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Published by Reuters By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) – Donald Trump cannot countersue E. Jean Carroll, a writer who says he raped her in the mid-1990s, on the ground her defamation lawsuit against him violated a New York state law intended to protect free speech, a federal judge ruled on Friday. U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan said a ruling for the former U.S. president would needlessly cause further delays for Carroll’s lawsuit, which began in November 2019. He also accused Trump of engaging in “bad faith” to prevent Carroll, 78, from pursuing a case that could have been decided long ago. “The defendant’s litigation tactics, whatever their intent, have delayed the case to an extent that readily could have been far less,” Kaplan wrote. Letting Trump countersue “would make a regrettable situation worse,” he added. A lawyer for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York: editing by Grant McCool) View the full article

Published by DPA The logo of Facebook is pictured at the Gamescom video games fair. Facebook is relaxing its rules on calls for violence, creating a partial exception when the proposed target is Russian troops in Ukraine. Christophe Gateau/dpa Facebook is relaxing its rules on calls for violence, creating a partial exception when the proposed target is Russian troops in Ukraine. As an example of an exception for statements that would normally have violated guidelines, a spokesperson for Facebook’s parent company, Meta, cited the phrase “Death to the Russian invaders” late on Thursday. “We still won’t allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians,” the spokesperson wrote on Twitter. The relaxation only applies to users in some countries, including Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Hungary, The New York Times wrote. Many Ukrainians have been venting their anger on Facebook amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which started two weeks ago. Russian parliamentary leader Vyacheslav Volodin said the move would have to be examined by the Russian prosecutor’s office, the TASS news agency reported. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that there could be “decisive measures” taken against Meta services if the calls to violence are not blocked. Facebook is blocked in Russia, while other Meta services, such as WhatsApp and Instagram, are still functioning. View the full article

Published by Reuters (Reuters) – Apple Inc Chief Executive Office Tim Cook raised concern on Thursday over LGBTQ laws in the United States, mainly those focused on young people that opponents refer to as “don’t say gay” legislation. Florida lawmakers recently passed a Republican-backed bill prohibiting classroom discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity for many young students. The legislation has stirred national controversy amid an increasingly partisan debate over what schools should teach children about race and gender. “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, I am deeply concerned about laws being enacted across the country, particularly those focused on our vulnerable youth,” Cook said on Twitter. Walt Disney Co’s Bob Chapek is another chief executive to voice his disappointment about the LGBTQ legislation. Another case that has stirred corporate concern about LGBTQ rights is that of a Texas judge who recently issued an order blocking the state from investigating the parents of a 16-year-old transgender girl for providing her with gender-affirming medical treatments. Texas Governor Greg Abbott says the treatments are “child abuse” and the state has appealed against the judge’s order. Major U.S. tech firms, including Alphabet Inc’s Google, Microsoft Corp, Meta Platforms Inc and Apple are among more than 60 companies that have opposed equating gender-affirming treatment with child abuse by putting their names to an ad that will run in Texas on Friday, according to Axios. Google, Microsoft, Apple and Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath in Bengaluru; Editing by Robert Birsel) View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Jussie Smollettwas sentenced to 30 months’ probation with the first 150 days to be spent in Cook County Jail. The sentencing was finally revealed three months after the actor was found guilty in December of lying to police in connection to a hate crime that was ultimately determined to be a hoax. Mega Smollett reportedly stood up after sentencing and stated over and over, “I am NOT suicidal … I am innocent … if anything happens to me when I go in there I did not do it to myself.” The 39-year-old disgraced actor appeared at Chicago’s Cook County Courthouse on Thursday in anticipation of his sentencing after he was found guilty on five counts of felony disorderly conduct for lying to police about, what he claimed at the time, was a racist and homophobic hate crime against him by two brothers in Chicago on January 29, 2019. Smollett was also charged with a sixth count of felony disorderly conduct for lying to a detective in the weeks following the “attack,” but the actor was ultimately acquitted on the sixth count. Prior to Judge James Linn’s sentencing of the convicted actor on Thursday, Smollett was facing up to three years in prison for the five counts of lying to police. Although Smollett was potentially facing three years behind bars, legal experts reported at the time that they thought it was highly unlikely he would see time in prison due to his previously clean criminal record and the fact that the charges against him were of non-violent nature. Mega As Radar reported, the whole chronicle of Smollett’s hate crime hoax started when he claimed he was attacked by two masked men wearing MAGA hats who shouted both homophobic and racist slurs at him near his residence in Chicago. When the Chicago police showed up at his home, Smollett also reportedly had a noose around his neck. But when the former Empire actor’s trial started in November, his story quickly started falling apart, and although he adamantly denied he lied to police regarding the hate crime, the jury ultimately had enough evidence to determine he lied to authorities over what truly transpired on that January 2019 night. Mega “Mr. Smollett, when on that witness stand, took an oath he was going to tell the truth, and he made many, many false statements to you. He lied under oath to you as jurors,” prosecutor Dan Webb said during closing arguments. Actor Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail and probation, beginning immediately, and shouts as he is led from court Published by Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — At the conclusion of a three-year firestorm of allegations he faked a hate crime attack on himself, Jussie Smollett was sentenced to 30 months of probation Thursday for his conviction in the hoax — and he must spend the first 150 days of the sentence in Cook County Jail. After the sentence, Smollett stood up and stated over and over in court that he is not suicidal and that he is innocent. “If anything happens to me when I go in there I did not do it to myself,” he said. “I am not suicidal!” he repeatedly yelled as he was led from court, raising a fist in the air. While special prose… Read More View the full article

