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Published by AFP Donald Trump is the only US president since Richard Nixon not to release details of his personal finances New York (AFP) – Former US president Donald Trump on Tuesday filed a $100 million lawsuit against his estranged niece Mary Trump and The New York Times, alleging they engaged in “an insidious plot” to obtain his tax returns for the paper’s Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation of his finances. The lawsuit, filed in Dutchess County, New York state, says that New York Times reporters Susanne Craig, David Barstow and Russ Buettner conducted “an extensive crusade to obtain Donald J. Trump’s confidential tax records.” “The defendants engaged in an insidious plot to obtain confidential and highly-sensitive records which they exploited for their own benefit and utilized as a means of falsely legitimizing their publicized works,” the lawsuit says, alleging they were “motivated by a personal vendetta.” The New York Times and the three journalists won the Pulitzer in 2019 for their investigation of the Trump family’s finances, which the Pulitzer Prize Board said “debunked his claims of self-made wealth and revealed a business empire riddled with tax dodges.” The newspaper’s story alleged that Trump had received more than $400 million in today’s terms from his father’s real estate empire, much of it through fraudulent tax schemes. Mary was the daughter of the eldest Trump brother Fred Trump Jr, who died in 1981 from complications due to alcoholism. In her no-holds-barred 2020 memoir, “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man,” she revealed that she was the primary source for the New York Times investigation. ‘Loser’ Trump’s 27-page lawsuit asserts that the New York Times reporters “relentlessly sought out his niece, Mary L. Trump, and convinced her to smuggle the records out of her attorney’s office and turn them over to The Times.” Times reporter Craig tweeted early Wednesday: “I knocked on Mary Trump’s door. She opened it. I think they call that journalism.” The lawsuit alleges that, by providing information, Mary Trump was in violation of a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after a settlement over the estate of Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump Sr. The former president is seeking $100 million in compensation and damages, as well as all the proceeds from his niece’s book. In a statement quoted by NBC, Mary Trump called her uncle “a loser.” “It’s desperation. The walls are closing in and he is throwing anything against the wall that he thinks will stick,” she said. “As is always the case with Donald, he’ll try and change the subject.” Trump is under investigation in New York for tax fraud and other alleged wrongdoings relating to the financial activities of his Trump Organization. The Justice Department in August also ordered the Treasury to provide a congressional committee with six years of records that Trump has long refused to make public. US presidents are not required by law to release details of their personal finances, but every US leader since Richard Nixon has done so. Trump repeatedly said he would release them pending an audit but ultimately broke with the tradition. “The Times’s coverage of Donald Trump’s taxes helped inform citizens through meticulous reporting on a subject of overriding public interest,” Danielle Rhoades Ha, a spokeswoman for the paper, said in a statement quoted by US media. “This lawsuit is an attempt to silence independent news organizations and we plan to vigorously defend against it.” View the full article

Published by AFP Roald Dahl was known for such beloved chldren's classics as 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda' San Francisco (AFP) – Netflix said Tuesday it has acquired the whole works of acclaimed children’s author Roald Dahl, creator of such classics as “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “Matilda.” The streaming giant said it had bought The Roald Dahl Story Company — the family firm which owns the late British author’s copyright. Netflix in 2018 signed a deal with the company to create animated series based on 16 Dahl books. “This acquisition builds on the partnership we started three years ago to create a slate of animated TV series,” Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos and Luke Kelly, managing director of the RDSC and Dahl’s grandson, said in a joint statement. Under the previous deal, Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi and “Zootropolis” screenwriter Phil Johnston are working on a series based on the world of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and an adaptation of “Matilda the Musical” is underway. “These projects opened our eyes to a much more ambitious venture — the creation of a unique universe across animated and live action films and TV, publishing, games, immersive experiences, live theater, consumer products and more,” Netflix said. Dahl died in 1990 aged 74 after penning several classic titles including “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Fantastic Mr Fox,” “Matilda,” “The Twits,” “The Witches” and “The BFG.” His books have been translated into 63 languages and sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. “These stories and their messages of the power and possibility of young people have never felt more pertinent,” the statement said. “As we bring these timeless tales to more audiences in new formats, we’re committed to maintaining their unique spirit and their universal themes of surprise and kindness, while also sprinkling some fresh magic into the mix.” No financial details of the deal were given. The Hollywood Reporter in 2018 quoted sources as saying the licensing deal covering just 16 Dahl books cost Netflix more than $100 million. Several Dahl works have already been adapted for the big screen, including “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Witches,” “Fantastic Mr Fox” and “The BFG.” View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Sex and the Citystar Willie Garson has died at the age of 57. According to PEOPLE, Garson passed away on Tuesday, September 21, surrounded by family after a short illness. The outlet noted that he had been suffering from pancreatic cancer. “BE KIND TO EACH OTHER……ALWAYS. LOVE TO ALL. APRROACH KINDNESS,” his last tweet, which was on Sunday, September 5, read. MEGA ‘THE WIRE’ STAR MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS DEAD AT 54 — WENDELL PIERCE, BEN STILLER, MORE REACT “I love you so much papa. Rest In Peace and I’m so glad you got to share all your adventures with me and were able to accomplish so much. I’m so proud of you. I will always love you, but I think it’s time for you to go on an adventure of your own,” his son Nathen posted on Instagram on Tuesday, September 21. “You’ll always be with me. Love you more than you will ever know and I’m glad you can be at peace now. You always were the toughest and funniest and smartest person I’ve known. I’m glad you shared you’re love with me. I’ll never forget it or lose it,” Nathen added. Garson played Carrie Bradshaw’s [Sarah Jessica Parker] friend Stanford Blatch in SATC. He reprised the role in the two SATC films and was slated to appear in the upcoming reboot And Just Like That… SARAH JESSICA PARKER LOOKS PRETTY IN PLAID! THE ‘SEX AND THE CITY’ STAR WEARS FUNKY FASHION-STATEMENT PANTS WHILE FILMING ‘AND JUST LIKE THAT’ — GET THE LOOK MEGA The actor is also known for his role as Mozzie in White Collar. He made appearances in LA Law, The X-Files, Boy Meets World and Friends. SATC coworkers, fans and friends shared tributes to Garson. “Such sad news and a terribly sad loss to the SATC family. Our condolences and RIP dear Willie xo,” Kim Cattrall tweeted. “So deeply, deeply sad we have lost @WillieGarson. We all loved him and adored working with him. He was endlessly funny on-screen and and in real life. He was a source of light, friendship and show business lore. He was a consummate professional— always,” Cynthia Nixon wrote. “I couldn’t have had a more brilliant TV partner. I’m devastated and just overwhelmed with Sadness. Taken away from all of us way soon. You were a gift from the gods. Rest my sweet friend. I love you,” Mario Cantone, who plays Garson’s character’s partner, Anthony Marentino, shared. OK! RECREATES OUR FAVORITE OUTFITS FROM THE FILMING OF ‘AND JUST LIKE THAT…’ AT NORDSTROM’S ANNIVERSARY SALE — GET THE LOOK MEGA “The Sex And The City family has lost one of its own. Our amazing Willie Garson,” SATC executive producer Michael Patrick King said in a statement. “His spirit and his dedication to his craft was present everyday filming And Just Like That. He was there — giving us his all — even while he was sick. His multitude of gifts as an actor and person will be missed by everyone. In this sad , dark moment we are comforted by our memory of his joy and light.