Posts made in August 2021

Marvel Unlimited’s New August Releases

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WHAT’S COMING TO MARVEL UNLIMITED THIS AUGUST

Heroes Reborn begins, and a new starring series from Shang-Chi!

Marvel Unlimited, Marvel’s digital comics subscription service, offers members unlimited access to over 28,000 issues of Marvel’s classic and newer titles as early as three months after they’re in stores, delivered digitally through your desktop web browser and the award-winning Marvel Unlimited mobile app. Unlock this all-access experience by starting your 7-day free trial today.

This month: Shang-Chi takes on the heroes of the Marvel Universe in SHANG-CHI (2021) #1! But wait—shouldn’t Shang-Chi be on the same side as Spider-Man and Captain America? Plus, teen hero Reptil is on the brink of extinction in a new series, and enter a world without Avengers as the HEROES REBORN event kicks off! Follow along weekly for new issues to this epic starring the Squadron Supreme.

Here are the other binge-worthy titles hitting Marvel Unlimited this month.

Week of August 2

M.O.D.O.K.: HEAD GAMES #4

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #25

NEW MUTANTS #17

SILK #2

SPIDER-MAN: CURSE OF THE MAN-THING #1

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #11

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK – THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY COVERS BY CHRIS SPROUSE #1

THE MARVELS #1

U.S.AGENT #5

X-MEN LEGENDS #3

Week of August 9

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #65

AMERICA CHAVEZ: MADE IN THE USA #3

CARNAGE: BLACK, WHITE & BLOOD #3

HELLIONS #11

HEROES REBORN #1

IMMORTAL HULK #46

IRON FIST: HEART OF THE DRAGON #5

MARAUDERS #20

STAR WARS: WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS ALPHA #1

STAR WARS: WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS ALPHA DIRECTOR’S CUT #1

STRANGE ACADEMY #10

THE UNION #5

THOR & LOKI: DOUBLE TROUBLE #3

X-MEN: CURSE OF THE MAN-THING #1

Week of August 16

BLACK CAT #6

CHILDREN OF THE ATOM #3

FANTASTIC FOUR #32

GIANT-SIZE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: KING’S RANSOM #1

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #14

HEROES REBORN #2

HEROES REBORN: HYPERION & THE IMPERIAL GUARD #1

HEROES REBORN: PETER PARKER, THE AMAZING SHUTTERBUG #1

SILK #3

SPIDER-MAN: SPIDER’S SHADOW #2

SPIDER-WOMAN #12

STAR WARS #13

STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC #5

X-CORP #1

X-FACTOR #9

Week of August 23

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #66

BLACK KNIGHT: CURSE OF THE EBONY BLADE #3

CAPTAIN AMERICA #29

CHAMPIONS #7

DAREDEVIL #30

FANTASTIC FOUR: LIFE STORY #1

HEROES REBORN #3

IMMORTAL HULK: TIME OF MONSTERS #1

RUNAWAYS #36

SHANG-CHI #1

STAR WARS: BOUNTY HUNTERS #12

THE MIGHTY VALKYRIES #2

THE TRIALS OF ULTRAMAN #3

WAY OF X #2

WOLVERINE #12

Week of August 30

HEROES REBORN: MAGNETO & THE MUTANT FORCE #1

HEROES REBORN: SIEGE SOCIETY #1

HEROES REBORN: YOUNG SQUADRON #1

MAESTRO: WAR AND PAX #5

MILES MORALES: SPIDER-MAN #26

NEW MUTANTS #18

REPTIL #1

STAR WARS: DARTH VADER #12

STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA #10

THE MARVELS #2

X-MEN #20

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About Marvel Entertainment

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For more information visit Marvel.

