weaknesses as early as July 7. The company released a patch on July 8, but hackers were able to bypass it. Microsoft subsequently issued a new patch with more robust protections.The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said that the vulnerabilities enable hackers to fully access SharePoint content, including file systems and internal configurations, and execute code over the network. Hackers have also leveraged their access to spread ransomware, which encrypts victims files and demands a payment for their release, CISA said.A DHS spokesperson said there is no evidence that data was taken from the agency. A spokesperson for the Department of Energy, which includes the National Nuclear Security Administration, said in a statement the agency was minimally impacted.At this time, we know of no sensitive or classified information that was compromised, the spokesperson, Ben Dietderich said.Microsoft has said that, beginning next July, it will no longer support on-premises versions of SharePoint. It has urged customers to switch to the online version of the product, which generates more revenue because it involves an ongoing software subscription as well as usage of Microsofts Azure cloud computing platform. The strength of the Azure cloud computing business has propelled Microsofts share price in recent years. On Thursday, it became the second company in history to be valued at more than $4 trillion. Doris Burke contributed research.

The resignation comes as President Trump has been openly pressuring the central bank to lower interest rates and calling for Jerome H. Powell, the chair, to step down.

Certain 12-packs of Celsius energy drinks have been recalled after a packaging error led them to contain High Noon vodka seltzer instead, posing a risk of unintentional alcohol ingestion. What do you think?Id hate to do damage to my liver when I was just trying to damage my heart.Jake Squires, Elevator TesterSomeone could have accidentally ingested a calorie.Theresa Vo, Kazoo TunerAnd here I was thinking my SSRIs finally started working.Sam Bell, Fruit PeelerThe post High Noon Recalls Vodka Seltzers Mislabeled As Celsius appeared first on The Onion.

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The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday rejected the presidential administrations proposed termination of the CDCs HIV prevention and surveillance effortsas well as massive proposed funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), advancing a measure that would increase the agencys budget by $400 million.The White House budget called for slashing NIH funding by $18 billion, a decrease of 40 percent. The committee rejected those cuts and others addressing HIV prevention, treatment and care, advancing the bill with overwhelming bipartisan support on a 26-3 vote. Related FDA approves twice-a-year HIV prevention drug that could help end the virus worldwide It reduces transmissions by up to 96%, but now world governments and big-dollar funders will need to step in. This committee has had multiple hearings over the last several months and heard from patients, families and researchers about the importance of NIH funding, said out Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in remarks after the vote, The Hill reported. This committee has, in a bipartisan manner, prioritized NIH and the research it supports to develop life-saving treatments and cures for devastating diseases.Earlier this month, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees rejected the presidential administrations proposal to eliminate the Department of Housing and Urban Developments Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program. While the House proposed maintaining the current $505 million budget, the Senate proposed to increase it by $24 million. 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 committee also rejected funding cuts and block grants to states for prevention efforts focused on hepatitis and other STIs.Senate appropriators preserved those parts of the administrations budget that had maintained funding addressing HIV and PrEP programs, including $542 million for the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative launched by the president in his first term. The initiatives funding includes PrEP in community health centers and enhanced HIV prevention and treatment programs.Most of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program was preserved, as well.The committee also rejected the administrations plan to revamp the way the NIH pays universities, medical schools and other research centers.The president has invoked executive orders against gender ideology, child mutilation, and DEI, along with accusations of anti-Jewish behavior and threats of withholding NIH funding in his crusade against universities, their associated medical schools, and other research centers.To the scientists wondering if there will even be an NIH by the end of this administration: this committees resounding message is yes, said Sen. Patty Murray(D-WA), the committees vice chair. Congress has your back were not going to give up the fight against cancer, Alzheimers, or rare diseases, Murray said.Carl Schmid, executive directorof theHIV+Hepatitis PolicyInstitute, was cautiously optimistic following the committees bipartisan rebuke of the presidents funding priorities.We are pleased that senators of both parties recognize the critical importance of preventing HIV in the United States and the value of nationwide surveillance, testing, education, and PrEP programs, he said in a statement.The presidents proposed elimination of HIV prevention and surveillance programs, along with on and off staff and grant cuts and delays, have left HIV prevention in disarray. We hope the Senates vote of confidence for HIV prevention will start to bring the stability we need so that state and local health departments, other grantees, and staff can get back to doing their work. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

