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Nintendo Shares First Look At Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Switch 2 World Map
See how it compares to the original game
Chicago Blackhawks Coach Makes his Stance Clear on Analytics
One of the great debates when looking at the modern NHL game has been how much to rely on analytics when it comes to assessing on-ice play. While analytics can provide more usual information that may be missed by the casual observer, there are often flaws with how these models function. Sometimes, the old school […] The post Chicago Blackhawks Coach Makes his Stance Clear on Analytics appeared first on HEAVY.
Prepping Now for Small Business Saturday 2026 and the Holiday Season - Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
By Barbara Weltman – Small Business Saturday this year is November 28, the first Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 26). The day follows what’s come to be known as Black Friday. November 30, is Cyber Monday. All in all, small business owners and their teams have a busy extended weekend to plan for. Many small businesses report […]
Former Cowboys Starter Headlines Packers’ 3 DB Workouts
The Green Bay Packers worked out three players after their Week 2 win against the New York Jets, per the league’s transaction wire. Defensive backs Chris Edmonds, Wande Owens, and Juanyeh Thomas were all brought in for workouts on Monday. The Packers were already thin in their safety room. They signed Kahlef Hailassie to their […] The post Former Cowboys Starter Headlines Packers’ 3 DB Workouts appeared first on HEAVY.
Former First-Round Pick Named Breakout Candidate for Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets didn’t make any big-time additions over the offseason. So, in addition to health, the Rockets will need some of their younger players to step up if the team is going to take a step forward in the coming campaign.One particular young Rockets player has been named a potential breakout candidate heading into the […] The post Former First-Round Pick Named Breakout Candidate for Houston Rockets appeared first on HEAVY.
The Blood of Dawnwalker Update to Add Easier Difficulty Setting for Players Who Don't Want Combat
The first major The Blood of Dawnwalker update will introduce an easier difficulty option for "people who don't want to experience combat" when it launches in October.
Maple Leafs Already Dealing With Mystery Injury
The Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to win a game so far in the expedited preseason schedule, though it’s good for the club to work out any bugs between now and the start of the regular season while also not icing their full roster of starters.However, the Maple Leafs are already dealing with an injury […] The post Maple Leafs Already Dealing With Mystery Injury appeared first on HEAVY.
‘Springfield is safe’; Downtown business owners address safety concerns after Saturday morning shooting
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Downtown business owner Jamie Logan said that if he had been asked a few years ago how he felt about downtown Springfield’s safety, he would have a much different answer th…
Vikings Hot Start Earns Major Recognition From FOX Sports
The Minnesota Vikings came in at the third spot on Fox’s NFL Power Rankings on Monday afternoon. The outlet put the rankings on social media.The Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks were the two teams ahead of the Vikings. In the meantime, the team has a ton of momentum after beating the Chicago Bears by a […] The post Vikings Hot Start Earns Major Recognition From FOX Sports appeared first on HEAVY.
Seattle Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba Now In “MVP Discussion”
Seattle Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba now finds himself in the MVP conversation after two outstanding weeks to being the NFL season. Last year, Smith-Njigba won the Offensive Player of the Year after tallying 1829 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns. However, after two games in the 2026 NFL season, Smith-Njigba has 277 yards and 4 touchdowns. […] The post Seattle Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba Now In “MVP Discussion” appeared first on HEAVY.
St. Louis Cardinals at Pittsburgh Pirates Series Preview
I don’t know about you, but I already miss baseball even though there are still two series to go. For the St. Louis Cardinals, those final 6 games of the 2026 campaign will be completed on the road with the first stop being in Pittsburgh starting Tuesday night. There’s little at stake other than pride, […]
Brooklyn Rider Quartet Opens Santa Ynez Valley Concert Series
Brooklyn Rider quartet will perform at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos. (Courtesy photo) The first concert of the 2026-27 Santa
Britain's Burnham to meet Trump and make UN debut after offering UK military support for Saudis
Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time.