Published by Radar Online mega Kevin Spacey has failed to convince a judge to dismiss the lawsuit brought by actor Anthony Rapp — and the two will be heading to trial this fall. According to court documents obtained by Radar, a federal judge in New York has set a trial date for October 4, 2022. In the suit, Rapp claims that a then 26-year-old Spacey sexually assaulted him at his apartment when he was only 14. Rapp says the actor invited him over to his pad for a party. In court docs, he claims the Hollywood star came on to him by grabbing his backside without permission. Rapp says Spacey proceeded to lift him on a bed and got on top without consent. Rapp says the entire situation caused him extreme emotional distress that he carries to this day. Spacey originally responded to the lawsuit with a public statement claiming he had no recollection of the incident but apologized admitting it could have been drunken behavior. mega “I honestly do not remember the encounter, it would have been over 30 years ago. But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years,” he said. In court, Spacey hired an expert who wrote a report claiming Rapp fabricated the allegations in an effort to be a part of the #MeToo movement. mega In his recent attempt to dismiss the claims, Spacey filed a declaration under oath stating, “I categorically deny [Rapp’s] claim that I sexually assaulted him or otherwise made a “sexual advance” on him.” “I met [Rapp] several decades ago. I never had a sexual encounter with Mr. Rapp. Nor did I harbor any sexual interest or desire in Mr. Rapp at that time or any time,” he said. The judge clearly believes a jury should make a determination on the facts. The filing notes the trial is expected to last 2 weeks or less. Spacey and Rapp are both set to take the stand and testify. mega View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Dawn French admitted she didn’t like “posh” Jennifer Saunders when they first met. The ‘Vicar of Dibley’ star confessed to not taking immediately to her future ‘French and Saunders’ double act partner, 64, at drama school in the 70s but soon became such good friends they “sort of in love”. Speaking to the ‘Finding the Funny’ podcast, the 64-year-old comic told Ange and Ruth Corden: “I didn’t really like Jen that much at the very beginning because she’s quite posh, or I thought she was but she’s not really. She had a whole friendship group of way out of my league sort of people, and then I had to share a flat with her. “But as soon as I got rid of my prejudice about her, which I still have to this day – prejudice against posh people, they have to prove their worth to me – I thought, ‘She’s actually great.'” “We were just children together, enjoyed showing off for each other, and were sort of in love, really. Because we were friends first and this career came as a result of that we have been very careful to make sure the friendship is what is preserved.” Jennifer and Dawn will be reuniting for the Comic Relief, the charity pioneered by Dawn’s ex Lenny Henry, 64 – and the father of their daughter Billie, 31, – a gig she “wouldn’t ever want to let anyone down”. Dawn said: ‘I know that the money is spent correctly and I know that there are projects that are ongoing that need us to be ongoing and I wouldn’t ever want to let anyone down.” “So I think the more that we can do to boost and support, the better!” The funny gals will be spoofing the BBC One show ‘The Repair Shop’, which the ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ star labelled as the “perfect thing” for them to parody. Jennifer added: “As I watched The Repair Shop, I thought all I could ever see was these characters going into The Repair Shop, or me and Dawn, pretending to mend something or imitating the characters. You know, I just thought, this is the show for us.’ “Then Comic Relief said we’ve got The Repair Shop and it was like the perfect thing. It was so perfect!” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Lisa Rinna congratulated her husband Harry Hamlin for securing his first major studio film in 40 years. The ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star gushed about her “stud” 70-year-old husband and his latest professional success. On Instagram, the 58-year-old reality television personality wrote: “I’d like to share a little story about my husband. 40 years ago he started in a Movie for @20thcenturystudios called Making Love. “It was the first gay love story controversial and groundbreaking. 40 years later Harry just got his first Studio movie.” “He hasn’t worked for a MAJOR film studio in 40 years. Talk about Tenacity and standing your ground and risk-taking and being a f- – – ing Stud!!! I’m so blessed and honored to be able to call myself his wife. Congrats Harry Hamlin!!!!!!!” Lisa – who shares two daughters, the fashion models Delilah Belle, 23, and Amelia Gray, 20, with Harry – teased that his as-yet-unnamed co-star was something special in the as-yet-unnamed project. She said: “ps wait until you hear who he is starting in the new movie with.” Harry – who in the 1982 movie played Bart McGuire, who begins an affair with a married doctor, played by Michael Ontkean, 76 – has appeared in Lifetime movies and many television series since the movie, such as ‘Mad Men’, ‘Shameless’ ‘Glee’, along with making cameos on the Bravo reality franchise that his wife stars in. Last month, Harry – who also has son Dimitri, 40, with his ex Ursula Andress, 85 – claimed that he and Lisa were able to mark 25 years of marriage because they were “diametrically opposed”. He said: “[The secret is] being diametrically opposite. I like going up to the mountains, and her idea of camping is anything below the 10th floor of the Four Seasons.” View the full article

