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Brian Schottenheimer's message to Cowboys in Rio: 'It's a business trip'
Rio is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but as the Dallas Cowboys prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil, the message from Brian Schottenheimer is crystal-clear.
Arzana raises $4.3M to automate factory paperwork
Growing up around manufacturing in Okoboji, William Alexander wondered if there were ways to make administrative tasks more efficient to give manufacturers more time to focus on their specialties. After graduating from Stanford University, Alexander teamed up with classmate Marshall Kools to develop Arzana, which builds custom artificial intelligence models around client workflows and data,…
Taylor Swift has a message for the haters on her new song ‘Cleveland!’
Swift, who dropped a deluxe version of her latest album on Friday, included an ode to her husband, Travis Kelce.
Hopping mad: New health warning stirs up Belgian brewers
In a country famed worldwide for its beer, a proposed tweak to health warnings on adverts for alcoholic drinks...
New army rules from Codex: Adeptus Custodes
See how martial ka’tahs show off ten millennia of Custodian combat skill.
‘It’s been transformational’ | Ribbon cut for Science Stadium, celebrating partnership between Bills, Sabres, Bandits and Buffalo Museum of Science
Science Stadium, the new Buffalo Museum of Science (BMS) exhibit created in partnership with the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, and Buffalo Bandits, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday – in a very Buffalonian way.
Call Of Duty: Warzone Is Adding A Button To Hide All The Goofy Skins
No more Beavis and Butt-Head in your matches.
LRZ Hosts TPC Europe Hackathon on AI for Science and Supercomputing
Agentic AI is currently a hot topic in the scientific community: during the Trillion Parameter Consortium’s autumn hackathon at the LRZ, teams presented practical solutions designed to make supercomputers more accessible and research projects more efficient. Sept. 24, 2026 — In the seminar rooms of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), small groups stand in front […]
LRZ Hosts TPC Europe Hackathon on AI for Science and Supercomputing
Agentic AI is currently a hot topic in the scientific community: during the Trillion Parameter Consortium’s autumn hackathon at the LRZ, teams presented practical solutions designed to make supercomputers more accessible and research projects more efficient. Sept. 24, 2026 — In the seminar rooms of the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre (LRZ), small groups stand in front […]
House Science Leaders Introduce a $10 Billion Fusion Bill
The bipartisan proposal from the House Science Committee comes with the backing of the Fusion Industry Association.
Call of Duty: Warzone Is Getting a New Toggle That Lets You Turn Off All Those Goofy Skins
Call of Duty: Warzone is getting a new Operator Skin toggle, which means you can finally turn off all those goofy skins.
iOS 27.2 beta arrives. How to try the new iPhone Health app.
The new Health app isn't launching on iOS 27.2, but you can still try it early.
AI tools generated nearly $1 billion in extra costs, Blue Cross insurers say
AI tools are raising health spending for insurers by nearly $1 billion over two years, as providers bill for more severe patient care, according to a Blue Cross Blue Shield Association study released Thursday.
‘America’s Got Talent’ reveals season 21 winner — see who won the $1 million prize
‘America’s Got Talent’ reveals the winner of season 21 after a night filled with guest performers and dramatic announcements of the results.
Health dept. lists Shelby Co.’s top air polluters in pitch to raise fines for emission violations
They also specifically noted where Elon Musk’s tech company, SpaceXAI, ranked during the morning discussion on hospitals and health at the Shelby County Commission.
Local health officials urge residents to get vaccinated after measles case in Adams County
After the Indiana Department of Health confirmed a measles case in Adams County, local health leaders are urging people to check their immunization status.
Max Scherzer's answer on MLB future may surprise baseball fans
The latest indications from Scherzer are that he might have more in the tank.
Justin Verlander Reveals How Long He Will Pitch on Saturday
A.J. Pierzynski says Justin Verlander plans to push for 100 pitches and pitch “until my arm falls off” in his final MLB start.
Microsoft unveils new Surface Pro 12-inch and Surface Laptop 13-inch with Snapdragon X2 Plus, brighter screens, and 5G options
The company is launching its new "entry premium" Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, both starting at over $1,000.