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Elon Musk has revealed that there were “challenges” with the toilet during SpaceX’s first private trip. The Tesla boss took to social media to reveal the problems but did not elaborate on what they actually were. Musk did say that future missions will “definitely” include “upgraded toilets” to make sure they don’t happen again. Musk had met with the crew after they touched down in Florida where he was informed of the problems, even though the discussion pre-flight centred on how good the facilities were. They were located just beneath the ‘cupola’, a huge built-in window, allowing the crew to look out into space as they relieved themselves. Jared Isaacman, the billionaire who funded the trip, added that the toilet was covered by a curtain to offer some privacy for those on board. SpaceX hasn’t disclosed much about how the toilet works but training on it was part of the preparation regime that the four-strong crew had to go through prior to the flight. Musk also intends to add other improvements for future voyages, including a “little oven for heating food” after the passengers were forced to eat cold pizza. The tech guru added that the ship will include a WiFi connection through SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. The SpaceX venture concluded on Saturday (18.09.21) and Musk welcomed the crew home with a $50 million donation to the children’s charity St Jude, as the passengers were aiming to raise $200 million for the St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Tennessee. View the full article

Published by Radar Online Ariana Grande’s arrival at The Voice has changed everything, including the future on the show of its only original star, Blake Shelton. “Current top ten artists like Justin Bieber, Lil Nas X, Billie Elish, Olivia Rodrigo, and The Weeknd, were all hesitant about staring on a competition show before Ariana Grande signed on,” a source tells Radar. nbc “Now she has changed everything and opened the flood gates to future relevant talent which isn’t good news for Blake Shelton. Sure, he is a star and people love him, but he doesn’t exactly burn up the charts anymore,” the insider spilled. “After a decade on the show, producer as quietly looking to replace Blake with someone younger and more current. Blake is great but he is not in Ariana’s league.” Sources add that Ariana has brought a whole new level of excitement to the show particularly with younger viewers. “It is time for a shake-up. The only way the show remains fresh is by constantly evolving. Huge stars that wouldn’t even consider joining the show a few months ago are now thinking again, thanks to Ariana,” adds a top Hollywood agent. mega The decision to get rid of Blake is a big one. He helped launch the singing competition show back in April 2011. The original line-up featured the country star, Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine. Christina appeared on the first three seasons and was paid an estimated $20 million a season for her work. The gig wasn’t for the pop star who left for season 4 and then returned for three additional seasons before finally leaving for good after season 10. Adam lasted a full 16 seasons before deciding it was time for him to get back to music and other passion projects. CeeLo was also quickly phased out of the show. nbc nbc Producers tried brining in Blake’s longtime partner Gwen Stefani as judge but that only lasted a couple of seasons spread out over years. The current roster of judges is Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Ariana Grande, and Blake. View the full article

Published by AFP Haitian migrants hoping to enter the United States cross the Rio Grande river to get food and water in northern Mexico Mexico City (AFP) – Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged the United States on Wednesday to act quickly to tackle the causes of the migrant crisis affecting the two neighboring countries. “Enough talking, it’s time to act,” Lopez Obrador told reporters as thousands of Haitian and other migrants massed on Mexico’s northern border seeking access into the United States. Mexico and Central American countries were still waiting for several billion dollars pledged by Washington for economic development to reduce the need for migrants to flee poverty, he said. “There was a commitment that they were going to invest four billion — two billion for Central America and two billion for Mexico. Nothing has come — nothing,” Lopez Obrador said. At the same time he added that US President Joe Biden “is interested” in solving the problem and said he was hopeful there would be a regional agreement on economic development. The Mexican leader has repeatedly proposed expanding one of his domestic welfare programs into Central America with the aim of generating 1.2 million jobs in the region. He has also proposed allowing participants to qualify for a US work visa after three years. The US authorities have begun to repatriate Haitians by air from the Texas border city of Del Rio, prompting a warning from the United Nations that people with genuine asylum claims may be at risk. Tens of thousands more migrants are stranded in the southern Mexican city of Tapachula, waiting for documents that would allow them to continue north. View the full article

Original Story from Radar Published by Radar Online Rachael Maddow’s massive $30 million deal is $5 million more than disgraced Matt Lauer was earning, making her other stars at NBC very uncomfortable. “There is no way a cable network can pay Rachel this amount of money. She is earning more than Savannah Guthrie and Hoda pick up on NBC, with is making both of The Today Show hosts very uncomfortable,” sources tell Radar. Rachel’s new package through 2024 comes with a great deal of power. She has always been the boss of MSNBC but now she might be taking over NBC too. MEGA “Part of Rachel’s deal is producing more shows and appearing more on NBC. It is NBC that has the real money, clearly, for the amount of money she is making, there will be much more cross-over,” adds an insider. “Savannah started her career as the White House correspondent and still thinks of herself as a political reporter. She has deep sources in DC and being best friends with George W Bush’s daughter, Jenna, is no coincidence. Savannah isn’t going to hand over the political beat to Rachel without a fight. These two are already distant. It’s only going to get worse now that Rachel makes more money.” Gabby Petito’s Fiancé Brian Laundrie Reading A Book About Missing Women In Eerie YouTube Video Unearthed By TikTok Detectives As Unidentified Body Is Found MEGA Rachel’s new deal came after months of extensive negotiations between the anchor and the network. Prior to her signing on the dotted line, sources claimed she was ready to leave MSNBC after 13 years. Insiders claimed Rachel was tired of hosting a nightly show and wanted to spend more time with her family. She hired Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and President Mark Shapiro to represent her in the contract talks with MSNBC. Eventually, the parties were able to hash out a deal where Rachel worked less but was paid more. MEGA The television source said Rachel was interested in pursuing podcast offers and wasn’t necessarily headed towards another network. The