Latest news with #JohnSteele
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Naples Pride Fest sees clashes amidst court-ordered indoor drag show
Event attendees and protesters clashed at Cambier Park as Naples Pride's Pride Fest began, even after a last-minute court ruling moved its drag show indoors. Just hours before Naples Pride was set to go with an outdoors drag show performance in the city's Cambier Park, a federal court ruled against Pride's plan, forcing it to move the performance indoors. Pride Fest began about 11 a.m. Saturday. The first of the drag show performances began just after noon. The performances are restricted to patrons 18 and older. Performers walked off stage and made rounds through the audience collecting cash from attendees who rewarded their performances. 'We're inside, this not family-friendly no more,' one of the performers said. A group of protesters stood outside, shouting references to the Bible and comparing 'homosexuality' with 'sin.' The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit in Atlanta on Friday granted the city of Naples' motion to stay a preliminary injunction that District Judge John Steele granted last month in Fort Myers. Naples Pride in April filed a federal lawsuit against the city after officials denied a permit to allow it to present the 2025 Pride Fest drag show, one of its main moneymakers, outdoors. On May 12, in a 49-page order, Steele referred to the city's permitting restrictions as "clearly invalid" under the First Amendment. In his order, Steele granted the preliminary injunction in part, saying Naples Pride's drag performance is protected speech. The federal judge also concluded that Cambier Park and its bandshell are both traditional public forums, where freedom of speech is most protected, allowing individuals to express their opinions and ideas without government interference. Pride Fest went on, but its organizers were not happy with the latest ruling and the restrictions it carries. The city, as well as several Collier County residents, appealed Steele's decision, but the federal judge ruled against their calls for a reconsideration. The city on May 22 appealed Steele's rulings to the District Court of Appeals. The appeals court's ruling forced Naples Pride to hold its drag show indoors. They held three drag shows indoors at the Norris Center, 755 8th Ave. S. Soldavini said organizers did not charge for tickets and added they were donation-based. In a Wednesday Facebook post, Naples Police asked that everyone in attendance remain civil, cooperative and respectful. The Naples Police security plan was developed in partnership with the Collier County Sheriff's Office and supported by Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the department said in a news release. Several road closures implemented by police began at 1 a.m. Friday. Police anticipated they would extend through approximately 6 p.m. Saturday — about two hours after Pride Fest concludes. Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@ or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples Pride Fest: clashes erupt as drag show moves indoors.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Federal judge stands by block on Naples, Florida restrictions on 'PrideFest' drag show
Amid legal wranglings over a pro-LGBT organization that wants to host an outdoor drag show open to all ages in Naples, Florida, next week, a Clinton-nominated federal judge denied an emergency motion to stay a preliminary injunction pending appeal. Earlier this month, Judge John Steele of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida issued a preliminary injunction to block the city from prohibiting the drag performance from being held outdoors at Cambier Park and to prohibit the imposition of an age requirement for attendance. Then this week, Steele slapped down a bid to stay his preliminary injunction. The Naples PrideFest, which is free for children under 12, is scheduled to take place on June 7 and include a drag performance, Naples Pride notes on its website. According to a legal challenge lodged last month by Naples Pride, the city council voted 5-2 to issue a permit for the event, "but only on the conditions that (1) the drag performance take place indoors at the Norris Center; and (2) no one under 18 be admitted to the drag performance, even if accompanied by an adult parent or guardian." Drag Queen Group Mocks Jesus, Christianity In Easter Show Marketed To Kids Read On The Fox News App The organization objected to those limitations and to the size of the security fee it said the Naples Police Department indicated the organization would need to pay to hold the drag performance. "During the 2025 permit application process, the Naples Police Department initially told Naples Pride that it would have to pay $30,697.50 in security fees alone—on top of other permit fees—to hold the performance indoors, and $44,160.00 in security fees to hold it outdoors," the complaint noted. In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, the city of Naples noted, "On May 27th, U.S. District Court Judge Steele denied the City's emergency motion to stay the preliminary injunction pending appeal." This Progressive Actor Describes The Unlikely Political Evolution That Drove Him To Donald Trump "While this outcome was anticipated, the City's legal team is reviewing the order and determining next steps with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. The City remains confident it has both the legal responsibility and the authority to attach reasonable