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Trump administration ends some civil rights settlements backing transgender students

By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said on Monday it was terminating resolution agreements backing transgender students that prior administrations had reached ‌with some school districts.

The U.S. Education Department said it was terminating six resolution agreements ‌reached through what it called the manipulation of Title IX. The Title IX civil-rights statute bars the denial of benefits or discrimination in education "on the basis of sex."

Since taking office, Trump has cracked down on schools and colleges with executive orders and threats to freeze federal funds over issues like transgender rights, climate programs, diversity initiatives and pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza.

Transgender people in particular have faced increasing ‌limitations as Trump has issued a ⁠series of executive actions targeting their rights and stated in a directive that the U.S. government will recognize only two sexes: male and female.

The Education ⁠Department said its Office for Civil Rights will no longer monitor or enforce deals reached with the Sacramento City Unified School District in California, the Cape Henlopen School District in Delaware, the Fife School District in Washington state, the Delaware Valley School District in Pennsylvania, the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District ‌in California and Taft College in California.

The Sacramento City Unified School District said it remained "committed to the support of our LGBTQ+ students and staff."

The La Mesa-Spring Valley School District said it was on spring break and anticipated no effect from the Department of Education's move. It added that the resolution agreement had already been implemented and that, based on its understanding, it related to a ‌case involving a gender non-conforming student at an elementary school.

The other school districts and Taft College did not respond to requests for comment.

The Education Department statement did not elaborate on the specifics of the terminations, which were reported ‌earlier by the New York Times.

Those civil-rights settlements had aimed at ensuring the rights of transgender students to equal opportunity to an education, the newspaper reported.

"Today, the Trump Administration is removing the unnecessary and unlawful burdens that prior Administrations imposed on schools in its relentless pursuit of ‌a radical transgender agenda," Education Department official Kimberly Richey said.

Trump's crackdown on transgender rights has been condemned by LGBT groups and human-rights advocates.

(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Christopher Cushing)

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April 07, 2026

Trump administration ends some civil rights settlements backing transgender students

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, April 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said on Monday it was terminat...

Strawberry pots aren't just for the fruit. Its 'windows' make for striking, efficient displays

You’ve seen them — those odd planters that look like buildings with windows and balconies on their sides. Maybe you’veplanted strawberriesin them. Or maybe you’ve just never understood them.

A lushly planted strawberry pot serves as a focal point in a succulent garden in Sacramento, Calif., on March 30, 2026. (Luz Yuhas via AP)

Everbearing strawberries grow in a strawberry pot, a vertical pot with side openings, in Bellflower Calif., on April 2, 2026. (Donald Wentz via AP)

Gardening - Strawberry Pots

Typically made of terracotta, the pots are usually tall and urn-shaped, but shorter, wider options are also available.

They are, in fact, strawberry pots, and those windows are intended to hold soil and strawberries, keeping them off the ground as they grow and, therefore, protecting them from rotting. But think outsidethe pot, and you’ll find they make lovely (and efficient) displays for other plants, too.

Striking yet practical displays

The fenestrated containers can be planted withsucculentslike hens and chicks. Consider the orange and yellow ‘Gold Nugget’ or the silver-haired ‘Cobweb’ varieties for aneye-catching display. In colder areas, the whole pot can be brought indoors for winter; just ensure the succulentsget ample sunlight, and avoid overwatering.

Or create a space-saving culinaryherb gardenby filling the “balcony” pockets with cooking essentials like parsley, sage, thyme, mint and oregano, placing the smaller species at the bottom of the pot and larger ones higher up. Then plant a tall herb like rosemary or basil in the opening at the top and — voila! — you’ve created an instant centerpiece. You might even incorporate a few dwarf marigolds for color.

Herbs, too, can be brought indoors and grown (and used!) in the kitchen over winter.

Colorful trailing florals and vines

Trailingflowersand vines make a statement as theyspill from the containers’ openings. Keep it monochrome, or plant a rainbow of colors for a dazzling display.

Trailing geraniums, petunias, and chartreuse or purple sweet potato vines can be alternated around the sides of the pot. A dramatic grass, like Cordyline ‘Festival,’ can be planted at the top of larger planters, black mondo grass in smaller ones.

Nasturtiums, million bells, trailing verbena and sweet alyssum also lend themselves nicely to the pots. Green ivies provide a more understated aesthetic.

If you don’t have a lot of sunlight, consider combining different varieties of caladium and coleus for acolorful display.

Keeping it sufficiently watered

Regardless of what you’re planting, ensuring water reaches the roots of every plant in a strawberry pot can pose a bit of a challenge — but there’s an easy solution.

