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Some States Could See Meteor Shower, Northern Lights at Same Time Wednesday

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**Rare Celestial Show: Taurid Meteor Shower and Northern Lights May Appear Simultaneously Across Dozens of U.S. States**

*Wednesday night offers a unique astronomical event as viewers across many states could witness both the Taurid meteor shower and the Northern Lights—also known as the aurora borealis—potentially visible as far south as Alabama.*

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### Why This Matters

The sky over the United States on Wednesday night presents a rare opportunity: the potential to see the aurora borealis at unusually low latitudes alongside the peak of the Taurid meteor shower. This exceptional event is driven by a severe geomagnetic storm caused by recent solar activity, setting the stage for millions to witness light displays typically reserved for northern regions.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), “While not unprecedented, it is quite unusual for the aurora to be visible at these low latitudes, probably only occurring once or twice per solar cycle.” The solar activity responsible involves Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) — bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields that can produce bright auroras and, in rare instances, push the northern lights far from the polar circles.

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### Best Viewing Times and Conditions

Experts suggest the ideal window to witness the northern lights is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. For the best experience, viewers should find dark, open areas away from city lights. Using long-exposure photography or smartphone cameras may help capture auroral colors and patterns invisible to the naked eye.

Adding to the spectacle, the Taurid meteor shower will peak Wednesday night, promising extra brilliance. Known for producing slow-moving fireballs, the Taurids are easier to spot even in areas with light pollution.

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### States With the Highest Likelihood to See the Northern Lights

Based on NOAA forecasts and multiple reports, the following states have the highest probability of aurora visibility on Wednesday night:

– Alaska
– Washington
– Oregon
– Idaho
– Montana
– North Dakota
– South Dakota
– Minnesota
– Wisconsin
– Nebraska
– Michigan
– Illinois
– Iowa
– New York
– Maine
– Vermont
– New Hampshire
– Wyoming

Other states with possible, though lower, chances—especially under favorable conditions—include parts of:

– Nebraska
– Indiana
– Ohio
– Pennsylvania
– Massachusetts
– Colorado

Occasionally, during the strongest geomagnetic storm periods, the aurora may reach as far south as Alabama, California, Texas, Kentucky, and Virginia.

*Note:* Cloudy skies may hinder viewing efforts, so skywatchers are encouraged to check local weather forecasts before venturing out.

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### Taurid Meteor Shower: What to Expect

The Taurid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night and is visible across the entire United States. It is famous for slow, bright meteors, sometimes called fireballs. This year, viewing conditions are especially favorable because the shower coincides with a last-quarter moon, resulting in darker skies.

The best time to observe Taurids runs from late evening through the pre-dawn hours, increasing your chances of catching a spectacular meteor streak across the sky.

—

### What Experts Are Saying

A spokesperson from the Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) told *Newsweek*:
“We don’t have any specific details on the Taurid meteor shower, but its activity peaks November 11-12. Some folks may be able to see both aurora and meteor showers tonight, assuming skies are favorable [clear].”

On social media platform X, the SWPC posted:
“G3 geomagnetic conditions are currently observed. G4 conditions with a chance for higher levels remain possible as another CME is expected to arrive midday (EST).”

Senior meteorologist Matthew Cappucci of MyRadarWX shared on X:
“A SEVERE (G4) or EXTREME (G5) geomagnetic storm remains POSSIBLE TONIGHT, Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Make plans now to hunt for the aurora borealis with your loved ones! This depends on the timing of the ‘grand finale’ CME, a magnetic shockwave. If it arrives too early, we might only catch the tail end of the storm at night. You could also witness a rogue Taurid meteor! The meteor shower doesn’t produce many meteors, but some sporadic, bright shooting stars may appear.”

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### What to Do Next

For those eager to experience this extraordinary celestial event, keep an eye on updated weather and geomagnetic forecasts. Seek out dark, open locations far from artificial lights to enhance your viewing experience.

This convergence of the Taurid meteor shower and the Northern Lights offers a rare chance to witness two of nature’s most striking sky phenomena simultaneously.

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### Impact on Technology

While this geomagnetic activity creates incredible viewing opportunities, it can also affect radio communications, GPS, and satellite operations. Although widespread disruptions are not guaranteed, observers and infrastructure managers should monitor updates from SWPC and local meteorological offices to stay informed.

