Latest news with #Uncut
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Powerful anti-abortion lawyer, Trump supporter among Braun's IU trustee appointments
Gov. Mike Braun's new appointees to Indiana University's board of trustees include a prominent conservative attorney who's argued cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and a sports anchor who's openly stumped in support of Donald Trump, stoking fears that the changes to the board's composition are politically motivated. Braun removed all three alumni-elected trustees from the board on May 31 after a controversial provision in the state budget bill granted him the power to appoint all nine of the board's members. On June 2, Braun's office announced that James Bopp Jr., Sage Steele and Brian Eagle would be replacing the three trustees, serving three and two-year terms, respectively. He also reappointed current board chair Quinn Buckner for another year. James Bopp is a prominent conservative attorney who's brought cases before the U.S. and state supreme courts. In 2013, the National Law Journal listed Bopp as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in America. Bopp was the attorney in the landmark McCutcheon vs. Federal Election Commission (FEC) case that eliminated caps on individual campaign contributions. He drafted the initial complaint for Citizens United vs. FEC, the landmark Supreme Court case that paved the way for the creation of super PACs. Bopp has served as general counsel for the anti-abortion group National Right to Life since 1978 and is the attorney for election integrity group True the Vote, which has repeatedly pushed claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen despite admitting before a judge that they had no evidence. He also co-founded Hoosiers for Opportunity, Prosperity & Enterprise (HOPE), a conservative policy making organization that heavily influenced Braun's policy positions. Local news when it happens Access Bloomington news anywhere with the Herald-Times app Between 1992 and 2025, Bopp has contributed over $43,000 to Republican candidates on the state and federal level, according to FEC data. Sage Steele is a sports anchor and media personality who was suspended from her job at ESPN after making controversial comments about vaccine mandates and Barack Obama's race during a podcast appearance. During her appearance on Uncut with Jay Cutler, Steele called vaccine mandates 'sick' and questioned why Obama identified as Black despite being raised by a white mother. She later sued ESPN for violating her First Amendment rights and settled with her former employer for around $500,000. Steele has become more outspoken in her conservative politics in recent years, joining Lara Trump and Tulsi Gabbard for a 'Women for Trump' tour on the campaign trail last October. The board has never been entirely apolitical; former trustee and Indiana Pacers president James T. Morris served on the staff of Republican Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar before his time on the board, and former member Bruce Cole was chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities under George W. Bush before he was a trustee. Still, Braun's decision to select two outspoken conservative personalities has only added to criticism of what some IU faculty have described as a political 'takeover'of the board. The budget provision eliminating alumni-elected trustees, which Braun previously said he didn't recommend but supported, is currently the subject of an ACLU lawsuit. During a media appearance on June 3, Braun defended his decision to select Bopp, touting his reputation as a First Amendment lawyer. Bopp has argued several First Amendment cases before the Supreme Court, mostly about campaign finance contributions. 'He's making it clear that it ought to be a place where all views are listened to, and you don't try to squelch anything based upon what your point of view might be, and make sure it's all within the decorum of law and the Constitution,' Braun said. 'I think he is emblematic that the first amendment makes sense, and he's a guy that's been for it through thick and thin.' Brian Rosenzweig at brian@ Follow him on X/Twitter at @brianwritesnews. This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Gov Braun IU trustee appointments James Bopp Sage Steele prominent conservatives
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
Movie Review: The Weeknd's 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' is a surrealist vanity project
NEW YORK -- It's the final night of tour. SoFi Stadium, just outside Los Angeles, is packed. 80,000 fans stand before The Weeknd, an endless sea of blinding lights. The bestselling artist born Abel Tesfaye emerges onstage. He launches into the first song. Less than a minute goes by, and the unthinkable happens: His voice cracks. And then it is gone. That September night in 2022 marked a turning point for Tesfaye. He mines the scene in 'Hurry Up Tomorrow, ' where, ironically, it arrives too late. The tedium of an incoherent first act paints the charismatic performer — one of the last few decades' most popular — as an unempathetic protagonist in a nonlinear and nonsensical world. But how much of The Weeknd is here, really? In his first leading role in a feature film, directed by Trey Edward Shults, Tesfaye plays a fictionalized version of himself, an insomniac musician (as made explicitly clear in the 'Wake Me Up' leitmotif, where he sings, 'Sun is never rising / I don't know if it's day or night'). He's marred by a recent breakup from