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RUSSIA Designates Art Collective PUSSY RIOT as “Extremist Organization” and Bans All Activity

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Russia’s campaign against the feminist art collective Pussy Riot reached its apex today as the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow, at the request of the Ministry of Justice, officially classified the group as an “extremist organization” and banned its activities within the country. The ruling effectively criminalizes all association, circulation, and support for Pussy Riot, recasting the protest collective as a threat to national security and making simple actions—such as owning a balaclava, having a song on a computer, or even “liking” a social media post—punishable by prison time.

The ruling was delivered by Judge Maria Moskalenko, who has a history with the collective, having imprisoned Ilya Yashin, Alexei Navalny, and Peter Verzilov in 2011. This group designation follows a string of individual charges against members, including the sentencing of five members in absentia in September 2025 and the earlier arrests in absentia of founders Nadya Tolokonnikova and Peter Verzilov. The court order is designed to erase Pussy Riot’s existence from the minds of Russians, placing the group in the same category as Meta (Facebook/Instagram), the International LGBT movement, and the late opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s Anti-Corruption Foundation.

The group’s founder, Nadya Tolokonnikova, currently in exile, responded with defiance: “In today’s Russia, telling the truth is extremism. So be it – we’re proud extremists, then. I can say what I think about putin—that he is an aging sociopath spreading his venom around the world like cancer.” She added that while the ban is meant to sow fear, Pussy Riot remains committed to truth, progress, and justice, stressing, “We wear masks because you cannot stamp out an idea.” Alexey Knedlyakovsky, a Pussy Riot member since 2011, called the designation an “important event” confirming he was “extremely right to choose this path — the path of traditional human values: freedom, love, and equality.”

Robert Earl Keen and Flatland Cavalry to Headline TROUBADOUR FESTIVAL: Texas’ Premier BBQ & Music Experience in Bryan

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Troubadour Festival, Texas’ largest barbecue and country music experience, is heading to Midtown Park in Bryan, Texas, for a weekend celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The main festival will be headlined by Texas A&M graduate and country icon Robert Earl Keen and Flatland Cavalry, alongside a full lineup featuring Waylon Wyatt, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Tyce Delk, and more. The weekend kicks off on Friday, March 27, with a free pre-party at The Palace Theater in Downtown Bryan, featuring American Aquarium and Shelby Stone.

In addition to live music, the festival will feature 30 award-winning barbecue restaurants from across Texas, many of which have been recognized on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list. Attendees can explore themed showcases, including 44 Farms Beef and Hogs Wild, with pitmasters such as Snow’s BBQ, Blood Bros. BBQ, and Hurtado Barbecue presenting diverse flavors and styles. The weekend concludes with an exclusive BBQ Brunch on Sunday, March 29, catered by Bar-A-BBQ and featuring an acoustic set from Jason Boland. Tickets, ranging from $59 to $499, go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 19, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the charitable partner, Hogs for the Cause.

Cazzu Announces 2026 “Latinaje” Tour Her First-Ever U.S. Concert Run

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Latin Grammy-nominated artist Cazzu, one of the most influential voices in Latin urban music, officially announces her highly anticipated “Latinaje” Tour in 2026, bringing her bold artistic vision and iconic sound to U.S. audiences for the first time with 7 shows across the country.

Promoted by Live Nation, the tour will kick off on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at San Jose Civic in San Jose and will continue through May with stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and more.

The announcement follows Cazzu’s recent and highly successful “Latinaje” 14-date arena tour across Latin America and marks a milestone as she expands her tour to the U.S. for the first time in her career promoting her critically acclaimed fifth studio album, Latinaje, released in April 2025.

Entirely written by Cazzu and produced by Nico Cotton, Latinaje is a deeply introspective exploration of love in all its forms – fiery, fractured, eternal, and ephemeral. Through powerful storytelling, Cazzu places herself at the heart of narratives that reveal her strength, vulnerability, and the nuanced realities of love and identity as a Latin American woman. The album is a rich tapestry of sound, blending copla, tango, cumbia, bachata, corrido and Argentine folklore into a genre-defying journey. With every sonic and visual choice rooted in a celebration of Latin identity, Latinajeoffers a bold, contemporary tribute to the cultural diversity of the continent.

