A queer soccer star from the Czech Republic named Jakub Jankto shared that he won't return to the field after suffering a "very serious injury." The out gay athlete shared the update to his Instagram stories, explaining that he could no longer "continue in [his] football [in the U.S., soccer] career."The Cagliari Calcio player shared this update via Instagram stories on Thursday after receiving several messages from fans asking him if he was going to play again. "I suffered a very serious injury; I completely damaged the ligaments in my ankle," he wrote. "I was trying to overcome it, to get through the whole year."But, he shared that this is the end of his football career, and he made the decision to move back to Prague to be closer to his son David, who lives there with his ex-wife, Markta Ottomansk. "I wanted to change this situation because we have just one family and I wanted to be close to my son in Prague, that's why I decided to move," he wrote.Jankto came out as gay in February 2023, making him the first-ever active, male, international footballer to come out. At the time, he talked openly about his sexuality in an emotional video that was shared on social media. "I no longer want to hide," he said in the video. "I have a job, which I have been doing as best as I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism, and passion. Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love." @openlynews Czech footballer Jakub Jankto, who plays for Sparta Prague on loan from LaLiga side Getafe, has come out as gay, stating that he wants to live his life in freedom. Jankto is now the highest-profile male footballer to come out. Same-sex marriage is not legal in his home country. #lgbtsports #lgbtnews #football #jakubjankto A rep for the team that Jankto was playing for at that time shared a statement with Attitude that read, "Jakub spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago. Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters.

Illinois has become the first state in the nation to offer a legal hotline for LGBTQ+ people.Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the launch of Illinois Pride Connect on Thursday, saying in a video posted to social media that "with all the things that are coming at all of us, for us to be able to go on offense and not be on defense is what I love about this state.""The state of Illinois, today I am announcing, is launching a first-of-its-kind legal hotline for LGBTQ individuals across the state. And Illinois is proud to announce it," Pritzker said. "Building upon the state's transgender and gender-diverse wellness and equity project that we launched at the beginning of 2024, we will be the only state, the only state in the entire United States, that provides free legal advice to protect the LGBTQ community."See on InstagramIllinois Pride Connect will provide resources for health care, education, immigration, family services, elder services, and more, Pritzker said, both informing individuals of their rights and advocating for them.The organization will also host a hotline that can assist callers with legal issues, including but not limited to access to health care such as gender-affirming care, discrimination or harassment, public benefits like Medicaid or SNAP, identity documents, and housing or safety concerns.The website states: "If youre an LGBTQIA+ individual (or a concerned family member or friend), and youre facing legal issues that impact your health, safety, or access to care, were here to help. The IL Pride Connect Legal Hotline offers free, confidential legal advice and referrals across Illinois."The hotline will be available at 855-805-9200 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. GMT Monday through Thursday, offering services in both English and Spanish. It launches August 25. "Together, we are fighting ignorance with information," Pritzker continued. "We're fighting cruelty with compassion."

