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Published by Miami Herald Is America a Christian nation? The United States is a secular nation with no official religion, so the answer is No. But to Republicans such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, simplifying the answer to a Yes is a powerful tool. They’ve found a political gold mine in pitting Christians against the so-called evils of the left, gay and transgender people and teachers accused of pushing a “woke” agenda. DeSantis’ flirting with Christian nationalism — the belief that America is in God’s plan and was intended to be a Christian nation — as the Miami Herald recently reported, is not new in GOP politics. Bu… Read More View the full article

Published by The San Diego Union-Tribune Linda Ronstadt encountered a pivotal problem when she teamed up with former New York Times writer Lawrence Downes to pen a cookbook featuring some of her family’s favorite recipes. “It didn’t come together because I don’t cook!” said Ronstadt, 76, a National Medal of Arts recipient, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 11-time Grammy Award-winner. “So, we decided to turn it into a book about the Sonoran desert and how it’s strikingly the same on either side (Mexico and the U.S.), even though they put that border fence in the middle of it.” The result is “Feels Like Home: Song for the Sonoran … Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters UK OSLO (Reuters) – Norwegian police said on Monday two men had been arrested on Sunday on suspicion of involvement in a mass shooting that killed two people and wounded 21 in and around an Oslo gay bar in June. A Somali citizen in his 40s and a Norwegian one in his 30s, each with prior involvement in criminal activity, were arrested by police on Sunday, Oslo police said in a statement. Only one suspect, named by police as Zaniar Matapour, was arrested at the scene of the June 25 shooting, while an international arrest warrant has been issued for a fourth suspect. Police last week said its hypoth… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States would respond decisively to any Russian use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine and has spelled out to Moscow the “catastrophic consequences” it would face, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Sunday. Sullivan’s remarks represented the latest American warning following the thinly veiled nuclear threat made by Vladimir Putin last Wednesday in a speech in which the Russian president also announced his country’s first wartime military mobilization since World War Two. “If Russia crosses this line, there will be catastrophic consequences for Russia. The United States will respond decisively,” Sullivan told NBC’s “Meet the Press” program. Sullivan did not describe the nature of the planned U.S. response in his comments on Sunday but said the United States has privately to Moscow “spelled out in greater detail exactly what that would mean.” Sullivan said that the United States has been in frequent, direct contact with Russia, including during the last few days to discuss the situation in Ukraine and Putin’s actions and threats. U.S. President Joe Biden in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday accused Putin of making “overt nuclear threats against Europe” in reckless disregard for nuclear nonproliferation responsibilities. Russia also is staging a referendum in four eastern Ukrainian regions with the goal of annexing territory that Russian forces have taken during their invasion of Ukraine launched in February. Ukraine and its allies have called the referendums a sham designed to justify an escalation of the war and Putin’s mobilization drive after recent battlefield losses. By incorporating the areas of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia into Russia, Moscow could portray attacks to retake them as an attack on Russia itself, a warning to Ukraine and its Western allies. After suffering setbacks on the battlefield, Putin is mobilizing 300,000 troops while also threatening to use “all available means” to protect Russia. “This is not a bluff,” Putin said in the remarks viewed on the world stage as a threat on the potential use of nuclear weapons. Sullivan said on Sunday: “Putin remains intent … on wiping out the Ukraine people that he does not believe have a right to exist. So he’s going to keep coming and we have to keep coming with weapons, ammunition, intelligence and all the support we can provide.” (Reporting by Richard Cowan and Hannah Lang; Editing by Will Dunham) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Sir Elton John has been awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden for his charitable work to end AIDS. The 75-year-old pop icon established The Elton John AIDS Foundation back in 1982 and after performing hits such as ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ at A Night When Hope and History Rhyme at the White House, he was surprised with the honour by the Democratic leader and his wife First Lady Jill Biden. Upon accepting the award, Elton said: “Since I founded the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission. We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from AIDS, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step closer to making that a reality. “ The ‘Candle in the Wind’ singer is been married to filmmaker David Furnish, 59, – who serves as chairman of the foundation – and has sons Zach, 11, and Elijah, nine, with him and he paid tribute to Elton as someone who “truly walks the walk” when it comes to the fight to eradicate the immunodeficiency virus. David said: “It’s on us to make the world a better, more equal place, and Elton is someone who truly walks the walk. He is so deserving of the National Humanities Medal through his constant advocacy for equality throughout his career and through the Elton John Aids foundation. We’re so thankful to the History Channel, A+E Networks and the Biden administration for giving us such an impactful platform to help us meet the urgent needs of people at risk of – and living with – HIV and AIDS.” View the full article

