
Taylor Swift's chat with the Kelces on ‘New Heights' marks a milestone moment for podcasts
By Thursday afternoon, Wednesday night's talk had already been seen more than 11.7 million times on YouTube. But that's only a fraction of its circulation — clips distributed on Instagram, TikTok, X and elsewhere have received more than 400 million views, and the episode was also available for streaming on audio platforms.

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Toronto Sun
2 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
TOPS OF THE WORLD: The most viral stories of the week
Taylor Swift in promo photo from upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl; Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott; Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Instagram/The Associated Press From local and provincial news, Canadian politics, the latest in sports, outrageous entertainment offerings, the Toronto Sun always has you covered. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account There are stories, however, that are more newsworthy to the masses than others. If you want to keep up with those at the watercooler or on social media, read on to see what stories everyone was talking about this past week: TIFF reverses decision on Oct. 7 doc after backlash Joe Warmington pointed out the 'absurd and insulting censorship' of the documentary The Road Between Us at the Toronto International Film Festival after it was pulled from the schedule because the filmmakers used footage filmed by Hamas but — wait for it — didn't obtain the rights from the terrorist group for the clips. Well, the backlash came fast and furiously, and the film about the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel will be gracing festival screens after all — but only after the pulling of acclaimed director Barry Avrich's film made international headlines, including the front page of the New York Post and being discussed on Fox News. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It was never my intention to offend or alienate anyone,' TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey wrote in a statement. 'Given the sensitive and significant nature of the film's subject, I believe that it tells an important story and contributes to the rich tapestry of perspectives in our lineup — stories that resonate here at home and around the world.' Taylor Swift announced new album on Kelce brothers' podcast Taylor Swift was the special guest on boyfriend Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce's New Heights podcast on Aug. 13 — after confirming on social media that she was in her showgirl era. The superstar made the big announcement of The Life of a Showgirl , her 12th studio album at exactly 12:12 a.m. on Aug. 12 but for all the details, Swifties and fans alike would have to tune in to the podcast. Crafty buggers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's her first new record since her epic Eras Tour ended last December, and Swift has shared stunning images from the album on her socials, admitting the Kelces, 'We're going all out. This is a full send. I care about this record more than I can even overstate.' The Life of a Showgirl debuts Oct. 3 (but you can already get it in presales, if you follow Swift on social media). Air Canada's work stoppage More than 10,000 Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight attendants walked off the job as of 1 a.m. ET Saturday, which was followed by a company-imposed lockout after the airline and the workers' union were unable to reach a deal. Flights have already been cancelled in anticipation of the work stoppage with a full stoppage now in effect. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Air Canada said it would notify customers of cancellations through email and text message, adding it recommends against going to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking and their flight still shows as operating. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Buck Martinez's return to broadcast booth The Blue Jays are tops in the American League East and, as of press time, leading the AL. And with Buck Martinez back on the Sportsnet broadcast, they are the hottest ticket in town. A lot has happened in the last two-plus months that he was MIA, with the Jays being far from the team they were on May 28, when Martinez was last in the booth. But that journey pales in comparison to what Martinez has endured in that time after a diagnosis of lung cancer sidelined him. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He's back now, and that voice is as comforting as ever alongside his long-time play-by-play partner, Dan Shulman. There's nothing like listening to Martinez talk baseball with such passion, and he had plenty of words of admiration for the Blue Jays and what manager John Schneider has done for the team. 'These guys, the way they are playing, this is how you play winning baseball. This is how you win championships.' From his lips … Read More Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska U.S. President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin kicked off their reunion with a warm handshake before getting to the business at hand: A summit to discuss Russia's war on Ukraine and relations between Moscow and Washington. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the previously planned one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin is now a three-on-three meeting — but no, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not in attendance of discussions he should totally be a part of, nor were any other European leaders invited to join in. Rather, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff made up Team U.S., while Putin had Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov by his side. 'HIGH STAKES!!!' Trump posted shortly on his Truth Social account before he boarded Air Force One for Alaska. No kidding. Toronto & GTA Sunshine Girls Toronto Blue Jays Canada Toronto Blue Jays