—

Stay tuned and clear skies!
https://www.newsweek.com/some-states-could-see-meteor-shower-northern-lights-at-same-time-wednesday-11035647

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Travis Kelce shares candid take on NFL scheduling Chiefs vs Cowboys on Thanksgiving

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Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs will be among the select NFL teams playing on Thanksgiving this season. The Chiefs are set to face the Dallas Cowboys on the festive occasion, and Kelce expressed his excitement about the matchup.

In an episode of his “New Heights” podcast on Tuesday, Kelce shared his thoughts on the NFL scheduling the Chiefs vs. Cowboys game on Thanksgiving. “This is my first time playing on it, man,” Kelce said (1:01:03). “I’ve always, like, dreamed about playing on it, because, obviously, started out playing in the backyard and just screwing around. Always had the turkey bowl around where we were with friends and families. And I’ve always loved football and Thanksgiving.”

He added, “Like, that’s like, those two go together like f*cking peanut butter and jelly, man. So I’m excited to play. We’re in Dallas, so I’ll hold it down for the birds fans out there and get after the Cowboys, man. But yeah, dude, I’m excited to do it, and hopefully I’m eating turkey on the field afterwards.”

The last time the Chiefs played on Thanksgiving was in 2006. Kelce has been with the Chiefs since they drafted him in the third round in 2013. He is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends the franchise has ever had. Over his career, Kelce has helped the Chiefs reach five Super Bowls, winning three of them.

This Thanksgiving Day game on November 27 will be another historic moment for Kelce, who has the chance to add another feather to his cap against the Cowboys.

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### Upcoming Matchup: Chiefs vs. Broncos in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL Season

Travis Kelce and the Chiefs (5-4) will face off against the Denver Broncos (8-2) in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season on Sunday. The game is scheduled to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.

The Chiefs are coming off a loss to the Buffalo Bills in their Week 10 game and had a BYE week in Week 11. They will be eager to return to winning ways against the Broncos. However, it won’t be an easy task, as Denver currently holds a seven-game winning streak — tied for the longest streak this season.

Fans can expect an intense and exciting game as the Chiefs aim to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-travis-kelce-shares-candid-take-nfl-scheduling-chiefs-vs-cowboys-thanksgiving

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Matthew McConaughey, Michael Caine sign voices over to A.I.

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Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine are officially lending their voices to artificial intelligence amid actors’ widespread concerns about the technology’s impact on their livelihoods. The Oscar-winning stars will have their iconic voices digitally recreated by ElevenLabs, the AI voice technology company. Notably, McConaughey, 56, known for his role in “Interstellar,” is also investing an undisclosed sum in the company, according to Variety.

“To everyone building with voice technology: keep going. You’re helping create a future where we can look up from our screens and connect through something as timeless as humanity itself — our voices,” McConaughey, who has collaborated with ElevenLabs since 2022, said in a statement.

As part of this collaboration, ElevenLabs will be producing a Spanish-language audio version of McConaughey’s “Lyrics of Livin’” newsletter. The actor hopes this will help the content “reach and connect with even more people.”

Meanwhile, Michael Caine’s distinctive Cockney voice will be featured in ElevenLabs’ Iconic Voice Marketplace. This platform seeks to provide access to talent for various projects, with commitments required from all parties involved. The 92-year-old actor echoed McConaughey’s positive outlook, stating that the company aims to “preserve and share voices not just mine, but anyone’s. It’s not about replacing voices; it’s about amplifying them, opening doors for new storytellers everywhere.”

ElevenLabs describes the Iconic Voice Marketplace as enabling “the ethical sourcing and licensing of some of the world’s most recognizable voices.” The roster includes notable figures such as Art Garfunkel, Liza Minnelli and her late mother Judy Garland, as well as deceased legends like Thomas Edison, John Wayne, Jean Harlow, Maya Angelou, Babe Ruth, Rock Hudson, Alan Turing, Montgomery Clift, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and Laurence Olivier.

With this innovative venture, ElevenLabs hopes to balance respect for artists with the exciting possibilities voice AI can offer storytellers worldwide.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/12/matthew-mcconaughey-michael-caine-ai-voices/

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Flight cancellations ease with end to the shutdown in sight

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**FAA Air Traffic Control Tower at LaGuardia Stands in Spotlight Amid Government Shutdown**

The FAA Air Traffic Control tower at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in the Queens borough of New York has become a focal point during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has strained the entire U.S. aviation industry.