Detroit Tigers Announce Sudden Max Clark Move Before Nationals Series
The Detroit Tigers were officially eliminated from the postseason over the weekend after making it in each of the last two seasons.It was simply an underwhelming 2026 campaign for them, and on Monday night, they’ll begin a series against the Washington Nationals as they wind down the regular season.Ahead of the matchup, Tigers manager A.J. […] The post Detroit Tigers Announce Sudden Max Clark Move Before Nationals Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Siena women's basketball opens practice with sights set on Fairfield
Siena, seeking its first Metro title since 2001, opens the season Nov. 2 against Brown at UHY Center.
Packers Must Get More Creative with First Down Play-Calling
Predictable patterns nearly derailed Green Bay against the Jets. Matt LaFleur must unleash Jordan Love early to avoid stalled drives before a high-stakes Week 3 clash in Atlanta.
Ex-Eagles Super Bowl Champion Signs With Detroit Lions: Report
The Philadelphia Eagles are enjoying their 2-0 record after beating the Tennessee Titans, and they are seeing their former players sign with other teams. One of those teams is the Detroit Lions, which is adding a former Eagle to its practice squad. ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler said the Lions will sign veteran safety Jalen […] The post Ex-Eagles Super Bowl Champion Signs With Detroit Lions: Report appeared first on HEAVY.
Steelers HC Mike McCarthy Addresses Talent Issue
Following a demoralizing blowout loss, Pittsburgh’s first-year coach blames coaching details rather than a lack of roster depth as a struggling offensive line prepares for a brutal divisional test.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah Reveals Excitement After Durham Win
Nottingham Forest Women's Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah has revealed the excitement in the squad after recording their first win of the season.
Tulane Football Seeks First Complete Game Against Southern Miss
The Tulane Green Wave have yet to put it all together in one game, and that'll be an important thing to display ahead of conference play.
Kylian Mbappé responds to Madrid Derby referee drama
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé has on Monday spoken publicly for the first time regarding the fallout from yesterday’s Madrid Derby. This of course comes as chatter surrounding the matchup continue...
Evaluating Bobby Webster's First Offseason In Expanded Role
The long-time Raptors executive has the team back on track to contention.
Line Combinations: Jets vs. Avalanche
The Winnipeg Jets are set to open their home exhibition schedule on Monday evening, as the Colorado Avalanche roll into town for the first pre-season game to be played at Canada Life Centre this fall.
Trump shows off new White House helipad, but networks skip coverage during First Amendment fight
President Trump has unveiled a new White House helicopter landing pad while trying to downplay a First Amendment firestorm.
Buccaneers Called Out Over $17 Million Free Agent Bust
Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have signed a $17 million free-agent bust. The post Buccaneers Called Out Over $17 Million Free Agent Bust appeared first on HEAVY.
Can the Chicago White Sox Make the World Series?
On Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, the Chicago White Sox lost their 21st straight game. That brought their record to 27-88, 41.5 games out of first place days into August. 53 days later, the 2024 White Sox became the worst team in modern MLB history, losing its 121st game. “There are no excuses,” wrote chairman and […] The post Can the Chicago White Sox Make the World Series? appeared first on The Lead.
Amarillo TTUHSC doctor named first Public Health Champion
The Texas Association of City and County Health Officials have named a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) doctor their first Public Health Champion.
Presley Gerber may have suffered overdose, cardiac arrest: dispatch audio
Presley Gerber may have suffered an overdose and gone into cardiac arrest when he died at a rehab facility on Sunday, according to audio of the call summoning first responders.
Michigan State Report Card: No Answers After Halftime
Pat Fitzgerald's first road trip at Michigan State ended with grades nobody wanted to see. #GoGreen
Five Things I learned about UTEP this week.
