Trump Is Using Impeachment as an Excuse to Not Pass Gun Safety Laws

WASHINGTON –– Not even two weeks ago, Attorney General Bill Barr was on Capitol Hill, talking to Senate Republicans about expanding background checks for gun sales.

Over the course of two days, as Congress waited for a sign of how the Trump administration might act on gun reform, Barr briefed Republicans on a draft proposal to require background checks for all commercial gun sales. And though the White House insisted that the document wasn’t Trump-approved, Barr was joined on the Hill by the White House’s point man on guns, legislative affairs director Eric Ueland.

A month and a half after El Paso, it was a sign, however faint, that some kind of meaningful gun reform may be on the horizon.

Then came Ukraine.

Two days after Barr’s meetings, news broke that President Trump had asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a “favor”: to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter, over the latter’s work at a Ukrainian energy company.

In the days that followed, Politico reported, the senators working on bipartisan gun reform began to get radio silence from the White House about their plans. Then, on Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) announced a formal impeachment inquiry against Trump.

Now, the president is openly using impeachment as an excuse to bat away expectations that the White House will support gun-control legislation.

“She’s not interested in guns," he said Wednesday at the United Nations. "Nancy Pelosi is not interested in guns and gun protection [or] gun safety."

If Pelosi was interested in gun reform, Trump implied, she’d be focusing on legislative priorities instead of an impeachment inquiry. Never mind that, shortly before Trump spoke that afternoon, House Democrats held a hearing to debate banning assault weapons.

On Wednesday afternoon, during a press briefing at the UN, Trump turned to Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, “who I’ve been dealing with on guns.” Murphy’s now “too busy wasting time on the witch hunt” to legislate, Trump said.

On Thursday, Trump shouted on the tarmac of Andrews Air Force Base: “We can’t talk about gun regulation, we can’t talk about anything.”

And on Friday, National Rifle Association President Wayne LaPierre lobbied Trump in the Oval Office to “stop the games” over gun control legislation, the New York Times reported. They also discussed what kind of support the group could provide Trump as he faces impeachment.

‘Cannot die in vain’

Given his ties LaPierre, Trump not supporting gun control may seem unsurprising. But after back-to-back shootings last month in El Paso and Dayton, he opened the door to it.

“We cannot let those killed in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, die in vain. Likewise for those so seriously wounded,” he tweeted on August 5. “Republicans and Democrats must come together and get strong background checks.”

His tune changed after meetings with NRA members. By mid-September, sources close to the White House began to speculate that Trump had changed his mind on background checks. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ken.) made it clear that without Trump’s support, the Senate wouldn’t act.

Still, congress pressed on, and with public support building for new gun safety laws, there was palpable hope on the Hill that something might get done. Sens. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Pat Toomey (R-Penn.) were working on expanding background checks. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) were drafting a bill to implement a federal “red flag law,” which would make it easier to take a gun away from someone considered dangerous.

“I was optimistic that maybe there was something we could do here,” Robin Lloyd, managing director of the non-profit Giffords group, told VICE News of the month-long period late this summer when lawmakers began drafting the bills with renewed vigor.

Would it have been a comprehensive gun reform package? ”Most likely not,” she said. “But I felt like maybe there was something that could happen on a bipartisan basis.”

Invoking the I-word

Even before Pelosi even formally announced the impeachment probe late Tuesday afternoon, Politico reported that some lawmakers, including Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) and Mike Braum (R-Indiana), believed the “ship may have sailed” on bipartisan gun reform.

And last week, a White House official told VICE News that the impeachment inquiry would stymie legislative momentum on gun reform. (The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly; a White House spokesman declined to comment).

But it may only be Trump himself who's ready to blame impeachment for inaction. A number of lawmakers on Capitol Hill said they were committed to keep going, regardless of the White House’s pessimism.

Graham told VICE News last week that he’d spoken with Blumenthal and Ivanka Trump, who has emerged as the White House’s emissary on gun reform.