Published by Raw Story By Bob Brigham Authorities from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Harris County Sheriff’s Department responded to an anti-LGBTQ protest outside a Texas church on Saturday. “First Christian Church Katy is hosting a drag bingo fundraiser benefiting the ministry’s Transparent Closet, a free boutique aimed at helping young people in the LGBTQ community in the largely conservative west Houston suburb,” Jay R. Jordan reported for Axios on Friday. “Protect Texas Kids, led by North Texas’ self-described “Christian fascist” Kelly Neidert, plans to protest outside the church, according to a … Read More View the full article

Published by The Charlotte Observer Conservatives everywhere are very upset by the idea of people dressing up and entertaining kids. No, they aren’t talking about clowns, or mall Santas, or mascots, or characters at theme parks. They’re talking about drag performers who read, sing and do crafts with children. Family-friendly drag events in North Carolina and beyond have become targets for right-wing harassment and vitriol, part of a larger wave of anti-LGBTQ backlash across the country. A Drag Queen Story Hour in a Charlotte park last weekend attracted protesters after Tyler Lee, a Republican congressional candidate, unsuccessfu… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters HAVANA (Reuters) – Cubans headed to the polls on Sunday to vote on a package of measures that would upend the island’s long-held “machista” culture and legalize gay marriage even as the country wrestles with a deepening economic crisis. If approved, the 100-page “family code” would put Cuba at the vanguard of progressive social policy in Latin America, legalizing same-sex marriage and civil unions, allowing same-sex couples to adopt children, and promoting equal sharing of domestic rights and responsibilities between men and women. President Miguel Diaz-Canel, who walked with his wife to vote just a few blocks from their home in the Havana suburb of Siboney, told reporters the code abolishes prejudices and taboos that have been ingrained in Cuban society. “My expectation is that most of the population will vote ‘yes’,” Diaz-Canel said. “But regardless of whether ‘yes’ or ‘no’ wins … the popular debate that has been generated has contributed to our society.” The code, which has undergone 25 drafts, nearly 80,000 townhall-style meetings and 300,000 suggestions from the public, is expected to draw millions of Cubans to the polls. The measure requires more than 50% of votes cast on Sunday to become law. Most prior ballot initiatives in Cuba have been overwhelmingly approved, but an economic crisis that has led to long lines for food, medicine and fuel has raised the possibility of a protest vote against the government. “We have to get used to the fact that on such complex issues, where there is a diversity of criteria … there may be people who vote to punish (the government),” said Diaz-Canel. “That is also legitimate.” Sunday’s vote will be the first of its kind since mobile internet was legalized in 2018, which has let dissenting views spread more widely. There are no independent, outside observers of Cuban elections, however, citizens may observe the count at their precincts immediately following the vote. The government flooded TV and radio in recent weeks with spots celebrating diversity and inclusion to promote the code. “This code makes everyone equal,” said Jose Antonio Fernandez, a 73-year-old retired Havana resident who voted in favor of the measure on Sunday morning. Some social conservatives – including the Roman Catholic Church and evangelicals, see things differently, objecting to issues including gay marriage and complaining that government control of the media has drowned out opposing views. Havana resident Lisandra Samon, 36, said she voted on Sunday but thought it was hard to predict the outcome. “The vote will be close … aspects of this code have divided the opinions of the public, even families,” she said. (Reporting by Dave Sherwood and Reuters TV; Editing by Daniel Wallis) View the full article

Published by Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Joe Biden challenged Democratic voters on Friday that if they elect at least two more senators in November elections, it would open the possibility of Democrats removing the filibuster and restoring federal abortion rights for women. At a Democratic National Committee rally, Biden suggested the two extra Democrats would allow the Democratic-controlled Senate to remove a legislative roadblock known as the filibuster that requires a 60-vote majority to overcome. Democrats hold a bare majority in the Senate now, and two Democratic senators, Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema, have opposed ending the filibuster. Biden’s remark suggests he would support a vote to end the filibuster, which can be decided by a simple majority. For any such move to be successful, Democrats need to retain control of the House and gain two seats in the Senate. Most forecasters suggest Republicans are likely to gain House control. Biden has made restoring protections lost in the Supreme Court’s June decision to reverse the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case a central theme of his stump speeches in the lead-up to the Nov. 8 congressional elections. “If you give me two more senators in the United States Senate, I promise you, I promise you, we’re going to codify Roe and once again make Roe the law of the land,” said Biden. Biden exhorted