On Thursday, TMZ released a video it had obtained of Grammy-winning pop star Lil Nas X, real name Montero Hill, walking down a Los Angeles street in the early morning wearing nothing but cowboy boots and underwear.The report said that Lil Nas X, who recently dropped out of WeHo Pride due to an "ongoing medical issue," was filmed "floating aimlessly down Ventura Blvd at 4 AM," where he rambled incoherently and danced while confronting the man taping him. It added that he was subdued by police and transported to a hospital for "a possible overdose."Now, some people online have taken the opportunity to criticize Lil Nas X, claiming this is just his latest publicity stunt."Lil Nas X and his antics are exactly the reason why his career is stagnant now," X user @ichosevioIence wrote."Lil Nas X is chronically online & desperately wants to be pop culture. Guess hes channeling Britneys manic era now," said @lotta_azzzz."The thing about Lil Nas X is that hes memed so much, I genuinely cannot tell when something is on brand or if this is actually a cry for help," wrote @chrislaawrence. (@) Details are still emerging about this situation, including reports of a possible drug overdose. We still don't know what is going on with Lil Nas X, his health, his frame of mind right now, and whether he struggles with substance abuse. In fact, we may never know for certain.However, mental health is not a joke. The mental health of Black gay men needs to be taken seriously, especially by people who claim to be fans of said person.Lil Nas X isn't just a random celebrity who was doing a wild stunt after a night partying; he is a member of our community who appears to be in a perilous situation.For Black men, a mental health crisis can be deadly. In 2022, suicide was the third leading cause of death for Black Americans ages 10 to 24, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Black men are also four times more likely to die from suicide than Black women."Black people are more likely to have police involvement in their admissions to hospital and more likely to be detained and to receive secure care. They are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and more likely to be given higher doses of medication. They are less likely to receive psychotherapy," wrote Dr. Nuwan Dissanayaka in a post for the Centre for Mental Health, a U.K.-based nonprofit.As a Black gay man, he's even more at risk."Gay men experience adverse mental health outcomes, including mood disorders, substance use, and suicide, more frequently than heterosexual men," states a 2018 report by the American Psychiatric Association.Much of the discourse around Lil Nas's hospitalization revolves around his reputation for often incendiary publicity stunts. In 2021, Lil Nas released a limited-edition sneaker that featured pentagrams, red soles, and "one drop of human blood" that were dubbed the "Satan Shoe." The shoe was part of his promotion for his single, "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" where Lil Nas goes to hell and lap dances for Satan before replacing him on the throne in hell.In 2023, when female musicians like Kelsea Ballerini and Bebe Rexha were being hit in the face by objects thrown at them at concerts, Lil Nas seemingly staged a stunt where an audience member threw a sex toy at him while he was singing.In 2024, he released the single and music video, "J Christ," and later issued a public apology to Christians for offending them. (@) In the new footage, Lil Nas X is strutting and dancing on the streets of Los Angeles at 4 a.m., wearing underwear and white cowboy boots. As he walks, he sings, talks about a "party tonight," and is confrontational with the person filming him, saying, "Give me that phone so I can throw it. I want to throw it far away so you never see it again. I don't like phones."What is especially troubling about the reports is the way Lil Nas X was hospitalized after being thrown to the ground and handcuffed by police.The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to Rolling Stone that they found a naked man walking down Ventura Boulevard at 5:50 a.m. Rolling Stone reported that "the man charged at officers after they attempted to approach him. He was then placed in handcuffs and transported to seek medical care for a possible overdose."The reporting added that Lil Nas X "threw punches at officers, leading to a use of force by the officers, who forced him to the ground." He is expected to be booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery on a police officer. It is unknown if Lil Nas X was injured during the arrest.There are countless cases of unarmed Black men being tased, shot, and murdered by police for "charging" at them. Lil Nas X is lucky he wasn't the next name to join the likes of Elroy Clarke, Oliver Jarrod Gregoire, Richard Davis, and Dyonta Quarles Jr.When Black people have mental health emergencies, it's not treated as a health issue; it's criminalized."[Mental illness] wasn't seen as a health condition; it was seen as a criminal disposition of Black people," Dr. Shawn Utsey, a professor and psychologist, told the Virginia Mercury.One recent example is Irvo Otieno, a 28-year-old Virginian who was taken into emergency custody at a state psychiatric hospital in March of 2023. Three days later, he was dragged into a hospital admissions room in handcuffs and leg irons, and hospital workers and sheriff's deputies kneeled on his chest until he died.Lil Nas X went from a mental health emergency to police custody to forced hospitalization. He's still in danger. The real victim in The Boy Who Cried Wolf isn't the townspeople; it's the boy who ends up being eaten by the wolf.Here, the victim won't be the people who have worried about Lil Nas X in the past, only to realize he was promoting a new single; it will be Lil Nas X.Mey Rude is a staff writer for Out.Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists, and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.