"I think we’re really close on compromise on a grant program for protective orders, and we’re still working on background checks,” Graham said. “I’m still hopeful we can get there."

Asked whether the president made up his mind on supporting those efforts, Graham said “no.”

Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat, has spoken extensively with Trump about gun reform and become Democrats’ de facto channel of communication with the White House on the issue. “We’ve been talking, very currently,” he told VICE News. “I’m always optimistic.”

“I heard someone saying that it was over, and it’s far from being over,” Manchin said. “I think it’s very much in the mix.”

“I’ve spoken to various top level representatives of the White House who have indicated to me a determination to press forward,” Blumenthal told VICE News. “They are expressing a continued interest. Whether they are speaking for the president remains to be seen.”

On whether there’s a timeline for Trump making that decision, Blumenthal said, “It has been and continues to be a moving target. We have no firm date.”

But “certainly,” he continued, “I’m willing to work as long and hard as possible to save as many lives as possible.”

“I am concerned about the impact of those unrelated events and proceedings,” Blumenthal said of the impeachment inquiry. “I support the impeachment investigation, but the president has a continuing responsibility as do we, to try to achieve gun violence prevention."

Advocates working on the issue say that their efforts are ongoing, too. If talks fail, they say, responsibility falls squarely on the president.

“Senate Republicans are taking their marching orders from the president, not the other way around,” the Giffords group’s Lloyd said. For Trump to blame any pause on Democrats, she said, “is a complete and utter smokescreen.”

Cover: President Donald Trump talks with reporters after arriving at Andrews Air Force Base, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, in Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Trump had spent the week attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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Urbano Producers Are Becoming Pop Stars, Too

On the charts, at the club, and in the streets, música urbana is changing the rap game right now, and each month Cultura explores the latest from the Latin side of hip-hop.

If you happened to watch ESPN’s Monday Night Football matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets last week, you probably caught Anuel AA on the halftime show. Decked out in designer sunglasses, the Puerto Rican trapero dutifully performed his rising reggaetón single "Adicto" in the round for an intimate audience in a clubby setting that felt not unlike a hookah lounge. In the midst of rehabbing his image from rapping ex-con to viable Latin pop star, his appearance on the program suggested his campaign towards commerciality continues according to plan.

Yet as was the case with the release of "Adicto" just a few weeks ago, Anuel took second billing on the televised program to the track’s producer Tainy. Wearing a comparatively more muted outfit, largely consisting of a shearling-collared winter coat, the San Juan-bred beatsmith tapped at a Rhodes piano onstage, elevated slightly, but strategically, above his vocal counterpart. With the track’s other guest Ozuna absent, it proved hard not to focus on, or at least be intrigued by, the person not singing.

As The Neptunes and Timbaland did in the first decade of the 2000s with their respective production showcases Clones and Shock Value, urbano’s studio hitmakers are increasingly leveraging the success and popularity they’ve generated for other artists into greater name recognition and fame for themselves. From his teenage years teamed with the pioneering reggaetón duo Luny Tunes through his 2010s work with Wisin & Yandel, Tainy has spent roughly a decade and a half helping to shape the sound of música urbana. But after helming last winter’s critically-acclaimed Bad Bunny album X100PRE, he’s noticeably stepped out into the spotlight in a major way in 2019, releasing singles as a lead artist with backing by some of the biggest names in music, Latin or otherwise.

Though he’s previously produced or co-produced Billboard charting hits like Romeo Santos’ "Bella y Sensual" and Cardi B’s "I Like It," Tainy scored his first Hot 100 appearance in a top-billed capacity back in March with the Benny Blanco collaboration "I Can’t Get Enough," which counted J Balvin and Selena Gomez as its vocalists. It spent five weeks on the all-genre singles charts, peaking at No. 66. For those who thought that one might have been a curious blip or an attempt to recreate the pan-Latinx superstar team-up effect that DJ Snake’s "Taki Taki" had some six months prior, he came through again with a Song of the Summer contender. Co-credited to Bad Bunny, "Callaíta" kept the X100PRE momentum going, and continues to do so after 14 weeks on the Hot 100.

