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President-elect Donald Trump made the disco classic “Y.M.C.A.” a staple at his rallies during his past two campaigns. And new data shows that, much like Trump’s political fortunes, interest in the song is on the upswing. ‘Y.M.C.A.,’” Trump said on a podcast in 2022. “‘Y.M.C.A.’ gets people up and it gets them moving.”The dance caught on outside of Trump’s political orbit this year, when athletes began mimicking his moves when they celebrated on the field. Data from Google Trends shows more searches for the song this month than in any month in the search engine’s published records.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, ’ ” Trump, “ ‘, ’, ”, Felipe Rose, HuffPost Organizations: Village, Google, Young Men’s Christian Association, YMCA, New York Yankees Locations: U.S, Manhattan, New York

☆ How Will Trump’s Covid Contrarians Handle the Next Pandemic?
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-27 | by ( Sheryl Gay Stolberg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

But amid growing fears of a deadly bird flu pandemic, perhaps no one was more rattled than experts in infectious disease. Dr. Bhattacharya, a Stanford University medical economist and outspoken opponent of lockdowns, masking, school closures and other Covid-19 mitigation measures, and Mr. Trump’s other health picks have one thing in common. They are all considered Covid contrarians whose views raise questions about how they would handle an infectious disease crisis. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Mr. Trump’s choice for health secretary, has said he wants the N.I.H. of its role in ensuring vaccine safety, saying the agency had a “conflict of interest” because it also promotes vaccination.

Persons: Donald J, Trump, Jay Bhattacharya, Bhattacharya, Covid, Robert F, Kennedy Jr, ” Dr, Martin Makary, Dr, David Weldon Organizations: National Institutes of Health, Stanford University, and Drug Administration, Republican, for Disease Control

“Are we supposed to hold space for Trump supporters now?” co-host Joy Behar joked. Within the last week, search interest for "holding space" was beating out the newly declared word of the year "demure," according to Google Trends. “It’s campy the way it all happened and it’s authentic.”Neither Grande nor Erivo has commented on the viral interview publicly. However, Grande sent Out a laughing emoji in response to an Instagram story the magazine posted about the viral interview, Gilchrist said. In the finale of part one, fans find out whether Elphaba decides to "hold space" for her values.

Persons: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Tracy E, Gilchrist, Erivo, Grande, nodded, Chris Murphy, Carrie Bradshaw, Bradshaw, “, Joy Behar, Gilbert Flores, ” Gilchrist, Ariana, Gregory Maguire, Frank Baum's, Oz Organizations: Broadway, Fair, Merriam, Empire, New York City Gay, ABC, Trump, Google, Variety, Universal Pictures, Comcast, NBC News Locations: Instagram, Webster, New York

☆ Malaysian court orders return of Swatch watches featuring LGBTQ designs
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-26 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

A Malaysian court ordered the government on Monday to return rainbow-colored watches and accessories made by Swatch Group that were seized last year for designs celebrating LGBTQ rights, a prosecutor told Reuters. The government later prohibited any LGBTQ references on Swatch watches, boxes, wrappers, accessories or other items, saying such products may harm morality and public interest. Swatch Group filed a lawsuit challenging the seizure, saying it was illegal and damaged its reputation. A lawyer for Swatch Group declined to comment on the decision. Swatch Group declined to comment.

Persons: Mohammad Sallehuddin Md Ali, ”, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Anwar Ibrahim Organizations: Malaysian, Swatch Group, Swatch, Court, Reuters Locations: Malaysia, Swiss, Kuala Lumpur

☆ Hong Kong’s Top Court Upholds Rights of Same-Sex Married Couples
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-26 | by ( Tiffany May | More About Tiffany May | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Hong Kong’s top court ruled on Tuesday to uphold inheritance and public housing benefits for same-sex married couples, a decision that supporters hailed as an important step toward expanding gay rights in the territory. Hong Kong does not recognize same-sex marriage, but the rulings brought an end to two protracted legal battles involving couples who married overseas. Nick Infinger, who married his husband in Canada, sued Hong Kong’s Housing Authority in 2018 after their joint application for public housing was denied. Mr. Ng died in 2020, and lower courts subsequently ruled in his favor. His husband, Henry Li, contested the Hong Kong government’s efforts to appeal those rulings.