At the 2025 Las Culturistas Culture Awards, Broadway star Ben Platt surprised the audience with a dramatic orchestral cover of Addison Raes pop hit Diet Pepsi. The performance quickly went viral, earning praise from fans and critics alike, and Rae herself has now shared her thoughts on the rendition.Addison Rae Weighs InIn a recent appearance on Apple Musics Zane Lowe show, Rae was asked whether she had seen Platts cover. Her reaction was glowing. Ben is amazing and has an incredible voice, so I was very honored to hear his take on the song, she said.Rae also noted the personal connection she felt to the performance. It was a full circle moment because some of the people who worked on that track were also part of my EP, she explained. It was funny and really special to see it come together like that.From Streaming Hit to Viral MomentDiet Pepsi, released earlier this summer as part of Raes self-titled debut album, climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and fueled excitement for her first headlining tour. With streaming numbers for hits like Diet Pepsi and Aquamarine soaring, fans expected Rae to appear in awards categories such as Best New Artist.When nominations came out without her name, Rae admitted she felt overlooked. Its definitely funny when you put a lot of work into something and dont get recognized by a place you hoped to contribute to, she said in her Apple Music interview.Ben Platts Viral MomentPlatts orchestral rendition quickly became a fan favorite on social media. Its popularity prompted him to release a live version on Spotify shortly after the awards. In an interview with Billboard, Platt reflected on the unexpected viral attention. Ive had lots of highs and lows in my career, but this level of virality online is new for me. I certainly didnt see it coming, he said.Producer Leland confirmed that Platts version is now available across all streaming platforms, allowing fans to relive the moment anytime.Source

Doja Cat is kicking off her next chapter with the release of Jealous Type, a glossy new single that arrived Thursday alongside a theatrical music video. The track previews her fifth studio album, Vie, set for release Sept. 26.A Video Starring Doja Cat, and More Doja CatThe Jealous Type video doubles down on the singers playful self-awareness. It opens with credits reading starring Doja Cat and Doja Cat, and from there, the visuals deliver just that, multiple versions of the star in wigs, lingerie, and animal prints.One Doja lounges with champagne, another scrawls across the hood of a limousine, and yet another dances in an elevator that transforms into a shower mid-song. The video, directed by Boni Mata and filmed in Los Angeles, leans into surreal spectacle while highlighting the artists ever-changing persona.A Fun New SoundProduced by Jack Antonoff and Y2K, Jealous Type leans into bright pop energy. Speaking with Apple Music 1, Doja said she wanted her latest music to feel liberating. I just want to remind people that life can be fun, she said. I feel sexy, I feel inspired, and Ive learned so much in therapy that Im ready to channel into something positive.Doja first teased the track in her Marc Jacobs Summer 25 campaign before debuting it live at Outside Lands in San Francisco. After her headlining set, she surprised fans with an intimate listening party at Oasis, a beloved drag venue in the city, giving a select crowd a first taste of Vie.Ma Vie World TourAlongside the new single, Doja announced her Ma Vie World Tour, her first major trek through New Zealand, Australia, and Asia. The run begins Nov. 18 in Auckland and wraps Dec. 21 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Stops include Perth, Sydney, Manila, Tokyo, and Bangkok. While no North American dates have been revealed, fans are hopeful more announcements will follow.Ma Vie World Tour 2025 DatesNov. 18 Auckland Spark ArenaNov. 22 Perth RAC ArenaNov. 25 Melbourne Rod Laver ArenaNov. 29 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment CentreDec. 1 Sydney Qudos Bank ArenaDec. 7 Manila SM Mall of Asia ArenaDec. 10 Singapore Indoor StadiumDec. 13 Seoul Kintex Hall 10Dec. 15 Tokyo K-Arena YokohamaDec. 18 Bangkok Impact Exhibition HallDec. 21 Kaohsiung Kaohsiung ArenaWith a bold new single, a full-length album on the way, and a globe-spanning tour, Doja Cats latest era looks ready to dominate pop music once again.Source

Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, who rode Secretariat to the Triple Crown in 1973, has died. He was 84.

Nebraska coach Matt Rhule debuted his weekly podcast on Thursday, hoping to build the Cornhuskers' brand and contribute to NIL for his players.

The recent F.B.I. search of John Boltons home makes clear that President Trump is perverting the justice system to intimidate his critics.

Trump administration officials have accused the Federal Reserve governor of mortgage fraud and called for her to resign.

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Tommy Fleetwood shot 63 at soft East Lake to share the Tour Championship lead with Russell Henley going into the weekend.

The transcripts and audio, covering two days of discussions between Ms. Maxwell and Todd Blanche, the No. 2 post at the Justice Department, are likely to raise as many questions as they answer.

The move comes weeks after the agency drafted a preliminary report contradicting President Trumps contention that U.S. strikes had obliterated nuclear sites in Iran.

The G.O.P. chairman of a key House panel was forced to issue the subpoena after a few Republicans banded together with Democrats to push it through.

The settlements are an about-face for the billionaire, whose company fought with former workers over whether it owed them severance pay.