ARIANA × BIEBER – STUCK W/ U RAISES MILLIONS

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“STUCK WITH U” RAISES $3.5 MILLION FOR FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

First Responders Children’s Foundation today announced that proceeds donated from the single entitled “Stuck with U” have now surpassed $3.5 million, directly impacting thousands of first responder families all across the United States. The donation will be used to fund scholarships for children of first responders as well as provide financial support to the families and children of healthcare workers, EMTs, paramedics and firefighters serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Stuck With U” was released in Spring 2020, in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and to further bolster relief efforts across the United States. It was a creative collaboration between Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, along with Republic Records and Def Jam Recordings, donating 100% of net profits from streams and sales to the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

The specific areas of impact resulting from the donation include:

Awarding grants to first responders who have encountered financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Awarding scholarships to children whose first responder parents have died in the line of duty.
Providing funding for temporary housing so that first responders could self-quarantine.
Paying for funerals of first responders or their family members who died as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The generosity, and support that Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Scooter Braun have shown the men and women on the front lines of this ongoing pandemic has been a surreal and humbling experience for us,” said Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “As an organization, we have been able to help the everyday heroes who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic, and their family’s immediate needs with the support that has only been made possible due to the collective effort of everyone involved, which we are thankful for.”

“As the world was shutting down, we were looking for ways we could make a tangible impact as it has always been Scooter’s priority that SB Projects and our artists give back,” said Shauna Nep, Vice President of Philanthropy for SB Projects. “We were so thrilled to partner with the First Responders Children’s Foundation who have been supporting those on the frontlines of the pandemic, as well as their families. Over a year later, we are so proud to see how much has been raised and what has been accomplished. We thank the Foundation for their leadership and commitment to this work.”

In addition to supporting the First Responders Children’s Foundation. “Stuck with U” won the award for “Best Music Video From Home” at the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards, and also debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100. This was Bieber’s sixth and Grande’s third U.S. number one single.

2022 Interstate Music Award Nominations

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Nominations For 2022 Interstate Music Awards Now Open

U.S. solo artists, garage bands, songwriters, and musicians can submit a music performance in six award categories thru Nov. 30, 2021. Educators and small music venues can be nominated for a recognition award.

Interstate Music announced today that nominations for the annual Interstate Music Awards (IMA) are now being accepted. In its second year, the online event features up-and-coming musicians, singers, songwriters, and artists from around the country.

The IMAs are way more than just selecting the best. These music awards are about giving everyday artists and industry influencers a chance to showcase their talent, inspire others, and prove that anything is possible, said Jeff Peterson, CEO at Interstate Music. We are ready to help these musicians, educators, and venues get noticed. Could it be you?

All genres, artists, musical talents, and influencers such as educators and small U.S. music venues are encouraged to submit nominations at Interstate Music Awards’ website now thru Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021. Public voting will begin on Jan. 3, 2022, and end on Jan. 31, 2022. Online votes will then be tallied to choose the top contender in each category.

Nominees can self-submit in one or more of the six categories and be considered for multiple Interstate Music Awards.

Best Cover Song, Best Original Song, Best Band or Group, Best Male Artist, Best Female Artist, Artist of the Year

New this year is the inclusion of two recognition award categories to support music educators and music venues, Music Educator of the Year and Best Small Music Venue

Educators should be nominated for their impact on students, the industry, or through music innovation. In addition, nominations to honor small U.S. music venues that have positively shaped the music community, entertainment, and support music artists will also be welcomed.

2021 awardees included Card Reader (Long Island, New York), The Stephen Hull Experience (Racine, Wisconsin), and Billie Jo (Grand Saline, Texas).

Winning the IMAs last year was a massive accomplishment for Card Reader. The experience has opened new doors and puts our goals as musicians within reach – two things we don’t take for granted, said Card Reader band leader Tom Petito. We are ready to be on the road, playing at festivals and concerts, and living out our dreams. When that happens, we’ll be proud to say it all started when we entered the Interstate Music Awards.

The 2022 Interstate Music Award Show is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, 2022, and will be live-streamed at their website. The event will include live performances by music influencers and interviews with nominees and awardees, with support from more than 20 sponsorship partners.