Flight cancellations eased across the country on Wednesday ahead of a pivotal House vote on a funding bill that could end the longest federal government shutdown in American history. Lawmakers in the House were expected to vote around 7 p.m. ET on the bill, which had already been passed by the Senate earlier in the week.

The shutdown has once again raised concerns about air travel and intensified the burden on air traffic controllers, who have been required to work without receiving their regularly scheduled paychecks. On Wednesday alone, 811 U.S. departures were canceled.

Trump administration officials began requiring airlines to trim their schedules on Friday, citing safety risks and the mounting strain on controllers. However, these cuts were not enough to prevent further disruptions, as widespread staffing shortages and inclement weather led to a surge in cancellations and delays over the weekend.

Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” that the ongoing shutdown will have a financial impact on the airline, though it would not be enough to erase company profits. Bastian also warned of the possibility of another shutdown in the future and emphasized that air traffic controllers should be paid if such an event occurs.

U.S. airline shares saw a broad uptick on Wednesday prior to the House vote.

Thin staffing of air traffic controllers has become a pronounced issue since the shutdown began on October 1. According to Airlines for America, an industry group representing the largest U.S. carriers, this shortage has led to thousands of flights being slowed or canceled, disrupting travel plans for an estimated five million passengers. Reports from the controllers’ union and government officials indicate that some air traffic controllers have even been forced to take second jobs to make ends meet.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, along with major airlines, warned this week that air travel will not immediately return to normal even after the shutdown concludes. “We’re going to wait to see the data on our end before we take out the restrictions in travel, but it depends on controllers coming back to work,” Duffy stated during a press conference at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday.

As the industry awaits the results of the House vote and a resolution to the shutdown, travelers and airline officials remain hopeful for a swift return to normal operations.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/finance/flight-cancellations-ease-with-end-to-the-shutdown-in-sight/

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Sheryl Lee Ralph Mourns Death of Brother Stanley Ralph, Jr.

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Sherly Lee Ralph is mourning a tremendous loss. The Abbott Elementary star revealed that her brother, Stanley Ralph Jr., passed away in an emotional message reflecting on his life.

“My heart is heavy, my world feels quieter. Losing my brother so suddenly has left a gap that can never be filled,” Sheryl wrote alongside a carousel of pictures of her and her brother on Instagram on November 11.

Stanley found his true calling in the classroom. After his football career, he devoted his life to education as a behavioral support teacher for students facing some of life’s hardest challenges.

The 68-year-old reflected on the legacy her brother—who is also survived by his wife, Andrea Ralph, and children, Stanley III and Cristal—left behind as a behavioral support teacher.

“His classroom was a refuge for students written off,” she added alongside the post that included pictures of her and Stanley as children, as well as photos of them posing together. “Navigating anger, trauma, and legal detention. For many, his classroom was their last stop before the system gave up on them; he never did.”
https://www.eonline.com/news/1424968/sheryl-lee-ralphs-brother-stanley-ralph-jr-dies-suddenly?cmpid=rss-syndicate-genericrss-us-top_stories

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Travis Kelce Details How He Spent His Bye Week With Taylor Swift in New York

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**Travis Kelce Details His Bye Week in New York City**

During today’s episode of *New Heights*, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce shared how he spent his 2024 bye week in New York City. While he refrained from explicitly mentioning his fiancée Taylor Swift, fans won’t have to wonder for long—Kelce was photographed on dates with Swift on both Wednesday and Thursday nights last week.

Kelce began by saying, “I got out of the house a little bit, I went over to New York. I just hung out there, put the feet up, saw some cool places, ate some great food, and got to feel the big city in its electricity and buzz that it’s always got.”

He added, “Yeah, it’s my favorite time as the seasons are changing to be around the Midwest and the Northeast. But yeah, it was pretty fun.”

During his trip, Kelce visited Puffy’s Tavern, where he was photographed without Swift, and “met some friends.” He described the experience as “cool to just kinda vibe around the city like that.”

“I think it’s one of my favorite things to do in New York, it’s just be one with the city and just kinda walk the streets and feel the electricity, feeling everybody doing their own shit and meeting a few new people along the way,” he said.

Kelce also revealed his fondness for people watching: “People watching is one of my favorite things to do. That’s another reason why I love New York: I love to people-watch. You’ll see people doing some wild shit.”

This wasn’t Kelce’s first time spending his bye week in New York City with Swift. The couple previously attended a Yankees game together. However, this year, they have kept their relationship more private. Swift has flown under the radar at Kelce’s football games, avoiding being photographed arriving at the stadium throughout the season.

