Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned that Republican judges will quickly overturn Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Legal experts disagree with her, saying conservatives are far more likely to use free speech and religious liberty arguments to erode non-discrimination protections that require businesses and government employees to treat queer and cis-het people equally.It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade [the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion access]. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage, the 2016 Democratic presidential candidate predicted in the August 15 episode of the Raging Moderates podcast. My prediction is, they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion. They will send it back to the states. Related Donald Trump could go after same-sex marriage rights. We talked to legal experts. She then told anybody in a committed relationship out there in the LGBTQ community You ought to consider getting married. Because I dont think theyll undo existing marriages, but I fear that they will undo the national right, and so, fewer than half of the states will recognize gay marriage.Clintons comments seem especially timely considering that Kim Davis the four-times-married, conservative Christian former Kentucky county clerk who infamously refused to issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple following the courts 2015 ruling recently asked the Supreme Court to take her case, her second such request. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Anti-LGBTQ+ advocates hope Davis case could be the one to lead the justices to overturn marriage equality. After all, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas argued in 2022 that the same legal reasoning used to overturn abortion access could also be used to overturn marriage equality. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Tennessee Holler (@thetnholler)But the Supreme Court gets about 10,000 petitions a year asking it to deliberate on various cases the court agrees to hear only 75 to 85 of these cases, according to The Judicial Learning Center. Even Bill Powell, the lawyer representing the same-sex couple in Davis case, thinks the Supreme Court wont hear her case.Not a single judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals showed any interest in Davis rehearing petition, and we are confident the Supreme Court will likewise agree that Davis arguments do not merit further attention, Powell said.Chris Geidner, the gay publisher and author ofLaw Dork,told LGBTQ Nation in January that at least four Supreme Court justices would have to agree to hear such a case before the court would take it up. In a June interview with The Cincinnati Inquirer, the history-making plaintiff Jim Obergefell noted, We have two sitting Supreme Court justices, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who said they want to overturn Obergefell 10 years after the decision, I never thought I would be worried about marriage equality continuing as a right in our nation We have state legislatures passing resolutions urging the court to overturn the case because there are people who refuse to let it lie. I just honestly dont understand why. How has any queer marriage ever impacted a straight marriage? It hasnt.Even if the Supreme Court did take the case, Geidner said he didnt think a case like Davis would provide sufficient legal reasoning to overturn same-sex marriage entirely. Rather, he said that a successful religious freedom or free speech challenge toObergefellwould do other bad things, like hollow out civil protections or public accommodations for same-sex couples, essentially inconveniencing or endangering LGBTQ+ couples but not outright denying them the right to a marriage license.Gay legal journalist Joseph Mark Stern agrees somewhat with Geidners take. In recent Bluesky posts about Davis case, Stern wrote, Recent panic that the Supreme Court might soon overturn marriage equality is unwarrantedthe justices are highly unlikely to take up the case that has people worried. And this freak-out risks diverting attention away from the courts subtler, ongoing attack on gay rights.At this Supreme Court, the biggest realistic threat to gay rights isnt outright reversal of Obergefell, but the ongoing abridgment of gay equality in the name of religious liberty and free speech, Stern added. The Supreme Court has also weaponized the First Amendment to legalize discrimination against same-sex couples in public accommodations, a project that will expand in the coming years. What would happen if the Supreme Court did overturn same-sex marriage?Clinton was correct when she said that, if Obergefell were to be overturned,then the right to same-sex marriage would fall back to the states.In 2022,then-President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act(RMA), a law that repealed the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and required the federal and state governments to recognize same-sex marriages that occurin states where they are legal.Currently, 25 states have both laws and constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage, five have just statutes banning it, and five others have just constitutional amendments banning it. If this happened, a battle between pro- and anti-marriage states could emerge. Republican attorneys general and legislatures in states with same-sex marriage bans could argue that they should be exempt from having to recognize same-sex marriages from states where such marriages are legal.Jenny Pizer, chief legal officer of Lambda Legal, told LGBTQ Nation last January that the Full Faith and Credit Clause (located in Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution) requires states to respect the public records, judicial proceedings, and acts of other states. The inconsistency of marriage laws between states, Pizer added, would be a problem not only for same-sex couples who need to have secure legal status, but also for government and private entities and all sorts of people who need to know what peoples legal rights are. If Republicans gained majority control of the Senate and changed the current 60-vote threshold needed to repeal the RMA, not all of the aforementioned state laws and constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage would immediately go into effect, Geidner added.For example, if a state legalized same-sex marriage through a state court decision like Iowas Supreme Court did in 2009 then same-sex marriages would remain legalized there. If a state legalized same-sex marriage through its legislature, Geidner said, then such marriages would remain legal, even if the RMA and Obergefell were both overturned.In short, the federal government wouldnt have to recognize those marriages if Obergfell and the RMA were both overturned,but whether other states would have to recognize them is uncertain. While both Pizer and Geidner said that its unlikely that Republicans will try to repeal the RMA, Geidner said that state and local governments can still take significant action to protect same-sex couples by repealing their same-sex marriage bans and passing additional shield laws, anti-discrimination protections, and other legislation and ordinances to help protect LGBTQ+ peoples benefits and rights.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Men are showing plenty of body this summer!After many notable celebs stripped down for sexy photoshoots like Theo James, Jamie Dornan, Hasan Piker, Bruno Alcantara, and more, Austin Butler is now joining the fun in his latest spread for Men's Health Magazine.In the interview, Butler shows off his very alluring physique and opens up on his thriving acting career since playing Elvis in the iconic biopic.Naturally, social media had a field day with all of the steamy pics, so check out some of the highlights below. (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@) (@)