Interstate Music

The roots of Interstate Music were founded in 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earning a five-star reputation by musicians and educators for over 75 years. Today, Interstate Music embodies both social and experiential opportunities for music lovers and musicians. We do this through information, instruments, and all things trending and with a relentless mission to develop a movement of people, ideas, cultures, and, most importantly, connect artists with everything they need to feel creative, supported, and needed.

Two Stetson University Students Receive Free Tuition

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Safer Stetson Awards help boost COVID-19 vaccination rates on campus

Vaccinated Stetson University students Marcus Boyd and Joshua Sanchez will be receiving free tuition for a year, thanks to the Safer Stetson Awards.

Boyd and Sanchez provided Stetson with their COVID-19 vaccination information through an anonymous voluntary system and were given a shot at winning a complimentary college education during the Safer Stetson Awards over the summer. They won the grand prize during a Facebook Live drawing on Friday, July 30.

Boyd is an incoming first-year political science student who was speechless when his name was selected to receive free tuition for the 2021-2022 academic year.

“I was in disbelief and needed to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming,” said Boyd on a video conference call. “Doing my part in the fight against COVID-19 was reason enough to get the vaccine.”

“I was surprised and grateful when I found out that I won free tuition for a year,” said Sanchez, who is a music education senior at the Stetson University School of Music. “I spent three years struggling to pay my college tuition. The news of me receiving free tuition during my last year of college provided me with relief and took a lot of weight off my shoulders.”

The university created the Safer Stetson Awards program as a step toward ensuring a healthy and safe campus environment for the fall semester by encouraging COVID-19 vaccination.

“Nearly 1,500 vaccinated students participated in the Safer Stetson Awards,” said Ray Nault, EdD, vice president of Enrollment Management. “We saw a tremendous interest and community coalescing around this important cause since the program launched.”

The university has set a goal for at least 70% of faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated by the fall semester when it begins on Thursday, Aug. 19. Currently, 53% of Stetson’s overall population, employees, and students are vaccinated at both the DeLand and Gulfport campuses. The vaccination progress can be tracked on the Safer Stetson website.

“I recommend others to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Sanchez. “I got the vaccine so I could protect my mom and grandmother.”

“I play the French horn and miss performing in front of an audience during Stetson University School of Music concerts,” added Sanchez. “The university may allow more campus activities to occur after students get vaccinated.”

New and returning Stetson students had an opportunity to participate in the weekly Safer Stetson Award drawings from June 11 to July 30 after they provided their COVID-19 vaccination information. Names were randomly selected from a pool of vaccinated students. Winners received $1,000 or a free annual campus parking pass.

In the final drawing that was announced on Friday, July 30, two students were selected as runners-up for the tuition awards. Stetson University students Hollie Bitor, an education junior, and Sarah Gaudreault, an aquatic and marine biology senior, each received a $1,000 scholarship and two tickets to a theme park of their choice in Orlando.

About Stetson University

Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 4 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 list of Best Regional Universities (South) and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review’s 386 Best Colleges, 2021 edition. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.

Fiona Grey – Sick of It

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Dirty pop singer-songwriter Fiona Grey begins a new era today, arriving with her eagerly awaited MNDR-produced single, “Sick Of It.“ Inspired by the consequences of “filter era,“ fake conversions and universal doom, “Sick Of It“ is set to make you dance while simultaneously rolling your eyes at everything you would happily live without, available now at all DSPs HERE.