Key West’s iconic Southernmost Point marker is a popular spot for a photo. Photo by Mike Freas/Florida Keys News BureauBefore 2018, Key West never appeared on my travel radar. It seemed pretty, comfortably gay-friendly and maybe even a little kitschy, in a Golden Girls tropical lanai sort of way. I expected a relaxed, “flip-flops and flip cup” Florida vibe. I expected to eat key lime pie, float around in a Speedo and check out those six-toed cats at the Hemingway house. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with the island. With increasingly brutal winters descending on New York City each year, it doesn’t take much to get this city slicker anywhere else come February. Leaving dirty snowbanks for sand and surf is a no-brainer. However, especially in today’s increasingly complex travel environment, even nearby international destinations like Mexico have a heightened level of complication. Ease of entry is always a plus for any gay traveler, but Key West delivers the full tropical fantasy the moment you exit onto the tarmac at its small, charming airport. (Don’t worry, there’s still a bar.) The warm breeze, the sunshine and the palm trees feel much closer to paradise than the panhandle. A beautiful view of Smathers Beach in Key West. Rob O’Neal/Florida Keys News Bureau.The island has a host of beaches, from the soft sands of Smathers to the local favorite at Fort Zachary Taylor, but once you get a glimpse of the clear waters, they’re tough to resist. Options on the water range from mild to wild, from leisurely sunset cruises to jet skis and parasailing, but no trip to Key West is complete without leaving dry land at least once. Even a perpetual indoor kid like myself could appreciate Key West’s ideal climate, though I prefer my Vitamin-D with a vodka chaser, personally. A poolside cocktail is always worth the airfare, in my opinion, and there are lots of options to sip and soak in Key West, especially for gay travelers. Key West’s Island House serves up a popular pool party twice a week. Photo courtesy Island House.There are four primarily LGBTQ+ guesthouses on the island, including three clothing-optional catering specifically to men. For many travelers, the clothing-optional culture is the primary motivation for visiting. It’s unfamiliar territory for folks like myself, for whom dressing comfortably typically involves at least one cardigan. I learned it’s not only possible to go from swimming with a shirt on to letting it all hang out at happy hour, but the confidence and comfort it inspired became my greatest souvenir from my time in Key West. Make no mistake, there’s no lack of things to do while wearing clothes in Key West, either. There are excellent restaurants that blend the creativity and imagination of the island with the unique culinary culture and locally-sourced seafood. Yes, there’s the famous key lime pie, but there are staples like conch, spiny lobster and hogfish. Nightlife can still be naughty at Island House after dark, bumping and grinding alongside the go-go boys at Bourbon Street Pub or late nights at Saloon 1. There’s drag aplenty on Duval, from the crowd-pleasing lip syncs at Aqua to the down and dirty gals at 801 Bourbon Bar, led by the iconic Sushi. Down the street at LaTeDa, celebrity impersonator extraordinaires Christopher Peterson and Randy Roberts wow audiences several nights a week. Though, dipping your toe into the island’s clothing-optional culture unlocks the greatest part about visiting Key West (and we don’t just mean for the eye-candy). Naked happy hours and pool parties are social staples in Key West. You may catch some folks bobbing in the pool at the bar behind Bourbon Street and New Orleans House guesthouse while tourists partying down Duval Street mix with laidback locals over drinks. At the legendary Island House, Wednesday and Sunday pool parties are lively affairs with heavy pours, raffle prizes and enough naked men of every shape and size to satisfy almost anybody’s tastes. The gay owned and operated BluQ offers a men-only, clothing-optional sail and snorkel for those seeking the most fun sunburn you’ve ever had. If it all sounds a bit radical, that’s because it is. There’s a well-established transgressive side to the island belied by the tacky t-shirt shops and tourist traps straight travelers tend to spread. The rebellious streak is baked into the island’s history, as a haven for pirates, artists and just plain weirdos. A long line of creatives have called the island home, including Ernest Hemingway, whose house is still a favorite point of interest for visitors, and Tennessee Williams, whose career can be celebrated at the small, but well-curated Tennessee Williams Museum. Original West Side Story scribe Leonard Bernstein, drag legend and John Waters muse Divine, beloved children’s book author Judy Blume and even Top Gun star Kelly McGillis are among the icons who have lived on the island. Perhaps most notably, it’s evident in Key West’s tongue-in-cheek cessation from the United States in the 1980s. As a proud pirate/artist/weirdo myself, it’s what I appreciate most about visiting. The unique mix of LGBTQ+ travelers and locals means there’s never a shortage of interesting conversation to be found over a cocktail or conch fritter. An open-mind is all that’s required, as the friendly local populace encourages to “come as you are ” … as long as who you are isn’t a judgmental jerk. Romance is on the menu in Key West. Photo by Mike Freas/Florida Keys News Bureau The welcoming atmosphere means Key West caters to a wide variety of travel style. It can be a restorative solo respite, a truly balls-out boys weekend, a romantic getaway or countless other combinations. With the right attitude, you’ll be rewarded with not only an unforgettable vacation, but a slew of new friends. (And I’m not just talking about the ones you meet in the hot tub or steam room.) It’s been the greatest reward from my time spent speaking with local comedians, writers, drag queens and even Mayor Teri Johnston (the first openly-gay woman elected mayor in Florida). It’s a special place that attracts a special kind of person. It’s always nice to find your people, but nothing beats doing it in paradise. Start planning your next gaycation to Key West today. View the full article

