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In Los Angeles, the buzz around HBO’s “Heated Rivalry’ isn’t just about the drama on-ice, it’s sparking heated debates off the rink.The show’s success has been swift and unusual, given its origins on a small Canadian streamer and lack of marquee names.
Its stars, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams , have appeared at awards shows, carried the Olympic torch and posed for glossy photo shoots. Social media is flooded with fan edits and watch parties. Recreational hockey leagues reported an uptick in queer participation. But beneath the celebration, fans like critic and filmmaker Brooke Obie say the conversation is incomplete.The show’s impact has been positive for a sports culture that has historically marginalized queer athletes. Specifically, there has been a queerification of sports since the show’s premiere, according to Emmy-winning producer Joel Relampagos.In Los Angeles, the buzz around HBO’s “Heated Rivalry’ isn’t just about the drama on-ice, it’s sparking heated debates off the rink. ,” critic and filmmaker Brooke Obie has been hosting in-person salons and online critique sessions about films like “Sinners” and the hit TV hockey romance. “I believe in the power of criticism and the necessity of it as a tool to fight fascism and I am always going to create community spaces where we can think critically about the media we consume,” Obie told The LA Local. As the show’s popularity grows, fans and advocates are asking whether its success reflects real inclusion or another moment ofObie said that there are many Black fans of “Heated Rivalry,” so she wanted to create a safe space for them to discuss it. “ talk about some of the racial nuances of the show that impact the ways characters are treated by the fandom,” she said. “And how existing racist and sexist tropes can be used to interpret characters when too much is left to the imagination of the audience by the writers.” The Canadian drama is based on the novels by Rachel Reid. It was created for TV by Jacob Tierney and follows two closeted rival hockey players, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander, whose secret romance unfolds over years of competition. It premiered quietly on the streaming service Crave before being licensed to HBO Max, where it grew into what HBO executiveThe show’s success has been swift and unusual, given its origins on a small Canadian streamer and lack of marquee names. Its stars, Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams , have appeared at awards shows, carried the Olympic torch and posed for glossy photo shoots. Social media is flooded with fan edits and watch parties.But beneath the celebration, fans like Obie say the conversation is incomplete. She said she noticed early on that online conversations about the show often lacked racial nuance — particularly around Shane, who is written as having a Japanese mother but rarely explores that cultural identity on screen. “With a white author and a white showrunner at the helm, Shane’s lack of culturally Japanese experiences is a clear weak spot in a fantastic show,” Obie said. Obie added that the goal of critical dialogue around the series is not to tear down the show but to create an inclusive space where LGBTQ+ fans of color and others in the margins can feel seen in a fandom that often skews white.The show’s impact has been positive for a sports culture that has historically marginalized queer athletes. Specifically, there has been a queerification of sports since the show’s premiere, according to Emmy-winning producer Joel Relampagos. Relampagos, who is developing a reality series focused on queer athletes, told The LA Local that he has seen more athletes willing to share their stories since the show premiered. “We really have to eliminate that old mentality that being an athlete looks a certain way — like it’s a monolith,” Relampagos said. “When in fact, it’s so not.” He has received submissions from queer hockey players across the United States and Canada, including many from L.A. Some are still closeted. Others say the show gave them courage to consider coming out. Former professional golfer and LGBTQ+ sports law and policy expert Maya Satya Reddy told The LA Local that she has seen an influx of new queer hockey fans and increased interest in competitive recreational leagues such as Outloud LA, She/They Sports, GLASA Softball and Lambda Basketball in Los Angeles. “The impact ‘Heated Rivalry’ has had on so many, athletes and non-athletes alike, is incredible and something to be celebrated,” Reddy said. “But describing it as revolutionary in changing queer and trans sports spaces is disingenuous. It’s only been two months!” Reddy, who is of South Asian descent, founded the Queer Asian Social Club, a Los Angeles-based LGBTQ+ advocacy group. She said she left playing golf because of discrimination and pivoted to LGBTQ+ sports law and policy advocacy. She founded the Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Sports Project and participated in programming for the first-ever Pride Day at PGA Championship. “I have lived this,” Reddy said. “I have seen firsthand, both personally through my athletic career, and professionally in my law and policy work the importance of representation and its shortcomings.” She celebrates “Heated Rivalry” but said there is still little effort to drive systemic change in the sport beyond the heavy attempt to capitalize financially on its success.Since the show debuted, Williams and Storrie’s fame has skyrocketed. So has that of their co-stars François Arnaud and Robbie G.K., who