“‘Sick Of It‘ was inspired by the era of filters and the ways in which society pushes us to try to all be the same version of beauty,“ says Grey. “On a personal level it was me sick of playing into those toxic parts of our society. From an industry level it was me sick of the fake small talk, the watching everyone play a character of themselves. It‘s a rolling my eyes-kinda pop anthem.“

About Fiona Grey

Named as 2018‘s “Best Pop Artist in LA“ by LA Weekly, Fiona Grey is on the frontier of a new range of the genre, creating what Galore hailed as “the kind of lady pop that makes you want to leave the house without underwear on and make a mistake with a bad boy next summer.“

The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has become known for her live shows at beloved venues such as LA‘s Troubadour, NYC‘s Webster Hall, and performances alongside such diverse acts as Charli XCX, Foals, and KITTEN, to name a few. Grey fascinates audiences with her theatrics, visual concepts and lyrics that explore a culture under everchanging beauty standards, predisposed to and obsessed with unrealistic societal dreams. Her messages are as much of a look outward as they are deeply introspective, carried by catchy, feel-good, obsess-worthy instrumentals.

2018‘s acclaimed Cult Classic EP proved worthy of its name, earning both critical applause and a fervent fan following with singles like “Money,“ “Girls Like Me,“ and “Dirty Dream.“ “If you find yourself drawn to the sounds of Charli XCX, MARINA and Sky Ferreira,“ declared Ones To Watch, “then Fiona Grey might just become your latest obsession.“

Kerosene

Last year saw Grey return with the powerful “Kerosene,“ joined by an equally potent music video streaming now at her official YouTube Channel HERE. The track “adds another dose of electricity to her already formidable body of work,“ wrote Atwood Magazine, while LADYGUNN raved, “Both edgy and explosive, ‘Kerosene provides a cinematic portrait of the escapism offered by pop culture…the kind of song that resonates universally and internationally.“

Murphy-Goode Winery Welcomes Two New Employees

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After Receiving over 7,000 Inspiring Applications, the Sonoma County Winery Hires Two Top Candidates to Pursue Their Wine Industry Dream Jobs

Murphy-Goode, the Sonoma County winery that launched “A Really Goode Job” nationwide job search in March 2021, is pleased to announce that Lindsay Perry in Austin, TX and Veronica Hebbard in Orlando, FL have been selected as the newest employees of Murphy-Goode and are the winners of A Really Goode Job. They will begin their dream job journeys at Murphy-Goode on Sept. 1, 2021, shadowing winemaker Dave Ready, Jr. before moving into separate roles that align with their respective interests and expertise. Each will receive a $10,000 salary per month, live rent-free in Healdsburg for a year, and will enjoy a year’s supply of Murphy-Goode wine.

Over the course of this nationwide job search, Murphy-Goode received over 7,000 creative and inspiring applications from around the world. In July, the winery selected the top 17 finalists and welcomed them to Healdsburg for in-person interviews and wine country exploration. Throughout the week, candidates had the opportunity to meet with Murphy-Goode winemaker Dave Ready, Jr., as well as other Murphy-Goode employees and fellow “A Really Goode Job” candidates.

Murphy-Goode looks forward to welcoming Lindsay and Veronica to the team and working closely with them to make their wine industry dream jobs a reality. Throughout the application process, both candidates stood out due to their passion for wine, creativity, humor, and drive. “When we started out on this journey, we cast the net wide to find candidates with unique experiences and points of view,” said winemaker Dave Ready, Jr. “I’m looking forward to working with Lindsay and Veronica this harvest, but also learning from each of them, and seeing what new ideas they will bring to the job.”

Lindsay Perry is a Yardley, Pennsylvania native, but currently lives in Austin, Texas, working in sports marketing. Lindsay received scholarships to complete her WSET Level I & II through Wine Unify and the Roots Fund in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and she is looking to add her diverse voice to the ever-changing climate of the wine world. “Working for Murphy-Goode Winery will present a unique challenge and represent a big pivot in my life. I’ll be jumping into the wine industry in the best way possible. Having the opportunity to shadow Dave, learn to make wine, and grow professionally through this year of exploration, will change the trajectory of my life,” Perry said. View Lindsay’s application video here.

