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USA Today
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Beyoncé's tour: Jimi Hendrix's national anthem, more powerful messages you may have missed
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter's "Cowboy Carter" tour isn't just a musical masterpiece. It's a powerful spectacle filled with messages about country music, America's history, and the plight and triumph of Black and brown people. The show is rich with symbolism and motifs — some of which fans may not even realize they're witnessing. The Grammy-winning singer wrapped her Washington, D.C. area stop of her Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit Tour on July 7. She first launched her DMV stint with a dazzling performance on the Fourth of July. The holiday made for an especially significant night. Many fans online took note of her head-turning, Americana looks filled with red, white, blue and American flag imagery. They've been present throughout the tour, but the July Fourth show in the nation's capital brought them to the forefront and underscored her message. So much so that some of its significance may have gone over the heads of those casually tuning in online or even attending in person. Tina Knowles, mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, shared this sentiment in an Instagram post while highlighting some elements of the show. "It is truly a bold true statement. But still there are those who just don't get it," Knowles wrote. Here are some of the moments and symbols that may have gone unnoticed by casual viewers, but speak volumes about the deeper meaning behind Beyoncé's tour. A post shared by Tina Knowles (@mstinaknowles) Beyoncé opens the show with 'Ameriican Requiem' Each night, Beyoncé opens her show with her song "Ameriican Requiem," in which she sings "for things to change they have to stay the same." Later in the song she sings, "They used to say I spoke too country and the rejection came, said I wasn't country 'nough." Knowles notes, "If you listen to the lyrics it's a tribute to what this country was built on — the backs of Black and brown people." The truth is, country music's history is intertwined with America's history of segregation and exclusion. In concert, Beyoncé made a point to highlight this ongoing complexity through her interludes, outfit choices and more. There was lots of red, white and blue. There were a great deal of American flags, which plucked at the patriotism that is oftentimes associated with country music. Beyoncé seemed to highlight the irony of Black people and other minorities being historically and continuously ostracized in a genre they helped build, while also reclaiming the themes and colors as her own. Prior to releasing the album, Beyoncé got candid about creating the five-year project and alluded to her 2016 performance at the CMA Awards, which was met with an icy reception and harsh criticism. A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) Beyoncé covers Beatles' 'Blackbiird' — a song about the Civil Rights Movement After opening with "Ameriican Requiem," she goes on to sing her her Beatles cover "Blackbiird," inspired by the Civil Rights Movement, "The Star-Spangled Banner and "Freedom" — the theme song of Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. Then she wraps up the night's first act with "Ya Ya" — "whole lotta red in that white and blue." In the post, Knowles offers deeper insight into the layered meanings within the highlights the thoughtful intention, extensive research and pride that went into the show — especially the rich Black history embedded throughout. She even points to the meaning behind the song "Blackbiird,' which written by Paul McCartney about "young black girls paving the way for us and facing intense abuse to integrate the schools" — known as the Little Rock Nine. Beyoncé sings Jimi Hendrix's rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' In the same post, Knowles shared that Beyoncé actually sings a rendition of the national anthem by the late legend Jimi Hendrix. "The Star-Spangled Banner that she sings in the show is the rendition done by Jimi Hendrix so many years ago," she wrote. Knowles highlighted the significance of the performance, noting that it ends with the powerful lyric, ' I was only waiting for this moment to be free.' Following this moment, words appear on screen declaring, 'Never ask for something that is already yours.' Knowles wrote that Beyoncé's tour isn't just a performance — it's a statement. "Please take a listen," she wrote. "Thank you for really listening and recognizing all the thought and work the research and pride and unwavering courage it takes to do a record and a tour like this." These few elements only scratch the surface of the impact and significance of the tour and album. The nine-city tour has spanned the U.S. and Europe with the grand finale set for July 26 in Las Vegas. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chicago Sky Snub Angel Reese of Postgame Honor After Mystics Game
Chicago Sky Snub Angel Reese of Postgame Honor After Mystics Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Fans at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax got their money's worth Tuesday night. Angel Reese made her return to the DMV, and her Chicago Sky squad was competitive from start to finish. Advertisement But the Sky couldn't complete the comeback and dropped their second straight game, falling 81-79 to the Washington Mystics. Washington led by three after the first quarter and five at halftime, holding on just long enough to secure their ninth win of the season. After the game, Chicago announced its postgame honors, and stirred up a bit of controversy in the process. The team named Elizabeth Williams as its player of the game, noting her 'season-high' performance. "our X factor. SEASON-HIGH FROM EWILL." Williams scored 20 points, pulled down seven rebounds and added a block in a solid effort. But fans were quick to question why Angel Reese didn't get the nod instead. Advertisement Reese, now in her second WNBA season, delivered yet another historic performance. She extended her league record with a sixth straight double-double, finishing with 22 points, 15 rebounds and four assists. She went 12-for-15 at the free-throw line and committed just three turnovers. It was also her sixth consecutive game with 15 or more rebounds. The only time she failed to reach that mark recently was on June 21 against Phoenix, where she had just two rebounds in 21 minutes. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5).David Gonzales-Imagn Images Meanwhile, Williams, a 32-year-old Duke alum, has stepped up in Kamilla Cardoso's absence. She's started the last three games, averaging 14 points and 7.7 rebounds over that span. Advertisement Chicago will look to bounce back quickly, hosting the Dallas Wings on Wednesday. Rookie Paige Bueckers is set to make her first appearance in Chicago. Related: Caitlin Clark's Reaction to Lexie Hull's Comments at Indiana Fever Event Related: WNBA Reminds Fans of Kate Martin's Nickname on Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