Cut a piece of PVC piping slightly longer than the pot’s height, then drill holes 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart along its sides.

At planting time, add potting mix up to the pot’s bottom openings, then position the pipe vertically in the center. Insert plants through the holes (from the inside out), add more potting mix to reach the next level of openings and add more plants. Repeat until you reach the top of the pot, packing the soil tightly as you go.

Water and fertilize through the pipe, which will be hidden as the centerpiece plant grows.

Strawberry pots are available in various materials, but the traditional versions are made of clay, which can crack in freezing temperatures. If your area experiences cold winters, bring them indoors in autumn, either emptied of their annuals, cleaned and stored, or still housing tropicals, evergreens or herbs, andtreat them as houseplants over winter.

Jessica Damiano writes regular gardening columns for The Associated Press. She publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.Sign up herefor weekly gardening tips and advice.

For more AP gardening stories, go tohttps://apnews.com/hub/gardening.

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April 07, 2026

Strawberry pots aren't just for the fruit. Its 'windows' make for striking, efficient displays

You’ve seen them — those odd planters that look like buildings with windows and balconies on their sides. Maybe you’veplanted strawberr...

Nicole Kidman Could Face Nightmarish Interview From Ex — Source

Nicole Kidman’s ex-husband,Keith Urban, is planning an interview. This is after he watched Kidman’s latest interview. There, the actress did not mention him and only “talked about her family and her life,” leaving Urban aghast. The country singer is now, as per a source, planning a tell-all interview, which could be Kidman’s worst possible nightmare.

Keith Urban making plans for ‘bombshell’ interview, claims source

Nicole Kidman filed for divorce from her ex-husband, Keith Urban, last September after 19 years of marriage. However, the former couple reached a settlement in January. Kidman was granted primary custody of their daughters, Sunday, and Faith. The actress was then asked by Variety if she was doing all right. Kidman responded that she was doing well because she was “always going to be moving toward what’s good” with her family.

And now it seems her cold response did not sit well with Urban. The country singer “was really taken aback when he saw the interview.” A source toldRadarOnline.comthat Kidman’s interview made Urban feel like his ex-wife “had gone out of her way to pretend he doesn’t exist anymore.”

”She talked about her family and her life, but never mentioned him – it feels as though she just wants to erase him,” the source said. They added that the country singer has tried very hard to keep things “amicable” between them. The insiders claimed Urban wanted to try the “whole conscious-uncoupling thing, but Nicole wouldn’t hear of it.”

The tipster further revealed the reason behind their separation. They said that the singer told her he wasn’t happy in their marriage and wanted a divorce. But after this, “it was like a gate slammed shut and he was suddenly dead to her.”

However, Urban was expecting things to get better over time. But with her stance, it seems Kidman is “not done punishing him.” Moreover, Urban has always “taken the high road” and has never corrected the narrative of him being the “villain.” Despite this, he has never been thanked for it. Watching things unfold, “It won’t shock anyone if he decides to do a tell-all to set the record straight. She’s being so cold, what does he have to lose?,” said the source.

The postNicole Kidman Could Face Nightmarish Interview From Ex — Sourceappeared first onReality Tea.

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April 06, 2026

Nicole Kidman Could Face Nightmarish Interview From Ex — Source

Nicole Kidman’s ex-husband,Keith Urban, is planning an interview. This is after he watched Kidman’s latest interview. There, the actress di...

Trump endorses former British government aide Steve Hilton in California governor's race

April 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed former British government aide and Fox News ‌host Steve Hilton in the upcoming California governor's ‌race.

Hilton, who has dual nationality, served as former British Prime Minister David Cameron's director of strategy and was one of his closest advisers before leaving Downing Street in 2012 and moving to California.

"I have known and respected Steve Hilton, who ‌is running for Governor ⁠of California, for many years ... With Federal help, and a Great Governor, like Steve Hilton, ⁠California can be better than ever before! Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE & TOTAL ENDORSEMENT," Trump said on Truth Social.

Under California law, the top two finishers in the June 2 ‌open primary contest will advance to November's election, regardless of party.

Polls show that Republican candidates Hilton and Chad Bianco, the Riverside County sheriff, are closely bunched with three Democrats: U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter ‌and billionaire activist Tom Steyer.

Hilton and Bianco both support Trump, though they have sought to focus their campaigns on state-specific issues such ‌as crime and high taxes.

Democrat Gavin Newsom, who has been the governor of California since 2019, is not permitted to run for a third term.

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger was ‌the last Republican to serve as California's governor from 2003 to 2011.

(Reporting by Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)

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April 06, 2026

Trump endorses former British government aide Steve Hilton in California governor's race

April 6 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday endorsed former British government aide and Fox News ‌host Steve Hilton in th...

