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Published by Reuters By Andrew Chung (Reuters) – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito on Tuesday denounced the ongoing debate over the institution’s legitimacy amid a backlash over its decision on abortion last June, saying such criticism focuses on “character” rather than the court’s rulings. Alito, speaking at an event organized by the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank in Washington, also condemned the leak last May of his draft opinion overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, saying it made the justices “targets.” The justice, who authored the ruling formally overturning Roe in June, made the comments amid heavy scrutiny of the court since the abortion decision, as well as others powered by the court’s conservative majority widening gun rights and curbing the government’s power to tackle climate change. The legitimacy of the court, which has a 6-3 conservative majority, largely depends on its acceptance by the public as an institution whose actions are based on the law, not the justices’ political preferences. Polls show that the court’s public approval has reached record lows. Alito did not name liberal Justice Elena Kagan, but she has repeatedly expressed concerns in recent weeks, including in September at an event in Chicago when she said the court’s legitimacy could be imperiled if Americans come to view its members as trying to impose personal preferences on society. She echoed those comments in a discussion at the University of Pennsylvania last week. Everyone is free to strongly criticize the court’s decisions or the reasoning behind them, Alito said. “But to say that the court is exhibiting a lack of integrity is something quite different. That goes to character, not to a disagreement with the result or the reasoning.” Alito added: “Someone also crosses an important line when they say that the court is acting in a way that is illegitimate. I don’t think anybody in a position of authority should make that claim lightly.” In blunt terms, Alito also commented on the man who was charged with attempted murder after being arrested near the Maryland home of conservative Justice Brett Kavanaugh in June. Alito said the leak of his draft opinion made the conservative justices who at the time were thought to back overturning Roe v. Wade “targets for assassination because it gave people a rational reason to think they could prevent that from happening by killing one of us.” The conservative majority has shown an increasing willingness to take on divisive issues as it steers the court on a rightward path. The court’s new term, which began on Oct. 3, promises to be just as consequential. Potential rulings in major cases could end affirmative action policies used by colleges and universities to increase campus racial diversity, hobble a federal law called the Voting Rights Act, and make it easier for businesses to refuse service to LGBT people based on free-speech rights. President Joe Biden’s recent appointee Ketanji Brown Jackson has joined Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor in the court’s liberal bloc. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; editing by Richard Pullin) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Bad Bunny and Harry Styles lead the nominations for the 2022 People’s Choice Awards. The 28-year-old Puerto Rican rapper – real name Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio – is up for seven accolades, while the ‘Late Night Talking’ singer is up for six prizes. The pair will battle it out for Male Artist of 2022, Song of 2022 for ‘Me Porto Bonito’ and ‘As It Was’ respectively, Album of 2022 their respective LPs ‘Un Verano Sin Ti’ and ‘Harry’s House’ and the Concert Tour of 2022 for Bad Bunny’s ‘World’s Hottest Tour’ and Harry’s ‘Love On Tour’. Bad Bunny is also nominated for Latin Artist of 2022, the Collaboration Song of 2022 for ‘Party’ – which also features Rauw Alejandro – and Social Celebrity of 2022. Alternatively, Harry has been named in the categories for Music Video of 2022 for ‘As It Was’ and Drama Movie Star of 2022 for his performance in ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ – which was directed by his girlfriend Olivia Wilde. Other notable nominees include Luke Combs, Selena Gomez, Lizzo and Charlie Puth, who all received four nominations each. The 2022 People’s Choice Awards takes place on December 6 and will be held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. The star-studded ceremony will air simultaneously on E! and NBC and will be hosted by comedian Kenan Thompson for the second consecutive year. Kenan, 44, is also nominated in the Comedy TV Star of 2022 for his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’, the sketch show that he has contributed for 20 seasons in a row making him the longest-running cast member. Speaking about his hosting role, he said: “I’m beyond excited to host the People’s Choice Awards again this year and celebrate the incredible talent and fans that this show unites. I’m so grateful to be nominated – shout out to the fans and congrats to all the nominees. Get ready for round two!!” Voting