Exclusive: Chase Young talks Saints QB battle, coaching changes, New Balance partnership
'Partnering with New Balance, that's legendary. I'm blessed. They made me like the neighborhood hero' Although school is officially out for the summer and every kid has already begun to enjoy their time off with friends and family, the back-to-school mindset is just around the corner, and New Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young is helping everyone Get Set for the season ahead both on and off the field. Young, a New Balance-sponsored athlete and partner of Champs Sports, will be front and center promoting the retailer's Get Set campaign, the latest installment of its Sport For Life brand platform launching in anticipation of the upcoming school year. The Get Set campaign emphasizes three key themes: anticipation, participation, and transformation. But it's not just about heading back to class -- it's a message that extends into every part of life. Whether you're a grade school student, college athlete, or a supportive parent on the sidelines, Champs Sports has everyone covered with head-to-toe essentials tailored for the season ahead. In a recent interview, I spoke with Chase Young about his partnership with Champs Sports and New Balance, while also discussing the Saints' quarterback competition, his outlook for the upcoming season, and the advice he has for young athletes preparing for a new school and sports year. To start, Young spoke at length about the Get Set campaign, what getting ready for school was like growing up, and what the phrase Sport For Life means to him: "The Get Set campaign is really about getting kids excited to head back to school and helping them feel confident and fly; that's ultimately why I wanted to partner with Champs Sports. When I was young, there were good feelings and bad feelings. You know, being a kid, you don't always want to go to school -- but the good feelings came from wanting to see your friends that you hadn't seen in a while. I want to be the guy kids can look up to -- someone who helps them feel good about going to school. 'Sport For Life means a lot to me. Everything I do revolves around football, so it's about staying ready and keeping my body in top shape for the season.' Growing up in the DMV, like Young, I asked Young what his partnership with New Balance means to him -- especially coming from a place where the brand holds such strong cultural relevance. It brought back memories of my time playing at Delaware State University, where New Balance sneakers were a staple among my teammates. Young spoke from an emotional standpoint about what the brand represents to him and how New Balance helped connect him to his roots. "I can't even lie to you, being a kid from the DMV to be partnering with New Balance, that's legendary. I'm blessed," Young reflected. "They made me like the neighborhood hero." I also asked Young what he typically steps out in when it comes to his sneaker rotation -- whether it's a workout day or just part of his everyday routine. "I've been wearing the 1000 and the 1300 right now. Those are more lifestyle. For workouts, I usually go with the 1906 mainly," Young said, adding that it's been great to see the 1906 model come back in style, as a classic that's made a strong return as one of New Balance's older silhouettes. "The 1906, they really brought them back out. I didn't see those that much when I was younger." As our conversation continued, we were able to shift gears and talk a little bit about the football side of things -- more specifically his thoughts on transitioning into a new 3-4 defensive scheme under Brandon Staley, and how it might showcase his skillset as a pure pass rusher. "This new scheme is similar to what I played in during my rookie year, lining up in a true 9-technique, out on the edge and just penetrating. That's where I feel like I'm at my best," Young admitted. He was recognized as the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year back in 2020 after recording 7.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 4 forced fumbles (3 recoveries), 4 passes defensed, and 10 tackles for loss, with 44 total tackles (32 solo). It's a different role with different expectations than what we saw from Young playing in a 4i last year under Dennis Allen. He continued: "Last year was my first time playing in a 4i, which was a bit different for me. You've got to play a little heavier in there, going up against both tackles and guards. There's a lot more side-stepping involved when it comes to getting off the ball. I think I held my own pretty well though, especially with it being my first time in that role." Although he'll technically be playing an outside linebacker role in the new scheme, Young is still listed as a defensive end, and he shared some early impressions of new defensive line coach Bo Davis (formerly of LSU) and the immediate impact he's had on the unit. "Bo Davis is a heck of a coach. He's someone who's going to push us and hold us accountable -- and that's all I want. I want to be coached hard, because that's the only way you're going to get better. He's definitely been getting us right," Young shared. He agrees that Davis could be good for young guys like third-year pro Isaiah Foskey. "Fosk has been doing great, man. He's working hard and doing everything the coaches are asking of him. He's another guy who's comfortable playing on the edge, so I think he'll thrive in this scheme." While talking Saints football with Young, it felt only right to bring up the ongoing quarterback competition between Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough -- a battle that's been unfolding since late spring. Chase offered his thoughts on both players and how the competition has been shaping up, but like a lot of veteran players this summer, he isn't taking sides: "Both of those guys are great quarterbacks, man. It's going to be an exciting battle in camp for that QB1 spot. I'm looking forward to seeing them go toe-to-toe," With just a