new deal has Rachel doing a weekly show instead of a nightly and will allow her to work on other passion projects under the NBC umbrella. The terms make sense given Rachel has been the highest-rated host on MSNBC for some time. MEGA Radar Rachel Maddow on Towleroad President Biden Includes LGBTQI Rights In United Nations Address Calling on Member Countries to Protect ‘Universal Rights of All’ More Gay Veterans Kicked Out Of Service In Witch Hunts and ‘Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell’ Eras Get Full Benefits 10-Years After Repeal More Maddow Deal: Rachel Maddow’s Jaw-Dropping $30 Million Deal With NBC Rubbing Colleague Savannah Guthrie The Wrong Way More Troll, disco ball, melting face: New emojis are coming More Lawsuits against doctor to test constitutionality of Texas abortion law More White House condemns border guard use of whip-like cord against Haitian migrants More George Holliday, who shot video of police beating Rodney King, dies More Billy Porter’s Emmys necklace cost $1 million More U.N. chief grades world on vaccine rollout: ‘F in Ethics’ More Tom Ford’s Husband, Richard Buckley, Dead At 72 From Natural Causes — Fashion World Pays Tribute To The Late Journalist More Michael K Williams, Cecily Tyson among Emmys In Memoriam More Load More View the full article

‘The Future Will Belong To Those Who Embrace Human Dignity,’ President Biden to U.N. President Joe BidenPresident Joe Biden reiterated his commitment to the global recognition of LGBTQ civil rights on Tuesday during an address to the United Nations General Assembly. Biden name checked specifically the continued persecution of LGBTQ individuals in Chechnya and Cameroon, ‘and the rest of the world’ and highlighted America’s commitment to promoting LGBTQ protections throughout the globe. “We must all defend the rights of LGBTQI individuals so they can live and love openly without fear,” Biden said. “As we pursue diplomacy across the board, the United States will champion the democratic values that go to the very heart of who we are as a nation and a people: freedom, equality, opportunity and a belief in the universal rights of all people.” Biden Ends Address Tying The UN Mission to Women, LGBTQ, Ethnic and Religious Minority Rights The LGBT comments followed Biden’s discussion of the recent resolution on Afghanistan. He noted the “more than 100 nations united” in the U.N. Security Council resolution outlining “the expectations to which we’ll hold the Taliban when it comes to respecting universal human rights.” (extended to March 2022 days before the General Assembly convened) He then called on all countries to protect and defend some of the most oppressed groups. “We all must advocate for the rights of women and girls to use their full talents…” and to pursue their dreams free of violence and intimidation, in Central America to the Middle East to Africa to Afghanistan, wherever it appears in the world.” Continuing, “We must all call out and condemn the targeting and oppression of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities whether it occurs in Xinjiang, Northern Ethiopia or anywhere in the world. “ Finishing the section with the LGBTQ comments, he finished addressing that only those who protected the individual would own the future. Biden’s Full Address Biden’s comments packed a bit more of a punch given the timing of his address. Biden took the podium after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro reiterated his belief that “the traditional nuclear family is the foundation of civilization,” a common, thinly-veiled bit of homophobia that he has stated in the past amid more explicit statements and political actions against Brazil’s LGBTQ population. As LGBTQ rights come under attack in regions throughout the world, including multiple states within the United States, Biden didn’t mince words about the role world leaders play in protecting human rights for marginalized communities. “Let me be clear, I am not agnostic about the future we want for the world,” Biden said. “The future will belong to those who embrace human dignity, not trample it.” Biden’s U.N. address comes one day after commemorating the end of the U.S. military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which discriminated against LGBTQ servicemembers for nearly two decades before its official end in 2011. The Biden administration also announced policy changes to help LGBTQ veterans discharged under such discriminatory practices receive VA benefits and services. Biden also again proclaimed his support for the Equality Act on Monday, saying passing the legislation would signify “living up to our highest values of justice and equality for all.” United Nations: Previously on Towleroad President Biden Includes LGBTQI Rights In United Nations Address Calling on Member Countries to Protect ‘Universal Rights of All’ Brian Bell September 21, 2021 No Comments ‘The Future Will Belong To Those Who Embrace Human Dignity,’ President Biden to U.N. President Joe Biden President Joe Biden reiterated his commitment to the global recognition … Read More Gay Veterans Kicked Out Of Service In Witch Hunts and ‘Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell’ Eras Get Full Benefits 10-Years After Repeal Brian Bell September 21, 2021 No Comments LGBTQ Veterans Ceremony Tens of thousands of LGBTQ veterans whose military service ended due to discriminatory policies focused on sexual orientation and HIV status now have … Read More Rachel Maddow’s Jaw-Dropping $30 Million Deal With NBC Rubbing Colleague Savannah Guthrie The Wrong Way: ‘These Two Are Already Distant’ Towleroad September 21, 2021 No Comments Published by OK MagazineShowdown at NBC! After the network was able to secure political talk legend Rachel Maddow for a few more years after tense contract … Read More Troll, disco ball, melting face: New emojis are coming Towleroad September 21, 2021 No Comments Published by DPAOur chat vocab is about to get much richer: A troll emoji is finally on the way, as well as plenty of new … Read More Lawsuits against doctor to test constitutionality of Texas abortion law Towleroad September 21, 2021 No Comments Published by ReutersBy Julia Harte (Reuters) – A San Antonio physician who announced he gave an abortion to a woman in defiance of a new Texas … Read More White House condemns border guard use of whip-like cord against Haitian migrants Towleroad September 21, 2021 No Comments Published by ReutersBy Daina Beth Solomon CIUDAD ACUNA, Mexico (Reuters) -The White House on Monday criticized the use of horse reins to threaten Haitian migrants after … Read More Screenshot from YouTube View the full article

LGBTQ Veterans CeremonyTens of thousands of LGBTQ veterans whose military service ended due to discriminatory policies focused on sexual orientation and HIV status now have an easier path to receiving full VA benefits thanks to new guidelines aimed at righting those wrongs. VA Benefits For All The Department of Veteran Affairs announced the change in policy Monday to coincide with the ten-year anniversary of the repeal of the most well-known of those exclusionary policies, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The decision will give LGBTQ servicemembers who ended their military service with an other than honorable discharge due to prejudiced policies access to a wide array of VA benefits, including health care, housing aid, pensions, burial benefits and the department’s homeless aid program. “Although [Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell] was considered a ‘compromise’ from the previous Department of Defense policy dating back to World War II that empowered the military to pursue – or ‘ask’ – service members suspected of engaging in homosexual acts, DADT nevertheless led to the discharge of an estimated 14,000 service members during the almost 18 years it was in place,” said Kayla Williams, VA Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs assistant secretary for public affairs, in a statement. “Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs is working to reverse the harm done to all LGBTQ+ Veterans.” The