American Idol alum David Archuleta made headlines when he came out as queer in 2021, and he mainly talked about dating men on social media. But in a new interview with People, he shared more details on the expansiveness of his identity while promoting his latest EP, Earthly Delights."For the most part, I date men. But I consider myself queer, so I'm still open to meeting girls. I still do, if it feels right," he told the magazine. "When you're in a group that's already misunderstood, and they fought so hard to be seen and visible and understood themselves, and then you're more nuanced within that minority group, sometimes when you talk about the nuance, people can feel like you're discrediting their experience or invalidating them," he explains. "I'm not trying to do that."Archuleta added, "I feel like with guys, it's easier because, to be honest, I think guys are just culturally and also just hormonally more forward."But he decided to remain private about where he is at currently when it comes to dating, telling the publication, "I don't usually disclose where I'm at in my relationships. I'm very much in my lover boy flirty era, and it's a very fun time for me."The "Crush" singer also spoke more about his decision to leave the Church of Latter-day Saints after he came out. "I used to be really uncomfortable with who I was. I didn't know what to think of myself. And so when people knew who I was, I'm like, 'What does that mean? What do they think of me?'" He explains that his thinking has changed, saying, "Now I'm comfortable in my own skin."That sentiment is clear in the music he is currently putting out as he explores his sexuality for the first time in his life. In an interview with Out earlier this year, Archuleta talked about going through "gay puberty" after coming out. "Its been a sexual awakening. It almost feels like Im going through puberty now rather than as a teenager, adding, I was so afraid [that] if I let too much of [my] sexual feelings come out, then I would turn gay, or I would unleash the monster in me, or I would lose self-control.

Six Flags Magic Mountain will once again transform into a celebration of pride and community when it hosts Out on the Mountain, a private LGBTQ+ party on Friday, Aug. 22.The annual after-hours event, organized in partnership with Ray Rhodes and Out Ventures, welcomes guests from across Southern California and beyond to enjoy the full theme park experience, from 6 p.m. to midnightexclusively for LGBTQ+ attendees and their allies.Held at Six Flags Magic Mountain, located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway in Valencia, the party features unlimited access to all rides and attractions, along with live entertainment, DJ sets, and special guest performances. Tickets are on sale now at OutontheMountain.com.This years entertainment lineup includes performances from drag superstar Kerri Colby, as well as music from Ray Rhodes, DR SRO, and DJ Les Ortiz. Partygoers can expect an electric atmosphere set to pulse with music, celebration, and community spirit.Tickets for the event start at $65, while a VIP Package priced at $150 includes exclusive perks such as front-of-the-line access and additional amenities. Complimentary parking is included for all attendees. Alcoholic beverages including spirits, beer, and wine will be available for purchase throughout the evening.Beyond the festivities, Out on the Mountain also aims to make an impact, with a portion of proceeds supporting several LGBTQ+ organizations. Over the years, the event has become a staple in Californias queer event calendar, combining community-building with thrilling attractions and high-energy entertainment.Ray Rhodes, longtime organizer and music curator for the event, said the goal is to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people to celebrate authentically. Its not just about the ridesits about the joy of being yourself in a space that celebrates who you are, Rhodes said.Out on the Mountain began as a small community gathering and has grown into one of the largest LGBTQ+ private theme park events on the West Coast. Each year, the event draws thousands of attendees, turning the amusement park into a vibrant space of queer joy, unity, and pride.Whether youre riding roller coasters under the stars, dancing the night away, or catching a live performance, the event promises an unforgettable night of celebration.Event Details:What: Out on the Mountain LGBTQ+ Private PartyWhen: Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 | 6 p.m. to midnightWhere: Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, CATickets: General Admission $65 | VIP Package $150Source