Persons: Hong, Nick Infinger, Edgar Ng, Ng, Henry Li Organizations: Hong, Housing Authority Locations: Hong Kong, Canada, Britain

☆ Scott Presler: The former provocateur claiming credit for swinging Pennsylvania to Trump
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-26 | by ( Elle Reeve | Samantha | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Doylestown, Pennsylvania CNN —Scott Presler has built a persona as a tall, very friendly, and gay face of the MAGA movement. His profile on X lists his location as “Make Kindness Cool Again.” Last week he smiled for every photo and shook hands with every fan who followed him to a county commissioners’ meeting in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The meeting itself was less chipper, with Presler’s acolytes repeatedly shouting “TRAITOR!” at a Democratic official, but Presler himself stayed upbeat. “For the first time in modern history, there are more registered Republicans than Democrats here in this county,” Presler said as he addressed the commissioners. On Kelly’s show, Presler called himself “a data guy,” and got into the weeds on voter registration numbers.

Persons: Pennsylvania CNN — Scott Presler, MAGA, Presler, ” Presler, Donald J, Trump, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr, Steven Bannon, Megyn Kelly, Dan Bongino, Benny Johnson, Charlie Kirk, ” Scott Presler, Mark Peterson, Steven Crowder, ” Crowder, “, ”, ” Trump, Kamala Harris, LancasterOnline, Pat Poprik, “ There’s, Scott, He’s, he’s, Julie Ambolino, Miriam Logan, ” Edward Mackhouse, I’ve, Lara Trump, Jeff Kowalsky, Diane Ellis, Ellis, Marseglia, that’s Organizations: Pennsylvania CNN, Presler’s, Democratic, Commonwealth, YouTube, CNN, Pennsylvania, Republican, Elon, Trump, New York Young Republicans, Covid, Democrat, Bucks County Republican Party, Getty Locations: Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Bucks County , Pennsylvania, United States, America, Baltimore, Bucks, ’, Detroit, AFP

☆ I use the term 'partner' when speaking about my boyfriend. I didn't expect it to be a controversial label.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-26 | by ( Stephanie Kaloi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementAfter my divorce, I fell for a man quickly, and the word "boyfriend" didn't fit. The word 'partner' felt right for usWhen he suggested "partner," I liked how it felt. The word "partner" feels adult and right to me. Reactions to us using 'partner' have been mixedI have found that older couples (typically ages 40 and up) in the US have had the strongest reactions to one of us introducing the other as a partner. in response to using the word "partner," and huffed at when I repeated it instead of swapping the word for something more palatable.

Persons: —, hasn't, couldn't, they've, we've, I've Locations: Europe, France

☆ Nancy Mace, now targeting transgender lawmaker, called herself ‘pro-transgender rights’ in 2023
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-25 | by ( Andrew Kaczynski | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

In July 2023, Mace described herself as “pro-transgender rights” and voiced support for children exploring their identities, such as by changing pronouns, hairstyles or clothing. Just a month after describing herself as “pro-transgender rights” and supporting children exploring their identities, Mace spoke out against transgender women competing in women’s sports. In texts with CNN, Mace reiterated her past support for LGBTQ rights, including voting for same-sex marriage. Mace, however, also described transgender individuals as needing to “seek help.”“Voted for gay marriage twice. “I strongly support LGBTQ rights and equality,” she said at the time.

Persons: Nancy Mace, ”, Sarah McBride of, Mace, ” Mace, Johnny, Jill ’ —, ” “, “, …, they’ve, Mike Johnson, McBride, “ I’m, Speaker Johnson Organizations: CNN — Republican, South Carolina Republican, Capitol, Democratic Rep, Republican, CNN, Capitol and, Louisiana Republican Locations: Sarah McBride of Delaware, Louisiana

☆ Celebrity lookalike contests are taking over the internet. But they aren’t new
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-25 | by ( Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

It feels all the more fitting then, that amid today’s geopolitical conflicts, increasing climate catastrophes and economic uncertainties, we’re seemingly hooked on celebrity lookalike contests. But the idea of a lookalike contest is in fact a time-honored form of entertainment. Nine girls in a Fox Films and Daily Telegraph Shirley Temple lookalike contest in Sydney, Australia, October 1934. For the last 40 years, a bar in Key West, Florida has been staging an annual Ernest Hemmingway lookalike competition. Humanity isn’t fixed.”Oscar Journeaux won the Harry Styles lookalike competition on November 9 in London.

