Latest news with #BlockParty
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters gather for anti-ICE ‘Block Party' outside federal facility in South Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Federal agents deployed flash bangs and pepper balls during a protest that gathered outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in South Portland late Tuesday night. The development comes after the presence of ICE agents in Portland, as well as Oregon overall, was a major point of discussion at a city meeting that drew much public interest earlier in the evening at City Hall two miles away. This comes after weeks of demonstrations outside the ICE facility in South Portland, an area of the city that was once again the site of a massive protest once the Portland City Council meeting wrapped. Travis Decker may have died evading police Earlier in the evening, Portland City Councilors discussed what it means for Portland to be a sanctuary city and how that compares with the presence of federal immigration agents. Members of the public were so interested in the discussion inside City Hall that people filled overflow rooms surrounding it, and protesters even took their signs to the front door and the sidewalk. City leaders talked about the issue after Portland City Councilor Sameer Kanal added a discussion about immigration and the sanctuary city status to the Portland City Council's public safety meeting agenda. 'This is our first conversation. It won't be our last one,' Kanal said. Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo talked about how the ICE facility on South Macadam Avenue has become a complicated issue. Portland native joins cast of 'Love Island USA' 'I think that we're in a very difficult moment between advocates in the community who are fighting for immigrants and, immigration attorneys who are fighting for immigrants as well, because there are different ideas around what the best material strategy is to help people and we know that with the Macadam building closed down, that a lot of immigrants are not able to make their appointments and are being taken to other federal buildings, their attorneys don't know where they are,' Morillo said. Morillo added that she 'also personally believe[s] that we need to protect immigrants as much as we can from ICE, and that, frankly, ICE should be abolished.' On June 14, a during a protest outside the ICE facility. Days later, the building underwent after property damage occurred, including smashed windows and doors and graffiti. On Tuesday evening, after the city council discussion downtown concluded, a large protest dubbed an anti-ICE 'Block Party' was held a couple of miles away, outside the ICE facility in South Portland. Demonstrators continued their mission of what they call getting 'ICE out of Portland.' 'We're on the sidewalk, we're trying to make an impact here, and instead they're coming at us with severe aggression,' said a protester named Daniela K. 'We need a show of support, to show our local leadership that this matters to so many of us, and this may look like a big crowd, but we need more.' Former school employee confesses to raping student Another protester named Helena said she's been there from the start and has created a sign, gradually adding pictures of the people taken into ICE custody, day by day. 'It reminds people why we're here, take the time to actually read their stories,' Helena said, who also attended the Portland City Council meeting earlier in the evening. 'We're just out here, doing what we can, every single day.' A candlelight vigil is planned to honor those taken by ICE agents Wednesday night at 6 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Luann de Lesseps is renting her Hamptons home for $150K
'Life is a cabaret,' says Bravo star Luann de Lesseps, an original cast member of Bravo's 'Real Housewives of New York City' franchise. After performing in Canada, England and Scotland — her last 'Countess Cabaret' show is at the Visalia Fox Theatre in California on June 27 — de Lesseps will head to the Hamptons, where she has a home in Sag Harbor, 'just minutes' from the village. But only for a bit. In August, de Lesseps will be renting out her stylish Sag Harbor dwelling — $150,000 for the month — while she spends time in Europe visiting Tilda Swinton in Scotland, and other friends in Monaco, France and Ibiza. Then she'll be in Brooklyn on Aug. 21 to host Countess Luann's Block Party at the Yard at 3 Dollar Bill in East Williamsburg. 13 For the month of August, a fan can live the fabulous at-home life of de Lesseps. Brian Zak/NY Post 13 The residence enjoys a gracious layout. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 A fireplace adds a dash of coziness to the interiors. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 There's more than just one fireplace — this one complements built-in shelving in a home office space. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 The roomy kitchen. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 The kitchen/dining area opens to the expansive outdoor deck. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios Who says August is for relaxing? This summer, de Lesseps told Gimme Shelter, she's also working on a new book 'about dating and finding love again.' 'You have to know what you want,' she told Vogue earlier this year. 'We write our own story, nobody writes it for us. You have to make it happen and use the moment. Don't be afraid. Take a chance; if you're not scared, you're not living.' Her charming, renovated house — a 19th-century Greek Revival — is at 30 John St. in Upper Sag Harbor Cove. The property features a recently renovated four-bedroom, four-bath main house with modern interiors, water views and its own private dock that can accommodate a 30-foot boat. It sits on 3 acres surrounded by a white picket fence. Inside, there's a chef's kitchen, three fireplaces, an open living and dining room, and French doors that lead to a large outdoor deck with a motorized awning. There is also a saltwater pool and a one-bedroom, one-bath studio/cottage. 13 A view inside a grand bedroom. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 There's plenty of room for outdoor entertaining. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 This being the Hamptons, there's also a pool. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 A view of the backyard space. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 The listing also includes a private dock. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 With summer here, there's time to lounge outdoors. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios 13 There's the supreme perk of water views from the property. Michael Rundberg/VHT Studios De Lesseps told Gimme she has been having a blast touring her latest Live Nation cabaret tour, under the direction of Richard Jay-Alexander, who has directed the likes of Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Kristin Chenoweth. She has also enjoyed starring in Bravo's 'Love Hotel,' now streaming on Peacock. 'I'm having so much fun touring the world for my show, showing clips and singing songs. I love it,' de Lesseps told Gimme. De Lesseps may also be finding love again — with James Quine, who was also on 'Love Hotel' with her. They're enjoying each other's company, she said, albeit with challenging logistics. 'He lives in Hawaii,' she said. The listing broker is Michael Riemerschmid, of William Raveis.
CBS News
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Broad Street in Philadelphia transforms into celebration of creativity at Avenue of the Arts Block Party
Philly's Broad Street transforms into celebration of creativity at Avenue of the Arts Block Party Philly's Broad Street transforms into celebration of creativity at Avenue of the Arts Block Party Philly's Broad Street transforms into celebration of creativity at Avenue of the Arts Block Party Broad Street pulsed with music, movement and imagination Saturday during the annual Avenue of the Arts Block Party. It's part of the Wawa Welcome America festival. The event, presented by Ensemble Arts in partnership with the Avenue of the Arts and Wawa Welcome America, featured live performances, hands-on art activities, food, fashion, and family-friendly fun, both outside at Broad and Spruce streets and inside the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. "Nothing says Philly like a block party, and this has to be one of the biggest ones that you can go to in the city," said Leslie Patterson-Tyler, the senior director of communications for the Kimmel Center. "The arts inspire. The arts unite us." Broadway fans were treated to selections from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Sound of Music," performed by student nominees from the Philadelphia Independence Awards. Throughout the day, attendees also enjoyed performances by artists including Saint Aubyn, Musicopia, and DJ sets by Chris Blues and Omar Saleem. CBS News Philadelphia. Inside the Kimmel Center's Plaza, children took part in face painting, balloon animals and coloring stations. Six-year-old Tyhir Jones described art simply: "Art is coloring and painting." For 8-year-old Sumayia Richardson, the experience sparked inspiration. "This is a creative place," she said, adding that she hopes to have her own booth next year featuring "canvases." Her mother, Alia Richardson, said she brought her daughter to the event to show her that art comes in many forms. "I'm like, 'did you know that going to a Broadway show is art?' 'Wait, that's art?' Now we're going to a musical," she said. CBS News Philadelphia. The event also featured a fashion show presented by the Fashion District of Philadelphia, celebrating 20 years of Philadelphia Fashion Week. Artist Iris Bonner, who founded the brand These Pink Lips, displayed her wearable art and original painted pieces. "My work is about women empowerment. Just being confident, uplifting, powerful, and just being secure with yourself," Bonner said. Bonner said she hopes to be an inspiration to young girls who walk down Broad Street and see themselves in her. "It's a good feeling to know that you could be a vision," she said. "That's what my work is about, inspiring people to try art. Being different and being your unique self."