women voters to help elect Democrats. “I don’t believe the MAGA Republican have a clue about the power of American women. Let me tell you something, they’re about to find out.” According to the Current Population Survey, 2020 voter turnout was 68.4% for women and 65.0% for men. About 9.7 million more women than men voted. Since the Supreme Court decision on Roe, there has been a surge in women registering to vote. (Reporting by Jeff Mason and Steve Holland; Editing by Heather Timmons) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Louise Fletcher has died aged 88. The Oscar-winning actress – who was best known for playing Nurse Ratched in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ – passed away at her home in the south of France. The Hollywood star’s career spanned six decades, but she was actually a relative unknown when she appeared opposite Jack Nicholson in the psychological drama in 1975. Fletcher was handed the role after other, better-known actresses – including Dame Angela Lansbury and Ellen Burstyn – rejected the part in the film. The movie proved to be a turning point in her career, after she’d previously put her working life on hold for a decade to take care of her children. Fletcher won the Academy Award for Best Actress, as well as a BAFTA and a Golden Globe, for her role in the iconic movie, which also claimed the Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Screenplay gongs at the Oscars. And although her career never scaled the same heights, Fletcher still enjoyed significant success in the film and TV industries. She had a recurring role in ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ in the 1990s, while she also earned widespread acclaim for her appearances in ‘Picket Fences’ and ‘Joan of Arcadia’. Robert Hewitt Wolfe – who was a writer for ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ – has already paid a glowing tribute to the late actress, describing her as a “blazing talent”. He said on social media: “It was an honour and a pleasure to write for Louise Fletcher, one of the absolute greats. A blazing talent and a compete class act.” Fletcher married producer Jerry Bick in the 1960s, but they got divorced in 1977. She is survived by her two sons, John and Andrew. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) -Roger Federer’s trophy-laden career ended with defeat on Friday, but for once the result hardly mattered as the Swiss maestro headed into retirement with tears in his eyes and cheers ringing in his ears. With a sellout crowd of 17,500 at London’s O2 Arena willing him on, the 20-time Grand Slam champion returned after more than a year away to play alongside Rafa Nadal, the Spaniard with whom he shared one of tennis’s most captivating rivalries. With the clock past midnight, Federer could have sealed victory in the Laver Cup doubles clash when he served at match point in a tense deciding tiebreak, but it was not to be as Americans Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe ripped up the script. Sock thumped a forehand winner and sealed a 4-6 7-6 11-9 win for Team World. After a brief moment of stunned silence around the packed arena, the crowd rose to salute the 41-year-old Federer, whose elegance, charisma and sportsmanship has graced tennis and transcended sport during a 24-year career. Federer produced moments of his trademark magic during a fiercely contested duel and kept his emotions in check. But the tears flowed afterwards as Ellie Goulding sung while a montage of Federer’s feats was projected on the black court. When he was hugged by wife, Mirka, children Leo, Lenny, Myla and Charlene, and his parents Lynette and Robert, there was hardly a dry eye in the house. “We’ll get through this somehow. It’s been a wonderful day. I told the guys I’m happy, not sad,” said Federer, who announced last week that this would be his final event after struggling to overcome a knee injury. “I enjoyed tying my shoelaces one more time, everything was the last time,” he added. “Playing with Rafa and having all the greats here, all the legends.” Federer broke down as he thanked his wife. “She could have stopped me a long, long time ago but she didn’t. She kept me going and allowed me to play, so it’s amazing – thank you,” he said. Federer’s eagerly anticipated final bow came after British favourite Andy Murray had battled against Australian Alex De Minaur for two and a half hours, but lost. Murray’s two Wimbledon titles made him a national sporting icon, but the night was all about Federer – a player who resides in the pantheon of sporting greats with the likes of Pele, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali. Even his practice sessions here have been standing-room-only affairs, and an electric atmosphere greeted him as he walked out into the cavernous arena alongside Nadal just after 10pm. “I’ve done this thousands of times, but this one feels different. Thank you to everybody who’s coming tonight,” Federer posted on Twitter earlier in the day. TEAM EVENT The crowd included Australian great Laver – the man who inspired Federer to create the team competition being staged in London for the first time. Loud cheers accompanied Federer and Nadal, or ‘Fedal’ as they are nicknamed, on to court and The Clash’s London Calling boomed out as they warmed up. An even bigger roar went up when Federer punched away a volley in the opening game – his first competitive shot since defeat by Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon last year ended his dream of a record-extending ninth title on Centre Court. During changeovers video screens showed iconic moments of Federer’s career with tributes from Nadal and his mother. But this was no exhibition match. American duo Sock and Tiafoe, pantomime villains for the night, tested Federer’s reactions with some lusty blows aimed at the Swiss