play characters that have a tertiary romance on the show. “Hudson and Connor’s invitation to be torch bearers is the perfect example of the impact this show has had on sports,” said Reddy. “It is clear as day that the made this selection as a marketing ploy to capitalize on the craze.” Reddy points out that IOC President Kirsty Coventry has recently made it a “core mission to target trans athletes.” “protecting the female category.” At the end of last year, it was reported that the IOC is considering a a policy that would ban transgender athletes from the Olympic Games, potentially affecting the 2028 games in Los Angeles.from participating in certain programs. She noted that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who praised “Heated Rivalry,” is the same commissioner who faced backlash for banning promotional warm-up jerseys, which included “I’m only aware of one person involved with ‘Heated Rivalry’ who spoke about any of this — Harrison Browne, a trans professional hockey player that appeared in the series,” Reddy said. “At the same time, the two leads of the show were being congratulated and celebrated for being selected by the IOC as torch bearers for the Winter Olympics,” she added. “Neither Hudson nor Connor has said anything about this ban in USA Hockey, nor have they, at least meaningfully, mentioned or celebrated their trans cast member Harrison.”A slightly cooler period compared to last week in which high temps today won't surpass the 80s. Windy conditions are in store throughout the week. Some breezy conditions will linger this morning, but otherwise we're looking at a slightly cooler day.Elsewhere, we should stay under 80 degrees today across the region. The beaches will remain around the low to mid 70s, up to 75 degrees for coastal Orange County. Most L.A. County valleys, the Inland Empire and inland Orange County will hover in the mid to upper 70s. The coolest areas today will be the Santa Clarita Valley, where temperatures there will be from 64 to 71 degrees, and the Antelope Valley where temperatures will range from 58 to 86 degrees.Organizers from local Korean groups announced Wednesday the schedule of events as the South Korean team is set to play in three games in Mexico on June 11, 18 and 24.Viewing parties for the June 11 opener and the June 24 match where South Korea will take on South Africa will be held at Liberty Park in Koreatown. Organizers estimate 1,500 to 2,000 attendees and will close off Serrano Avenue next to the park to accommodate food trucks. A large LED screen showing the game will face Wilshire Boulevard, with sponsor booths lining the street.Organizers from local Korean groups announced Wednesday the schedule of events as the South Korean team is set to play in three games in Mexico on June 11, 18 and 24. Viewing parties for the June 11 opener and the June 24 match where South Korea will take on South Africa will be held at Liberty Park in Koreatown. Organizers estimate 1,500 to 2,000 attendees and will close off Serrano Avenue next to the park to accommodate food trucks. A large LED screen showing the game will face Wilshire Boulevard, with sponsor booths lining the street. Although kickoff for the games that will be broadcast in the evening, programming will start at 2 p.m. with performances and other activities at Liberty Park. Event organizers include the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles, the LA Korean Festival Foundation, and the Korean American Chamber of Commerce. The June 18 game against Mexico is projected to draw 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, organizers said. Duha Hwang with event organizer Advue said they plan to shut down Normandie Avenue along the same stretch used for the LA Korean Festival at Seoul International Park.“This will likely be the biggest game of the group stage for our neighborhood,” Hwang said. “Koreatown is home not only to Korean Americans but to many different communities. We want this to be a joint celebration, where both Korean and Mexican communities come together to support their teams.” South Korea’s opponent for the June 11 game will be determined after European league play concludes later this spring. They could play against Czechia, Denmark, North Macedonia or the Republic of Ireland. Inglewood is one of several North American host cities for this year’s games, but South Korea will be playing their matches in Mexico. Hwang said this year is especially meaningful, given the World Cup is being held in North America for the first time since 1994. “In 2002, many of us were in Korea cheering on the national team. Now, the World Cup is being held here, on the continent where we live. Being able to cheer for Team Korea here at home makes this moment particularly significant,” Hwang said. Organizers acknowledged parking will be limited and encouraged attendees to use public transit or rideshare services. Hwang said they will look into plans to operate shuttle buses.If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.Born and raised in Downey, Victor Correa created a community watch program after witnessing an attempted immigration raid on his block.Earlier this year, Victor Correa spotted masked men trying to force two gardeners into an unmarked SUV in the city of Downey. He recorded the scene with his phone, demanding to know why the men were being taken. The experience left Correa wanting to do more to protect his community.One of the gardeners said federal agents did not give them a chance to prove they have work authorizations. They expressed gratitude to Downey residents for standing up for them and credited the