CTV News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
DWBIA holding Motown Block Party
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) is holding a Motown Block Party Saturday afternoon. Pitt Street East will be filled with food, drinks, dancing, as Motown hits play. It all begins at 4 p.m. Soul Delegation will play live music from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. 'Motown isn't just music – it's movement, memory, and magic,' said Chris MacLeod, chair of the DWBIA. 'Bringing that energy to the heart of Windsor is about more than just entertainment – it's about celebrating culture, connection, and the soul of the city.' Admission for the event is free. Registration is available here.
Gizmodo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Gizmodo
As Trump Comes for Your Social Media, It's Time You Consider What's Worth Sharing
Agents of the Trump administration are increasingly using social media posts to crack down on immigrants, tourists, and even some U.S. citizens. Last month, a leaked document showed the State Department had crafted a new standard for reviewing the social media accounts of any foreign students planning to attend or even visit Harvard University. Legal immigrants may have benefits denied based on social media activity, and people expressing opinions or acting contrary to Trump are being detained at airports. Whether you're a U.S. citizen or not, it's time you reexamine how much of yourself you're willing to show publicly online. Amid the ongoing travel turmoil that's made several countries institute warnings to foreign citizens planning trips to the U.S., I was looking for ways to make it more difficult for governments to use my social posts against me. That's when I was invited to use Block Party. It's not, by its nature, a politically charged app. With a $25 annual subscription, Block Party uses a browser plugin to help rein in your privacy settings on your various social media accounts with a simple checklist and easy-to-follow, step-by-step guides. Privatizing your social media accounts helps keep big tech from building data profiles based on your activity, which it then uses for targeted advertising, but it may not be enough to completely deter a visit from Customs and Border Protection as you muscle through airport security after coming to the States. [Editor's note: Getting thrown into another bin for targeted advertising isn't great either, but it's better than getting thrown into Guantanamo.] At the very least, it may make the jobs of federal agencies—or anybody looking for dirt on you based on your online activity—a little harder. For the time being, that might be enough to help you avoid being held up by U.S. officials for hours in an airport. Trump Widens the Targets of Social Media Scrutiny You can simply delete your profiles, but as somebody who still needs to remain active on social media, Block Party is one of the better options I've personally used to get into the weeds of my accounts' esoteric privacy settings. It even helps you find settings in some apps to keep AI from scraping your posts. Still, changing all your settings may not be enough to avoid all scrutiny. According to a Politico report on the leaked State Department document, the U.S. government imagines foreign students' lack of a social presence or privatized social media 'may be reflective of evasiveness and call into question the applicant's credibility.' The Trump administration may ascribe this same standard to U.S. citizens. Already, there are concerning examples of agents targeting supposed Trump opponents. Left-wing influencer Hasan Piker said in May that he was detained and questioned for hours by Homeland Security after he came back to Chicago from France. In April, immigration agents detained Michigan-based attorney Amir Makled at an airport for more than an hour as he returned home from the Dominican Republic. The attorney was representing Columbia University students who had protested against the war in Palestine. Makled said feds requested he hand over his phone, and after 90 minutes of questioning, he eventually complied. The situation is growing more constrained for non-citizens traveling to the U.S. Every individual has to decide for themselves what precautions they need to take when traveling as a citizen or non-citizen alike. Sophia Cope, the senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told Gizmodo it's not an easy decision, and some people planning to visit the U.S. may be better off choosing a different destination. However, despite U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's proclamation that privatizing social media was somehow an indication of 'evasiveness,' it's still a good idea to privatize your socials before crossing the border to the U.S. And it's not just protesters who need to think long and hard about what thoughts of theirs are shared online. Nonprofit and government staff now have to consider whether their public presence necessitates drastic culling of their online profiles. 