Veronica Hebbard, originally from Montgomery, New York, will be making her way to Sonoma by way of Orlando, Florida. She currently works as an engineer in the themed entertainment industry. As an engineer by trade, Veronica is most excited about being immersed in the science of winemaking and exploring sustainability and innovation initiatives. “When the opportunity presented itself, I thought it was the most interesting way to make wine approachable for people who weren’t already in the industry. Joining Murphy-Goode will provide me the opportunity to navigate and harness this energy and passion and steer it into where my role might be in the wine industry,” Hebbard said. View Veronica’s application video here.

First launched in 2009, “A Really Goode Job” became a revolutionary campaign to create a real job opportunity in the wine industry at a time of economic distress and high unemployment. Today, as the country faces a new set of challenges, creating access and viable career opportunities is more important than ever. Murphy-Goode cast the net wide and launched the job search to find candidates from across the country who want to follow their passion and land their dream job in the wine industry.

To follow along on Lindsay and Veronica’s journey, follow Murphy-Goode on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Murphy-Goode Winery

Welcome to the Goode life. Founded in Sonoma County in 1985 in a spirit of love and friendship by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode, and Dave Ready Sr., Sonoma County’s own Murphy-Goode Winery crafts some of

California’s best wines without taking itself too seriously. The story lives on today under the Jackson Family Wines portfolio, continuing a tradition based on a shared appreciation of friendship, hard work, a wicked sense of humor, and, of course, a good bottle of wine. Murphy-Goode offers high-quality wines from some of California’s great growing regions with the approachable and inviting attitude of Sonoma County. Murphy-Goode is never pretentious, is often irreverent, and is about having fun. Because of its consistent quality, the brand has become a favorite wine for consumers everywhere. For more information, www.MurphyGoodeWinery.com, and follow Murphy-Goode on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Kitt Wakely to Perform at Zankel Hall

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Oklahoma City-based songwriter/composer/arranger/producer Kitt Wakeley is bringing his Symphony of Sinners and Saints to Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall for a special orchestral rock concert on Mon., Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. This epic performance will spotlight compositions from Wakeley’s latest chart-topping album, Symphony of Sinners and Saints, which debuted at No. 1 on the June 5 Billboard “Classical Albums” and No. 1 on the “Classical Crossover Albums” charts.

For this special NYC performance, Wakeley has assembled a live band featuring the album’s bassist Ryan Miller, drummer Brent Berry, guitarist Jay Gleason, as well as featured electric violinist Irene Fong, featured electric cellist Marta Bagratuni, a string quartet, five-piece brass ensemble, and 10-member choir. Wakeley will lead the band on piano and keyboards. Opening the show is guest pianist, Tania Stavreva.

Tickets for the performance are on sale now HERE.

Wakeley said, “Playing Carnegie Hall is a dream come true for so many artists, including myself. I’m excited to share my latest project with live audiences, as we find our way back to normalcy. I’m confident the audience will leave feeling motivated and entertained by the incredible musicians that will accompany me on stage.”

Boasting a cinematic hybrid of orchestral music, rock, and EDM, featuring stunning compositions, heavy guitar riffs, and thundering drums, the album Symphony of Sinners and Saints was released on May 21 by Studio Seven Media. With Wakeley on synths and piano, the album features the talents of guitar legend Joe Satriani on two tracks; celebrated UK ensemble the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO); guitarists Andy Timmons (Danger Danger, Pink, Olivia Newton-John), Paige Harwell, and Daniel Uribe; Grammy-nominated pianist Paul Loomis; the London Voices choir (Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, the Hunger Games series) and Dallas’ Gospel of Light Choir; plus, the aforementioned Miller and Berry. Symphony of Sinners and Saints was recorded in October 2020 at London’s famed Abbey Road Studios. At those sessions, the RPO was conducted by Cliff Masterson (Little Mix, Kylie Minogue, Il Divo, Oasis). The album was co-produced, engineered, and mixed by three-time Grammy Award-winner Tre Nagella (Lady Gaga, Blake Shelton, Snoop Dogg) at Luminous Sound Studios in Dallas, TX.

