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Tuesday ‘Dawg Bites Won’t Fumble In The Endzone
Welcome to Tuesday, Bulldog fans! We’ve entered that limbo period where certain fanbases are still basking in the glow of Saturdays victory, and others are still steaming from a frustrating loss that exposed expectations like telephone poles in winter when the kudzu dies off. Clemson has had as many lightning delays as rushing touchdowns this […]
5️⃣ stories of the day: Atleti's complaints, Mbappé's step back..
Club football is on pause to make way for the national teams, but this weekend brought so much news that Tuesday is red-hot.So we’re going to run through the five stories you can’t miss to kick of...
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)
Remind me again why we are voting on such things?
I should warn you, dear readers, that today’s column deals with two subjects that are often viewed as both boring and tedious: tax policy and voter initiatives. If you find such things interesting, please read on. If not, consider watching funny cat videos. Where was I? Oh, right … Anyone who has read my various […]
Star coaches make their bows as Nations League returns
The 2026/27 Nations League kicks off on Thursday but all eyes will be on the touchlines as a starry cast of new coaches, including Zinedine Zidane and Jurgen Klopp, prepare to make their debuts in international football.Other arrivals for this opening round of Nations League matches include Jorge Jesus, who will make his Portugal debut when the competition's reigning champions welcome Wales on Thursday.
Why Japan’s markets matter so much for America
From surging bond yields to US intervention to support the yen, Japan’s financial markets are undergoing major shifts that have consequences for investors and borrowing costs around the globe.
Tough sledding for Cam Skattebo on Monday night
Cam Skattebo was held in check by the Rams in Week 2 with his 16 combined touches resulting in just 55 yards.
Rams bounce back as Giants reel from Dart injury
The Los Angeles Rams bounced back from their season-opening flop in Australia to score a stylish 28-6 victory over the New York Giants on Monday.The Rams fourth touchdown made it 28-6 when Stafford picked out tight end Terrance Ferguson at the back of the end zone. rcw/sla
‘Diary of a Black Girl’: the politics of code-switching
As a Black girl growing up in a predominantly white space, it is common to hear phrases such as “Why
Penguins Report Card: Which Vet, Prospects Made Their Case
For most of the first 20 minutes, the game very much looked like the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ first exhibition game of […]
Red Wings’ Kienan Draper Drops Gloves With Luke Tuch
Red Wings prospect Kienan Draper dropped the gloves with Blue Jackets forward Luke Tuch and took him down during Monday’s preseason game.
Inside The Macallan: The Science Behind 80% of Your Whisky’s Flavour
You may already appreciate the joy of sitting down with a dram of top-quality single malt scotch whisky, but much of that signature flavour comes not from the distillation itself, ...
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.
‘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…
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.
Sacramento’s SMUD Museum opens new cafe with a menu that’s out of this world
In addition to its Cookie Comet milkshake and Tropical Galaxy smoothie, the cafe offers full meals such as teriyaki bowls and sandwiches.
RatHat is a new Android malware that records your screen touches to steal passwords
This malicious software also weaponizes AI to infect the device.
Could healthcare price transparency lower costs? Mike Rogers thinks so
As healthcare costs grow ever higher, Michigan GOP US Senate candidate Mike Rogers argues that better consumer awareness of how much the services they need cost will help bring prices down.
Carrot Top Overdosed at His Las Vegas Home During Health Crisis
Carrot Top is suspected to have suffered a drug overdose on Friday, Sept 18, at his Las Vegas home after he attempted suicide. TMZ reported that the comedian overdosed on prescription medication befor...
Titans' home turf reaches 157 degrees melting cleats prompting IV's
Eagles offensive tackle Cam Jurgens said he went through several pairs of cleats because they were melting.
‘The Humanities’ has too much going on
The world premiere of Zayd Ayers Dohrn's “The Humanities” at Victory Gardens Theater, directed by interim artistic director Edward Torres, purports to be about what happens when a controversial speaker
United Way Day of Action draws more than 675 volunteers
More than 675 volunteers completed 67 service projects for 20 local nonprofit organizations during United Way of Central Iowa’s 2026 Day of Action. The event included projects such as reading with students, organizing learning materials, improving nonprofit facilities and revitalizing outdoor spaces. United Way estimated the volunteer work generated $64,932 in community impact. This year’s…
The power of creative partnerships
As much as we need strong science, we also need partners who can help us translate it, amplify it, and carry it beyond the scientific community.