bystanders for enabling them to return to their families.A few weeks later, Correa co-founded Downey ICE Watch to train his neighbors on what their rights are when filming federal agents in public and how to record useful footage.Downey ICE Watch continues to train local residents. Their next meeting will take place March 25 at Downey Memorial Christian Church. On a tranquil morning in January, Victor Correa had a vision for the day: Breakfast burritos from La Azteca Tortillería, and, later, a wedding he’d attend with his wife and their 2-year-old daughter.played out more and more Correa grabbed his phone and started recording from his car. In videos he shared with LAist, men with dark sunglasses — one with a Border Patrol uniform and one in plainclothes — questioned two gardeners while other masked men stood watch from black SUVs nearby.“Don’t fuckin’ shoot me!” he shouted at the federal agent. “I’m not fuckin’ doin’ nothin’!” Correa honked and hurried to park. “ICE! ICE is here!” he yelled. By the time he made it back to the scene, one of the gardeners had already been taken inside a black Chevy Tahoe.“José Solorio,” the man managed to say as an agent grappled him. Soon, other neighbors emerged. They too began to record. One called out for a number to contact Solorio’s family: “¡Número de teléfono, jefe! ¡Número de teléfono!” A woman in a floral bathrobe walked up and began scolding the agents. Amid the fray, the gardener inside the SUV appeared to let himself out. Then, the agents drove off.Correa had been watching videos of immigration raids on social media for months, with a combined sense of fury and heartbreak. He’d also read up on how to be an effective bystander and “I told myself that if I ever saw something like that, that I would be ready,” he told LAist. “And so, when my moment came, IAfter the agents left, Correa said, he, the gardeners and neighbors unwound. According to Correa, the man who exited the SUV after being detained talked about trying to show proof that he’s in the U.S. legally to one of the agents, “but they wouldn’t listen."“You don't have to show me anything," Correa recalled saying.Born and raised in Downey, Victor Correa created a community watch program after witnessing an attempted immigration raid on his block.The experience left Correa wanting to do more to protect his community from further raids. He teamed up with City Councilman Mario Trujillo to found, an organization with decades of experience in community patrol, to teach attendees how to spot immigration agents. The group also distributed whistles, a tool that’s become symbolic of community resistance toKeeping bystanders safe — or as safe as possible — was and continues to be top of mind, he added. Days before Downey ICE Watch’s first meeting, federal agents Looking back on his encounter with federal agents, Correa said that, in hindsight, he would strive to be “a little less aggressive.” “I would still go out there and record and blow whistles,” he added, “but I would not as close, because I have a family, I have a daughter. And these guysIn February, Correa held a second meeting for his group at Downey Christian Memorial Church. Last summer, when the Trump administration began its militarized deportation effort in Southern California, armed agents. When faith leaders asked the agents to identify themselves, they said one of the officers pointed a gun at its senior pastor, Rev. Tanya Lopez. As local residents entered the church’s multipurpose room for the Downey ICE Watch meeting, Correa and other organizers had them sit with people who live in their part of the city. Correa said this would help locals mingle with their neighbors, creating a sense of camaraderie that’s essential to community patrol work.. Immigration attorneys talked about cases they’re working on, about the families they’re fighting to keep from being separated.The group’s next meeting will take place on March 25, 2026 at Downey Memorial Christian Church. Local attorney Alfonso Morales thought it important to talk about cases where he’s been successful, including the release of two men who were detained during a warrantless raid at a car wash in San Dimas.“Don't interfere,” he told them. “You're there to record and document.” Morales encouraged them to describe what they witness: “Narrate. Talk about the place, the time, how many officers, how many vehicles, the license plate — all of that is public information.”Morales acknowledged that this type of work can take a toll on one’s mental health. “I now have a therapist,” he shared. “Seeing people taken on a daily basis, when you know the law, and you know the law should be on your side—it’s painful.” Still, federal immigration agents “need to know people are watching,” Morales said. “And that history will not forget.” Correa wrapped up the February meeting with a presentation from other community groups, BarrioPower and Siempre Unidos LA. Rosa Vazquez, who co-founded BarrioPower last summer, stressed that, if local residents do not feel comfortable participating in community patrols, they can still help their neighbors. Community members, for instance, can deliver groceries to those who are too scared to leave their homes, or volunteer to drive their neighbors’ children to school. “When the world feels like it's crumbling around us every single day,” she said, “the only way to overcome the despair that is natural for us to feel is to take action.” One week after the FBI searched the home and office of Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, there are few public details about the justification for the search and the underlying