Persons: Timothée Chalamet, jostle, YouTuber Anthony Po, Oscar, ” Reed Putman, ”, Paul Mescal, Harry Styles lookalikes, Matthew Chattle, Max Braunstein, Glen Powell, Mikala Compton, Harry Styles, Dev Patel’s doppelgänger, Zayn Malik’s, Jeremy Allen White, White, Carmy, —, White’s, Daily Telegraph Shirley Temple, Charlie Chaplin, Dolly Parton, Shirley Temple, femme, Myrna Loy, Alice Faye, Katharine Hepburn, Ernest Hemmingway, Ellis Cashmore, “, Oscar Journeaux, Leon Neal, Angie Huntley, Jim Wilkes, Cashmore, ” Andy Harmer, David Beckham, Lookalikes, it’s, ” Harmer, Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Andy Harmer, Camilla Shadbolt, David, Fiona Hanson, Denise Ohnona, Kate Moss, Ohnona, Stephane Cardinale, Corbis, Manel Esteller, Harmer, Vetements, “ She’s, You’re, ” Miles Mitchell, Stefan Jeremiah, lookalikes Organizations: CNN, Washington, “, Gaelic Athletic Association, American, Statesman, USA, Marlboro Reds, Fox Films, Daily Telegraph, Mitchell Library, State Library of New, Cleveland Food, Toronto Star, Argentina, University of Barcelona’s School of Medicine, Cell, Paris Fashion Locations: Ireland, London, Austin , Texas, San Francisco, New York, Chicago, “ The, Oakland , California, Sydney, Australia, State Library of New South Wales, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Cleveland, Key West , Florida, British, Toronto, Canada, Victoria, Lancashire

☆ The possibility of romance may be behind the spike in running
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-25 | by ( Jack Hillcox | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

There have been at least 20 marriages between couples who met at the club, according to founder Tim Navin-Jones. As the endless scrolling through dating apps has become a feat of endurance, running clubs such as this one have developed a reputation for romance. When you think of running, the idea of romance may be the furthest thing from your mind. While traditional sports clubs are seeing their numbers decline, “informal groups” such as running clubs are seeing their numbers boom, Bekhuis said. For women, safety in numbersA possible romance isn't the only advantage to being part of a running group.

Persons: Tim Navin, Jones, ”, Mike Saes, “ It’s, ’, Chloe Thompson, Hidde, Bekhuis, Thompson, Molly Slater, Davison, Slater, Stephen, London Frontrunners, “ there’s, “ I’ve, Wojciech Pankow, Joe, “, Phil, it’s, It’s, Saes Organizations: London CNN, London, CNN, Behavioural Science, Radboud University, Cavan, UK’s University of Manchester, CNN’s Locations: Bermondsey, London, Guatemala, Paul’s, New York City, Instagram, Netherlands, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, North West England, York, England

☆ Opinion | The Theologian Who Changed His Mind About Gay Marriage
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-24 | by ( Peter Wehner | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

I’ve spent my life in politics, but faith has been most central to shaping who I am. My conversations with people of faith have been among the most enriching of my life. Richard Hays, an ordained minister who is an emeritus professor at Duke Divinity School, is one of the world’s leading New Testament theologians. In his new book, “The Widening of God’s Mercy,” written with his son Christopher Hays, Richard Hays says he was wrong. I spoke to Richard Hays about his journey and what changed his mind.