On October 28, a source told *Us Weekly* that the couple was seeking this privacy because the attention Swift attracted at Kelce’s sports events was “getting too excessive.” The insider added that the couple is actively planning their wedding in private, hoping for a ceremony next summer.

“Everything is coming along,” the source explained. “They are both very involved, and Taylor thinks it’s cute that Travis wants to help.”

The insider also shared that the couple doesn’t want a long engagement, saying, “[They] very much want to start a family in the next year or so. Family means everything to them.”
https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a69409547/travis-kelce-bye-week-2025-trip-taylor-swift-details/

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Chicago Reader Volume 55, Number 7

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We need to be upfront with you: The Reader is free. Producing it isn’t. And without your support, we can’t continue.

That’s why we need you to chip in, even if it’s just a few bucks.

The average donation is $45, but many new donors give $5. Every donation is just a fraction of what it costs to produce the Reader — yet with support from thousands of Chicagoans like you, we get it done.

Please take one minute right now to make a donation to the Reader. Then come back, read more stories, and know you’re making this incredible thing possible.

Without your support, the Reader will cease to exist. So please, chip in today!
https://chicagoreader.com/issues/volume-55-7/

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‘Tampacrat’ karaoke — the fun side of Tampa City Council you didn’t know existed

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If you’ve been sleeping for the past several weeks, you’re well aware that the federal government is, at present, shut down. You probably also know that, for weeks on end, Republicans and Democrats have been playing the finger-pointing game. Even with a deal now reached to reopen the government, the blame game continues, and even people within their own party are publicly annoyed with one another.

The headlines are enough to make even the most devoted political watchers want to swear off social media and ignore the news. Who wants all that nastiness just a couple of weeks before the day of the year when we’re all supposed to be the most thankful?

But rest assured, the game of politics is not always a dirty one. Two Tampa City Council members have ensured that at least once a year, fun can be had by all. Enter the Tampa City Council Karaoke Smack Down Battle.

### The Birth of a Fun Tradition

Tampa City Council members Luis Viera and Guido Maniscalco started the tradition in 2022, taking their best singing voices (Viera admits his is more like a croon) to the Babe Zaharias Club House for an evening of bad-singing catchy tunes in front of complete strangers.

“Publicly, I can be very passionate, but I’m a clown and so is Guido,” Viera said of the idea’s inception.

Council member Charlie Miranda joined the performance in 2023. By the time this year rolled around on August 1, every sitting member of City Council participated.

### A Night to Remember

As Viera describes it, Council member Lynn Hurtak stole the show with her rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” Anyone acquainted with Stevie Nicks’ raspy, sultry voice knows that’s a bold choice.

“Lynn actually blew us all away,” he said, adding that he “loves music but can’t sing.”

This year, City Council member Alan Clendenin performed a heartwarming, though not particularly in tune rendition of Dwayne Johnson’s “You’re Welcome,” one of the many hit songs from the Disney movie *Moana*. The heartwarming part: it was for his granddaughter.

Viera’s favorite songs to belt into the microphone are Rick Springfield’s “Jesse’s Girl” and the Kiss hit “Rock and Roll All Night.” Video evidence of Viera singing “Jesse’s Girl” confirms that Viera indeed cannot sing very well. Nevertheless, he hopes to one day work up the nerve to perform a favorite, The Wallflowers’ “One Headlight.”

### Overcoming Challenges and Spreading Positivity

But there are logistical hurdles, Viera laments. “It’s got to be four minutes tops, and that one’s over five minutes,” he explained, agreeing that no one wants to sit through five minutes of amateur singing.

“The intent was sort of to lighten things up and show that we can have our differences up there, but we can still get along,” he added.

Viera has taken to calling the singing politicos the “Tampacrats.” He’s already looking forward to next year, when the singing Tampa City Council roadshow potentially gains a new member. Naya Young was recently elected to serve as the City Council member for District 5, replacing the late Gwen Henderson.

“When Naya got elected, I warned her she better be ready for karaoke,” he said. If she joins, she’ll add her name to another newly formed City Council tradition.

### Unity Through Song

At the conclusion of the karaoke battle, the group sings together what may seem an odd choice for a group of registered Democrats: Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” While the message is in no way partisan and is important to Viera, the song is best known for its use at myriad Republican rallies and events—Greenwood himself performed it at the 2024 Republican National Convention.

But the point is to buck politics for at least a few moments.

