A beloved musician known for her groundbreaking contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music met an untimely end in Minnesota.
According to the New York Post, Jill Sobule, who gained fame with her 1995 hit "I Kissed a Girl," perished in a house fire early Thursday morning in Minneapolis at the age of 66.
The Denver native made history when her song "I Kissed a Girl" became the first openly gay-themed tune to reach Billboard's Top 20. Her impact on popular culture extended beyond this milestone with "Supermodel," featured in the iconic teen film "Clueless," and her work on the Nickelodeon show "Unfabulous."
During her 30-year career, Sobule released 12 albums and pioneered crowdfunding in the music industry. Her debut album "Things Here Are Different" launched in 1990, but it was her 1995 signing with Atlantic Records that catapulted her to stardom.
The singer-songwriter demonstrated innovative approaches to music production and distribution. In 2009, she successfully raised $75,000 through crowdfunding from over 500 donors to release her album "California Years."
Her creative endeavors expanded beyond traditional music releases. Sobule wrote and performed an autobiographical musical titled "F--k 7th Grade," which earned a Drama Desk nomination.
The artist's manager John Porter shared his grief over the loss of both a client and friend:
Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture. I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client and a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to inspire others.
Long-time attorney Ken Hertz emphasized Sobule's personal impact on those around her:
Jill wasn't just a client. She was family to us. She showed up for every birth, every birthday, and every holiday. She performed at our daughter's wedding, and I was her 'tech' when she performed by Zoom from our living room (while living with us) during the pandemic.
The tragedy occurred just before several planned projects were set to launch. Sobule was scheduled to perform "Songs From F--k 7th Grade & More" at Denver's Swallow Hill Music's Tuft Theater on May 2, which has been replaced with a free memorial gathering.
Her musical legacy will continue through upcoming releases. The original cast recording of "F--k 7th Grade" is scheduled for release next month, coinciding with the 30th-anniversary reissue of her self-titled album containing her biggest hits.
The singer was known for addressing significant social issues through her music, tackling topics like eating disorders and capital punishment with her characteristic wit and insight.
Jill Sobule, who passed away in a Minneapolis house fire, left an indelible mark on the music industry through her groundbreaking achievements and innovative approaches to music creation and distribution.
The Denver-born artist, who died at 66, is survived by her brother James, sister-in-law Mary, and two nephews. A formal celebration of her life and contributions to music is being planned for later this summer, where fans and colleagues will honor her memory and lasting impact on popular culture.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Republican Pennsylvania Rep. John Joyce takes aim at California's authority to set nationwide electric vehicle standards.
According to The Daily Caller, the House voted 246-164 to overturn a Biden administration rule that allows California to effectively implement a national electric vehicle mandate through its "Advanced Clean Cars II" regulation.
The legislation targets California's plan, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency in December 2024, which would prohibit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles in California and 11 other states by 2035. The move represents a significant challenge to President Biden's environmental agenda and California Governor Gavin Newsom's ambitious climate initiatives.
Several states have aligned with California's stringent auto emissions standards, including Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia. This coalition's unified approach to vehicle emissions has drawn criticism from automotive industry groups and Republican lawmakers.
The Congressional Review Act enables Congress to bypass traditional filibuster rules and overturn federal regulations with a simple majority vote in both chambers. This legislative tool has become instrumental in the current effort to dismantle California's EV mandate.
Industry leaders have vocally supported the House vote, viewing it as a victory for consumer choice and market-driven solutions.
American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President Chet Thompson and American Petroleum Institute CEO Mike Sommers issued a joint statement celebrating the vote:
Today's vote was a huge win for U.S. consumers. We are one step closer to restoring consumers' ability to choose the cars that best meet their needs. California's unlawful ban should never have been authorized, and Governor Newsom should never have been allowed to seize this much control over the American vehicle market.
Rep. John Joyce, who introduced the legislation, emphasized the importance of protecting consumer freedom and preventing overreach in environmental regulations.
The resolution now moves to the Senate, where its passage could significantly impact the future of electric vehicle adoption in the United States.
Without Senate intervention, the EPA would need to undergo an extensive rulemaking process to reverse the waiver, potentially leaving California's zero-emission standards in place for years.