This is a guest post from Tanner Castora, who was at the UTEP/Michigan game this weekend. There had never been a more important moment in the school’s history. In fact, the occasion was so grand, Disney turned it into a movie (Glory Road). In 1966, using the first all-black starting lineup in NCAA basketball history, […]
Inside Florida Politics podcasters talk Melania Trump's AI event
First lady Melania Trump traveled to North Carolina recently to discuss Hurricane Helene and artificial intelligence. Hear about it on Inside Florida Politics.
Denver health officials confirm first case of West Nile Virus in the city this year
Denver health officials are reminding the community that mosquitoes remain active after confirming the city's first case of West Nile virus this year.
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.
Browns Concerns Raised as Star Playmaker Struggles Again
The Cleveland Browns got their first win when they beat the Buccaneers on Sunday, but one area remains a big concern. The post Browns Concerns Raised as Star Playmaker Struggles Again appeared first on HEAVY.
UWA awarded National Institutes of Health funding for research equipment
A grant from the National Institutes of Health is making way for new biomedical research opportunities for students and faculty at the University of West Alabama. The funding is UWA’s first National Institutes of Health (NIH) award, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s research growth.
Can Andy Burnham pull a Mamdani on Trump?
As Andy Burnham gets ready to meet Donald Trump face to face for the first time, the Guardian's political editor Pippa Crerar and policy editor Kiran Stacey preview their potential showdown
Dawnwalker's First Big PS5 Patch Adds an Even Easier Difficulty Mode and Improves Combat
Sun's up
Meg Ryan and Jack Quaid make first mother-son red carpet appearance together
Ryan, who shared Jack with ex-husband Dennis Quaid, is also mother to daughter, Daisy.
Suozzi To Be Recognized as First Democratic Member of Congress To Be Awarded U.S. Chamber’s “Advocate for American Business” Award
GLEN COVE, NY — Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) was recognized today by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with its “Advocate for American Business” Award during a stop of the Chamber’s national Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour at Standard Bots in Glen Cove. U.S.
Apple Seeds Second macOS Golden Gate 27.2 Beta to Developers
Apple is testing the next macOS Golden Gate update, and developers can download the second macOS Golden Gate 27.2 beta. The second beta comes a week after Apple released the first beta. Registered developers can download macOS Golden Gate 27.2 by opening up the System Settings app, clicking on General, selecting Software Update, and opting into macOS Golden Gate betas. macOS Golden Gate 27.2 introduces Siri AI in new languages. macOS Golden Gate 27.2 introduces Siri AI in new languages.
Apple Releases Second iOS 27.2 Beta
Apple today seeded the second beta of an upcoming iOS 27.2 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming a week after Apple released the first iOS 27.2 beta. Apple also seeded an iPadOS 27.2 beta. Registered developers can download the beta updates by opting in under Settings > General > Software Update and selecting the iOS 27 developer beta. iOS 27.2 includes Apple's redesigned Health app with new Insight and Longevity tabs.
Raphinha's Great Start To The 2026/27 Season
Every fan who’s been following FC Barcelona during the past few seasons knows how important Raphinha has been to the team. Temporarily losing him due to injuries often meant a decline in the team’s performance, and he became widely respected among the Culers. After the summer break, he has seemingly ascended to another level, exceeding […] The post Raphinha’s Great Start To The 2026/27 Season appeared first on Stadium Rant.
Jarvis Cocker remembers Pulp's first time in new documentary
LONDON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Almost half a century after their birth, Britpop darlings Pulp are stars of a documentary that delves back into the band's roots in the childhood dreams of gangly frontman Jarvis Cocker.
New York Yankees Announce Starting Pitchers for Pivotal Rays Series
The New York Yankees officially announced their starting pitchers for their upcoming series against the Tampa Bay Rays. The post New York Yankees Announce Starting Pitchers for Pivotal Rays Series appeared first on HEAVY.
Hidden Deal Risks Pennsylvania Business Buyers Should Check First
Buying a business can look straightforward when the company shows strong monthly revenue and a loyal customer base. But a business can look highly profitable on paper and still carry
Zach Lahn wants to use income tax breaks to keep young people in Iowa. Here's his plan
Republican candidate for governor Zach Lahn details a plan to help young Iowans buy their first home. Here's how it would work.