Andy Cohen Mocks Kristi Noem's Husband Amid Reported Cross-Dressing Photos

Andy Cohenrecently took a subtle jab atByron Noem, thehusband ofKristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security and current Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, on Easter. His mocking remark comes amid a shocking bombshell report that allegedly exposed Byron’s involvement in the “bimbofication” scene. It is alleged that he cross-dressed and interacted with online fetish models, complimented their appearance, and paid them to dirty talk. He also made shocking remarks to them about his marriage.

Andy Cohen takes a subtle dig at Kristi Noem’s husband

Andy Cohen took toInstagram Threadsto wish a Happy Easter. Through his post, he took a very subtle dig at Kristi Noem’s husband, Byron, who has been embroiled in a “bimbofication” controversy. He wrote, “Wishing [all of] my tig-bitted married MAGA bro’s a Happy Easter!” This comment comes in light of theDaily Mail’s recent shocking reportabout Byron’s secret dual life.

According to the report, Byron cross-dressed, sporting fake breasts and tight pants while interacting with online fetish models. For those unaware, “bimbofication” refers to dressing up hyper-femininely with heavy makeup and artificial physical enhancement. It’s a niche fetish or kink in the consensual roleplay or fetish communities. The outlet allegedly received messages for review from three women who interacted with Kristi’s husband.

One of the photos from his conversation showcases him wearing pink fitted pants and a nude crop top. Byron also had two balloons squeezed in to appear like breasts. Another photo shows him pouting at the camera, sporting fitted green leggings and a white top. The outlet’s investigation disclosed that Byron allegedly praised models’ enhanced bodies and expressed his lust for them. Moreover, he commented on his marriage to Kristi.

He also made payments of at least $25,000 to his online contacts after he liked their appearances. However, when the payments didn’t make it to their accounts, the chats turned “sour.” Kristi’s representatives have addressed the controversy around her husband recently, revealing that she is “devastated.”

Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange onMandatory.

The postAndy Cohen Mocks Kristi Noem’s Husband Amid Reported Cross-Dressing Photosappeared first onReality Tea.

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April 06, 2026

Andy Cohen Mocks Kristi Noem’s Husband Amid Reported Cross-Dressing Photos

Andy Cohenrecently took a subtle jab atByron Noem, thehusband ofKristi Noem, former Secretary of Homeland Security and current Special Envo...

65 Hilariously Shameless Times Designers Copied Famous Brands And Hoped No One Would Notice (New Pics)

Never underestimate the power of acreative mind. It has an uncanny ability to turn nothing into something, or an existing idea into an old-new, unique creation altogether.

The following photos you'll see are excellent examples of the latter. Sure, they areknockoffsof an original brand, some of which may even border on copyright infringement. However, you can't deny that these imitations bring out instant laughter after a few double takes.

If you lovepunnyhumor, you will likely enjoy scrolling through. As always, don't forget to upvote your favorites.

Gone are the days when most people were particular about buying only original products. Today, younger folks, specifically Gen Z, are actually embracing knockoffs.

Growth marketing expertJennifer Bakerrefers to this trend as "dupe culture," in which people even flaunt counterfeit clothes.

"Previous generations may have shopped for knockoffs on the sly, but Gen Z has not only normalized buying knockoffs or generic products but has grown the #dupe movement into one of the most searched terms on social media," Baker said in a 2024 interview withThe Guardian.

The Guardian also reported that nearly one-third of adults in the United States "intentionally bought" a rip-off of a luxury product, while 11% of consumers in the UK admitted to buying "one dupe product at least once every few months."

So, why do people resort to counterfeit products? Affordability is a common reason, but according toInvestopedia, it's also due to a desire to boost self-esteem.

"Whether it's basketball shoes or a polo, a luxury good can go a long way toward increasing self-esteem for some people, providing a sense of belonging and higher status," an excerpt from the article reads.

But what does this mean for the brands? Can counterfeit products change public perception of them for the worse?Sophie Hardieof influencer marketing firm the Goat Agency says companies don't need to worry because "it's all so much in the open."

"Instead of fighting dupes, high-end brands should use the dupe to light-heartedly engage with popular culture. They should engage with it directly – and authentically – to bring new people in and show a confidence in the power of their brand," Hardie said in the same interview with The Guardian.

Researcher, data journalist, and brand strategistEllyn Briggsshared a similar sentiment. According to her, the existence of knockoffs is a "consumer stamp of approval."

"Companies should feel empowered to lean into (it) – especially considering a wide majority of US adults view duping as a minor problem, if one at all," she said.