Drugmaker Astellas looks to sell U.S. headquarters in Northbrook
The 431,792-square-foot property will provide a rare data point on whether buyers will still pay up for well-located, high-quality suburban office buildings.
Navy All-American Bowl to honor tight end Korz Loken
The Navy All-American Bowl Road to the Dome tour will visit Thunderbird Field in Scandinavia, Wisconsin, on September 25th to recognize Korz Loken as a 2027 Navy All-American.
GOP hold on South Carolina’s Senate seat is slipping
Cook Political Report reclassified the race favoring Sen. Darline Graham from “solid Republican” to “likely Republican.”
Quinn Meinerz and Garett Bolles Are Powering the Broncos' Commitment to the Run Game
Quinn Meinerz has a 90.9 PFF grade and zero penalties through two games, and Garett Bolles leads Denver's line as three starters still find their footing.
Xbox's Latest Merger Means 'Forza Motorsport' Is Almost Certainly Done
Forza Horizon developer Playground and Forza Motorsport creators Turn 10 are merging into one studio focused on the Forza and Fable franchises.
Alamo Museum Brings Karankawa History to Life for Students
Homeschool students received a hands-on lesson in Texas Indigenous history Sept. 22 as Maria del Pilar Garza Museum Director Alejandro Oyoque shared his knowledge of the Karankawa people and guided students in building a bow.
West Tennessee Healthcare announces plans to bring labor and delivery back to Henry County
West Tennessee Healthcare announced plans to bring labor and delivery services back to Henry County Tuesday, with a goal of welcoming the first deliveries in spring 2027.
Who won the NEBA forum? Derzypolski, Perez compete for business vote
Tallahassee commission candidates Tom Derzypolski and P.J. Perez shared their plans for city growth at a recent forum.
MIT welcomes David Siegel SM ’86, PhD ’91 as its next Innovation Fellow
Computer scientist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist David Siegel has joined MIT as an Innovation Fellow, where he will collaborate with the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing to advance AI and scientific discovery.
Kostoulas & Vuskovic shining for high-flying Seagulls
Brighton are flying high under the youngest manager in the top flight after five games of the Premier League season. Fabian Hurzeler guided his side to a 3-0 victory against Arsenal on the 125-year anniversary of the club in style - and the Seagulls sit in a very pleasing third place in the table. Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall told Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast that the Gunners were "out-thought and out-battled".
Knowtion Health and Ghamut Launch Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Provider Revenue Cycle Management Solutions
/PRNewswire/ -- Knowtion Health, a healthcare company specializing in complex revenue recovery for providers, today announced the launch of a strategic...
Germany's great divide: Is Friedrich Merz losing the center?
In this Berlin Briefing, Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner and Max Hofmann discuss the far-right AfD party's ambitions, why Berlin's Left Party win is no Mamdani moment, and what's next for Germany's embattled chancellor.
Chinese Hackers Exploit Chrome-Windows Zero-Day Chain to Deploy CLEANGULP Malware
UTA0565 exploited a Chrome-Windows zero-day chain through fake websites to deploy CLEANGULP malware against Asian government entities.
Britain's JD Sports says Nike turnaround is only a matter of time
Nike is taking the right steps to revive its business and a turnaround is only a matter of time, said the finance chief of British sports and fashion retailer JD Sports , one of the U.S. group's largest customers.
Britain's JD Sports says Nike turnaround is only a matter of time
Nike is taking the right steps to revive its business and a turnaround is only a matter of time, said the finance chief of British sports and fashion retailer JD Sports , one of the U.S. group's largest customers.
ESPN college basketball analyst dies unexpectedly at 47
He also previously coached at Duke under his father-in-law Mike Krzyzewski.
ESPN college basketball analyst dies unexpectedly at 47
He also previously coached at Duke under his father-in-law Mike Krzyzewski.
Did Tri-City Latino business leader threaten Canadian immigrant with ICE?
“Immigration is not a joke. It’s serious what’s going on in our world today.”
Penn State chemist receives 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath Award
Lauren Zarzar, professor of chemistry and materials science and engineering, has been named a recipient of the 2026 Schmidt Science Polymath Award.