Published by Radar Online Mega Caitlyn Jenner will not make an appearance in the upcoming Hulu show The Kardashians despite her being one of the main reasons the family’s original show ended up being sold. Kris Jenner — along with her daughters — sat down for a chat with Variety to promote their new project on the streamer which premieres next month. The article boosted Kris’ ability to make the family a lot of money. She guided the family from their mega-deal at E! — which they decided not to renew in September 2020 — to their new home at Hulu. Many have been wondering what the format for the show would look like and if it would resemble Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Mega The family revealed the show will be at least 2 seasons and consist of 20 episodes per season. The biggest bombshell was Caitlyn is no longer a part of the program. Caitlyn starred on Keeping Up for the entire series even after her split from Kris and their messy public fight. Caitlyn’s celebrity status as a former Olympian was a selling point to E! back in the early 2000s when they picked up the show — that would go on to become a reality juggernaut. Mega The article also reveals Rob is no longer a main cast member. He wasn’t filming Keeping Up regularly towards the end and has always seemed to like being low-key more than in the family drama. Rob is also in the middle of a nasty lawsuit with his ex-fiancée Blac Chyna. She is suing him for revenge porn claiming he leaked nude photos of her online and caused her emotional distress. He was also suing his ex for assault — a claim she denied — but dismissed the case days before trial. Mega Mega It’s unclear if the legal matters played a role in the family thinking Rob should sit this series out or he just didn’t have any interest in shooting with them. The family did say Rob could make a cameo at some point during the show. Mega View the full article

Trans Youth March in Washington, D.C.Idaho: Life In Prison For Puberty Blockers As threats to trans youth in Texas wait for a formal legal ruling, multiple states are taking the Lone Star State’s example and advancing their own legislation aimed squarely at parents and medical professionals that provide gender-affirming affirming care to trans children. The Idaho House was the most recent example when it passed HB 675 on Tuesday. The bill would make providing gender-affirming health care, including puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, to trans youth a felony punishable by life in prison. That same punishment would apply to giving permission for a minor to receive such care or allow a minor to travel out of state to access gender-affirming health care. “This bill represents a fundamental misunderstanding of trans people,” Rep. John McCrostie, the only out gay lawmaker in the Idaho legislature, told the Idaho Press. “I applaud those parents and their courage, as well as the young people who have let their parents know, ‘I think I’m a little different.” Unlike in Arkansas, Abbott issued his instructions without any legal backing as the Texas legislature had not passed a ban on gender-affirming care for trans minors. That could change when state lawmakers hold their next session in 2023, or if Abbott calls for a special session sooner. Measures attacking trans youth identities are also being focused on schools. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, both houses of the Wisconsin Congress passed what it called a “parental bill of rights” last week. The bill allows parents to determine the name and pronouns used by their children in public schools without any regard for how those children identify personally, placing the safety of trans and gender-diverse students at further risk. Under the measure, parents would be able to sue school staff who use student-chosen names or pronouns. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signaled that he will veto the bill. Trans Youth: Previously on Towleroad Idaho, Alabama, Wisconsin Advance Anti-Trans Youth Bills, Including Life In Prison Punishment For Providing Puberty Blockers Brian Bell March 10, 2022 Read More Lana Wachowski: Amid High-School Struggles, ‘Popcorn, Sticky Floors, and a Kung Fu Movie’ Made A Trans Future Seem OK Towleroad December 20, 2021 Read More Arkansas Trans Law Blocked. Federal Judge Stops Ban on Transgender Youth Treatment From Taking Effect Until Lawsuit Resolved. Towleroad July 22, 2021 Read More Trans youth sports debate consumes Equality Act Senate hearing Kate Sosin, The 19th March 19, 2021 Read More Laverne Cox and Gavin Grimm Speak Out About Trump’s Anti-Trans Actions on The View : WATCH Luis Damian Veron February 24, 2017 Read More South Dakota Abruptly Pulls Anti-Transgender Locker Room Bill Luis Damian Veron February 3, 2017 Read More Photo courtesy of Ted Eytan/Creative Commons View the full article