Hillary Clinton believes the Supreme Court could be preparing to unravel one of its most significant LGBTQ rights decisions. The former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee said during a recent podcast interview that Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, may not survive the courts current conservative majority.They Will Send It Back to the StatesClinton shared her concerns on the August 15 episode of Raging Moderates, co-hosted by Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov. Drawing a comparison to the fall of Roe v. Wade, she argued that the decades-long conservative strategy to undo abortion rights could be replicated with marriage equality.It took 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court will hear a case about gay marriage, Clinton said. My prediction is they will do to gay marriage what they did to abortion, they will send it back to the states.She also urged couples not yet married to weigh their options. I dont think theyll undo existing marriages, but I fear they will undo the national right, she added.Kim Davis Revives Her FightThe possibility of a new challenge has already reached the courts doorstep. In July, Kim Davis, the former Kentucky clerk who famously refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015, filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell.Her appeal comes after she was ordered to pay $100,000 in damages to a couple she denied a license. Davis lawyers, backed by the conservative group Liberty Counsel, described the Obergefell decision as a mistake that must be corrected and leaned heavily on the courts 2022 Dobbs ruling that ended federal abortion protections.So far, the justices have not said whether they will take up her case.The Respect for Marriage Acts RoleEven if Obergefell were struck down, existing marriages would remain valid under the Respect for Marriage Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. The bipartisan legislation compels states and the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages performed where they are legal.But the law doesnt erase so-called zombie bans still on the books in more than 30 states. If Obergefell fell, many states could again block new same-sex marriages within their borders.Divided Court, Divided CountryJustices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, who both dissented in Obergefell, have since voiced skepticism about the ruling. Thomas openly suggested the court should reconsider it, while Alito has argued it unfairly stigmatized Americans with conservative religious views.Public opinion, however, remains firmly in favor of marriage equality. Gallup polling in May showed support near record highs, though Republican backing dropped to 41 percent, the lowest in 10 years. Another survey in June found that 56 percent of Republicans still support same-sex marriage rights, signaling division within the party itself.As the court weighs whether to hear Davis petition, Clintons warning underscores growing unease about how far the justices may go in reshaping LGBTQ rights.Source

Jets coach Aaron Glenn on Tuesday sounded both amused and annoyed by the reaction to quarterback Justin Fields' two preseason performances.

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The release of a man who had been serving a five-year sentence for assault is the second time the jail has released someone prematurely this year.

A state representative in Connecticut had posted on Instagram about immigration enforcement efforts in his district but did not give detailed information.

Trump doesnt feel any gut need to bring Ukraine into the West or understand that Putins invasion of that country was just his latest march to break up the West.

With villages swept away and Pakistans largest city assailed by monsoon floods, climate change has brought a catastrophic new normal to the country.

Inspired by the TV serial killer, Jacob Power wrote out detailed murder plans and dug graves. Still, prosecutors could not charge him with attempted murder.

In case you still dont know what to watch together this Friday!READ MORE...

My advice? Start with the bacon pizza.READ MORE...

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, speaks during a news conference at the Department of Agriculture to rollout the USDA'S National Farm Security Action Plan in Washington, July 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)2025-08-19T21:07:32Z LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska Republican Gov. Jim Pillen announced plans Tuesday for an immigration detention center in a farming area in the states southwest corner as President Donald Trumps administration races to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations.Pillen said he and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had agreed to use an existing minimum security prison work camp in rural McCook to house people awaiting deportation and being held for other immigration proceedings.This is about keeping Nebraskans and Americans across our country safe, Pillen said in a statement. Pillen also announced he would order the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based immigration agents. About 20 Guard soldiers will be involved.He also said the Nebraska State Patrol would sign an agreement that enables troopers to help federal immigration agents make arrests. The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has arrested and accused of being in the country illegally. Older and newer U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers were holding more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019. The new and planned facilities include the remote detention center in the Florida Everglades known as Alligator Alcatraz, which opened last month. Its designed to hold up to 3,000 detainees in temporary tent structures. When Trump toured it, he suggested it could be a model for future lockups nationwide. Stay up to date with the latest U.S. news by signing up to our WhatsApp channel. The Florida facility also been the subject of legal challenges by attorneys who allege violations of due process there, including the rights of detainees to meet with their attorneys, limited access to immigration courts and poor living conditions. Critics have been trying to stop further construction and operations until it comes into compliance with federal environmental laws. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced last week that his administration is preparing to open a second facility, dubbed Deportation Depot, at a state prison in north Florida. Its expected to have 1,300 immigration beds, though that capacity could be expanded to 2,000, state officials said. Also last week, officials in the rural Tennessee town of Mason voted to approve agreements to turn a former prison into an immigration detention facility operated by a private company, despite loud objections from residents and activists during a contentious public meeting.And the Trump administration announced plans earlier this month for a 1,000-bed detention center in Indiana that would be dubbed Speedway Slammer, prompting a backlash in the Midwestern state that hosts the Indianapolis 500 auto race.The Nebraska plan has already raised concerns. In a video posted to social media, state Sen. Megan Hunt, an independent, blasted a lack of transparency about plans for a detention center, citing her unfulfilled request to the governor and executive branch for emails and other records about the plan. She urged people to support local immigrant rights groups, and said any response by the Legislature would not come until next year -- and only with enough support from lawmakers.The No. 1 thing we need to do is protect our neighbors, protect the people in our communities who are being targeted by these horrible people, these horrible organizations that are making choices to lock up, detain, disappear our neighbors and families and friends, Hunt said.Six protesters sat in the hallway outside the governors office Tuesday afternoon making signs that said, No Nazi Nebraska and ICE = Gestapo.Protester Maghie Miller-Jenkins of Lincoln said she doesnt think an ICE detention center in the state is a good idea. Nebraska having a concentration camp here is inherently more dangerous for everyone in Nebraska, she said, adding the state should focus on other problems like child hunger and homelessness.This state has numerous things they could focus on that would benefit the constituents, Miller-Jenkins said. JOSH FUNK Funk is an Associated Press reporter who covers transportation including aviation safety and airlines along with all the major freight railroads. Funk also covers Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, the impact of the ongoing bird flu outbreak, agriculture and other news out of the Midwest. twitter mailto