Sen. Lesser Statement on Trump Administration Healthcare Cuts
Sen. Lesser Statement on Trump Administration Healthcare Cuts Today, State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, issued a statement in response to Vice President J.D. Vance announcing that 760,000 Americans will be losing health insurance. The Vice President claims that 760,000 people were fraudulently enrolled in Affordable Care Act coverage, and 419,000 more people would face…
Scientists identify 'sweet spot' for early stage of life on Earth that preceded LUCA, the ancestor of all living things
New research has pinned down the onset of the "RNA World," a hypothetical time in Earth's very early history when RNA was the primary replicating substance.
Xbox Is Merging Its Two Forza Teams Into One Studio Focused On Forza Horizon And Fable
Playground Games and Turn 10 are merging
Turkish military pension fund OYAK eyes foreign partnership on energy as it expands business
Turkish military pension fund OYAK is in talks with a major global energy company over a strategic partnership in fuel distributor Guzel Enerji, with the outcome expected to become clear by early next year.
Xbox is merging its Forza developers into a single studio
Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios staff will now focus on Forza Horizon and Fable together.
Entertainment-Booking Startup Ande Raises $52 Million From Lightspeed, Redpoint
Personal AI agents like Instinct and Muse have promised to take away the hassle of booking hard-to-get restaurant reservations, Broadway tickets and sporting events. Now, a startup is coming out of stealth to do the same for corporate entertainment—events, group dining, catering, sporting events ...
The Next Frontier of Attribution Science Has Arrived
New research finds that Europe’s 2025 heat wave was made measurably worse by greenhouse gas emissions since the Paris Agreement.
One of country music’s best bands loses beloved member indefinitely: ‘My heart is full’
He issued a statement through the band announcing that he was stepping away.
Science in Oxford - The end of the Universe at the Schwarzman
Cleo Turner considers Professor Brian Schmidt's fascinating lecture on the past, present and future of our universe.
Jiang Feng: The Unravelling of German & European Politics
A state election in eastern Germany has become a revealing test of the changing political landscapes of Germany and Europe, writes Jiang Feng, Professor and Chairman of the Council of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS) at Shanghai International Studies University. His analysis follows the decisive victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) (which has been classified as right-wing extremist by German authorities)in the state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, in which it finished far ahead of its mainstream rivals. Jiang previously served as Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The following article was published on 8 September 2026 on huanqiu.com, the online platform of the Global Times. On 6 September, the results of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, were announced. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), classified as far-right by German authorities, made history by becoming the largest party in the state parliament, winning 43.8 per cent of the vote — twice its share in the previous election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which had governed the state continuously for 24 years, won just 17.2 per cent, its worst result ever in Saxony-Anhalt. On the night the results were announced, the atmosphere at the CDU gathering was unusually calm. There was neither shock nor argument, as if the defeat had long been expected. Several veteran party members who had spent years working in the state government said: “Defeat is not a bad thing. It is time to make changes.” This state election has not only upended Saxony-Anhalt’s political landscape, but also laid bare the deep tensions between Germany’s traditional party structure and model of governance, on the one hand, and an increasingly polarised society on the other. Its repercussions are already being felt at the federal level, making Saxony-Anhalt a useful case study of the broader trend towards political polarisation and realignment in Europe. Governing Difficulties after Electoral Victory The most immediate consequence of the election is a historic setback for the mainstream party order that took shape in post-war Germany. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has leapt from a peripheral party to the largest political force in the state. Its electoral base has expanded beyond the traditional category of “marginal protest voters” to take on the characteristics of a cross-class coalition. The party has not only consolidated its support in rural areas, but also attracted many middle-class voters and even members of the social elite with stable jobs, their own homes, and substantial incomes. It has thus evolved from a “protest party” into one with the potential to govern. Despite its commanding lead in the vote, however, the AfD faces an institutional obstacle to governing the state: the mainstream parties’ long-standing “firewall” against it. Neither of the two potential routes to forming a government appears likely to break the current political deadlock. The first would be a coalition of establishment parties, led by the CDU and bringing together the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in a cross-camp government. In terms of