Latinaje features previously released singles “La Cueva” in which the video unfolds in a country house consumed by flames – a striking metaphor for the collapse of a relationship. In the corrido “Dolce,” the protagonist enacts revenge on a treacherous lover. Meanwhile, cumbia single “Con Otra”, which was the most viewed song on YouTube in Argentina in 2025, pays reference to Karina “La Princesita” and tells the story of a young woman navigating love and identity in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Across stories and experiences, Cazzu places women firmly at the heart of Latinaje, portraying their strength, vulnerability, and deep connection to culture. Rather than relying on stereotypes, the women in this album emerge as complex, multidimensional characters, each with a distinct voice and a powerful story. Through their journeys, Latinaje becomes a bold statement on the importance of visibility and empowerment for women in a cultural landscape still heavily shaped by machismo and patriarchal tradition.

TICKETS: Tickets will be available starting with a presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, Dec. 16. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Thursday, Dec. 18 at 10:00am (local time) at livenation.com.

PRESALE: Artist presale will begin Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 10:00 am local time and will end at 10:00 pm local time. Additional Live Nation and Ticketmaster presale will begin Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 10:00 am local time and will end at 10:00 pm local time. For more details visit livenation.com.

LATINAJE TOUR DATES 2026

Thu. April 30 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic

Fri. May 01 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre

Sat. May 02 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

Wed. May 06 – New York, NY – The Theater at Madison Square Garden

Fri. May 08 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port

Sat. May 09 – Irving, TX – The Pavillion at Toyota Music Factory

Sun. May 10 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall

Online Casino Promotions: Perks, Unique Deals & Where To Find Them!

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BY Mitch Rice

Online casinos have changed the way people enjoy gambling. They offer exciting games and amazing rewards that keep players coming back. The best part is the variety of promotional offers available to both new and experienced players.

These rewards can boost your gaming experience significantly. They give you extra chances to win and explore different games. Understanding how to use them properly can make your casino journey more enjoyable and potentially more profitable.

Online Casino Promotions: What Are They

Online casino promotions are special rewards that casinos offer to attract and keep players. These deals come in many forms, from free spins to bonus cash. They’re designed to give you more value when you play.

Most casino promotions have specific terms and conditions attached to them. You’ll need to meet certain requirements to claim and use them. Reading the fine print helps you understand what you’re getting into.

Common features of casino bonuses include:

  • Wagering requirements that must be met
  • Time limits for using the bonus
  • Game restrictions that apply
  • Maximum bet limits while playing with bonus funds

Additionally, these offers can vary greatly between different casinos. Some focus on slots, while others cater to table game players. Finding the right match for your gaming style is important.

Now, let’s review what’s the difference between playing free games and playing real money games with bonuses.

Playing With Online Casino Promotions vs Free Gaming

Free gaming lets you try casino games without any financial commitment. You can practice and learn the rules without risking real money. However, you also can’t win real cash prizes.

On the other hand, promotional offers give you actual chances to win money. You’re playing with bonus funds that can lead to real payouts. The excitement level is much higher because there’s something at stake.

Key differences:

  • Free games offer zero risk but zero reward potential
  • Bonus offers provide real winning opportunities
  • Free gaming is purely for entertainment
  • Promotional gaming can lead to withdrawable winnings

Furthermore, using bonus offers helps you understand real-money gaming better. You get the thrill of actual betting without using all your own funds. It’s a perfect middle ground between free play and regular gambling.

Playing With Bonuses vs Real Money Gaming

Real money gaming means you’re using your own funds to place bets. Every win goes directly to your account with no strings attached. You have complete control over when and how you withdraw your winnings.

Playing with casino bonuses means you need to follow certain rules. Wagering requirements usually apply before you can cash out. However, you’re risking less of your own money while still having winning chances.

The main advantage of bonus play is the extended gaming time you get. Your bankroll lasts longer with extra funds to use. This lets you explore more games and strategies without depleting your budget quickly.

Popular Online Casino Promotions You Can Not Miss

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are the first rewards new players receive when joining a casino. They’re usually the most generous promotional offers available. Most casinos want to make a strong first impression with these deals.

These bonuses often match your first deposit by a certain percentage. Some casinos offer 100%, 200%, or even higher matching rates. The extra funds give you a great starting boost for your gaming journey.

Deposit-match Bonuses

Deposit-match bonuses reward you for adding funds to your account. The casino matches a portion of your deposit with bonus money. These deals aren’t just for new players—existing members can enjoy them too.

Typical deposit-match features include:

  • Percentage-based matching (50%, 100%, 150%)
  • Maximum bonus caps
  • Minimum deposit requirements
  • Specific promotional codes needed

Moreover, these bonus offers often come during special promotional periods. Weekends and holidays frequently feature enhanced matching rates. Keeping an eye on casino announcements helps you catch the best deals.