Transphobic billionaire Elon Musks lawsuit against the progressive watchdog organization Media Matters for America (MMFA) may be fizzling out due to a recent court ruling, Ars Technica reported. Musk sued MMFA after the organizations reporting on Xs neo-Nazi content caused big-dollar advertisers to flee.U.S. District Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan, an appointee of former President Joe Biden, recently blocked a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) probe into MMFA. Sooknanans ruling noted that conservative FTC staffers seemed intent on targeting MMFA in a straightforward First Amendment violation. Related Elon Musk lawsuit against Media Matters is frivolous but the GOP is helping him Sooknanan pointed out that FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson and the senior staffers he appointed under the current presidential administration had made social media comments calling MFFA stupid and resentful and the scum of the Earth for trying to silence conservative voices, the aforementioned publication wrote. The FTCs expedited probe sought to investigate an alleged illegal coordinated campaign to game ad pricing, starve revenue, and censor conservative platforms. But Sooknanan noted that the FTC requested MMFA to supply documents well beyond the investigations purported scope, including reporter resource materials, financial records, and all documents related to Musks lawsuit. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today As such Sooknanan said it appeared that the FTCs probe under the current presidential administration was expedited because it wanted to continue the years long pressure campaign against Media Matters by Mr. Musk and his political allies.The anti-LGBTQ+ attorneys general of Missouri and Texas had also launched their own probes into MMFA at the behest of Musk, but a U.S. district court issued a preliminary enjoinment against those probes as well. Additionally, a federal district court issued a preliminary enjoinment against Musks strategy of legally challenging MMFA in other courts. While MMFAs report led to an exodus of advertisers from X, Musks own endorsement of antisemitic and white supremacist tropes has caused X tolose millions in ad revenue from such major accounts as Apple, IBM, and Comcast.Nevertheless, Musk still has a legal challenge against MMFA in Texas. MMFA accused Musk of venue shopping for courts in that state because its conservative judges are most likely to issue a ruling in his favor. MMFA President Angelo Carusonetold The New York Timesthat the recent court ruling demonstrates the importance of fighting over folding, which far too many are doing when confronted with intimidation from the Trump administration. Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Julia Fox is living her best life, sans men.In her new Allure profile, the actress and fashion icon revealed that her sense of freedom in beauty and style stems from largely cutting men out of her life. I dont have to entertain men anymore, she said, crediting that shift (alongside motherhood) with her newfound confidence.Fox hasnt been romantically or sexually involved with men for more than two years, and she doesnt miss it. No, not at all, she admitted with a satisfied smirk. For her, the trade-off has been worth it: I cant see why a man would be beneficial, she continued. Between being a mother, a provider, and working on her own hopes and dreams, Fox said she does not want to make time for anything else. Theres just so much more you can do with your time than waiting around to see if a guys going to text you back or not.So true, bestie. So true.Coming Into Her PansexualityThat clarity also opened the door to a deeper understanding of her sexuality. Im pansexual; I could be attracted to anyone and anything, Fox told the outlet. When it comes to physical attraction, the actress said she is more attracted to the female body, but overall can be attracted to anyones mind. Im a vibes person.Shes hinted at it before, but this is the first time Fox has spoken about her sexuality outright. In 2023, the internet went into a frenzy after a viral TikTok video she posted seemed like a coming-out moment.In the clip, Fox responds to a creator saying they love when they see a lesbian and their boyfriend. Its like, Aw you hate that man.'Hey, that was me. I was that lesbian, Fox replied. So sorry boys. Wont happen again.At the time, Fox clarified she thought she might be a lesbian and was open to a relationship with a woman. Since then, shes been with women, but has not dated one officially. She said she believes women often struggle to recognize their queerness because we are so programmed to perform for men. Looking back, she realized some of her closest, most codependent friendships with women were essentially relationshipssomething she admits she couldnt recognize at the time because so much of her survival depended on men.Now, with men out of the picture, Fox is focused on work and creativity. Between acting gigs and traveling, she also makes time for writingsometimes finishing a script in just two days. Her latest? A story about a grandmother chasing her dream of becoming a pageant queen. Her upcoming project, a new Jordan Peele horror titled HIM, will also hit theaters on September 19. For Julia Fox, life without men isnt about lackits about abundancemore space for herself, her artistry, her motherhood, and yes, her queer joy.Source