investigation. LAist talked to legal experts to understand why.is unknown. A DOJ spokesperson said the agency has a court-authorized warrant but declined to provide additional details. The FBIA retired FBI special agent and former federal prosecutor told LAist it’s “not uncommon” for a judge to agree to restrict the public’s view of a search warrant affidavit while an investigation is ongoing. “They could be concerned about people fleeing or covering up evidence or other efforts to obstruct the investigation,” said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School. It could also mean prosecutors are working with witnesses or informants who they don’t want to compromise, she said.acknowledging the presence of law enforcement at its headquarters and the superintendent’s home and said it is “cooperating with the investigation, and we do not have further information at this time." The LAUSD board voted unanimously Friday to place CarvalhoOne week after the FBI searched the home and office of Superintendent Alberto Carvalho, leader of the Los Angeles Unified School District, there are few public details about the justification for the searches and the underlying investigation.is still unknown. A Department of Justice spokesperson said the agency has a court-authorized warrant but declined to provide additional details. The FBIat Loyola Law School. “This is just the beginning on a case like this. a major development, but the fact that they still have this under seal seems to suggest it's ongoing.” Neighbors told LAist that agents in unmarked cars arrived at Carvalho’s San Pedro home early on the morning of Feb. 25.LAist talked to Levenson, a former federal prosecutor, as well as Kenneth Gray, a retired FBI special agent and University of New Haven criminal justice, to understand why the search warrant and the affidavit have been shielded from public view. Gray and Levenson spoke based on their experience in the field, not on any insider knowledge of the investigation involving Carvalho.An affidavit is a sworn document that lays out details of a case — and the underlying reason why law enforcement believes in the need for a search warrant. ”You build a case in your affidavit, that you have reason to believe you have probable cause that a crime has been committed and that there is evidence to be found at a specific location,” Gray said. It usually contains information that federal agents have learned themselves or information that others have told them, he said. Gray and Levenson told LAist it’s “not uncommon” for a judge to agree to restrict the public’s view of an affidavit while an investigation is ongoing. “They could be concerned about people fleeing or covering up evidence or other efforts to obstruct the investigation,” Levenson said. It could also mean prosecutors are working with witnesses or informants they don’t want to compromise — or on an issue of national security. “ I would not read into the fact that it is sealed that it means a specific thing because there are many different reasons why,” Gray said.It’s hard to know. Levenson said if the investigation is concluded and there are formal charges in the case, it’s likely the affidavits will become unsealed. But it’s also possible it will remain hidden from public view if the investigation is ongoing. “There can be so many offshoots of the case,” she said.“It’s really impossible to guess because we don’t know how widespread this investigation is,” she said. It’s possible charges are never filed. It’s also possible the search warrant may become public before the affidavit, the latter of which contains more information about the case the prosecutors are trying to build. “Depending on the type of case, the search warrant usually is something revealed early on,” Gray said. “But the affidavit itself is not until it goes to court.” Gray said the target of the search typically is left with a copy of the warrant and a receipt of the property taken. The receipt also is filed with the court and the evidence stored in an FBI locker, Gray said.The Department of Justice has not publicly charged Carvalho with wrongdoing. Carvalho has made no public statement since the searches. “Not every case ends up being provable,” Gray said. He acknowledged the media’s right to report on searches but said there can be consequences. “Sometimes the end result is that people's reputations are damaged when information like this is revealed that has not been proven,” Gray said.LAist contacted Miami-Dade County Public Schools for comment. The district referred our request to the media relations department and its lawyers but has not yet provided any information. Typically, a newsroom or media outlet has best practices for gathering the information found in stories. Journalists who focus on a specific topic or geography may develop professional relationships with people or sources who are willing to share information that is not otherwise public., we seek information from people who know the facts “first-hand” — there’s no one between the information we’re seeking and the source.as a primary source of information as a last resort because we believe readers and listeners should know where the information in our stories comes from. However, there are some cases where we use confidential sources. For example, when they are the only ones who can provide understanding central to the story.. “In most circumstances, information from unnamed sources needs to be corroborated by a second credible person, document, tape, or video that is independent of the original source.”
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