'We've definitely been seeing an uptick in interest given the activities of the government recently,' Tracy Chou, the founder and CEO of Block Party, told Gizmodo in a video interview. After Trump's inauguration, she said she's received interest from both current and former government workers from multiple federal agencies, afraid their previously innocuous social media posts could be used as ammunition for right-wing groups. Government workers weren't just trying to avoid the eyes of Trump and DOGE. Chou gave an example of people who worked in the Department of Justice's civil rights division who were trying to avoid attacks from right-wing groups online. Some Apps Make It Easier to Avoid Social Media Scrutiny You can find a loose gaggle of tutorials online for turning on social media privacy settings, but even an experienced user will be surprised by just how many settings there are to limit. You may also want to look into subscriptions such as DeleteMe or Kanary, which work to eliminate information data brokers have on you and remove data from some websites. Block Party is more concerned with restricting the data big tech companies can garner from your social accounts. Privacy settings for most apps are arcane—often deliberately so—and even if you're trying to privatize an account, you can still miss something. Block Party currently works with X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Venmo, Instagram, Reddit, Strava, YouTube, Bluesky, and Google. Additionally, Block Party will only impact the mobile versions of TikTok and Snapchat. Chou said her team is planning to support more apps in the future. The app operates as a browser plugin that offers a checklist for your social accounts. Some settings can be done for you with the tap of a button, but various settings will take some attention on your part. On LinkedIn, Block Party can automatically turn off settings to 'represent company,' a sneaky setting used for sponsored ads about your employer. If I want to change the number of apps connected to my YouTube account, I have to click a link through the app and disable them manually, then mark the task as 'done.' Even using Block Party, the process of tuning all your socials is time-consuming. After you're done, you may realize how many features of these apps depend on your private data. Block Party recommends you change YouTube settings to limit viewing history. Suddenly, I can't see which videos I've watched, making it harder to return to a YouTube essay I paused before going to sleep. This is the trade-off for privacy. You simply won't be able to use your apps in the same ways you used to. There Is No Panacea for Privacy Nina Jankowicz, the cofounder of The American Sunlight Project, which advocates against online disinformation, said she has started to advise people to lock down their social media not just for the sake of avoiding targeted ads, but to keep from being targeted by the government. She said she offers Block Party free to staff, but even that may not be enough in this age, where her activities as an advocate are receiving more and more scrutiny. Jankowicz said she started bringing a burner cell phone when she travels through and to the U.S. Beyond massaging your social accounts, travelers need to start considering device security. Turning off biometric log-in when you travel is a good start, as experts say law enforcement has less legal liability to unlock your device if they flash your Face ID at your mug. You should avoid saving WhatsApp or Messenger chats to the cloud in case government agents manage to bypass phone security. VPNs, which help hide your IP address and keep you anonymous when online, are also good to have on hand. The fact of the matter is, U.S. officials have the legal ability to detain people at the airport, but as Cope stressed, the U.S. is not legally allowed to keep citizens from entering the U.S. without probable cause. Non-violent political opinions posted to social media still don't meet grounds for an arrest just because Trump is in office. At the same time, Trump's administration has continued to ignore court decrees, and his flaunting of the law may turn on American citizens as well. For now, it's best you know your rights. Refusing to hand over a phone to officers could delay you, but you're only legally required to establish your identity, not to share your phone with anybody. Again, knowing your rights can still lead to delays. 'If there's anything remotely controversial, I would delete that post, privatize the account, or even shut down the account,' Cope said. 'I want to emphasize again it's each individual person's choice, but I think for me, I'd rather not have the government have this particular data point or set of data points about me.' The U.S. already knows what kind of chilling effect this abuse of social media has had on protest efforts. When I asked Jankowicz whether privatizing your social media can make it harder to organize, she responded bluntly: 'Yes.' 'Researchers are a lot more reticent to be on things like Signal group chats or on email chains and message boards,' she said. 'The toll it takes on attempting to muster a collaborative response on anything that's happening to the community is really difficult.' Privatizing your social media can't be a panacea for your travel anxieties, especially if you still want to use these apps to communicate with friends or organize for causes you care about. The best it can do is make a government operator's job harder, and since there are so many accounts to monitor, you may slip through the dragnet. As time goes on, Trump will rely more on technology from firms like Palantir to compile a wider database on every citizen based on government data, according to a recent report from The New York Times. Whether you use apps like DeleteMe and Block Party in tandem or you go out and prune your posts and public persona, get ready for a far more constrained online existence.