Published by DPA Cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, tigers, mice, otters and hippos are among the growing number of animals to have caught the coronavirus. Scientists are worried about the rise of further variants as the virus spreads into other species. Christoph Soeder/dpa Philadelphia (tca/dpa) — The 11-year-old cat had been vomiting and lethargic for several days, and showed little interest in food. When the pet was examined at the University of Pennsylvania’s Ryan Veterinary Hospital in September, her owner mentioned a possible clue to the symptoms: Someone in the household had Covid-19. The animal’s nasal swab turned up negative. A fecal sample, on the other hand, told the tale. The shorthair feline was infected with the delta variant. Scientists have now found the coronavirus in 29 kinds of animals, a list that has been steadily growing almost since the start of the pandemic and includes cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, tigers, mice, otters and hippos. In most cases, the animals have not been shown to transmit the virus back to humans. But in at least two cases, it looks as if they can. Minks have spread the virus to people, and in a new Canadian study, scientists identified one person who tested positive after unspecified “close contact” with infected white-tailed deer. The good news is that with all known variants that have circulated in humans, the vaccines remain very good at preventing severe disease. The concern is that as the virus continues to circulate in other animals, it could accumulate mutations that render the vaccines less effective. Increased surveillance is key. We spoke to three scientists about what the latest animal findings mean: Eman Anis, assistant professor of microbiology at Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine; Suresh V. Kuchipudi, a professor of veterinary and biomedical sciences at Pennsylvania State University; and Frederic Bushman, professor of microbiology at Penn’s Perelman School of Medicine. How do they find Covid in animals? In the case of deer, scientists typically test animals that have been hunted or killed in car accidents. With domestic and zoo animals, testing can be done much as it is in people. A sample taken with a nasal swab can be tested just like a human swab — using the laboratory method called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The exact procedure might vary from animal to animal. When vets tested a tiger at the Bronx Zoo in April 2020, for example, they wisely sedated her in advance. For now, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends against routine testing of pets, as they do not often get sick with Covid, and they are not thought to play a big role in spreading the disease to humans. But testing may be warranted if the animal shows symptoms consistent with Covid, or has come in close contact with an infected human, the association says. Both things were true for the cat at Penn. In a case study, vets wrote that the animal’s symptoms might be partly explained by another condition, a gastrointestinal disorder called chronic enteropathy. But the cat’s owners had kept that condition under control by managing her diet. The cat began vomiting only after the household member came down with Covid, suggesting the virus was indeed to blame. Once the cat tested positive, her sample was sent to Bushman’s lab, which used a sequencer to read the entire genome of the virus. It was clearly the delta variant and was a close match to versions of delta also found circulating in people in the Philadelphia area. Why worry about Covid in animals? Every time a virus makes copies of itself inside a new host, it makes a few random “spelling” mistakes in its genetic code — mutations. Most mutations either have no impact on the fitness of the virus, or they may cause it to become less viable. But every so often, a set of mutations will improve the microbe’s ability to spread to other cells, and ultimately its ability to infect other hosts. With the right combination of attributes, a virus can even jump from one host species to another. That’s how the Covid pandemic got started in late 2019, with horseshoe bats — though a debate is ongoing as to whether bats spread the virus to humans in a live-animal market, through a laboratory accident, or some other means. Public health agencies have done a fairly good job of tracking viral mutations in infected people, sounding the alarm when a set of worrisome mutations warrants the label “variant of concern.” But there is far less surveillance of the virus in animal populations, especially in the wild, said Anis, the microbiologist at Penn’s vet school. “It could be evolving in hosts we are not aware of,” she said. In the infected deer in the new Canadian study, the coronavirus had evolved dozens of mutations not found in other strains, leading scientists to proclaim it as “highly divergent.” Translation: on the family tree of the virus, this lineage was off on its own branch — suggesting it had been circulating in deer and racking up new mutations for a while, unbeknownst to science. This lineage does not appear to be different enough that it would evade protection from the vaccines. That’s because the vaccines teach the human immune system to recognize the “spike” protein on the exterior of each virus, whereas many of the mutations in this deer version occurred elsewhere in the virus. Still, we need to keep an eye on it, said Penn State’s Kuchipudi, who was not involved in the Canadian study but has done his own studies in deer. As the virus continues to circulate in deer, more mutations will arise, and we need to be ready in case. “There is no need to panic,” he said, “but this is not something we can ignore.” How many more tricks does this virus have in store? Early in the pandemic, scientists determined that the coronavirus spike was a very close fit with “receptors” found on cells in human airways, almost like a match between a key and a lock. That’s what made it so adept at penetrating cells. That finding was essential in developing the vaccines. They teach the immune system to make antibodies that bind to the spike, interfering with its ability to get inside a cell. But the threat of any particular virus is about much more than penetrating cells, said Bushman, the Penn microbiologist. Other segments of the genetic code are involved in making copies of the virus inside the host cells, exiting the cell, and travelling from host to host, among other steps in its virulent journey. Along came delta, followed by omicron, both of which had acquired new mutations that made them more transmissible. The vaccines still offered good protection against severe disease from both strains, yet they managed to cause plenty of havoc. One theory is that omicron developed in an immunocompromised person, evolving more mutations as the person was unable to fully clear it. Another theory is that the strain evolved somewhere in the developing world, where there is less surveillance, or that it evolved in a wild animal, such as a mouse. Are more worrisome combinations in store? “It’s hard to predict what evolution’s going to come up with,” Bushman said. “The virus will probably change different ways in different animals. Some of them probably won’t infect humans as well. But the fear is that maybe some new one will come along that does infect humans well.” The only answer, he said, is to keep looking. Cats, dogs, ferrets, hamsters, tigers, mice, otters and hippos are among the growing number of animals to have caught the coronavirus. Scientists are worried about the rise of further variants as the virus spreads into other species. Hauke-Christian Dittrich/dpa View the full article

Published by Reuters (Reuters) – “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler was briefly detained by police in Atlanta in January after he was mistaken for a bank robber, video footage released by Atlanta police on Wednesday shows. Coogler, 35, was detained by police before being released on Jan. 7 after he went to Bank of America to make a transaction, according to a report from Variety. “From we got the call, sounded like someone was trying to rob the bank,” one of the officers says in the bodycam footage. The director handed the bank teller a withdrawal slip with a note written on the back that reportedly read, “I would like to withdraw $12,000 cash from my checking account. Please do the money count somewhere else. I’d like to be discreet,” the Variety report said. The bank teller misinterpreted the situation as an attempted robbery when the transaction amount exceeded $10,000 and informed her boss, Variety reported. Bank of America did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Black Panther became the second-highest grossing movie at box offices worldwide in 2018, heralded for its vibrant celebration of African culture and applauded as a milestone for racial diversity in Hollywood. The film was nominated for six Oscars, including best picture. It won three Academy Awards – in the best original score, best costume design and best production design categories. (Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen Coates) View the full article