For the past 467 days and counting, Nic Zicari has been on a mission: to get Netflix to notice his original queer TV series, Thank You, More Please. Armed with nothing but a passion for storytelling, a camera, and an unwavering belief in his voice, Zicari has posted a video every single day in an attempt to break through Hollywoods gatekeepersno agents, no connections, no safety net.And hes not stopping anytime soon.The series, which Zicari describes as a half-hour surrealist comedy about a neurotic gay man who sees the world through pop culture fantasy sequences, is deeply personal. Inspired by his own battles with depression and his love of pop culture, Thank You, More Please is both a cathartic creative outlet and a love letter to queer friendship, self-discovery, and the weird, wonderful lens through which many LGBTQ+ people navigate the world.I started writing Thank You, More Please at the darkest time of my life, Zicari says. After a suicide attempt, I wanted to find a way to make sense of the worldand find joy in the darkness. I decided to surrender to the universe, to trust that things could change.That philosophy forms the backbone of the shows narrative: a man rebuilding his life with the help of spiritual signs, pop culture escapism, and chaotic, comedic detours. Think Fleabag meets Crazy Ex-Girlfriendbut gayer, funnier, and with more one-night stands that end in an Uber Pool.From Trauma to TVZicari blends surrealism and humor to tackle topics like grief, connection, and mental health. Humor is the translator, he explains. It takes deeply personal, painful experiences and reframes them in a way thats easier to digest.Fantasy sequences allow the protagonist, played by Zicari himselfto dissociate from trauma and retreat into the safe haven of movies and television. But its not just a gimmick. These sequences reflect the internal struggle. They show how queerness, grief, and mental illness are processed through the lens of pop culture.Writing about depression and vulnerability isnt easy. When you open those wounds, you also open yourself to healing, he says. Youre telling yourself and others: I went through this. Maybe you did, too.A One-Man Marketing MachineWithout industry representation or a traditional production deal, Zicari took matters into his own hands. Inspired by Netflixs own disruptive origin story, he started building his audience onlineone video at a time.I tried every traditional route. Nothing worked. So I created my own path, Zicari says. Netflix saw the future of TV. Im betting the future of pitching shows can look like this.The gamble is paying off. Zicari now has over 12,000 followers and multiple viral videos with over a million views. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from queer audiences hungry for authentic, non-trauma-based stories.Its been so rewarding to hear from people who say, This made me feel seen, Zicari shares. Thats why Im doing this. Not for the algorithm. Not to be an influencer. But to tell stories that bring joy to people like me.No Nepo Baby, No ProblemZicari makes it clear: hes not a nepo baby. He doesnt have famous parents or a Hollywood Rolodex. What he does have is grit, heart, and a mission to create stories where queerness is normalizednot a dramatic plot point, but a lived experience.I want to make shows where queer characters just existmessy, joyful, awkward, complex, he says. Where they get the romantic smooches. Where mental illness doesnt define them. Where the world is weird and beautiful and a little gay.Waiting for Netflix to Say YesDespite the attention online, Netflix hasnt respondedyet. But Zicari isnt dissuaded.As the Kierkegaard of our time, Lady Gaga, once said: There could be 100 people in the room he laughs. Netflix, give me 30 minutes. Let me show you why Im that one person.And if he ever does get that call? Zicari is already planning to use his platform to pay it forward.When this show gets made, he says, 15% of the cast and crew will be first-timerspeople getting their first shot in this industry. Because the door should be open for more of us.Advice for Creators Trying to Break InZicaris biggest piece of advice for fellow aspiring creators is simple: be yourself.Social media will try to convince you to change who you are to succeed, he says. But your voice is what makes your project special. Make stuff that makes you laugh, and the rest will fall into place.As for the future of Thank You, More Please, Zicari is still hopeful.I believe in this show. I believe in myself. And I know theres someone out there who will believe in it, too.Source

Shannon SJ Joslin, a longtime Yosemite ranger, is at the center of a free speech battle after being dismissed from the National Park Service earlier this month. Their firing followed a May 20 action in which Joslin, while off duty, helped hoist a transgender pride flag across the face of El Capitan.At the time, the move did not violate Yosemites regulations. The park updated its Superintendents Compendium the next day to ban large flags in wilderness areas, and backdated the change to suggest the rule had always been in place.A Long Tradition of Flags on El CapitanClimbers have used El Capitans sheer granite walls to make bold statements for decades. Pirate flags, climate change banners, and political messages have all appeared on the iconic rock face. Just last year, activists unfurled a Stop the Genocide sign, and an upside-down American flag was displayed during Februarys Firefall. None of those incidents led to firings.For Joslin, the difference is personal. My firing isnt just about one ranger, they said. This kind of targeting threatens the rights of civil servants, and by extension, all Americans, to speak freely.From Model Employee to Targeted RangerJoslin was not an outsider at Yosemite. They led the Big Wall Bats program, contributed wildlife research, guided climbers, and wrote popular climbing guidebooks. Their reviews were glowing. Colleagues describe them as a cornerstone of Yosemites community, not a rulebreaker.Advocates argue that removing Joslin contradicts both federal anti-discrimination protections and the First Amendment. Critics also point to President Donald Trumps own executive order issued earlier this year, which specifically bars federal agencies from curbing free expression.Community Outrage and Calls for ActionThe decision has galvanized Yosemites climbing and LGBTQ+ communities. Environmentalist and drag activist Pattie Gonia condemned the firing, calling it a direct violation of their constitutional First Amendment right and an attack on the very values of service, dedication, and community that SJ embodies.Supporters are now demanding Joslins reinstatement, an independent probe into Yosemites leadership, and a review of employment practices at the National Park Service. They have encouraged the public to contact Yosemites superintendents office and new leadership team, which only assumed roles in May, to reverse the decision.Whats at StakeBeyond one rangers career, the controversy raises broader questions about government overreach and selective enforcement. Flying the trans flag signified acceptance and safety within the park, Joslin said. If this administration starts telling park rangers we are not allowed the constitutional right of free speech as private civilians, what is to stop them from taking it from you next?Whether Joslin gets their job back or not, their stand on El Capitan has become more than a symbolic act, it has become a flashpoint in the ongoing fight for visibility and equity.Source