new policy allows LGBTQ veterans discharged under previous anti-LGBTQ statutes to apply for VA benefits without undergoing the time-consuming process of applying for a discharge upgrade. According to Williams, the discharge upgrade process also carries an “onerous” reputation. “Given that large numbers of LGBTQ+ Veterans who were affected by previous homophobic and transphobic policies have not applied for a discharge upgrade due to the perception that the process could be onerous, we are hopeful that this policy statement encourages more of them to contact VA to determine their eligibility for care and services,” said Williams. Continued Progress The move is the latest in a series of actions from the Biden administration this year aimed at addressing anti-LGBTQ measures that have persisted in the U.S. military for decades. President Biden ended the exclusion of transgender individuals from the military in an executive order signed shortly after taking office. The VA previously announced that the department would offer gender-affirming care, including gender-affirming surgeries. “[This is] allowing transgender vets to go through the full gender confirmation process with VA by their side,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough said during a Pride event at the Orlando VA Healthcare System in June. “We’re making these changes not only because they are the right thing to do, but because they can save lives.” President Biden honored LGBTQ veterans in his administration, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Air Force Under Secretary Gina Ortiz Jones in remarks commemorating the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell on Monday. “Ten years ago today, a great injustice was remedied and a tremendous weight was finally lifted off the shoulders of tens of thousands of dedicated American service members,” said Biden. LGBTQ+ Veterans are not any less worthy of the care and services that all Veterans earn through their service. Kayla Williams“The repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell … helped move our nation closer to its foundational promise of equality, dignity, and opportunity for all,” he added. “It showed once again that America is at its best when we lead not by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.” Williams’ statement pointed to Monday’s policy change as another step in the military’s reckoning with its homophobic and transphobic past. “Although VA recognizes that the trauma caused by the military’s decades-long policy of discrimination against LGBTQ+ people cannot be undone in a few short months, the Biden administration and Secretary McDonough are taking the steps necessary to begin addressing the pain that such policies have created,” Williams added. “LGBTQ+ Veterans are not any less worthy of the care and services that all Veterans earn through their service, and VA is committed to making sure that they have equal access to those services.” LGBTQ Veterans: Previously on Towleroad Gay Veterans Kicked Out Of Service In Witch Hunts and ‘Don’t Ask. Don’t Tell’ Eras Get Full Benefits 10-Years After Repeal Brian Bell September 21, 2021 Read More Senior Pentagon LGBTQ Noms Get Clear Voice Vote. No Objections. Out Trans, Out Lesbian Confirmed. ‘Ought to look like America.’ Defense Secy. Lisa Keen July 26, 2021 Read More Bi-partisan Effort To Move 20,000+ Sexual Assault Cases/Year Out of Command Chain Gets Surprise Support of Defense Secy. Austin Michael Goff June 24, 2021 Read More Biden Trans Policy Reversals Make Gender-Affirming Surgeries Available to Veterans; ‘VA Must Be Inclusive of All Veterans Who Have Served’ Brian Bell June 22, 2021 Read More Gay Pilot Breaks With Navy After Homophobic Harassment; ‘I don’t feel part of the military anymore’ Brian Bell April 28, 2021 Read More Pentagon Seriously Hid 2 Senior Promotions From Trump. Biden Made Them The 2nd and 3rd Female Four-Star Commanders In Intl. Women’s Day Noms Michael Goff March 9, 2021 Read More Photo courtesy of Charles Edward Miller/Creative Commons View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Showdown at NBC! After the network was able to secure political talk legend Rachel Maddow for a few more years after tense contract negotiations, her new $30 million dollar deal is reportedly rubbing her colleagues the wrong way. MEGA The 48-year-old MSNBC host’s deal is $5 million more than fired Today host Matt Lauer was earning during his heyday, leaving other NBC talent feeling the burn. WHERE IS MATT LAUER NOW? FROM BELOBED ‘TODAY’ HOST TO HAMPTONS HIDEAWAY FOLLOWING SEXUAL ASSAULT SCANDAL “There is no way a cable network can pay Rachel this amount of money. She is earning more than Savannah Guthrie and Hoda [Kotb] pick up on NBC, which is making both of The Today Show hosts very uncomfortable,” a source squealed to Radar. Maddow’s new package through 2024 comes with a great deal of power. She has always been the boss of MSNBC but now she might be taking over NBC, too. “Part of Rachel’s deal is producing more shows and appearing more on NBC. It is NBC that has the real money, clearly, for the amount of money she is making, there will be much more cross-over,” an insider spilled. MEGA Today’s co-anchor Guthrie — who joined NBC News in 2007 — is reportedly the most threatened by the new deal. SAVANNAH GUTHRIE UNDERGOES EYE SURGERY AFTER FREAK ACCIDENT “Savannah started her career as the White House correspondent and still thinks of herself as a political reporter. She has deep sources in DC and being best friends with George W Bush’s daughter, Jenna, is no coincidence,” the source continued. “Savannah isn’t going to hand over the political beat to Rachel without a fight. These two are already distant. It’s only going to get worse now that Rachel makes more money.” After a long back and forth, NBCUniversal ponied up a massive amount to ensure the liberal-leaning talk show host didn’t jump ship. She will take home $30 million per year to stick with the company through the 2024 election, the Daily Beast reported. MEGA As part of the massive deal, Maddow will end her long-running nightly show — which is the highest rated on the cable channel — next year and will transition to hosting a weekly program. She will also reportedly host a series of specials for MSNBC and NBC News. View the full article

Published by DPA Our chat vocab is about to get much richer: A troll emoji is finally on the way, as well as plenty of new facial expressions. Emojipedia/dpa An emoji is worth a thousand words – and our chat vocabulary is about to get far, far richer. Three dozen new emojis are set to appear in our smartphone chats, with a disco ball, melting face and troll among the highlights. The Unicode Consortium, responsible for emoji development, has announced 37 new emojis – mostly facial reactions, hand gestures and icons for nature, food, drink and leisure activities. An “I-can’t-watch” face and a saluting emoji are likely to be some of the most popular additions, as is one face trying to hold back tears and another melting into the ground. There’s also a hand with fingers crossed and a pair of hands forming a heart. The emoji powers-that-be meanwhile assume there will be occasions where you’ll need one of the following: a life preserver, a car wheel, a jar, a troll, a disco ball, a playground slide, an X-ray picture and an identity card. Over in the nature section, there will be a coral, a lotus flower, beans and bird’s nests. Oh, and you can also get that last one with eggs and without eggs. This year, however, only a few people will probably be able to write messages with the new emojis. By the end of the year at the earliest and then in the course of 2022, the new Unicode 14 keyboard standard will have been incorporated into all operating systems. View the full article