Industry representatives have urged swift Senate action, noting broad public opposition to gas car bans and state-specific vehicle regulations. The resolution's outcome could determine the pace and scope of the nation's transition to electric vehicles.
The House vote marks a crucial development in the ongoing debate over federal environmental regulations and state authority in setting vehicle emissions standards. With 35 House Democrats joining Republicans, the bipartisan opposition to California's EV mandate demonstrates growing concern over the pace and implementation of clean vehicle initiatives.
The resolution now awaits Senate consideration, where its passage would fulfill President Trump's promise to end EV mandates nationwide. The outcome will significantly influence America's automotive future and the balance between environmental goals and consumer choice in the transportation sector.
A former senior aide to First Lady Jill Biden ignites controversy over claims of media manipulation and retaliation from the White House.
According to Fox News, Michael LaRosa, who served as Jill Biden's press secretary from 2021 to 2022, alleged that the White House attempted to pressure CNN into blacklisting him from future appearances after he became critical of the administration in 2024.
The accusations emerged during LaRosa's appearance on Mark Halperin's 2Way podcast, where he discussed what he described as the media's tendency to "cover up" President Biden's mental decline. LaRosa claimed that after making 45 CNN appearances in 2023, the White House intervened to prevent future bookings, allegedly threatening to restrict the network's access to administration officials.
LaRosa's revelations paint a picture of what he characterizes as systematic pressure on media outlets. He described being "flagged" in CNN's guest tracking system, creating obstacles for producers attempting to book him for appearances.
The former aide's allegations extend beyond his personal experience. He accused the Biden administration of employing similar tactics with journalists, suggesting a pattern of using access as leverage to influence coverage.
CNN has firmly rejected LaRosa's claims. A network spokesperson issued a direct statement affirming their editorial independence, stating that the White House does not control their booking decisions.
LaRosa shared his experience on "The Young Turks" show in March, where he accused Biden staffers of making "really unethical" demands of journalists. He described their approach as an attempt to bully reporters into providing favorable coverage of the president.
The former press secretary's claims appear to be contradicted by his continued presence on CNN. Records show at least four appearances on the network in 2024, including broadcasts on March 7, February 25, February 20, and February 9.
A former Biden White House official has disputed LaRosa's account, stating they were unaware of any efforts to prevent his appearances on the network.
LaRosa offered additional insights into the administration's perspective on press relations during his podcast appearance. He addressed what he views as a fundamental misunderstanding among Democrats regarding their relationship with media outlets.
During the podcast discussion, LaRosa shared his observations about the White House's approach to media relations:
They did bully a lot of journalists, and I think they would tell you that now. They wouldn't have told you at the time. Sometimes I think Democrats in general expect the press to work for them and when they aren't working for them they will come down on you pretty tough... But they never treated the press with anything but suspicion.
The former aide has become increasingly vocal about the Biden administration's media strategy, particularly regarding what he describes as efforts to shield the president from public scrutiny during the 2024 campaign.
Michael LaRosa's allegations against the White House have sparked discussions about the relationship between political power and media freedom. The former Jill Biden press secretary claims the administration attempted to influence CNN's booking decisions after he began criticizing their handling of the president's public appearances and mental acuity concerns. While CNN maintains its editorial independence and evidence shows LaRosa continues to appear on the network, his accusations raise questions about the complex dynamics between media organizations and political institutions.
Four House Democrats have withdrawn their support from a resolution seeking to impeach President Donald Trump.
According to the Washington Examiner, Representatives Robin Kelly, Kweisi Mfume, Jan Schakowsky, and Jerry Nadler removed their names as co-sponsors of the impeachment resolution after discovering it had not received proper approval through Democratic leadership channels.
The resolution, introduced by Representative Shri Thanedar on Monday, contained seven articles of impeachment against Trump, citing allegations of abuse of power, constitutional violations, and tyranny. By Thursday, all four co-sponsors had withdrawn their support, with some claiming they were either mistakenly added or unaware that the measure lacked leadership approval.
A spokesperson for Representative Mfume explained the decision to withdraw support, emphasizing the importance of proper vetting and leadership approval. Kelly's office similarly cited the lack of consultation with the House Judiciary Committee as the primary reason for removing her name from the resolution.