If theres one feeling that can top the initial rush of attractionespecially when its mutualits that moment when you officially become girlfriends (or partners, or whatever term best fits your relationship).Youve done the apps, youve conquered your gaydar struggles, and youve even made the first move and things are going great, but there is still one hurdle leftand thats defining the relationship.Why does it matter? Beyond simply making a mutual commitment, its an acknowledgment that what youre feeling is shared, and that youre in it together. Its sweet, affirmingand, at times, totally nerve-wracking. Especially if youre the one initiating the conversation.But it doesnt have to be. There are ways to ease the anxiety: feeling confident that this is truly what you want, picking up on cues that theyre on the same page, and knowing what to say when the moment comes.Listen, we get iteasier said than done. Thats why PRIDE reached out to dating and relationship experts, bisexual licensed sexologist and relationship therapist Sofie Roos, and certified matchmaker and relationship expert Tammy Shaklee, for their advice on how to ask your sweetie to be your girlfriendwhen youre ready to take the plunge.Are you ready? Heres how youll know.The first step to feeling calm (well, as calm as possible) when asking the person youre dating to be your girlfriend is to first be secure in knowing that its what you want.It comes down to both timing and a gut feeling, says Roos. Generally, you know youre ready when youre longing to take the next stepthat it feels natural to let her become a bigger part of your life, no matter what kind of relationship youre having now.If thats not clear enough, Shaklee says to take an analytical approach and consider dynamics that will lead to a healthy relationship, when and if she says yes. Have you taken the time to genuinely get to know each other, not just through constant communication and sharing, but through a range of shared experiences, emotions, mutual support, patience, and understanding?, Shaklee asks. If the answers are yes, then chances are youre in a good place to take the next step.Just remember, theres no rush if youre not quite sure yet, adds Roos. Take a step back to feel whether or not this is the natural next stepsomething youll feel if giving yourself some time to reflect over the situation, your relationship, and listen to your feelings.Once you know the answer to that, you know what your next move will be, provided you feel they are on the same page with you. Which leads us toAre they? Heres the signs to look out for.In moments like this, when youre putting yourself out there and are vulnerable, you may wish you could read your sweeties mind. Sadly, no advice our experts can give, no matter how skilled they are, will give you superpowersbut they can offer some clues of what to be on the lookout for.Roos says to consider how they talk about you and your future together when the conversation arises. Does she use an us when talking about the future, and does she like to make plans of things you should do together? Is there any interest in meeting your friends and family, and overall becoming a bigger part of your life? Roos asks. If the answers are yes, it indicates they are in a similar headspace. Thats signs of her also wanting to make things more serious and take your relationship to the next level, and move to the next step, explains Roos. So pay attention to small details in her way of seeing you, and pick up the overall feeling shes giving!Also assess how she makes you feel, says Shaklee. Do you feel this relationship is truly reciprocal? Do both of you feel comfortable, heard, seen and are there clear signs that your attention isnt divided by outside distractions? she asks. Again, if the answer is in the affirmative, those are good signs that you both want the same thing.How and when to pop the girlfriend question.Youve assessed, youve considered, youve asked yourself all the important questionsand yep, you wanna do it. You wanna make your paramour your official girlfriend.But how? Heres the experts best advice for popping the question:#1Try to keep it quite simple, but yet personal, says Roos, adding it doesnt have to be the most romantic moment in history. The most important thing is that you let her hear how youre feeling for her, and what youd like you to become.#2 Picking the right moment is important, says Roos. It doesn't necessarily need to be that cinematic romantic moment that might never come. However, you should be in a place where theres no stress and no distractions, so you can spend that moment with just the two of you and really have time for each other.Shaklee adds that breakfast time is a surprisingly ideal time for the conversation since its casual and intimate. Its a great time to be calm, clear, and level-headed in having a legit conversation. Whether you make it on your own, or meet out for a special table for two, she says.#3 Be straight up with how youre feeling. Even though its super scary to open up this way, it always turns out so much better if youre putting your heart out on that plate and let her know exactly what you want and how youre feeling, Roos advises.If youre tongue-tied, Shaklee says something along the lines of the following communicates what you want and what youre feeling, but also gives them some space to consider their feelings, too:Lets be serious for a sec. I truly enjoy you, your company, your friendship, and really hope to make some more fun memories together. I admire and respect about you your kindness, drive, fun personality, your way in the world that I think is so rare and significant, etc). Im into making it an exclusive thing, and want to give you time to think about it. I respect your answer either way.What to do if they say no?Even when youve set yourself up for success, it can still not go the way you hopeotherwise it wouldnt be so nerve-wracking. So it's best to also prepare for them to say no, too, say the experts.Getting a no is always a risk, and most of the times not anything personal, even though it easily can feel that way, says Roos. The key, she says, is to try and focus on gratitude for the honesty.Respond with kindness and respect, adds Shaklee. Continue being the person shes clearly drawn to, the one she may grow to feel more aligned with in time. People move at different emotional paces, and not every no is permanent.But most of all, you should also be proud of yourself for being brave and putting yourself out there. Pat yourself on the back for being so brave to ask someone this! says Roos. And dont give up on love!Experts cited:Sofie Roos, a bisexual licensed sexologist, relationship therapist and author at relationship magazine PassioneradTammy Shaklee, a relationship expert, certified matchmaker, and founder of H4M Matchmaking.

