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‘Shazam!’ star Michael Gray dies at 75
NEW YORK — Michael Gray, who starred in the 1970s TV show “Shazam!,” has died. He was 75. The former teen heartthrob died from natural causes last week in California,
‘Yaga’ review: Witchy adaptation on AMC+ lacks any real magic
Whittock feels like somewhere where dark mysteries would live, buried in its dense forests and obscured by ash-gray fog. The fictional British Columbia setting of the new Crave series “Yaga,”
Liev Schreiber has choice words for Apple TV reporter
Liev Schreiber appeared to be scolding an interviewer Tuesday during the red-carpet premiere for his new Apple TV series, "Nocturne." A bystander captured a behind-the-scenes snippet of the 59-year-old, who
Sylvester Stallone discusses his role in ‘Frisco King’
FORT WORTH, Texas — At least one friendly face from “Tulsa King” will appear on “Frisco King.” The Taylor Sheridan-created and Samuel L. Jackson-led series premieres Dec. 18 on Paramount+.
Chappell Roan might just go on singing these songs forever
LOS ANGELES — "Someone's smoking weed at the trans fundraiser!" That was Chappell Roan on Wednesday at the Shrine Auditorium, where somebody in the audience did indeed light up moments
Actor Tom Skerritt of ‘Steel Magnolias,' 'Top Gun,' dies at 93
NEW YORK — Prolific actor Tom Skerritt died Wednesday from natural causes. He was 93. Skerritf’s “heartbroken” family said, though fans knew him for his work on films including “Alien,”
Chvrches announces new album and 2027 North American tour
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Scottish synth-pop trio Chvrches returns to Southern California next spring, with concerts at the Observatory North Park in San Diego on March 12 and the Hollywood Palladium
Billie Lourd mourns mom Carrie Fisher on her posthumous 70th birthday
NEW YORK — Billie Lourd would have loved to celebrate her mother Carrie Fisher’s 70th birthday with joy, but instead found herself bereft all over again on Wednesday, 10 years
‘Klara and the Sun’ review: Film adaptation lacks novel’s poignancy
Maybe some books just shouldn’t become movies. Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling 2021 novel “Klara and the Sun” was a work of rare poignancy — though not rare for Ishiguro, whose elegant
Television Q&A: Will 'Call the Midwife' deliver more episodes?
You have questions. I have some answers. Q: I enjoyed the 15 seasons of "Call the Midwife." Will there be anything new? A Christmas special, prequel stories or a sequel?
Hot 97 DJ Funkmaster Flex gets into fight at Knicks game
NEW YORK — Funkmaster “Funk” Flex was caught throwing down during the Knicks’ season-opening game at Madison Square Garden Tuesday night. Flex, a rapper and the long-running radio host of
Movie review: 'Clayface' a doomed romance with body horror trappings
In order to find the best comparison to “Clayface” — the new Warner Bros. DC Universe installment — we have to go back to 1990, to Sam Raimi’s “Darkman,” starring
What to stream: 'Yaga' joins coven of witchy murder mysteries
The highly anticipated Crave series “Yaga” finally arrives on AMC+ this week, a witchy, sexy murder mystery that’s a perfect autumnal watch. The series, based on the play by Kat
‘Call Her Daddy’ host Alex Cooper gives birth to first child
NEW YORK — “Call Her Daddy’s” Alex Cooper is officially a mom. The 32-year-old podcast host and her husband, Hollywood producer Matthew Kaplan, have welcomed their first child together, a
‘Wicker’ review: Colman, Skarsgård shine in twisted but well-woven tale
You may find yourself involuntarily smiling several times throughout the course of “Wicker,” a delightfully dark, often humorous and, well, downright horny fable about a man who’s seemingly such a
Movie review: 'Wicker' weaves a feisty feminist fable
It’s too bad the title “The Wicker Man” was already taken, as that’s literally what star Alexander Skarsgård is playing in “Wicker,” a randy little ditty of a film from
New on DVD: Behold the monstrous beauty of 'Frankenstein'
Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel tops the DVD releases for the week of Oct. 27. "Frankenstein": Released on Netflix last year, Oscar Isaac stars as mad
List of DVD release dates for Oct. 20 and beyond
Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: OCTOBER 20: Masters of the Universe 20: Hadestown: The Musical 20: One Night Only
‘Euphoria’ star Hunter Schafer underwent bottom surgery
NEW YORK — “Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer revealed in an interview published Monday that she recently underwent a genital reconstructive procedure to align her identity and gender. “I just had
Charli XCX is figuring out what happens after you win
LOS ANGELES — What’s the opposite of a victory lap? One answer arrived this year in the form of “Music, Fashion, Film,” Charli XCX’s bracing follow-up to 2024’s Grammy-winning “Brat.”