Persons: I’ve, Richard Hays, God’s, ”, Christopher Hays, Peter Wehner Organizations: Duke Divinity School

☆ Samuel Luiz murder case: Four convicted in Spain
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-24 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Four men were convicted in Spain Sunday in connection with the homophobic murder of a 24-year-old nursing assistant that sparked protests in cities across Spain and abroad. Samuel Luiz died in hospital after being assaulted by a group of people outside a night club in A Coruna in the northwestern Galicia region in July 2021. Diego Montaña, Alejandro Freire and Kaio Amaral were found guilty of aggravated murder, and Alejandro Míguez of complicity. Some 364 hate crimes related to sexual orientation or gender identity were reported in Spain in 2023, and 184 arrests were made, according to Interior Ministry data. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights says only a fraction of hate crimes are reported.

Persons: Samuel Luiz, Diego Montaña, Alejandro Freire, Kaio Amaral, Alejandro Míguez, —, Luiz Organizations: Ministry, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights Locations: Spain, A Coruna, Galicia, Coruna

☆ Singer Khalid comes out as gay after he was outed
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-23 | by ( Minyvonne Burke | Minyvonne Burke Is A Senior Breaking News Reporter For Nbc News. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: 1 min

Singer Khalid came out as gay in a series of posts on X after he said he was outed by someone else. In a post on Friday, the "Location" singer shared a rainbow flag emoji followed by "there yall go. Someone responded saying, "Wait hope Mr Khalid isn’t GEHHH!." The singer, whose full name is Khalid Donnel Robinson, opened up about his sexuality after someone outed him, he explained in another post on X. NBC News reached out to a rep for Khalid for further comment.

Persons: Singer Khalid, Khalid isn’t GEHHH, Khalid Donnel Robinson, Khalid Organizations: NBC

☆ Gay comedian: Gaetz looks like ‘exit ramp’ guy you date before you date women
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-23 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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☆ Your questions about Trump 2.0, answered
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | Leinz Vales | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

CNN —When we asked CNN readers for their questions about the incoming Trump 2.0 administration, we got a lot of nervous and scared feedback. Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump walk to Marine One at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 4, 2021. This is her response:Trump has promised to protect Social Security and not raise the retirement age or make other cuts. For more, read Luhby’s story on how a second Trump term could affect Social Security benefits. For his second term, Trump has promised to find military officials more loyal to him and that he’ll fight an “enemy from within” of political opponents.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, I’m, …, Catherine Shoichet, Shoichet, Trump, ”, Lisa Graybill, Tom Homan, He’s, Kelli Stump, she’s, “, Ashley, Joe Biden, Eric Gay, Stephen Miller, Trump’s, Alan, Jim Sciutto, Roman Plipey, Afghanistan –, Vladimir, Putin, Marco, Rubio, Mike, Waltz –, Tulsi, Gabbard, Will, Greg, ” Trump, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Joshua Roberts, hasn’t, Tami Luhby, James, There’s, Portugal's, Armando Franca, Lawrence, Katie Lobosco, that’s, there’s, –, Biden’s, Will Trump, Biden, Emily, … Gustavo, doesn’t Biden, Steve Here’s, Ella Nilsen, Jim Watson, it’s, Will Trump’s, Keith Trump’s, Nixon, Adam, ” Sen, Adam Schiff of, ” Schiff, Matt Gaetz Organizations: CNN, Trump, Security, National Immigration Law Center, American Immigration Lawyers, Ashley Presidents, US Customs, National Guard, US, Ukraine, Getty, NATO, White, Reuters, Social, Social Security, Bee, FBI, New Jersey Trump, Republicans, Congress, Pentagon, Trump White House, NPR Locations: Rio, Mexico, Eagle Pass , Texas, Ukraine, Powers, Russia, China, Europe, Kyiv, Roman, AFP, Afghanistan, Maine, Washington ,, Barbara, Louisiana, Italy, Lisbon, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Colorado, Red Butte, Tusayan , Arizona, Adam Schiff of California

☆ Opinion | A Range of Lessons From Trump’s Victory
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