The confusion surrounding the co-sponsorship led to an internal communication from Nadler's legislative director, Andrew Heineman. He urged Democratic staffers to improve communication regarding bill sponsorships to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
Democratic leadership has expressed reluctance to pursue impeachment proceedings against Trump during his second term despite previous successful impeachment efforts during his first administration.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar addressed the situation, acknowledging impeachment as a potential tool while expressing skepticism about Republican support. He said:
Impeachment is, at times, a tool that can be used. This president is no stranger to that; he's been impeached twice. But we don't have any confidence that House and Senate Republicans would do their jobs. And so this is not an exercise that we're willing to undertake.
Representative Becca Balint highlighted the challenges of pursuing impeachment without Republican support, pointing to the limited number of GOP members willing to oppose Trump's administration. She noted:
Republicans didn't do anything when there was an insurrection, when people were fearing for their lives, and they wouldn't vote to convict. The folks in those seats haven't changed.
Several Democratic representatives have privately acknowledged their belief that Trump has committed impeachable offenses. However, they consider the timing inappropriate due to insufficient votes and a perceived lack of Republican courage to support such measures.
The situation has highlighted the complex dynamics within the Democratic Party regarding Trump-related initiatives. Leadership appears focused on more strategic approaches rather than pursuing impeachment without adequate support.
The incident has also sparked discussions about improving internal communication processes among Democratic offices to prevent similar confusion in the future.
The recent impeachment resolution withdrawal marks a significant moment in Democratic Party strategy regarding Trump's presidency. Representative Thanedar became the first Democrat to introduce impeachment articles against Trump in his second term, following two previous impeachment attempts during his first administration.
While Democrats maintain their concerns about Trump's actions, they have chosen to prioritize practical considerations over symbolic gestures, acknowledging the current political landscape's constraints on successful impeachment proceedings.
President Donald Trump moves to reshape the landscape of public media broadcasting with a dramatic executive order targeting two of America's most recognized public media institutions.
According to Fox News, Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to end federal funding for PBS and NPR, directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies to cease financial support for these organizations, which the White House has labeled as sources of "radical woke propaganda."
The executive order represents a significant shift in federal support for public broadcasting, potentially affecting approximately half a billion dollars in public funding that these organizations currently receive through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. This move comes as part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to restructure federal funding allocation in the media sector.
PBS CEO Paula Kerger expressed strong opposition to the administration's decision, emphasizing the crucial role of public broadcasting in American society:
There's nothing more American than PBS, and our work is only possible because of the bipartisan support we have always received from Congress. This public-private partnership allows us to help prepare millions of children for success in school and in life and also supports enriching and inspiring programs of the highest quality.
NPR representatives defended their organization's editorial independence and commitment to public service, highlighting their collaboration with local nonprofit media organizations across the country. The organization emphasized that federal funding remains essential to maintaining their network of public media stations.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has taken legal action against the Trump administration, filing a lawsuit earlier this week. The dispute centers on Trump's attempt to remove three members of its five-person board, which the organization claims would prevent it from maintaining the necessary quorum for operations.
The executive order targeting PBS and NPR parallels the administration's ongoing efforts to reorganize the U.S. Agency for Global Media, including Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. These initiatives have faced significant legal challenges, with federal courts questioning the administration's authority to withhold congressionally appropriated funds.
The potential loss of federal funding poses significant challenges for both organizations' operational capabilities. Public broadcasting stations, particularly in rural and underserved areas, rely heavily on federal support to maintain their services.
NPR's spokesperson emphasized their extensive network of local nonprofit media partners and their role in providing essential news coverage to communities across America. The organization maintains that their editorial decisions remain independent of external influences, including commercial and political interests.
Federal courts have already begun examining similar funding disputes, suggesting that the implementation of Trump's executive order may face legal scrutiny. Previous rulings have questioned the administration's authority to restrict funds allocated by Congress.
The Trump administration's executive order targeting PBS and NPR marks a pivotal moment in the history of American public broadcasting. The order instructs federal agencies to eliminate direct funding and investigate indirect sources of public financing for these organizations.
The move affects approximately $500 million in public funding currently allocated through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Both organizations have begun preparing for potential funding cuts since Trump's re-election, while simultaneously pursuing legal options to challenge the executive order.
