Gallery by Sojung Kim | 11/2/2025 In a thrilling 2-1 victory for Angel City over Chicago , the night became truly unforgettable as it marked the final professional match for two legends of the game: Christen Press and Ali Riley . These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC and may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Holly Arend | 11/1/2025 The Hershey Bears handed the Providence Bruins their first loss of the season with a 2–0 win Saturday night at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Ryan Chesley opened the scoring on the power play, and Matt Strome added an empty-netter late in the third. Providence generated steady pressure and 25 shots on goal, but Garin Bjorklund turned aside each one for the shutout, while Louie Belpedio recorded two assists for Hershey. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC and may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

By Christina Winnegar | 10/30/2025 The Tampa Bay Lightning secured a 2-1 overtime win against the Dallas Stars on Thursday Night at Benchmark International Arena. Brandon Hagel put Tampa Bay on the board with a power-play goal in the second period before Adam Erne evened the score early in the third. In overtime, Anthony Cirelli sealed the victory just over two minutes in, lifting the Lightning to their fourth straight win of the 2025-26 season. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC and the National Hockey League (NHL). They may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

By Christina Winnegar | October 29, 2025 The inconsistency in the National Football League's (NFL) use of real grass versus synthetic turf is not just a matter of preference for fans in the audience, but a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. While it offers a green and aesthetically pleasing choice for the audience, for the league's players, it presents a daunting red flag, especially given the risk of a season-ending injury.  On Sept. 28, 2025, New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers ’ career changed forever, the injury marking him as another victim of unsafe turf. Crumpled, untouched on the white sideline paint, clutching his knee, the crowd went silent. Another promising future stopped cold, not by a hit, but by the very turf that once grounded him with hope and opportunity. Nabers was not the first; in fact, he joined a growing list, including star players like Aaron Rodgers  and Odell Beckham Jr. , who have suffered from career-threatening injuries. Collisions from the opposing team that occur across the line of scrimmage are often to blame, but the true culprit may be the surface beneath their cleats. It is time for the NFL to live up to the game it claims to have created for the players and mandate natural grass in every stadium. The league's conscious decision to do anything less is putting their greatest assets second to convenience. The Evolution of Artificial Turf  According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) , the first installation of synthetic turf across any major sporting venue occurred in Houston, Texas, at the Astrodome in 1966. What is now known as AstroTurf was originally referred to as ChemGrass, described by the NIH  as a short-fiber, dense nylon carpet, installed over a compacted soil base. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, many of the multisport stadiums that players still suit up to play in today replaced their natural turfgrass with artificial turf, commonly branded as AstroTurf.  The intrigue behind the change lay in its ability to withstand high levels of impact while maintaining a consistent playing surface. The first generation, labeled as "AstroTurf," paved the way for the second generation, invented in 1976 by Frederick T. Haas. Then, the third generation, developed by FieldTurf, gained popularity in 1997 with its installation debut at a high school in Pennsylvania. The development of artificial turf had an underlying purpose of being a cost-saving alternative.  As of 2025, 15 out of 30 stadiums hosting the NFL’s 32 teams still use artificial turf despite growing concerns from players, medical experts and safety advocates. According to Pro Football Network’s 2025 stadium surface analysis, which further notes that 15 stadiums use turf and 15 use some form of real or hybrid grass, the league remains evenly split on surface types. Among those with artificial turf are high-revenue venues like MetLife Stadium, AT&T Stadium, and Ford Field, which faced scrutiny over injury risks. The Case for Turf: Cost, Climate and Convenience Owners and stadium operators argue that turf is more practical and cost-effective; their main points concern citing savings on water upkeep and ground crews. Estimated surveys from the  Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) indicate that maintaining a high-quality natural grass athletic field typically ranges from approximately $6,000 to $49,000 per year, depending on the climate and usage, compared to the $7,000 to $23,000 per year range