Jon Stewart to continue hosting ‘Daily Show’ Mondays through 2028
NEW YORK — Jon Stewart will continue his Monday-night hosting duties at “The Daily Show” through 2028, Comedy Central and the newly formed Skydance Television said Monday. The two-year contract
Sahara Ray, model once linked to Justin Bieber, dies at 34
NEW YORK — Model Sahara Ray is dead at 34. The family of the Australian fashionista once linked to Justin Bieber told TMZ that Ray died Sunday night “surrounded by
Elizabeth Holmes doc ‘You Can See Everything’ has huge opening weekend
NEW YORK — Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s film about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes opened to box office numbers not seen in more than 20 years for a narrative documentary.
Jon Stewart will remain at ‘The Daily Show’ through 2028
LOS ANGELES — Jon Stewart has signed a new deal that will keep the comedian at his weekly perch on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” through 2028. Skydance Television, which
Review: Miley Cyrus is an ambivalent comeback queen
LOS ANGELES — "For me, performance can't be everything," Miley Cyrus declared on Friday night, and you had to admire her choice of setting: onstage at the Hollywood Bowl in
Behind the scenes at Nicolas Cage’s zombie shoot in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Watching a farmer draw water from a Stillwater well would be a chore if the “farmer” wasn’t Nicolas Cage, one of the biggest stars to commit to a
TV Tinsel: Television dresses up for Halloween
It’s that time of year when witches wax their broomsticks, monsters slither out from under beds, and goblins gather at midnight for a séance. Television is doing its best to
The Kelly Clarkson bird saga continues. Molly is worth $15 million
LOS ANGELES — The Kelly Clarkson wooden bird feud continues to soar as the New York City novelty shop accused of disrespecting the "Voice" star sets a whopping $15 million
Miranda Lambert exhibit coming to Fort Worth’s National Cowgirl Museum
FORT WORTH, Texas — One of country music’s biggest stars is getting an exhibit at a Fort Worth museum. The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that
Baystate Health installs weapons detection systems at ER entrances
Baystate Health has begun installing AI-assisted Apollo 500 weapons detection systems at entrances to enhance safety for patients and staff.
‘NCIS’ stars Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly to reunite in prequel
NEW YORK — Original “NCIS” cast members Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly will reunite onscreen for the first time in 10 years in the franchise’s “NCIS: Origins” prequel. By now,
‘Sense and Sensibility’ review: Daisy Edgar-Jones shines in adaptation
Every beloved book lives forever in the mind of its reader, and sometimes if we’re lucky, it becomes a beloved movie, too. Jane Austen’s tale of two sisters, “Sense and
Is the Prince estate finally listening to fan complaints?
MINNEAPOLIS — Is the Prince estate finally listening to complaints from hardcore fans? On Oct. 9, the estate and NPG Records released the “Calabama EP” as a follow-up to the
Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Frisco King’ sets release date
FORT WORTH, Texas — Taylor Sheridan’s “Frisco King” will release in time for the holidays. Paramount+ announced Thursday that the Samuel L. Jackson-led series will premiere two episodes on Friday,
Amazon's Bee launches two new personal AI devices, starting at $75
Amazon-owned Bee has launched its first new AI devices since its acquisition, including an updated wearable and a credit-card-sized recorder that attaches to smartphones. The devices can summarize conversations, create to-do lists, and integrate with Alexa and Amazon shopping, with prices starting at $74.99.