Published by Reuters (Reuters) – A District of Columbia retirement board has ruled that a police officer died in the line of duty when he took his own life due to injuries he suffered during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Post reported. Washington’s Police and Firefighters’ Retirement and Relief Board said in a letter on Monday that Jan. 6 was the “sole and direct cause” of Metropolitan police officer Jeffrey Smith’s suicide, the newspaper reported. His widow Erin Smith fought for a year for the board to reverse an earlier decision denying her late husband’s death was in the line of duty. The latest ruling allows her to receive a yearly annuity equal to her husband’s salary. It also opens the possibility for a memorial service to be held for him at the Capitol Rotunda and other honors typically bestowed to officers who died while on duty, the Post reported. Medical reports submitted to the board said Smith lost consciousness after he was struck in the head during the riot. He later exhibited “mood and behavioral changes” that led to his suicide, the newspaper reported, citing the reports. “Officer Jeffrey Smith would still be alive today if he hadn’t risked his life to defend all of us at the U.S. Capitol and our democracy itself on January 6th,” U.S. Representative Don Beyer, who represents Smith’s district in Congress, said in a statement. Smith was one of four Metropolitan police officers who have died by suicide after guarding the building that day. Hundreds of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the building that day in an unsuccessful attempt to stop Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential election win. Four people died on the day of the violence. A Capitol Police officer who had been attacked by protesters died the following day. More than 100 police officers were injured. The mayhem led to Trump’s second impeachment. More than 500 people have been arrested for their roles in the violence. (Reporting by Brendan O’Brien; editing by Jonathan Oatisditing by Jonathan Oatis) View the full article

Published by Reuters WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines said on Thursday that Russian forces are operating with “reckless disregard” for civilians as they face stronger-than-expected resistance in Ukraine and intelligence agencies are tracking their actions to hold them to account. “The IC (intelligence community) is engaged across the interagency to document and hold Russia and Russian actors accountable for their actions,” Haines told the Senate Intelligence Committee’s annual hearing on worldwide threats to U.S. security. (Reporting by Jonathan Landay, Doina Chiacu and Patricia Zengerle; editing by Chizu Nomiyama) View the full article

Published by New York Daily News Andy Cohen slammed the passage of Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill saying that Republicans “are pretending to solve a problem that doesn’t exist” by voting to approve the “vague, hateful” legislation. The host of Bravo’s late-night talk show “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” ended his Tuesday show with a scathing rebuke of Florida lawmakers who voted to pass a bill that would ban teachers from discussing “sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.” The controversial legisl… Read More View the full article

Published by Chicago Tribune CHICAGO — After three years of twists and turns, Jussie Smollett’s roller-coaster criminal case could finally come to an end Thursday when the actor is scheduled to be sentenced for staging a hoax hate crime on himself, barring a long-shot bid to get his conviction thrown out. Detractors eager to see the former “Empire” actor do hard time likely will not get their wish. Smollett has minimal criminal history and was convicted on low-level nonviolent charges. Supporters hoping to see him exonerated before sentencing begins also should not get their hopes up: Requests for a new trial are commonly… Read More View the full article

Published by Reuters By Jonathan Saul LONDON (Reuters) – A Russian-operated oil tanker that Britain turned away over a week ago has yet to find a port to discharge its cargo, and many other vessels are likely to be in the same position as buyers shun trade deals following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. On Tuesday, U.S. President Joe Biden imposed an immediate ban on Russian oil and other energy imports and Britain announced soon after that it would phase out the import of Russian oil and oil products by the end of 2022. The European Union has yet to provide clarity on the prospect of a similar ban by the bloc. The European Commission, the EU executive, has only said it would continue to work on further sanctions. Britain on March 1 banned from its ports all ships that are Russian-owned, operated, controlled, chartered, registered or flagged. The situation is not clear-cut as Britain later said Russia could still send oil and gas to the country because the sanction targeted the vessel, not its cargo. Dockers, however, refused to unload a tanker carrying Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) last week, forcing it to discharge in France. Earlier on Feb. 28, the NS Champion, operated by Russian shipping company Sovcomflot (SCF), changed course and sailed away from Britain towards Denmark, ship-tracking data on Eikon showed. The vessel last reported its position close to Denmark’s coast on Wednesday with its status showing as underway using engine, tracking data showed. SCF did not respond to a request for comment, and the ship’s crew could not be reached. Under Danish law, ports are obliged to receive vessels provided there is space and security considerations are met. Danish authorities did immediately comment on whether they had been in contact with the NS Champion. Up to 65 million barrels of Russian crude are estimated to be on board 90 tankers, which have yet to reach destinations, predictive maritime analytics company Windward said. Seven of those vessels, with 5 million barrels of oil, were reporting their positions as headed to the United States, Windward added. European Union countries are divided on whether to ban energy cargoes with a Russia footprint. Other ships with Russian gas have been able to deliver their cargoes. Two LNG tankers have docked and discharged in ports in France and Belgium since March 5, analysis by data intelligence firm ICIS showed. Denmark is pushing for the EU to take a common decision on excluding Russian vessels from ports in the bloc, Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said in emailed comments to Reuters. “It will naturally be a far-reaching decision that requires careful preparation. Therefore, it is not something you just do,” he said. SCF was among the Russian entities the U.S. Treasury restricted in February from raising capital in U.S. markets, which shipping sources say will complicate transactions for the Moscow-listed company. Shipowners and operators were “struggling to keep up with the unfolding sanctions and are concerned that activities that are permitted today, will be banned tomorrow,” said Alexander Brandt, a sanctions lawyer at law firm Reed Smith. Significant numbers of Russian-linked tankers carrying crude oil and LNG call at UK ports each year as well as ships carrying steel and other goods, added Nick Austin, a shipping partner at Reed Smith. “Those ships and cargoes will now have to go elsewhere, or more likely never leave Russia at all,” Austin said. (Reporting by Jonathan Saul in London and Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, additional reporting by Forrest Crellin in Paris and Nora Buli in Oslo; editing by Barbara Lewis) View the full article