Charlie Woods shot a 3-over 74 in the final round of the Junior PGA Championship on Friday, fading out of contention to secure one of the two qualifying spots for the U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team.

The resignation comes as President Trump has openly pressured the central bank to lower interest rates and called for Jerome H. Powell, the chair, to step down.

Data showing cracks in the U.S. labor market and President Trumps newest barrage of tariffs shook investors around the world, weighing on stocks, the dollar and more.

Dozens of demonstrators, calling for a flood of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, were arrested at the Manhattan offices of New Yorks two senators.

The company is among the first casualties of a vote to strip roughly $500 million in federal funding from NPR, PBS and local stations across the country.

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Phillies manager Rob Thomson says he's "all-in" on forfeiting his No. 59 jersey number to newly acquired reliever Jhoan Duran.

Here's what we know about Parsons' rift after three years in Dallas -- and what's next.

The police in Anaconda, Mont., identified the suspect and warned that he was believed to be armed.

Its been so cold in San Francisco, painters on the Golden Gate Bridge had to break out heaters.

As governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger championed the states nonpartisan redistricting system. Now, Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to pause it to help Democrats.

The legislative hearing was part of a rapidly moving redistricting process, pushed by President Trump, that could see the map approved next week.

Generations of Americans who struggled to complete a pull-up in front of their classmates winced as President Trump announced that he was reinstating the annual assessment.

Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary and, as such, the official mouthpiece for President Donald Trumps anti-LGBTQ+ agenda. Leavitts failed 2022 candidacy for one of New Hampshires House seats violated campaign finance laws and earned her fans among other anti-LGBTQ+ Congress members, including Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).Leavitt largely echoes Trumps transphobic views and unquestioningly supports the administration. This article provides a critical overview of her stance on key LGBTQ+ topics, including same-sex marriage, transgender rights, and LGBTQ+ discussions in schools. It also examines her background, career, and notable affiliations, highlighting inconsistencies in her approach to LGBTQ+ rights. Related Stephen Millers stance on LGBTQ+ rights: A comprehensive overview Stephen Miller, through his group America First Legal, is pushing back against LGBTQ+ rights with legal challenges and campaigns against woke agendas. Karoline Leavitt at a glance 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 Location: Washington, D.C.Party affiliation: RepublicanRace/ethnicity: WhiteGender identity: FemaleSexual orientation: StraightPronouns: She/HerLGBTQ+ ally: No Social media & websiteFacebook: @KarolineLeavittNHTwitter/X: @karolineleavitt, @PressSec, and @KLeavitt45 (archived)Instagram: @karolineleavittTikTok: @karolineleavittBiographyKaroline Leavitt was born on August 24, 1997, and raised in Atkinson, New Hampshire. She grew up in a Catholic family that ran a local ice cream stand and car dealership. Leavitt attended Central Catholic High School in Massachusetts and graduated from Saint Anselm College in 2019 with a degree in politics and communications. While in college, she became an outspoken supporter of Trumps 2016 campaign, defending his policies in op-eds and campus discussions.Leavitts career took off quickly. She interned as a producer at WMUR-TV, a New Hampshire news station, before working in the communications office of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY). In 2019, at age 21, she joined the Trump White House as a presidential writer and later became an assistant press secretary. After Trump left office in January 2021, Leavitt returned to New Hampshire and launched her own political career.In 2022, Leavitt ran for Congress in New Hampshires First Congressional District. She won the Republican primary on a pro-Trump, hardline platform but lost the general election to Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), a centrist Democrat and the states first openly gay congressman. Despite the loss, Leavitts prominence grew. She became a spokesperson for the pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc. and later served as national press secretary for Trumps 2024 presidential campaign. When Trump won the 2024 election, he appointed Leavitt as White House press secretary in January 2025. Same-sex marriageKaroline Leavitt has largely avoided direct attacks on same-sex marriage. As Trumps spokesperson, she assured reporters that undoing marriage equality was not on the administrations agenda, stating that it was never a campaign promise for Trump to reverse the legalization of same-sex marriage, implicitly suggesting that the issue was settled law.Despite this, Leavitt has never explicitly endorsed marriage equality. She did not voice opposition to the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, which Congress passed in 2022 to protect same-sex and interracial marriages, but she also did not advocate for its passage. Transgender athletes in sportsLeavitt vocally supports the Trump administrations ban on transgender women and girls competing on female sports teams and repeatedly misgenders trans women as men, refusing to recognize their gender identity. She has claimed that trans female athletes threaten the fairness of sports and the safety of cisgender female athletes, Leavitt said during a White House briefing, You cant say you are the party of women and then support men in womens sports. Karoline Leavitt torches Democrat women:"You can't say you are the party of women and then support men in women's sports and not stand up for basic law and order and immigration reform that will protect women in this country." pic.twitter.com/LGhwwf92Jj Media Research Center (@theMRC) March 5, 2025 Leavitt defended Trumps executive order banning trans female athletes from girls and womens sports teams and supported his administration threatening the federal funding of schools that contradict his order, claiming that 80% of the American people, including more than 60% of Democrats, do not want men in womens sports. She has also called on Congress to codify Trumps order into federal law to ensure a future administration cannot easily reverse it.Transgender bathroom accessLeavitt opposes allowing transgender individuals to use facilities that match their gender identity. She has defended the Trump administrations executive order redefining sex in federal law as strictly biological, stating that the policy restores common sense, adding thatmen pretending to be women should not have access to spaces reserved for women.Under this directive, pre-existing civil rights protections do not extend to gender identity, and businesses, schools, and government entities are required to only people to use restrooms and locker rooms that match the sex they were assigned at birth, even if they are nonbinary or present as members of the opposite sex. LGBTQ+ discussions in schoolsLeavitt strongly supported Floridas Dont Say Gay law, which bans instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. In a 2022 interview, she praised Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), stating, Ron DeSantis is doing whats right and, quite frankly, what is common sense. He is ensuring that our young children in our public school system are not being taught this crap.During her congressional campaign, Leavitt opposed policies that allow schools to keep a students LGBTQ+ identity confidential if they fear coming out to their parents. She argued that schools should be required to disclose such information to parents, a stance that critics say puts LGBTQ+ students at risk of family rejection or abuse. Leavitt has framed these policies as protecting parents rights, but advocacy groups warn that they create unsafe environments for LGBTQ+ youth. Discrimination protectionsLeavitt opposes expanding legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. She supports the Trump administrations executive order removing gender identity from anti-discrimination protection.Leavitt has not supported comprehensive LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination legislation such as the Equality Act, which would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes in federal law. The Trump administration has pledged to oppose anti-Christian bias, a position widely understood to include religious exemptions to laws forbidding anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination. Gender-affirming care for minorsLeavitt supports banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. She praised Trumps executive order opposing gender-affirming care for trans people under the age of 19, calling it a victory for children. The order has already led several hospitals to suspend care for transgender youth, a development Leavitt has celebrated.Leavitts messaging on this issue often uses demonizing and misleading language, referring to gender-affirming care as mutilation and child abuse. Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, endorse gender-affirming care as evidence-based and necessary for many transgender youth, but Leavitt dismisses these perspectives. Leavitts CareerGraduated from Saint Anselm College with a B.A. in Politics and Communication in 2019Interned at Fox News during collegeWorked in the White House Presidential Correspondence Office under President TrumpServed as Assistant Press Secretary under Kayleigh McEnany in the Trump administrationBecame Communications Director for Congresswoman Elise StefanikRan for New Hampshires 1st Congressional District in 2022 but lost to Chris PappasServed as National Press Secretary for Donald Trumps 2024 presidential campaignAppointed White House Press Secretary in January 2025 The impact of Leavitts stance on LGBTQ+ rightsThere is no difference between the anti-LGBTQ+ views of President Trump and the policy stances championed by Karoline Leavitt, particularly those targeting transgender rights. While she avoids direct attacks on same-sex marriage, she actively supports bans on transgender athletes in sports, restrictions on LGBTQ+ discussions in schools, rollbacks of anti-discrimination protections, and bans on gender-affirming care for minors.Her approach reflects a broader conservative agenda that seeks to limit the rights and visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals while framing these restrictions as common sense and pro-family policies. As press secretary, Leavitts rhetoric helps mainstream these positions, making her one of the most prominent voices shaping anti-LGBTQ+ policy in the current administration. Related links: Related Karoline Leavitt says Donald Trump froze federal spending to weed out programs for trans people She said that Trump wants to take away already allocated funding from DEI and gender ideology. Gay Rep. Chris Pappas wins reelection bid against anti-LGBTQ MAGA candidate His opponent was a former Trump administration official who supports Dont Say Gay. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is largely expected to win his race for Arizonas U.S. Senate seat. He has a consistent track record of supporting equality and opposing discrimination, making himself a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. Congress. As vice-chair of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus and an opponent of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, he has positioned himself as a key ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Ruben Gallego at a glance 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 Location: Phoenix, ArizonaParty Affiliation: DemocratRace/Ethnicity: Colombian/Mexican-AmericanGender Identity: MaleOrientation: HeterosexualPronouns: He/him/hisLGBTQ+ Ally: Yes Social mediaFacebook:RepRubenGallegoTwitter:@RubenGallegoInstagram: RepRubenGallegoTikTok: @rubengallegoazWebsite: GallegoForArizona.com Ruben Gallegos stance on LGBTQ+ issuesThroughout his political career, Gallego has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. In addition to his vice-chairmanship of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, he has aperfect 100 scoreon the Human Rights Campaigns Congressional Scorecard, which measures legislators support for the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex marriageGallego has been a vocal supporter of same-sex marriage rights. He voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act, which provides federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. Prior to his time in Congress, Gallego actively opposed anti-same-sex marriage initiatives: He worked as a campaign manager for the effort to defeat Arizonas anti-same-sex marriage ballot measure Proposition 107. Trans children in sportsOn April 20, 2023, Rep. Gallego voted against H.R. 734, the so-called Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, a federal bill seeking to ban trans women and girls from participating in womens sports.However, in May, Gallego told a right-leaning website that its legitimate for people to worry about the fairness of including transgender student-athletes, and implying that trans athletes threaten the safety of peoples daughters.Gallego added that parents of trans children are also worried legitimately about the health and wellness of their kids, and said trans children should compassionately be told, Hey, listen, we love you. We want you to be part of our community, but this is just the one place you cant play, and lets find other activities for you to be involved. Transgender access to public bathroomsIn 2015, Rep. Gallego signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, a comprehensive federal anti-discrimination bill that, among other things, would allow people to use bathrooms, locker rooms, and other facilities matching their gender identity.Gallego has been listed as a Trans Equality Champion by Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), a national pro-trans organization, for defending trans rights in Congress. Dont say gay/LGBTQ+ discussions in schoolsOn February 22, 2022, Gallego co-signed a letter from the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus opposing Floridas Parental Rights in Educationlaw, also known as the Dont Say Gay bill. The legislation forbids LGBTQ+ instruction in the states public schools.The letter pointed out that the American Psychological Association and the National Association of School Psychologists recommend that K-12 schools acknowledge sexual and gender diversity and create policies that directly improve, affirm, and support the health and wellbeing of gender and sexual diverse children and adolescents of all ages.LGBTQ+ kids must not be a pawn exploited in todays political discourse not in Florida, nor any other state in our nation, the letter added. We ask that you consider the harmful toll this legislation would have on LGBTQ+ childrens mental health and individual liberties in education. Discrimination protectionsIn 2015, Rep. Gallego signed on as an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act, a comprehensive anti-discrimination bill that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to pre-existing federal civil rights laws covering housing, work, jury service, credit, education, federal funding, and public accommodations.In 31 