INSIDER
Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ people
Read full article: Site of Colorado gay bar shooting 'celebrated' LGBTQ peopleIn the mostly conservative city of Colorado Springs, Club Q has long been a go-to spot for members of the LGBTQ community — a safe space where many felt they could just be themselves.
Native child welfare law faces major Supreme Court challenge
Read full article: Native child welfare law faces major Supreme Court challengeThe U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Wednesday on the most significant challenge to a law that gives preference to Native American families in foster care and adoption proceedings of Native children.
Greece urged to dig harder on phone surveillance scandal
Read full article: Greece urged to dig harder on phone surveillance scandalA European parliamentary committee investigating the use of spyware in the 27-country bloc has urged Greek officials to do more to shed light on a phone surveillance scandal that targeted opposition politicians and journalists.
Los Angeles leader in racism scandal resigns Council seat
Read full article: Los Angeles leader in racism scandal resigns Council seatFormer Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez has announced that she is resigning her council seat amid a scandal over racist remarks that came to light in a leaked recording.
After #FreeBritney, California to limit conservatorships
Read full article: After #FreeBritney, California to limit conservatorshipsCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law Friday that will limit the use of conservatorships, the process in which guardians can be granted legal power to make life decisions for those deemed unable to make them.
Churches defend clergy loophole in child sex abuse reporting
Read full article: Churches defend clergy loophole in child sex abuse reportingClergy in 33 states are exempt from laws requiring professionals such as teachers, physicians and psychotherapists to report information about alleged child abuse to police or child welfare officials.
Stepping up: Next generation of royals to see more scrutiny
Read full article: Stepping up: Next generation of royals to see more scrutinyPrince William and wife Kate have made a surprise joint appearance with Prince Harry and wife Meghan warmly greeting a large crowd gathered outside Windsor Castle to remember their long-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.
'Zombie ice' from Greenland will raise sea level 10 inches
Read full article: 'Zombie ice' from Greenland will raise sea level 10 inchesA new study finds that Greenland has more than 120 trillion tons of ice that can be thought of as zombie ice that's going to raise sea level globally by at least 10 inches.
Denmark theaters closed in honor of mall shooting victims
Read full article: Denmark theaters closed in honor of mall shooting victimsDenmark’s largest cinema chain is keeping all its movie theaters closed Tuesday because a 17-year-old employee was one of the three people killed in a weekend shooting attack at a shopping mall.
New this week: J.Lo doc, 'Martin' reunion and 'Spiderhead'
Read full article: New this week: J.Lo doc, 'Martin' reunion and 'Spiderhead'This week’s new entertainment releases include an album of guided meditation by Alanis Morissette, a Jennifer Lopez documentary leading up to her halftime performance at the Super Bowl in 2020 and a new “Father of the Bride” remake starring Andy Garcia and Gloria Estefan.
Accused Buffalo gunman followed familiar radicalization path
Read full article: Accused Buffalo gunman followed familiar radicalization pathThe white gunman charged in a deadly, racist rampage inside a Buffalo supermarket didn’t need to travel abroad for tactical training, nor did he need to join an organization of like-minded militants who shared his world view.
New this week: 'The Offer,' Kehlani, 'I Love That for You'
Read full article: New this week: 'The Offer,' Kehlani, 'I Love That for You'This week’s new entertainment releases include new music from Future and Kehlani, a 10-episode Paramount+ series that dramatizes the behind-the-scenes story of the making of “The Godfather,” and the comedy “I Love That for You” starring former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Vanessa Bayer as a woman longing to be a home shopping channel host.
Sex abuse case in snowboarding exposes flaws in reporting
Read full article: Sex abuse case in snowboarding exposes flaws in reportingWhen former members of the U.S. snowboarding team sought help reporting sexual-abuse allegations against a longtime coach, they were met with conflicting information that left them unsure of where to turn.
'Grooming': The ubiquitous buzzword in LGBTQ school debate
Read full article: 'Grooming': The ubiquitous buzzword in LGBTQ school debateProponents of restrictions on how U.S. public schools address sexual orientation and gender identity say their ultimate goal is to allow parents more involvement in their children’s education and ensure classroom materials are age-appropriate.
Will Smith dances with family after Oscar win, shocking slap
Read full article: Will Smith dances with family after Oscar win, shocking slapWill Smith danced with glee at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, waving his best actor Oscar in the air and rapping along to his own songs with wife Jada Pinkett Smith at his side.