maestro. Federer was equal to pretty much everything, his silky shot-making and nimble footwork on show despite a long time away from the court. The iconic pair, with a combined age of 77 and 42 Grand Slam titles between them, edged the opening set by breaking Tiafoe’s serve. But the Americans levelled as Federer and Nadal began to fade. Chants of “Let’s go, Roger, let’s go” resounded around the packed stands in the championship tiebreak as Federer and Nadal clawed their way towards a victory the occasion demanded. Even the tennis gods could not intervene to allow Federer one last victory, but nothing could take the gloss off a night to celebrate a player who led tennis into a golden era. “It still feels like a celebration for me and that’s exactly what I hoped for,” said Federer, who scaled unprecedented heights and rewrote the record books. “It’s been a perfect journey and I would do it all over again.” (Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Ken Ferris and Gerry Doyle) View the full article

Published by BOOM Live By The Conversation In a landmark speech to the United Nations (UN), the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, demanded that Russia and other aggressors should be stripped of their veto power in the UN security council. Echoing his calls for UN reform earlier this year, Zelensky lamented that much talk about UN reform in the past has led nowhere. He called for an expansion of representation to those who remain unheard. Also speaking before the UN general assembly yesterday, the US president, Joe Biden reaffirmed the US commitment to UN reforms. He said: “The time has come for this instituti… Read More View the full article

Published by PsyPost Recent findings published in the journal Scientific Reports shed new light on the risks associated with the use of steroids among male athletes. This time, researchers found that bodybuilders with a history of steroid use were more likely to exhibit psychopathic tendencies, sexual and substance use risk-taking behaviors, and anger issues. Anabolic-androgenic steroids are human-made variations of testosterone, the male sex hormone. Though often used for bodybuilding, steroids have been associated with various health risks including dependency, medical issues, and psychological problems. Neuroim… Read More View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Fired Today anchor Matt Lauer is threatening to finally emerge from the hole he crawled into after his stunning fall from grace, boasting he’ll settle all old scores with a scathing tell-all book this year. “For the past five years, Matt’s kept his head down, but now thinks the dust has settled and it’s time to get even with everyone who threw him under the bus,” an insider dished to RadarOnline.com. Topping his hit list are his former Today colleagues Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Katie Couric. Katie Couric Trashes Matt Lauer, Calls Him ‘Reckless’ & ‘Disgusting’ In Tense Interview Mega “He’s been plotting how he should do this book, and it will be balanced between trying to emphasize all of the good he’s done while exacting revenge against others,” spilled the spy. “He knows he has little chance of a TV comeback, so he’s really got nothing to lose.” Lauer was unceremoniously booted from the popular morning gabfest in November 2017 after being accused of preying on women, including an accusation he raped a co-worker at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The ex-Today host denied all the accusations and a source said he now believes his scandalous behavior is ancient history. Mega Lauer’s toxic tell-all comes in the wake of his doomed relationship with PR professional Shamin Abas. The sex pest has been sulking in the shadow of his scandal-stalled TV career as Abas continues her rise as a shining superstar in the business. Sources told RadarOnline that Lauer fears his dynamic executive sweetie, 53, will ditch him as she’s snagged another high-profile client. “Shamin’s PR business is doing really well, and she doesn’t have as much time for Matt as she used to,” squealed an insider. “When they first started dating, Matt had the edge and thought the universe revolved around him, but now the tables have turned. Shamin’s not treating him like the top dog anymore. She’s busier than ever — and Matt doesn’t like it.” Mega Lauer’s life crumbled in 2017 following the accusations against him. Not only did he get axed from his $30 million-a-year network gig, but his 21-year marriage to Annette Roque also exploded. View the full article

Published by AFP House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, pictured at the US Capitol in July 2022, railed against Democratic policies on immigration and the economy Washington (AFP) – US House Republicans on Friday unveiled a sales pitch for governing packed with promises — but light on specifics — on a checklist of hot-button issues from crime to immigration and the economy, as they seek a path back to power in the midterm elections. With just 45 days to go until the nationwide polls that decide who controls Congress, the “Commitment to America” marks the party’s first attempt to formally shape a concrete policy agenda beyond simply hammering President Joe Biden. “We’ve spent the last year and a half — all the Republican members in conference — going throughout the country listening — listening to the challenges, fighting what Democrats have been doing,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said at an event outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “And we want to roll it out to you, to the entire country, to know exactly what we will do.” The agenda prioritizes the usual conservative staples of the economy, illegal immigration, the opioid crisis, combating crime and increased fossil fuel production — all identified weaknesses for