Published by AFP Background checks for prospective dates are coming to dating app Tinder Washington (AFP) – Dating app Tinder will give US users a way to check if potential dates have been convicted of a violent crime, a check that experts warn has limitations. The app’s parent firm Match Group announced on Wednesday it would begin offering access to Garbo, a new US online background check platform that can show if someone has a history of violence. After navigating to Garbo through the Tinder app, users then enter the name, phone number or other details about a potential date to check for arrests, convictions and sex offender registry information. Dating apps, including Tinder, have been pressured to take action after women have reported they were sexually assaulted by men they connected with via the platforms. “This is just the first step in delivering on our mission to help proactively prevent harm in the digital age,” Garbo founder Kathryn Kosmides said in a statement. Match said up to 500,000 free Garbo searches would be made available, and thereafter a check would cost $2.50 plus a processing fee. Search results exclude certain offenses like drug possession, loitering or vagrancy, and do not provide personal details like home addresses and phone numbers, Garbo said. The firm, in a blog post, said the service is intended to prevent violence by offering information, but noted its limitations. “Most violent individuals never interact with the criminal justice system and Garbo does not have access to all records across the United States due to jurisdictional challenges,” the post said. Sexual violence researcher Nicole Bedera told AFP sexual assault is frequently not reported to authorities, and documented cases face barriers in the justice system. “It’s a very under prosecuted crime. And even when cases do move through the criminal justice system — regardless of what country you’re in — you’re going to see a low conviction rate,” she added. Sarah Lageson, an associate professor at the Rutgers School of Criminal Justice, pointed to the incompleteness of criminal record information as well as their racial bias. “Many white sexual predators do not have a criminal record and many Black people have a misleading or unfair one,” she noted. Garbo, for its part, pointed to the reality and risks of the current time. “In today’s digital age, we’re connecting with more strangers than ever before — yet we increasingly know less and less about who we’re meeting,” the company noted. “What if we could proactively prevent some of the harm against ourselves and our communities?” it asked. View the full article