Rory McIlroy said he took all 1,100 pin flags from the Masters Shop after winning at Augusta National in April. "I've waited 17 years to sign that flag in the middle, and I will never complain about doing it."

Texas quarterback Arch Manning says his playing future -- whether it's remaining with the Longhorns after this season or entering the NFL draft -- has yet to be decided despite recent comments by his grandfather Archie Manning.

Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who trails in the polls for New York City mayor, is said to have told a crowd of wealthy donors that he believed President Trump would help line up support behind him.

It was the second time that Mr. Abrego Garcias lawyers have sought to hold the Trump administration accountable over its handling of his expulsion to El Salvador and its aftermath.

Mr. Bibas, his wife and their two small children were abducted and taken to Gaza. Only he survived.

The Kremlin is keeping its options open, but analysts said the Russian leader would probably only meet with his Ukrainian counterpart to accept a capitulation.

The number of troops in the city is expected to grow. But Army officials appear to be trying to keep them on the sidelines of President Trumps mission.

This was very cost-friendly and fun, the DIYer says.READ MORE...

A federal judge has ordered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to immediately release a gay asylum seeker who worried that hed be killed if ICE deported him to his home country of Jamaica.The judge said ICE violated 40-year-old Rickardo Anthony Kellys due process rights by detaining him on August while he awaited a routine immigration appointment for asylum in New York City. Kellys asylum attorney Peter Schuur then filed a habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of his clients detention. Related Congressional Dems sue after being turned away from ICE facilities In her ruling issued last Friday, U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres wrote, In light of the undisputed facts, there is no doubt that [ICEs] ongoing detention of [Kelly] with no process at all, much less prior notice, no showing of changed circumstances, or an opportunity to respond, violates his due process rights, Advocate reported.Kelly said the ICE facility detained him in a room with nearly 100 other people and only three toilets and no toiletries, showers, or ways to maintain basic hygiene. He also said that the detainees only received cold freeze-dried rice and beans twice a day and that he was given a substitute medication for his diabetes that caused harmful side effects. 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 suggestion that government agents may sweep up any person they wish and hold that person in the conditions in which Kelly was held without consideration of dangerousness or flight risk so long as the person will, at some unknown point in time, be allowed to ask some other official for his or her release offends the ordered system of liberty that is the pillar of the Fifth Amendment, Torres wrote in her ruling.Kelly was shot 10 times in his home country of Jamaica by attackers who targeted him for being gay. So, after the attack, he fled to the United States and began seeking asylum in May 2021. But because Kelly has a pending misdemeanor third-degree assault charge from a prior domestic dispute a charge which is set to expire in a month under its statute of limitations he was apprehended under the Laken Riley Act, a recently passed bipartisan law allowing the deportation of noncitizens accused of crimes.Kelly was apprehended in a growing ICE trend of apprehending immigrants when they appear for their legally scheduled immigration and court appointments. The detainments deny undocumented immigrants their legally protected right to due process and also discourage other immigrants from honoring their upcoming legal appointments.I told the ICE officers that Mr. Kelly does not pose any risk of danger or flight, his attorney said. I explained that he is a hard-working man whose consistent goal since I began representing him in 2021 has been to remain in New York and be a productive member of society. I believe that, if Mr. Kelly returns to Jamaica, he faces a grave risk of being killed or severely injured because he is gay. When asked about Kellys case, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed that Kelly entered the U.S. in 2016 (five years before his lawyer claims) and said, All his claims will be heard by a judge. Why does the media continue to peddle sob stories of these criminal illegal aliens?Equaldexreportsthat in addition to same-sex marriage being illegal, homosexuality among men remains outlawed in Jamaica and can be punished with up to seven years in prison. Homosexuality among women is not explicitly illegal, but sodomy between any two humans is punishable with up to 10 years in prison. The country also does not legally recognize transgender identities.A2023 reportfound that LGBTQ+ Jamaicans face horrific violence, discrimination, and persecution and lack the most basic protections under the law and that the situation is getting worse. Activists have called on the country to repeal its antiquated sodomy laws, saying that even though they are rarely enforced, they contribute to the stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ people.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek will face the top-seeded duo of Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in one semifinal of the revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament. Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori meet Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison in the other.

