Khalid claps back at internet trolls, Jelani Alladin gets into the holiday spirit, Liza Minnelli goes swimming in a cocktail

passed her firefighter exam) or that the department’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives took money away from firefighting efforts.Experts believe that the wildfires currently ravaging Southern California are caused by climate change, which has altered wind and rain patterns in the region, and, when combined with a lack of rainfall, hot Santa Ana winds that have dehydrated vegetation, and a series of extended droughts that have plagued California in recent years, creates fires that are more severe and harder to contain.Additionally, the Los Angeles infrastructure contains an abundance of flammable materials, including low-hanging power cables and wooden telephone poles, that make perfect fuel for a fire. Due to these conditions, any small spark can lead to an out-of-control fire.Still, according to conservative news outlets, the wildfires are an example of “death by DEI,” in which either allegedly unqualified individuals are promoted to positions where they are ineffective in stopping natural disasters or preventable crimes, or where people in positions of power have prioritized diversifying their workforce over promoting people on “merit.”Newsmax host Rob Finnerty claimed last week that Crowley was “incompetent” at her job, citing, as evidence for this claim, the fact that the Los Angeles city website notes she is the first female and LGBTQ fire chief in the city’s history.Finnerty appeared to link Crowley’s sexual orientation to DEI, alleging that Crowley was more concerned about promoting pro-diversity hiring efforts than preparing for “wildfire season” by ensuring there was enough water in fire hydrants.

@maddow Show returns to 5 days a week for the first 100 days of the incoming Trump administration https://t.co/agIyNfOF1IIn other inauguration-related news, it emerged yesterday that singer Carrie Underwood will perform at the event in DC next week. She will sing “America The Beautiful”.In an official statement, Underwood said, “I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event.“I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.”While MAGA diehards have hailed Underwood a patriot for taking part in the inauguration, others have criticized the former American Idol contestant.

De Amsterdamse politie is op zoek naar een man die wordt verdacht van een mishandeling van een homoseksuele man. Het incident vond plaats op 22 december, op de hoek van de Vijzelstraat en de Herengracht.

The Irish Film and Television Academy (IFTA) Awards is back again with queer stars shining bright amongst this year’s nominations. The 2025 event, set for February 14 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, lands squarely in the heart of awards season—just two days before the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) ceremony.

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Italy’s Rainbow Group, the company led by Iginio Straffi — creator of the hit “Winx Club” animation franchise — has announced a partnership with a group of Italian equity investors that are providing a roughly €90 million ($92 million) cash injection. Under the deal, TEC Movie — which is part of a unit within top Italian merchant bank Mediobanca called the Equity Club — will hold a roughly 40% stake in Rainbow. The deal “marks a strategic move for Rainbow to further consolidate its position as a leading Italian TV production and animation house with a view to future global growth,” according to a Rainbow statement.