While Tainy may be the most prominent urbano producer to become a lead artist at the moment, he’s in very good company. DJ Luian & Mambo Kingz have multiple entries in that vein, including feature-stuffed singles like "Bubalu" and "Verte Ir." Chris Jeday was an early adopter, with his 2017 single "Ahora Dice" with J. Balvin, Ozuna, and Arcángel logging over 1.1 billion YouTube views to date. Last year, Haze went front and center next to Anuel AA with their joint hit "Amanece." Indeed, it’s not uncommon in the genre for producers or label impresarios to take this level of credit. But the way in which Tainy has converted that into namesake stardom for himself seemingly has game-changing potential.

The principal sonic architect behind J Balvin’s ascent from Medellín favorite to Lollapalooza headliner, Sky Rompiendo El Bajo (or Sky for short) dropped his first proper single nine months prior to "I Can’t Get Enough." With features by Balvin and Ozuna, the sleek "Karma" would’ve sounded right at home at either of the reggaetoneros’ 2018 album projects. Yet the producer claimed it for himself, ultimately earning Platino certification in the RIAA’s Latin awards program. He followed that one that fall with the poppy "Aquí Estaré" alongside Sebastián Yatra and Zion & Lennox, and then again this past January with "Bajo Cero," a bilingual trap cut with Jhay Cortez, rapper MadeinTYO, and Balvin.

A more recent entrant into the category is Dimelo Flow. The in-house Rich Music beatmaker hit it big this year for the label behind the boards for Afro-Panamanian singer’s Sech and Puerto Rican rapper Darell’s international summertime smash "Otro Trago." Stateside, the track reached No. 34 on the Hot 100, a few notches higher than the latter’s prior crossover hit "Te Boté." Seizing on that opportunity, Dimelo snagged Sech as well as Farruko, Nicky Jam, Lunay, and Zion for the aptly named posse cut "El Favor." In its first week on Billboard’s Hot Latin songs, the song took No. 21. A follow-up single with Ozuna is expected to drop this week.

While "Adicto" has yet to reach the Hot 100, moves like the halftime show set indicate that Tainy is on his way to securing a third hit single from an anticipated full-length under his own name. For now, he’s assuredly content with his multiple current placements on the chart, not the least of which being Anuel’s "China" which enjoys an eighth straight week there. As reggaetón and música urbana become more and more synonymous with U.S. chart success, we’re likely witnessing the dawn of a new class of producers as pop stars.

Los Favoritos Del Mes

Cali Y El Dandee and Rauw Alejandro, "Tequila Sunrise"

The Colombian pop duo connect with the rising trap R&B sensation for a boozy yet romantic single with shimmering dembow-driven vibes and soaring vocal interplay.

Jhay Cortez, Karol G, and Haze, "Deséame Suerte"

Beaming off their respective hit singles of the last 12 months, three significant players in the urbano world team up for a balladic reggaetón one-off that showcases each of their undeniably potent skill sets.

Farina featuring Blueface, "Fariana"

An unexpected yet highly effective twist on the Latin remix model, this bilingual cut from the ascendant Roc Nation signee makes "Thotiana" all her town and gets the Cash Money rapper to re-record his hook to suit her needs.

Major Lazer featuring J Balvin and El Alfa, "Que Calor"

With new recruit Eric "Ape Drums" Alberto-Lopez joining mainstays Diplo and Walshy Fire in the lineup, the genre smashing trio tag in the hitmaking Colombian reggaetonero and the Dominican dembow dynamo for their latest single.

Justin Quiles featuring Natti Natasha, Farruko, Zion, Dalex, and Lenny Tavárez, "DJ No Pares (Remix)"

The Bronx-born urbano artist and songwriter assembles a formidable selection of well-known guests for this melodic update of previously solo standout off his recent Realidad LP.

