Lee Enterprises Hosts Live Drawing Series with VeeFriends and Award-Winning Editorial Cartoonists May 20 and May 22
DAVENPORT, Iowa, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ: LEE), a leading provider of trusted local news, today announced the company is hosting a 'Draw Off' event series that will pair The Wisconsin State Journal's editorial cartoonist Phil Hands and The Buffalo News' Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Adam Zyglis with D.J. Coffman, Director of Comics at VeeFriends, the character universe and entertainment company created by serial entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk.
The events will stream live on Facebook from the Wisconsin State Journal on May 20 and the Buffalo News on May 22.
"I'm excited to share my drawing process with State Journal readers and introduce the art of political cartooning to the VeeFriends fans. I can't wait to see how my creative process compares to D.J.'s." said Hands.
Zyglis added, 'We may be cartoonists of different stripes, but we both utilize the power of visual storytelling.'
During each hour-long session, viewers will enjoy an enriching immersive experience of creativity in action. They can also comment and vote during the events as the cartoonists sketch brand-new work in real time. Completed sketches will be posted for free download, and fans can suggest future 'Draw Off' themes.
'These events offer a unique opportunity to blend our newsroom voices with a broader digital audience through creativity and shared storytelling, and live drawing is an irresistible way to do both,' said Nathan Bekke, Lee's Senior Vice President of Operations and Audience Strategy.
'The spontaneity of sketching live and seeing readers react instantly embodies everything we love about storytelling,' said Coffman. 'I am excited to go live with Phil and Adam, who are legends in the industry. We're blending the energy of VeeFriends with the legacy of editorial cartooning, and I think people are going to have a lot of fun watching it all unfold.'
Event details:
Facebook Live Cartoon Drawing with The Wisconsin State Journal's cartoonist Phil Hands and VeeFriends' D.J. Coffman
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 5 to 6 p.m. EDT/4 to 5 p.m. CDT
Where: Wisconsin State Journal Facebook Page
Facebook Live Cartoon Drawing with The Buffalo News' cartoonist Adam Zyglis and VeeFriends' D.J. Coffman
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 5 to 6 p.m. EDT/4 to 5 p.m. CDT
Where: The Buffalo News Facebook Page
About Lee Enterprises
Lee Enterprises Inc. is a trusted local news provider serving 72 markets in 25 states. With a dedication to quality journalism and digital innovation, Lee delivers valuable content and advertising solutions to its communities and partners. For more information, visit www.lee.net.
Contact: IR@lee.net (563) 383-2100
About VeeFriends
VeeFriends is an entertainment company dedicated to creating a better world through its universe of more than 250 characters. VeeFriends combines storytelling, content, collectibles, and community-driven experiences to ignite self-discovery. Each VeeFriends character connects differently with people, reflecting their likes, passions, memories, and aspirations. This unique and individual connection is the magic of VeeFriends and its characters. By sharing the values and messages of its characters, VeeFriends inspires deeper bonds, spreads joy, and empowers individuals to be their best selves. For more information, visit veefriends.com and follow VeeFriends on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
Contact: Rachel Gunia, rachel@digitalandsavvy.com
About Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk is a serial entrepreneur and serves as the Chair of VaynerX, the CEO of VaynerMedia, and the Creator and CEO of VeeFriends. Gary is considered one of the leading global minds on what's next in culture, relevance, and the internet. Known as 'GaryVee,' he is described as one of the most forward thinkers in business. He is a New York Times bestselling author, a sought-after public speaker, and a prolific investor in companies like Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Venmo, Snapchat, Coinbase, and Uber. Gary serves on the board of MikMak, Bojangles Restaurants, Global Citizen Forum, and Pencils of Promise. He is also a longtime Well Member of charity: water.