parliamentary arithmetic, such a coalition could prevent the AfD from forming a government and preserve the outward stability of the traditional political order. Yet these parties are fundamentally divided over key issues including immigration, the energy transition, economic management, and cultural and education policy. Coalition negotiations would therefore be extremely difficult, and even if a government could be formed, it would most likely prove short-lived. More importantly, an alliance of establishment parties aimed at keeping the largest party out of government would play directly into the AfD’s narrative that “political elites are suppressing public opinion”. It could deepen perceptions of political unfairness, further strengthening the AfD’s political capital, and creating a dynamic in which “the more it is suppressed, the more people vote for it”. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s candidate for state premier, has said that if efforts to form a government fail because other parties refuse to cooperate, the AfD will push for a fresh election, which he believes could deliver the party an absolute majority of seats. This points to more intense political battles ahead. The second option would be a coalition between the AfD and the BSW. Together, the two parties would command a simple majority in parliament, making this, on paper, the quickest route to forming a government. The BSW is the only elected party that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD, and the two parties share some common ground, including on policy towards Russia. There is therefore a degree of political basis for cooperation. Were such a coalition to materialise, Germany would see its first state government jointly formed by a party defined as far-right and one with a far-left background, creating what might be called a “bipolar anti-establishment alliance”. Such an outcome would fundamentally break with the ideological boundaries of post-war German party politics. It is worth noting that even if the AfD ultimately fails to enter the state government, its roughly 47 per cent share of parliamentary seats would give it a powerful blocking minority. Without its consent, major decisions requiring a two-thirds majority — including constitutional amendments, significant budgetary adjustments, and state-level institutional reforms — would be extremely difficult to pass. Therefore, whoever ultimately forms the government, the AfD will be an unavoidable force in Saxony-Anhalt politics, with a direct influence on the state’s legislative process. Systemic Failures in Germany’s Governance Model The Saxony-Anhalt election result reflects a systemic failure of Germany’s post-war mainstream-party model of governance to adapt to rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions. It stems from multiple, mutually reinforcing structural tensions and highlights the existing political system’s difficulty in adapting to “an increasingly polarised society First, collective anxiety has replaced individual material hardship as a central driver of political mobilisation. The rise of the AfD can no longer be explained simply by poverty or social marginalisation. Its increasingly cross-class electoral base suggests that what is driving voters towards the party is, above all, concern about the broader direction of society. This anxiety about the future of the political community goes beyond individual gains and losses. In political discourse, economic anxiety has become closely intertwined with immigration, while immigration and refugee issues are, in essence, questions of social fairness. This perception turns conflicts over the distribution of social resources into negative assessments of governing parties, providing a broad social basis for far-right political narratives. Second, regional disparities and East German identity have undermined the strategy of addressing eastern Germany’s structural challenges at the regional level. More than three decades after German reunification, eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt have experienced periods of economic growth, but their underlying economic structures remain weak, and household incomes and wealth remain significantly below those in western Germany. At the same time, they continue to face population outflow, an ageing population, labour shortages, and other structural challenges. At a deeper level, historical experiences — including the collapse of the former East German economic system, mass unemployment during the transition, and the westward shift of decision-making power over major issues — have left some residents with a sense of being “second-class citizens” and of being excluded. For years, the German government treated the “syndrome” of reunification as a regional problem to be gradually addressed at the local level. That approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as regional development disparities emerge as a core structural factor shaping national politics. Third, the erosion of institutional trust is perhaps the most decisive factor. AfD supporters tend to distrust establishment institutions, including parliament, government, and the mainstream media. Their concerns about economic security, pensions, and social fairness are significantly greater than the social average. Increasingly, their support for the AfD reflects not an expectation that the existing system can be improved, but a search for an alternative to the current political order. Such a systemic deficit of trust will be extremely difficult for the