Marcos Thomas Perez, 62, a former Miami Heat security officer and a 25-year retired veteran of the Miami Police Department, pleaded guilty Tuesday to transporting and transferring millions of dollars' worth of stolen NBA game-worn jerseys and memorabilia.

Anthony Richardson Sr.'s agent reacted with disappointment with the Colts' decision to name Daniel Jones the starting quarterback and said he's unsure of his client's future with the team.

Most of the tourists have left Ocracoke Island, and the surfers are watching closely as deadly rip currents lurk below the waves.

A fight between two students at Maryvale High School in Phoenix on Tuesday left one fatally stabbed and the other with non-life-threatening injuries, the agency said.

The president is driving the tentacles of the federal government deep into the nations economy, culture and legal system.

Ethan Coen and Tricia Cookes new noir-inspired lesbian crime caper Honey Dont! might be one of the boldest genre reinventions of the year but even a film that dives headfirst into sexual politics and genre play has its limits. In a recent interview with Gayety, the directing duo opened up about the creative process behind the film, including a behind-the-scenes detail that may surprise audiences: not everything they shot made the final cut, especially when it came to some especially provocative props.Cooke and Coen, known for their unconventional storytelling, revealed during a press day that a few sex toys originally intended for the film had to be left out and it was not due to any objections from the cast or discomfort on set.Margaret Qualley stars as Honey ODonahue in writer/director Ethan Coens HONEY DONT!, a Focus Features release. Photo: Karen KuehnWe cut out a couple of sex toys in the cutting, Cooke said. But not because the actors had a problem. Margaret [Qualley] was all in. She took 10 minutes to sort through every toy in that sink.The sink in question? A prop-heavy centerpiece in one of the films more outlandish scenes. Though the film never shies away from provocation, Cooke explained that editing is sometimes about knowing when to push and when to pull back.There are some things we maybe toned down just a hair, she added. But no, no one ever said they were uncomfortable. The fun of this movie is in going all out. Theres no polite version of Honey Dont!The film, which features Margaret Qualley in the titular role of Honey, reimagines the hardboiled detective genre through a lesbian lens. Qualley plays a guarded, emotionally complicated private eye whose mysterious nature harks back to film noir legends. According to Coen, her character was inspired by none other than Humphrey Bogart.When we asked her to do the movie, we said, Do you want to play Humphrey Bogart? he said. She is kind of masculine and hard to read that classic detective energy.Cooke agreed, explaining that Honeys past trauma informed her quiet intensity. Shes reserved. She holds something back. She was abused when she was young, and that history made her into someone who has to keep herself contained. Its part of what makes her so compelling.While the film is filled with genre-bending twists and feminist flair, it does not take itself too seriously. There is a comic undertone to even the most intense scenes including one intimate moment in a bar that required some unusual props.Viewers saw the two girls get rather close and sexual in a public place, and lets say that someone licked the frosting from the cake even while seated at the bar. Aubrey [Plaza] had someone from the makeup department standing just out of frame with a mason jar of coconut oil, Cooke shared with a laugh. At the end of the scene, shed dip her fingers in and, you know for the final shot. Its hard not to laugh when thats happening just off camera.Honey Dont! features a powerhouse cast, including Qualley, Plaza, Chris Evans, and rising star Talia Ryder. Each was selected with specific roles in mind, and according to the directors, casting was a smooth process. Qualley had worked with them previously on Drive-Away Dykes, and came on board quickly. Plazas name emerged on the train one day, according to Cooke, after watching Emily the Criminal.We just knew shed be perfect, said Cooke. Same with Chris. We saw him in a play in New York and knew immediately. And Talia I saw her in The Sweet East and I was like, We have to use her.The films approach to genre and gender is what sets it apart. Coen and Cooke deliberately flipped traditional noir roles, turning the seductive femme fatale into the relentless investigator.We thought, what if we made the detective the woman the femme fatale, said Cooke. That felt exciting. And different. And necessary.Despite the provocative subject matter and boundary-pushing scenes, the filmmakers insist the takeaway is ultimately about empowerment.I hope people have a good time, Cooke said. And I hope they think of Honey as a superhero. She kicks ass. Shes amazing. Strong female characters matter, and even though this movie does not take itself too seriously, we want people to leave the theater thinking, She was badass.Whether audiences laugh, gasp, or squirm in their seats, Honey Dont! is clearly a film with no interest in playing it safe even if a few toys had to be left behind in the editing room.Watch the full trailer here: Source

Naming Daniel Jones the starter may have irrevocably damaged the relationship between the Colts and Richardson? Here's what to know.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone reversed course on the status of star Aaron Judge on Tuesday, saying he should be able to return to the field this season after earlier casting doubt on whether that would happen.

The Saints are taking their quarterback decision down to the wire, with coach Kellen Moore saying they want to continue the competition between Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler through next week.