Rubio rings opening bell at New York Stock Exchange to begin UN General Assembly
Secretary of State Marco Rubio began the United Nations General Assembly, a major week in diplomacy, by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday. The ceremony serves as a time marker, signaling the start and closing of an official session. The bells were first used at the exchange in the […]
The Blood of Dawnwalker getting a new difficulty option, combat changes and more in game's first "big" patch scheduled for early October
Rebel Wolves' debut vampire RPG The Blood of Dawnwalker has needed a proper patching since release. Now, that patch is nearly here.
📸 They played for two countries… but everyone forgot!
In modern football, international pathways are no longer always linear.Some players first wear the shirt of one national team at youth level before choosing another when it comes time to step up to th...
Nets Could Land Domantas Sabonis in Proposed 3-Team Trade
The Nets could have an intriguing opportunity to turn Michael Porter Jr. into an established star and two first-round picks. A proposed three-team trade involving Brooklyn, Detroit, and Sacramento would give all three teams plenty to consider.
What to know for Flyers' first preseason game
The Flyers play the Capitals in preseason action Monday at Giant Center (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).
Isaiah Marshall’s Development Through the First Part of the Season
Isaiah Marshall’s Development Through the First Part of the Season
MN Twins Calling Up Another First Round Pick
The Minnesota Twins are promoting former first round pick Aaron Sabato to the big leagues for his major league debut.
Rangers in Control Of Destiny as Season Enters Final Week
With a successful final week of the season, the Texas Rangers will return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.
LG Display starts mass production of 24.5-inch 720Hz OLED panel for ASUS ROG
LG Display has started mass production of its new 24.5-inch 720Hz OLED panel. ASUS is using it first in the ROG Swift OLED PG259QWS Ace.
Heat Rotom ex, Kommo-o, Zinnia's Trust, and More English Cards...
The first batch of English cards from Delta Reign has been revealed! The set will release on November 6th. As posted before, our set will be a combination
Yankees Face New Pitching Concern After Diamondbacks Loss
The New York Yankees lost 8-4 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday at Chase Field. The game featured a blown 4-1 lead, a grand slam from Nolan Arenado, and another difficult afternoon for a bullpen that has been stretched thin down the stretch.But a quieter moment during the game raised a different kind of concern. […] The post Yankees Face New Pitching Concern After Diamondbacks Loss appeared first on HEAVY.
OPB’s First Look: Wrangling for votes
Why the Pendleton Round-up has become a vital stop for Oregon political candidates. Here's your First Look at Monday's news.
The Weeknd Debuts New Song With Yoko Takahashi
The two-night run at Belluna Dome marked the first Asian leg of the Weeknd’s record-breaking stadium tour and his first return to Japan in seven years.
How to prepare for your first solo trip, from a frequent solo traveler
Traveling solo can help you recharge. As an experienced solo traveler, I think first-timers should practice by exploring their hometowns.
Patrick Mahomes Dominates Colts' Defense In 33-30 Overtime Win
After a back-and-forth shootout with the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs get a huge win to improve to 2-0 as Patrick Mahomes dominates. The Colts have not won a game since Week 9 of last season, and the first loss of their 2025 collapse was against the Chiefs. That game was also the Chiefs' […] The post Patrick Mahomes Dominates Colts’ Defense In 33-30 Overtime Win appeared first on Stadium Rant.
Dodgers Sweep Giants, Magic Number Falls to Three
Emmet Sheehan’s dominant outing and late-inning power surged the Los Angeles Dodgers closer to a first-round bye.
How is Scotland squad shaping up for Pocognoli debut?
Sebastien Pocognoli's faces his first test as Scotland head coach against Slovenia on Saturday, but how is his squad shaping up for his debut?