In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian rule
Read full article: In Beijing, Olympic ideals coexist with authoritarian ruleThomas Bach, the head of the International Olympic Committee, says the Olympic ideals show that even in a world full of conflict, people can build bridges and live in peace.
From Tiananmen to Hong Kong, China's crackdowns defy critics
Read full article: From Tiananmen to Hong Kong, China's crackdowns defy criticsFrom the crushing of Beijing’s 1989 pro-democracy protests to the suppression of Hong Kong’s opposition four decades later, China’s Communist Party has demonstrated a determination and ability to stay in power that is seemingly impervious to Western criticism.
New this week: Mellencamp, Hilary Duff and 'Fraggle Rock'
Read full article: New this week: Mellencamp, Hilary Duff and 'Fraggle Rock'This week’s new entertainment releases include a new album of rootsy rock from John Mellencamp, the return of puppet friends from “Fraggle Rock” and a virtual Sundance Film Festival where all the selections can be streamed.
Latvia, Lithuania, Poland rapped over Belarus border methods
Read full article: Latvia, Lithuania, Poland rapped over Belarus border methodsSenior U.N. refugee agency and European Union officials are accusing Latvia, Lithuania and Poland of using questionable methods to keep out migrants trying to enter from Belarus.
Liberals in EU parliament seek inquiry on abuse of spyware
Read full article: Liberals in EU parliament seek inquiry on abuse of spywareThe third-largest group in the European Parliament has called for the establishment of a committee to investigate abuses by European Union governments with powerful spyware produced by Israel’s NSO Group.
Tornado victims include granddad who 'stole the show'
Read full article: Tornado victims include granddad who 'stole the show'A grandfather who “stole the show” anytime he was around his grandchildren was among dozens of victims killed by tornadoes that ripped through five states in the Midwest and South.
Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter Olympics
Read full article: Sponsors asked to defend support for Beijing Winter OlympicsHuman Rights Watch is asking leading sponsors of the Beijing Winter Olympics to explain why they remain largely silent about alleged human rights abuses in China with the Games opening there in just under three months.
Dean Stockwell of 'Quantum Leap,' 'Blue Velvet' dies at 85
Read full article: Dean Stockwell of 'Quantum Leap,' 'Blue Velvet' dies at 85Dean Stockwell, a top Hollywood child actor who gained new success in middle age, garnering an Oscar nomination for “Married to the Mob” and Emmy nominations for “Quantum Leap,” has died.
Former French hostage returns to Mali without visa
Read full article: Former French hostage returns to Mali without visaMalian authorities say they are actively searching for a French woman who spent four years as an al-Qaida hostage and who now has returned to the West African country despite being denied a visa.
Facebook profits rise amid revelations from leaked documents
Read full article: Facebook profits rise amid revelations from leaked documentsAmid fallout from the Facebook Papers showing its failure to address the harms its social network has created around the world, Facebook on Monday reported higher profit for the latest quarter, buoyed by strong advertising revenue.
Mercury even WNBA Finals with 91-86 overtime win over Sky
Read full article: Mercury even WNBA Finals with 91-86 overtime win over SkyBrittney Griner dunked while scoring 29 points, Diana Taurasi had eight of her 20 points in overtime and Phoenix Mercury evened the WNBA Finals with a 91-86 win over the Chicago Sky.
NWSL announces new executive group after harassment scandal
Read full article: NWSL announces new executive group after harassment scandalFollowing the resignation of the National Women’s Soccer League commissioner amid a sexual harassment and misconduct scandal involving a longtime coach, a three-woman executive committee has been formed to oversee league operations.
UNAIDS chief says behavior of ex-staffer was 'unacceptable'
Read full article: UNAIDS chief says behavior of ex-staffer was 'unacceptable'The U.N. AIDS agency has acknowledged in an internal email last week that the behavior of a former senior staffer toward women was “unacceptable” and was tolerated by an organizational culture which allowed misconduct.
UK killings suspect got seized gun, license back last month
Read full article: UK killings suspect got seized gun, license back last monthBritain’s police watchdog says it has launched an investigation into why a 22-year-old man who fatally shot five people in southwestern England was given back his confiscated gun and gun license.
French push against domestic abuse may overlook some police
Read full article: French push against domestic abuse may overlook some policeThe death of a 31-year-old woman who was shot and burned alive by her former husband has focused attention on the long-taboo subject of domestic violence among French police officers.
