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The GOP has spent the majority of 2021 either downplaying the events of Jan. 6 or trying to sabotage attempts to investigate it. But the House committee looking into the Capitol siege soldiers on, even indicting at least one of the major players who ignored their subpoenas. We’ll see what happens to the latest batch of people they’ve called on for questioning.

As per The New York Times, they’ve finally come for Roger Stone and Alex Jones. The former is a longtime Republican operative with a tattoo on his back depicting one of his earliest mentors, Richard Nixon. The latter is a conspiracy theorist who’s already in financial trouble over spreading baseless and hurtful misinformation. Both helped draw crowds of Trump supporters to D.C. ahead of that fateful day, whipping them into a frenzy by poisoning their minds with lies about a stolen election. Both were among the many Trump allies shacking up in the same hotel the night before the riot.

Their activities that day were similar but different:

Mr. Stone promoted his attendance at the rallies on Jan. 5 and 6, and solicited support to pay for security through the website stopthesteal.org. While in Washington, he used members of the Oath Keepers as personal security guards; at least one of them has been indicted on charges that he was involved in the Capitol attack.

In a statement, Mr. Stone said he had not yet been served with the subpoena and denied any involvement with the violence.

“I have said time and time again that I had no advance knowledge of the events that took place at the Capitol on that day,” he said.

Mr. Jones helped organize the rally at the Ellipse near the White House before the riot — including by facilitating a donation from Julie Jenkins Fancelli, the heiress to the Publix Super Markets fortune — to provide what he described as “80 percent” of the funding, the House committee said. Mr. Jones has said that White House officials told him that he was to lead a march to the Capitol, where Mr. Trump would speak, according to the committee.

Stone and Jones are one of five newly subpoenaed Trump allies. The committee is also demanding to speak with Dean Stockton and his fiancée Jennifer L. Lawrence — no, not the Oscar-winning actress — who helped organize rallies touting voter fraud. The fifth person is Taylor Budowich, as per NYT, “reportedly solicited nonprofit organizations to conduct a social media and radio advertising campaign encouraging attendance at the rally at the Ellipse and promoting unsupported claims about the election.”

Trump himself has yet to be subpoenaed, but considering the legal hot water that already threatens to consume him, it would behoove him not to blow them off if/when they do.

(Via NYT)

Kyle Kuzma is enjoying a strong season with the Washington Wizards. The 26-year-old forward is averaging a career-best 9.2 rebounds per game and, with solid efficiency and improved defense, Kuzma has been a large part of Washington’s hot start as a team. While there should be justified focus on his on-court contributions, Kuzma drew attention for his pregame attire on Tuesday before Washington’s matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, and only a picture can describe his outfit.

For one, Kuzma is listed at 6’10 and it is very difficult to imagine a sweater that could be as long as this one by design. Of course, that wasn’t the only observation made on the internet, and the jokes began flying in earnest.

The size of Kuzma’s sweater was genuinely jarring and, uh, that was noticed.

Then, there were jokes about certain resemblances.

Former teammates DeMarcus Cousins and JR Smith made their thoughts known as well, gently poking fun at Kuzma.

It is too early to anoint this as a long-term meme that will make the rounds, but it is certainly easy to see how Kuzma’s fit would have staying power. Alas, he certainly attracted a lot of eyeballs before a Monday night game during a holiday week, and that may have been the point.

A Facetime from her daughter is the best surprise this mom could ask for. Why? Because unbeknownst to her, the daughter arrived back home from college in secret. And she shared this touching impromptu reunion with TikTok for everyone to enjoy.

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The video shows a mom in the kitchen, answering a Facetime call from her daughter, her face appearing in close-up. We know what’s about to happen (the caption reads “Surprising my mom that I’m back home from Uni”), but still the anticipation is delightful.

And it doesn’t take long for the mom to realize what’s going on. As she turns her back from the camera for just one second, the daughter zooms out and waits. When mom turns back around, she instantly knows what’s up, and off she runs out of frame, followed by an equally surprised little brother.

It’s no wonder the video went viral. One commenter summed up it by saying,” families that actually LIKE each other are my favorite.”

You might be wondering: how did the daughter manage to sneak into her room without mom noticing? The question gets answered at the end (which is arguably the best part of the video, second to mom’s excitement).