Published by Reuters By Julia Harte (Reuters) – A San Antonio physician who announced he gave an abortion to a woman in defiance of a new Texas law was sued in Texas state court on Monday by two plaintiffs from other states who want to test the law’s constitutionality. Alan Braid said in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post on Saturday that he had broken a new Texas law which banned abortions beyond the point where rhythmic contracting of fetal cardiac tissue could be detected. The law leaves enforcement of the ban to citizens, rewarding them at least $10,000 if they successfully sue anyone who helped provide such an abortion and paying their court costs. In the cases filed on Monday, the state would be paying the costs of testing the law. One of the plaintiffs who sued Braid, Oscar Stilley, said in a phone call with Reuters on Monday that he opposes the Texas law and wanted to be the first person to force a court to assess its legality. Texas’ new abortion restrictions violate women’s constitutional rights, Stilley said. “I think it’s a decision between her and her doctor,” he said when asked whether he supported giving women the right to choose abortion access. Stilley, a disbarred lawyer, is on home confinement serving the 12th year of a 15-year sentence for tax evasion and conspiracy. The other plaintiff, Felipe Gomez, a suspended lawyer from Illinois, alleged in his complaint that “the Act is illegal as written and as applied here.” Gomez did not immediately return a call for comment. Monday’s lawsuits are to date the most direct test of the legality of the Texas abortion ban, which is one of the most restrictive such laws in the United States. Abortion rights groups and the U.S. Justice Department have also sued Texas over the law in federal court, saying it violates a woman’s constitutional right to abortion before the fetus is viable. Braid’s office in San Antonio referred requests for comment to the Center for Reproductive Rights, which has pledged to represent Braid in any lawsuit. Asked for comment, the Center forwarded a statement from its senior counsel, Marc Hearron, who acknowledged that the law enables anyone to sue people who aid or abet abortions beyond the prescribed limit. “We are starting to see that happen, including by out-of-state claimants,” the statement read. Texas Right to Life, a state anti-abortion group, did not return a call for comment. (Reporting by Julia Harte and David Thomas; Editing by Stephen Coates) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Daina Beth Solomon CIUDAD ACUNA, Mexico (Reuters) -The White House on Monday criticized the use of horse reins to threaten Haitian migrants after images circulated of a U.S. border guard on horseback charging at migrants near a riverside camp in Texas. The mostly Haitian migrants in recent days have been crossing back and forth between Ciudad Acuna in Mexico and the sprawling camp across the border in Del Rio to buy food and water, which was in short supply on the U.S. side. Reuters witnesses saw https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trapped-migrants-collecting-food-try-evade-law-enforcement-us-mexico-border-2021-09-20 mounted officers wearing cowboy hats blocking the paths of migrants, and one officer unfurling a cord resembling a lariat, which he swung near a migrant’s face. A video showing a border guard apparently threatening migrants with the cords was shared on social media. “I don’t think anyone seeing that footage would think it was acceptable or appropriate,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. “I don’t have the full context. I can’t imagine what context would make that appropriate,” she added. Some on social media commented that the image of fleeing Black men chased by white officers on horseback had echoes of the historical injustices suffered by Black people in the United States. U.S. Border Patrol Chief Raul Ortiz said the incident was being investigated to make sure there was not an “unacceptable” response by law enforcement. He said officers were operating in a difficult environment, trying to ensure the safety of the migrants while searching for potential smugglers. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the long reins are used by mounted officials to “ensure control of the horse.” “But we are going to investigate the facts,” he said during a news conference in Del Rio. The camp under a bridge spanning the Rio Grande has become the latest flashpoint for U.S. authorities seeking to stem a flow of migrants fleeing gang violence, extreme poverty and natural disasters in their home countries. The camp was a temporary home to more than 12,000 migrants, though Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the number reached as high as 16,000 on Saturday. Many had traveled from as far south as Chile, hoping to apply for asylum in the United States. On Monday, as temperatures soared to 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 Celsius), migrants complained about continued shortages of food and water in the camp. Some of those crossing back into the U.S. could be seen balancing large bags of ice on their heads as they waded through the water. During the day hundreds of migrants had returned to the Mexico side, including families with young children, hoisting backpacks, suitcases and belongings in plastic bags above their heads. “This treatment they are giving is racism, because of the color of our skin,” said Maxon Prudhomme, a Haitian migrant on the banks of the Rio Grande in Mexico. As the sun was setting, about 200 migrants on the Mexican side bivouacked in a field by the river, flattening cardboard boxes and unfurling blankets to sleep under a cluster of trees. Some migrants said they returned to Mexico in search of food and water, while others crossed due to fears they would be deported back to Haiti on flights organized by U.S. authorities. The first flights carrying migrants landed in Port-au-Prince on Sunday from the Del Rio camp arrived in Haiti on Sunday, with at least three more due to make the journey on Monday, according to flight tracking website Flightaware. On Monday, the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a phone call spoke to Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry about repatriating Haitian migrants on the U.S. southern border, the State Department said in a statement. The two men “discussed the dangers of irregular migration, which puts individuals at great risk and often requires migrants and their families to incur crippling debt,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price. Blinken said on Twitter that he also spoke to Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard “about our efforts to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration”. Washington has in recent years pressured Mexico into blocking the flow of migrants towards the U.S. border. “THEY CAN’T SEND US BACK” U.S. officials closed the Del Rio border crossing last Friday due to the crush of migrants, and said Monday it remained shuttered, with most traffic re-routed to the Eagle Pass, Texas, border crossing, some 55 miles (90 km) south. The prospect of deportations weighed heavily on the camp’s residents, some of whom traversed continents over months to reach the border. “They can’t send us back to Haiti because everyone knows what Haiti is like right now,” said Haitian migrant Wildly Jeanmary late on Sunday, wearing only boxer shorts and standing on the Mexican side of the river after crossing it. Drenched, he cited July’s presidential assassination as a reason not to return with his wife and their 2-year-old daughter to the poorest country in the Americas. Haiti was also hit by a major earthquake last month. “The government of the United States has no conscience,” said Nerlin Clerge, another Haitian migrant who stood near the riverbank and had traveled to the camp with his wife and their two young sons. He said he is now considering applying for the right to stay in Mexico. Mayorkas said he expects between one to three daily repatriation flights back to Haiti, adding that a surge of 600 border agents and other personnel have been deployed to the area. “If you come to the United States illegally, you will be returned. Your journey will not succeed,” he said at a news conference. While President Joe Biden rolled back many of his predecessor Donald Trump’s hardline immigration policies earlier this year, he left in place a sweeping pandemic-era expulsion policy under which most migrants caught crossing the U.S.-Mexico border are quickly turned back. (Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon in Ciudad Acuna; Additional reporting by Alexandra Ulmer in Dallas, Lizbeth Diaz in Mexico City, Kristina Cooke in San Francisco and Steve Holland and Jeff Mason in Washington; Writing by David Alire Garcia and Drazen Jorgic; Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Rosalba O’Brien, Leslie Adler and Richard Pullin) View the full article