France's Macron orders all health workers to get vaccinated
Read full article: France's Macron orders all health workers to get vaccinatedFrench President Emmanuel Macron has ordered all French health care workers to get virus vaccines by Sept. 15 and urged all of his compatriots to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Rights group: Facebook amplified Myanmar military propaganda
Read full article: Rights group: Facebook amplified Myanmar military propagandaA new report by the rights group Global Witness says Facebook’s recommendation algorithm amplifies military propaganda and other material that breaches the company’s own policies in Myanmar following the country’s military coup.
Panel suggests WHO should have more power to stop pandemics
Read full article: Panel suggests WHO should have more power to stop pandemicsA panel of independent experts who reviewed the World Health Organization’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has published its final report, listing an array of recommendations about how the world can better prepare for another.
Ukraine says 2 soldiers killed in east amid Russia tensions
Read full article: Ukraine says 2 soldiers killed in east amid Russia tensionsThe Ukrainian military says two soldiers have been killed and another wounded under fire from Russia-backed separatist rebels in the country’s east, where hostilities have increased sharply in recent months.
The Latest: Washington state resumes J&J inoculations
Read full article: The Latest: Washington state resumes J&J inoculationsGov. Jay Inslee said Saturday that inoculations with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can begin in Washington state following a review by scientific experts in a western states work group.
Andrew: Philip's death has left 'huge void' in queen's life
Read full article: Andrew: Philip's death has left 'huge void' in queen's lifePrince Andrew says the death of Prince Philip has left a “huge void” in Queen Elizabeth II’s life, while Princess Anne paid tribute to her father as “my teacher, my supporter and my critic.”.
Snub in EU-Turkey meeting highlights gender equality issue
Read full article: Snub in EU-Turkey meeting highlights gender equality issueThe topic of gender equality took center stage Wednesday in Brussels a day after Ursula von der Leyen, one the most powerful European Union’s executives, was treated like a second-rank official during a visit to the Turkish capital of Ankara.
Cuomo allegations leave Democrats grappling with response
Read full article: Cuomo allegations leave Democrats grappling with responseThe Democratic governor is struggling through a sexual harassment scandal thats testing the limits of his partys support as Democrats grapple with their first political crisis of the post-Trump era. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)NEW YORK – Democrats across the country celebrated New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the face of governing competence as President Donald Trump fumbled his administration's response to the exploding pandemic last year. Both of New York's Democratic U.S. senators have publicly embraced the state attorney general's nascent investigation into Cuomo's behavior. While Democrats across the country are not rallying behind Cuomo, few are calling for him to step down.
Cuomo allegations leave Democrats grappling with response
Read full article: Cuomo allegations leave Democrats grappling with responseThe Democratic governor is struggling through a sexual harassment scandal thats testing the limits of his partys support as Democrats grapple with their first political crisis of the post-Trump era. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)NEW YORK – Democrats across the country celebrated New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as the face of governing competence as President Donald Trump fumbled his administration's response to the exploding pandemic last year. Both of New York's Democratic U.S. senators have publicly embraced the state attorney general's nascent investigation into Cuomo's behavior. While Democrats across the country are not rallying behind Cuomo, few are calling for him to step down.
A bleak Valentine's Day, lovers find hope in roses, vaccines
Read full article: A bleak Valentine's Day, lovers find hope in roses, vaccines“They’re hopeful.”On this Valentine’s Day, Americans are searching for ways to celebrate love amid so much heartache and isolation as the coronavirus pandemic stretches past its year anniversary. After limiting restaurants to 25% capacity and 25 people per room, restaurants now must remain at 25% but they can serve as many as 50 per room. They are also this Valentine’s Day willing to do something else over a weekend where the high temperature will reach the teens and the low will plummet well below zero. AdIn Portland, a couple married 55 years has special Valentine’s Day plans. “That’s Valentine’s Day!” her father exclaimed and smiled at his wife.
Lawmakers push mental health days for kids amid pandemic
Read full article: Lawmakers push mental health days for kids amid pandemicCorroon, now 20, has struggled with her mental health since fourth grade, and she’s not alone. The portion of children's emergency-room visits related to mental health was 44% higher in 2020, compared with the year before. Plotnick said mental health days can be even more effective when paired with mental health services in schools. In Oregon, students are given five excused absences every three months, and those can be either physical sick days or mental health days. Part of her routine is taking a step back to prioritize her mental health — a chance she says other kids deserve, too.