Travel health insurance
Travel health insurance Do you have a friend or relative traveling to the Dominican Republic? Encourage them to get travel health insurance before they depart the U.S. to avoid possible medical emergencies becoming financial emergencies, too. Many travelers ask, “Why would I need travel health insurance–I have health insurance?” But your domestic U.S. health insurance may not work overseas. Hospitals here in the Dominican Republic often require payment in full prior to the patient being treated or being discharged. Some private U.S. insurance companies pay for overseas medical care, but usually only on a reimbursable basis, meaning you must pay first and request reimbursement later. The U.S. government does not pay for medical care overseas, and Medicare does not cover medical or hospital expenses incurred outside the United States. In addition, if the traveler needs to be medically evacuated for any reason, this is not covered by most U.S insurance and usually costs well over $10,000 USD. Travel medical insurance can alleviate this cost burden. Don’t let unexpected medical costs ruin your vacation! Please review more information here on Travel.State.Gov and on the Embassy website’s page on Medical Emergency – U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic.
The Nurse Is Health Care’s Most Underpriced Founder
They see the problem first, build the fix, and decide whether it is ever adopted. The market has trained them to hide the one credential that de-risks the deal.
Eagles Get Caleb Williams Injury Update Before Facing Bears
As the Chicago Bears faced the Minnesota Vikings, the veteran quarterback Caleb Williams went down with an injury scare. Next week, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to pay a visit to the Bears and could potentially face Chicago’s backup quarterback, depending on the Chicago QB’s final diagnosis. Caleb Williams Injury: What The Eagles Know After […] The post Eagles Get Caleb Williams Injury Update Before Facing Bears appeared first on HEAVY.
UVA Health first in world to implant new cardiac mitral valve repair device
The new device adheres more readily to the heart and allows quicker recovery after surgery.
Which Came First, The Chicken Or The Egg? Scientists Finally Have The Answer
Philosophers have wrestled with this riddle for centuries, but evolutionary biology has quietly been building a case that rewrites the entire question. The answer turns out to hinge on a single, stran...
Pittcon 2027: What America’s Biggest Lab Science Show Means For You
For over 75 years, Pittcon has been at the cutting edge of industry-defining changes, and next year it returns home for the first time in six decades.
Red Sox Roman Anthony Makes Personal Admission After Playoff Clinch
The Boston Red Sox lost to the Rays 5-1 on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field. The game itself did not matter. What happened later did.The Braves beat the Astros to eliminate Houston from wild card contention, and the Red Sox’ postseason berth became official. Players pulled on celebration gear and goggles, posed for a team […] The post Red Sox Roman Anthony Makes Personal Admission After Playoff Clinch appeared first on HEAVY.
Manchester brain health clinic aims to 'transform' dementia care
The Alzheimer's Society says the clinic in Manchester is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.
Pigskin Palaver: Coaching Blunders & Empty Seats
“Alex, I’ll take Stupid Coaching for $800.” “Whose team up 17-0 went for it on 4th and inches at his own 14 at the 2 minute mark of the first half, costing his team a TD?” “Who is Dave Doeren/” “Correct.” “Stupid Coaching for $1000.” “Who up four points had his QB run around the […]
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. Announces First Lien Notes Offering and New Term Loan Facilities to Refinance Existing Debt
LEAWOOD, Kan., September 21, 2026--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (the "Company," or "AMC"), announced today that it has commenced an offering of $2,000 million aggregate principal amount of first lien notes due 2031 (the "Notes") in a private offering (the "Offering") and launched syndication of a new $850 million first lien term loan facility (the "New 1L Term Loan Facility" and together with the Offering, the "1L Financing"), each subject to market and other conditions. The Comp
CES principal discusses rationale behind lack of sixth-grade science
BAR HARBOR — In June, a group of 13 families first raised doubts about the way the Connors Emerson School administers its science instruction in the higher grades — providing
Britain’s Burnham is set to meet Trump for the first time at the UN in New York
Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time. The meeting will take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Burnham plans to discuss ways to bolster Ukraine's defenses and ease fuel prices that have soared since the US-Israeli war with Iran blocked ships from moving freely through the Strait of Hormuz. Burnham, once critical of Trump, now says he wants to seek common ground. Trump has called Burnham “a nice guy,” but has also concerned U.K. officials by expressing support for Irish unification and musing about the future of the Falkland Islands.