for the 2022 People’s Choice Awards is now open and will close on November 9. Fans can vote for the winners either online at VotePCA.com or via Twitter. Complete list of nominees for the 2022 People’s Choice Awards: The male artist of 2022: Bad Bunny Charlie Puth Drake Harry Styles Jack Harlow Kendrick Lamar Luke Combs The Weeknd The female artist of 2022: Beyoncé Camila Cabello Doja Cat Lady Gaga Lizzo Megan Thee Stallion Nicki Minaj Taylor Swift The group of 2022: BTS 5 Seconds of Summer Blackpink Coldplay Imagine Dragons Måneskin OneRepublic Panic! At The Disco The song of 2022: About Damn Time – Lizzo As It Was – Harry Styles Break My Soul – Beyoncé First Class – Jack Harlow Hold My Hand – Lady Gaga Me Porto Bonito – Bad Bunny Chencho Corleone Super Freaky Girl – Nicki Minaj Wait For U – Future Featuring Drake Tems The album of 2022: Dawn FM – The Weeknd Growin’ Up – Luke Combs Harry’s House – Harry Styles Midnights – Taylor Swift Mr. Morale The Big Steppers – Kendrick Lamar Renaissance – Beyoncé Special – Lizzo Un Verano Sin Ti – Bad Bunny The country artist of 2022: Carrie Underwood Kane Brown Kelsea Ballerini Luke Combs Maren Morris Miranda Lambert Morgan Wallen Thomas Rhett The Latin artist of 2022: Anitta Bad Bunny Becky G Shakira Karol G Rauw Alejandro Rosalía Sebastián Yatra The new artist of 2022: Chlöe Dove Cameron Gayle Latto Lauren Spencer-Smith Muni Long Saucy Santana Steve Lacy The music video of 2022: Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift As It Was – Harry Styles Left and Right (feat. Jung Kook of BTS) – Charlie Puth Let Somebody Go – Coldplay X Selena Gomez Oh My God – Adele Pink Venom – Blackpink Provenza – Karol G Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment) Official – BTS The collaboration song of 2022: Left and Right – Charlie Puth Featuring Jung Kook Bam Bam – Camila Cabello Featuring Ed Sheeran Do We Have a Problem? – Nicki Minaj X Lil Baby Freaky Deaky – Tyga X Doja Cat Hold Me Closer” – Elton John Britney Spears Jimmy Cooks – Drake Featuring 21 Savage Party – Bad Bunny Rauw Alejandro Sweetest Pie – Megan Thee Stallion Dua Lipa The concert tour of 2022: BTS Permission to Dance on Stage Bad Bunny: World’s Hottest Tour Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever, The World Tour Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia Tour Ed Sheeran Tour Harry Styles Love on Tour Lady Gaga: The Chromatica Ball Luke Combs: The Middle of Somewhere Tour The social celebrity of 2022: Bad Bunny Charlie Puth Doja Cat Lil Nas X Lizzo Reese Witherspoon Selena Gomez Snoop Dogg The movie of 2022: Bullet Train Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Elvis Jurassic World Dominion Nope The Batman Thor: Love and Thunder Top Gun: Maverick The comedy movie of 2022: Fire Island Hustle Hocus Pocus 2 Marry Me Senior Year The Adam Project The Lost City Ticket to Paradise The action movie of 2022: Black Adam Bullet Train Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Jurassic World Dominion The Batman The Woman King Thor: Love and Thunder Top Gun: Maverick The drama movie of 2022: Nope Death on the Nile Don’t Worry Darling Elvis Halloween Ends Luckiest Girl Alive Scream Where the Crawdads Sing The male movie star of 2022: Brad Pitt – Bullet Train Chris Hemsworth – Thor: Love and Thunder Chris Pratt – Jurassic World Dominion Daniel Kaluuya – Nope Dwayne Johnson – Black Adam Miles Teller – Top Gun: Maverick Ryan Reynolds – The Adam Project Tom Cruise – Top Gun: Maverick The female movie star of 2022: Elizabeth Olsen – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Gal Gadot – Death on the Nile Jennifer Garner – The Adam Project Jennifer Lopez – Marry Me Joey King – Bullet Train Keke Palmer – Nope Queen Latifah – Hustle Viola Davis – The Woman King The drama movie star of 2022: Austin Butler – Elvis Daniel Kaluuya – Nope Florence Pugh – Don’t Worry Darling Gal Gadot – Death on the Nile Harry Styles – Don’t Worry Darling Jamie Lee Curtis – Halloween Ends Keke Palmer – Nope Mila Kunis – Luckiest Girl Alive The comedy movie star of 2022: Adam Sandler – Hustle Channing Tatum – The Lost City Jennifer Garner – The Adam Project Jennifer Lopez – Marry Me Julia Roberts – Ticket to Paradise Queen Latifah – Hustle Ryan Reynolds – The Adam Project Sandra Bullock – The Lost City The action movie star of 2022: Chris Hemsworth – Thor: Love and Thunder Chris Pratt – Jurassic World Dominion Dwayne Johnson – Black Adam Elizabeth Olsen – Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Joey King – Bullet Train Tom Cruise – Top Gun: Maverick Viola Davis – The Woman King Zöe Kravitz – The Batman The show of 2022: Abbott Elementary Better Call Saul Grey’s Anatomy House of the Dragon Obi-Wan Kenobi Saturday Night Live Stranger Things This Is Us The drama show of 2022: Better Call Saul Cobra Kai Euphoria Grey’s Anatomy Law Order: Special Victims Unit Ozark The Walking Dead This Is Us The comedy show of 2022: Abbott Elementary Black-ish Only Murders in the Building Never Have I Ever Saturday Night Live The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window Young Rock Young Sheldon The reality show of 2022: 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days Below Deck Sailing Yacht