Austin Butler is bringing the heat to the September/October issue of Mens Health. The 34-year-old actor, best known for Elvis and Dune: Part Two, is showing off a physique so chiseled it could stop traffic.The reveal comes as Butler gears up for his latest role in Darren Aronofskys upcoming crime thriller Caught Stealing, hitting theaters Aug. 29.From Lean to Bulked UpButler underwent a striking physical transformation to play Hank Thompson, a washed-up baseball player whose life spirals into chaos. The role demanded more than just acting chops, it required serious muscle.Standing at 6 feet, Butler reportedly packed on nearly 15 kilograms, trading in his naturally lean frame for a sturdier, more athletic build. I actually have a whole section of just baseball players asses that [Aronofsky] would send me, Butler told Mens Health. He was like, Look how thick they are!The training paid off. Butler admits he no longer fits into his designer wardrobe: Ive got a whole section of Celine pants that I just cant even wear anymore.Sweat, Hip Thrusts, and Heavy LiftingTo achieve his new look, Butler worked with trainer Beth Lewis, who also trained Hugh Jackman for Wolverine. His workouts included balancing on BOSU balls, one-arm kettlebell moves, and countless hip thrusts to build power and, yes, the booty Aronofsky demanded.Butler explained that his thinner frame ahead of filming was due to awards season, when meals sometimes took a backseat to red carpets and interviews. This time, he flipped the script with calorie-dense meals and relentless gym sessions.Cheat Meals and Clean LivingWhile Butler admits to indulging in pizza, pasta, French toast, and pancakes all at the same time during bulking season, alcohol never made the cut. Drinking has never been my thing. I dont like the way it makes me feel, he said.That discipline isnt new for the actor. For Elvis, Butler famously fueled himself with ice cream and doughnuts to capture Presleys later years. For Dune: Part Two, he trained military-style with an exNavy SEAL and lived on a diet of rice, chicken, and broccoli.Hollywoods New Heavy HitterButlers upcoming film boasts a star-studded cast including Zo Kravitz, Regina King, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith and Liev Schreiber. But before audiences see him hit the big screen, his cover shoot is already cementing him as Hollywoods newest fitness icon.For now, Butlers dedication, and his transformation, have everyone talking. Whether hes lifting kettlebells or devouring stacks of pancakes, hes proving theres no role, or workout, he cant take on.Source

The remark, made as the president has ordered a wide-ranging review of museum exhibits, added to his pattern of minimizing Black history.

Democrats hoping to retake the Senate in the midterm elections next year are targeting the seat of Senator Collins, a Maine Republican who is seen as a moderate.

Also, hundreds more troops are headed to Washington. Heres the latest at the end of Tuesday.

Dua Lipa is opening up about her next chapter, and it involves a new album and her fianc, Callum Turner.The 29-year-old pop star is the September 2025 cover star of Harpers Bazaar, where she reflects on her creative process, her relationship, and the future of her sound.Writing With IntentionFor Lipa, lyrics are never just words. The singer admits she has a long-held superstition about her songwriting.I have this firm belief that whatever I write comes true, she told Bazaar. So Im always very, very cautious about the things that I write.That mindset shaped her 2024 record Radical Optimism, which leaned into brightness and levity even while navigating heartbreak. Im not trying to put some crazy energy into the world, she explained. Im trying to just be light and have fun and share my experiences.The project connected with fans because of its mix of playfulness and honesty, earning her another global tour.Looking Toward the Next AlbumEven while touring, Lipa is already shaping what comes next. She revealed shes back in the studio, this time working alongside producer Mark Ronson.Every day Im making something that sounds completely different from yesterday, she said. Trying to figure out the new direction is probably the most fun part, but its also the hardest.She described the early stages as wide open, experimenting without locking herself into one style. For an artist whos thrived on reinvention, that uncertainty feels like part of the thrill.Love in the SpotlightLipa also credited her relationship with actor Callum Turner for grounding her through the whirlwind of fame. The couple announced their engagement earlier this year, and she says being with Turner has brought a new sense of balance.She described herself as happier than ever, noting that carving out time with her partner helps her maintain perspective while navigating a career that rarely slows down.I think once I put something out into the world, it no longer belongs to me, Lipa said of her music. You make the thing that you love, and then people decide how it lives. Thats the beauty of it.A Joyful OutlookBetween planning a wedding, writing new material, and performing across the globe, Lipa seems determined to hold on to the same optimism that inspired her last project.Her superstition may keep her cautious with words, but when it comes to love and music, shes stepping into this season with confidence.Source

Diplomats scrambled to come up with detailed proposals for security guarantees and other sticking points following two high-level summits in Alaska and Washington.

With pro-democracy movements long squashed, the government is targeting any hint of subtler expressions of discontent. Even establishment figures say it may be too much.

Chinas bedside eavesdroppers, the online posse parsing rumors for power shifts, have a lot to work with as Xi Jinping pushes aside his own political appointees.

The documents were released as part of a defamation case against Fox Corporation filed by Smartmatic, an election technology company.

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 100th career home run Tuesday, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to reach that mark.

After a lengthy rain delay, Giancarlo Stanton hit two home runs and the New York Yankees matched a franchise record with nine longballs Tuesday night in a convincing 13-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, an effort the slugger labeled as "awesome to see."

We must find a way to speak in a common language again, a language that has a name for everything, even for a person holding a photograph of a dead child.