Business Briefs: Oct. 16, 2026
Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. named Legacy Law Firm SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. has been named a 2026 “Legacy” Law Firm by Mass Lawyers Weekly, recognizing firms that have been in practice for 25 years or more and have demonstrated a sustained commitment to serving their communities. Founded in 1969, Shatz, Schwartz […]
Sundance Film Festival passes on sale Thursday
DENVER — Passes for the Sundance Film Festival — which runs Jan. 21-31, 2027 — in Boulder go on sale at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, launching an early ticket
Matchbox Twenty announces 30th anniversary tour
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Matchbox Twenty is celebrating 30 years of music with a North American tour that will bring the rock band to the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles next
Calvin Harris announces first North American headlining tour
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Calvin Harris is bringing his first headlining tour to Southern California next spring, with a stop at Inglewood’s Kia Forum. The Scottish DJ and producer will perform
‘You Can See Everything’ review: Elizabeth Holmes doc is utterly fascinating
OK, let’s just start with what I do not know. Because I am not Elizabeth Holmes, I do not know what is going on inside the head of the former
Michael Che's Minneapolis stand-up special now streaming on Netflix
MINNEAPOLIS — Everyone who wasn’t allowed a bathroom break while “SNL” weekend anchor Michael Che was taping his Netflix special at First Avenue can now find out if their sacrifice
Political Notebook: Oct. 14, 2026
Lavallee, Wondolowski to participate in candidates forum GREENFIELD — Voters in the 1st Franklin District will get a chance to hear directly from the two candidates competing to represent them at the State House in November’s general election. Independent candidate Amy Lavallee and Democratic candidate Lora Wondolowski will appear together at a candidates forum on Wednesday, Oct. […]
‘VisionQuest’ review: ‘WandaVision’ sequel an excellent examination of humanity
Grief, it would seem, is universal, even if you’re an artificial humanoid with a quantum processor for a mind and the face of Paul Bettany. Such is the central premise
List of DVD release dates for Oct. 13 and beyond
Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: OCTOBER 13: DTF St. Louis 16: Finding Emily 20: Masters of the Universe 20:
New PBS docuseries asks how Minnesotans pursue happiness
MINNEAPOLIS — Happiness comes in many forms. But Minnesota has as much of it as anybody, argue the makers of a new docuseries “Pursuit of Happiness.” The three-episode limited series,
New Ed Sheeran tour openers revealed after Macklemore controversy
NEW YORK — Ed Sheeran has found a couple of new opening acts for the United States leg of his Loop Tour amid controversy sparked by his ex-opener, Macklemore, who
Chappell Roan reveals Tinashe, MUNA and more for LA benefit shows
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Chappell Roan has revealed the lineup for her upcoming Super Graphic Spectacular benefit concerts in Los Angeles, with Tinashe, Lola Young, MUNA and Caroline Polachek among the
Céline Dion takes a tumble, but goes on
LOS ANGELES — Céline Dion will go on — even after taking a little tumble onstage. The 58-year-old singer slipped in front of a live audience while performing "Dans un
Nickelback announces 'Everything Under the Sun' tour
DETROIT — Nickelback is headed to Detroit. The Canadian rock band will perform at Little Caesars Arena on March 26, venue officials announced on Friday, Oct. 9. Tickets for the
Eminem appears on new track 'Madara' with rappers Ez Mil, Hideyoshi
DETROIT — Eminem appears on "Madara," a new track from Philippines-born rapper Ez Mil, released overnight on Friday, Oct. 9. "Madara" also features Tokyo rapper Hideyoshi and voice actor Neil
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce new neighbors rail against privacy fence
NEW YORK — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Ohio neighbors aren’t pleased with the privacy measures they’re adopting for their new property, including a security fence and new trees they
Commentary: Not even Tom Cruise could save ‘Digger’
Continuing a concerning trend for Warner Bros. in 2026, its latest release is buried in a financial hole no film can escape. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s "Digger" arrived over the weekend
Exchange Bank commits $50,000 to Georgia College supporting business education and Bobcat Athletics - The Union-Recorder
Georgia College & State University has announced a new five-year $50,000 commitment from Exchange Bank supporting the J. Whitney Bunting College of Business & Technology and GCSU Athletics.
