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Patrick Mahomes Weighs in on Family’s Outlook on Politics

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2024-09-17

Patrick Mahomes Weighs in on Family’s Outlook on Politics

Patrick Mahomes Avoids Political Discussions

Patrick Mahomes prefers not to delve into political conversations. Recently, former President Donald Trump mentioned Mahomes’ wife, Brittany Mahomes, praising her as “a big Trump fan” during a Fox News segment. This prompted questions about the family’s political stance.

Mahomes’ Stance on Political Endorsements

Mahomes clarified his position in an interview with A to Z Sports on September 11. He stated, “I’ve always said I don’t want my place and my platform to be used to endorse a candidate or do whatever either way.” Instead, the 28-year-old quarterback believes his role is to “inform people to get registered to vote,” encouraging individuals to “do their own research and then make their best decision for them and their family.” He views personal decision-making as a key aspect of what makes America exceptional.

Mahomes’ Views on Diversity and Unity

Reflecting on his experiences, Mahomes shared, “I’ve grown up with people from every aspect of life and every background.” He values the unity found in diverse environments like football and baseball locker rooms, emphasizing the importance of focusing on people’s character rather than their political views. He added, “Whenever I’m hanging out with whoever, I’m not thinking about their political views. I’m thinking about the people and how they treat other people.”

Impact of Trump’s Comments on Brittany Mahomes

Regarding Trump’s remarks about Brittany—whom he shares children Sterling, 3, and Bronze, 20 months—Mahomes does not believe it will influence her. “I think at the end of the day, it’s about me and my family and how we treat other people,” he noted. Mahomes also highlighted Brittany’s community involvement, stating, “Brittany does a lot in the community.”

Family’s Focus Amid Political Climate

The Mahomes family intends to remain unaffected by political debates, focusing instead on living their lives fully. Their name came up again in political discussions following Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump commented on the situation, expressing a preference for Brittany over Swift and labeling her as “a big MAGA fan.”

Trump’s Remarks on Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes

Trump remarked, “I was not a Taylor Swift fan. It was just a question of time.” He also criticized Swift’s support for President Joe Biden and implied that such endorsements might have repercussions. “But I like Brittany. I think Brittany is great,” Trump concluded, referring to her as “the one I like much better than Taylor Swift.”

Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Surprises Kids at Topps Rip Night

Community

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Spurs Star Victor Wembanyama Surprises Kids at Topps Rip Night

Local Businessman Keeps Exciting Secret About Spurs Star

For just over two weeks, local entrepreneur Victor Nava had to keep a thrilling secret: Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama was set to visit his sports card and memorabilia shop in San Antonio.

Nava, owner of Boomtown Sports Cards and Collectibles, hosted an annual Topps Hobby Rip night on Saturday, where around 70 kids gathered. They were informed that a special guest would be attending, but Wembanyama’s appearance was kept under wraps as a surprise.

When Wembanyama finally arrived at Nava’s shop, his towering 7-foot-3 frame elicited a raucous reaction from the crowd. Fans immediately started chanting “Wemby!” and one young admirer captured the sentiment of many when he told Wembanyama, “You’re my favorite basketball player.”

Saturday’s event showcased that the excitement around Wembanyama remains high as he approaches his second NBA season. The appearance was part of a promotional event linked to Wembanyama’s sponsorship with Fanatics, the company behind Topps sports cards. Similar events featured other sports stars like Tom Brady and Mike Trout globally.

Boomtown was one of 572 participating stores worldwide but was unique in hosting the reigning NBA Rookie of the Year. Nava, who only learned of Wembanyama’s visit two weeks prior, struggled to keep the news confidential.

Saturday marked Wembanyama’s debut visit to a sports card shop. Recently, he has developed an interest in collecting cards, with a particular fondness for Star Wars cards. “I’m starting to have a little collection,” he said, adding that he also has cards of himself.

During his 25-minute visit, Wembanyama interacted with the kids, exchanging cards and playing games. Eleven-year-old Robert Sisler, a dedicated Boomtown customer, expressed his amazement, stating, “My jaw was on the floor” after meeting his hero. Wembanyama was equally impressed when he saw one of his rare, autographed cards valued in the five figures.

The excitement of the event was captured in a tweet where one young fan exclaimed, “I’m never washing this hand,” highlighting the unforgettable experience of meeting Wembanyama.

For Nava, witnessing the joy on the children’s faces made the secret-keeping worth it. “The look on the kids’ faces is the reason why I wake up in the morning and love coming here,” he shared.