an ex portrayed in a cruel voicemail message ('I used to think you were a good person,' she says) and a hedonistic lifestyle, instigated by his superficial friend-manager Lee, played Barry Keoghan. Shortly after Tesfaye loses his voice, a psychosomatic ailment, he meets superfan Amina, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. She offers temporary comfort and, in return, is afforded no agency. She exists for him. Soon, the uninspired horrors begin, culminating in what recalls the torture scene in 'Reservoir Dogs' with less violence. Instead, Amina — when she is not weeping; I urge all viewers to keep a 'cry count' and consider what feminist blogs might have to say — lip-syncs some of The Weeknd's biggest hits back to him, explaining that they're all about 'emptiness and heartbreak.' Woven throughout is some conversation about absent fathers and fear of abandonment, with unearned delivery and first-draft acuity — something gesturing at depth without piercing the surface. According to press materials, Amina and Lee are not real people but representations of Tesfaye. She is meant to represent Tesfaye's disconnected, 'deeper emotional self' — and Lee, his public persona. That is not made explicitly clear in the film, except in a very generous reading of the ending. Subtext only works when there is context to back it up, otherwise, you are left with 'Hurry Up Tomorrow': an exciting vanity project with surrealist imagination but stiff writing, no stakes, limited emotional weight and an unclear narrative. That won't be an issue for superfans, of course — those intimately familiar with The Weeknd's music and career. This film appears to be for them and Tesfaye, a producer, alone; they have the framework in which to enjoy the runtime. Considering that fandom is the dominant form of popular culture, it's not a bad business decision. And it's worked for him before. This is not Tesfaye's first foray into acting. Aside from his cameo in 'Uncut Gems,' he starred in HBO's 2023 series 'The Idol. ' He co-created the show with Sam Levinson, a show that similarly presented unearned provocation. At the time, 'The Idol' received criticism for its sadomasochistic storytelling that emerged after a shift away from 'the female perspective,' allegedly a request from Tesfaye. It was not a clever or subversive show, nor was it really even about anything, but it did inspire conversation. It's easy to see how 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' may have similar effects. In a moment where autobiographical films about musicians are playful and creative — Pharrell Williams' Lego partnership 'Piece by Piece' comes to mind, as does Robbie Williams' ' Better Man ' — 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' feels like a misstep for those outside The Weeknd's most devoted. Of course, the film does not identify as a biopic. But it could've benefited from less self-seriousness. And editing. But what about the music? 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' is connected to Tesfaye's latest album of the same name — and the final chapter in The Weeknd's record-breaking trilogy that began with 2020's 'After Hours' and continued with 2022's 'Dawn FM.' The album, the quietest of the series, worked as an allegory on the trials of fame — a topic long covered by the most successful purveyors of pop. Retrospectively, it works best as a film's soundtrack than a stand-alone record, ambitious. Like the movie, it gestures at criticism of the celebrity-industrial complex without accomplishing it. It seems obvious, now, to learn that the movie predates the record. The film's strength far and away is its score, composed by Tesfaye with Daniel Lopatin (better known as the experimental electronic musician Oneohtrix Point Never and for his 'Good Time' and 'Uncut Gems' scores). It builds from Tesfaye's discography and morphs into something physical and psychedelic — at its most elated, dread-filled and clubby. It is so affecting, it almost distracts from moments of dizzying cinematography, with the films' penchant for spinning frames, zooms into upside skylines, blurred vision and erratic lights. Those tools feel better suited for a music video, the kind of sophisticated visual world Tesfaye has developed in his pop career. They elevate his euphoric, layered, evocative dance-pop, but they do not translate in this film. 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' a Lionsgate release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language throughout, drug use, some bloody violence and brief nudity. Running time: 105 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bob Dylan setlist 2025: What he sang at Willie Nelson's Outlaw tour launch in Phoenix
Bob Dylan was full of surprises when he brought his band to Phoenix on Tuesday, May 13, as part of Willie Nelson's Outlaw Music Festival 2025 at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. Most recent setlists have been focused on his latest album, 2020's 'Rough and Rowdy Ways,' which made the rounds of year-end critics' lists while being singled out as album of the year by Ultimate Classic Rock, Uncut and Mojo. But this was another side of Bob Dylan, complete with two songs early in the set from the criminally underrated "Another Side of Bob Dylan." He's been doing "It Ain't Me Babe" on the regular, but this set also featured "To Ramona" for the first time since 2017. He also did "Forgetful Heart" from "Together Through Life" for the first time since 2015 and "Mr. Tambourine Man" for the first time since 2010 as well as two