Hayden Panettiere remembered at Malibu memorial service
Hayden Panettiere attends the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix's new film 'Blonde' at TCL Chinese Theatre on Sept. 13, 2022, in Hollywood, California. (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)Hayden Panettiere was celebrated over the weekend at a memorial service held in California, her representative confirmed to ABC News.Around 80 friends of the late Nashville star, who died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36, gathered in Malibu on Saturday to share "an evening of music, memories, laughter and tears."“We wanted to honor Hayden in the best way we knew how—with as much love as possible," Panettiere's representative, Kasey Kitchen, said in a statement with a group of the actress's friends, who jointly organized the memorial.The statement continued, "It was a beautiful and intimate ceremony where friends came together to celebrate her life and honor the beautiful, magnetic light and love she infused into the world.”Panettiere's Nashville co-star Connie Britton and other celebrities, including Evan Ross and Ruby Rose, were photographed attending the memorial.Panettiere died after she was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment.The actress's official cause and manner of death have not yet been announced.An investigation into her death has expanded from South Carolina to Los Angeles, and investigators are focusing on the role drugs may have played in her death, sources told ABC News last week.Kitchen, Panettiere's representative, said in a statement on Sept. 15 that her death "remains under investigation pending toxicology results.""As we await the answers we are all seeking, may we also remember Hayden for the incredible legacy she leaves behind — the light she shined on mental health and postpartum depression, and the voice she gave to those who felt unseen and unheard," Kitchen said. "The answers we are all seeking will come."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
Memphis QB Marcus Stokes named American Conference Honorable Mention
On Monday, Marcus Stokes was named an American Conference Honorable Mention after throwing for four touchdowns against UT Martin.
Colts' Week 2 Snap Counts: Adjustments Made, With Unexceptional Results
Check out the snap counts from the Indianapolis Colts' Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs to see how much (or how little) everyone played.
‘So much family history tied to it’: Evansville business owner repairs broken flagpoles
Broken equipment, not lack of pride, often keeps flags grounded
Jeremiyah Love posts 45 total yards in Week 2
Cardinals RB Jeremiyah Love unable to find much success in Week 2
Penn State health insurance to increase by as much as $165 per month
Penn State says health insurance will cost more next year, as health care costs rise nationwide. Faculty and staff will see their monthly insurance cost go up anywhere from $4.25 to $165 per month.
After Week 1, Cam Skattebo is forcing a Giants decision
Cam Skattebo ran for a team-high 81 yards and a touchdown in the Giants’ opening win over Dallas. The number […]
Democrats differ over campaign funding flap - Illinois Times, the capital city's source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture
My associate Isabel Miller and I told subscribers earlier this month that Democrats for the Illinois House had been suddenly cut off from the Democratic Party of Illinois’ lucrative postage discount program, which can save as much as a third to a half of campaign postage costs. Afterward, an extraordinary interaction occurred between the executive […]
Two new books from SPIA faculty tackle the politics behind healthcare and global investment | School of Public and International Affairs
Growing up in Peru, Zoila Ponce de León saw disparities in access to healthcare from a young age. She may not yet have had the language for it, but she was already asking the questions she would spend much of her early career working to answer: Why is it so difficult to access healthcare? And why, when these problems are so widely recognized, won’t politicians do more to change the system?
Two new books from SPIA faculty tackle the politics behind healthcare and global investment | School of Public and International Affairs
Growing up in Peru, Zoila Ponce de León saw disparities in access to healthcare from a young age. She may not yet have had the language for it, but she was already asking the questions she would spend much of her early career working to answer: Why is it so difficult to access healthcare? And why, when these problems are so widely recognized, won’t politicians do more to change the system?
Brock Purdy lights it up in Week 2
San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy was 20-for-22 for 287 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions while rushing a score in.
Prescott throws 4 TD passes as Cowboys beat Commanders
Prescott threw four touchdown passes to break Romo's record of 248, and the Cowboys beat Washington 37-20 on Sunday after the Commanders' Jayden Daniels went down with another gruesome-looking dislocated left elbow.
AI investments face ‘so much uncertainty’ on returns, expert warns
Bahnsen Group Managing Partner and CIO David Bahnsen analyzes the massive rise in artificial intelligence capital expenditures and highlights his energy stock picks on ‘Mornings with FOX Business.’
