Macklemore on Wednesday pledged to donate the "entire $1 million" of his net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to Palestinian relief organizations, days after he was dropped from the tour over his pro-Palestinian comments.
He also invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who said Macklemore wouldn't be welcome at Gillette Stadium for the tour's scheduled performances at the end of September, to match his donation. Within hours, Kraft released a statement saying Sheeran had already asked him to match his $2 million donation to humanitarian aid in the region.
Their statements come amid a growing controversy following Macklemore's removal that has seen all of Sheeran's supporting acts quit the tour. Sheeran is set to play in Philadelphia this weekend.
Sheeran broke his silence about Macklemore's removal from the tour on Tuesday, saying it wasn't his decision but the promoter's. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, Sheeran said.
Here's how the controversy began — and how it continues to unfold.

#million #saying

By Nidhi Verma and Florence Tan
Aug 24 (Reuters) - Iran said it had blacklisted 45 tankers that had broken its rules for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, and would take action against any vessels ‌transferring loads with them, escalating its threats over the key waterway six months into the war.
The named ‌vessels could be fined, detained and have their cargoes confiscated, according to an X post late on Sunday from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a new body set up by Iran to manage the strait.
The warning was issued within days of the U.S. threatening Iran with "the toughest sanctions in history", and Iran saying its response to any new U.S. threats would be "devastating".
The restricted list includes very large crude carriers, liquefied natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas tankers, and clean product vessels, among others.

#vessels #reuters

The Minneapolis City Council is one step closer to approving a dress code ordinance for businesses citywide after a committee passed a new ordinance Tuesday to counter what City Council members described as efforts to "discriminate against people."
The ordinance, which received unanimous support from the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee, would require any business licensed to sell liquor or beer to post any required dress code near its entrance.
This new ordinance would not cover the "no shirts, no shoes, no service" rules because those are health and safety policies regulated by the state.
If passed by the full City Council, the ordinance would go into effect Jan. 1, 2027. The City Council is expected to discuss the ordinance Aug. 27.
Southern University Requires Business Suits, Bans Du-rags And Other Headwear In New Dress Code

#city #council #committee #passed

The Trump administration has opened a federal investigation into Denver Public Schools in response to allegations a high school teacher required students of the same **** to kiss as part of a classroom **** ignment, the Department of Education announced Tuesday.
"Schools have an obligation to prevent and address **** ual **** ault," Kimberly Richey, **** istant secretary for civil rights, said in a statement. "Yet in Colorado, school personnel are alleged to have compelled the **** ual **** ault of minor students by forcing them to engage in blatantly **** ualized conduct in class.
"It is abhorrent and the Trump administration will fully investigate this perverse incident to protect students' safety and vigorously uphold students' rights across America."
The Education Department said it is investigating whether Denver Public Schools violated the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), a federal law that gives parents the right to opt their children out of certain surveys, evaluations and instructional activities involving sensitive topics, including **** ual behavior and attitudes.
Colorado Teacher Fired After Students Allegedly Pressured To Kiss Classmates In Skits

#students