traditional parties to repair in the short term. Fourth, a generational shift in political mobilisation has amplified political polarisation. Unlike traditional parties, which rely heavily on offline rallies and mainstream media coverage, the AfD has developed a social-media mobilisation strategy built around “raising an issue — identifying who is responsible — offering a simplified solution — building a shared identity”. It turns complex social tensions into concise political narratives, rapidly channelling public sentiment into political support. The contrast on the eve of the election was particularly telling. The establishment parties, together with trade unions and churches, organised an offline march attended by more than 10,000 people, but its reach was largely confined to those present and to traditional media coverage. The AfD held a much smaller indoor event, yet livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, combined with the involvement of online influencers, gave it a reach and mobilising capacity far beyond that of the march. The contrast illustrates how the traditional parties’ methods of political mobilisation are increasingly struggling to keep pace with a political environment transformed by changes in media technology. A Microcosm of Structural Political Change in Europe The shockwaves from the Saxony-Anhalt election quickly travelled beyond the state to the federal level. Calls for political accountability followed immediately after the results were announced. The governing CDU and SPD are now under enormous pressure, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil face an unprecedented test. Political polarisation in Germany is no longer simply a regional phenomenon. The post-war model of multiparty government by establishment parties is breaking down and being reshaped. Viewed in a broader European context, the Saxony-Anhalt election is part of a continent-wide wave of party polarisation, mainstream-party decline, and rising right-wing forces. Far from an isolated phenomenon, it is a microcosm of the structural political changes unfolding across Europe. Weak economic growth, cultural tensions over immigration, and declining trust in institutions are fuelling the rise of right-wing forces in several countries, challenging the liberal internationalist order established in post-war Europe. As a core member state of the European Union, Germany’s ability to adapt its political system and the direction of its politics will have profound implications for both European integration and the evolution of the international order. Subscribe [ Pekingnology China’s Germany watchers take stock of Berlin’s uneasy turn On 7 December 2025, nearly 50 Chinese scholars and policy researchers gathered in Beijing for the 2025年德国形势年终研讨会 “2025 Year-End Seminar on the Situation in Germany… Read more 9 months ago · 31 likes · 1 comment · YIRUI LI and Yuxuan JIA ](https://www.pekingnology.com/p/chinas-germany-watchers-take-stock?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1151841) [ Jiang Feng on Germany's 2025 and beyond: no easy exit ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond) Yirui LI and Yuxuan JIA · Jan 24 The following is an op-ed by Jiang Feng, published on 29 December 2025 at Shanghai Observer 上观新闻, the digital platform of Jiefang Daily, the official newspaper of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). [ Read full story ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond)
Werner Herzog's 'Ghost Elephants' Lands Deal With Buffalo 8
Buffalo 8 Distribution acquires home entertainment rights to Werner Herzog's documentary 'Ghost Elephants,' with Sobey Road Entertainment.
Construction halted on Ken Griffin’s $2.5 billion Miami headquarters
A drilling rig toppled at the Citadel construction site, crushing three vehicles and prompting Miami-Dade County to stop work pending an investigation.
Friedrich Merz fights for political survival after CDU debacle: 'Federal politics played a major role, and so did I'
Refusing to take sole responsibility for his party's defeats in the regional elections of September 6 and 20, the German chancellor has insisted he will not step down and has promised to reopen talks on reforms with his coalition partner, the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
Original ‘Lioness’ star opens up about her shocking return in the season 3 finale: ‘I screamed’
The ‘Lioness’ actor behind the surprise cameo at the end of the season 3 finale is sharing the details of her shocking return.
Kamala Harris campaigning for Democrats in 2026 midterms as her 2028 decision looms
Harris has not announced any upcoming trips to South Carolina, where Democrats will hold their first primary. She has emphasized the importance of focusing on the midterms for now.
Germany’s political center suffers historic blow, Turkey weighs coming to Saudi Arabia’s aid, Major TV networks support outlets banned from White House
Two weeks ago, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was “shocked” when his conservative CDU party got creamed by the hard right AfD in local elections in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. That was just the start.
Friedrich Merz's political crisis threatens Germany's obsession with stability
Political shifts in Germany are being watched closely in Europe and beyond, Katya Adler writes.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 20 best roles, ranked
From unstoppable cyborgs to lovable oddballs, these are the best performances of Arnie’s more than 50-year acting career.