Presley Gerber detailed addiction treatment 6 months before his death: ‘I knew why I was there’
Gerber said “letting go of control didn’t come easy” in a touching post about his rehabilitation in March.
Dove Cameron On Vampires, John Cena & Refusing To Wear Gauchos
Dove Cameron shares her thoughts on aliens, skywalkers, and mythical creatures for NYLON 19.
Apple M6 Mac mini review: $300 price hike spoils a nice upgrade
The M4 Mac mini was one of Apple's best values ever. This one, not so much.
The M5 Ultra Mac Studio tears through our benchmark tests
So much power, we’re gonna keep cooking on this one.
Corn Nation Overreaction: Huskers Start 3-0, MSU Next
Jon Johnston put out a video this morning wondering if this is Nebraska’s best team ever. At least, that’s the headline. It’s much more captivating than “Huskers Start 3-0, MSU Next.” As of this writing, I haven’t watched the video yet. This is probably the best team in the Matt Rhule era. And the team […]
Scientists create a needle-thin brain implant that can do three jobs at once
A new needle-thin brain implant can record neural activity, deliver drugs, and stimulate multiple brain regions using a single flexible fiber. Successful tests in mice suggest it could give scientists a more precise, less invasive way to study the brain and may eventually help treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy.
Inside Presley Gerber’s Battle With Mental Health And Addiction Before Death At 27
Presley Gerber, son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and brother of actress Kaia Gerber, tragically passed away at age 27 in a rehab facility in California. He had been open about his struggles with menta...
Big 12 football rushing yardage leaders after Week 3
Iowa State's Aiden Flora leads the Big 12 in rushing yards, with a pair of West Virginia backs in the top 10 in yards and touchdowns after Week 3.
Greg Hinz: Chicago’s mayoral field is crowded. The real race may be much smaller.
Brandon Johnson faces a crowded field in the 2027 Chicago mayor’s race, but ballot challenges and political maneuvering could shrink it considerably.
Pokemon account posts Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire played on unknown emulator fuelling Switch re-release hopes
The official Pokemon X account has recently posted footage of the much-loved Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire being played on unknown emulator. This has naturally sparked hopes of a re-release of the games on…
Brighton suffocated Arsenal - and there is much more to come
The latest absentee at the weekend was Lewis Dunk. Luka Vuskovic looked classy again at the back, and clearly has the traits of a ball-playing centre-back, which suits this Brighton team well. There's more to come from him, and - if this weekend is anything to go - there is much more to come from Brighton too.
Dr. Jason Diyanni's easyDoc Health aims to make healthcare affordable
COLUMBUS - He looks at healthcare from a much broader perspective.
Dr. Jason Diyanni's easyDoc Health aims to make healthcare affordable
COLUMBUS - He looks at healthcare from a much broader perspective.
Cole Palmer withdraws from England squad after earning Tuchel recall
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming international break as his workload and a muscle problem are managed.The 24-year-old had been recalled by England m...
LASK capitulation a major factor in Celtic’s current woes
Despite starting the campaign well enough, Celtic’s form has taken a massive nosedive over the last week or so and the reason behind that is the topic of much debate…LASK vs Celtic, Linz 25 August...
The devastating Nepal floods highlighted the danger of glaciers. Here's where the next disaster may occur.
The glacial collapse that killed 1,400 people in Nepal in August highlighted one epicenter for such disasters — but there are other hotspots that experts are worried about.
Liberian official’s Minnesota group home accused of overbilling Medicaid
A new state investigation found Golden Touch Health Care billed Medicaid for 45 hours of services per day — a number that was mathematically impossible on many days based on its staffing levels.
Cole Palmer expected to withdraw from England squad
England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to be without Cole Palmer for the international break.The Three Lions will be in UEFA Nations League action four times in this bumper break including the visit of ...
England latest: Cole Palmer withdraws from Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of long international break
Cole Palmer was recalled to Thomas Tuchels squad after being snubbed for the 2026 World Cup; Palmer has scored four goals in seven games this season for Chelsea; Palmer had previously stated he felt back to his best after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign
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
Today’s Papers – Milan and Juventus are back, shameful Bianconeri ultras
La Gazzetta dello SportInter, you are favourite, but…‘They concede too much, Roma are close and Lazio aren’t there by chance.’Capello and a top spot for threeComo, no leadership; the surprise ...