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Ground Cherry Jam Recipe

Makes about 1 cup
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces|225 grams husked ground cherries
1 cup|200 grams granulated sugar
pinch of ground cinnamon
pinch of kosher salt
1 lemon

Directions

Place the cherries, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Halve the lemon and squeeze in the juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thick, about about 20 minutes. Cool completely. Jam will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 month.

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Weekly Horoscope: September 30 - October 6

Download the Astro Guide app by VICE on an iOS device to read daily horoscopes personalized for your sun, moon, and rising signs, and learn how to apply cosmic events to self care, your friendships, and relationships.

We love Libra season, but so many planets are clashing with two of the most intense planets of the zodiac: Pluto and Saturn! These clashes light a fire under our asses to be proactive and actually respond to our passions and insecurities (Plutonian behaviors run very deep!). Essentially, this Libra season finds us making changes to address imbalances in power, and (since Libra is the sign of justice) injustices. Aesthetic Venus clashes with power planet Pluto on Tuesday, October 1, which can be sexy depending on who you ask! This could also point to a change in personal values. Venus isn’t just perfume and jewelry, it also rules values!

Shady shenanigans abound as the planet of secrets, Pluto, ends its retrograde, bringing hot tea from the underworld. Pluto is an outer planet that spends nearly half of the year retrograding, but pay attention to this week as Pluto is more still than usual, bringing awareness and proverbial paper jams to lasting structures of power, especially those which are inherited or grandfathered in. Also on Wednesday, October 3, Mercury, planet of communication, enters quiet and emotional Scorpio. The coming weeks of Mercury’s trip through Scorpio brings deep and mysterious insight. Things are communicated less with words, and more with emotional affect.

Action planet Mars enters Libra on Friday, October 4, bringing a fierce and ruthless attitude toward matters of diplomacy and relationships. It’s truly hard for the warrior planet to fight in pacifist Libra—whenever you’re taking everyone else into consideration it’s not easy to pick fights or be aggressive the way Mars would like, but sometimes inaction is action in itself! Avoid being passive aggressive and just do what you want regardless of what other people think.

All times ET.

Libra (September 22 - October 23)

The week begins with some deep-rooted understanding, either through ruminating about your family lineage, or personal childhood experiences. As your planetary ruler Venus clashes with Pluto, there is an opportunity to break or make the cycles that contribute to your present behavior. Pluto is standing still as its retrograde has ended, and some deep, dark secrets bubble up to remind you of where you come from. You may find that aggression or resentment has been building up over the past few weeks of Mars in Virgo, wondering why people act how they do, or feeling alienated by people’s actions. With the action planet in your sign come Friday, you’re going to have more energy to be confrontational and actually address whatever qualms have been festering.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 22)

You’re moving in secrecy, Scorpio—even more so than usual. You have a reputation for being a mysterious sign, but maybe there are things that you aren’t ready to reveal to the public yet! Your planetary ruler Mars is in Libra, and you may be keeping your activities to yourself. Look out for fear, paranoia, or conspiracy in your relationships as the planet of love, Venus, clashes with power planet Pluto. Use whatever worries you have to deepen your understanding of others rather than getting too deep in your own head. The planet of communication, Mercury, will be in your sign starting Wednesday, helping you express what’s on your mind to the best of your ability.

Sagittarius (November 21 - December 21)

Don’t get aggravated with your friends—they don’t know what they’re doing! Action planet Mars enters your house of friendships and social networking, bringing a weird edge to your online interactions and offline friendships. Mars is uncomfortable and doesn’t know how to act in Libra, so arguments might not end up getting anywhere as everyone is trying to agree with each other instead of standing up for themselves. Venus classes with Pluto, bringing up issues concerning money and legacy. Think of the ways the people you know may change your attitudes toward materialism, or even help you achieve financial security. Pluto can be a greedy planet, but life is more rewarding when there are friends and communities to share the power with.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

Pluto is the planet of greed, power, and secrets, and it’s been in your sign for a while now, Capricorn! Pluto ends its retrograde this week, but before it’s moving at its normal pace, it stands still, making you more aware of your own behavioral patterns and how they’ve been influenced by a greater, overarching system of power. This can contribute to your own capacity to be influential. Venus, the planet of love and money, clashes with Pluto and you are called to action to address your values concerning love or who you want to be known as. Shape your legacy with determination. Mercury is in Scorpio for the coming weeks, connecting you with networks that can help make it possible.