Prince live album leads Record Store Day’s Black Friday list
MINNEAPOLIS — The Prince estate is offering fans something they can all agree on for Black Friday this year: a new live album. The three-LP vinyl or two-CD set “3121
Milania Giudice apologizes to ‘Real Housewives’ mom Teresa after airport incident
NEW YORK — Milania Giudice has publicly apologized to her mother, “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice, following an incident at a Florida airport last month. Milania offered
GSW hosts eighth annual Science Day for area high school students - Americus Times-Recorder
More than 130 area high school students visited Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) on Oct. 2, 2026 for GSW’s eighth annual Science Day, exploring a variety of STEM fields through […]
‘The Social Reckoning’ review: A pale shadow of ‘The Social Network’
There’s a moment in “The Social Reckoning” when a character cites Antigone, John Proctor, “A Tale of Two Cities,” Gandalf and Chicken Little, all in the same sentence; in other
Business Briefs: Oct. 9, 2026
Bank collecting donations to support veterans SHELBURNE FALLS — Greenfield Cooperative Bank invites the community to its Shelburne Falls branch to contribute to a household essentials collection drive supporting veterans through Project New Hope Inc. The drive is offered in partnership with the Northeast Chapter of American Daughters of Conservation and the Massachusetts Bowhunters Association. […]
Television Q&A: When will 'The Rookie' be back on patrol?
You have questions. I have some answers. Q: Is “The Rookie” coming back? I think it's been on TV for four or five years, and I can’t find anything about
Freddie Jackson, fixture of '80s R&B, dead at 69
LOS ANGELES — Freddie Jackson, the bestselling singer and fixture of '80s R&B, has died. He was 69. A statement from Jackson's official social media accounts said on Tuesday that
‘Dirty Dancing’ musical is coming to Broadway next year
NEW YORK — A stage version of the 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing” is coming to Broadway for the first time. “Dirty Dancing: The Musical” waltzes into the Lena Horne Theatre
San Diego Tijuana International Jazz Festival sizzled in SoCal
SAN DIEGO — With a record-setting temperature of 103 degrees, things heated up fast on Saturday in Escondido before a single note was played on the third day of the
New on DVD: Get ready to mingle with 'DTF St. Louis'
Last month's Emmy winner for best limited series tops the DVD releases for the week of Oct. 13. "DTF St. Louis": HBO's seven-episode drama stars Jason Bateman as TV weatherman
List of DVD release dates for Oct. 6 and beyond
Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: OCTOBER 6: Moana 6: Jackass: Best and Last 6: Late Fame 6: Blades of
Zach Bryan breaks Gillette Stadium record in ‘Free Palestine’ shirt
Country singer Zach Bryan broke Gillette Stadium’s all-time attendance record on the second consecutive night he wore a “Free Palestine” T-shirt to perform in Robert Kraft’s Massachusetts venue. “Tonight, Zach
Greenfield Business Association distributes inaugural Buzz Awards
Greenfield Business Association held its first Buzz Awards at Four Phantoms Brewing Co., celebrating local shops like Hope & Olive and Freedom Cafe.
Review: Metallica lives the dream on opening weekend of Sphere residency
LAS VEGAS — “I had a dream last night,” Metallica singer James Hetfield said. “We were playing the Sphere. “So cool.” Indeed, it was, James. Yet, it wasn’t a dream.