Keldon Johnson Supports UTSA Football: Building Local Sports Unity

Sports

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Keldon Johnson Supports UTSA Football: Building Local Sports Unity

San Antonio Spurs player Keldon Johnson recently attended a UTSA football game, with UTSA Athletics sharing his excitement on X (formerly Twitter). His presence underscores the importance of local sports teams supporting each other and fostering community pride.

When professional athletes like Johnson show up for local teams, it boosts morale and visibility, helping strengthen the bond between college and professional sports in San Antonio. His support inspires young athletes and encourages fans to back both the Spurs and UTSA, creating a more unified and engaged sports community.

Johnson’s involvement highlights how athletes can give back to their communities, building solidarity and pride that benefits the entire city.

Mom and Daughter Launch New Holistic, Vegan Hair Care Product Collection

National

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Mom and Daughter Launch New Holistic, Vegan Hair Care Product Collection

A Mother-Daughter Duo Are Leading the Way in Vegan Hair Care– Empowering Natural Beauty and Crafting Hair Products for Holistic Self-Care and Wellness

GodXess LLC, a Black-owned hair care brand founded by the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Dr. Starr Barrett and Essynce Moore, is excited to announce the launch of their new Vegan Hair Collection. This latest offering from the GodXess brand is a testament to their dedication to holistic self-care and natural beauty, introducing a range of hair care products that nourish both the soul and the hair.

Introducing the GodXess Vegan Hair Collection

The GodXess Vegan Hair Collection includes a variety of products designed to enhance natural beauty and promote wellness. The collection features Hair Foam, Detangler Spray, Oil, Edge Control, Gel, and a Wax Stick, all crafted with vegan ingredients to nourish and protect hair. These products offer versatile styling options while supporting healthy hair and scalp care.

“At GodXess, we believe in the power of nature to nurture and heal, which is why all of our products are vegan and free from harsh chemicals,” says Dr. Barrett. “Our new Hair Collection is an extension of our philosophy of self-love and self-care, offering our customers high-quality products that enhance their natural beauty while promoting overall wellness.”

Essynce Moore, co-founder, humorously adds, “If you’ve ever hovered over a sink for hours on end, arms sore and elbow deep in your head, hanging on by a thread, then you know natural hair is not for the weak! These products do a load of the work for you!”

A Commitment to Holistic Wellness

The launch of the GodXess Vegan Hair Collection is a natural evolution for the brand, which has built a reputation as a sanctuary for holistic healing and wellness. With a mission to restore the mind, body, and soul to its natural state, GodXess continues to expand its offerings, bringing the same dedication to purity and excellence to its hair care line.

The GodXess Vegan Hair Collection is now available for purchase online and will soon be featured in select retailers. For more information or to place an order, visit GodXessLife.com.

Sandy Hook Survivors Prepare to Vote in First Presidential Election

National

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Sandy Hook Survivors Prepare to Vote in First Presidential Election

“I’m Casting A Vote For The 26 Who Can’t”

In a powerful and emotional milestone, the survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting are preparing to vote in their first presidential election. Nearly 12 years after 26 first graders and educators were killed in the 2012 tragedy, these survivors, now 18, are looking forward to using their voices to influence change.

A Monumental Moment for Survivors

Grace Fischer, who survived the shooting by hiding as her teacher read The Nutcracker, is one of those first-time voters. Now 18, she and her fellow survivors see this as a “huge turning point” in their lives. “It’s a no-brainer for me,” said Lilly Wasilnak, another survivor.

These survivors have witnessed gun violence become an unfortunate and frequent occurrence across America. For them, voting offers a chance to drive change, especially after years of legislative inaction at the federal level.

Hope for Change: Support for Kamala Harris

Many of the Sandy Hook survivors are backing Kamala Harris for president, citing her commitment to reducing gun violence. Fischer and her peers met Harris on National Gun Violence Awareness Day in June, where the Vice President expressed her support, telling them, “Know that you guys are moving the needle.”

Gun Violence Laws and the Fight Ahead

Since the Sandy Hook tragedy, over 620 gun safety laws have been passed in various states. Emma Brown, executive director of Giffords, emphasized that survivors like Fischer are helping push the conversation forward, stating, “The momentum is there, and the will is there.”

As these young voters cast their ballots, they are doing so in memory of their classmates who lost their lives. “I’m casting a vote for the 26 who can’t,” said Wasilnak, marking this election as both personal and historic.

Lisa Price on How the Oprah Effect Changed Her Business

Business

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Lisa Price on How the Oprah Effect Changed Her Business

OPINION: From The Grio’s “Masters of the Game,” the founder of Carol’s Daughter discusses how appearing on Oprah’s show changed the course of her business.