Cashback Rewards

Cashback rewards return a percentage of your losses over a specific period. This type of online casino promotion helps soften the blow of unlucky sessions. Getting money back feels great even when luck isn’t on your side.

Most cashback deals range from 5% to 25% of net losses. Some casinos calculate it daily, while others do weekly or monthly. The returned funds usually come with fewer restrictions than other bonuses.

Loyalty Rewards

Loyalty rewards programs thank regular players for their continued patronage. You earn points every time you place bets. These points can be exchanged for various perks and casino bonuses.

Common loyalty program benefits include:

  • Tiered membership levels with increasing perks
  • Exclusive tournament invitations
  • Personal account managers for VIP members
  • Faster withdrawal processing times

In addition, loyal players often receive personalized promotional offers. The more you play, the better your rewards become. It’s the casino’s way of showing appreciation for your business.

Holiday Deals

Holiday deals celebrate special occasions throughout the year. Christmas, Halloween, Easter, and other holidays bring themed bonus offers. These limited-time promotions often feature enhanced rewards and unique prizes.

Casinos get creative with their holiday campaigns to stand out. You might find special tournaments, increased cashback rates, or unique game releases. The festive atmosphere makes gaming even more entertaining during these periods.

Benefits Of Claiming Online Casino Promotions

Still considering whether claiming promotions is a good idea? Let’s list all the notable perks below.

The primary benefit is getting more value from your deposits. Bonus offers stretch your bankroll significantly further than playing with cash alone. You can try more games and play longer sessions without additional investment.

Another advantage is the risk reduction that comes with playing. When you’re using bonus funds, you’re not risking as much of your own money. This takes some pressure off and lets you enjoy the experience more freely.

Additional benefits include:

  • Opportunity to test new games without full financial commitment
  • Chance to win real money with minimal personal investment
  • Access to exclusive tournaments and competitions
  • Better understanding of casino gaming mechanics

Furthermore, these deals help you discover which games you truly enjoy. You can experiment with different types without worrying about rapid losses. This exploration phase is valuable for developing your gaming preferences and strategies.

Where To Find Best Online Casino Promotions: Introducing Win777

Win777 sweepstakes casino stands out as a premier destination for online casino promotions. This casino offers cryptocurrency gaming with exceptional rewards. Their user-friendly interface makes claiming bonuses incredibly simple and straightforward.

The casino specializes in combining traditional gaming excitement with modern crypto technology. Players enjoy fast transactions and enhanced privacy. Win777’s commitment to player satisfaction shows in their generous promotional structure.

Win777 Casino Promotions You Must Claim

Sign Up Bonus

Win777’s sign-up bonus welcomes new members with open arms. You receive substantial bonus funds just for creating an account and making your first deposit. This initial boost helps you explore their extensive game library without major financial commitment.

The registration process is quick and simple to complete. Within minutes, you can start enjoying your welcome rewards. It’s one of the most attractive entry offers in the crypto casino space.

Tournaments

Win777 regularly hosts exciting tournaments with impressive prize pools. These competitive events add an extra layer of excitement to regular gameplay. You compete against other players for top positions on the leaderboard.

User Role Bonuses

Win777 rewards players based on their activity level and status. As you play more, you unlock higher user roles with better perks. Each tier brings improved bonus offers and exclusive benefits.

This system encourages continued play while recognizing loyal members. Higher roles mean better cashback percentages and larger deposit bonuses. Progressing through the ranks becomes a rewarding journey in itself.

Birthday Bonus

Win777 celebrates your special day with a personalized birthday bonus. This thoughtful gesture shows the casino values you as an individual. It’s a nice surprise that makes your birthday even more special.

The birthday reward is automatically credited to your account on your big day. You don’t need to request it or enter any codes. This hassle-free approach demonstrates Win777’s player-first philosophy.

Referral Bonus

Win777’s referral program rewards you for bringing friends to the platform. When someone joins using your unique referral code, both of you benefit. It’s a win-win situation that builds the community while rewarding members.

The referral bonus often includes generous cash rewards or free spins. Some programs offer ongoing benefits as your referrals continue playing. Sharing your positive experience becomes financially rewarding for everyone involved.

Grab The Best Online Casino Promotions & Start Playing!

Now you understand the power of online casino promotions and where to find them. Win777 offers an outstanding platform with diverse promotional offers for every type of player. Their combination of crypto gaming and generous rewards creates an unbeatable experience.

Don’t miss out on the exciting opportunities waiting for you. Visit Win777 today and claim your welcome bonus to start your journey. The world of rewarding casino gaming is just a click away—make your move now!