Jersey Shore: Family Vacation Love Hip Hop: Atlanta The Kardashians The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Selling Sunset The competition show of 2022: America’s Got Talent American Idol Dancing with the Stars RuPaul’s Drag Race The Bachelorette The Masked Singer Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls The Voice The male TV star of 2022: Dwayne Johnson – Young Rock Ewan McGregor – Obi-Wan Kenobi Ice-T – Law Order: Special Victims Unit Jason Bateman – Ozark Noah Schnapp – Stranger Things Norman Reedus – The Walking Dead Oscar Isaac – Moon Knight Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us The female TV star of 2022: Millie Bobby Brown – Stranger Things Ellen Pompeo – Grey’s Anatomy Kristen Bell – The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window Maitreyi Ramakrishnan – Never Have I Ever Mandy Moore – This Is Us Mariska Hargitay – Law Order: Special Victims Unit Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building The drama TV star of 2022: Ellen Pompeo – Grey’s Anatomy Jason Bateman – Ozark Mandy Moore – This Is Us Mariska Hargitay – Law Order: Special Victims Unit Norman Reedus – The Walking Dead Sterling K. Brown – This Is Us Sydney Sweeney – Euphoria Zendaya – Euphoria The comedy TV star of 2022: Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live Dwayne Johnson – Young Rock Kenan Thompson – Saturday Night Live Kristen Bell – The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window Maitreyi Ramakrishnan – Never Have I Ever Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary Selena Gomez – Only Murders in the Building Tracee Ellis Ross – Black-Ish The daytime talk show of 2022: Good Morning America Live with Kelly and Ryan The Drew Barrymore Show The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Jennifer Hudson Show The Kelly Clarkson Show The View Today with Hoda and Jenna The nighttime talk show of 2022: Jimmy Kimmel Live! Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Late Night with Seth Meyers The Daily Show The Late Late Show with James Corden The Late Show with Stephen Colbert The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen The competition contestant of 2022: Charli D’Amelio – Dancing with the Stars Bosco – RuPaul’s Drag Race Gabby Windey – The Bachelorette Mayyas – America’s Got Talent Noah Thompson – American Idol Selma Blair – Dancing with the Stars Teyana Taylor – The Masked Singer Willow Pill – RuPaul’s Drag Race The reality tv star of 2022: Chrishell Stause – Selling Sunset Garcelle Beauvais – The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Kandi Burruss – The Real Housewives of Atlanta Kenya Moore – The Real Housewives of Atlanta Khloé Kardashian – The Kardashians Kim Kardashian – The Kardashians Kyle Richards – The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino – Jersey Shore: Family Vacation The bingeworthy show of 2022: Bridgerton Bel-Air Dahmer-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story Inventing Anna Severance The Bear The Boys The Thing About Pam The sci-fi/fantasy show of 2022 House of The Dragon La Brea Moon Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Stranger Things The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power The Umbrella Academy The social star of 2022 Addison Rae Brent Rivera Charli D’Amelio Jay Shetty Khaby Lame Mikayla Jane Nogueira Mr Beast Noah Beck The comedy act of 2022 Amy Schumer: Whore Tour Chris Rock Ego Death World Tour 2022 David Spade: Nothing Personal (Netflix) Jo Koy: Live from the LA Forum Kevin Hart: Reality Check Steve Martin Martin Short You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today Wanda Sykes – Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration (Netflix) Whitney Cummings – Jokes (Netflix) The game changer of 2022 Chloe Kim LeBron James Megan Rapinoe Nathan Chen Rafael Nadal Russell Wilson Serena Williams Steph Curry The pop podcast of 2022 Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain Archetypes Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard Call Her Daddy Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend Not Skinny But Not Fat SmartLess Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicol View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino is “setting the record straight,” introducing her transgender son, Miles, to the world, RadarOnline.comhas learned. The former reality star proudly showed off her almost 15-year-old in a loving Instagram post on Tuesday evening, revealing her son asked her to share the news. Posting a sweet selfie with Miles, Alexis began her heartfelt message by writing, “Hey world, this is Miles. My transgender son. He’s now a month shy of 15 yrs old, so he’s seen the questions and comments made about him on my IG. Miles now has a voice and has asked me to do this post.” @alexis_bellino/Instagram The ex-RHOC star, 45, said she had “stopped posting for the past few months due to this transition in Miles’ life, but he’s now ready to ‘come out’ and to use this platform to stop any hate or questions.” Alexis was truthful with her 350k followers, telling them, “I refused him for a while, but now I know Miles truly wants this. He’s tired of the misgendering