Biden. It hits on hot-button issues that have polarized voters, such as transgender athletes in girls’ and women’s sports, in parts reflecting former president Donald Trump’s right-wing “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) agenda. The Republicans are also focused on Democratic policies in schools, where bitter debates have played out on what many parents see as overzealous mask mandates and on the teaching of racism in America’s history. Beyond a brief pledge to “protect the lives of unborn children,” however, it notably steers clear of the Republican goal to more tightly regulate abortion, an issue McCarthy didn’t address in his speech. It also avoids other issues seen by Democrats as electoral catnip, such as protecting democracy in the wake of the 2021 Capitol insurrection and the global climate crisis. ‘Number one killer’ “We’ve watched what’s happened to our border, the millions of people who are just walking across, people on the terrorist watch list,” McCarthy said, leaning into Democrats’ perceived weakness on immigration. “But now we’re watching it create every community to be a border community. Fentanyl, the number one killer of Americans between the ages of 18 and 45: The poison starts in China and comes across our border. You realize it’s killing 300 Americans every day?” McCarthy said the Republicans’ “very first bill” would be to repeal Democratic legislation providing for 87,000 new internal revenue service agents, a move conservatives have characterized as an intrusion into people’s private lives. The four-part blueprint — focusing on “An economy that’s strong,” “A nation that’s safe,” “A future that’s free” and “A government that’s accountable” — has broad support among Republicans. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who is not planning to unveil his agenda ahead of election day on November 8, took to Twitter to praise his House counterpart. “Less inflation. More law and order. Parents’ rights. Border security. American energy,” he said, summarizing what he saw as the highlights. The roll-out has drawn comparisons with the Republicans’ 1994 “Contract with America,” which ended decades of Democratic dominance in the House, although it is lighter on specifics. Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi slammed the Republicans’ “whole-hearted commitment” to Trumpism, accusing them of seeking to criminalize women’s health care and threaten democracy. Biden dismissed the “Commitment to America” as a “thin series of policy goals with little detail” that illustrated the hold of the MAGA movement on Republicans. The president sought to keep abortion top of the agenda as he vowed to sign nationwide protections into law in the event of big Democratic gains in Congress. “Americans can choose,” the president told a gathering of the largest US teachers’ union in Washington. Abortion, guns and health care, are all “on the ballot” in November, he said. View the full article

Published by Euronews (English) British music superstar Elton John was ‘ambushed’ on stage at the White House Friday, when US President Joe Biden surprised him by awarding the National Humanities Medal. A visibly shocked and emotional Sir Elton heard Biden describe him as a “tidal wave” who helped people rise up for justice. Sir Elton had just finished a farewell gig to honour everyday “heroes” like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists when the medal was presented. John seemed almost overcome by the accolades, telling the audience of 2,000 people: “I don’t know what to say. … I don’t know how to take a compliment very well … Read More View the full article

Published by AFP Dressed in a glittering black suit and wearing orange glasses, the 75-year-old pop icon sat down at the piano on the South Lawn of the White House Washington (AFP) – Elton John on Friday sang at the White House at the invitation of President Joe Biden, after declining invitations from his predecessor Donald Trump. Dressed in a glittering black suit and wearing orange glasses, the 75-year-old pop icon sat down at the piano on the South Lawn of the White House, with the US presidential residence lit up in the background. “I don’t know what to say, what a dump,” John joked as he took the stage to perform his 1970 hit “Your Song.” “I’ve played in some beautiful places before, but this is probably the icing on the cake.” About 2,000 guests were invited to the event, including activists, LGBTQ campaigners, nurses, teachers and others. Also in attendance were Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai and former tennis champion and activist Billie Jean King, the White House said in a statement. “It’s clear Elton John’s music has changed our lives,” Biden said. The singer spoke of the importance of fighting HIV/AIDS and thanked the United States for its role in battling the virus. According to the White House, Friday’s event was meant to celebrate the unifying power of music. But as John performed his hits “Tiny Dancer” and “Rocket Man,” which were often played at Trump rallies, they were a reminder of the deep divisions in US politics. John, who was on a marathon global farewell tour, thanked Biden for the invitation and also praised former US President George W. Bush. “I just wish America could be more bipartisan on everything,” John said. At the end of the night, Biden surprised John by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal for empowering people to fight for justice. “I’m never flabbergasted,” said a visibly emotional John. “But I’m flabbergasted.” View the full article