The Power of The Oprah Winfrey Show for Small Businesses

Appearing on The Oprah Winfrey Show was a dream for many small business owners due to Oprah’s influence. Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, was set to be featured in Oprah Magazine but faced disappointment when the opportunity fell through. However, this setback led to something greater: a chance to appear on Oprah’s show in 2002. During the segment, Oprah mentioned loving Carol’s Daughter’s foot cream—although they didn’t have one. The overwhelming response crashed Price’s website, demonstrating both the power and challenge of Oprah’s endorsement.

Turning a Setback into an Opportunity

Lisa Price’s story of resilience is a reminder that disappointments can lead to bigger opportunities. Despite the canceled magazine feature, Price didn’t give up. A year later, she got an even better opportunity to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show, exposing her brand to millions of viewers. When Oprah praised Carol’s Daughter’s foot cream—though it didn’t yet exist—the overwhelming demand showed the potential and challenges of sudden success.

The Impact of Oprah’s Endorsement

Oprah’s mention of Carol’s Daughter’s products led to an influx of traffic, crashing the company’s website. Price learned firsthand the power of Oprah’s recommendation, which catapulted her business into the spotlight. Although this created some immediate problems, such as product demand and website capacity, it ultimately helped solidify Carol’s Daughter as a trusted brand.

Lil Wayne Says He’s ‘Devastated’ by Not Being Chosen to Perform at the Super Bowl

Entertainment

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Lil Wayne Says He’s ‘Devastated’ by Not Being Chosen to Perform at the Super Bowl

Kendrick Lamar Announced as 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Headliner

Recently, the NFL, Apple Music, and Roc Nation announced Kendrick Lamar as the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show headliner; an announcement that sparked mixed reactions on social media. While some fans rejoiced the “They Not Like Us” rapper’s appointment, others questioned the football conglomerate’s choice.

Fans Expected Lil Wayne in New Orleans

Super Bowl LIX will be held in New Orleans, leading many to believe that local favorite Lil Wayne would be chosen for the halftime show. However, there is no established tradition of selecting a performer from the host city. Despite the outcry from fans and celebrities such as Cam’ron, Nicki Minaj, and Master P, the NFL and its partners chose Kendrick Lamar instead.

Lil Wayne Expresses Heartbreak Over Super Bowl Halftime Snub

Lil Wayne has shared his feelings after not being chosen for the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show, calling the experience “devastating.” “That one hurt, I ain’t gon’ lie,” he said. With the event taking place in his hometown of New Orleans, Wayne had hoped for the opportunity but was passed over in favor of Kendrick Lamar. He added, “I really thought this was it,” but remains grateful to his fans for their support.

Lil Wayne’s Desire to Perform at the Super Bowl

In the past, Wayne has made it clear that performing at the Super Bowl, especially in New Orleans, would be a dream come true. “It’s more than a show, it’s a moment,” he said in earlier interviews. Despite the setback, Wayne emphasized his deep connection to the city and his desire to still represent it on the world’s biggest stage.

NFL’s Selection Process and Super Bowl Performances

The NFL’s decision to select Kendrick Lamar was rooted in his popularity and cultural influence, with many seeing it as a continuation of the league’s efforts to bring more diverse and meaningful voices to the halftime stage. “They made their choice,” Wayne admitted, acknowledging Lamar’s talent but also expressing his disappointment at being overlooked for what he felt could have been a defining moment in his career.

Lil Wayne’s Response and What’s Next

Though he is “heartbroken” by the decision, Lil Wayne remains committed to his music, telling fans, “This ain’t the end of the world.” He continues to work on new projects and expresses gratitude for the love and support he’s received from fans following the news. While this may not be his Super Bowl moment, Wayne assures his followers that he’s still going strong.

MTV VMAs Return to Form with Biggest Audience in 4 Years

Entertainment

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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MTV VMAs Return to Form with Biggest Audience in 4 Years

Wednesday night’s MTV Video Music Awards achieved its biggest audience in four years, claiming over 4 million viewers. Making the most of a live telecast across 13 Paramount-owned networks and two encore presentations, the annual event saw an audience uptick of 8% compared to 2023.

Paramount suggests that much of the surge had to do with popularity on social media boosted by a record-breaking night from Taylor Swift.