and confusion people have, so we are setting the record straight and hopefully bringing clarity.” The mom of three praised her teenage son for his courage, revealing he began transitioning more than 16 months ago. “I cannot imagine the strength and courage it took for my baby to do this, but I’m extremely proud of him and I want everyone to understand that love doesn’t change in these situations,” she wrote. “Miles came out as a transgender boy to me over 16 months ago. He hid it from everyone else for a while, but eventually he got to where we are right now. TO HIS FREEDOM! My son has now flourished!! My son now smiles naturally for the first time in years!” Mega Alexis described the feeling Miles gets every time someone correctly identifies him as he. “My son can breathe knowing he can be his true self. My son lights up every single time a stranger calls him ‘he.’ My son runs with the boys. My son can actually FEEL. My son can live life now with his true self,” she continued. “I’m so proud of Miles for wanting to stop the hate, and for being brave enough to step forward at such a young age. He now has his entire life to live the way he should.” Alexis concluded her post by warning that anyone who has something negative to say about her child will be “instantly blocked.” “We are all human and we are ALL equal. I am 100% fully supportive of my son. I hope you will be too,” she added. Mega Alexis has three children with her ex-husband Jim Bellino. They finalized their divorce in 2018 after 13 years of marriage. She is currently engaged to boyfriend Andy Bohn. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lil Nas X appreciates “all the love” that Adam Lambert has shown him. The 23-year-old star has revealed that he actually reached out to Adam, 40, to thank him for his complimentary comments. He said: “I know Adam, we’ve met a couple of times. I did thank him in person, actually. “I really appreciate all the love that he’s shown me and I definitely don’t take it for granted. And I appreciate all the doors that him and people like him opened.” Despite this, the ‘Old Town Road’ hitmaker never considered following in Adam’s footsteps by competing on a show like ‘American Idol’. He told Heavy: “I mean, I started doing music in 2018, and by that time I realised the only thing you really needed to become successful in the music industry is the internet, you know? “For me, I use what works best for me. I’ve always been an internet baby. And what better place than to blow up in my home? Yeah, that’s what works for me.” Nas also admitted to being surprised by the success that he’s already managed to achieve. He said: “When I was little, I loved music a lot, but I was very afraid to ever actually jump into that.” Meanwhile, Adam previously hailed Nas for “pushing boundaries” in the music industry. The singer – who starred on ‘American Idol’ in 2009 – also praised Nas for kissing a male dancer at the 2021 BET Awards. Adam said: “I thought it was hot. He’s really giving it to us. “I think he is definitely like the gay pop star that is 2021 – he’s bold, he’s controversial, he’s pushing boundaries. That’s what we want our pop stars to do. It’s just taken this long to have it be a gay one.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online mega;@ brittneyyevettegriner/instagram President Joe Biden told White House reporters that despite communication with Russian authorities to bring WNBA star Brittney Griner, the efforts have not yielded positive results, RadarOnline.com has learned. Griner has been detained in Russia over a drug smuggling charge for possession of a cannabis oil smoking device that was found in her luggage at the airport. Griner admitted to possessing cannabis oil but claimed she was unaware that it was still in her bag at the time it was found. Griner was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison for the charge. This week, Griner’s appeal was rejected. Many believe Griner is being used as a political pawn by Vladimir Putin. There is also a concern for Griner’s safety as a publicly out queer person. mega “We are in constant contact with Russian authorities to get Brittney and others out,” Biden told White House reporters about the ongoing efforts to bring Americans back to the United States. “And so far we’re not meeting with much positive response,” Biden continued. “But we’re not stopping,” the president added, attempting to bring a sliver of positivity to the bleak message. Griner made her final plea for an appeal on Tuesday. She addressed the Moscow Regional Court via video call and issued a statement. @brittneyyevettegriner/instagram “This has been a very traumatic experience, waiting for this day … getting nine years for the crime,” Griner said. “People with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given.” The court refused to adjust her sentencing. Griner is now expected to carry out her nine years in an eleven-foot cell with two other inmates. The brutal sentence for the talented athlete has brought support from activists globally; however, Russia claimed Griner’s detention and release are not a priority. mega According to an advisor to Putin, Yury Ushakov, Griner’s imprisonment is not at