Published by Radar Online mega, Daniiellè Alexis/Instagram Former NBA star Lamar Odom is not in a relationship with trans-woman Daniiellè Alexis, RadarOnline has learned. Photos posted to social media of the aspiring actress and Odom sparked rumors that a new love interest could be in the works for Khloe Kardashian’s former beau. However, Lamar is still a single man, according to a source close to him. That being said, the insider did not deny having a friendship with the model but stated that there were no romantic feelings between the two. Alexis and Lamar first met back in June 2022, when he was in Los Angeles for the BET Awards. Reportedly, Lamar was out shopping when a car pulled up and the model exited the vehicle and approached the NBA star, to ask him for a photo. Daniiellè Alexis/Instagram After the brief photo-op, the two exchanged numbers. Daniiellè and Lamar kept in touch, although no details about the extent of their conversations have been released. Following the encounter, Lamar moved from Georgia to Los Angeles, following accusations that his former manager was holding his social media account ‘hostage.’ Once back, Lamar and Daniiellè reconnected for lunch together. mega Rumors started floating around after she posted a selfie with Lamar captioned, “One of the most beautiful humans I’ve met.” Khloé’s ex does not follow his friend on Instagram. While the rumor mill would suggest there’s more to this friendship than meets the eye, sources close to the former Laker have confirmed that there is nothing romantic taking place behind the scenes — while noting he has no issues with the transgender community. Apparently, Alexis is an aspiring actress and the two frequently chat about the industry. View the full article

Published by Radar Online mega A former prominent Scientologist claimed he helped John Travolta dodge same-sex lover allegations in a bombshell memoir hitting shelves soon, RadarOnline.com has learned. Mike Rinder, who served as a senior executive within the Church of Scientology from 1982 to 2007, detailed how he escaped from a life in the highest ranks of the religion. In a newly released excerpt, he wrote about weathering celebrity scandals, having been recruited to assist one of the church’s A-list members. “I was tasked with the job of helping John Travolta with some public relations issues,” he claimed. “Since the beginning of the ’90s, Travolta had been hounded by stories from various alleged male lovers, including one of his former pilots as well as a porn star.” The Grease actor got married to wife Kelly Preston on September 12, 1991, and the duo had quickly become Hollywood sweethearts. mega Rinder said the church was fully aware of the PR damage such claims could have on the “perfect Scientology couple,” alleging they “dug up dirt on the sources of the stories and threatened the media with lawsuits,” which caused the stories to be “shut down.” “I became a trusted person in John’s life,” said Rinder, who claimed that same-sex allegations are “land mines” for Scientology, although we should note a spokesperson for the church previously said they aren’t anti-gay. “Yet the threat of a story describing a Scientologist as gay would cause panic internally because for a Scientologist, not being ‘cured’ of homosexuality would indicate that the tech doesn’t work,” wrote Rinder. In 2012, Travolta’s ex-pilot Doug Gotterba came forward to claim he had a secret gay affair with the actor. He said he worked from 1981 through 1987 as the Hollywood star’s pilot. Gotterba received legal threats from Travolta’s lawyer Marty Singer accusing him of violating a confidentiality agreement. Travolta and Preston remained together until the actress died in July 2020. The narrative in Rinder’s memoir talks about his rise in the church as well as his ex-communication, the alleged harassment he faced, and more. In a recent blog post, he addressed almost omitting any celebrity references altogether “for fear of it becoming a distraction from the more important things I had to say.” mega He decided to proceed in the end, explaining that leaving those pieces out entirely “would have not been authentic.” “These things did happen and in some ways impacted my thinking and decisions,” Rinder continued. His new memoir, A Billion Years: My Escape from a Life in the Highest Ranks of Scientology, will be available September 27. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) – A federal jury has found Project Veritas, a conservative group often accused of using deceptive tactics, liable for violating wiretapping laws and misrepresenting itself in an undercover effort to target Democratic political consultants. Jurors in Washington on Thursday awarded $120,000 to a member of Democracy Partners, co-founded by self-described progressive strategist Robert Creamer. Democracy Partners claimed it had been infiltrated by a Project Veritas operative who lied about her name and background to obtain an internship during the 2016 presidential campaign, and secretly recorded conversations while working there. The firm and Creamer said Project Veritas used “heavily edited” footage in videos that falsely suggested they conspired to incite violence at then-Republican candidate Donald Trump’s rallies and schemed to promote voter fraud. According to the complaint, the espionage cost the plaintiffs, who supported Trump’s Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, more than $500,000 of contracts. Project Veritas said it did nothing wrong and will appeal. The Mamaroneck, New York-based group has long characterized its work as journalism, and said the verdict threatens the use of hidden cameras by investigative journalists. “Project Veritas will continue to fight for every journalist’s right to news gather, investigate, and expose wrongdoing – regardless of how powerful the investigated party may be,” Chief Executive James O’Keefe said in a statement. Democracy Partners said in a statement it hoped the verdict would “help to discourage Mr. O’Keefe and others from conducting these kind of political spy operations — and publishing selectively edited, misleading videos.” Media including the New York Times, which Project Veritas is suing for defamation, and Politico earlier reported the verdict. The $120,000 award was on a fraudulent misrepresentation claim. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman, who oversaw the trial, will assess damages based on jurors’ separate finding that the operative, Allison Maass, intended to breach a fiduciary duty, according to the verdict form. Friedman has yet to rule on the defendants’ arguments that they should prevail as a matter of law. “This case implicates fundamental First Amendment issues. The folks on my left prefer to ignore that fact,” the defendants’ lawyer Paul Calli said in a statement. “We will see what the finish line brings.” The case is Democracy Partners LLC et al v Project Veritas Action Fund et al, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia, No. 17-01047. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Danielle Broadway (Reuters) – Over 1,600 belongings from the late American actor Betty White will be up for auction this week, from her old TV and Disney VHS collection to her Cadillac. Taking place both online and in-person, the auction at Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills from Sept. 23 to Sept. 25 also includes her dining room table, a blue ceramic horse, and her leather baby shoes. The list goes on. More personalized items include White’s oil painting of herself as a young woman, monogrammed towels, and some handwritten personal notes from famous names like Lily Tomlin and Alex Trebek. White’s diamond wedding band and the wedding band her third and last husband, Allen Ludden, wore are standout items. Ludden was noted for having worn the band around his neck with a chain for three months to remind White about his many wedding proposals to her, and it worked. They were married until he died in 1981. White died in December 2021 at 99 after a remarkable television career that lasted over seven decades, with beloved roles on “The Golden Girls,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and many more. Not all her belongings will be sold. Many items were donated to the National Comedy Center in September and are on show at its museum in Jamestown, New York. Visiting fans can see White’s five Emmy statuettes, including one for “The Golden Girls” in 1986 and another for “Saturday Night Live” in 2010. Visitors can also see on display her tracksuit from “Hot in Cleveland,” her sweater from “The Golden Girls,” and hand-annotated scripts. (Reporting by Danielle Broadway, Editing by Rosalba O’Brien) View the full article

Published by Radar Online Federal prosecutors recommended not to charge Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz as part of a sex trafficking investigation, RadarOnline.com has learned, citing potential credibility issues for two of the main witnesses involved in the probe. Insiders said that due to this development, a conviction would be unlikely even if they indicted the Florida native. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Senior department officials will still decide, although a report by The Washington Post highlights that it is “rare for such advice to be rejected” given the time and resources needed to proceed. The investigation has been going on for around two years and legal sources familiar with the case said that Gaetz was being looked into for three possible crimes: sex trafficking a 17-year-old; violating the Mann Act, which prohibits taking women across state lines for prostitution; and obstructing justice. Gaetz has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crime. He could, however, still be charged if new evidence emerges. The aforementioned 17-year-old is said to be one of the two witnesses whose testimony would not convince a jury. As for the second questionable witness, that was claimed to be Joel Greenberg, the former tax collector and friend of Gaetz who last year pleaded guilty to multiple crimes in a case that led to the investigation of the congressman. Stefani Reynolds – CNP / MEGA “Greenberg had [previously] sent letters to the school falsely claiming the teacher had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student — a similar allegation to the Gaetz case,” the report stated, as to why his claims could be questioned. As part of a deal, Greenberg agreed to plead guilty to six criminal charges, including sex trafficking of a child, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. His sentencing is scheduled for later this year. ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA Back in January, Gaetz’s ex-girlfriend testified before a federal grand jury and was in talks with prosecutors about an immunity deal. “This may be a willing participant who has a smart lawyer who sought an immunity deal from the government,” said CBS News legal analyst Rikki Kleiman. “The government does not give immunity blindly, they know what they’re getting in exchange.” View the full article