Erosion of Germany's political centre exposes Merz's weakening grip on power
Germany's far right and far left both made big gains in Sunday's state elections, exposing yet again the erosion of the political centre in Europe's largest economy as well as Chancellor Friedrich Merz's weakening hold on power.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico to sue Trump administration over White House access
CNN By Katelyn Polantz, Brian Stelter, CNN (CNN) — The three national news outlets President Donald Trump banned from the White House — CNN, MS NOW, and Politico — are filing a critical First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access. The emergency request is set to go before a federal judge in the DC District
Leading K-12 Schools Guide 2026
OCBJ's Leading K-12 Schools Guide profiles Orange County's top independent and faith-based schools — a trusted resource for choosing where children learn.
Holiday Event & Entertaining Guide 2026
As Orange County’s business calendar turns toward the holidays, where you gather says as much as what you serve. OCBJ’s Holiday Event & Entertaining Guide profiles the venues and culinary destinations setting the standard for the season, from client receptions to team celebrations to entertaining at home. This year’s lineup spans the county’s most distinguished […]
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
Moon phase today explained: What the Moon will look like on September 21, 2026
The Moon is getting more illuminated each night.
AfD wins Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as Berlin swings left
Merz’s CDU set to crash out of north-east state parliament after its worst result in any German election since 1945
Holy Cross fosters civil discourse over contentious topics
The college's “Dialogue Dinners” invite students to engage in constructive discourse, led by a student facilitator, that begins with an acknowledgement that the conversation should start from a point of curiosity, not critique.
Sunday Sports: JCC women’s basketball back to work and more
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Sunday.
Braves clinch division title as Red Sox reach MLB playoffs
Mike Yastrzemski smacked a game-winning three-run homer to lead Atlanta over Houston 4-2 on Sunday as the Braves clinched their seventh Major League Baseball division title in nine seasons.
Big gains for far-right AfD, big losses for center-right CDU
Chancellor Merz's CDU is suffering heavy losses in two German state elections, while the far-right AfD is polling first in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In Berlin, meanwhile, the Left Party is celebrating.
Ed Sheeran's Cousin Slams Singer, Calls Him a 'Coward' Amid Controversy
Ed Sheeran's cousin is publicly condemning his famous family member amid the controversy surrounding the decision to unceremoniously remove Macklemore from the singer's Loop Tour for his unapologetic support of the Palestinian people.
Ed Sheeran's Cousin Slams Singer, Calls Him a 'Coward' Amid Controversy
Ed Sheeran's cousin is publicly condemning his famous family member amid the controversy surrounding the decision to unceremoniously remove Macklemore from the singer's Loop Tour for his unapologetic support of the Palestinian people.
'La Bola Negra' wins TIFF's People Choice Award, putting it on Oscar path
“La Bola Negra,” the Spanish queer epic about the intertwined lives of three gay men, won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, confirming its status as a major Oscar contender.
AfD edges SPD in Meckpomm as Berlin swings left
Merz’s CDU slumps, with its worst-ever result in any election since the Second World War
Political Beat Preview: House District 98
Incumbent Democrat Beth Helfrich is seeking re-election and facing a challenge from former Republican representative John Rhodes in North Carolina’s 98th House district that covers the northern part of Mecklenburg County.
Power & Politics: Legionnaires cluster in the South Bronx; the rapid growth of artificial intelligence; Regents exams no longer a graduation requirement
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz join the show this week.
Power & Politics: Legionnaires cluster in the South Bronx; the rapid growth of artificial intelligence; Regents exams no longer a graduation requirement
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz join the show this week.
German state elections on track for high turnout with Merz's future on the line
Seven percentage-points higher turnout in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, four points in Berlin
4 Habits That Make Brain Fog Worse, According to Mental Health Experts
Brain fog can make getting through the day feel harder than usual. Mental health experts explain four common habits that can worsen brain fog, and what to do instead.
German elections under way which could decide fate of Chancellor Merz
The chancellor is facing intense political pressure which will increase if his party struggles in Sunday's polls.