the top of mind for Russian authorities, despite claims that Griner’s detention could potentially be an effort to exchange the American athlete for a top Russian arms dealer in U.S. custody. Ushakov served as Russia’s ambassador to the United States from 1998 to 2008 and has called Biden’s efforts to bring Griner home nothing more than a political PR stunt ahead of the November midterm elections. “In this tense situation, I think that he is thinking first and foremost about the upcoming midterm elections so he keeps emphasizing the need to bring back home the basketball player who was detained for drug smuggling,” Ushakov said. “However, it’s not the main issue that we are concerned about.” Griner’s attorney, Alexandr D. Boykov, previously revealed to the New York Times that his client is “struggling” in custody, saying, “She has not been in as good condition as I could sometimes find her in.” View the full article

Published by Raw Story By Lynda Edwards, Staff Reporter The Texas press didn’t seem to notice when Beto O’Rourke, Democratic candidate for governor, got a surprising but welcome invitation to Sunday worship at Potters House, the 8,000-member Dallas megachurch pastored by conservative Black evangelical Bishop T.D. Jakes, who mentored former Pres. Donald Trump’s spiritual adviser, Paula White. Jakes is a very popular author whose books on marriage, parenting, and spiritual fulfillment frequently hit the New York Times bestseller list. Yet the Texas press seems to have missed this event. However, two influential white … Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters UK MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s parliament passed a law on Thursday expanding an existing ban on promoting “LGBT propaganda” to children by banning it among people of all ages. Under the new law, passed in its first reading by the State Duma, any event or act regarded as an attempt to promote homosexuality – online, in film, or in public – could incur a fine. (Writing by Caleb Davis; editing by John Stonestreet) Read More View the full article

Published by AlterNet By Brandon Gage United States Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) declared on Wednesday night that the Republican Party cannot possibly be credibly accused of having a racism problem because it nominated Herschel Walker of Georgia for Senate. “They’re beating all our guys up. But what is it about this guy? He changes the entire narrative of the left. We’re a party of racists, Sean. Me and you are racist. The Republican Party is racist. Well what happens when the Republican Party elects and nominates Herschel Walker, an African-American, Black, Heisman Trophy winner, right, Olympian,” Gra… Read More View the full article

Published by Raw Story By Matthew Chapman According to the Tampa Bay Times, Dawn Peters, a right-wing candidate for school board in Pinellas County, Florida, has released a statement disavowing a number of conspiracy theories after social media posts of hers surfaced exposing her as a QAnon adherent. “Peters posted her statement after the Tampa Bay Times reported her critics were circulating 2-year-old screenshots from her social media accounts. The images showed her appearing to join others in a QAnon pledge and retweeting an item that called the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the moon landing and the coronavirus pandemi… Read More View the full article

Published by New York Daily News Kim Petras and Sam Smith are making music history in a big way. The two pop stars, both 30, recently released their dance floor-ready collaboration, “Unholy,” and after topping the Official U.K. Top 40 chart for the last four weeks, the anthem has now made it to No. 1 in the U.S. The song has topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts, the first time for both of them. With this week’s announcement, Petras, a German-born singer-songwriter, became the first openly transgender artist to have a No. 1 song in the U.S., while Smith, the British multi-Grammy-winning artist, became the first nonbinary musici… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Moira Warburton WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two U.S. voter-rights organizations have asked a federal judge to temporarily stop a grassroots group from monitoring voter drop boxes in Arizona for alleged voter fraud, the week after state officials asked federal prosecutors to probe the group for possible voter intimidation. A lawsuit filed by Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans and Vote Latino alleges the private group, Clean Elections USA, and its founder Melody Jennings are attempting to “bully and intimidate lawful Arizona voters” casting early votes in the midterm elections. Clean Elections USA describes itself as a “grassroots organization committed to election integrity.” It supports former President Donald Trump’s false claims that his 2020 defeat was the result of widespread fraud. For months it has been recruiting volunteers for drop box tailgate parties, where followers monitor ballot drop off locations for alleged fraud. Jennings could not be reached for immediate comment. The lawsuit was filed late on Monday in