No more Pride flag at U.S.’s Stonewall Monument honoring the gay civil rights movement | politics | Digg

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Trump shutting down the Kennedy Center is more serious than it looks

Trump's decision to close the Kennedy Center for renovations is seen as an attempt to control American culture, undermining the institution's independence and echoing actions of autocrats worldwide. This move signals a broader pattern of Trump inserting himself into cultural spaces, seeking legitimacy through cultural capture rather than democratic consent. The closure serves as a warning to other cultural institutions to cooperate or face consequences, highlighting the fragility of democratic norms when cultural independence is compromised.

As US Olympians speak out for tolerance and LGBTQ rights, some face online hate and attacks by Trump : NPR

As U.S. Olympians advocate for tolerance and LGBTQ rights, they face backlash from President Trump and online hate. Hunter Hess and Amber Glenn are among those who have spoken out, drawing criticism from Trump and threats against Glenn. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee condemns these threats and reports them to law enforcement.

These Birds Are of Different Feathers, but They Flock Together

'Pillion' review: Alexander Skarsgård stars in a dark comedy about sex and power : NPR

The NPR review of the film 'Pillion' highlights Alexander Skarsgård's role as a dominant biker in a dark comedy about sex and power. The film, adapted from Adam Mars-Jones' novel 'Box Hill,' explores a dominant-submissive relationship with a mix of sly humor and emotional depth.

Together at last, Megadeth and Harry Styles rule the Billboard charts

This NPR article highlights the surprising chart-topping achievements of Harry Styles and Megadeth on the Billboard charts. Styles' new song 'Aperture' debuts at No. 1 on the Hot 100, while Megadeth's self-titled album reaches No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking a historic milestone for the veteran metal band.

2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in photos : The Picture Show : NPR

The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan featured athletes from over 90 countries, Italian ballet dancers, and performances by celebrities like Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli. The ceremony honored Italian music, art, and culture with colorful tributes to composers, visual artists, and films.

Seized, subverted, shuttered: a year in Trump’s assault on the Kennedy Center | US news | The Guardian

This article explores the rapid decline of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC under President Trump's administration. Since a Truth Social post in February 2025, the center has lost its leadership, had its name changed, and is now set to close for two years. Trump's takeover has led to the cancellation of performances, dwindling audiences, and the departure of key staff and programs. Critics argue that Trump's actions have damaged one of America's great cultural institutions, potentially leading to a loss of institutional knowledge and support networks.

Blind date: ‘We didn’t kiss but we exchanged Instas, which among gay men is close to the same thing’ | Dating | The Guardian

This dating column from The Guardian pairs two strangers, Alfie and Sam, for a blind date. Alfie, a 31-year-old playwright, hoped for a silly softie with whom he could have deep chats. Sam, a 33-year-old tech worker, was looking for someone bubbly and outgoing. They shared American versus British-isms, politics, and dating horror stories. Although they didn't kiss, they exchanged Instagrams, which was considered close to the same thing among gay men. Alfie gave the date a solid 7, while Sam rated it an 8/10. Both expressed interest in meeting again as friends.

Avocados are a Super Bowl staple – but are they truly a miracle food? | Well actually | The Guardian

This article from The Guardian explores the health benefits and ecological concerns of avocados, a Super Bowl staple. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins, contributing to better gut and metabolic health. They may also support weight loss and brain health. However, the avocado industry has been linked to deforestation in Mexico, though new certification programs aim to address these environmental issues.

NBC appears to cut crowd’s booing of JD Vance from Winter Olympics broadcast | Winter Olympics | The Guardian

NBC's broadcast of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan cut out the crowd's booing of US Vice-President JD Vance, as reported by The Guardian. The hostile reception for Vance was audible on Canadian broadcaster CBC's feed, but NBC's American audience was spared this reaction. This incident follows a similar move at the US Open in September, where broadcasters were asked not to show the crowd's reaction to President Donald Trump.

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Together at last, Megadeth and Harry Styles rule the Billboard charts

Megadeth and Harry Styles both top the Billboard charts this week. Styles' 'Aperture' debuts at No. 1 on the Hot 100, while Megadeth's self-titled album reaches No. 1 on the Billboard 200, marking the band's first-ever chart-topping album.