Berlin and 'Meckpomm' head to the polls in high-stakes state elections
Germany’s emptiest and most crowded states could deliver a verdict on Merz
Phoenix groups team up to bring health care, hot meals to those in need
A Phoenix-based outreach organization is partnering with a mobile medical clinic to bring health services directly to neighborhoods across the city.
There was a possible measles exposure at Philadelphia International Airport
The city department of public health is notifying travelers and others of the possible exposure, which is unrelated to the recent measles exposures at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Saturday Sports: Football, soccer, and swimming updates from around the North Country
Here’s a recap of your North Country sports this Saturday.
Three Things We Learned From Brighton 3-0 Arsenal
Fabian Hürzeler’s high-intensity press dismantled the champions at the Amex as standout new signings and tactical fluidity exposed rare vulnerabilities in Mikel Arteta’s previously impenetrable defense.
Brighton 3-0 Arsenal: What Hurzeler and Gross said
Brighton have now won at home against the reigning Premier League champions in each of the last three seasons, beating Manchester City in 2024-25, Liverpool in 2025-26 and Arsenal today. No player has been involved in more Premier League goals this season than Brighton's Gross (six – three goals, three assists), who scored and assisted against Arsenal today.
Ensuring Continuity in Science Education for Bar Harbor Students
Parents express concerns over Bar Harbor's science curriculum continuity post-pandemic, urging reevaluation of the current instructional model.
Top Stories: iOS 27 and macOS Golden Gate Out Now, Siri AI Waitlist, and More
All of Apple's products introduced at last week's event with the exception of the iPhone Duo are now available, with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 all launching on Friday. While new hardware is always a welcome arrival, users of existing hardware also got big upgrades this week with the releases of iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate and more.
Sutton's predictions: Brighton v Arsenal
There might be a bit of an edge to this one after Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler had a pop at Arsenal over their time-wasting when they beat the Seagulls near the end of last season. It doesn't seem to matter who they are missing from their team, Brighton are just bold as brass with the way they press and get men forward. Luka Vuskovic, who they got from Spurs for £46m in the summer, is only 19 but he strolled through the game against United.
How a fun night out got to be so expensive
With the cost of concerts, sports games and restaurants far outpacing inflation, more people are staying home.
Review: Rebel Wilson's 'Girl Group' is one of the worst movies ever made
Jennifer Coolidge, Nicole Scherzinger, Shaznay Lewis, and Jamie-Lee O'Donnell co-star.
Arteta refuses to reignite war of words with Fabian Hurzeler
Fabian Hurzeler has refused to take back his comments after claiming only Brighton played football when they faced Arsenal in their previous meeting. The Brighton manager criticised the Gunners’ app...
Volunteer days initiative unites Sarasota businesses, nonprofits and community
This is the fifth year of the initiative bringing together Sarasota’s business community, and local non-profits.
Top Takeaways From Variety Entertainment and Technology Summit 2026
Industry professionals discussed AI, fandom, the creator economy and more at the 2026 Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit presented by EY.
Forza Horizon 6, Skyrim, and More Microsoft-Published Games Are Getting Big Discounts in Best Buy’s Deal of the Day
Best Buy has dropped big discounts on Starfield for PS5, Skyrim for Switch 2, and a few more Microsoft-published games, but only for today.
Did Lizzie Borden inspire Aileen Wuornos? Netflix's 'Monster' series says she did.
Sarah Paulson plays serial killer Aileen Wuornos in...a Lizzie Borden series?
Mirza wants to take Plymouth Parkway into EFL
Kuwaiti businessman Muizz Mirza says he wants to lead seventh-tier Plymouth Parkway into the English Football League.
A new entertainment and dining venue is coming to Lakewood Ranch. What to know
The new concept will have food trucks, games and live music with indoor and outdoor seating.
Brighton Handed Injury Boost Ahead of Arsenal Clash
Fabian Hürzeler welcomes key starters back to the squad as the Seagulls aim to derail the league leaders’ momentum in a high-stakes showdown at the Amex.
Fabian Hurzeler explains Jason Ayto’s Brighton exit: ‘It was the wrong moment’
Ayto parted company with Brighton in June, just nine months after arriving as sporting director.