As mom jolts out of the frame to hug her daughter in the next room, out of nowhere comes dad, beaming with a smile that lets us know he was definitely in on the plan. From the look on their faces as they share mischievous looks, I’d say we know where the daughter gets her prankster streak from.

Although the year is winding down and the pandemic persists, music festivals continue to surge as they make up for lost time from 2020. And in Austin, Texas — where warmer temperatures pervade, even in winter — concerts and live events are still going particularly strong. Seismic Dance Event, held November 12th through 14th at The Concourse Project music and event venue, proves as much.

The boutique music festival is curated specifically for house, techno, and underground heads. So you can imagine the kind of feel-good PLUR vibes that were pulsing through the air, complete with out-there rainbow outfits, flashing LED light fixtures, and bass-heavy beats. The lineup featured more than 50 global headlining artists across two main stages, with even more DJs playing at the nightly after-parties that raged late into each night. On top of the entertainment, there were art installations, food trucks, and plenty of room to dance across the seven acres of land at the venue.

Basically, Seismic Dance Event was a weekend to remember (or not), as these photos attest. To add some joy, glitter, and good vibes into your week, we’re sharing all the best photos from the weekend — sure to cure your winter blues in no time.

It’s been over a year since former president Donald Trump lost re-election, which means it’s been over a year since he admitted it. Since then, he and his close allies, including a pillow salesman, have continued to fill supporters’ heads with voter fraud nonsense. Their lies even led some to storm the Capitol building two months after the loss, in a fruitless attempt to overturn the results. And during a trial for one of those perpetrators, a federal judge didn’t mince words.

According to CNN, a plea hearing was held on Monday for Adam Johnson, known as the Jan. 6 rioter who was seen carrying Nancy Pelosi’s lectern through the building, a big smile on his face. He only succeeded in getting himself in trouble — and making Dinesh D’Souza humiliate himself yet again. Johnson pleading guilty, but to a low-level charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds. And while he did, Senior District Judge Reggie Walton reminded him that he put himself in legal jeopardy for nothing.

“Al Gore had a better case to argue than Mr. Trump, but he was a man about what happened to him,” Walton told the court. “He accepted it and walked away.”

During the 2000 election, Gore initially conceded to his opponent, George W. Bush, but he withdrew his decision after seeing how close the race was in Florida. A massive recount was carried out, but on December 13, 36 days after the election, Gore conceded for a second and final time, claiming that it was better for the nation not to create mistrust in the nation’s election process. He attended Bush’s inauguration.

Meanwhile, Trump still hasn’t conceded, over a year later. He did not attend the inauguration, and he ghosted his successor, Joe Biden, as he showed up on his first day at the White House.

Walton also upbraided Johnson himself. “What concerns me, sir, is that you were gullible enough to come to Washington, DC, from Florida based on a lie,” Walton told him. “And the person who inspired you to do what you do is still making those statements, and my concern is that you are gullible enough to do it again.”

Johnson was initially charged with three federal crimes, including theft of government property (i.e., that lectern), but they will be dropped as part of his plea deal. He could still face up to six months in prison, on top of paying $500 in damages done during his Capitol jaunt. Johnson also told the court he was planning to write a book about his ordeal, agreeing that the government can take any money he makes publicizing it over the next five years.

(Via CNN)

It’s been one year since we saw a major holiday surge in support for Black businesses. At first, it began as a call to action— to patronize local, Black-owned businesses in an effort to support Black economic equity in a tangible way. “Support Black businesses!” then shifted into a slogan, a promise (occasionally kept), and an Instagram caption that felt more and more detached from direct action as the year went on.

But this call to action is still a worthy one. To really change the economic landscape of the nation, it takes consistent support — especially this time of year. So let’s do like Jay and Pharrell and make supporting Black business the new norm. Not out of pity or guilt, but because Black businesses deserve to be celebrated.

Perhaps nowhere is Black creativity brimming with quite so much energy as on Etsy. The community of craftspeople working there embody Black excellence and certainly deserve some attention this holiday season. Check out eight of our favorite gardeners, alcohol infusers, and vintage clothes sellers below.

Hortiki Plants: Eco-Friendly Gardening Kits

If you’re shopping for the green thumb in your family, or if you want to learn how to grow your own food at home, then Hortiki Plants is your go-to shop. They specialize in eco-friendly gardening kits that give you a lot of produce and take up little space.