songs from "John Wesley Harding" (the set-opening "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" and "All Along the Watchtower") and "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" from "Highway 61 Revisited." He also did covers of "Route 66" (first time since 1986), "I'll Make It All Up To You" (a Jerry Lee Lewis song written by Charlie Rich) and "A Rainy Night in Soho" by the Pogues. Here's what Bob Dylan sang on opening night of the Willie Nelson Outlaw Festival Tour 2025 in Phoenix, according to fans who saw the show, as shared online: "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" "It Ain't Me Babe" "Forgetful Heart" (first time since 2015) "Axe and the Wind" (George "Wild Child" Butler cover; live debut) "To Ramona" (first time since 2017) "Route 66" (Bobby Troup cover; first time since 1986) "All Along the Watchtower" "I'll Make It All Up To You" (Jerry Lee Lewis cover; live debut) "It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry" "Mr. Tambourine Man" (first time since 2010) "Under the Red Sky" "Scarlet Town" "A Rainy Night in Soho" (Pogues cover; live debut) Ed has covered pop music for The Republic since 2007, reviewing festivals and concerts, interviewing legends, covering the local scene and more. He did the same in Pittsburgh for more than a decade. Follow him on X and Instagram @edmasley and on Facebook as Ed Masley. Email him at 'New way of playing': How one night in Tempe sparked Willie Nelson's outlaw country revolution This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bob Dylan setlist: Outlaw Music Festival 2025 songs
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Uncut: McGuff discusses technical foul in Ohio State win over Montana State
Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Throughout the year, Land-Grant Holy Land will be bringing you uncut audio primarily from Ohio State press conferences, but also from individual interview sessions. Listen to the episode and subscribe: Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Ohio State women's basketball entered the NCAA Tournament field of 64 teams Friday against the Montana State Bobcats. The Big Sky champions came into Columbus after winning the regular season and conference tournament with a 30-3 record, but after a back-and-forth start to the game, Ohio State ran away in a 71-51 win. Advertisement After the game, head coach Kevin McGuff and guards Chance Gray and Jaloni Cambridge spoke with the media. Coach McGuff talked about how the Buckeyes lack of extra passes in the first quarter led to the game being so close, with six lead changes in the first half. Also, his message to the team at halftime, which led to a 15-point third quarter run that put the game away for Ohio State and the moment that led to a technical foul for the coach. Gray and Cambridge talked about what forward Cotie McMahon texted to them Friday morning and how the team responded to McGuff's second quarter technical foul and the Buckeyes' 26 forced turnovers against the Bobcats. That and more on the latest 'Uncut.' Connect with Thomas: Bluesky: @ThomasCostello Twitter: @1ThomasCostello Advertisement Theme music provided by More from
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sir Ringo Starr 'loved' getting high with Bob Dylan
Sir Ringo Starr got so stoned with Bob Dylan, he forgot he'd ordered food. The 84-year-old drummer's Beatles bandmate Sir Paul McCartney previously told how the first time the group tried marijuana was with the folk legend, and after being quizzed about the experience, Ringo admitted he "loved" it, but got a pleasant surprise when the room service they had ordered suddenly appeared because the drug had made them all "a little hungry". Asked on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' if it was true he'd smoked weed with Dylan, Ringo said: 'Yeah. He didn't personally hand it to me. He had a friend of his in the room who actually handed it to me." And asked if he loved the experience, he added: 'Loved it. And after we'd sat round in that room smoking dope, I came out that room into the living room of the hotel and we'd forgotten we'd ordered room service. "And so this guy came in wheeling in a couple of trolleys for the four of us and it was like, 'Oh okay!' because it makes you a little hungry." But two things that won't have been on the menu that night were pizza and curry because Ringo admitted he has "never" tried either because of his food allergies. He said: 'I've never had a pizza or a curry. 'I'm allergic to several items and pizza… you never know what they're putting in it half the time or the curry. So I'm pretty strict with myself because it makes me ill immediately.' Paul previously told how Ringo was the first to smoke marijuana while he and late bandmates John Lennon and George Harrison were being "good lads" but his reaction made them all want to try it too. Speaking to Uncut magazine, Paul recalled: 'I'm not sure whether he's very keen on me telling this, but here we go. 'It was at the Delmonico Hotel on Park Avenue and 59th in New York City in August 1964. 'We were in a hotel room, all being good lads having our Scotch and coke – it was an after-party I think. 'Dylan arrived and he went into the bedroom with his roadie. Ringo went along to see what was up. 'So he finds Dylan rolling up and he has a toke. He came back in and we said, 'What was it like?' 'So Ringo says, 'The ceiling is kind of moving down…' We all ran into the backroom going, 'Give us a bit, give us a bit!' 'So that was the very first evening we ever got stoned.'