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

A Heartbreaking Goodbye to Rob Reiner. 50 Facts You Need To Know About Him

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The news that Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, are gone has sent a shockwave of grief through Hollywood, Washington, and the hearts of anyone who ever felt the warmth of their work. Rob was a cornerstone of American entertainment for decades, and Michele was the quiet, creative force who fundamentally changed his life and, by extension, the movies we love. They were a couple defined by purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making the world better, one laugh and one cause at a time.

  1. Robert Norman Reiner was a highly acclaimed American film director, producer, screenwriter, actor, and political activist.
  2. He came to prominence as Mike “Meathead” Stivic on the CBS sitcom All in the Family.
  3. His performance on All in the Family earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
  4. The show, All in the Family, was the most-watched television program in the U.S. for five consecutive seasons (1971–1976).
  5. He received five Golden Globe nominations for his acting role as Michael Stivic.
  6. Reiner studied at the prestigious UCLA Film School.
  7. In the early 1960s, he served as a trainee and apprentice at the Bucks County Playhouse.
  8. He was credited (as Robert Reiner) with a non-speaking role on the TV series Wagon Train in 1962.
  9. He was a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1968–1969) alongside writing partner Steve Martin.
  10. His directorial film debut was the cult-classic heavy metal mockumentary This Is Spinal Tap (1984).
  11. He earned critical acclaim directing the romantic comedy The Sure Thing (1985).
  12. He directed the beloved coming-of-age drama Stand by Me (1986).
  13. Stand by Me was the first project Reiner felt was purely an extension of himself, outside his father’s shadow.
  14. He directed the highly quotable fantasy adventure The Princess Bride (1987).
  15. The Princess Bride is often cited as a gold standard fantasy film blending romance and adventure.
  16. He directed the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally… (1989), ranked among the all-time best of its genre.
  17. He directed the tense psychological horror-thriller Misery (1990).
  18. Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Reiner’s film Misery.
  19. He directed the military courtroom drama A Few Good Men (1992), which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
  20. Jack Nicholson received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for A Few Good Men.
  21. He directed the political romantic comedy-drama The American President (1995).
  22. He directed the uplifting comedy The Bucket List (2007).
  23. He earned nominations for four Golden Globe Awards for Best Director.
  24. He earned nominations for three Directors Guild of America Awards.
  25. He co-founded the highly successful film company Castle Rock Entertainment.
  26. He collaborated frequently with film editor Robert Leighton.
  27. He directed a range of successful films across multiple genres, showcasing his versatile command of the craft.
  28. His film The First Wives Club (1996) won the National Board of Review’s Best Cast award.
  29. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (2001).
  30. He received the Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year award from the American Cinema Editors (2010).
  31. He received the Remi Career Achievement Award from WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival (2017).
  32. He continued acting with roles in major films like Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013).
  33. He returned to television acting with a recurring role on New Girl (2012–2018).
  34. Michele Singer Reiner was an accomplished photographer.
  35. She met Rob Reiner while he was directing When Harry Met Sally….
  36. Meeting Michele inspired Rob to change When Harry Met Sally… to have a happy ending where the main characters marry.
  37. Rob and Michele were married in 1989 and had three children: Jake, Nick, and Romy.
  38. Michele was a producer on Rob Reiner’s final film, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (2025).
  39. Rob Reiner was a liberal activist who co-founded the American Foundation for Equal Rights.
  40. The Foundation initiated the successful court challenge against California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage.
  41. In 1998, he chaired the campaign to pass California Proposition 10 (the California Children and Families Initiative).
  42. Proposition 10 created First 5 California, a program funding early childhood development services via a tax on tobacco.
  43. He served as the first chairman of First 5 California from 1999 to 2006.
  44. In 1997, he and Michele founded the I Am Your Child Foundation.
  45. In 2004, they established Parents’ Action for Children, a non-profit organization.
  46. Parents’ Action for Children advanced public policy through parental education and advocacy.
  47. He successfully led efforts to preserve California’s Ahmanson Ranch as a state park and wildlife refuge.
  48. He was active in environmental causes, including introducing Spinal Tap at the London Live Earth concert (2007).
  49. He endorsed Joe Biden for president in the 2020 United States presidential election.
  50. He was developing a television project titled The Spy and the Asset at the time of his passing.