Contact: Maha Abouelenein, maha@digitalandsavvy.com
CONTACT: Lee Enterprises 563-383-2100 IR@lee.net
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
44 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Ryan Coogler Confirms Denzel Washington Has a Part in 'Black Panther 3'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Back in March, "Sinners" director Ryan Coogler reacted to Denzel Washington's public statements about appearing in "Black Panther 3" and while it was something Coogler seemed excited about, he stopped just shy of confirming it. Now, Coogler has confirmed not only that he has talked to Washington about showing up in "Black Panther 3", but that he has written a role specifically for the two-time Oscar-winning star. Read More: James Gunn Wants Peacemaker to Fight Batman Appearing on "7PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony", Coogler was asked if there had been conversations with Washington or if he was writing a role specifically for the actor. Coogler's answer: "All of that. All of the above, bro." Denzel Washington poses at the opening night after party for "Othello" on Broadway at Tavern on The Green on March 23, 2025 in New York City. Denzel Washington poses at the opening night after party for "Othello" on Broadway at Tavern on The Green on March 23, 2025 in New York City. Bruce Glikas/WireImage He went on to praise Washington, saying, "I think he's the greatest living actor. And in terms of what he means to our culture, forget about it. I've been talking to him about this for a long time." Coogler's confirmation that he's written a part for Washington shouldn't be too much of a surprise. Back in March, Coogler said "Yeah, I've been dying to work with Denzel, man, and I'm hoping we can make that happen." "I have every intention of working with him in ['Black Panther 3']. As long as he itches to do it, it's gonna happen. You know, he's a living legend and a great mentor for so many of us. He's all about looking out for us now." As far as who exactly Denzel Washington would play in "Black Panther 3", Coogler is keeping that to himself. That hasn't stopped fans from speculating, of course, with some even guessing his character might be from another part of Marvel's multiverse and could be a variant of T'Challa's father T'Chaka, or perhaps even T'Challa himself. One popular fan-casting is the villain Achebe, who was created as a kind of eccentric mix between Kaiser Soze of "The Usual Suspects" fame and the Joker. Not possessed of any special abilities, Achebe instead manipulates his ways into political power in Wakanda. Very little is known about "Black Panther 3" including whether or not it has a firm release date. Letitia Wright is expected to reprise the role of Shuri for the film, potentially appearing alongside Denzel Washington. More Comics: James Gunn Teases 'Superman' Cameo in 'Peacemaker' Captain America: Brave New World Finally Has a Disney+ Free Streaming Date
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Ava DuVernay's Array Sets Live Streaming Event With 9 Commissioned Artists On 5th Anniversary Of Its Law Enforcement Accountability Project
Ava DuVernay's Peabody-winning Array is celebrating the five-year anniversary of its Law Enforcement Accountability Project (LEAP) with a live, virtual gathering of all nine commissioned LEAP artists. The free event will stream exclusively at today, Friday, June 6 at 12 PM PST. LEAP was launched in 2020 as a response to the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, a moment that catalyzed a global movement demanding justice and transparency in law enforcement. Rather than respond with a film or documentary, DuVernay activated a collective of artists across multiple disciplines to tell the truth about the police abuse of Black people through storytelling and creativity. More from Deadline "There Is No Future In Forgetting": Watch Great Americans Medal Recipient Ava DuVernay's Smithsonian Speech 'Matrix' Co-Creator & Hundreds Of Hollywood A-Listers Want To Stop AI Obliterating Copyright Laws; Lilly Wachowski, Paul McCartney, Ava DuVernay, Cate Blanchett, Alfonso Cuarón + More Write White House Ava DuVernay Wants To Make A TV Series About Tom Bradley Funded by more than 1,200 individual donors, LEAP has supported nine original works across a range of mediums including photography, dance, poetry, music, culinary art, book design, and more. For the first time, all LEAP artists will come together in a virtual artist forum to reflect on their creative process, their work and the continuing need for art as a force for justice. Moderated by Mercedes Cooper, LEAP curator and Array's EVP of Public Programming, the event will reflect on the legacy of LEAP's work over the past five years, and the ongoing importance of uplifting activist voices through artistic expression. 'LEAP was built on the belief that art can be a powerful tool to hold specific officers accountable,' said DuVernay. 'In marking this milestone, we honor the artists who dared to tell the truth, and the communities that empowered them to do so.' Participating LEAP Artists: Steve Irby | Photography | 41 to '99 Reggie Black | Hand Type Art | 248 Black Lives Taken Francesca Harper | Dance Choreography | The Reckoning Jocelyn Jackson | Culinary Art | Fixed Price Menu W.J. Lofton | Poetry | Would You Kill God Too? Delita Martin | Mixed Media Mural | Blue Is the Color We See Before We Die Polymode | Book Design | The Fiction of Protection Julian Stephen | Audio Drama | The Aura Ra-Re Valverde | Original Song | Safe Where? Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 2025 TV Cancellations: Photo Gallery 'Stick' Soundtrack: All The Songs You'll Hear In The Apple TV+ Golf Series
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 8)