This development represents part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reshape federal involvement in public media, including international broadcasting services. The outcome of ongoing legal challenges and congressional response will likely determine the future landscape of public broadcasting in America.
A beloved cast member from MTV's reality show "Floribama Shore" faces a life-threatening medical emergency that has shocked fans and fellow castmates alike.
According to the New York Post, Kirk Medas has been hospitalized and placed on a ventilator for more than two weeks, battling a severe case of necrotizing pancreatitis since April 18.
The 2017-2021 MTV series star's condition has prompted an outpouring of support from his former castmates. Nilsa Prowant and Aimee Elizabeth Hall have been providing updates about his critical condition through social media platforms. The situation has become particularly concerning as Medas remains sedated while medical professionals work to treat his condition.
Prowant has been making frequent trips between Panama City Beach and Miami to stay close to her friend during this difficult time. The emotional toll of seeing Medas in his current state has deeply affected his former castmates. Hall shared heart-wrenching photos of Medas in his hospital bed, connected to life-support equipment, alongside happier memories of the "Floribama Shore" group.
Hall shared her perspective on Instagram about the severity of the situation:
The situation is incredibly serious. He is sedated and this could take some time to heal. We are praying that he has a full recovery but this process could take some time.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Medas lacks medical insurance coverage, resulting in mounting hospital bills. His mother has established a GoFundMe campaign to help manage the escalating medical expenses.
Necrotizing pancreatitis, the condition affecting Medas, represents a severe complication of acute pancreatitis where pancreatic tissue dies.
Medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic indicate that this condition can lead to both immediate and long-term health complications. The severity of the condition explains why Medas requires intensive care and ventilator support.
The timing of this health crisis is particularly poignant given Medas' recent lifestyle changes. In March, he shared his journey of personal transformation on social media. He discussed abandoning alcohol consumption and embracing spirituality, expressing regret about not making these positive changes earlier in his life.
Medas' path to television fame came through an unexpected turn of events. Initially accompanying a nervous friend to an MTV producer meeting, Medas himself caught the attention of the production team. This chance encounter led to his successful stint on "Floribama Shore," which ran for four seasons on MTV from 2017 to 2021.
Following his time on the reality show, Medas expanded his television presence with appearances on popular shows like "Fear Factor" and Nick Cannon's "Wild 'n Out." His career trajectory demonstrated his ability to leverage his initial reality TV success into broader entertainment opportunities.
Kirk Medas remains in intensive care as medical professionals work to treat his condition. His mother maintains a constant presence at his bedside while managing the growing financial burden of his medical care. The situation has united the "Floribama Shore" cast, with former costars using their platforms to raise awareness and support for their friend's recovery.
The entertainment community and fans continue to monitor Medas' condition while his family faces the challenging combination of medical uncertainty and financial strain. His mother's GoFundMe campaign represents their primary hope for managing the mounting medical expenses during this critical period.
President Donald Trump makes a bold move to honor American military achievements during World War II with a significant calendar addition.
According to Fox News, Trump announced his decision to designate May 8 as World War II "Victory Day" in the United States, aligning with Europe's long-standing "Victory in Europe Day" celebration that marks Nazi Germany's surrender in 1945.
The presidential announcement arrives as part of a broader initiative to recognize America's military triumphs, with Trump emphasizing the United States' pivotal role in securing Allied victory during World War II. This declaration also extends to establishing November 11 as World War I Victory Day, creating a comprehensive framework for commemorating America's military achievements in both global conflicts.
May 8 holds profound historical importance as the day German forces officially ceased all military operations in 1945. The date marks a turning point in world history, representing the culmination of years of sacrifice and determination by Allied forces. European nations have long recognized this date through various commemorative events and ceremonies.
The timing of Trump's announcement reflects a departure from previous administrative approaches to World War II remembrance. While the United States has traditionally held various ceremonies throughout the year, no specific federal holiday has been dedicated solely to commemorating World War II victory until now.
America's contributions during World War II remain unparalleled in scale and impact, a point Trump emphasized in his announcement. The declaration seeks to properly acknowledge these sacrifices and achievements through formal recognition.
President Trump shared his perspective on Truth Social, emphasizing America's exceptional military contributions.
