Virginia Approves Congressional Redistricting + Mark Ballas On Bway + More

Virginia voters approve congressional redistricting map

Some news stories you might have missed:

• Washington Post: Virginia voters have approved a referendum to draw new congressional districts that could add as many as four Democratic seats to the House of Representatives, awarding Democrats an advantage in the national redistricting war begun by Republicans. Continue reading “Virginia Approves Congressional Redistricting + Mark Ballas On Bway + More”

Tuesday Trivia: Olivia Newton-John’s Double Run At #1

Olivia Newton-John 'Have You Never Been Mellow'

Some music trivia for you — 51 years ago today, Olivia Newton-John’s country/pop album Have You Never Been Mellow was in the middle of a major run at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.

At that point, just 154 days had passed since she had previously topped that chart with her massive cross-over album, If You Love Me, Let Me Know. Continue reading “Tuesday Trivia: Olivia Newton-John’s Double Run At #1”

‘Heartstopper’ Casting News + Tim Cook Steps Down + More

Kit Connor and Olivia Colman in 'Heartstopper' (image via Netflix)

Happy Monday! Some news stories for your perusal:

• Gayety: The upcoming Heartstopper Forever, the film finale set to wrap Nick and Charlie’s story, will move forward without Academy Award winner Olivia Colman, who played Nick’s mother in the first two seasons. Anna Maxwell Martin will step into the role for the film.

• The Advocate: Apple has announced that Tim Cook, one of the most powerful gay men in business, will step down as CEO later this year. Continue reading “‘Heartstopper’ Casting News + Tim Cook Steps Down + More”

Another One Bites The Dust: Trump’s Labor Secretary Resigns

Lori Chavez-DeRemer has resigned as Labor Secretary amid numerous allegations including drinking on the job and having an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate (photo: White House Flickr - public use)

Another one bites the dust – The White House has announced Donald Trump’s Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, has resigned amid an ongoing investigation into inappropriate behavior with staff and drinking on the job.

This marks the third ousting from Trump’s Cabinet in less than two months. Continue reading “Another One Bites The Dust: Trump’s Labor Secretary Resigns”

Kash Patel Sues Over Article Claiming Excessive Drinking

Kash Patel sues for defamation (screen capture)

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against  The Atlantic following its recent article citing many sources inside the FBI who say they are concerned about Patel’s alleged “excessive drinking” and absences.

The article (by Sarah Fitzpatrick) details how Patel is allegedly “often away or unreachable” during work hours, causing chaos among staff and possibly affecting the efficiency of the bureau. Continue reading “Kash Patel Sues Over Article Claiming Excessive Drinking”

MAGA Personality Confronts Gay Dads Holding Baby, Invokes Pedophilia + More

MAGA influencer confronts gay dads in West Hollywood

Some news items I thought worth your time:

• WeHo Times: A MAGA social media personality (pretending to be a CNN reporter) confronted a West Hollywood couple holding their baby and questioned them about claims that gay male parents are “statistically more likely to be child molesters.” One of the dads ended up punching the “personality,” leading to their arrest. Continue reading “MAGA Personality Confronts Gay Dads Holding Baby, Invokes Pedophilia + More”

Poll: California Governor’s Race Shakes Up After Swalwell Exit

Results of recent Emerson poll tracking the California governors race

A new poll shows a major shift in the California governor’s race after former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who was once a frontrunner, dropped out of the election following several allegations of sexual misconduct.

Emerson College conducted the poll right after Swalwell exited the race and Donald Trump endorsed Republicans billionaire Steve Hilton.

According to the new numbers, Xavier Becerra, the former California state attorney general and Health and Human Services Secretary under President Biden, is surging with a seven-point jump since March. Continue reading “Poll: California Governor’s Race Shakes Up After Swalwell Exit”

Kash Patel Threatens To Sue Over Excessive Drinking Report + More

FBI Director Kash Patel

Some news stories I thought worth your time:

• The Atlantic: FBI Director Kash Patel (above) has threatened to sue The Atlantic over what he calls a ‘false’ bombshell report detailing claims of ‘excessive drinking’ and other concerning conduct.

According to the report, Patel is known to drink to the point of obvious intoxication at clubs in Washington and his home city of Las Vegas, violating FBI conduct standards. Much more at the link. Continue reading “Kash Patel Threatens To Sue Over Excessive Drinking Report + More”