Taylor Swift Celebrates Travis Kelce’s First Touchdown of the Season: ‘That’s My Husband!’
The Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium
45th annual Health Fair and Expo brings free screenings to Mountain Home on Oct. 7
Twin Lakes area residents can get free health screenings, lab test vouchers and time with local providers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, when the Health Fair and Expo returns for its 45th year. Baxter Health and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot present the fair, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gymnasium
Another huge night for Kenneth Walker III
Although he didn't find the end zone in Week 2, Kenneth Walker III still logged 30 touches for 178 yards in the win.
Chimpanzees once used for vaccine research get health checks as part of long-term care
Chimpanzees once used in hepatitis B vaccine experiments are getting health checks at their new home in Liberia. The West African chimpanzees receive care such as teeth cleanings and X-rays
Tyler Warren reels in a short touchdown in KC
Tyler Warren managed just 21 yards in Week 2 but did score a touchdown for the second week in a row.
Ole Miss Star Trinidad Chambliss Sends Powerful Message Beyond Football
Trinidad Chambliss had plenty of reasons to talk about football after one of the biggest wins of his Ole Miss career. The Rebels had just beaten No. 7 LSU 32-24, Chambliss threw for 363 yards and two touchdowns, and his fourth-quarter rushing score helped finish off an emotional night in Oxford. Yet when the Ole […] The post Ole Miss Star Trinidad Chambliss Sends Powerful Message Beyond Football appeared first on HEAVY.
Bijan Robinson totals 81 yards in loss to Panthers
Bijan Robinson bottled up by Carolina in Week 1, mustering 81 total yards on 19 touches in blowout home loss.
David Montgomery shut down by Bengals in Week 2
David Montgomery registers a mere eight touches as Texans' offense falls flat in Week 2.
Chiefs grab 33-30 win in overtime thriller
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KSNT) — Victory is secured in an overtime thriller. Patrick Mahomes finished the night 32-for-47 with 382 yards and three touchdowns. Kenneth Walker III picked up his second-straight game with over 100 yards for the Chiefs, with 117 yards on 24 carries. Travis Kelce had nine receptions for 101 yards and a […]
Young people are not snowflakes, head of mental health review says
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Prof Fonagy says being young is much harder now than it was.
Tre Tucker hits triple digits with TD
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker racked up five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in Week 2
Jake Ferguson scores pair of touchdowns
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson posted four receptions for 43 yards and two touchdowns on four targets in Week 2
CeeDee Lamb crushes Washington again
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb registered eight receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets in Week 2
Behavioral health affects the community
Behavioral health touches families throughout Santa Fe.
Stefon Diggs catches TDs from two different QBs
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs posted five receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns on six targets in Week 2
Taylor Swift points to wedding ring, shouts, ‘That’s my husband!’ as Travis Kelce scores touchdown at Chiefs game
The newlywed music icon showed out for Kansas City’s big home game against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday.
Bhayshul Tuten finds the end zone
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Bhayshul Tuten logs 15 touches, scores TD against Denver
MarShawn Lloyd scores TD in Week 2
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd rushed six times for just 20 yards in Week 2, while adding two receptions for six yards and a touchdown
Christian McCaffrey joins elite company with his 100th career touchdown
Christian McCaffrey put himself in some elite company with two short touchdown runs. McCaffrey's two 1-yard TDs in a 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday made him the fourth-fastest player in the Super Bowl era to reach 100 career touchdowns and the third player ever with at least 50 TDs with two franchises. “It means a lot,” McCaffrey said.
Hideo Kojima Says Sony Dropped PHYSINT During a Zoom Call and Gave No Reason
In a new interview with IGN, Hideo Kojima says PlayStation ended its involvement in PHYSINT during a Zoom call in June. He says Sony gave no reason, though he also admits he didn't ask many questions during the meeting, and that Sony hasn't been in touch since. Kojima stressed the two are "not in...
Is Elevance Health (ELV) Fairly Valued On Its Conference Outlook Reassurance?
Elevance Health (ELV) used its appearance at the Wells Fargo 21st Annual Healthcare Conference on 10 September 2026 to reinforce its earnings outlook and cost discipline, keeping the recent valuation conversation very much alive. Recent trading has been mildly soft, with the share price down 0.8% on the day and 1.9% over the past week. Even so, Elevance Health still carries a 16.0% year to date share price return and a 33.6% 1 year total shareholder return, indicating that momentum has cooled...