Aquarius (January 19 - February 18)

Mercury, the planet of communication, enters your house of career and reputation on Wednesday. New ideas about how you want to share your message are conceived—the communication planet is more vibe-y in Scorpio. This sign is quiet and subliminal. An understated but powerful language is crafted to describe your legacy, or you feel more in touch with your bosses and those in authority at this time! As action planet Mars moves into Libra, you may get a little bit of wanderlust and have more energy to go out and see the world, trying to get to places that you haven’t been before, or do things that are outside of your comfort zone with the company of a friend.

Pisces (February 18 - March 20)

Things are kind of chaotic right now, Pisces. Pluto is the planet of power and control, but instead of overextending yourself or trying to change stubborn people or things, just let it be. Manipulation and whatever clique hierarchies are not your thing, so don’t indulge in them! You may get mixed in with some shady crowds as Venus, the planet of love and attraction, clashes with dangerous Pluto. Make sure you’re hanging with people you can trust. The reversal of that statement is valid, too—make sure you’re not being manipulative! The planet of communication, Mercury, moves into fellow water sign Scorpio, helping you think into the future and be inspired. Get out of your comfort zone, but stay protected anyway!

Aries (March 20 - April 19)

Other people seem to be taking the wheel, and that’s cool. You can follow someone else’s lead as long as they’re open to suggestions. However, your planetary ruler Mars moves into your house of partnerships this Friday, and other people’s agendas may be a source of agitation. You can handle confrontations pretty smoothly, but you might not have the will to really get into it. The planet of power, Pluto, ends its retrograde, and your public influence has a moment of pause when things are being sorted out and the shadowy implications of success come to light. Venus clashes with Pluto, encouraging a powerful co-conspiracy. Just remember to be kind.

Taurus (April 19 - May 20)

There is a lot more energy to get your daily tasks done as action planet Mars moves into your house of daily routine. There is strength and determination in doing your day-to-day mundane chores. Getting help from a friend, a study buddy, or a gym buddy can help motivate you to push through. The planet of communication, Mercury, enters Scorpio on Wednesday, beginning a short period of fluid conversation in your relationships. Pay attention to what other people are telling—or not telling you—right now; silence can speak volumes! Dangerous and powerful Pluto finishes its retrograde and things stand still when it comes to dealing with bureaucracies, but it’ll all get moving soon. As long as you can stay on top of your daily tasks!

Gemini (May 20 - June 21)

If things weren’t already exciting and sexy enough this Libra season, Mars moves into your house of dating and partying, bringing more action to your social life. Whatever power struggles or deep concerns you have can be washed away by actively doing the things that bring you pleasure and joy, whether that’s entertaining your friends, making art, or going to the museum by yourself. Your planetary ruler Mercury moves into silent Scorpio, and you can gain a lot more mental stamina to take on your daily tasks with bravery and cunning. There are things outside of your control—Pluto, the planet of power, finishes its retrograde, and you might want to hold onto something tightly—but put your mind at ease by taking it on incrementally.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

After exploring the shadow realm of your relationships, it’s time to pause and let it all sink in. Power planet Pluto finishes its retrograde, and as it appears to stand still, so do matters concerning the power structure in your relationships, whether that means ones with your parents or romantic partners. A deep awareness can be harnessed, but there’s no looking back from there! This is especially true as the planet of relationships, Venus, clashes with power planet Pluto, encouraging you to break out of the cycle...or repeat it! The planet of communication, Mercury, moves into your house of sex and dating, bringing fun dates and weekend plans your way.