offered by synthetic turf. For multipurpose venues, like stadiums lacking climate control and enclosing roofing systems, turf is also known to be more manageable and less vulnerable to weather damage. A 2023 AP News Report  noted that many college and pro teams opt for synthetic turf because it can handle the variation in climates throughout the seasons and heavier year-round usage. At MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets, the proposed financial defense collapses under evaluation. According to a 2024 Forbes Analysis , the venue’s valuation exceeds $1.6 billion, and both teams are owned by franchises valued at $10.1 billion for the Giants and $8.1 billion for the Jets. Converting MetLife’s highly criticized synthetic field to natural, or hybrid grass (a mix of natural grass reinforced with synthetic fibers for added durability) would cost an estimated $1.25 to $2 million, according to CNBC’s 2025 NFL Team Valuations Report . The overall installation cost, coupled with roughly $1 million per year in maintenance per the SFMAs'  estimates, is predicted to be less than 0.015% of the Giants’ total franchise value. The same logic applies to another heavily criticized field in Detroit, Michigan. Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions, is valued at $6.35 billion per CNBC’s 2025 NFL Team Valuations Report . A full turf-to-grass conversion, including the heating installation needed for Michigan’s winter conditions, would cost approximately $2 million according to SFMA  estimates. This would be predicted to be about 0.05% of the overall franchise value. According to the SFMA , annual upkeep for a natural or hybrid system would average up to $1 million.  In both markets, the supposed economic burden of real grass is dull in comparison to the financial scale of the franchises themselves. The argument that turf saves money may sound pragmatic, but it rings void under the weight of the league’s own financials.  Some research also complicates the narrative. A 2023 review in eClinicalMedicine  amalgamated multiple studies and found the overall incidence baseline of football-related injuries was 14% lower on artificial turf than on grass. Other studies have shown that while turf raises the risk of lower-extremity damage, grass may be associated with higher rates of specific upper-body injuries.  The NFL’s ‘False’ Economy  Despite minor conflicting data, those argumentative points do not outweigh the broader picture. Even with the grass having a higher maintenance cost compared to synthetic turf, the NFL has no ground to stand on for financial defense. According to CNBC's 2025 NFL Team Valuations  estimate, it is expected to generate $22 billion in revenue across the league's 32 teams. With a league grossing at such a high level, saving a few million annually at the expense of player health is not a financial obligation; it is a choice the league is actively making. Furthermore, while some injury studies show mixed results, the most recent study by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)  and peer-reviewed data  consistently identify synthetic turf as a hazard for lower extremity injuries; these injuries are likely to end the careers of franchise players.  When the Field Fights Back Injury data and player testimonials have sharpened the debate over the past decade. According to the NFLPA , non-contact lower-extremity injuries occur at a significantly higher rate on turf than on grass. A 2022 analysis found a 28%  higher rate of such injuries on artificial turf compared to natural surfaces, with knee and ankle injuries disproportionately represented. Peer-reviewed research published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine  parroted these findings, reporting elevated odds of ACL and Achilles injuries on fields laid with synthetic turf compared to grass. The issue is not purely academic; it plays out weekly in front of millions of viewers tuning in to watch the broadcast games or watching in the same confines. As recently as Sept. 28, 2025, when New York Giants rookie  Malik Nabers suffered from an ACL tear  at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, there were statistics to support the calls for reform. Odell Beckham Jr., who fractured his ankle in MetLife Stadium  while playing for the New York Giants on Oct. 8, 2017, has been among the most vocal critics.  In a recent post on X following the injury of Nabers, tagging the league directly, Beckham Jr. wrote, "Dear  @NFL , I mean this with the upmost love and respect. We (The NFL) take all The precautions in the world with EVERYthing else when it comes to players "health" and "safety". PLZ. PLZ. PLZ. GET RID OF THE * TURF. Thank You in advance. LUV." The data speaks for itself: synthetic turf is more dangerous than real grass. In the NFLPA ’s 2022 study, on-contact, lower extremity injuries between 2018-2023 occurred more frequently on turf, with 32% more knee-related injuries and a 69% increase in foot and ankle injuries compared to grass.  