To the Editor:Re “Enough,” by Roxane Gay (Opinion, Nov. 17):I empathize with Ms. Gay’s feelings regarding not yielding “even a little” to Trumpism’s “odious politics.” But we also cannot be naïve about what’s necessary to most effectively fight and defeat Trumpism: political power. To win future elections Democrats — increasingly the party of well-educated, well-off citizens who have the privilege of voting based on concerns over the rule of law and cultural issues, not whether they can pay this month’s rent — do not need to cater to all who voted for Donald Trump. They just need to win over a small slice of the electorate that may have voted for previous Democratic candidates but, perhaps holding their noses, didn’t in 2024. They must acknowledge many voters’ fear, anger and insecurity over both major parties failing for decades to adequately address ever-increasing income and wealth inequality — that even when “the economy” improves, too often everyday workers still fall farther and farther behind. And they must relentlessly focus electoral messaging on their plans for how to repair this ever-worsening economic gulf.

Persons: Roxane Gay, Trumpism’s, —, Donald Trump Organizations: Democratic

CNN —Nearly six years after actor Jussie Smollett was accused of staging a hate-crime hoax in downtown Chicago and lying to police, an Illinois Supreme Court decision overturned his conviction on Thursday over prosecutorial issues, according to the Associated Press. Brothers Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo arrive at court for a hearing for actor Jussie Smollett in Chicago on July 14, 2021. Kamil Krzaczynski/ReutersIn a statement thanking fans in 2019, Smollett said he had “been 100% factual and consistent on every level” in response to doubts about his story’s integrity. Smollett told Abimbola Osundairo he was disappointed in the “Empire” team’s reaction to the letter, according to prosecutors. I wouldn’t have had a trial,” Smollett told ET.

Persons: Jussie Smollett, Kim Foxx, –, Nenye, Smollett’s, Joe, ” Uche, “, he’s, ”, CNN’s Laura Coates, Foxx, Dan K, Webb, Smollett, Donald Trump –, Olabinjo, Abimbola Osundairo, Kamil Krzaczynski, Eddie Johnson, ” Johnson, Johnson, Brian CassellaPool, Holliday, ” Smollett, Tonight’s Nischelle Turner, ‘, Chris Boyette, Bill Kirkos, Omar Jimenez, Steve Almasy, Ashley Killough, Christina Maxouris Organizations: CNN, Associated Press, AP, Fox, ”, Chicago, Smollett, Chicago Police Department, Authorities, Reuters, Chicago Police, Chicago police, Police, Chicago Tribune Locations: Chicago, Illinois, Cook, City, MAGA, Cook County

☆ There's another surge in Americans seeking secondary passports. Global citizenship firms explain what's changed.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Ana Altchek | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Global citizenship firms said clients are especially concerned about LGBTQ+ rights and the economy. American interest in secondary passports has been on the rise over the last year — and global citizenship firms have reported another surge since President Donald Trump's reelection. AdvertisementThe firm said it saw a 392% increase in inquiries from US nationals during election week compared to the week prior. AdvertisementHe said people are concerned about Trump's promise to raise tariffs, and how that could impact the economy and the US dollar. Leading up to the 2020 election, Jafri said there was an increase in interest from his clientele's Republican contingent.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Judi Galst, Reaz Jafri, Dasein, Jafri, isn't, he's, Galst, Rose Emmett, she's, Emmett, Elizabeth Warren, they've, Galt Organizations: Global, Henley & Partners, New, CS Global Partners, Republican Locations: New York, Europe, London, United States

CNN —President-elect Donald Trump named billionaire Scott Bessent as his pick to serve as the next secretary of the Department of the Treasury. A key Cabinet player, the US Treasury secretary advises the president on economic and fiscal matters, including spending and taxes. Bessent would be the first out gay Treasury secretary, as well as the first LGBTQ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in a Republican administration, according to The Associated Press. Compared to Lutnick’s more aggressive campaign for the role, Bessent led a more understated quest for the position. All of the names Trump put out Friday night had been decided by the afternoon, the sources said, but he wanted to name his Treasury secretary first before publicly releasing his other decisions.

