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Published by AlterNet The chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee is pressing the Department of Justice for details about a former FBI agent who was indicted for working for a sanctioned Russian oligarch and laundering the proceeds. Charles F. McGonigal retired as special agent in charge of counterintelligence for the FBI’s New York office in 2018. McGonigal allegedly began cooperating with an agent of aluminum baron Oleg Deripaska while he was still working for the FBI. Deripaska is under indictment for allegedly evading sanctions and obstructing justice. Dick Durban raised urgent questions in his open letter to A… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story A Christian school in Kansas City is being forced to close after its donations almost completely dried up ever since it came out in support of LGBTQ rights. The Kansas City Star reports that the Urban Christian Academy announced its support for LGBTQ rights last year and, by the end of the year, it had lost 80 percent of its funding. “Before publicly supporting the LGBTQ community, Urban Christian Academy raised nearly $334,000 in December 2021,” the Kansas City Star writes. “This past December, donations dropped to $14,800. All eight churches that helped fund the school withdrew their support… Read More View the full article

Published by Al-Araby The Taliban arrested Samir, a 21-year-old gay man from Faryab province, for the first time back last November after he had been repatriated to Afghanistan from Iran. They abused him with homophobic slurs and sent private photos from his phone — of him in women’s clothes and with his boyfriend — to his family. “They told my family this was proof I was gay,” he said. He was soon released, but weeks later the Taliban returned and detained him again. This time the abuse was physical — he was tortured so severely that he’s now deaf in one ear. “After this happened, my parents disowned me and threw … Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ has seemingly added the first transgender ‘Harry Potter’ character. The introduction of Sirona Ryan, a barkeep at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, comes amid the J.K. Rowling transgender row. Although It’s not stated in the game if Sirona is transgender, one piece of dialogue about an encounter with a goblin called Lodgok suggests as much. Sirona says: “I’ve known [Lodgok] for years. We met when I was waiting tables here as a student — well before I bought the place. “He was cordial enough, but we weren’t friends then. His mistrust of wizardkind ran deep… Hadn’t seen him in years when he came in a few months ago. But, he recognised me instantly. Which is more than I can say for some of my own classmates. Took them a second to realise I was actually a witch, not a wizard.” Warner Bros. Games has insisted Rowling is “not directly involved”, though her writing has provided the “foundation” for the title. The acclaimed scribe first caused controversy when she took issue with an online article’s mention of “people who menstruate” by tweeting: “‘People who menstruate’. I’m sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” Among those who have since hit out at the author over her remarks are ‘Harry Potter’ actors including Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), as well as Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), who featured in her ‘Fantastic Beasts’ films. The much-discussed role-playing title arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC this Friday (10.02.23). PlayStation 4 and Xbox One follows on April 4 and Nintendo Switch players will have a while longer to wait with a date set for July 25. View the full article

Published by PsyPost In a guest editorial at the journal of Bioethics, Joona Räsänen of Aarhus University discusses the possibility of sexual loneliness as a neglected public health problem. A recent study found that between the years 2000-2002 and 2016-2018, the proportion of men between ages 18-24 who reported no sexual activity over the past year increased from roughly 19% to 31%. However, this trend did not apply to women. A similar pattern has been confirmed in other research as well. Despite this trend among men, there is also another pattern at play; there is a category of men who report having more sexual … Read More View the full article