He stated:
We won both Wars, nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance, but we never celebrate anything. That's because we don't have leaders anymore, that know how to do so! We are going to start celebrating our victories again!
The initiative represents a significant shift in how America officially recognizes its military accomplishments. Trump's declaration aims to establish a more structured approach to commemorating military victories, moving beyond occasional ceremonies to instituting formal observances.
Former President Harry Truman set an important precedent in August 1946 when he issued a formal proclamation declaring August 14 as "Victory Over Japan Day." Truman's proclamation demonstrated the historical importance of officially recognizing military achievements through presidential action.
This historical context adds significance to Trump's current declaration. While previous administrations have acknowledged World War II achievements through various means, none had established May 8 as an official Victory Day.
The United States has traditionally marked World War II-related events through ceremonies held in May, August, and September. These observances have helped maintain public awareness of America's wartime sacrifices and achievements.
President Trump's announcement establishes dual Victory Days, marking achievements in both World Wars. The declaration of May 8 as World War II Victory Day and November 11 as World War I Victory Day creates a comprehensive framework for military commemoration. Trump's administration will oversee the initial implementation of these observances, setting precedents for future commemorations. The designation's timing allows for immediate planning of inaugural ceremonies and events.
A heated exchange between former White House senior advisor Stephen Miller and Fox News host John Roberts unfolded during a live broadcast segment discussing recent poll numbers.
According to Daily Caller, Miller directly told Roberts that Fox News "needs to fire its pollster" after the host cited new polling data showing Trump's negative ratings on key issues, including inflation and tariffs.
The confrontation arose when Roberts referenced Fox News poll findings indicating Trump holds disapproval ratings of 59% and 58% on inflation and tariffs respectively. Miller immediately dismissed the poll's credibility, pointing to what he claimed were previous inaccurate predictions regarding Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential prospects in 2024.
Miller's comments during the broadcast represented an unusual moment of internal criticism aimed at Fox News's polling methodology. Rather than engage with the specific numbers presented, he focused on questioning the fundamental reliability of the network's polling operation.
Following the contentious exchange, Roberts made a point to defend the network's polling practices. He emphasized that Fox News stands firmly behind their polling methodology and results, as they have consistently done throughout their history. The public disagreement highlighted growing tensions between Trump allies and mainstream media polling operations, even those traditionally seen as more favorable to conservative viewpoints.
Recent polling from multiple organizations has painted a nuanced picture of Trump's performance since returning to office. Fox News data shows Trump maintaining strong support on border security with a 55% approval rating, while facing challenges in other policy areas.
Immigration remains a relatively bright spot for the administration, with Trump securing a 47% positive rating on the issue. However, the president faces more significant headwinds on other key metrics, including foreign policy, taxes, and deportation policies.
These numbers align with broader polling trends observed across various media organizations. CNN's recent survey placed Trump's overall approval at 41%, marking a historic low for any newly elected president at the 100-day mark.
Stephen Miller stated during the broadcast:
I don't want to make things awkward for you, John, but it is our opinion that Fox News needs to fire its pollster. But, I won't surprise you with that. I don't think you're surprised that I'm saying that. But the Fox News pollster has always been wrong about President Trump. They were the ones who said all summer long that Kamala Harris was gonna be the 47th president of the United States. So, we don't acknowledge any of that polling.
This confrontational stance reflects an increasingly common approach among Trump allies who frequently challenge polling methodology and results that don't align with their preferred narrative. The strategy dates back to previous electoral cycles and continues to shape political discourse.
Multiple polling organizations have released data examining Trump's first 100 days in office during his current term. CBS News polling indicates a strong public belief that Trump is delivering on campaign promises, particularly regarding immigration policy.
However, these same surveys reveal more complex dynamics at play. The president's overall job approval remains at 45%, with particularly challenging numbers related to economic management and other domestic issues.
Stephen Miller's confrontational appearance on Fox News highlighted ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and mainstream polling organizations. The heated exchange with John Roberts showcased the administration's continued skepticism toward polling data that doesn't align with their preferred narrative. Trump's polling numbers present a mixed picture across various policy areas, with strong showings on immigration and border security contrasting with weaker performance ratings on economic issues.