Jan Morris, author and transgender pioneer, dies at 94
Read full article: Jan Morris, author and transgender pioneer, dies at 94NEW YORK – Jan Morris, the celebrated journalist, historian, world traveler and fiction writer who in middle age became a pioneer of the transgender movement, has died at 94. Morris died in Wales on Friday morning, according to her literary representative, United Agents. The British author lived as James Morris until the early 1970s, when she underwent surgery at a clinic in Casablanca and renamed herself Jan Morris. Morris went on to receive praise for her immersive travel writing, with Venice and Trieste among the favored locations, and for her “Pax Britannica” histories about the British empire, a trilogy begun as James Morris and concluded as Jan Morris. Born James Humphrey Morris in Somerset, with a Welsh father and English mother, Morris remembered questioning her gender by age 4.
Lives Lost: A smiling teenager ready to meet the future
Read full article: Lives Lost: A smiling teenager ready to meet the futureHe was so ready,” said his mother Rontunda Moran, sitting in her apartment with her husband Kevin Moran, both wearing T-shirts bearing Jaquan's face. Nearby are life-size photos of Jaquan flashing what Kevin Moran called the “million dollar smile” that he loved so much. Unbeknownst to his family, Jaquan had an enlarged heart that made him more susceptible to the virus. As a junior at Sophie B. Wright High School, Jaquan played cornerback on the football team. Kevin Moran said he found Jaquan on the phone one day talking to a U.S. military recruiter and asked the teenager why.
Recordings reveal WHO's analysis of pandemic in private
Read full article: Recordings reveal WHO's analysis of pandemic in privateYet in public, the U.N. health agency lauded governments for their responses. Instead, the health agency relies on behind-the-scenes talks and the cooperation of member states. Critics say WHO’s traditional aversion to confronting its member countries has come at a high price. WHO also complained in private about Western countries hoarding scarce pandemic supplies. Going forward, WHO’s role in the continued unfolding of the pandemic will depend in part on the panel review.
QAnon's 'Save the Children' morphs into popular slogan
Read full article: QAnon's 'Save the Children' morphs into popular sloganA group holds signs rallying in support of the Save the Children movement, calling for an end to child trafficking Sept. 26, 2020, in Morris, Ill. Some also use the platform to launch private groups where they swap tips, rumors and stories about child trafficking. While Trump has not made “Save the Children” part of his campaign, he has twice publicly praised QAnon's mission. But the connections among “Save the Children,” QAnon, and Trump still permeate social media. She said she avoids “Save the Children” Facebook groups promoting misinformation, QAnon and white supremacy symbols.
The Latest: India capital has its worst 1-day virus caseload
Read full article: The Latest: India capital has its worst 1-day virus caseloadIndia reports 36,470 new coronavirus cases, the lowest in more than three months in a continuing downward trend. NEW DELHI — India’s tally of confirmed coronavirus cases is moving closer to 8 million, with 43,893 new cases reported for the latest 24-hour period. The total reported Wednesday includes the highest single-day number of cases for the Indian capital of New Delhi — 4,853. He says confirmed coronavirus cases are overwhelmingly the result of community transmission, noting that 92% of officially confirmed infections can’t be traced to a known case. Italy’s total confirmed cases rose to 564,778 and the death toll reached 37,700.
Europe faces more curfews, restrictions as virus cases swell
Read full article: Europe faces more curfews, restrictions as virus cases swellPrime Minister Andrej Babis says those measures should prevent the collapse of the health system in early November. The nation of 67 million jumped closer to the 1 million infections mark, with 999,043 confirmed cases by Thursday evening. Health Minister Jens Spahn, who tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, was quarantined at home. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson introduced a three-tier alert system last week for England. Cyprus made mask wearing mandatory for anyone older than 12 in outdoor public spaces after daily infections hit record numbers in the last two weeks.
Pixie post: Fairy letters offer advice, respite in Virginia
Read full article: Pixie post: Fairy letters offer advice, respite in VirginiaMaya Gebler, center, Cate and Sophie Carroll , right, write letters to fairies in Norfolk, Virginia on Monday Oct. 12, 2020. In the last few months, more than 700 letters have arrived at a fairy tree village outside the home of a journalist and children's book author. "And they want to write to you.”Beneath a crape myrtle at the edge of a lawn in Norfolk lies a fairy village. Another offers responses from the likes of the Fairy Godmother, Fairy Queen Lysandra and Tinker Bell. The fairy tree village appeared in July outside the home of journalist and children’s book author Lisa Suhay, 55, a mother of five.