restrictions on special event permits to ensure public safety. Beyond this, and as a matter of policy, the City does not comment in detail on legal strategy for active litigation." U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fl., issued a post on X in which he declared, "You have to be an adult to enter a strip club, but Clinton-appointed Judge John Steele wants sexually-explicit drag shows to take place next to a popular children's playground in Naples. This ruling is atrocious & the City of Naples should appeal this case to the Supreme Court." But Naples Pride hailed the judge's decision. Parents Can't Opt K-5 Children Out Of Lgbtq Curriculum: Appeals Court "Drag performances are a protected form of expression — period," Naples Pride spokesperson Callhan Soldavini noted in a statement the organization provided to Fox News Digital. "The district court's decision is thoughtful, well-reasoned, and firmly rooted in longstanding constitutional principles. Naples Pride will continue to stand for free speech and the rule of law, which safeguards the rights of all people."Original article source: Federal judge stands by block on Naples, Florida restrictions on 'PrideFest' drag show
Belfast Telegraph
18-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Work starts on Northern Ireland's largest bonfire ahead of Twelfth celebrations
The site at Craigyhill in Larne has earned a reputation for being the tallest and most spectacular celebration on the night. Watch: Northern Ireland's tallest bonfire at Craigyhill collapses Last year organisers claimed they had broken the world record again, with the bonfire rising to just over 205ft. However, the claim remains unofficial — the Guinness Book of World Records still lists the Hofstalder Funkenzunft in Lustenau, Austria on March 16, 2019 at 198ft, 11ins as the record holder. Nevertheless, the Co Antrim organisers are claiming theirs as the world's tallest, and insist the bonfire is built in accordance with health and safety rules, and after taking advice from authorities. The bonfire at Craigyhill will rise over the next two months, helped by hundreds of volunteers who descend on Larne from across Northern Ireland to assist in stacking wooden pallets. Last year the Craigyhill bonfire organisers gained even more publicity after allowing a parachute jump from the construction. The stunt was performed by professional base jumper Stephen Magennis. In 2022, local man John Steele died after falling 50ft from a bonfire in nearby Antiville with the site at Craigyhill serving as a gathering point for a vigil in his memory.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Judge rules in favor of Naples Pride drag performance. When is Pride Month? Florida events
An outdoor drag performance will be part of Naples Pridefest, thanks to a federal judge's May 12 order. Naples Pride filed suit after city officials denied a permit for an outdoor drag performance, instead requiring it be held indoors and restricted to adults only. District Judge John Steele granted a preliminary injunction, saying the drag performance is protected speech under the First Amendment. A day after the ruling, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier called the decision "both radical and wrong." The ruling came just weeks ahead of Naples Pridefest, scheduled for June 7, 2025, during Pride Month. Florida Attorney General: Federal judge's ruling on Naples Pride 'radical and wrong' Here's what to know about Pride Month and Pride events across Florida: June is Pride Month, with events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. According to History, the riots started in the early hours of June 28, 1969, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, and roughly hauled out employees and patrons. This led to six days of protests and violent clashes with police on Christopher Street and the surrounding area. The Stonewall Riots were a catalyst for the gay rights movement. Parades, events and other festivities are held to honor LGBTQ experiences and draw attention to issues the community faces. Naples Pridefest is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cambier Park in Naples. Organizers say the event draws over 5,000 attendees annually. "Funds raised during the event will support Naples Pride in its ongoing efforts and provide much needed funding to continue the lifesaving services at the Naples Pride Center including health & wellness services, LGBTQ+ safe resources, a safe community space, suicide prevention resources, youth and senior programs and much, much more," the Naples Pride website reads. St. Pete Pride's June festivities feature nine official Pride month events and is "Florida's largest LGBTQIA+ Pride celebration," according to organizers. The organization's Pride Parade Day and Festival draws "hundreds of thousands of marchers, attendees, and supporters to the beautiful downtown waterfront to celebrate the strength, diversity, and vibrancy of our community." The parade is scheduled for June 28, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival pays homage to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, also known as the Stonewall Uprising. The Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival takes place on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Here's a sampling of upcoming Pride events and celebrations across Florida: Memorial Weekend Pensacola/Pensacola LGBTQIA+ Memorial Day Weekend: May 22-26, 2025 Orlando Pride Month and Pulse Remembrance events: May 28 - June 12 One Magical Weekend Orlando/Walt Disney World: May 29-June 2, 2025 Project Pride SRQ's 2025 Grand Carnival: May 31, 2025 Treasure Coast Pride Fest: June 1, 2025 Naples Pridefest: June 7, 2025 West Palm Beach Pride on the Block: June 7, 2025 Gay Days at Disney World Orlando: June 5-8, 2025 Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride: June 14, 2025 Spacecoast Pride Rainbow Run: June 21, 2025 Key West Pride: June 22-29 PensaPride Festival: June 28, 2025 This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Pride Month in Florida: Where to celebrate Pride events, dates