TV Tinsel: 'NCIS' franchise explores new territory in Big Apple
The long arm of naval law is stretching into the Big Apple as the new “NCIS: New York” premieres on CBS Tuesday and streams on Paramount+ Wednesday. The omnipresent “NCIS”
Elizabeth Berkley pays tribute to television principal Dennis Haskins
DETROIT — Elizabeth Berkley, who played Jessie Spano on TV's "Saved by the Bell," is paying tribute to her television principal, Dennis Haskins. Haskins, who played Mr. Belding on the
Doobie Brother Michael McDonald meets son he gave up at 14
Doobie Brothers singer and keyboard player Michael McDonald was reunited with the son he gave up for adoption nearly 60 years ago. In the process, the Grammy Award-winning “Yah Mo
‘Abbott Elementary’ teases sixth season changes
PHILADELPHIA — The new season of "Abbott Elementary" is nearly back in session. And from the looks of it, there are some changes coming. In the Season 6 trailer that
Symphony San Jose celebrates 25th anniversary, announces new artistic partners
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Symphony San Jose opens its 25th anniversary season this weekend, celebrating a huge milestone since the orchestra’s “rebirth” following the demise of the old San Jose
First look: Metallica opens Sphere Las Vegas residency in epic fashion
LAS VEGAS — James Hetfield had one question for fans: “Do you want heavy, Vegas?” the Metallica frontman asked the capacity crowd assembled before him and his fellow bandmates —
Review: Bruno Mars is an anti-slop machine at SoFi Stadium
LOS ANGELES — If anyone's career is at risk from the coming AI jobpocalypse, it would seem to be Bruno Mars'. For close to two decades, this crowd-pleasing pop superstar
We Fest announces 2027 summer lineup
MINNEAPOLIS — One longtime Nashville favorite, one newly famous TV star and one of country music’s hottest outlier bands top the decidedly mixed lineup for We Fest 2027. Tim McGraw,
‘Verity’ review: This Anne Hathaway movie’s inert from the get-go
The inert erotic thriller “Verity” begins almost with a rom-com meet-cute, except it’s a meet-horrible. Lowen (Dakota Johnson), a struggling New York writer, is on her way to a publishing
This bluegrass festival circuit creates community through music
WINONA, Minn. — Boats and Bluegrass Festival is a beloved tradition for 3,000 fans of music and recreation on the Mississippi River, but Rebecca Sammis said the annual gathering goes
Business Briefs: Oct. 2, 2026
Coats for Kids drive underway GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank is once again partnering with The Salvation Army for its annual Coats for Kids drive, a community initiative that helps ensure local children have access to warm winter essentials. All 10 bank branches will serve as collection sites, inviting residents to donate new or gently […]
Multi-sport standouts headline Philo Athletic Hall of Fame class
The latest Philo Hall of Fame class features some of the best multi-sport athletes in school history.
‘Digger’ review: Climate change satire will leave you feeling cold
Sometimes, a wildly talented and imaginative artist can make a film that leaves you entirely cold, worn out by the in-your-face-ness of it all. Such is the case with “Digger,”
An immersive 'Dune' experience is coming to downtown Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — An interactive, floor-to-ceiling walk-through "Dune" attraction is coming to Los Angeles in November, and it promises spectacle, as well as a bit of mystery. Step around, and
Movie review: 'Verity' cracks the code of adapting Colleen Hoover's work
Did director Michael Showalter just nail the Colleen Hoover adaptation? The third major movie version of the blockbuster author’s work hits the big screen with “Verity,” and things are starting
Rob Lowe’s niece, Chad Lowe’s daughter Fiona, dead at 13
NEW YORK — Actor Chad Lowe, the younger brother of fellow actor Rob Lowe, is grieving after the loss of his teen daughter. The “Pretty Little Liars” alum shared 13-year-old
Capitalizing on the 'magic pill for health': Bernardston Senior Center distributes 45 Fitbits to encourage activity
The Bernardston Senior Center distributed 45 Fitbits to local seniors via a Mass COA grant to encourage fitness and healthy aging.