In addition to the two chart-topping album positions, Symphony of Sinners and Saints debuted on six more Billboard charts that week, including No. 2 on “Heatseekers,” No. 12 on “Hard Rock Albums,” No. 13 on “Top Current Album Sales,” No. 14 on “Top Album Sales,” No. 47 on “Independent Albums,” and No. 50 on “Top Rock Albums.” Previously, three of the album’s singles, “Forgive Me” featuring Joe Satriani, “Sinners and Saints,” and “Conflicted,” also featuring Satriani, all hit the top position on Billboard’s “Hard Rock Digital Song Sales” chart. In addition, “Forgive Me,” also charted at No. 9 on the “Rock Digital Song Sales” chart and No. 19 on the “Hot Hard Rock Songs Chart.” His second single, “Sinners and Saints,” debuted at No. 4 on the “Rock Digital Song Sales” chart and No. 15 on the “Hot Hard Rock Songs” chart. His first single, “Conflicted” also debuted No. 6 on the “Rock Digital Song Sales” chart, and No. 18 on the “Hot Hard Rock Songs” chart.

Independence University Closure and Investigation

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By: Emily Bunn × Heather Reibsamen

In the wake of the weekend, Independence University is suddenly closing, causing panic and confusion for its student body and the federal government. Still, as of Wednesday morning, the University’s website hasn’t been updated to publicly broadcast the closing. Independence University’s website’s owner, The Center for Excellence in Higher Education, has not been updated either. The Center for Excellence in Higher Education owns three other colleges that are also in the process of closing. Now, the university looks to push its students to new colleges, raising suspicion about the reason for the closure.

Independence University is chiefly focusing on relocating its student body to Miami International University of Art & Design or Georgia’s South University. Students additionally have the option of stopping their schooling and requesting a return of their federal student loans. However, upon looking into the transfer plans, the Education Department said that Independence University’s “students are being pressured to transfer,” and that the arrangement is “unusual.” Students are worried about credit transfer, falling behind in classes, and the impact of relocation.

One Independence University student – who had been working to get her Bachelor of Science in the college’s Web Design and Development program, Dianne Eveler, expressed frustration about the scandal:

“The most I can say about these tragic findings is this. Finding only a few days before you are expected to graduate was disheartening. Also, the terrifying item was to see the hard work you put into place disappear in a moment with no warning, no idea this was happening.

For the most part, the College lacks empathy because many of the faculty were given very little notice or lost their job that day. We have no support in who to contact, or in my case, am I getting my degree.

The truth be told, I went into my Student Portal before I lost access and saw my credits of 180 go to zero, and a new graduation date appear. I’m so scared I lost my degree. I was working so hard to get a perfect 4.0 to have that work lost. I have learned a valuable lesson, do more research in a college, and never ever do an online learning program again.”

Furthermore, this isn’t the first time that Independence University has been federally scrutinized. The Federal Student Aid chief operation officer, Richard Cordray, commented that the university chose to shut down to avoid the findings of the earlier examination. In 2020, the Center for Excellence in Higher Education has been discovered to be in connection to fraud by the Colorado Government. Independence University had then been placed on a monitoring list and had government restrictions placed on the college’s receival of taxpayer money. Due to the impending pressure on students to transfer, federal employees warranted that a more in-depth investigating is required regarding the university’s reason for shutting down.

The accreditor for Independence University reports that it’s approval of the college had ended in April, as the school failed to maintain acceptable graduation and employment rates among students. This end of accreditation also resulted in the loss of federal money to the University.

In a statement to USA Today, Cordray explained, “We have already emailed students to help them understand they do not have to be rushed into accepting a transfer to another school of CEHE’s choosing.” In spite of the college’s sudden closure, the Federal Student Aid chief operation officer cautions students to not make any hasty decisions. Under President Biden’s administration, the Education Department is “more willing to exercise its regulatory oversight” reports USA Today.