the U.S. District Court in Arizona. Arizona’s secretary of state last week asked the U.S. Department of Justice to probe a case of possible voter intimidation after a group of people linked to Clean Elections followed and filmed a voter dropping off a ballot. The lawsuit cites that case, as well as an Oct. 22 post on Trump’s Truth Social media platform from Jennings in which she referred to two people described in the lawsuit as armed and wearing tactical gear while watching a drop box as “our people.” Clean Elections USA is running a “coordinated campaign of vigilante voter intimidation” that violates the Voting Rights Act and the Klu Klux Klan Act, the lawsuit said. “We will take all necessary steps to stop the intimidation and harassment of seniors and all Arizonans who exercise their precious right to vote,” Saundra Cole, president of the Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans, said in a statement. The lawsuit asks U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi, a Trump appointee, to impose a temporary restraining order blocking Clean Elections’ ballot-monitoring activities. Groups falsely claiming that election fraud is a widespread problem in the United States have been urging their members to register as poll watchers and election workers, building on a campaign of harassment of election workers that began in the lead-up to the 2020 election. (Reporting by Moira Warburton; Editing by Scott Malone and Josie Kao) View the full article

Published by AFP Jailed US basketball player Brittney Griner is seen on a screen via a video link during a court hearing near Moscow on October 25, 2022 Krasnogorsk (Russia) (AFP) – A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal from US basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison term on drug charges, dismissing her plea for the “traumatic” sentence to be reduced. The court in Krasnogorsk near Moscow ruled to leave Griner’s August verdict “without change” in the case that came amid fierce tensions between Moscow and Washington over Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden’s administration dismissed the ruling as “another sham judicial proceeding” that will keep Griner “wrongfully detained under intolerable circumstances” and vowed to continue pressing for her release. “The President has demonstrated that he is willing to go to extraordinary lengths and make tough decisions to bring Americans home,” US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan said in a statement. Griner, a star in the Women’s National Basketball Association in the US, had pleaded by video link from her detention centre just outside the Russian capital for the sentence to be cut. “I really hope that the court will adjust this sentence because it has been very, very stressful and very traumatic,” Griner said. The 32-year-old was handed nine years in prison in August for possessing vape cartridges with a small quantity of cannabis oil, after she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February. Speaking slowly so her words could be translated into Russian, Griner asked the court for leniency given that the amount of cannabis found was “barely over the significant amount”. “I don’t understand the first court’s decision to give one year less than the max when I’ve been here almost eight months and people with more severe crimes have gotten less than what I was given,” she said. “So I just beg that the court… reassess my sentence.” Not expecting ‘miracles’ Griner’s lawyers said they were disappointed by Tuesday’s decision as it goes against standard legal practice. “Other defendants in similar criminal cases receive punishment in the form of a suspended sentence or a jail term not exceeding six years,” Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov said in a statement. “Thus, Brittney Griner remains one of the most severely punished defendants in Russia.” The lawyers said Griner is doing fine physically and that she spoke to her family last week on her birthday, but Tuesday’s decision was hard for Griner to take. “She had some hopes and these hopes vanished today,” Blagovolina told reports outside the court house. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the ruling “was not unexpected and Brittney Griner remains wrongly detained.” “It is time to bring this case to an end and bring BG home.” Griner’s lawyers hope to speak to her later this week about whether she wants to continue appealing the verdict in higher courts. When she was arrested, the two-time Olympic basketball gold medallist and Women’s NBA champion had been in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team, during her off-season from the Phoenix Mercury Women’s National Basketball Association side. She pleaded guilty to the charges, but said she did not intend to break the law or use the banned substance in Russia. Griner had testified that she had permission from a US doctor to use medicinal cannabis to relieve pain from her many injuries, and had never failed a drug test. The use of medical marijuana is not allowed in Russia. In August, Moscow said it was ready to discuss a prisoner swap for Griner, but there has been no apparent progress. Reports have suggested that Griner and another American jailed in Russia, Paul Whelan — a former US marine arrested in December 2018 and accused of spying — could be traded for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms trafficker serving 25 years in jail on a 2012 conviction. View the full article