Joe Burrow throws for two touchdowns against Texans
Joe Burrow throws a pair of touchdowns to Ja'Marr Chase in Week 2 win over Houston.
Packers vs. Falcons odds: Opening lines for Week 3 matchup
The Packers are favored by nearly a touchdown heading towards a Thursday Night Football matchup.
Packers’ $13.8 Million Decision Looks Better After Jets Win
The Packers made a significant offseason commitment to a former first-round pick. His performance against the Jets made that decision look much better. The post Packers’ $13.8 Million Decision Looks Better After Jets Win appeared first on HEAVY.
TreVeyon Henderson explosive in season debut
TreVeyon Henderson reasserts himself in the backfield mix with 76 yards rushing and a touchdown in Week 2 against Pittsburgh.
Baker Mayfield falls against former team
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 21 of 34 passes for 182 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Week 2
Why dementia is preventable – and the new tools that can reduce your risk
On World Alzheimer’s Day, a look at advances in dementia diagnosis and treatment, and why much of the risk may be within our own control.
Denzel Boston records another long TD
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston finished with five receptions for a game-high 95 yards and a 55-yard touchdown in Week 2
Panthers’ Wild Change Makes Huge Statement
The Carolina Panthers were on the wrong side of NFL history in Week 1. They allowed a whopping 59 points to the Chicago Bears. Combined with the Panthers’ encouraging 37 points of their own, they had scored the most points in an NFL season opener ever — and being on the losing side of such […] The post Panthers’ Wild Change Makes Huge Statement appeared first on HEAVY.
Deshaun Watson tosses two TDs in win
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in Week 2.
Mike McCarthy takes blame as Steelers offense sputters again
Mike McCarthy took responsibility after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 20-3 loss to the New England Patriots. Here’s what he said about the offense, the lack of touchdowns and the adjustments Pittsburgh plans to make moving forward.
Derrick Henry picks up rushing touchdown in Week 2
Ravens RB Derrick Henry posts 68 rushing yards and TD against Saints
Eagles Steal Victory From Titans With Last-Second Touchdown
The Philadelphia Eagles found a way to escape Nashville with a victory Sunday, rallying late to defeat the Tennessee Titans 24-20 and improve to 2-0 on the season. Philadelphia looked to be in trouble late after Tennessee took a 20-17 lead on a 33-yard field goal with just 1:56 remaining. The Eagles needed to go…
Packers Rally to Stun Jets in Overtime
The Green Bay Packers pulled off a dramatic comeback Sunday afternoon, rallying from a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the New York Jets 20-17 in overtime at MetLife Stadium. The Jets appeared to be in control for much of the afternoon and held a 17-7 lead with just over 11 minutes remaining in the fourth…
Lamar Jackson throws one TD, one INT in Week 2
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson posts 269 total yards with one touchdown
Terry Francona Sees Something Bigger in Nick Lodolo's Strong Finish
The left-hander took another loss on Saturday, but his manager thinks these final starts are about much more than the score.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation Will 'Easily Take Over 100 Hours' for Completionists to Beat, Director Teases
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation director Naoki Hamaguchi teased that completionist playthroughs for the remake trilogy's conclusion could "easily take over a hundred hours" to beat.
Panthers Give Jalen Coker New Role After Cutting WR
The Carolina Panthers saw what Jalen Coker could do in his massive Week 1 performance that included two touchdowns, including a 51-yarder. They decided that he should do even more. On Sunday, the Panthers gave him an additional job, and it got off to a great start. New Job for Jalen Coker Coker is the […] The post Panthers Give Jalen Coker New Role After Cutting WR appeared first on HEAVY.
Chris Olave reaches end zone in Week 2
Saints WR Chris Olave a big part of offense with 86 yards and one touchdown
Carrot Top Awake and ‘Breathing on His Own’ in Hospital Amid Health Crisis
Warning: The following post contains discussions of suicide. Carrot Top is reportedly awake and alert following a suicide attempt on Friday, Sept. 18. In a statement made to TMZ by a representative fo...
Carson Wentz leads team to road win in rain
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz completed 11 of 20 passes for 143 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions in a Week 2 road victory
How the Cleveland Guardians Could Get a Playoff Bye
The Cleveland Guardians are playing for more than just a spot in the postseason. A playoff bye is still very much in the cards.