Leo (July 22 - August 23)

Warrior Mars moves into your house of communication, so be conscious of your words—you can cut people with that edge! Conversely, you may receive some passive aggressive messages that you simply have to ignore or be the bigger person. The planet of power and control, Pluto, ends its retrograde, and you may be feeling like a control freak when it comes to your job. Don’t stress yourself out trying to do absolutely everything, because it’s not possible! You can prioritize things that bring you closer to others as Venus, the planet of relationships, clashes with power planet Pluto, helping you be more effective and to communicate clearly. You might want to be alone with your thoughts for the coming weeks as Mercury, planet of communication, enters a personal sector of your chart.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

Sex is one of the most powerful things on this planet! Friendship, too. Power planet Pluto ends its retrograde, standing still in your house of dating and creativity, bringing awareness to patterns in dating and power dynamic in your friendships. Venus, the planet of relationships, clashes with Pluto, and may find yourself acting in a way that is resourceful, investing in things that make you happy. You can get by just living on the fruits of the earth. Your planetary ruler Mercury moves into your house of communication and fraternity, showing that if you make some risky financial moves, you can at least count on the people closest to you to help you out. Or if you do something silly, they can at least keep a secret!

What's in the stars for you in September? Read your monthly horoscope here.

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Daily Horoscopes: September 30, 2019

Download the Astro Guide app by VICE on an iOS device to read daily horoscopes personalized for your sun, moon, and rising signs, and learn how to apply cosmic events to self care, your friendships, and relationships.

The moon enters mysterious water sign Scorpio at 5:42 AM and opposes unruly Uranus at 2:55 PM, bringing unexpected events. The moon in Scorpio asks us not to be afraid of our most powerful feelings, especially as surprises come up today. Just do your best to stay in the present moment; the future has many unpredictable blessings and setbacks for us! Find ways to savor the best of what today has to offer, and let yourself be a little intense—or a little detached. Whatever suits you!

All times ET.

Libra (September 22 - October 23)

The moon enters Scorpio, lighting up the sector of your chart that rules your finances, and your sense of security gets a tremble as the moon opposes Uranus. It's not a day to place bets, but it's a great time to embrace change.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 22)

The moon enters your sign today, Scorpio! Make time for self-care: Express your rage in a journal entry, rip it to shreds, and then gather your friends together to toast your successes. Unexpected turns arrive in your relationships, so make the most of the energy by celebrating freedom and flexibility.

Sagittarius (November 21 - December 21)

Be gentle with yourself and catch up on rest, Sagittarius. The moon enters Scorpio, a sign that looks tough on the outside but is really quite sensitive! Unexpected tasks land on your to-do list as the moon opposes unruly Uranus. Manage your time wisely, and take a break when you need it.

Capricorn (December 21 - January 19)

Your attention shifts to your social life as the moon enters Scorpio, but unexpected drama pops up as the moon opposes Uranus, and you're called to make a change to live and love more authentically.

Aquarius (January 19 - February 18)

The moon enters Scorpio, lighting up the sector of your chart that rules your career and reputation, but your attention is unexpectedly pulled to your private life as the moon opposes Uranus. A surprising change asks you to find a better balance between your home and work.

Pisces (February 18 - March 20)

You're inspired to travel as the moon enters fellow water sign Scorpio, but unexpected news or a surprising change to your plans arrives as the moon opposes wildcard Uranus. Keep your plans flexible and your mind open today.

Aries (March 20 - April 19)

Intense and unexpected emotions come to the surface as the moon enters Scorpio and opposes wildcard Uranus today. It's important to stay flexible and open-minded at this time—the more you lock into a certain position, the more you will limit yourself.

Taurus (April 19 - May 20)

Relationships are a big theme for you today as the moon enters your opposite sign, Scorpio. Unexpected turns in your partnerships arrive as the moon oppose wildcard Uranus. You need a change, and are craving more freedom.

Gemini (May 20 - June 21)

The moon enters Scorpio, inspiring you to reflect on your daily routines and rituals and kick a bad habit. Unexpected feelings come to the surface as the moon opposes Uranus. You're surprised by what comes up, but this is a great time to address these emotions and let them go.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

The moon enters fellow water sign Scorpio today, finding you in a romantic and creatively inspired mood. However, unexpected drama pops up in your social life. Surprising feelings come to the surface.