'Game of Thrones' movie 'Aegon's Conquest' will hit theaters summer 2029
LOS ANGELES — The Targaryens are looking to conquer the summer box office. "Game of Thrones: Aegon's Conquest" will hit theaters June 1, 2029, according to Deadline. The movie, written
Todd Rundgren: Taylor Swift ruined music, is 'the apotheosis of mediocrity’
Boys and their 1990s allowance-spending shift from music to video games spawned the rise of female artists such as Taylor Swift, who then “ruined music,” at least according to 1970s
Michael Che's new Netflix special is 'Shot in Minnesota'
MINNEAPOLIS — Everyone who wasn’t allowed a bathroom break while “Saturday Night Live” weekend anchor Michael Che was taping his Netflix special at First Avenue is about to find out
Why Neon put a Korean-language thriller in 1,500 US theaters
LOS ANGELES — Director Na Hong-jin’s action movie “Hope” opened in 1,500 U.S. cinemas this month, marking the biggest domestic theatrical footprint for a Korean-language film since the Academy Award-winning
Dennis Haskins of ‘Saved by the Bell’ fame, dies at 75
NEW YORK — Dennis Haskins, the actor who played the ever-exasperated principal Richard Belding on “Saved by the Bell,” has died, according to reports. His agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the
New on DVD: Set sail on adventure with 'Moana' once more
Disney's latest live-action remake of an animated hit tops the DVD releases for the week of Oct. 6. "Moana": The young princess Moana (Catherine Laga'aia) is chosen by the ocean
Lookingglass Theatre has new leaders, including David Schwimmer as producing director
CHICAGO — Lookingglass Theatre has appointed David Catlin, a longtime ensemble member and a Northwestern University faculty member, and Ericka Ratcliff, most recently the literary manager at Chicago Shakespeare Theater,
Lesbian Bar Project Co-Founder: Purity Politics Could Destroy Our Remaining Spaces
Subscribe As a professional lesbian and Massachusetts native, I’ve recently been asked by a lot of folks what I think about the saga unfolding at Last Ditch. The now-viral story, first reported by The Boston Globe, centers on a Western Massachusetts lesbian bar that lifted its mask requirement for one night a week to help drum up business. The decision ignited an intra-queer controversy that has been feasted on by media outlets across the political spectrum—from the New York Post to LGBTQ Nation—and is even reportedly being eyed for a Hollywood adaptation. Apparently nothing is more entertaining than a bunch of lesbians and queers fighting with each other over KN-95s. What has been lost in all of the chatter and media coverage is the very real possibility that Last Ditch, which just opened in April 2025, will have to close its doors. The venue’s one remaining founder, Jackie Matellian, revealed in a community Zoom meeting that she’s working four jobs, is now solely responsible for the bar’s $50,000 business loan and is struggling to keep up with the bills. So as we laugh about the controversy’s similarity to a “Portlandia” skit and how one of the bar’s founders left to enroll in clown school, we forget that yet another lesbian bar is facing an existential crisis—and this time the call is coming from inside the house. In 2020, my friend Elina Street and I created The Lesbian Bar Project, an Emmy-, Webby- and GLAAD Media Award-winning docuseries and initiative that tells the stories of lesbian queer bars around the world. We were moved to act because at the time there were only an estimated 16 lesbian bars in the United States, and the pandemic threatened to bring that number down even further. There are now more sapphic bars than there were just before the pandemic—about 36 of them in total—but this is down from approximately 200 in 1980. Maybe that doesn’t mean much to you, but for the millions of sapphics living in the U.S., this number is calamitous. As the world laughs at lesbians and sapphics, I want to take a second and tell you what I feel when I walk into one of these bars, which are all unique and irreplaceable in their own way: I feel seen. Sometimes I think Cubbyhole in New York City’s West Village neighborhood knew I was gay before I did. When I walked in there for the first time, before I was even out, I was transfixed by the colorful array of tchotchkes hanging from the ceiling and how the women standing next to me were completely unafraid to express their desire for one another. I knew the minute I was ready to come out, I had a home. I also felt the joy of a new couple falling in love at Seattle’s Wildrose, the quiet confidence of a short king lining up her shot at the pool table at Ginger’s in Brooklyn and the kick of cayenne pepper in Julie Mabry’s crawfish at Houston’s Pearl Bar. Subscribe Lesbian bars don’t just serve lesbians; they serve queer folks across the spectrum, including bisexual, pansexual and trans people. As Elina and I traveled across the U.S. and Europe and to parts of Latin America to document the bar owners, staff and patrons that make up the ecosystems of these spaces, we also became uniquely acquainted with the factors that threaten their existence: gentrification, wage gaps, sexism, environmental disasters, gun violence, rising insurance premiums and political administrations