Persons: Donald Trump, Scott Bessent, “ Scott, ” Trump, Scott, ” Bessent, Trump, George Soros, Bessent’s, Bessent, Pete Buttigieg, ”, Howard Lutnick –, Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald, fides, MAGA, Elon, Steven Mnuchin, Mnuchin, Kayla Tausche, Matt Egan Organizations: CNN, Department of, Treasury, of Innovation, Capital, U.S, Reserve, Square Capital Management, Soros Fund Management, Democratic, Senate, Republican, Associated Press, Biden, Wall Street, Trump, ”, Financial Times, CNBC, Soros, United, Republicans, Treasury Department Locations: United States, United States of America, China

The conviction against actor Jussie Smollett for falsely reporting a hate crime to Chicago police in 2019 has been overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court over prosecutorial issues. The judges noted that the case generated "significant public interest" and many felt the case's original resolution was unjust. But the Chicago Police Department later said that Smollett recruited the brothers to help him stage the attack. Smollett was arrested in February 2019 and indicted that March on 16 felony counts over allegedly filing a false police report. Both brothers said during the trial that Smollett hired them to stage an attack as a ploy for public attention, noting a $3,500 check Smollett paid them.

Persons: Jussie Smollett, Dan Webb, Smollett, ”, —, ” Webb, Ola, Abimbola Osundairo —, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Kimberly Foxx, Emanuel, Abimbola Osundairo Organizations: Chicago police, Illinois Supreme, Chicago Police Department, Chicago Mayor Locations: Cook, Illinois, Chicago’s Streeterville

☆ CNBC Sport: The next big media rights deal isn't in the U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Alex Sherman | In Alex-Sherman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +17 min

In my inaugural CNBC Sport newsletter , I said the major American sports leagues have their media rights deals locked up for years to come. The NHL's Canadian media rights deal will end after next season. The company has said it intends to bid again for the Canadian media rights. In my inaugural CNBC Sport newsletter, I said the major American sports leagues have their media rights deals locked up for years to come. The NHL's Canadian media rights deal will end after next season.

Persons: Alex Sherman, Rogers, Gary Bettman, Amazon's, James Gay, Rees, Paul Martin –, Wayne Gretzky, Amanda Serrano, Nakisa Bidarian, Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Katie Taylor, Taylor, Serrano, Tyson, Paul –, Amanda, Katie, Mike, Jake, Bidarian, Amanda's, hasn't, I'm, CNBC's Jake Piazza, Lillian Rizzo, Tiger Woods, Rory Mclroy, Mike McCarley, Steve Cohen's, Eli Manning, Derek Jeter, Michael Strahan, John McEnroe, Jimmy Fallon, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, CNBC's Jess Golden, Dan Gilbert, Turner, John Tesh, LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Fulwell, Ben Winston, They'll, Peacock, CNBC's Dominic Chu, Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Marvel Entertainment Rob Steffens, Wanda Diamond, LOVB, LOVB Pro's, Michele Kang, Kang, Rob Manfred, That's, Manfred, Tomas Hertl, Thatcher Demko, Derek Cain Organizations: CNBC, CNBC Sport, Rogers Communications, NHL, National Basketball Association, National Football League, Rogers, Amazon Prime, Netflix, NFL, Amazon, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, CBS, Patriots, Sports Business, Golf Channel, Mike McCarley . New York Mets, Private Ventures, New, New York, WNBA, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Warner Bros, Discovery, Turner Sports, U.S, ESPN, ABC, NBC, NBC Sports, SpringHill, Comcast, USA, English Premier League, NASCAR, WWE, Olympics, Marvel Entertainment, American Hockey League, Wanda Diamond League, Atwater Capital, U.S . Soccer, MLB, The Athletic, Professional Fighters League, Dubai Department of Economy, Tourism, Dubai Sports Council, PFL, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Rogers Arena, Sports, Reuters Locations: —, Canada, Canadian, U.S, Amazon, Europe, Salt Lake City , Utah, Mike McCarley ., Cleveland, Northeast Ohio, Atlanta , Austin, Houston, Madison, Omaha, Salt, Dubai

CNN —Hours after his first pick to run the nation’s top law enforcement agency dropped out, President-elect Donald Trump named former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as his new choice to run the Justice Department. Trump met in person with Bondi at Mar-a-Lago before officially offering her the job, a source familiar told CNN. Democratic lawmakers accused Bondi of declining to pursue an investigation into Trump University fraud allegations after receiving the donation. … I never said I don’t like gay people.”After leaving the Florida attorney general’s office, Bondi joined Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm with deep ties to Trump and Wiles. The family told The Tampa Bay Times that Bondi stole the dog, while Bondi accused the family of neglect.