Published by AFP Kanye West's partnership with Adidas helped him become a billionaire Berlin (AFP) – German sportswear giant Adidas said Tuesday it was ending its partnership with Kanye West after a series of anti-Semitic outbursts by the controversial rapper. Recent comments by West — now known formally as Ye — were “unacceptable, hateful and dangerous”, Adidas said in a statement. “After a thorough review, the company has taken the decision to terminate the partnership with Ye immediately”. Adidas said it would “end production” of the highly successful “Yeezy” line designed together with West and “stop all payments to Ye and his companies”. The abrupt end to the collaboration between the sports outfitter and rapper would slash Adidas’s net income in 2022 by “up to 250 million euros ($246 million)”, the company estimated. Adidas’s decision to dump the artist was “overdue”, said Josef Schuster of the Central Council of Jews in Germany. “For weeks, West has caused worldwide furore with his anti-Semitic remarks,” Schuster said, adding that the rapper’s comments had become “intolerable”. T-shirt statement Adidas began a review of its relationship with West earlier this month after he appeared at a Paris fashion show wearing a shirt emblazoned with “White Lives Matter”, a slogan created as a backlash to the Black Lives Matter movement. Days later he was locked out of Twitter and Instagram for threatening to “Go death con 3 on JEWISH PEOPLE”, using a reference to US military readiness. Comments made by West “violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness”, Adidas said Tuesday. The artist was associated with rival sportswear company Nike for years but broke away in 2013, lending his name to Adidas as they launched their first Yeezy shoe together in 2015 — a partnership that went on to make him a billionaire. Along with Beyonce, Stella McCartney and Pharrell Williams, West’s has been one of the top names used by Adidas to boost sales, especially online. Adidas’s announcement was followed later Tuesday by US company Gap, which said it was taking “immediate steps to remove Yeezy Gap product from our stores” in addition to shutting down YeezyGap.com. West and Gap had announced in September that they planned to end their partnership, although Gap said at the time it planned to release several co-branded products already in development. Paris-based fashion house Balenciaga also ended ties with the rapper last week, saying it “no longer (has) any relationship nor any plans for future projects related to this artist”. One of Hollywood’s biggest talent agencies, CAA, said on Monday it was dropping West, while film and TV producer MRC said it was shelving an already-finished documentary about the artist. Inflammatory remarks Adidas’s decision would stop West from “using the company’s immense platform to amplify his hateful ideology about Jews”, the World Jewish Congress said in a statement. The German group’s “delayed move” in response to the anti-Semitic comments had come after “massive public outcry”, the WJC said. Rights campaigners and entertainment world figures had heaped pressure on Adidas to stop working with the rapper. “Those who continue to do business with West are giving his misguided hate an audience”, wrote Hollywood super-agent Ari Emanuel in the Financial Times. “There should be no tolerance anywhere for West’s anti-Semitism.” West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian also appeared to join the pile-on, without mentioning the father of her children by name. “Hate speech is never OK or excusable,” she wrote Monday on Twitter and Instagram. “I stand together with the Jewish community and call on the terrible violence and hateful rhetoric towards them to come to an immediate end.” Adidas fell on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange following its announcement, finishing 3.2 percent lower. View the full article

Published by Euronews (English) Swifties rejoice! Taylor Swift’s latest album ‘Midnights’ has already surpassed 1 million units in the US, making it the top-selling album of 2022 so far. Hardly surprising considering that it’s Taylor Swift we’re talking about, a national treasure who must be protected at all costs and who just seems to be getting better and better with every record she graces us with. These are just facts. But it’s also worth noting that ‘Midnights’ broke the Spotify record for the highest number of streams on the first day of a release and has the largest sales week for any album since 2017, setting a moder… Read More View the full article