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In a bold act of defiance, Orlando community members and LGBTQ+ advocates have restored a rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub memorial after it was quietly removed overnight by order of Florida transportation officials, following a directive from the federal government.The crosswalk, originally painted in 2017 to honor the 49 lives lost in the Pulse nightclub shootingthe deadliest attack on LGBTQ+ people in U.S. history, was painted over earlier this week without advance notice. In response, a group of local residents returned to the site with chalk and paint, determined to recreate the vibrant symbol of remembrance and resistance.Videos shared to social media by community members, including LGBTQ+ activist Jeremy Rodriguez (@jeremy_rodrigue), show individuals kneeling on the pavement, hand-drawing the rainbow stripes back onto the intersection near the Pulse memorial. Among those present was Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, the first openly gay Latino elected to the state legislature.While this attack was meant to demoralize us and push us back in the closet, Orlando refused to be erased, Smith told Newsweek. It was inspiring to see so many local residents spring into action in response to the Governors cowardly abuse of power.The crosswalk was initially approved during former Republican Governor Rick Scotts administration and had remained a fixture near the memorial for eight years. Its sudden removal was executed under a policy change from the U.S. Department of Transportation, now led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. In a July 1 post on X (formerly Twitter), Duffy stated that political banners have no place on public roads, adding that federal road funds should only support features that advance safety, and nothing else.Critics, however, say the move is politically motivated and part of a broader agenda to erase LGBTQ+ visibility from public life.A Cruel Political ActOrlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, a Democrat, condemned the crosswalks removal in a statement.This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nations largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data or public discussion, is a cruel political act, Dyer said.He added that the crosswalk, which enhanced visibility for pedestrians visiting the memorial, was approved in full coordination with the state. While the state works to erase the memory of the victims of the Pulse tragedy by painting over the crosswalk, our communitys commitment to honoring the 49, and completing the memorial, will never waver.A Community RespondsOne of the most poignant voices in the aftermath was Brandon Wolf, a Pulse survivor and prominent LGBTQ+ advocate. In a statement on X, Wolf called the states action a desecration of memory.In the dark of night, they came to erase our show of solidarity, our declaration that we will never forget, he wrote. The cowards who feel threatened by our lives should feel lucky they didnt have to bury the ones they love.Later, Wolf shared an image of the restored rainbow crosswalk with a simple message: I love you, Orlando.Smith also posted a video from the repainted site, stating, Of course they did this in the middle of the night because they knew what they were doing was wrong. He added that he was proud to join Orlando residents in recoloring the rainbow crosswalk, emphasizing, We reminded everyone that love always wins.GLAAD, Advocates Condemn States DecisionNational LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD issued a statement following the crosswalks removal and grassroots restoration.Orlando community members continue to show up for each other, in grief, outrage, and love, a spokesperson said to Newsweek. LGBTQ people and our history will never be erased, and the lives taken at Pulse will never be forgotten.GLAAD also challenged claims that the crosswalk presented any safety hazards, noting, To our knowledge, the state has never provided evidence of safety issues related to the rainbow crosswalk, which has been in place for eight years.Source

Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Derrick Harmon has sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain and is expected to be sidelined, sources confirmed to ESPN.

The Red Sox are moving Walker Buehler to the bullpen, manager Alex Cora said before the team's Friday night game against the Yankees in New York.

Past experience has left some people skeptical that political change in Venezuela will come from the outside.

The federal program supports universities with high numbers of Latino students. Trump officials said they wouldnt defend it against a lawsuit, which could effectively end the program.

Also, the Fed chair signaled that interest rates could soon come down. Heres the latest at the end of Friday.

With Turcotte in the saddle, Secretariat powered to victory in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 1973 and then demolished the competition in the Belmont Stakes.

As President Trump asks Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps, some Indiana conservatives are pushing back. They should leave it alone, one legislator said.

Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill, Thursday, May 2, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)2025-08-22T19:19:05Z Follow live updates on President Donald Trump and his administration WASHINGTON (AP) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired a general whose agencys initial intelligence assessment of U.S. damage to Iranian nuclear sites angered President Donald Trump, according to two people familiar with the decision and a White House official.Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse will no longer serve as head of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, according to the people, who spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly.Hegseth also fired Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, who is chief of the Navy Reserve, as well as Rear Adm. Milton Sands, a Navy SEAL officer who oversees Naval Special Warfare Command, another U.S. official said.No reasons were given for their firings, the latest in a series of steps targeting military leaders, intelligence officials and other perceived critics of Trump, who has demanded loyalty across the government. The administration also stripped security clearances this week from additional current and former national security officials. Taken together, the moves could chill dissent and send a signal against reaching conclusions at odds with Trumps interests. Trump decried agencys initial findings on US strikes on IranKruses firing comes two months after details of a preliminary assessment of U.S. airstrikes against Iran leaked to the media. It found that Irans nuclear program has been set back only a few months by the military effort, contradicting assertions from Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Republican president, who had pronounced the Iranian program completely and fully obliterated, rejected the report. His oft-repeated criticism of the DIA analysis built on his long-running distrust of intelligence assessments, including one published in 2017 that said Russia interfered on his behalf in the 2016 election. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence which is responsible for coordinating the work of 18 intelligence agencies, including the DIA has been declassifying years-old documents meant to cast doubt on those previous findings. Following the June strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, Hegseth lambasted the press for focusing on the preliminary assessment but did not offer any direct evidence of the destruction of the facilities.You want to call it destroyed, you want to call it defeated, you want to call it obliterated choose your word. This was a historically successful attack, Hegseth said at a news conference at the time.Democrats raise concerns about implications of key firingWhile the Pentagon has offered no details on the firings, Democrats in Congress have raised alarm over the precedent that Kruses ouster sets for the intelligence community.The firing of yet another senior national security official underscores the Trump administrations dangerous habit of treating intelligence as a loyalty test rather than a safeguard for our country, said Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee.Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, called on the administration to show why Kruse was fired or otherwise, we can only assume that this is another politically motivated decision intended to create an atmosphere of fear within the intelligence community. Trump has a history of removing government officials whose data and analysis he disagrees with. Earlier this month, after a lousy jobs report, he fired the official in charge of the data. His administration also has stopped posting reports on climate change, canceled studies on vaccine access and removed data on gender identity from government sites.Trump administration makes series of military and intelligence changesThe new firings culminate a week of broad Trump administration changes to the intelligence community and new shake-ups to military leadership.The Office of the Director of National Intelligence announced this week that it would slash its staff and budget and revoked more security clearances, a tactic the administration uses against those it sees as foes. The Pentagon also said the Air Forces top uniformed officer, Gen. David Allvin, planned to retire two years early. Hegseth and Trump have been aggressive in dismissing top military officials, often without formal explanation.The administration has fired Air Force Gen. CQ Brown Jr. as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the Navys top officer, the Air Forces second highest-ranking officer, and the top lawyers for three military service branches.In April, Hegseth dismissed Gen. Tim Haugh as head of the National Security Agency and Vice Adm. Shoshana Chatfield, who was a senior official at NATO.No public explanations have been offered by the Pentagon for any of the firings, though some of the officers were believed by the administration to endorse diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Trump has demanded government agencies purge DEI efforts.The ousters of Kruse, Lacore and Sands were reported earlier by The Washington Post. MICHELLE L. PRICE Price covers the White House. She previously covered the 2024 presidential campaign and politics, government and other news in New York, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. She is based in Washington. twitter mailto RSShttps://feedx.net https://feedx.site