Hortiki has easy-to-use grow your own kits so you can grow microgreens, kitchen herbs, or even plants for your pet! As an added bonus, the founder, Dr. Victoria LeBeaux shares plant tips on her Tik Tok and Instagram pages.

Buy here

InBooze: Handmade Alcohol Infusion Kit

Founder of InBooze and mother of four, Asheleigh decided to create a fun affordable cocktail kit. But what sets her apart from other mixers you might find on the market is that everything is handmade, with no strange additives. Kits include everything you need to trick your friends into thinking you’re a master mixologist — from a simple Moscow mule infusion kit to the more adventurous chipotle-pineapple bloody mary kit.

She even sells full gift sets complete with a shaker and drinking glasses.

Buy here

Perpetual Bliss Co: Handcrafted Minimalist Concrete Candles + Home Decor

Founded with the mantra, “Whatever you do, may it bring you bliss” Perpetual Bliss founder Erin Carter creates modern, minimalist decor using industrial concrete and soy wax with glimmering gold foil accents. Erin has a background in interior and retail design that is reflected in the clean lines, neutral color palette, and dreamy aesthetic of her pieces.

While her candles are sure to delight any hygge-obsessed candle lover, her designs truly make her pieces inimitable.

Buy here

MAW SUPPLY: Vintage Apparel and Accessories

MAW SUPPLY (also known as “Man and Woman”) is a reclaimed apparel and accessories company founded by Norman and Rochelle Clark. They handpick vintage clothes that give the consumer an authentic 90s experience, but this time with a muted color scheme and inclusive sizing.

Because the team behind MAW chooses the pieces they carry with intention, it’s important to check their shop consistently for updates to their collection

Buy here

FILOSOPHY: Metals and Stones for All Skin Tones

Filosophy founder, Ophelia has been crafting jewelry since childhood. Now, she is based in Tulsa Oklahoma where she specializes in modern gold jewelry and stunning gemstone pieces. She recently crafted a line called Margo + Lee, dedicated to the story of her grandparents’ love.

Her jewelry is perfect for those who like warm-toned jewels that layer seamlessly for a modern look.

Buy here

Candice Luter Art + Interiors

Candice has an incredible ability to make any interior feel instantly cozy. Her fluid textile art adds depth and dimension to a room, and each is made to order using sustainable textiles. Her works are a perfect combination of art and comfort.

Buy here

The Honeydew Drop

Some call Tupelo honey the ‘real honey’ because if you’ve ever tasted it, it has a depth and viscosity like no other honey. What sets the Honeydew Drop apart from other brands? 10% of all proceeds go to Bees Without Borders—supporting small apiaries in the Caribbean.

Buy here

Tenwilde

Los Angeles-based founder Tenisha is completely self-taught. She specializes in hand-crafted gold essentials, making her jewelry a minimalist, timeless addition.

Buy here

It’s been just about four months since the state of Connecticut has legalized marijuana and it’s looking like things are off to a troubling start. Just last week, state officials warned new cannabis smokers to be cautious about what they’re consuming after health officials reported the first documented case of fentanyl-laced marijuana in the country. This isn’t the first news of fentanyl-laced drugs, the powerful synthetic opioid, which can be up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, has also been tainting cocaine in Florida and party cities across the country.

CBS reports that Connecticut state officials have confirmed 39 opioid overdoses since July, all of which required treatment with naloxone. Each of the 39 patients denied consuming another drug besides marijuana in the four months prior to their overdose and, in one case, the Plymouth Police Department was able to secure a sample of the marijuana in question and submitted it for testing at a state laboratory where the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection found the cannabis tested positive for Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, marijuana, and fentanyl.

“This is the first lab-confirmed case of marijuana with fentanyl in Connecticut and possibly the first confirmed case in the United States,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD in a press release issued last week.

It has not been reported whether the marijuana in these overdose incidents was obtained through a state-licensed clinic or illegally but the Connecticut Overdose Response Strategy team is currently suggesting anyone using substances obtained illicitly exercise increased caution, learn the signs of opioid overdose, and refrain from using alone and without naloxone on hand.