Leo (July 22 - August 23)

You're turning your attention to your home and family life as the moon enters private water sign Scorpio. However, surprises in your public life and career arrive as the moon opposes wildcard Uranus. Take your time making important decisions today!

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

The moon enters water sign Scorpio, illuminating the sector of your chart that rules your mind. This is a powerful day for communication; a breakthrough idea is born. However, watch out for surprising news as the moon opposes wildcard Uranus.

What's in the stars for you in September? Read your monthly horoscope here.

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Watch Nic Cage Go Full Nic Cage in the Trailer for 'Primal'

What more could you want from Nic Cage? The guy is somehow simultaneously an Oscar winner and an action star and a cult movie icon with a penchant for Cyrano-sized prosthetic noses. He even wrote a comic book about a magical vigilante in post-Katrina New Orleans. There are many sides to Nic Cage, but the best Nic Cage is still the biggest and loudest Nic Cage, and the trailer for his new movie, Primal, thankfully gives us exactly that.

Please, enjoy:

Yes, Nic Cage is playing an intrepid exotic animal hunter who punches jaguars, like some kind of significantly worse Indiana Jones. Yes, he is traveling with a bunch of dangerous animals on a ship that is also transporting an even more dangerous assassin for some reason. Yes, both the assassin and the animals get free and Nic Cage has to use all his hunting skills to get them back. And, yes, he screams "take it easy with my cat!" in the most Nic Cage way possible. Are you sold on this movie yet?

According to the film's premise, Cage's character, Frank Walsh, "feverishly stalks the ship’s cramped corridors in hot pursuit of his prey, right up until the thrilling, unpredictable climax." In this case, his prey is that assassin and the so-called unpredictable climax almost definitely involves someone getting brutally mauled by a jaguar, but so what? It's Nic Cage. Bring it on!

We may still be waiting for Cage to star in the next Ari Aster movie, but until that happens, at least we'll be able to watch him go completely bonkers on a boat in Primal. Give the trailer a watch above and catch the whole thing when it hits theaters November 8.

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Natalie Portman Responded to the Lack of Diapers in Her Diaper Astronaut Film

When Natalie Portman's new film, Lucy in the Sky, hits theaters next week, something will be missing: diapers. And, sure, there are plenty of movies that refuse or forget to acknowledge the existence of diapers. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was absent of diapers, It: Chapter 2 is diaper-free, and The Irishman may be over 200 minutes long but likely not even one of those minutes involves Huggies. And that's totally fine! Not every movie needs to involve diapers. But not ever movie is Lucy in the Sky.

The film is based on the story of Lisa Nowak, an astronaut who drove almost 1,000 miles across the country to allegedly enact some wild revenge plot against a fellow astronaut's lover, all while wearing diapers to cut down on bathroom breaks along the way. She was immediately dubbed the "diaper astronaut" because, well, of course. There's just one problem with the diaper astronaut's movie adaptation, though: no diapers!

And now, finally, Natalie Portman has officially responded to Lucy in the Sky's glaring lack of diapers—and has promised us all another diaper movie to make up for it.

In a new interview with Los Angeles Times, Portman brushed off the missing diaper controversy, saying that the diaper inclusion would've just distracted from the fact that Lucy in the Sky is just a fictional story inspired by Nowak's life, not a straight biopic. "It was an interesting detail, because it was something that seemed so radical to all of us listening to it," Portman told the Times. "But actually it’s part of an astronaut’s life. They wear diapers the whole time because that’s what you do in space. It’s not like it would be an unusual choice. It seems a lot nuttier if that’s not something you do every day."

All that aside, though, Portman acknowledged the world's anger and upset at the lack of diapers. "I guess I still have a diaper movie in my future to fulfill everyone’s expectations," she said.

Lucy in the Sky is set to hit theaters on October 4, but maybe it's just best to wait until her real diaper movie comes out.

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