Published by Reuters By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) – George Holliday, the plumber who shot video of Los Angeles police officers beating Black motorist Rodney King in 1991, has died at a hospital in California due to complications from COVID-19, a friend said. The video that Holliday captured symbolized police brutality and racial injustice and was an early example of the power of citizen journalism, where a bystander documented a momentous event that might otherwise have been overlooked. Holliday, who was believed to be in his early 60s, was hospitalized with the coronavirus for about a month and died on Sunday, his friend, Robert Wollenweber, said on Monday. The death was first reported by TMZ. Long before the advent of the Black Lives Matter movement, the name Rodney King was synonymous with the use of excessive force in policing minority groups. King, then 25, was battered by a squad of police officers after a traffic stop in March 1991, an incident caught in graphic detail on Holliday’s video. The video of King’s beating, shot in grainy black and white, was played on hundreds of television stations. The acquittal of the four LA police officers by a jury led to riots in Los Angeles over six days in 1992, in which more than 50 people were killed and some $1 billion in damage was caused. The four police officers were indicted later that year on federal civil rights charges, with two found guilty and sentenced to two years in prison. King, who died in 2012 at the age of 47, was awarded $3.8 million in damages. Memories of the King video resurfaced following the 2020 death of George Floyd, an African-American who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, a killing that a bystander captured on video, sparking months of protests against police brutality and racism across the world. On March 3, 1991, Holliday stood on his balcony and used his Sony Video8 Handycam to record the police officers beating King. Holliday called the police to find out what had happened. When they declined to share information with him, he rang the KTLA news station. King – who was on parole for robbery – had led police on a high-speed chase through Los Angeles. Later, he was charged with driving under the influence, according to NPR. When police stopped him, King was ordered out of the car. Los Angeles Police Department officers kicked him repeatedly and beat him with batons. The video also showed that several policemen stood by watching and commenting on the beating. King’s injuries resulted in skull fractures, broken bones and teeth, and permanent brain damage, NPR reported. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Robert Birsel) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Billy Porter’s diamond Emmys necklace cost a whopping $1 million. The ‘Pose’ star – who lost out to ‘The Crown’s Josh O’Connor for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series prize at the weekend – walked the red carpet in an all-black outfit featuring long sleeves, gloves, trousers and dramatic ruffled wings on his arms, topped off with dazzling Lorraine Schwartz diamonds. And the jeweller has since revealed to Page Six Style that the lavish piece – which boasts 49.93 carats of white diamonds and 34.78 carats of emeralds, set in 18-karat white gold – has an epic price tag. The ‘Cinderella’ star also rocked six rings by H.Crowne, one of which dropped off his finger on the red carpet, but was quickly rescued by the actor, plus two diamond bracelets and sparkling ear cuffs. Billy revealed he originally planned for the outfit to look very different. He said: “Interestingly enough, this was supposed to go all the way to the floor, this little piece, and it didn’t. I started just playing with shapes and stuff in the mirror and it was like, ‘Well, they feels like wings.'” But Billy felt the outfit was appropriate for his role in movie musical ‘Cinderella’. He quipped: “You know I am the fairy godmother!” The 51-year-old star – who has gone viral with his bold ensembles at the Oscars, Met Gala, and Tonys – previously admitted he wants to send a “clear” message with his red carpet wear. He said: “You know, I am now working with Ty Hunter who is my new stylist, and we really, through quarantine, have been able to just get a handle on and get in the driver’s seat of the train that took off. “It just took off so quick that like, you know, I just wanted to make sure that what I’m saying as I walk onto these red carpets, into the events – as a walking piece of political art, that’s what I’m trying to be every time – that we’re clear.” View the full article

Published by Reuters (Correct typo in first paragraph) By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reprimanded the world on Tuesday for the inequitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, describing it as an “obscenity” and giving the globe an “F in Ethics.” Addressing the annual U.N. gathering of world leaders in New York, Guterres said images from some parts of the world of expired and unused vaccines in the garbage told “the tale of our times” – with the majority of the wealthier world immunised while more than 90% of Africa has not even received one dose. “This is a moral indictment of the state of our world. It is an obscenity. We passed the science test. But we are getting an F in Ethics,” Guterres told the U.N. General Assembly. World leaders https://www.reuters.com/world/china/world-leaders-return-un-with-focus-pandemic-climate-2021-09-19 returned to New York this year after a virtual event last year during the pandemic. As the coronavirus is still raging, about a third of the 193 U.N. states are again sending videos, but presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers for the remainder have traveled to the United States. Out of 5.7 billion doses of coronavirus vaccines administered around the world, only 2% have been in Africa. Guterres is pushing for a global plan to vaccinate 70% of the world by the first half of next year. The secretary-general, who begins a second five-year term at the helm of the world body on Jan. 1, also warned of rising tensions between the world’s superpowers – China and the United States. “I fear our world is creeping towards two different sets of economic, trade, financial and technology rules, two divergent approaches in the development of artificial intelligence – and ultimately two different military and geo-political strategies,” he said. “This is a recipe for trouble. It would be far less predictable than the Cold War,” Guterres said. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols, Editing by Timothy Heritage) View the full article