Jesper Lindell Covers Willie Nelson on “Pretend I Never Happened,” Announces New Album ‘3614 Jackson Highway’

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Jesper Lindell has released his cover of Willie Nelson’s “Pretend I Never Happened,” the lead single from his forthcoming album, 3614 Jackson Highway, set for release on March 6 via Yep Roc Records. The 30-year-old Swedish artist and his band, The Brunnsvik Sounds, took a pilgrimage across the Atlantic in 2024 to record two albums worth of material in four days at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama and Royal Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. 3614 Jackson Highway is the first album from those sessions and is a collection of songs originally recorded at Muscle Shoals, including the new single.

Lindell chose “Pretend I Never Happened” because Willie Nelson is a great idol, and the original track—recorded with The Swampers at Muscle Shoals Sound—made it a natural fit for the project’s concept. Despite flight delays shortening their time to just a day and a half, the band experienced a “creative rush” in the historic studio, previously visited by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Paul Simon. Lindell is proud of the result, stating that the deep dive into immortal songs was an “invaluable experience” that allowed the band to learn and grow, cementing his reputation as a soul-rock craftsman capable of creating roots-steeped soundscapes.

New York Rockers BAD MARY Release High-Energy Cover of WHAM!’s ‘Last Christmas’

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New York’s genre-blending rockers Bad Mary return this December with a festive, full-throttle take on Wham!’s holiday classic, “Last Christmas.” The release follows their high-octane cover of Rocky Horror Picture Show’s “Time Warp.” Bass player Mike Staub explained the cover was a “fun Holiday joke” tied to the annual game of “Whamageddon,” allowing fans who want to hear the song to avoid losing the game. Vocalist Amanda Mac noted that while the band usually covers “traditional—almost hymnal—kind of Christmas songs,” they wanted to “kick up the tempo juuust a bit” on this modern classic, which they all love.

Fronted by Amanda Mac, with Mike Staub (bass), Bill Mac (drums), and David Henderson (guitar), the band’s unique chemistry fuels a signature blend of pop-punk attitude, glam-rock swagger, and post-punk energy. The release of “Last Christmas” kicks off a steady run of new music, with the band set to launch into 2026 with a brand-new original song, “Mouth Fulla Fire,” and more tracks leading up to their upcoming album, Stitched. Bad Mary’s reputation for delivering wildly fun live shows and fearless releases has earned them multiple SiriusXM Underground Garage New Music Spotlight features and Coolest Song in the World honors.

Pig Destroyer, Weekend Nachos Join Lineup for 2026 Forever Deaf Fest in Chicago

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The seventh annual Forever Deaf Fest has announced its lineup for April 10–11, 2026, which will take place across three venues in Chicago. Headlining the second night at Avondale Music Hall will be Pig Destroyer, who will perform their classic album Prowler in the Yard in its entirety, alongside a special closing set from Weekend Nachos. The festival also features a rare appearance from Year Of The Knife, the first live show in ten years from Plague Bringer, and a set from the new supergroup Atomic Rule (featuring members of Every Time I Die and The Acacia Strain).

Forever Deaf Fest 2026 Lineup:

  • Friday, April 10th @ Sleeping Village:
    • TBA
    • Atomic Rule
    • Motherless
    • See You Next Tuesday
  • Saturday, April 11th @ Avondale Music Hall:
    • Hewhocorrupts
    • Plague Bringer
    • Pig Destroyer
    • Mellow Harsher
    • Scalp
    • Weekend Nachos
    • Year Of The Knife
  • Saturday, April 11th @ Live Wire Lounge:
    • Speedfreak

DD VERNI & THE CADILLAC BAND Release Festive Video for ‘I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas’

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DD Verni & The Cadillac Band, known for blending rock ‘n roll energy and concise songwriting with suave, swinging throwback aesthetics, have released a new video today for their festive single, “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas.” The high-energy track, taken from their current second album BUCKLE UP (2025), features a red-hot arrangement complete with searing guitar lines, a galloping rhythm, pumping horns, and infectious female backing vocals. The video combines vintage-inspired Claymation against live scenes filmed throughout Manhattan, capturing the spirit of NYC during the holidays.

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist DD Verni explained that a Christmas song was essential for their big band, ’50s rock sound. He was inspired after hearing his young niece perform the track, originally made famous by 10-year-old Gayla Peevy in 1953, and realized the potential for a “rockin’ big band version.” Verni enlisted Jim McMillen to create the horn arrangements, which, along with the extensive harmonies sung by Verni, Kingston, and Greystar, quickly “gelled together” into a fun holiday track. Verni described the video shoot, featuring their hippo mascot “Peevy,” as “a night of laughter and fun,” reflecting his love for the holidays and the unmatched atmosphere of Christmas in New York City.