As uprooted students scrabble to find answers, they’ve had to resort to asking their fellow peers, college administration, and the U.S. Department of Education. Heather Reibsamen, who had been working to get her Bachelor of Science in the college’s Graphic Design program, explained how the tragic situation unfolded for her:

“The last week has been a whirlwind of emotions. Since the announcement that the school was closing, students have scrambled to figure out what their options were. We were sent a form with a few choices: transfer to a “teach-out” school or lose everything we have worked for, to put it bluntly. Initially, I thought everything would work out since I only had a few credits left until I graduate. However, I was met with disappointment and more unknowns. The “approved” teach-out school is Miami International University of Art & Design. I attended the meetings I was told to attend and was unfortunately met with the news that this school does not teach in my state. I was told I needed to find my own college to transfer to and would potentially have to pay out of pocket due to my student loans being tied up with Independence University. Many students were faced with this. Many students are not able to graduate on time because of this.

No one was prepared. No one was warned. We scrambled to get our last assignments in hoping they would count towards the credits we had been working on. There are students that were supposed to graduate last Sunday, however, they have been met with uncertainty. No one knows if the credits we have worked so hard to complete will transfer over. There are employees that have been employed through IU for years that were let go at just a moment’s notice.

I immediately began the search for a school that was accredited and not-for-profit. I reached out to Southern New Hampshire University to see what options I would have if I transferred to their school. I was greeted with understanding and encouragement. Many colleges are learning about the dilemma with Independence University and are seeing the wrongdoings towards the students and staff. SNHU has been every bit of encouraging and supportive during this transition. I consider myself one of the lucky ones so far. I found a school that is regionally accredited and is geared towards the success of the students. I am hopeful for a smooth transition.

Independence University has left the students and staff in complete confusion, and we are all struggling to make sense of it all. We have hope that everything will work out and fear of what still may come.”

Finally, on Wednesday, the college’s closure was announced to students via email. This delayed response highlights how a University can operate in complete disarray, with its students completely unaware of the behind-the-scenes scandal.

JAMES BLAKE NEW ALBUM – FRIENDS THAT BREAK YOUR HEART

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GRAMMY® Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer James Blake has announced his new album, Friends That Break Your Heart, due out September 10, 2021 – Available for pre-order here, via Republic Records. Blake joined Annie Mac on BBC Radio 1 for “Hottest Record in the World” to premiere the album’s first single, “Say What You Will”. The single was accompanied by the release of the official music video starring Finneas alongside James Blake – Watch here. Today, the artist additionally announced his 2021 Fall tour dates. Produced by Live Nation, the 15-show tour will kick off on September 16th in San Diego at The Observatory North Park, making stops at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, New York’s Radio City Music Hall, and more before wrapping up in Atlanta’s Tabernacle on October 15th. Tickets go on-sale to the general public starting Friday, July 30th at 10am local time on James Blake Music.

Of the single, James says, “The song is about finding peace with who you are and where you’re at regardless of how well other people seem to be doing. Comparison really is the thief of joy.”

Friends That Break Your Heart, follows the recently released Covers EP. A collection of Blake’s favorite covers, including his critically acclaimed cover of Frank Ocean’s “Godspeed,” which generated over 5 million views on TikTok.

This is James Blakes’ first new full-length album in three years. With Blake calling Friends That Break Your Heart a “concept album.”

James worked closely with artist Miles Johnston to design a cover reflective of the album. The result is a visual encapsulation of the emotions brought forth throughout the body of work.

FRIENDS THAT BREAK YOUR HEART Track List
1. Famous Last Words
2. Life Is Not The Same
3. Coming Back (feat. SZA)
4. Funeral
5. Frozen (feat. JID & SwaVay)
6. I’m So Blessed You’re Mine
7. Foot Forward
8. Show Me (feat. Monica Martin)
9. Say What You Will
10. Lost Angel Nights
11. Friends That Break Your Heart
12. If I’m Insecure

On Sale: Friday, July 30th at 10am local on time James Blake Music.