### More Than Just Karaoke

The karaoke battles aren’t the only way Viera and Maniscalco are fostering camaraderie. The pair, who also roped in Clendenin at one point, use semi-regular Council photoshoots to have a little fun as well.

In a political climate often dominated by division and disagreement, the Tampa City Council Karaoke Smack Down Battle proves that, sometimes, a little music and laughter can bridge even the widest gaps.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/765233-tampacrat-karaoke-the-fun-side-of-tampa-city-council-you-didnt-know-existed/

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Atlanta Fed President Bostic says he’ll leave position when his term expires in February

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**Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic to Step Down in February**

Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic announced Wednesday that he will be leaving his position when his term expires on February 28th. Bostic, who has served since June 2017, made history as the first Black and openly gay regional president of the Federal Reserve.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished during my tenure to turn the lofty goal of an economy that works for everyone into more of a reality, and I look forward to discovering new ways to advance that bold vision in my next chapter,” Bostic said in a statement.

His announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Federal Reserve and its rate-setting body, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Regional presidents serve five-year terms, often synchronized to expire in years ending in either 1 or 6, which will be the case next year. While local boards vote on the regional presidents, their appointments are subject to approval by the Fed Board of Governors. Although the process is typically routine, unusual political dynamics on the board this year could add complexity.

Alongside the reappointments of regional presidents, Jerome Powell’s term as Fed chair is set to expire in May. However, his role as governor continues until 2028.

During his tenure, Bostic gained a reputation as a centrist. He has taken a cautious approach to interest rate cuts amid elevated inflation and a softening labor market. Notably, he is not an FOMC voter this year—Atlanta will next get a vote in 2027.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell praised Bostic, stating, “His perspective has enriched the Federal Open Market Committee’s understanding of our dynamic economy. And his steady voice has exemplified the best of public service grounded in analysis, informed by experience, and guided by purpose.”

Until Bostic’s successor is named, Cheryl Venable, the first vice president and chief operating officer at the Atlanta Fed, will serve as acting president.
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/12/atlanta-fed-president-bostic-says-hell-leave-position-when-his-term-expires.html

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A left-wing influencer’s pro-CCP propaganda falls apart on camera

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As Newsweek reports, police approached them “within seconds.” Officers detained Piker and his friends, confiscated his friend’s phone, and reviewed the image and footage to make sure no one was mocking their hero, Mao. After the Americans explained that they weren’t mocking him, but were instead huge admirers, their devices were returned, and they were free to go.

The logical conclusion here is clear: China is, in fact, the censorious, authoritarian state its Western critics claim. Or, as Hoover Institution research fellow Liu He wrote on X,

> “Foreigners are finally beginning to see a reality the Chinese are intimately familiar with day in, day out, and have long attained a skin-level understanding of. Not only is there no freedom to criticize the government of China; people don’t even have the freedom to praise China. Whether you support or criticize the state, all speech is subject to political review. You don’t need to expose the system; the system exposes itself.”

Yet this was not, in fact, Piker’s takeaway. Back in his hotel room, the streamer instead told his audience that China is “not as bad as silly Americans imagine it is.”

What’s more, Piker explained the officer’s actions as if they were totally normal and justified, saying,

> “He thought we were making a mockery. They didn’t realize that we were swagged-out white boys who love China. They were being extra attentive to make sure no one was making fun of Mao or anything like that… it’s a cultural difference.”

“People have this false notion that they will like arrest you for a meme or whatever; it’s not like that at all,” Piker bizarrely concluded, evidently overlooking the fact that his experiences prove the opposite—that he would have been in trouble if they’d been mocking Mao.

### MAMDANI RIPS OFF HIS SMILING MASK

Then he claimed, mostly absurdly, that American police are worse than Chinese police! This, of course, ignores the fact that thanks to our First Amendment, Americans are free to criticize and mock even beloved historical figures without fear of arrest or prosecution.

Piker himself is clearly beyond saving, too deeply ensconced in his own cognitive dissonance to perceive the gap between his beliefs and reality, even as it slaps him in the face. But he is, for once, doing a service to his audience by showing them the truth so starkly and in real time.

Any young people tuning in who still have a shred of critical thinking skills may finally realize that their “favorite streamer” is just a useful idiot for authoritarian regimes.

*Brad Polumbo is an independent journalist and host of the Brad vs Everyone podcast.*
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/beltway-confidential/3883655/influencer-hasan-piker-pro-ccp-propaganda-falls-apart/