CNN, MS NOW, Politico say they've notified Trump they're suing over denied White House access
The actions were a clear escalation of President Donald Trump’s long-running efforts — in the courts and through administrative action — to restrict news coverage by journalists he finds objectionable, and were the latest test of First Amendment protections in the United States.
DeFi Technologies' Subsidiary Valour Launches Valour Funds SPC, a New Business Line, and Introduces Its First Hedge Fund, Smart Crypto Fund SP, Powered by Neuronomics' Proprietary AI Strategy
Valour launches Valour Funds SPC, a new business line expanding its offering beyond exchange traded products into actively managed digital asset investment...
Detroit wants more retail in its neighborhoods. Small businesses say they need more foot traffic first.
How 18-year-old cellist earned spot in the San Francisco Symphony
Starla Breshears, a cellist joining the San Francisco Symphony for her first season, is also one of the youngest musicians in the orchestra’s known history.
Giants vs. Rams: Game time, TV channel, streaming, odds
New York looking for first 2-0 start since 2022.
Screen-led reformer Pilates studio to open in Ybor City mixed-use development
Virtulates Studios opens its first location in Ybor City with a screen-led Pilates concept designed to keep membership costs lower and offer flexible class times.
'A recipe for disaster' - but Tottenham 'will turn it around'
Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison has backed Tottenham to "still have a good season", despite their poor start in Roberto de Zerbi's first full campaign in charge. Saturday's 3-2 defeat by Aston Villa has left Spurs rooted to the bottom of the Premier League going into the international break, but they did score league goals for the first time in 2026-27. "Spurs were the better team in that first half and [Zion] Suzuki made three or four outstanding saves," Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
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
CNN, MS NOW and Politico to sue Trump administration over White House access
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.
He beat a political pillar in Pawtucket. Now he wants a shakeup
For the first time in nearly two decades, Pawtucket will have a new mayor. Adam Greenman talks about his winning strategy and top priorities.
North Carolina State Basketball 2026-27 Preview
The North Carolina State Wolfpack were hopeful that Will Wade would steady the ship after several so-so seasons under Kevin Keatts. However, not long after the Wolfpack was upset by Texas in the First Four game of the NCAA Tournament, Wade decided to return to LSU. NC State Basketball 2026-27 Preview While it was a …
Islanders Preseason News: Kids’ first look
The Islanders opened the preseason schedule Sunday afternoon vs. the Devils with a lineup largely made of prospects and AHLers who mostly know they will not make the opening roster. But Cal Ritchie — the only NHL regular from last year — and Victor Eklund impressed Pete DeBoer, according to his post-game scrum, and Cole […]
Scientists claim elastocaloric cooling breakthrough
HONG KONG: Scientists claim to have developed what is said to be the world’s first zero-degradation elastocaloric cooling device....Read More...
Iraola makes best league start since Fagan
With nine points from a possible 15 in the Premier League and wins at Anfield in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, Iraola has had a largely positive start to life at Liverpool. The 44-year-old is the first manager to remain unbeaten in his first five league games in charge of the Reds - winning two and drawing three - since Joe Fagan in September 1983.
The Recovery House by Derek Owusu review – a uniquely honest view of mental health
Writing from firsthand experience, the author offers an affecting meditation on art, mental fragility and faith
Hear Warner, neighbors, at Dolly’s Coffeehouse
Geoff Warner will be the featured performer at Dolly’s Coffeehouse in Fellowship Hall at the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 7-9 p.m.
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
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