Winnipeg Free Press
9 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Turning over a New Leaf for a great cause — wildfire relief
Opinion A Winnipeg brewery and a local beer enthusiast/social media personality have collaborated to make a brew in support of victims of Manitoba's wildfires. The New Leaf Lager, a collaboration between One Great City and Trevor Allain, aka @beerandbaphomet, was made using donated malt and hops, with a portion of proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross. (Supplied) One Great City (1596 Ness Ave.) and Trevor Allain, who posts on Instagram as @beerandbaphomet, have teamed up to create New Leaf Lager, a hoppy lager made using donated malt from Manitoba's Scythe Malting and donated hops from Saskatchewan's JGL Shepherd Farms, which Allain helped make at the brewery. They'll launch New Leaf Lager on Sunday, Aug. 24, at the brewery in an event running from noon to 10 p.m. In addition to the beer launch, One Great City will be hosting a tap takeover, which will see beers on tap from locals such as Devil May Care, Oxus, Sookram's, Good Neighbour and others alongside contributions from Calgary's Establishment Brewing, Cabin Brewing and more. All breweries donated their beer, which will sell for $5 a pint on the 24th, with all proceeds going towards the Canadian Red Cross in support of wildfire relief. A dollar from each can will also be donated. There's no cost to attend the event, which will also feature live music, and beers (and food) will be available for purchase. To see a video of the New Leaf Lager being made (via Instagram), click here. That's not all that's going on around town drinks-wise over the next week or so… If you're looking for something to do today, Nonsuch Brewing Co. (125 Pacific Ave.) is celebrating simple yet mighty brews all day at the brewery/eatery. Smash Fest features five different brews made with a single malt and single hop (or 'SMASH'). There will be new SMASH brews and burgers to accompany a special menu, plus DJs spinning tunes. Admission is free, with brews, burgers and more available for purchase. The Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers (CAPS) wants Winnipeg wine lovers to enjoy the tail end of summer by drinking pink. CAPS Manitoba is hosting Rosé the Night Away, a showcase of a range of styles of pink wines, on the rooftop patio of the Metropolitan Entertainment Centre (281 Donald St.) on Monday from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $42 for CAPS members or $55 for non-members, and are available online here. On Tuesday, brewery/winery Low Life Barrel House (398 Daly St. N.) and private wine store Ellement Wine + Spirits team up for the seventh Natural Wine Party, featuring wines made with minimal intervention (native yeasts and little to no added sulfites, fining or filtering). The party kicks off at 5 p.m. and goes until close, and will feature a range of natural wines by the glass. Special guests include Matt Sherlock (of Lock & Worth and Nichol Vineyards in B.C.'s Okanagan Valley) with Adam Donnelly (Petit Socco) and Mitchell Man (Passero) serving up some small bites. There's no cost to attend, with wine/food available for purchase. If you're looking to combine a little learning with your drinks experience, Winnipeg wine and mead producer Shrugging Doctor Beverage Company (483 Berry St.) wants to show you where the grapes for its wines are grown. The company is once again leading a vineyard tour and tasting on Sunday, Sept. 7, which will see guests visit the Pembina Valley vineyard, sample some wines, tuck into some barbecued fare and more. Tickets including a bus ride to the area are $120 plus fees; without the bus ride it's $100 plus fees. More information and tickets are available online here. Poderi dal Nespoli 2022 Prugneto Sangiovese Superiore (Romagna, Italy — $19.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) Poderi dal Nespoli 2022 Prugneto Sangiovese Superiore Poderi dal Nespoli 2022 Prugneto Sangiovese Superiore This Sangiovese from the Emilia Romagna region of northern Italy brings ripe raspberry and cherry flavours along with hints of mocha, red licorice, blackberry and earth. It's medium-plus-bodied and dry, with loads of red berry flavours allowed to shine through unencumbered by too much oak (30 per cent of the wine spends a few months in barrel), lean but grippy tannins that come with a peppery note, a splash of acidity and, at 13.5 per cent, a medium-length finish. Would do well with charcuterie, osso bucco or pasta in red sauce. 3.5/5 Montes 2022 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Colchagua Valley, Chile — 24.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon There's about 10 per cent Merlot blended into this Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which is inky purple in colour and aromatically offers bright cassis, eucalyptus, menthol, blackberry and plum notes. It's full-bodied and dry, with ripe but slightly tart dark berry notes front and centre accompanied by the herbal/eucalyptus notes, a hint of mocha, and lingering vanilla and spice from 12 months in French oak barrels, half of which were new. The tannins offer a decent bit of grip, while the 14.5 per cent alcohol offers a long, lingering finish. It's drinking well now on its own, or would show nicely with steak, fajitas, hard cheeses or grilled meats, but could be set aside for 3-5 years. A dense, chewy red that's a very good value. 4/5 Søren 2022 Boundary Springs red blend (Similkameen Valley, B.C. — $46.99, Jones & Co.) Søren Boundary Springs red blend Søren Boundary Springs red blend A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Syrah, this single-vineyard B.C. red from the Similkameen Valley offers lovely blackberry, cocoa, violet, cassis, plum and white pepper notes on the nose. It's full-bodied and dry, but brings loads of ripe dark berry and cassis notes, secondary cocoa and white pepper notes from oak aging (some of which was in new barrels), medium tannins and a long, slightly warm finish (it's 14 per cent alcohol). Drink this exceptionally well-balanced and concentrated red now, or hold for 4-6 years. A small allocation has made its way to Manitoba from the winery, and is available at Jones & Co. 4.5/5 uncorked@ @bensigurdson Ben SigurdsonLiterary editor, drinks writer Ben Sigurdson is the Free Press's literary editor and drinks writer. He graduated with a master of arts degree in English from the University of Manitoba in 2005, the same year he began writing Uncorked, the weekly Free Press drinks column. He joined the Free Press full time in 2013 as a copy editor before being appointed literary editor in 2014. Read more about Ben. In addition to providing opinions and analysis on wine and drinks, Ben oversees a team of freelance book reviewers and produces content for the arts and life section, all of which is reviewed by the Free Press's editing team before being posted online or published in print. It's part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.


Toronto Star
11 hours ago
- Toronto Star
RushTok backlash: Why sororities aren't letting prospects post
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Kylan Darnell became an overnight celebrity in the TikTok niche that documents the glitzy, ritualistic recruitment process for sororities. As a 21-year-old rising senior four years later, she's taking more of her sorority life offline. Darnell has until now been the embodiment of RushTok, a week-long marathon that has teens at schools around the country meticulously documenting their efforts to land a cherished spot in a sorority during the colorful, girly and enigmatic recruitment process known as rush week.