Published by The Boot Actor and comedian Leslie Jordan wasn’t done with country music yet, and a new interview makes it clear country music hadn’t had enough of him, either. Jordan — who died on Monday (Oct. 24) at age 67 — sat down CBS News‘ Anthony Mason two weeks ago in Nashville for a piece scheduled to air in November. However, the tragic news accelerated what might end up being his final television interview. Watch the full career-encompassing interview below. Portions were filmed at Nashville’s Eastside Bowl, where Jordan was filming a new music video with country duo LoCash and “The Git Up” singer Blanco Br… Read More View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Dolly Parton enjoyed a “special bond” with Leslie Jordan. The actor was killed in a car crash in Los Angeles on Monday morning (24.10.22), and Dolly has now paid a glowing tribute to the TV star. Dolly, 76, said in a statement: “Well, I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member. Leslie and I had a special bond, I think the world felt they had a special bond with him. “I know people always say ‘Oh, they will be missed,’ but in this case that could not be more true. He will be missed by everyone who knew him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him. Rest in peace lil’ brother.” Jordan was starring on the FOX sitcom, ‘Call Me Kat’, at the time of his death. And FOX Entertainment has also paid tribute to the late actor, describing Jordan as the “kindest person you could ever imagine” and the “truest of Southern gentlemen”. FOX said in a statement: “We are shocked and devastated by today’s tragic passing of Leslie Jordan. Leslie was far more than an Emmy Award-winning comedic talent with whom we’ve laughed alongside for all these years. “He was the kindest person you could ever imagine who simply lit up a room and brought pure joy and huge smiles to millions of people around the world. The truest of Southern gentlemen, Leslie carried an infectious exuberance, indelible sense of humour and, throughout, gifted us with countless fond memories that will last forever. “As we grieve this sad news, we also wish to extend our most profound sympathies to Leslie’s family, friends and fans, whom he held so dear.” View the full article

Published by DPA Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, speaks during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, following their meeting in Doha. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Qatar’s emir on Tuesday lashed out at the extent of criticim on the country’s hosting of the upcoming football World Cup, speaking of an “unprecedented campaign.” Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said in Doha that Qatar had initially believed that “some criticism could be positive and helpful” for the country’s development. But he said that that there is too much criticism on the staging of the November 20-December 18 tournament. “Ever since we have had the honour to stage the World Cup Qatar has been the subject of an unprecedented campaign that no host country has ever faced,” he said. The emir spoke of fabrications and double standards and that many people were questioning the real reasons and motives for the criticism, without giving details. Qatar has been criticised for many years over the treatment of migrant workers in the country. Reforms have been carried out but rights groups have said that more has to be done. The country has lately also come under attack in connection with the LGBTIQ+ community and the criminalisation of homosexuality. View the full article

Published by The Street By Danni Button Tori didn’t set out to be a financial influencer, but with great knowledge comes great responsibility. It’s not easy to find truly effective financial advice. Sure, there are more than enough voices online and on bookshelves that can give you standard tips for how to sort out your money. But will it actually work for you? After all, everyone’s relationship with money is different based on their diverse lived experiences. This is the gospel according to Tori Dunlop, the blogger and finance influencer who founded finance website HerFirst100K. She’s made it her mission to make fin… Read More View the full article

Published by AlterNet By David Badash,The New Civil Rights Movement Governor Ron DeSantis twitched and appeared stunned when his Democratic opponent, former U.S. Congressman and former governor Charlie Crist asked if the Florida Republican would commit to serving the full four years if re-elected. “Ron, you talk about Joe Biden a lot. I understand, you think you’re going to be running against him, I can see how you might get confused, but you’re running for governor. You’re running for governor. And I have a question for you,” Crist said, hammering his points home. “Why don’t you look in the eyes of the people of t… Read More View the full article

Published by Global Voices A Klinika Bernardo nurse waiting for patients at the Philippines’ first Sundown Clinic (Raymund Villanueva/Kodao) This article by Raymund B. Villanueva was originally published on Kodao, an independent news site in the Philippines. An edited version is republished on Global Voices as part of a content-sharing agreement. This story was made possible through a grant by the Philippine Press Institute under the auspices of the Hanns Seidel Foundation. “MM” [name changed for anonymity purposes] became a commercial sex worker soon after he became sexually active. He had earned a college degree and w… Read More View the full article