Published by Relaxnews By Robyn BECK / AFP For once, men overshadowed women on the red carpet of the 65th Grammy Awards. Overalls, jumpsuits, oversized capes, and colorful or floral suits replaced the formal tuxedo, taking men’s fashion far away from its traditional codes. These sartorial choices reflect a keenness to shake up certain standards, and to pave the way for more diverse visions of masculinity. For once, men overshadowed women on the red carpet of the 65th Grammy Awards. Overalls, jumpsuits, oversized capes, and colorful or floral suits replaced the formal tuxedo, taking men’s fashion far away from its tr… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Tyler Clifford NEW YORK (Reuters) – An independent New York City police review board has recommended that the department punish dozens of officers for excessive use of force and other alleged misconduct during protests that followed the 2020 murder of George Floyd, according to a report released on Monday. Among the complaints, officers were found to have used batons and pepper spray on peaceful protesters in 140 instances. Dozens of allegations of abuse of authority, including officers refusing to identify themselves, concealing their badges and making false or misleading statements, were also substantiated, the report by Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) said. More than 600, or 43%, of misconduct allegations were closed after officers could not be identified, raising a big obstacle in the board’s review, the report said. “This report shows why the NYPD cannot continue to have a monopoly on discipline,” Molly Biklen, deputy legal director at the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement. “When New Yorkers took to the streets calling for racial justice in 2020, the NYPD responded with violence.” Thousands of protesters flooded New York streets for weeks in demonstrations against police brutality days after Floyd, a Black man accused of passing a counterfeit $20 bill, died when a white Minneapolis police officer pinned his neck to the ground with a knee for several minutes in May 2020. Smaller-scale protests continued into early fall. The New York Police Department (NYPD) objected to many of the report’s findings, saying less than 15% of all allegations were substantiated. In a statement, it accused the board of exaggerating the extent of any misconduct, saying it involved less than 1% of 22,000 officers deployed during the protests. The less that 15% substantiation rate of allegations against officers confirms “that the NYPD’s response to the protests during the summer of 2020 was largely professional, commendable, and responsive to the unique circumstances that were present at the time,” NYPD Acting Deputy Commissioner Carrie Talansky said in a statement. Hundreds of officers were injured and the department had already implemented many of the 17 policy changes recommended by the board, NYPD said. “Protests against police brutality bred more instances of police misconduct,” CCRB Interim Chair Arva Rice said in the report. “If this misconduct goes unaddressed, it will never be reformed.” Of the 146 officers cited by the report, 89 of them should face internal charges, which can result in termination. The board recommended discipline, which can include the loss of vacation days, for the other 57 officers. The board, composed of 15 members appointed by the mayor, city council and police commissioner, has the power to conduct administrative prosecutions, but the commissioner has final say over any discipline. (Reporting by Tyler Clifford in New York; Editing by Bill Berkrot) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Trevor Noah poked fun at Prince Harry’s frostbitten penis during the Grammy Awards on Sunday (05.02.23). The 38-year-old star couldn’t resist mocking the prince’s intimate revelation about his icy agony – which he explained in his memoir ‘Spare’ happened during a 2011 charity walk at the North Pole – when he introduced James Corden to the stage. He quipped: “James Corden is a 12-time Emmy winner and the host of ‘The Late Late Show.’ “He’s also living proof that a man can move from London to L.A. and not tell everyone about his frostbitten penis.” Earlier in the evening, the former ‘Daily Show’ presenter had mingled with the A-list crowd at their tables during his opening monologue. He joked about Harry Styles’ flamboyant fashion sense when celebrating the ‘As It Was’ hitmaker’s six nominations. He quipped: “What can you say about this man that hasn’t been said? Incredible album. Mind-blowing tour. A 15-night run at MSG and the Forum. “Women throw their panties at this man, then he puts them on, and he looks better in them than they do. “Easily the world’s sexiest man. Are you kidding? There’s no competition. Sex symbol of the globe, especially now that they’ve killed off the green M+M. No competition.” He then praised Kendrick Lamar’s album ‘Mr Morale + the Big Steppers’, describing the record as a “therapy session that earned him multiple Grammy nominations.” He added: “All my therapy ever got