Tour Dates:

Thursday, September 16, 2021 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
Sunday, September 19, 2021 – San Francisco, CA – Greek Theatre*
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Wednesday, September 22, 2021 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
Saturday, September 25, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl*
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore
Thursday, September 30, 2021 – Minneapolis, MN – The State Theatre
Saturday, October 2, 2021 – Detroit, MI – Fillmore Auditorium
Sunday, October 3, 2021 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 – Boston, MA – Boch Center Wang Theatre
Friday, October 8, 2021 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Saturday, October 9, 2021 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 – Charlotte, NC – Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
Friday, October 15, 2021 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
*Not a Live Nation Date

About James Blake
The GRAMMY® Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer unassumingly operates as the enigmatic engine behind some of the most influential albums of the 21st century. He produced choice cuts on Frank Ocean’s Blonde and Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN. as well as JAY-Z’s 4:44 and Beyoncé’s Lemonade—to which he also lent his voice in both cases. Feature appearances span “Stop Trying to Be God” with Stevie Wonder and Kid Cudi on Travis Scott’s epic ASTROWORLD and “King’s Dead” with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future from the chart-dominating Black Panther: The Album. The latter not only went triple-platinum, but it also earned Blake his first GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Rap Performance.” Simultaneously, he emerged as pop’s most celebrated outlier with his dynamic solo output. He introduced a singular sound on 2011’s James Blake. Awarding the record a rare 9.0-out-of-10 score, Pitchfork crowned it one of “Top 100 Albums of the Decade So Far (2010-2014).” On its heels, the 2013 Overgrown illustrated his rare magnetic ability to align the likes of Brian Eno and RZA on the same project. It notably received the 2013 Mercury Prize and secured Blake’s “Best New Artist” nomination at the GRAMMY® Awards. After 2016’s The Colour In Anything, he reached new critical and commercial peaks with Assume Form during 2019. It bowed at #21 on the Billboard Top 200, marking his highest entry to date. Beyond clocking 300 million cumulative streams in under a year, it garnered the GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Alternative Album” and graced “Best of 2019” lists for outlets including Time Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Stereogum, Consequence of Sound, Billboard, DJ Booth, and Esquire. Additionally, he oversees 1-800 Dinosaur, which spans a club night, record label, and radio show. As he prepares his fifth album, James Blake’s shadow over popular music only continues to grow.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit Live Nation Entertainment.

About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Black Thought, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G). In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.

PARIS BRYANT — “TRAGEDY”

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Rising talent, Paris Bryant, shares the visual for his latest R&B track “Tragedy” today. On the heartsick single the 17-year-old artist shares an R&B approach to his music by tapping into his vocal abilities. He investigates the challenges of a relationship filled with dishonesty, sharing, “Every lie ends in tragedy no matter how you handle it. My song is inspired by past relationships where communication wasn’t something the other partner did.”

Listen to “Tragedy” via Cinematic Music Group/Geffen Records HERE. The Llama directed video is filled with striking visuals that helps the story come to life—deep tones and roses catching fire, the toxicity becomes apparent as we listen to Paris sing about his loved one causing clear suspicion and deception—watch the video HERE.

Paris Bryant recently made his official debut with his track and video for “Mad Mad,” which now has nearly fifty thousand views. On the song he weaves together thought-provoking bars and show-stopping vocals above a backdrop of acoustic guitar and 808s. The accompanying visual finds him rapping alone around New York in the middle of the night as it captures his palpable charisma on-screen. The track led to quick praise from Triller who spotlighted him as a featured artist as well as recognition from REVOLT, HotNewHipHop, RESPECT and Uproxx who listed the track on their “Best New Hip-Hop This Week” roundup. Soon after he released his second track “Proud Of You” which features fellow New York rapper, Jay Gwaupo and most recently “Demon Time” which has over 131k views and led to HNHH to praised the track as a “fun follow-up for Bryant and yet another example of his ability to make catchy tracks.” The budding talent is quickly on his way upward as he continues to assert himself song after song.