Published by Reuters (Reuters) – Ukraine will never forgive Russia for a shameful conflict which has thrown back Russia’s development by half a century to Soviet times predating Mikhail Gorbachev, journalist and Nobel Peace laureate Dmitry Muratov told Reuters. Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine has killed tens of thousands, left some Ukrainian cities wastelands and triggered Moscow’s biggest confrontation with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Muratov, the long-time editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, one of the last independent media outlets in Russia, said Ukraine would never agree to peace or to the annexation of any of its territory. “Ukraine will never forgive Russia,” Muratov, who co-founded Novaya Gazeta in 1993 with money from Gorbachev’s Nobel Peace Prize, said in an interview in his office, which is adorned with ice hockey sticks and dozens of front pages from the paper. Muratov said that modern technology had brought the horrors of the war home to people, along with the devastation of the battle for Mariupol in southern Ukraine and the claims of war crimes against Russian soldiers in Irpin and Bucha. “You many want to forgive everything, but you click in the search engine: Mariupol, Irpin or Bucha. And you can’t forgive a goddamn thing anymore,” Muratov said. “Every step of this war, every crime and every shot, every torn scrotum will now remain forever.” Ukraine has accused Russia of war crimes. Russia says such accusations are a lie. The Russian government did not respond to a request for comment on Muratov’s remarks. President Vladimir Putin says Russia’s soldiers are “heroes” and that all Russia’s aims will be achieved. Putin casts the operation in Ukraine as an attempt to foil a Western plot to rip Russia apart. Ukraine says it is fighting an illegal occupation and will never give in. RUSSIA BACKWARDS The war, Muratov said, was a “huge national shame” that was wiping out not just half a century of development but also extinguishing hope, love and confidence in the future among Russians. The war had destroyed the reputation of the land of Gorbachev, Russian physicist and human rights campaigner Andrei Sakharov and Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, Muratov said. “We have been thrown back in our development by at least half a century into the pre-Gorbachev era,” Muratov said. Russia, he said, had forgotten the lessons of the past, including the need to end wars. “We no longer have faith. Russia and Russians are disliked. Love was a very important thing in order to travel, to learn, to believe in your god, to read the books that you love.” Gorbachev, lauded in the West as the man who helped bring down the Berlin Wall and end the Cold War without bloodshed, died on Aug. 30, 2022.. Muratov was his friend. “Unfortunately, there has been a loss of our reputation globally, a loss of trust,” Muratov said. “The loss of reputation is a difficult thing to recover.” ANNEXATION After Putin backed a plan leading to the formal annexation of Russian controlled areas in Ukraine, including parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, Muratov said many Russians were not interested. “If you go out onto the street and ask: ‘Do you need Kherson?’ people will look at you as if you are a moron,” he said. “They will ask: ‘What? Why are you talking about Kherson? I have a mortgage, not Kherson’.” “For geopoliticans with inflamed brains, victory is associated with the annexation of foreign territories.” In mid-September, Russia’s Supreme Court revoked the last media licence of Novaya Gazeta. The newspaper Novaya Gazeta is no longer published in paper form in Russia, though it has a limited online version and has a magazine. Muratov said he has no intention of leaving Russia. “We have 82 people staying here and naturally I am staying with them. And we are going to work here,” Muratov said, referring to the newspaper’s employees. “We will work here until the cold gun barrel touches our hot foreheads.” (Editing by Guy Faulconbridge, William Maclean) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jennifer Rigby LONDON (Reuters) -If rich nations think the pandemic is over, they should help lower-income countries reach that point too, a senior World Health Organization official told Reuters. In an interview, WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward warned that richer nations must not step back from tackling COVID-19 as a global problem now, ahead of future potential waves of infection. In the last few weeks, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the end of the pandemic was in sight, and U.S President Joe Biden said the pandemic was over. “When I hear them say, ‘Well, we’re so comfortable here,’ it’s like, ‘Great, now you can really help us get the rest of the world done’,” said Aylward. Aylward said that the group he co-ordinates, which focuses on equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and tests worldwide, is not yet ready to move out of the emergency phase of tackling the pandemic and that countries need to be ready and have treatments in place for any further waves of infection. “If you go to sleep right now and this wave hits us in three months… God – blood on your hands,” he said. He also stressed that Biden had a point domestically as the United States has good access to all COVID tools. It has also not cut its global commitment to fighting COVID, he added. Aylward co-ordinates the ACT-Accelerator, a partnership between WHO and other global health bodies to help poorer countries access COVID-19 tools. The effort, which includes the vaccine-focused COVAX, has reached billions of people worldwide but has faced criticism for not acting quickly enough. There had been some speculation that the effort may wind up this autumn, but Aylward said it was simply changing its focus as the pandemic changes. Over the next six months, the partnership will aim particularly at delivering vaccines to the roughly one quarter of the world’s health care workers and elderly who have still not had a shot, as well as on improving access to test-and-treat, particularly with Pfizer’s Paxlovid, he said. It will also look to the future as COVID is “here to stay”, and unless systems are put in place, support will collapse once other industrialised nations also think the pandemic is over, said Aylward. The initiative already has an $11 billion gap in its budget, with most of its available $5.7 billion in funding pledged towards vaccines rather than tests or treatments. (Reporting by Jennifer Rigby; Editing by Hugh Lawson) View the full article

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