me was helping me overcome my childhood trauma — useless.” Although she wasn’t there for the beginning, Trevor also praised Beyonce, joking she had been the one to inspire his departure from ‘The Daily Show’. He said: “Beyoncé is nominated for her album Renaissance, which by the way, was better than anything from the actual renaissance in my opinion. “The Renaissance was just pictures of grapes and stuff. Beyoncé took it to another level. I was so inspired by the lyrics of ‘Break My Soul’ that I actually quit my job. That’s how powerful that was. I just wish Beyoncé had also written a song about the importance of having savings before you quit your job, but maybe the next one.” But the South African comic wasn’t afraid to take a serious tone either, and ahead of the In Memoriam segment, he reflected on the importance of music in bringing people together. He said: “It’s Black kids and white kids rejecting segregation in the 1950s, and instead, blending R B, country and even gospel into rock and roll. “In the 1980s, a young black rapper from Queens and a Jewish white kid in his NYU dorm came together to make some of the greatest hip-hop of all time. They made a powerful new sound together because they were different. “Music isn’t just the harmony of sound. It’s the harmony of human beings of different races, genders, religions, identities, sexual orientations … rejecting division to find moments of joy and unity and harmony, and that’s what music is all about.” View the full article

Published by Raw Story Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said that he believes Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will challenge President Joe Biden for the presidency in 2024 because his “cadence” sounds like former President Barack Obama. In a podcast recorded on Sunday, Cruz commented on a CNN interview with Buttigieg about a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon. “Just something I noticed listening to that — did you pick up on Buttigieg’s cadence?” Cruz asked his co-host. “He is mimicking Barack Obama.” Using a robotic voice, Cruz repeated some of Buttigieg’s quotes. “He’s doing this speed up and pause; speed up and pa… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Danielle Broadway LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The biggest names in the music industry gathered in Los Angeles on Sunday for the 65th annual Grammy Awards ceremony. Here is a list of winners in key categories: ALBUM OF THE YEAR “Harry’s House” – Harry Styles RECORD OF THE YEAR “About Damn Time” – Lizzo SONG OF THE YEAR “Just Like That” – Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt) BEST NEW ARTIST Samara Joy BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE “Unholy” – Sam Smith & Kim Petras BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM “Harry’s House” – Harry Styles BEST RAP PERFORMANCE “The Heart Part 5” – Kendrick Lamar BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE “Broken Horses” – Brandi Carlile BEST R&B SONG “CUFF IT”- Beyonce BEST COUNTRY ALBUM “A Beautiful Time” – Willie Nelson (Reporting by Danielle Broadway; Editing by Mary Milliken) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Kim Petras paid tribute to the “transgender legends” who “kicked the doors open” for her as she picked up her first Grammy Award on Sunday (05.02.23). The 30-year-old singer and her collaborator Sam Smith scooped the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance accolade for ‘Unholy’ and the German star reflected on her history-making win as she gave an acceptance speech on behalf of them both, with the ‘Stay With Me’ hitmaker “graciously” offering the microphone to her for the full segment. Standing next to Sam, Kim said: “Thank you so much, crazy. Sam I love you so much and this song has been an incredible journey for me. Sam has been a big supporter of me for a long time and Sam graciously wanted me to accept the award because I’m the first transgender woman to win this award. “I just want to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked the doors open for me so I could be here tonight. Sophie especially, my friend who passed away two years ago, who told me this would happen and always believed in me thank you so much for your inspiration. I adore you and you’re inspirational for everybody. “”Madonna, for fighting for LGBTQ rights. Thank you so much, I don’t think I could be here without Madonna. “My mother, my mother believed me that I Was a girl and I wouldn’t be here without her and her support. “Everyone who believed in me to this point, I love you so much, this is a huge moment for me. “Sam, you’re a true hero and an angel and I love you. Everyone who helped make this song, I love you so much.” The pair scooped the accolade ahead of ABBA for ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’, Camila Cabello and Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bam Bam’, Coldplay and BTS’ collaboration ‘My Universe’, and Post Malone and Doja Cat’s ‘I Like You (A Happier Song)’. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Beyonce made history when she set a new record for most Grammy Award wins on Sunday (05.02.23). The 41-year-old singer had started the day three victories behind composer Sir Georg Solti – who secured his 31st Grammy in 1997 – but victories in the Best R+B Song, Plastic Off the Sofa’, Best Song Written for Visual Media, and Best Traditional R+B Performance categories saw her equal his haul, and she went one better when ‘Renaissance’ won Best Dance/Electronic Recording. Beyonce – who also has the joint most Grammy nominations alongside husband Jay-Z with 88 each – said: “I’m trying not to be too emotional. I’m trying to just receive this night. I wanna thank God for protecting me. “Thank you, God. I’d like to thank my Uncle Jonny, who’s not here but he’s here in spirit. I’d like to thank my parents — my father, my mother, for loving me and pushing me. “I’d like to thank my beautiful husband, my beautiful three children who are at home watching. I’d like to thank the queer community for your love and for inventing the genre. God bless you. Thank you so much to the Grammys.” Elsewhere at the ceremony, there were surprise wins in most of the major categories, with Harry Styles beating the likes of Beyonce, Adele, Kendrick Lamar and Coldplay to Record of the Year for Harry’s House, and Bonnie Raitt triumphing in Song of the Year. The 73-year-old star was stunned by her victory. She said: “I’m so surprised, I don’t know what to say. “I don’t write a lot of songs but I’m so proud that you appreciate this one. I’m totally humbled.” Lizzo won Record of the Year for ‘About Damn Time’ and after dedicating her win to the late Prince, she heaped praise on fellow nominee Beyonce. She said: “Beyoncé, in the 5th grade I skipped school to see you perform. You changed my life. The way you made me feel, I was like, ‘I want to make people feel this way with my music.’ So thank you so much Beyonce. You clearly are the artist of our lives!” Meanwhile, Bad Bunny opened the show with a lively performance paying tribute to his native Puerto Rico, while other notable performances included a Motown medley from Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and WanMor, who were joined by Chris Stapleton on guitar, an explosive rendition of ‘Unholy’ from Sam Smith and Kim Petras after they had won the Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance accolade, and a hip-hop tribute that spanned over 15 minutes and saw more than 30 artists take to the stage at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. In what has already been described as one of the best ever performances at the event, the likes of Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Queen Latifah, and Busta Rhymes celebrated the 50th anniversary of the genre. Grammy Awards 2023 selected list of winners: Record Of The Year: ‘About Damn Time’ — Lizzo Album Of The Year: ‘Harry’s House’ — Harry Styles Song Of The Year: ‘Just Like That’ — Bonnie Raitt, songwriter (Bonnie Raitt) Best New Artist: Samara Joy Best Pop Solo Performance: ‘Easy on Me’ – Adele Best Pop Duo/ Group Performance: ‘Unholy’ – Kim Petras and Sam Smith Best Pop Vocal Album: ‘Harry’s House’ — Harry Styles Best Country Album: ‘A Beautiful Time’ – Willie Nelson Best Rap Album: ‘Mr. Morale + the Big Steppers’ – Kendrick Lamar Best Dance/Electronic Music Album: ‘RENAISSANCE’— Beyoncé Best Alternative Music Album: ‘Wet Leg’ — Wet Leg Cool It Down — Yeah Yeah Yeahs Best Rock Album: ‘Patient Number 9’ – Ozzy Osbourne Best R B Album: ‘Black Radio III’ – Robert Glasper View the full article

Published by Miami Herald MIAMI — In the athletic trainer’s office at Miami Senior High are green Gatorade jugs, water bottles, anatomical posters, two massage tables — and years of private medical records of male and female high school athletes, stacked on a rack, stored in dusty, dog-eared cardboard crates labeled “bankers box.” Included in what is collected and stored is information on female athletes’ menstrual cycles, from a series of “optional” questions on the Florida High School Athletic Association’s athletic physical form. At least they have been optional questions until now. Last month, FHSAA’s sports adviso… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s top court on Monday ruled that the policy of barring transgender people from changing their gender shown on ID cards unless they undergo full sex reassignment surgery violates