states across the nation, LGBT Americans dont have protections from discrimination meaning that they can be fired from their jobs, kicked out of their homes and even denied a loan because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, Ruben said in July 2015. This is unacceptable, no person should suffer from discrimination because of who they are or who they love.The Equality Act will provide LGBT Americans with the safety that all Americans in our nation enjoy, and it will bring stability to the lives of many by eliminating our current patchwork of laws, he added. It is time for full LGBT equality and protections under the law. In 2014, while serving in the Arizona House of Represenatatives, Gallego also spoke out against Arizonas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a bill that would allow individuals to cite religious beliefs as a defense against discrimination lawsuits. Gallego and other opponents of the bill said it would allow widespread discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.The message [of the bill] thats interpreted is, We want you to work here, but we are not going to go out of our way to protect you, to protect your rights, to protect your family,' Gallego said at the time. God forbid should someone come to the Super Bowl and come to a restaurant that is not going to allow them in.Other LGBTQ+ issuesWhile serving as a Marine, Gallego was a member of Voices of Honor, a group of military members that spoke out against Dont Ask, Dont Tell (DADT), the national ban on out gay and bisexual military service members. In an interview, Gallego said that DADT put a shadow across the whole military, adding, Men and women had to lie to themselves, to their country, to their local team members and thats never a good environment to put anybody in.Having gays in the military [and] allowing gays to be more honest with themselves only improves the force, he said. Youre able to tap into a new population of people to bring all their brain power to the battlefield. And that creates a stronger military.Gallegosupportsensuring that LGBTQ+ veterans who were discharged because of their sexual orientation or gender identity receive full veteran benefits for their service. Many of them had no problem purging Marines through Dont Ask Dont Tell. But please talk more about a political purge https://t.co/sH3m4n74E6 Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) December 31, 2021Gallego has also supported legislation that would protect national access to in vitro fertilization (IVF), a method of child conception often used by LGBTQ+ people.I understand a bit of the pain, frustration, and sadness that comes with the struggles trying to grow your family, and I cant imagine facing these struggles and not having an option like IVF available, Gallego said. Gallegos careerGraduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations in 2004Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006Worked as a public affairs consultant after returning from military serviceElected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2010, served until 2014Became Assistant Minority Leader in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2012Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, representing Arizonas 7th congressional districtServes on the House Armed Services Committee and Natural Resources CommitteeBecame Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United StatesAppointed as an Assistant Whip for the Democratic CaucusServes as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic CaucusServes as Vice Chair and Tribal Liaison of the Congressional Progressive CaucusServes as Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality CaucusIntroduced the Teachers LEAD Act in 2022 to support teachers and improve retentionAnnounced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in 2023, running for the seat currently held by Kyrsten Sinema Shaping a more inclusive futureRep. Gallegos support for comprehensive legislation like the Equality Act and his opposition to discriminatory policies demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights is summed up in his statement, Discrimination has no place in our society and [I am] unwaveringly committed to fostering a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear. Related links: Related Ruben Gallegos battle against Kari Lake could decide the fate of the Senate. And our democracy. The battle for American democracy continues, and Gallego is attempting to hold the line. Twitter is celebrating Rep. Ruben Gallegos campaign against out-of-touch Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Sinema is immensely disliked among Democrats. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Julia Lemigova is clearing the air.Season seven of The Real Housewives of Miami has sent shockwaves through the Bravo universe as fans watch the shifting dynamics between the ladies.Besides the feuds intensifying every episode, Lemigova has showcased proud LGBTQ+ representation by adopting two young boys with her wife Martina Navratilova.Navratilova has made headlines for transphobic statements over the past few years, but Lemigova says she's happy to showcase queer love on a major platform such as RHOM.In fact, RuPaul's Drag Race legend Carmen Carrera opened up on her trans identity with Lemigova on a recent episode as the cast attended the 2024 National LGBTQ+ Task Force Gala."The political climate is difficult, but we are who we are. Love has no gender. I'm not a political person. I'm more about love, acceptance, and diversity. Who can tell us that we cannot be ourselves? No one," Lemigova tells PRIDE. See on Instagram Although she's raising two young sons at home, Lemigova is at the center of the drama every episode as she goes head-to-head with her former besties Guerdy Abraira and Adriana de Moura."For me, it was very authentic. It was real! I was there for [Adriana]. I heard Adriana say once, 'never say never,' and I'm also this type of person. I'm not stubborn. I want to hear her side of the story."One of the most explosive moments of the season saw Abraira and Lemigova get into a heated argument that led to Lemigova throwing a glass of water on Abraira, which she's apologized for on multiple occasions."I don't know what happened. I hope it's not premeditated and planned. I don't know what she wants. I lost control of my emotions and I know I embarrassed Guerdy, but I cannot undo it. It's done."The tension between the two grew at Abraira's Celebration of Life event where she exposed private text messages between the two on a projector."You don't put your ego at such an important event. You don't do it at the expense of other people. Come to me, say it to me however you want, but not at this event."The Real Housewives of Miami airs Wednesday nights on Bravo. To see the full interview with Julia Lemigova, check out the video at the top of the page.