CBS News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Minnesota veteran featured in 1969 Vietnam War doc reflects on his service
The year is 1969, the height of the war in Vietnam. The United States has been involved for about four years at this point and the war is growing more and more unpopular by the day. The Vietnam War was the first American conflict to be shown on TV. It was largely uncensored, raw and real, and it was broadcast directly into our homes. WCCO reporter Al Austin and photojournalist Gordon Bartouche traveled to the front lines and followed nearly a dozen soldiers from across Minnesota as they battled overseas, thousands of miles away from home. Their work, called "Grunt's Little War," received several national honors, including the prestigious Peabody Award. One of the "grunts," or soldiers, who was interviewed was Pfc. John Steele of St. Cloud. WCCO reconnected with him some 55 years later to reflect on his service. "[Grunt's Little War] just really jogged my memory, and just thinking back at how I went through all of that was just kind of surprising," Steele said. "I was drafted, so I was a soldier that really wasn't wanting to go over to Vietnam, nobody did I think back in the day. So yeah, we were just trying to get through it and survive." John Steele in 1969, and in 2025 WCCO In the documentary, Austin describes Steele and his fellow "grunts" as men in their early 20s who have already experienced much trauma. "He was drafted, or he enlisted for one term. His war is a small patch of jungle spattered with three of his friends. He has killed a man," Austin said. Steele says that description was just about spot on. "Actually when I got in country, we call, it the reception center in Bien Hoa, I had just turned 21. It was actually my 21st birthday," Steele said. "Finally legal to go to a bar, and I'm in a reception center in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, starting a full-year tour." At one point in "Grunt's Little War," Steele says, "I think everybody has grown up a lot. I haven't been in the field that long, but these new guys that come in, you can see that after one or two missions, a lot of them mature quite a bit." Throughout the documentary, Steele was very candid, painting a grim picture of his experience; trudging through leech-infested waters in the blistering heat; wanting to give up at times amid the low morale. "You just want to throw everything down and say the hell with it," Steele said in 1969. "But once you sit down and you can get a cool drink of water, maybe eat a can of fruit, smoke a cigarette, then things don't look quite as bad after that." At one point in the documentary, Steele calls his tour "a bad experience," but then adds, "I figure in a way everybody probably learns something from it." "I guess I just learned a lot about the world and other people, and I guess frankly how lucky we are," Steele said in 2025. Austin further describes the grunt's experience as a fight for survival, "for the Vietnamese children and against the specter of communism. He sometimes thinks we are winning, but he can't explain what we will have won." Steele says today, the true aim of the war is still unclear. "Well at the time I knew what we were supposed to be fighting for, and at that point quite frankly we were losing," Steele said. "The U.S. Army did not know, this is the first time they had done guerrilla warfare in a jungle-type situation. You're fighting an enemy who you don't, who it really is either. You're in Vietnam, you have Vietnamese citizens, you have the regular army Vietnamese and you didn't know the North Vietnamese from the South, so it was very confusing." Austin also describes the grunt as "lonely" and "angry," and destined to "come home much older, skinnier and sadder." Steele was an assistant machine gunner during the war, as well as an aspiring biology teacher. Both pursuits ended when he got back to Minnesota. "I kind of have to chuckle when I said I wanted to be a biology teacher. I don't think I ever really, I may have said that but I didn't really mean that," he said. "I really did want to forget what was going on, but I guess and I don't, I was not a gung-ho army troop. I just wanted to do my duty, get home and move on with my life, which is what I did. After I got back, I re-enrolled in college, went back to St. Cloud State and got a marketing degree and met my wife and got married, and that was basically it." This story is part of the WCCO documentary "Vietnam 50 Years Later: Reflection on a War that Changed Minnesota," by reporter Pauleen Le and photojournalist Art Phillips. Join WCCO on Wednesday, May 7 at 5 p.m. for a special screening at Concordia University in St. Paul — hosted by the Center for Hmong Studies: Buenger Education Center (BEC) 1282 Concordia Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 Attendees are encouraged to park in Lot A, Carroll Street or Syndicate Street Watch the full documentary below, or on our YouTube channel.