their rights and is unconstitutional. The Court of Final Appeal unanimously sided with appeals launched by transgender activists Henry Tse and another appellant identified as “Q” and quashed the Commissioner of Registration’s decision to refuse their applications to change their gender on their Hong Kong Identity Cards. “The policy’s consequence is to place persons like the appellants in the dilemma of having to choose whether to suffer regular violations of their privacy rights or to undergo highly invasive and medically unnecessary surgery, infringing their right to bodily integrity,” the judges wrote in their judgment. “Clearly this does not reflect a reasonable balance. The Policy imposes an unacceptably harsh burden on the individuals concerned.” Both Tse and Q underwent lengthy medical and surgical treatments, including hormonal treatment and removal of breasts, but the registrar still required them to conduct a full sex reassignment surgery, which the pair argued was unnecessary, unwanted and highly invasive. Tse welcomed the judgment as it would solve the “burning issues” he encountered due to possessing a wrong ID and he called for a gender recognition law. “Today’s result is delayed justice, a Pyrrhic victory. This very case should never have happened,” Tse said in a statement. “I will continue to work hard to plant the seeds for the transgender rights movement with my partners at Transgender Equality Hong Kong. I believe that one day, we shall succeed and welcome the rainbow with open arms.” The former British colony of Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula meant to guarantee its freedoms and independent legal system for 50 years. Many residents accuse Communist Party rulers in Beijing of creeping interference in the city’s affairs, an accusation China denies. (Reporting by Jessie Pang; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Nick Macfie) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Pop superstar Beyonce broke the record for most career wins at music’s Grammy awards on Sunday but lost again in the prestigious album of the year category, this time to British singer Harry Styles. Beyonce added four Grammys to her collection, bringing her lifetime total to 32 and surpassing the tally of late classical conductor Georg Solti. She was nominated for nine awards this year. Despite her success through the years, the 41-year-old “Break My Soul” singer has never claimed the best album trophy with any of her four nominations in the category. Styles took home that honor on Sunday for “Harry’s House.” “I’ve been so inspired by every artist in this category,” a surprised Styles said as he accepted the award. “On nights like tonight, it’s obviously so important for us to remember that there is no such thing as best in music.” Styles had thrilled the crowd with a performance of his hit single “As It Was,” sparkling in a silver fringe jumpsuit. The former “One Direction” singer triumphed over a formidable list of album contenders that included Beyonce, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny, singer and flutist Lizzo, British vocalist Adele and disco-era Swedish hitmaker ABBA. Beyonce took the stage as she secured the all-time Grammy record with her award for best dance/electronic album for “Renaissance.” “I am trying not to be too emotional. I am trying just to receive this night,” Beyonce said. “I want to thank God for protecting me. Thank you, God.” She also thanked her family and “the queer community for your love and for inventing the genre.” Earlier, Beyonce was absent when she was named the winner of best R&B song for “Cuff It.” Host Trevor Noah said the singer was stuck in traffic. He later handed her the trophy at her seat in the audience. Grammy voters spread the top awards among several artists. Lizzo’s upbeat “About Damn Time” won record of the year. She dedicated the award to Prince, saying the late artist had inspired her to make positive music. Lizzo also saluted Beyonce and recalled how she skipped out of school in fifth grade to see the “Halo” singer in concert. “You clearly are the artist of our lives,” Lizzo said. Blues singer Bonnie Raitt’s “Just Like That,” about an organ donor, won song of the year, one of her three awards on Sunday. BEYONCE FANS AGGRIEVED Winners were chosen by roughly 11,000 members of the Recording Academy, which has faced complaints that it has failed to give proper recognition to Black artists. The group has taken steps in recent years to diversify its membership and overhaul voting procedures. Fans of Beyonce flooded social media on Sunday, making the word “ROBBED” a trending topic on Twitter. “Beyonce has yet again been robbed,” Twitter user @coreynmarie wrote. The ceremony aired live on the