Persons: Donald Trump, Pam Bondi, Trump, Matt Gaetz, ” Trump, Pam, ” Bondi, Gaetz, Trump’s, ”, Susie Wiles, Boris Epshteyn, Jeff Sessions, Bondi, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, —, “, ” Cooper, …, Wiles, Jack Smith, –, Aileen Cannon, Bernard, Master Tank, Tank Organizations: CNN, Justice Department, of Justice, DOJ, FIRST, Florida Republican, Senate, Bondi, Trump, Democratic, Trump University, Center, Litigation, Policy Institute, Fox News, Obamacare, Ballard Partners, Foreign, Hurricane, Tampa Bay Locations: Florida, Bondi, Mar, Trump, Tampa, Qatar, Louisiana, Tampa Bay Times

☆ Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Associated Press | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. AP —The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in downtown Chicago in 2019 and lied to police. Emailed messages seeking comment were sent Thursday to Foxx’s office and to Smollett’s attorney, who have argued that Smollett has been victimized by a racist and politicized justice system. Testimony at his trial indicated Smollett paid $3,500 to two men whom he knew from “Empire” to carry out the attack. A state appellate court ruling upheld Smollett’s conviction, declaring that no one promised Smollett he wouldn’t face a fresh prosecution after accepting the original deal. Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and Justice Joy Cunningham took no part in Thursday’s decision.

Persons: Jussie, Smollett’s, Smollett, Elizabeth Rochford, ”, Kim Foxx’s, Prosecutors, Donald Trump’s, Mary Jane Theis, Joy Cunningham Organizations: Ill, AP, Smollett, Chicago, . Illinois Supreme Locations: SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Chicago, Cook, “ MAGA

☆ Jussie Smollett’s Conviction for False Hate Crime Claim Is Overturned
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Julia Jacobs | More About Julia Jacobs | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Illinois Supreme Court on Thursday overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges of filing a false police report claiming that he had been the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in 2019, finding that he was unjustly prosecuted a second time after his charges had been resolved as part of a negotiated agreement. When Mr. Smollett first reported the attack, he claimed that two men had mildly injured him while yelling racist and homophobic slurs, with one of them yelling, “This is MAGA country.” The apparently bigoted attack against a Black and gay actor sparked outrage. But law-enforcement officials later determined that Mr. Smollett had orchestrated the attack himself, and charged him with a crime. The prosecutors then agreed to drop the charges against Mr. Smollett in exchange for his agreement to forfeit his $10,000 bond and perform community service. But after an outcry the case was revived by a special prosecutor, and Mr. Smollett was convicted of felony disorderly conduct for falsely reporting to the police that he had been the victim of a bigoted attack.

Persons: Jussie, —, Chicago —, Smollett Locations: Chicago, MAGA

☆ How a Trump Presidency Might Affect Benefits for Gay Couples
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Tara Siegel Bernard | More About Tara Siegel Bernard | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

For nearly a decade, same-sex married couples have received the same federal rights and protections that their straight counterparts enjoy. They include a long list of financial benefits, from spousal health coverage to less expensive tax preparation, not to mention the immeasurable comfort from knowing their unions must be recognized. The Supreme Court granted those rights in two landmark cases — first in 2013, when it ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to federal benefits, and more broadly in 2015, when gay marriage was legalized across the country. But even now, when The New York Times asked readers if they had money-related questions in the wake of the presidential election, several gay couples wrote with concerns about whether they and their finances may face new risks under a second Trump administration. “It allows people to organize their families and affairs, pool finances, buy property and have kids.

Persons: Trump, “, ”, Mary Bonauto, Obergefell, Hodges Organizations: The New York Times, Supreme

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