Baby, you can't read the doll!Roxxxy Andrews is undoubtedly one of the most iconic queens to ever grace the main stage of RuPaul's Drag Race. As a three-time finalist of the hit show, the lovable queen has delivered so many hilarious one-liners and memorable moments on the show.From legendary wig reveals to unbelievable twerking skills, Andrews has delivered some of the best lip-syncs in the history of the show. However, one particular battle on All Stars 9 remains her all-time favorite."The one that I'm most fond of is 'No One Gets the Prize' with the nail file! I love the wig reveal, that was always my favorite, but something about the nail file moment... it was a song that I didn't necessarily know at all. Back in Florida, when girls fight, they like to file their nails. It became a moment just like the wig reveal! I'm so lucky to have been able to do that," Andrews tells PRIDE. See on Instagram As if her best moments on Drag Race weren't enough, she's also a viral sensation for a slew of hilarious memes that have taken over social media.Anyone who's on stan X (formerly Twitter) has likely seen one of her pics on their timeline, but Andrews is most fond of one meme that circulates quite often."The gun one! That was so back in the day. That was taken at Pulse Nightclub. I was doing Lady Gaga. It just reminds me of good old days at Pulse, honestly. That's why I love that meme so much and it's always so funny to laugh at it! These people are crazy and I love it."Although Andrews didn't snatch the crown while competing on the second and ninth seasons of All Stars, the performer is urging her longtime best friend and sister, Detox, to return to the werkroom one more time."I beg her all the time! I said, 'Sister, it's your time! You have got to come back.' Detox still works full time. She's always traveling. She's always booked. She's still a fan favorite and I think she would be absolutely amazing and we both know that she would be great! If they call her and ask her, she's going to be there. It's time for the kids to see Detox in full action!" See on Instagram Fans across the globe can't get enough of Andrews and they're showing the popular queen all of the love as she joins the star-studded cast of RuPauls Drag Race Werq The World, which is now touring in the United States.This year's tour is dedicated to biggest female pop stars and Andrews has the honor of depicting Mariah Carey, who'll be honored with the MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at this year's MTV Video Music Awards."It's a dream come true! As a young boy, I thought she was so gorgeous and that her vocals were out of this world. It's nice to take a backseat and be a diva! Mama deserves her Vanguard Award! She's still killing it. I'm so happy for her."Fans can see Roxxxy Andrews in RuPauls Drag Race Werq The World by getting tickets on the official website here. To see the full interview, check out the video at the top of the page.

Award-winning journalist and former color guard world champion Jase Peeples has officially entered the world of young adult fiction with Twirl, a high-energy queer romance set in the intensely competitive and often overlooked world of high school color guard.Described as Heartstopper meets Bring It On, but with a color guard twist, Twirl follows Ethan, a driven senior on the reigning national champion color guard team at Landon High School. Ethans only goal is to win another gold medal, but a bold message from a rival team member, Danny, changes everything. As the season heats up, so do their feelings for each other, along with the stakes that threaten their teams, reputations, and hearts.Published by Evernight Teen, Twirl hit shelves on May 9 and quickly soared to the No. 1 spot on Amazons Hot New Releases for LGBTQ+ YA Romance.A Spotlight on Queer Teensand Color GuardPeeples, whose journalism has appeared in The Advocate, Out, and Healthline, said the inspiration for Twirl came directly from his own life in the marching arts.Peeples performed with the world-renowned Blue Devils World Class Winter Guard and is a three-time Winter Guard International (WGI) World Champion. Hes spent years teaching and designing for finalist color guards and marching bands across California. But for Twirl, it was about more than just spotlighting the sport, it was about showing queer teens at the center of it.More Than Just RivalsAlthough Twirl is being praised for its swoon-worthy romance, Peeples is quick to clarify that its not a traditional enemies-to-lovers narrative.The novel presents Ethan as gay and Danny as bisexual, identities that are central, but not sensationalized.Heart and TechniqueFor all its heartfelt romance, Twirl doesnt skip the sweat and grit of color guard competition. Peeples worked to strike a balance between the emotional arc of the characters and the physical demands of their sport.Peeples added that both plotlines were intertwined from the start: The pressures of competition fuel Ethan and Dannys challenges, but their growing feelings for each other also shape the way they handle the season. One always informed the other, and that helped keep both elements in balance.A Personal Story Told with PrideWhile Peeples acknowledges that both Ethan and Danny carry elements of his own personality, they each developed distinct identities.As queer rival-to-lovers stories remain relatively rare in YA literature, Peeples hopes Twirl will expand representation and encourage more stories that center queer joy, not just struggle.Source

Keegan Bradley said Friday he has a "pretty good idea" who his six captain's picks will be for the Ryder Cup.

Mayor Eric Adams defended his administration and his re-election bid on Friday amid corruption charges against some of his closest allies.

As a handful of states have made moves and begun discussing redrawing their maps, heres whats at stake.

The citys corruption once had ambition to match its soaring skyscrapers. Indictments this week described cut-rate schemes with far lower returns and there was that cash in a potato-chip bag.