CBS television network and streaming service Paramount+. In other categories, Bad Bunny took home the award for best música urbana album for “Un Verano Sin Ti.” “I want to dedicate this award to Puerto Rico, the cradle of reggaeton,” Bad Bunny said in a mix of English and Spanish. For best rap album, Kendrick Lamar triumphed with “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers.” “I finally found imperfection with this album,” Lamar said. The ceremony featured a tribute to 50 years of hip-hop with performances by an all-star linuep of artists ranging from Public Enemy to Busta Rhymes, Queen Latifah and Missy Elliott. American jazz singer Samara Joy was named best new artist. “Oh my gosh. I’ve been watching you all on TV for so long,” she said. “All of you are so inspiring to me.” U.S. first lady Jill Biden presented a new honor for a song that tackles social issues. That accolade went to Iranian singer and songwriter Shervin Hajipour for “Baraye,” which Biden called a “powerful and poetic call for freedom and women’s rights.” (Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway; Editing by Mary Milliken and Stephen Coates) View the full article

Published by AlterNet U.S. Rep. George Santos is denying an allegation he sexually assaulted a prospective staffer he had offered a $50,000 a year job to who was on his second day of work in the embattled and disgraced New York Republican’s Capitol Hill office. “It’s comical,” Congressman Santos, often referred to as a “serial liar,” told CNN’s Kit Maher. “Of course, I deny that claim,” he insisted. The staffer, working as a volunteer because, he says, the Santos office was waiting for the congressional payroll department to complete his paperwork, filed an official complaint with the House Ethics Office and, he sa… Read More View the full article

Published by AFP US authorities see white supremacists and neo-Nazis as behind a number of recent attacks on power stations Washington (AFP) – US authorities announced the arrests Monday of the co-founder of the notorious Atomwaffen neo-Nazi group and a woman he met online in the latest extremist plot to attack public electricity facilities. The FBI said Brandon Russell, who helped found Atomwaffen in 2015, was arrested in Florida, after spending four years in prison for possessing bomb-making materials. The woman, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, was arrested in Maryland where she had also spent time in prison for armed robbery. Guided by Russell, Clendaniel had planned to acquire a gun and to attack five electrical substations around Baltimore, Maryland, the FBI said. “Sara Beth Clendaniel and Brandon Russell conspired to inflict maximum harm on the power grid, a key component of our critical infrastructure,” said Thomas Sobocinski, a special agent of the FBI Baltimore field office. “Russell provided instructions and location information. He described attacking the power transformers as the greatest thing somebody can do,” he said in a press conference. Clendaniels said doing so “would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste,” according to the indictment filed in federal court. Series of attacks The arrest follows a series of attacks on power substations in various parts of the country, believed to be by white supremacists aiming to foment unrest. In early January two men were arrested in the state of Washington after attacks on four power substations using high-powered weapons that knocked out power for around 15,500 homes and businesses on Christmas Day. In early December, 45,000 homes and businesses in Moore County, North Carolina were left without power after someone used a high-powered rifle to damage two electricity substations. On January 17 another North Carolina power facility was damaged by gunshot. No suspects have been arrested in those cases. In February 2022, three men with neo-Nazi ties pleaded guilty in Columbus, Ohio to plotting to use rifles and explosives to damage power infrastructure in various locations. In 2021 five men who allegedly had white supremacist beliefs were charged in North Carolina with planning similar attacks. Clendaniels and Russell met online while he was in prison and the two apparently became close. She told him she had a potentially terminal kidney disease, and they “discussed having kids together,” and talked about “warfare,” the indictment said. But there was no evidence the two ever met in person. Monday’s indictment described Atomwaffen as a “violent extremist group” that has targeted racial minorities, the Jewish community, the LGBTQ community, the government and critical infrastructure. In recent years the group changed its name to “National Socialist Order,” the filing said. View the full article