Published by OK Magazine Richard Buckley, fashion journalist and husband of famed designer Tom Ford, has died at 72 — and the fashion world came together to mourn his loss. According to a statement from Ford’s reps, the well-respected fashion editor “died of natural causes after a long illness” on Sunday night, September, 19. “It is with great sadness that Tom Ford announces the death of his beloved husband of 35 years, Richard Buckley,” the statement read. “Richard passed away peacefully at their home in Los Angeles with Tom and their son Jack by his side,” the statement concluded. MEGA While the statement didn’t specify Buckley’s illness, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989 and underwent surgery after being told his cancer was fatal, the Daily Mailreported. It’s unclear if his cancer diagnosis contributed to his death. A LOOK BACK AT ROBIN WILLIAMS’ SUCCESS, STARDOM & ULTIMATE DEMISE ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN THE LATE COMEDIAN’S 70TH BIRTHDAY Ford, 60, met his late husband in 1986 at a fashion show. “Our eyes locked and within a month we were living together,” the designer recalled in 2016 to PEOPLE of the moment they first met over three decades ago. “We have been together ever since.” MEGA The fashion couple wed in 2014 shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in the U.S. and welcomed 8-year-old son Alexander John “Jack” Buckley Ford, via a surrogate in 2012. Buckley is a respected figure in the fashion world in his own right, as he began his career as a journalist in 1979 for the New York Magazine. He went on to work for publications such as Women’s Wear Daily and Vanity Fair. The father-of-one became the European editor of Mirabella magazine, contributing editor at Italian Vogue and was then namededitor-in-chief of Vogue Hommes International in 1999. After hearing of Buckley’s passing, those in the fashion and entertainment industry took to social media to express their condolences. Fashion designer Stella McCartney paid tribute to Ford’s husband on Instagram, sharing that Buckley’s passing was “stunning” and brought on the “deepest sadness.” “What a gentle man; grace and charm filled the room when he was in it,” she wrote of the journalist. “His intellect and passion for knowledge always blew me away, and the sparkle in his eyes dove so deep into your heart each time you were blessed enough to feel it.” MEGA McCartney also touched on Buckley’s health issues, writing: “We love you Richard and we will miss you so very much. Your fight has ended but you will always live on in our hearts.” ‘THE WIRE’ STAR MICHAEL K. WILLIAMS DEAD AT 54 WENDELL PIERCE, BEN STILLER, MORE REACT Actress Naomi Watts, artist Cindy Sherman, model Poppy Delevigne, supermodel Helena Christensen, and more shared their own touching messages in McCartney’s comment section. “Such a loss. Sending love,” Watts wrote while Sherman added: “Aww very sad news indeed, I didn’t know him well but the few times we met, he was just as you describe, kind, gentle and compassionate. My heart goes out to Tom and the family.” Delevigne commented three heart emojis, one of which was a broken heart, and Christensen wrote: “He was such a beautiful spirit.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Michael K. Williams, Cecily Tyson, and Ed Asner were among those remembered during the Primetime Emmy Awards’ annual In Memoriam segment on Sunday (19.09.21). ‘In Treatment’ actress Uzo Aduba took to the stage at LA Live in Los Angeles to introduce the tribute, which recognises the TV stars and creators who have passed away over the last 12 months, towards the end of the ceremony. She said: “Over the past year, we have lost so many of our loved ones, but we treasure our memory of each of them, we honor their work, and we rejoice in having them in our lives.” Uzo then introduced Leon Bridges and Jon Batiste to the stage, where they delivered an emotional performance of Leon’s song ‘River’ while the montage played on screens behind them. Others recognised in the tribute included Dustin Diamond, Larry King, Markie Post, Charlie Robinson, Norm Macdonald, Olympia Dukakis, Christopher Plummer, Cloris Leachman, Jessica Walter, Alex Trebek, Charlie Robinson, Hal Holbrook, Norm Crosby, and Helen McCrory. Awards bosses acknowledged that due to time constraints, not everyone from the TV world who has died this year would feature in the tribute, but highlighted the fact they have an extensive In Memoriam section on their website. Earlier in the evening, Kerry Washington took the time to honour ‘The Wire’ actor Michael, who was found dead from an apparent overdose at the beginning of this month. Introducing the nominees for the Supporting Actor in a Drama Series gong – which ultimately went to ‘The Crown’ actor Tobias Menzies – she highlighted the fact Michael was on the shortlist for his work in ‘Lovecraft Country’ and promised his “excellence and artistry” will live on. She said: “The nominees for this next award astounded us with each of their uniquely memorable, remarkable performances this year. “But I would like to take a moment to mention one in particular Michael K Williams Michael was – it’s crazy to say was – Michael was a brilliantly talented actor and a generous human being who has left us far too soon. “Michael, I know you are here, you wouldn’t miss this, your excellence and artistry will endure. We love you.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English RuPaul has become the most Emmy-awarded Black person in history. The 60-year-old star scored his 11th career win at the ceremony on Sunday (19.09.21) when ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ beat off competition from ‘The Masked Singer’, ‘Nailed It!’, ‘Top Chef’, and ‘The Voice’ to take the award for Outstanding Competition Program. After thanking the Academy, the host dedicated the award to those who watch the show, as well as the “children” who compete. He said: ““Wow, thank you so much to the Academy and all of you gorgeous people here tonight. All of the people at World of Wonder and Viacom-CBS who have been so wonderful, but really thanks to all of our lovely children on our show from around the world. They are so gracious to tell their stories of courage and how to navigate this difficult life, even more difficult today. “This is for you and for you kids out there watching. You have a tribe that is waiting for you, we are waiting for you, baby. Come on to Mama Ru!” Ru had picked up two other Emmys this year at the Primetime Creative Arts ceremony earlier this month, scoring wins for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program. During his speech last week, he said, “I started in television 40 years ago on a public access station in Atlanta, Georgia. A little show called ‘The American Music Show.’ They were so kind to me to have me do my hard yards there years ago, and I want to thank them for being so kind to me and all the people in this business who’ve been kind. I’ve got to tell you, the sweetness and the kindness is what I appreciate the most today. “In fact, the sweetness and the kindness are at the top of my list of human virtues. After that would be a big fat ass. Thank you so much for this award.” View the full article

Published by Reuters By Susan Cornwell WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Congress returns to session on Monday facing a massive agenda and a tight time crunch, with President Joe Biden’s Democrats hoping to pass sweeping domestic programs, fund the government, approve an infrastructure bill and raise the debt ceiling in a matter of weeks. They face several deadlines, including a scheduled Sept. 27 vote on a $1 trillion Senate-approved infrastructure bill and the Oct. 1 date when the federal government will run out of money to fund many of its operations if Congress doesn’t act. Later in October the country could breach its borrowing cap, risking default on U.S. payment obligations. The Democrats, who control Congress by the narrowest of margins, also want to maneuver a $3.5 trillion spending package – including proposals for childcare, education, housing and green energy – past a Republican roadblock. Progressives boast the plan is the largest expansion of social policy in decades but senior Democrats on Sunday acknowledged the bill may need to be trimmed to pass. “It may be $3.5 (trillion), it may be really close to that or maybe closer to something else,” Representative James Clyburn, the third-ranking House Democrat, told CNN on Sunday. Democrats also want to pass bills on voting on abortion rights, which face long odds, given strong Republican opposition and a Senate filibuster rule requiring a 60 of 100 senators to agree to advance most legislation. “Have they bitten off more than they can chew on? Well, yes, I think they have,” said William Hoagland, senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center think-tank. INFRASTRUCTURE IMPASSE? House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised to take up the bipartisan $1 trillion infrastructure bill just a week