Beyoncé’s Whiskey ‘SirDavis’

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Behind the Barrel: Beyonce, Uncle Nearest, and the Enduring African American Pioneers of Whiskey

Recently, entertainer and businesswoman Beyonce Knwoles-Carter has launched her own line of whiskey, SirDavis. In a recent interview with GQ, the 43-year old Grammy winner spoke about how her love for whiskey started and what she hoped to accomplish in this exciting new venture. “I love everything about whiskey. The color, the smell, the way it dances in the glass.… And I love the stories that come with it. Every bottle has a history…. I am here to change that old narrative. I’m here to focus on the quality… I’ve learned that true success isn’t about leaning on a name; it’s about crafting something genuine, something that can hold its own. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being revolutionary.”

Knowles-Carter’s recent album Cowboy Carter has ignited a discourse on the African American influence in country music. Through a 27-song cycle, she pays tribute to the progenitors of the genre and pushes the genre forward by introducing audiences to present Black country artists.

Named as a tribute to the musician’s great grandfather who made his living in the distillery business, Knowles-Carter also mentioned a sentiment that illuminated the often overlooked legacy of the famous whiskey brand Jack Daniels.

“Making liquor has been in Southern families like mine for many generations”, Knowles says, “the Jack Daniel’s famous recipe? That was heavily influenced by a Black man named Nathan “Nearest” Green. He was a former slave who became Jack Daniel’s master distiller.”

Writer Aaron Randle, in his 2024 article for History.com, “How an Enslaved Man Helped Jack Daniel Develop His Famous Whiskey”, writes, “Researchers are discovering that the role enslaved people played in America’s early whiskey-making went beyond manual labor like gathering grain and building barrels…While working as a laborer on Call’s farm, Daniel took an ardent interest in Call’s distillery. Eventually, after much badgering from the young Daniel, Call introduced him to [Nathan ‘Nearest’] Green, who he called ‘the best whiskey maker that I know of’…he instructed the enslaved man to teach the young boy his distilling magic.”

Green’s legacy was not forgotten entirely. His great-great granddaughter Fawn Weaver has continued his legacy through Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey where she has become one of the first Black female whiskey blenders in America. Between Weaver and now Beyonce continuing to pave the way, they are blazing a trail while still paying homage, ushering in a new avenue for women in whiskey.

“I think a lot more women would love it if they tasted it,” Knowles-Carter continues, “whiskey isn’t just for old men in smoky bars; it’s for anyone who appreciates depth, complexity, and a bit of mystery.”

Biden, Harris Address Congressional Black Caucus: ‘The Baton Is in Our Hands’

Politics

Observer Staff

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2024-09-17

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Biden, Harris Address Congressional Black Caucus: ‘The Baton Is in Our Hands’

President Biden and Vice-president Harris highlight importance of Black voters for November win and warn against Trump threat

Biden and Harris Emphasizes Unity and a “Battle for the Soul of the Nation

President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris spoke on Saturday at the Congressional Black Caucus’s Phoenix Awards dinner, bringing a message that its members were in a “battle for the soul of the nation”.

“In 2020, I ran for president to redeem the soul of America, to restore decency and dignity to the office of the president,” he said. “I ran to rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class. And I ran to unite the country and remind ourselves when we’re together there’s not a damn thing we can’t do.”

The spectre of Trump, Maga Republicans and the threat Democrats say they pose to the country loomed over Biden’s remarks, and his call to action for those CBC members gathered.

Biden highlighted his relationship with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Black voters.

President Biden emphasized his commitment to unity, stating, “I ran to rebuild the backbone of America, the middle class,” and highlighting the role of Black voters in his 2020 victory. He warned of ongoing threats from extremists, saying, “The old ghosts in new garments [are] trying to seize your power.”

Biden Condemns Trump’s Divisive Actions

Biden sharply criticized Trump for supporting Capitol insurrectionists while opposing racial justice protesters, stating, “My predecessor calls the insurrectionists… ‘patriots’” but sought military action against peaceful protestors.

Harris Calls on CBC to Lead for a Better Future

CBC attendees were jubilant when Harris, also the Democratic candidate for president, walked onto the stage to Beyoncé’s Freedom after the president introduced her as “Kamala Harris, for the people”. Members of Harris’s sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha gleefully greeted her with their trademarked “Skee-Wee” call.

Harris began by highlighting the importance of the caucus. For a November win, she said, the support of the CBC was necessary.

Vice President Kamala Harris rallied the crowd, asserting, “The baton is in our hands.” She emphasized the CBC’s role in ensuring victory in November, advocating for reproductive rights and healthcare. Harris declared, “When the CBC fights, we win.”

Harris: A Vision for the Future

Harris contrasted her platform with Trump’s, highlighting policies like reproductive rights and healthcare. “We actually have a plan for healthcare, not just ‘concepts of a plan,’” she said, emphasizing the importance of tangible solutions over empty promises.