few questions left, I asked Chase about any team or personal goals he's set for the upcoming season. He led with the answer every fan in New Orleans wants to hear. "Obviously, the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl," Young replied. "Personally, my only goal is to keep playing the best football I can so I can help my team." To wrap things up, I circled back to the Get Set campaign and asked Chase what advice he'd give to student-athletes as they gear up for the upcoming sports season and school year: "I'd tell the kids to get their rest so they're in optimal shape when school starts — and so their minds are fresh. Just make sure they're eating the right foods too, because I feel like sleep and nutrition are the best things we can do for ourselves," Young finished. As the summer winds down and a new season approaches, Young's message is a timely reminder for students and athletes alike to take pride in preparation -- on the field, in the classroom, and in life. Through the Get Set campaign, he's not only promoting style and performance, but also encouraging young people to embrace the habits that lead to success. The campaign officially drops at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 8, just in time to help everyone get set for the season ahead.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Urgent warning issued in 5 US states over text scam stealing bank accounts: Delete these messages NOW
Millions of Americans are being hit by a dangerous wave of fake text messages that appear to come from official Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) offices. The messages, which first surfaced in May 2025, claim recipients owe an unpaid fine or toll and urge them to resolve the issue by clicking a link. That link leads to a counterfeit website designed to steal sensitive personal information, including bank logins, Social Security numbers, and phone credentials. Officials say the scam is spreading swiftly across several states, with California, New York, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois among the hardest hit. Alexi Giannoulias, the Secretary of State of Illinois, warned: 'Don't be fooled by phony text messages threatening 'suspension of driving privileges.' The attacks, known as smishing (SMS phishing), have grown more convincing than ever. Scammers are now using AI-generated language and domain spoofing to build fake websites that closely mimic official government portals. In New York, traffic attorney James Medows said he's seen a rise in clients who unknowingly paid fake citations. 'These scams work because they feel urgent and personal,' he said. 'A real DMV ticket won't come with threats over text. Always confirm through the DMV before clicking anything.' California DMV Director Steve Gordon issued a statewide alert after residents reported receiving scam texts claiming unpaid tolls. 'These messages looked like they came from us,' Gordon said. 'The safest way to respond is to visit our official website or call our contact center directly.' The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has also confirmed similar reports. Victims are told their driver's license or registration will be suspended unless they pay a fraudulent fee through a link provided in the message. In response, local governments, including the New York City Council, are calling for widespread public awareness campaigns to help residents recognize and report scam tactics. 'Legitimate government agencies will rarely, if ever, contact you by text message for sensitive matters,' officials warned. Although Georgia has no official DMV, scammers are spoofing the Department of Driver Services (DDS). The texts use near-identical domains to trick residents into clicking links. The attack, called smishing (SMS phishing), involves text messages designed to look like they're from local DMV or toll authorities Commissioner Angelique McClendon said in a statement: 'DDS employees do not contact customers to ask for payment or other confidential information.' In Illinois, messages claim to be from a fake 'Illinois State DMV' and threaten to revoke vehicle registration. Officials clarified the state only sends text reminders for scheduled appointments, not license or registration updates. Secretary Giannoulias is urging residents to delete the messages and report them immediately. The FTC says smishing now ranks among the top causes of fraud, contributing to the $12 billion in consumer losses reported in 2024. Many of these attacks rely on domain names like or designed to look trustworthy. Because these messages are often generated using AI, they are free of the grammar and spelling errors that once signaled a scam. Investigators believe much of the operation is run from overseas, making prosecution difficult. The FCC recommends registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. Officials urge reporting suspicious texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) or filing a report at
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Houston Rockets Trade Cam Whitmore to Washington Wizards
Houston Rockets Trade Cam Whitmore to Washington Wizards originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Houston Rockets are trading Cam Whitmore to the Washington Wizards for two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. The deal gives Whitmore a tremendous opportunity for an increased role as he turns 21 on Tuesday and returns to the DMV area. Advertisement This trade gives Whitmore a genuine opportunity for a larger role in a rebuilding Wizards roster, one more open to experimenting with younger talent. If he develops more consistency, especially shooting from outside and maintaining defensive discipline, he has the potential to evolve into a true 3-and-D forward in the modern NBA. He will help anchor a wing rotation for a team that went 18–64 last season. He averaged 10.8 ppg last season for the Rockets. Whitmore's game is often described as "tweener-perfect" as he is good at driving to the basket, finishing with authority, using quick footwork in space, and stepping into mid‑range pull‑ups. Defensively, he brings positional adaptability from guarding power forwards to perimeter wings. Advertisement His tenacity and high energy translate into hustle plays that swing momentum, whether contesting shots, boxing out, or cutting off driving lanes. If Whitmore thrives, Washington benefits significantly as a potential foundational piece or trade asset. If not, the cost is limited to Day 2 draft picks. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