after her chamber returns from summer break. But progressives say they won’t vote for the infrastructure plan without first passing the $3.5 trillion social spending program, using a maneuver called “reconciliation,” which avoids the Senate requirement for a supermajority. One possible compromise would be to vote on the infrastructure bill on Sept. 27 but for Pelosi not to forward it to Biden to sign until the larger package passes. “She can hold on to that bill for a while. So there’s some flexibility in terms of how we mesh the two mandates,” Democratic House Budget Committee Chairman John Yarmuth told “Fox News Sunday.” Democrats are still squabbling over key planks of the reconciliation package, including proposals to lower the cost of prescription drugs and change tax laws, as well as the total price tag. The plan is to be financed by tax hikes on wealthy Americans and corporations. Moderate Senate Democrats including Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema say $3.5 trillion is too much; Manchin suggests spending less than half that. Given their thin majorities, Democrats can spare just three House defectors and none in the Senate. No Republicans intend to vote for the plan, and may ask the parliamentarian https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senate-referee-spotlight-democrats-pursue-major-spending-2021-09-09 to rule on whether parts conform to the reconciliation process to qualify to be exempted from the filibuster rule. Democrats suffered a setback on Sunday when the parliamentarian ruled they cannot attach immigration reforms to the $3.5 trillion plan. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said they would pursue alternatives. The legislation could be manipulated to allow moderate Democrats to declare victory while assuaging progressives, such as by shortening some programs’ duration, or beefing up tax collection to cover costs, said Norman Ornstein, senior fellow emeritus at the conservative-leaning American Enterprise Institute think-tank. “Can you do that before Sept. 27? I doubt it, but it’s possible,” said Ornstein. DEBT CEILING While the Sept. 27 deadline is self-imposed, two more rigid ones come next. The first is Oct. 1, when funding for government operations runs out, which would force the stoppage of many federal functions as has happened three times in the past decade. In addition, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned that sometime in October the Treasury will exhaust its cash reserves and borrowing capacity under the $28.4 trillion federal debt limit, and be unable to pay all of its bills or service its debt without congressional action to raise the limit. A U.S. default would roil financial markets, lead to cuts in services and benefits and hit the nation’s credit rating. It could also plunge the economy back into recession. Such a scenario would be disastrous politically for Democrats, but Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and other top Republicans have warned they will not vote to boost the national debt limit, despite having done so repeatedly when Republican Donald Trump was president. McConnell called the Democratic spending inflationary. “They’ve been printing and wasting money like there’s no tomorrow,” McConnell said on the Senate floor. Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat, said on Thursday that he believes Republicans and Democrats will resolve their political differences and avoid what called a self-inflicted, “Washington-baked crisis” over U.S. creditworthiness that the pandemic-stricken U.S. economy could ill afford. “That doesn’t mean we may not get up to the precipice on that,” Warner told reporters. “I’ve just got to believe that this will get resolved.” (Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Additional reporting by David Morgan; Editing by Scott Malone and Sonya Hepinstall) View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Billy Porter’s “wings” were clipped before the Emmy Awards on Sunday (19.09.21). The ‘Pose’ actor – who lost out to ‘The Crown’s Josh O’Connor for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series prize – walked the red carpet at LA Live in an all-black outfit featuring long sleeves, gloves, trousers and dramatic ruffled wings on his arms, but admitted he’d originally planned for the outfit to look very different. Speaking on ‘Live From E!’, he said: “Interestingly enough, this was supposed to go all the way to the floor, this little piece, and it didn’t. I started just playing with shapes and stuff in the mirror and it was like, ‘Well, they feels like wings.’ “ But Billy – who teamed his outfit with Lorraine Schwarz jewellery, including a huge diamond and emerald necklace, two diamond bracelets and multiple rings and ear cuffs – felt the outfit was appropriate for his role in new movie musical ‘Cinderella’. He quipped: “You know I am the fairy godmother!” The 51-year-old star previously admitted he wants to send a “clear” message with his red carpet wear. He said: “You know, I am now working with Ty Hunter who is my new stylist, and we really, through quarantine, have been able to just get a handle on and get in the driver’s seat of the train that took off. “It just took off so quick that like, you know, I just wanted to make sure that what I’m saying as I walk onto these red carpets, into the events – as a walking piece of political art, that’s what I’m trying to be every time – that we’re clear.” The 51-year-old actor has gone viral with his bold ensembles at the Oscars, the Met Gala, and Tonys. And Billy previously said he puts outfits together by defining the event and creating a deeper meaning with his style. He explained: “We decide by first trying to define what the moment is. What the event is about and then we go from there. I’m a very story-oriented person coming from being an actor, so I always try to have a narrative for myself so that there is always a reason and there’s always a point. I want to be a walking piece of art – political art – whenever I can, any time I show up. I let other people say that [I’m a fashion icon]. You know, show business is hard because you borderline on confidence and arrogance, so I’m trying to be on the confidence side. I’m going to let other people call me a fashion icon at least for the next couple of years and then I’ll do it myself. But that’s what people are saying.” View the full article

Published by BANG Showbiz English Jennifer Coolidge “doesn’t know” what ‘Legally Blonde 3’ will be about. The 60-year-old actress – who portrays Paulette Bonafonte Parcelle in the franchise – was hoping to run into Mindy Kaling at the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday (19.09.21) because the ‘Mindy Project’ star is co-writing the upcoming film and she thought she might share some hints. Jennifer told E! News: “I’m in a corner, I’ve never run into her. “I’m going to ask [Mindy] what’s happening with the ‘Legally Blonde’ script.” But the ‘White Lotus’ star has some ideas for the direction she’d like the movie to take. She said: “I hope Reese [Witherspoon] and I are running really fast for most of it, we’re running from something really fast. “I don’t know what it’ll be this time around, I just hope it’s some really fast-moving, caper-type [thing], that we get into trouble.” Mindy previously admitted she was keen to get started on the film this year and hoped audiences liked how she and co-writer Dan Goor had portrayed Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) now she’s much older. She said in January: “I can’t wait to see what people will think of the way we wrote Elle Woods. We wrote Elle Woods at 40, so how Elle is at 40 versus how she was at 21 has been really fun to imagine. “I don’t know when we’ll be able to shoot movies again but it would be great to, if Reese likes the script, shooting it this year would be awesome.” And she promised the film will reference iconic moments from previous installments, which were released in 2001 and 2003. She confirmed: “Bend and Snap is forever. We definitely have a lot of fan favorites from the original movie.” View the full article