Court records: Chicago immigration raid was about squatters, not Venezuelan gangs

Newly revealed court records show that a high-profile immigration raid in Chicago was based on targeting squatters, not Venezuelan gang members as previously stated by the Department of Homeland Security.

Canada and France open Greenland consulates in show of Denmark support | Greenland | The Guardian

Canada and France are opening consulates in Greenland's capital, Nuuk, to show support for Denmark and counter US efforts to secure control of the Arctic island. Canada's consulate inauguration is led by Foreign Minister Anita Anand, while France's consul general, Jean-Noël Poirier, will focus on cultural, scientific, and economic cooperation. These diplomatic moves follow US President Donald Trump's threats to impose tariffs on Denmark and other European countries opposing a US takeover of Greenland, which were later dropped after a 'framework' for a deal was reached with the help of the Nato secretary general.

Beautifully strange: Australian landscapes photographed from the sky – in pictures | Australian art | The Guardian

Week in wildlife: cuddling sloths, dazed iguanas and a very fat seal | Wildlife | The Guardian

A Winter Olympics training ski crash and a graduation ceremony: photos of the day – Thursday | World news | The Guardian

Illinois joins WHO network after Trump pulls US out of global health body | Illinois | The Guardian

Illinois has joined the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) in response to the US withdrawal under the Trump administration. Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the importance of science, preparedness, and people in global health cooperation. This move grants Illinois access to early-warning alerts, outbreak intelligence, and international collaboration opportunities.

Make the orchestra great again? Not likely with JD Vance playing the cello | Music | The Guardian

This article critiques a satirical painting by Jon McNaughton that depicts Trump as a conductor of a MAGA-themed orchestra. The painting, which includes Trumpian figures such as Marco Rubio, JD Vance, and Tucker Carlson, is criticized for its misunderstanding of orchestras and conductors, and for promoting a problematic idea of absolute harmony and obedience in orchestras.

Neil Young Spites Amazon With Major Gift To Greenland | HuffPost Entertainment

Neil Young, the rock legend, has gifted a free year's access to his NeilYoungArchives.com to Greenland's 56,500 residents, in protest against Amazon and its CEO Jeff Bezos. This follows his removal of his music from the platform and a post urging fans not to use Amazon due to Bezos' support of President Donald Trump's policies.

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Outrage in Mexico at Trump praise for ‘legendary’ 19th-century US invasion | Donald Trump | The Guardian

The Guardian reports on Mexican leaders' outrage over Donald Trump's praise for the 1847 US invasion, which they view as an imperialist tone and a veiled threat for future incursions. Trump's message celebrating the conquest and the loss of Mexico's territory has sparked strong reactions, with Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum emphasizing the need to defend sovereignty. The statement has been criticized for reopening a historical wound and for its potential implications for US-Mexico relations.

The Grammys riled Donald Trump – but the big winners were chosen for their music, not politics | Grammy awards 2026 | The Guardian

The 2026 Grammys were a celebration of artists whose commercial success was matched by boundary-pushing boldness. Despite Donald Trump's criticism, the awards were given on considerable merit, with Bad Bunny and Buena Vista Social Club winning on merit. Kendrick Lamar also won several awards, while Turnstile made history as the first hardcore punk band to win in the rock and metal categories.

California officials move forward with plans to exterminate mule deer from island | California | The Guardian

California wildlife officials have moved forward with a plan to exterminate a mule deer herd from Santa Catalina Island over concerns about local biodiversity. The Catalina Island Conservancy, which manages 88% of the island, sees the nonnative mule deer as a major threat to local flora and fauna, water quality, and fire resilience. The plan involves eliminating the island’s herd of roughly 1,800 deer over five years, using methods such as hired shooters, helicopters, and drones. However, many locals oppose the plan, seeing the deer as an iconic part of the island's identity.

Satirical opera lampoons Trump as its metaphor mirrors reality

Ultra-processed foods should be treated more like cigarettes than food – study | Global development | The Guardian

A new report suggests that ultra-processed foods (UPFs) should be regulated like tobacco due to their addictive nature and associated health risks. Researchers argue that UPFs, which include soft drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food, are engineered to encourage consumption and are linked to obesity, cancer, and other diseases. The report calls for public health efforts to shift from individual responsibility to food industry accountability, similar to tobacco regulation.