working to annihilate queer people and their families. Lesbian bar owners, like all leaders and entrepreneurs, are imperfect. There have been significant issues over the years at lesbian bars: employee harassment, racism, lack of accessibility, sexual assault and transphobia. All bar owners should be held accountable and should listen to their communities to evolve into safer and more equitable spaces. I also acknowledge my privilege: I am able-bodied, white, cis and from a family system that loves me for who I am. Not everyone has that. Queer people, especially trans and bisexual people, are suffering from disproportionately high levels of depression, and our mental health system isn’t equipped to support them. Immunocompromised people and long COVID are real, and many of my friends are suffering to this day. The people with the least safety net are often the ones for whom a bar closing costs the most. And yet, as we’re seeing with Last Ditch, the queer community often lashes out at each other. It’s also the mainstream media taking the internal conflict and making a mockery out of it, distracting from the real possibility that this bar could close due to financial pressures. A bar that many people loved and needed is facing extinction. Perhaps it’s safer to dissent with one another than with the larger forces trying to eradicate us, but in doing so, we risk destroying the few spaces we have left. Due to the constraints of purity politics—some in good faith, some not so much—lesbian bar owners, almost all of whom are queer women themselves, are forced to be everything for everyone, similarly to how women are forced to be everything for everyone. By asking these bars to uphold impossible standards—standards very few other third spaces are asked to consider—we all end up losing. I want to move as a community toward dialogue, compassionate dissent and collaboration to make our spaces better with the goal of keeping them OPEN and thriving, rather than destroying them from the inside with expectations that are arguably unattainable. Subscribe While I have your attention—for this fleeting second of the news cycle—may I urge us to spearhead a way to keep these small businesses afloat without attacking our own community along the way? Bar owners are left with an impasse: They want to be community-centered, but they also have to make money to keep their doors open. Sometimes they might make business decisions that don’t work for everyone—and that’s partly because different patrons have different priorities and want different things—but these owners deserve the opportunity for productive dialogue**.** We have to work with them and with each other to keep our spaces open, to keep them growing. Lesbian bars raised me into the queer woman I am today. One thing I think about as I reflect on the six years of work we’ve done to document these spaces is that shared, unspoken language I have with a stranger the moment we both walk into one of these bars: the nod, the ease, the not having to explain ourselves. I don’t want to lose that, and neither should you. If objective, nonpartisan, rigorous, LGBTQ-focused journalism is important to you, please consider making a tax-deductible donation through our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, Resource Impact, by clicking this button: Donate
List of DVD release dates for Sept. 29 and beyond
Following is a partial schedule of coming movies on DVD. Release dates are subject to change: SEPTEMBER 29: Affection 29: Happy's Place: Season Two 29: Law & Order: Special Victims
Commentary: Never heard 'Choosin' Texas'? Consider that a wake-up call
Music fans and journalists who spent the last few months looking for the song of the summer faced a plot twist fit for Hollywood: The winner was a single released
Business Breakdown series being revived in Greenfield
Greenspace CoWork is reviving its Business Breakdown series on Oct. 1 with guest Victoria Tubbs of Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory.
What to expect at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards
NEW YORK — MTV’s Video Music Awards will be handed out Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. While anything can happen at this traditionally wild event, Madonna is
Oceans Calling cancels entire festival as storm silences Ocean City event
BALTIMORE — Oceans Calling canceled the rest of its three-day festival Friday, ending hopes that crews could overcome worsening wind and beach erosion to stage shows Saturday and Sunday at
Taylor Swift's new 'Encore' songs, ranked from worst to best
LOS ANGELES — "You only need to find one person in this entire world who doesn't find you completely insufferable." That's the wisdom Taylor Swift dispenses near the end of
Grammy Museum expands Olivia Rodrigo exhibit with ‘Note by Note’
ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles is inviting Olivia Rodrigo fans on a trip down memory lane. The new “Note by Note” exhibit, which opened Friday and
Sean Gunn retires from 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Rocket raccoon role
LOS ANGELES — Sean Gunn has no plans to continue his motion capture role for "Guardians of the Galaxy" character Rocket raccoon. The physical demands involved in creating Marvel Cinematic