Happy New Music Friday!August has arrived, and our favorite LGBTQ+ artists and adjacent musicians! have saved some of their best work for this very moment. Grammy Award winner Chappell Roan has done it again by delivering not only one of the coolest music videos of her career, but one of the best music videos of the decade in the sapphic wonderland of "The Subway." Speaking of lesbians, Rene Rapp's new album Bite Me has arrived. And that's not all! The pop girls really brought the heat this week. Demi Lovato returns to pop with "Fast," Kyra Machida breaks out the choreography on "Handsy," Saweetie teamed up with K-pop icons TWICE for a new bop, and Kiesza hopped on a Bonnie McKee remix to take us to "Electric Heaven." Scroll through to listen to this week's best new bops, and follow this writer's New Music Friday playlist on Spotify.'The Subway' Chappell RoanIt's Chappell Roan's world, and we're just living in it. Her latest music video cements her as one of the most interesting pop stars of the current era. 'Fast Car' Demi LovatoDemi Lovato has returned to pop music, and she's ready to put her foot on the pedal. 'BONDAGE' Black PolishSinger-songwriter Black Polish brings some edge to pop on her latest song "BONDAGE."'We Don't Count' Yves Tumor, NinaYves Tumor and NINA rock out on their latest collaboration.'Everything Changes (But I Won't)' Rose Gray, Shygirl, Casey MQShygirl and Casey MQ join the remix for Rose Gray's self-reflection banger "Everything Changes."'Shy' Rene RappRene Rapp's new album Bite Me is finally here and on "Shy," she struggles to say what she really feels. 'Beat Up Chanel$' SlayyyterSlayyyter brings the chaos to her latest alt-pop banger. 'Running' Maren MorrisMaren Morris is ready to run until she finds herself again on her reflective new mid-tempo ballad. 'Is It a Crime' Mariah the Scientist, Kali UchisKali Uchi joins Mariah the Scientist on the sultry R&B track "Is It A Crime."'Chevron' Between FriendsIt feels like heaven listening to Between Friends' latest. 'Electric Heaven' Bonnie McKee, KieszaPop stars Bonnie McKee and Kiesza teamed up for the remix of "Electric Heaven."'Midnight Sun' Zara LarssonZara Larsson stuns in the Swedish countryside in her live performance of her summertime anthem "Midnight Sun."'Handsy' Kyra MachidaKyra Machida brings main pop girl energy to the visualizer for her latest dancefloor-ready banger. 'Superstars' Saweetie, TWICEHere's the playlist!

Police executed a search warrant at the Las Vegas apartment of Shane Tamura, where the items obtained included a goodbye note and a bipod for a rifle.

The Leagues Cup suspended Lionel Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, on Friday for improper conduct following an incident after the game against Atlas FC, a source told ESPN.

Also, radioactive wasp nests were found in South Carolina. Heres the latest at the end of Friday.

After a scrubbed launch on Thursday, four astronauts lifted off from Florida and will dock at the International Space Station on Saturday.

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Light pollution from Washington, and even the passenger jets dim lights, might have contributed to difficulties spotting American Airlines Flight 5342 before the two aircraft collided on Jan. 29, Army experts said.

The way the Bureau of Labor Statistics produces data is widely trusted. Firing the commissioner is damaging to that trust.

Economists said ousting the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics could undermine confidence in government economic data.