Best Actress Nominees: Nicole, Gaga, Jessica, Olivia, Jhud, Penelope, Kristen have all played queer, and are obviously thriving , recognized by the awards organizations run by their peers. We almost had an incestuous scene between Gaga and Penelope Cruz in this year’s Gucci, though public reaction that possibility was strongly supportive of the decision to drop it. Even the queers on the list were able to fulfill the Sapphic Turn requirement, though against greater odds. Up next the men…who won’t rank so hi [This post contains video, click to play] Queerest Contest For Lead Female Actor (Film) **Lead actress nominees at the 2022 Oscars, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice Awards Jessica Chastain (“The Eyes of Tammy Faye”)SayGay: Eyes of Tammy FayePlayGay: Jolene (prison guard)Olivia Colman (“The Lost Daughter”)SayGay: Baftas VideoPlayGay:The FavouritePenélope Cruz (“Parallel Mothers”)PlayGay: Vicky Cristina BarcelonaPlayGay: Head in the CloudsJennifer Hudson (“Respect”)SayGay: Towleroad Exclusive Interview, Launched Marriage Equality Song At a Gay wedding. PlayGay: Shug Avery in Color Purple on BroadwayLady Gaga (“House of Gucci”)SayGay: Exclusive Towleroad Interview with Politics Editor Corey Johnson, March on Washington 2009PlayGay: With Beyonce, TelephoneNicole Kidman (“Being the Ricardos”) SayGay: Today Show Supporting ‘Boy Erased’ PlayGay: Top of The Lake:China GirlKristen Stewart (“Spencer”) SayGay: Out, Engaged Lesbian PlayGay: ‘Happiest Season’Best Actress Nominees: Hosting and Supporting Best Supporting: In terms of nominees it looks to be the queerest awards season ever. In addition to the Actors and roles above, Ariana DeBose won SAG’s Best Supporting Actress for her work in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story.” She is the first out queer Latina to win a SAG Award. Hosts: And at the Oscar ceremony, out lesbian Wanda Sykes is one of the thruple hosting the show. She’s joined by proud lesbian-adjacent comedian Amy Schumer, who has more YouTube videos of her kissing women in public than Wanda Sykes and Kristen Stewart. The third host is Regina Hall who may be the most canny of them all. In 2014 she told media outlets she was having a lesbian affair with Gabrielle Union–clearly joking that she needed something like that to compete opening their film ‘The Honeymooners’ on the date ‘Mr. And Mrs. Smith’ with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. In 2016 while promoting “When the Bough Breaks” she was asked about rumors of a lesbian coupling with Actor Sanaa Lathan. In fact, she and her dog were staying with Lathan during construction at her own. Plus Kate McKinnon hovering about it all.. Don’t Say Gay in Florida Hot Links Idaho House Passes Very Sane Bill: Life In Prison For Giving Medical Treatment To Trans TeensDefending Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, Fox’s Tucker Carlson says teachers who talk to kids about gender identity should “get beaten up”Idaho House Passes Dangerous Bill Banning Gender-Affirming Care for Trans KidsTrans youth care ban moves forward in Idaho legislatureAndy Cohen Speaks Out Against Florida's "Don't Say Gay" Bill – E! OnlineTexas loses appeal over investigation of trans teen's family‘Don’t Say Gay’ Legislation Filed in Georgia General AssemblyDisney’s CEO buckles, says company will sign a statement opposing ‘Don’t Say Gay’ legislation across the USLightfoot announces director for new public-safety commissionRemarkable — This Year. Any Year. It is remarkable that this small group of actors, not chosen based on any queer critera, have created so many queer characters in such a range of stories, and that they are on this list for being the very top talents chosen for honors by their peers. Two of 7 actors are out as queer/lesbian in spite of the barriers up for queer actors. The casting conversation continues in that industry. The arguments for diverse participation in all aspects of story telling have grown even more compelling. The fact that this is the list from the most mainstream awards is a sign of the huge movement, at least when it comes to women taking queer roles. In the early 90s there were few known top talents who would play gay and there were zero out queer mainstream actors. We’ve come a long way, baby. The work and stories go back 10 years. it’s less a short-lived trend and more like a convergence of many strands and impulses in the culture. When you step back you can see the whole picture, similar to all the communities that make up the LGBTQ community. Showing a variety (at any levels of complexity) Still it’s an amazing set that includes a verified top-shelf gay icon who is herself queer and was supposed to have had an onscreen sex scene with another in the group; an affianced lesbian former teen star who played royalty; Almodovar muse, queen and star in many of his films; Another was married to Tom Cruise, played the most famous sex worker, the perfect wife, a queer mom, and time-shifted lesbian poet Virginia Woolf; There’s an arrogant Blues Singer sensualist, gay dance floor favorite with a marriage equality anthem; Almodovar’s muse; another who won playing a spy, and whose sapphic scenes were sourced from jail. Queer diversity. Back to Basics: Coming Out. Representation. Protection We need to go back to basics. Come out. Say gay. In a very short time, The culture has gone from ‘Call Me By Your Name’ to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ and trans-youth attacks. It may be a time to review the basics coming out, changing minds, protecting the vulnerable.. View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Amazon has launched an app that will allow users to have their own radio show. The tech giant – which already runs an online megastore as well as a TV and music streaming platform – has unveiled a “live radio” app called Amp which will allow users to host their own DJ-style shows, complete with a catalogue featuring “tens of millions of licensed songs” and the ability to create playlists and play host to guest callers. The description of the free app reads: “It’s easy to share your voice and favorite songs with the world on Amp. Decide on a show title, create a playlist, and you’re just seconds away from streaming your own radio show!” The new app – which was reportedly in development under the name Project Mic – has also enlisted the help of rapping superstar Nicki Minaj, who will be hosting her show ‘Queen Radio’ on the app, and will be joined by Pusha T, singer-songwriter Tinashe, electronic artist and violinist Lindsey Stirling, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, Lil Yachty, and Big Boi in bringing their own content to the new platform. John Ciancutti, vice president of Amp, said in a statement: “Radio has always been about music and culture. But imagine if you were inventing the medium for the first time today. You’d combine what people love about radio—spontaneous talk, new music discovery, diverse personalities, and broad programming—with all that’s made possible by today’s technology. You’d make it so anybody with a phone, a voice, and a love for music could make their own show. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. Amp makes it possible for you to grab the mic and run the airwaves. We are creating a new version of radio that will have an infinite dial of shows.” Since the app is “still in the works”, according to Amazon, users can only use the app when provided with a beta code as they make sure to “improve the experience and better serve everyone when the app officially launches.” The app itself is available to download from the U.S version of the App Store and users can and sign up for the waitlist and subscribe to the Amp Newsletter. View the full article

Published by DPA Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic reacts after being defeated by Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta in the Men's Singles Bronze Medal Match at the Ariake Tennis Centre Court, during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Marijan Murat/dpa The Indian Wells Masters for women and men starting later Wednesday saw Novak Djokovic as part of the men’s draw but it remains unclear whether the former world number can play in California. The Serb has said he is not vaccinated against the coronavirus and according to United States rules only people who have been jabbed can enter the country, unless the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes an exception. Djokovic is the second seed and has a first-round bye. “Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw today,” the tournament said late Tuesday. “We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC approval to enter the country.” Djokovic was deported from Australia in January after attempting to play at the Australian Open. This year he has only played in Dubai where only a negative PCR test was needed to enter. View the full article