...And 5 Other Things You Need To Know Today
September 19 2013 4:55 PM EST
February 05 2015 9:27 PM EST
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
1. In an effort to stop foreign musicians and entertainers from preaching equality in its homophobic borders, the Russian government has enacted stricter visa controls for artists hoping to perform there. It's those laws that may have led to the cancellation of singer Selena Gomez's planned appearances in the former Soviet Union. Just as LGBT activists were requesting she use the stage as a platform for equality, Russia rejected her visa.
2. Floyd Corkins II, the man who shot a security guard during what would have been a mass shooting at the Family Research Council's DC headquarters, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
3. Despite a little thing called reality, Vladimir Putin still claims there's "no infringement" on gay rights in Russia.
4. Former Tonight Show intern Ross Mathews will soon have his own talk show, and describes his set as "Palm Springs chic."
5. Minnesota parents are having a hissy fit over a local school's decision to stock Rainbow Rowell's first young adult novel, Eleanor & Park.
6. Solange makes good use of Houston's depressed strip malls in the new video for her song "Lovers In the Parking Lot."
(Selena Gomez image via Getty Images)