The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Hosted by Jane Pauley COVER STORY: "O for a muse of fire": The modern appeal of ShakespeareWhy are the plays of William Shakespeare still so popular four hundred years after the Bard's death? Correspondent Mo Rocca visits the newly-renovated Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington, D.C., home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's published First Folios; and talks with New York Times columnist and Shakespeare aficionado Maureen Dowd about the playwright's enduring appeal. Rocca also talks with actor Patrick Page, who travels the country with his one-man show of Shakespearean villains, "All the Devils Are Here"; and "This American Life" host Ira Glass, whose 2014 tweet declaring that "Shakespeare sucks" let slip the dogs of war. For more info: "All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain" by Patrick Page ( Shakespeare Library, Washington Glass on Instagram"This American Life"Maureen Dowd, The New York Times"Notorious: Portraits of Stars from Hollywood, Culture, Fashion, and Tech" by Maureen Dowd (HarperCollins), in Hardcover, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Source ShakespeareShakespeare Birthplace Globe, London ALMANAC: June 8"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date. SPORTS: Broadway's longest-running hit … on the softball fieldWhen they're not plying the boards, Broadway and off-Broadway actors (along with stagehands, musicians and ushers) show their less-used talents in New York City's Central Park, by playing softball in the Broadway Show League. As stars like George Clooney (Team "Good Night and Good Luck") take to the field and make their shows' insurers anxious, correspondent Faith Salie talks with some of the competitors, including actors Nick Jonas ("The Last Five Years") and Michael Park ("Redwood") and costume dresser Jessica Vaughan ("Wicked"), about this hit of a Broadway production. For more info: Broadway Show League U.S.: Library of CongressRobert Costa reports. PREVIEW: Former Librarian of Congress Dr. Carla Hayden speaks out about her firing by TrumpDr. Carla Hayden, the former Librarian of Congress fired by President Trump last month, talks for the first time about her abrupt dismissal, and the challenges facing her former institution – and libraries nationwide. For more info: Library of Congress THEATER: Jean Smart on her one-woman Broadway show "Call Me Izzy"The Emmy Award-winning star of "Hacks," Jean Smart, has returned to Broadway in "Call Me Izzy," a one-woman show written by "Sunday Morning" contributor Jamie Wax. They talk with correspondent Tracy Smith about her character – a woman in an abusive marriage who escapes in a world of books. Smart also discusses her life spanning comic highs and painful loss, from starring on "Designing Women," to becoming a single mom with the sudden death of husband Richard Gilliland. For more info: "Call Me Izzy," at Studio 54 in New York City (through Aug. 17) | Ticket infoJean Smart on Instagram PASSAGE: In memoriam"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week. MEDIA: It's a living: Earning patronage on PatreonMany creators on social media have a hard time making money from their work. Today, 12 years after the introduction of Patreon, the company says it's a source of regular income for more than 300,000 creators. Correspondent David Pogue talks with Patreon co-founder Jack Conte, and with podcasters and artists who gain income from subscribing patrons paying as little as $5 a month. For more info: PatreonCaro Arévalo on Patreon | LinktreePatrick Hinds and Gillian Pensavalle's "True Crime Obsessed" on PatreonAlan Alda's "Clear and Vivid" on Patreon THE TONY AWARDS: Short MUSIC: "A little magic": The Doobie Brothers on songwritingThis week, Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald and Patrick Simmons – founding and current members of The Doobie Brothers – will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. As the band embarks on a summer tour, correspondent Jim Axelrod talked with them, and with fellow Doobie Brother John McFee, about reuniting on their 16th studio album, "Walk This Road"; and how the magic of songwriting has shaped the sound of the Doobie Brothers for more than half a century. To hear the title track "Walk This Road" by The Doobie Brothers (featuring Mavis Staples), click on the video player below: For more info: "Walk This Road" by The Doobie Brothers (Warner Bros./Rhino), available June 6The Doobie Brothers (Official site) | Tour infoSongwriters Hall of Fame STAGE: Magic in the dark: The fantastical worlds of Lightwire TheaterPart dance, part puppetry, and part electroluminescent wiring, Lightwire Theater creates evocative stage shows featuring dinosaurs, mythic heroes and fairy tale creatures. Correspondent Martha Teichner talks with Ian and Eleanor Carney, the husband-and-wife co-founders of the New Orleans-based company, about their imaginative blend of artistry and technology. For more info: Lightwire Theater Lafon Performing Arts Center, Luling, La. COMMENTARY: From celebrating Juneteenth to the erasure of Black history: Charles M. Blow on America todayPolitical analyst and former New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow says that pluralism and racial justice have been demoted in the months since President Trump re-took office, as his administration has moved to purge the government (and much of society) of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Blow looks at the "sad new reality" in which America's raging culture wars have targeted our youngest national holiday. For more info: Charles M. Blow on Instagram NATURE: TBD WEB EXCLUSIVES: MARATHON: 2025 Tony-nominated shows and performers (YouTube Video)It's time to celebrate the best of Broadway! Watch "Sunday Morning" interviews with the creatives on stage and behind the scenes of this year's Tony Award-nominated shows. [And don't miss the Tony Awards ceremony broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ June 8.] FROM THE ARCHIVES: Dr. Robert Jarvik and the artificial heart (YouTube Video)Dr. Robert Jarvik, who designed the first permanent artificial heart implanted in a human, died on Monday, May 26, 2025, at age 79. He talked with correspondent Richard Wagner for this "CBS Sunday Morning" report on biomedical engineering projects that aired on Oct. 14, 1979, three years before that first artificial heart transplant. Wagner also talked with Dr. Wilhem Kolff (who invented the kidney dialysis machine); polymer chemist Dr. Donald Lyman; Dr. J.D. Mortensen (director of Surgical Research at the University of Utah); and with patients who were experiencing life with artificial limbs and kidneys. FROM THE ARCHIVES: Young tech entrepreneurs looking to the future (YouTube Video)Revisit these "CBS Sunday Morning" archive segments — from our 1998 interview with Elon Musk to our 2005 interview with Mark Zuckerberg, founder of and beyond. The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison. DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city "Sunday Morning" also streams on the CBS News app beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET. (Download it here.) Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on and Paramount+, including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. Follow us on Twitter/X; Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; TikTok; Bluesky; and at You can also download the free "Sunday Morning" audio podcast at iTunes and at Now you'll never miss the trumpet! Musk alleges Trump's name appeared in Epstein files as feud escalates What to know about President Trump's travel ban on nationals from 12 countries Trump says he's disappointed by Musk criticism of budget bill, Musk says he got Trump elected