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Let us all rejoicify! Jonathan Bailey is bringing the slutty little glasses back and this time, he enlisted the help of a few familiar Ozians. The Jurassic World: Rebirth star has restocked his sold-out Cubitts collaboration with 1,000 more pairs of the limited-edition Loomis sunglasses. The frames, which Bailey famously sported on his press tour, are sold in support of his nonprofit The Shameless Fund.Founded by Bailey, the organization raises money for international, national and grassroots nonprofits fighting anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Its mission is to forge a world where every LGBTQ+ person can live authentically, love freely and thrive without the burdens of discrimination, oppression or shame.To mark the relaunch, Bailey enlisted a few familiar faces. The new promo video features Wicked stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Ethan Slater, and Bowen Yang, alongside Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh and Marissa Bode, all donning the glasses in playful cameos.Bailey praised the collaboration with Cubitts. Ive worn Cubitts for nearly a decade. Theyre a powerhouse brand with serious style, headed by a super cool team. It was a no-brainer for Dr. Henry Loomis to wear them, he said. This is a pair of glasses that make everyone look sexy, feel sexy, and make the world seem sexier. Right now, we all could use a rose-tinted perspective. Go wild!The Loomis frames first turned heads during Baileys Jurassic World: Rebirth press tour, where fans quickly dubbed them his slutty little glasses. Their viral appeal made them an instant cult accessory, with the initial release selling out quickly. Half of the proceeds from the new drop will benefit The Shameless Fund. The Loomis sunglasses are available for preorder now.Source

Ayesha Curry, who is married to two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry, revealed he wanted to be a high school basketball coach.

South Carolina assistant coach Travian Robertson is hospitalized in stable condition after being involved in a car accident Friday in the Columbia, South Carolina, area, the school said.

The president focused on cities like Los Angeles and Washington as he deployed federal troops and railed against crime. But on Friday, in reference to San Francisco, he said, Well clean that one up, too.

Dasha knows how to keep us up past midnight. In the brand-new music video for Like It Like That, which dropped Friday, Aug. 22, the rising star, 25, checks into a roadside motel for a rendezvous thats equal parts steamy and playful. With the door left unlocked, her mystery man (Love Islands Rob Rausch) slips in around 2 a.m., and what follows is a blur of takeout, drinks, smoke, and late-night chaos.The vibe? A little reckless, very romantic, and exactly what the song is all about.No Pressure, No PlanLike It Like That is about letting go of that pressure to get love right and embracing the moments that dont fit the plan, Dasha shared in a press release. At this point in my life, Im not trying to have it all figured outsometimes the so-called wrong person is exactly right for right now.She doubled down on the message with refreshing honesty: I think theres so much pressure to meet the one and get it right on the first try, especially for women, but Im 25. Im not looking for perfection; Im looking for good stories and chasing feelings that I can get songs out of.Living in the MomentThe Austin singer admits she doesnt have it all figured outand shes totally fine with that. I have no idea what Im doing half the time, and Im still learning parts of myselfI think everyone my age is doing the same, she said.For her, its about following sparks, not scripts: No pressure, no plan, just whatever makes your heart skip a couple of beats and reminds you that thats what living is supposed to feel like sometimes. Letting things be what they are, and heck, maybe thats eating takeout with a man who can only be a bad idea at 2 a.m.Watch It NowLike It Like That is cheeky, a little messy, and undeniably funjust like its video. Consider this your official reminder that sometimes the best love stories arent the ones that last forever, but the ones that make for an unforgettable night.Source

A squirrel ran onto the field during Friday night's game between the Yankees and the Red Sox and caused a brief delay.

Shane Bieber struck out nine over six dominant innings of one-run ball in his debut with the Blue Jays and first appearance in 16 months on Friday night.

Former NBA star Shawn Kemp was sentenced to 30 days of electronic home monitoring for shooting at two men inside a vehicle in a Washington state mall parking lot.

The NBA free agent made a surprise cameo, showing off his moves alongside the Grammy Award-winning singer.

Nadine and Robert Menendez, a former senator, were convicted of taking bribes. Seeking leniency, Ms. Menendezs relatives and friends agree she is not a criminal mastermind.

The order to stop construction on Revolution Wind off the coast of Rhode Island is part of a campaign against renewable energy.

The State Department offered few details about its plans for the 55 million visa holders, and it was unclear if it was culling travel documents, or making less drastic changes.

Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler, considered the top pitching prospect in baseball, became just the fourth pitcher to record a four-inning save in his major league debut.

In a courthouse interview with the deputy attorney general, Ms. Maxwell, who has been convicted of sex trafficking, maintained that President Trump and other famous figures were not involved.