Earlier this month, Tucker Carlson bowed Patriot Purge, a wild (which is to say factually challenged and conspiracy theory-heavy) “documentary” series about Jan. 6. Among its bizarre claims the Capitol siege was a “false flag” operation set up by the FBI, all to incriminate innocent violent Trump supporters. Patriot Purge didn’t air on Fox News. Instead it dropped on their app Fox Nation. Still, its existence drove two longtime network contributors to quit in disgust. But they weren’t the only people on the payroll to take umbrage.

According to NPR, two of the more respected members of the Fox News team, Chris Wallace and Bret Baier, were among the veteran staffers who “shared their objections” with some of the networks top brass. Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and the president of news, Jay Wallace, both heard what they had to say, which were then passed all the way up to Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch. Details of their complaints have not been made public.

Wallace has a long history of not towing the Fox News party line. The host has long rankled die hard Trumpists by not only daring to question the former president to his face — sometimes on live television — but calling out Republican lawmakers who come to the network expecting questions that exclusively softball. Most recently he grilled a GOP figure in Texas, almost — but, of course, not quite — getting him to admit that forbidding businesses to not enforce vaccine mandates wasn’t exactly conservative.

Carlson, meanwhile, has become Fox News’ top draw, largely by going farther than most. He’s slammed vaccines (despite his own employers’ requiring them or negative tests), told viewers to harass people wearing masks, and downplayed the events of Jan. 6.

The Fox News contributors who threw in the towel over Carlson’s antics are Stephen Hayes and Jonah Goldberg, the latter who wrote a book actually called Liberal Fascists. If the author of that tome is appalled by Tucker Carlson, then that’s saying something.

(Via NPR)

On Sunday night, the Lakers pulled off a double-digit comeback in the second half in Detroit to pull back to .500 on the season at 9-9, but the focus after the game wasn’t on Anthony Davis taking over late with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and four steals.

Instead it was on the third quarter incident between LeBron James and Isaiah Stewart that resulted in both players being ejected after James hit Stewart in the eye with a backfist, cutting the Pistons big man, who steadily grew more upset about the situation and tried on three separate occasions to break free of his teammates and Pistons staffers trying to hold him back to go fight James and the Lakers.

It was a wild scene at Little Caesars Arena, with the Pistons PA announcer reminding fans over and over not to step on the floor or throw things from the stands, clearly remembering the Malice in the Palace and trying to ensure nothing like that happened again. On Monday, everyone awaited the league’s decision regarding further punishment and fines for Stewart, LeBron, and anyone else who was deemed to escalate the situation.

The final verdict arrived on Monday afternoon, with the league handing out a one game suspension for James for his blow to Stewart’s eye, while the Pistons big man earned two games for his refusal to calm down and continued efforts to fight all of the Lakers on the court.

That means LeBron will miss Tuesday night’s showdown with the Knicks in Madison Square Garden on TNT, while Stewart will be out against Miami and Milwaukee, which will make for tough sledding for an already shallow Pistons frontcourt against two physical teams.

The Looney Tunes brand turned 80 last year, and Warner Bros. has celebrated by making sure they’re everywhere. When they debuted HBO Max last summer, there were a batch of new, surprisingly sharp cartoons on there, along with hundreds of the classic shorts that made their name almost a century ago. This summer, there was another Space Jam. And now they’re ditching visuals altogether for a new podcast.

As per Variety, it’s called Looney Tunes Presents: Bugs & Daffy’s Thanksgiving Road Trip and it’s a four-episode limited series that was just dropped online. Here’s how Variety describes it:

When Bugs and Daffy are invited to the Warner Bros. lot for a big Thanksgiving feast, Daffy is determined to make ducks the official bird of Thanksgiving — and he hatches a plan to star in a big-budget holiday movie. The only problem: Daffy isn’t famous enough to star in his own movie, so Bugs and Daffy embark on a cross-country road trip to try to raise Daffy’s profile and turn him into the “Thanksgiving Duck.”

Of course, you don’t necessarily need to see Bugs and Daffy to recognize them. Their voices, created by the legendary animation voice artist Mel Blanc, are as distinctive as their looks. It’s yet another addition to an already crowded Thanksgiving weekend, which already has a new South Park streaming movie, another Ridley Scott movie (that might not bomb like the last one), and the first part of a seven-hour doc series about The Beatles writing and recording Let It Be.

You can listen to Looney Tunes Presents: Bugs & Daffy’s Thanksgiving Road Trip on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and elsewhere.

(Via Variety)