Freed Malian politician details months as al-Qaida hostage
Read full article: Freed Malian politician details months as al-Qaida hostageThe militants freed Cisse in the past week along with French hostage Sophie Petronin and Italians Nicola Chiacchio and the Rev. Late Friday, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said French authorities had informed them that Swiss hostage Beatrice Stoeckli had been killed about a month ago. On Friday, the French and Italian hostages returned to Europe, where they were greeted by dignitaries and family members. “I was always highly respected during my captivity," she told TV5 Monde. “I hung on — I prayed a lot because I had a lot of time,” Petronin told reporters at the French Embassy in Bamako.
French hostage freed in Mali arrives home in France
Read full article: French hostage freed in Mali arrives home in FranceSophie Petronin was released with three other hostages from Mali and Italy this week. They were released earlier this week, days after the Malian government freed nearly 200 Islamic militants in an apparent prisoner exchange. They said they received the information from French authorities, who were notified by “the recently released French hostage.”“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our fellow citizen,” Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis said in a statement. “The French and I are glad to see you back at last, dear Sophie Petronin,” Macron tweeted. “I hung on — I prayed a lot because I had a lot of time,” Petronin told reporters at the French Embassy in Bamako.
Mali: 3 European hostages, 1 Malian politician freed
Read full article: Mali: 3 European hostages, 1 Malian politician freedA prominent Malian politician and three European hostages freed by Islamic extremists in northern Mali this week landed in the country's capital late Thursday where they held emotional reunions with family members and were greeted by government officials. (Mali Presidency via AP)BAMAKO – A prominent Malian politician and three European hostages freed by Islamic extremists in northern Mali this week landed in the country's capital late Thursday where they held emotional reunions with family members and were greeted by government officials. Three-time Malian presidential candidate Soumaila Cisse descended next in a flowing white robe and turban, embracing first his wife and then his son. All four released hostages were then brought to a late night reception at Mali's presidential palace where they met with dignitaries. The hostages’ release came just days after Malian authorities freed nearly 200 jihadist prisoners over the weekend, which had fueled speculation that a prisoner exchange was imminent.
Families await freed hostages' return in Mali's capital
Read full article: Families await freed hostages' return in Mali's capitalIslamic extremists have freed prominent Malian politician Soumaila Cisse after holding him hostage for more than six months along with a French aid worker who was kidnapped back in 2016, an official said Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. Family members of Soumaila Cisse and Sophie Petronin still were awaiting details of a reunion in the capital, Bamako, nearly 24 hours after first hearing word of their freedom. A total of nine Western hostages seized from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are believed to remain in the hands of various jihadist groups. “We are here today to wait for our president (Cisse), the hope of the new Mali, Soumaila Cisse," said Ousmane Doumbia in Bamako. "All us here, we want Soumaila Cisse to come.
Relatives: French woman, Mali politician freed by jihadists
Read full article: Relatives: French woman, Mali politician freed by jihadistsIslamic extremists have freed prominent Malian politician Soumaila Cisse after holding him hostage for more than six months along with a French aid worker who was kidnapped back in 2016, an official said Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020. An official with Soumaila Cisse's political party told The Associated Press that the parliament member's relatives had been informed of his release along with that of aid worker Sophie Petronin. In December 2016, militants seized Petronin from the city of Gao, where she was helping orphans as an aid worker. She appeared 18 months later in a video released on Telegram by the al-Qaida-linked group known as JNIM. She was last seen in the video released in 2018.
7 parties agree on Belgian government led by Liberal De Croo
Read full article: 7 parties agree on Belgian government led by Liberal De CrooBelgian Minister of Cooperation Development and Finance, Alexander De Croo speaks during a media conference at the Egmont Palace in Brussels, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. Despite his age, the 44-year-old De Croo is already a veteran in Belgian politics and was vice premier in the outgoing government. He would be the first Dutch-speaking prime minister in nine years. European Council President Charles Michel, a former Belgian prime minister himself, congratulated De Croo and said that “COVID-19 hit us badly, but I count on you and your government to guide us past this challenge." It made compromise politics, an essential element of Belgian politics, even harder.