A peer-reviewed study published in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine , which analyzed the 2021-22 NFL seasons, found that the incidence of lower extremity injuries was 1.42 per game on artificial turf, compared to 1.22 per game on natural grass. Furthermore, the odds of a season-ending surgery were 60% greater on turf. Another analysis of season-ending lower extremity injuries across various playing surfaces found that synthetic turf was associated with a 16% increase in injury risk per play compared to natural grass.  The 2022  NFLPA survey reflects the sentiments of players leaguewide, 92% of NFL players expressing a strong preference for high-quality natural grass over synthetic turf, citing comfort, stability, and perceived safety. Many described the turf on such fields as "sticky," as their cleats gripping unnaturally, and torque transferring directly into the joints. Sports medicine experts at the University of California, San Francisco , agree, stating that the turf's lack of "give" changes biomechanics, increasing stress on knees, ankles and Achilles tendons.  The turf debate is not just a statistical argument; it is a deeply personal issue for the players. The debate has been fueled by years of high-profile injuries affecting some of the most notable names across the league. For instance, Odell Beckham Jr. tore his ACL  in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium, a game played on turf. Since this pivotal day in his career, he has grown to become one of the most outspoken critics of the NFL's lack of care. Consistently presenting the issue on a silver platter with the argument that the league’s mission prides itself on player safety. MetLife Stadium, home of the New York Giants and another team Beckham Jr. played for during his active years in the NFL, was another turf-laid field, which led to the previously mentioned ankle fracture in Oct. 2017 . Over the years, it has built a reputation as one of the most perilous fields in the league, with players nicknaming it "DeathLife"  due to the repeated non-contact injuries it causes. Perhaps the most striking was Aaron Rodgers' torn Achilles  on Sept. 11, 2023, during the season opener at MetLife Stadium, which ended his New York Jets season just four plays into his debut. A year later, the narrative repeated with the previously mentioned Nabers' rookie season derailed by an ACL tear on treacherous turf. Together, these recent season-ending injuries at MetLife Stadium alone reinforced the belief among players that the turf is not only unsafe but also predictable. These cases illustrate the broader tradition; turf does not just raise injury risk in abstract percentages, it sidelines stars, alters careers, and reshapes the season-long trajectory of these franchises. The impact of these injuries goes beyond the statistics; it affects the lives and careers of these athletes, and it is time for the NFL to take their safety as seriously as they take their stats.   Hybrid Grass: The Middle Ground The proof of hybrid grass technology and heated, retractable systems is currently evident in stadiums such as Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, home of the Green Bay Packers, and Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. The proven success of hybrid systems is a true testament that weather and multi-use events do not have to be a barrier. At Lambeau Field, the Packers utilize a unique hybrid surface consisting of natural Kentucky bluegrass reinforced with synthetic fibers, paired with an underground heating system to combat the ever-changing seasons experienced in Wisconsin. The hybrid design of Lambeau Stadium has been adapted to provide a natural feel for players while mitigating the potential complications that arise as winter approaches. Then, on the flip side, at Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders insist on natural grass, despite playing in a dome. The stadium features a 19-million-pound retractable field tray, which is rolled outside on non-game days to allow for sunlight and maintenance. Then, it is slid and locked into place inside for NFL games, allowing the building to host a multitude of other events without compromising the football surface of choice.  Hybrid grass primarily differs from synthetic turf by using natural grass roots coupled with synthetic reinforcements. According to GrassMaster  and SISGrass , their systems use machines to stitch or inject millions of polymer fibers vertically into the root zone, forming a 2-by-2 centimeter grid that anchors the soil. As the grass begins to grow, its roots wrap around these synthetic fibers, creating a composite surface that blends into the natural softness and shock absorption of grass with the synthetic stability and durability of artificial turf.  While there is no reported data on hybrid injuries from the NFL, league-wide research indicates fewer lower-extremity injuries on natural grass compared to full synthetic grass, likely due to the shock absorption upon impact. By blending the durability of turf with the biomechanical safety of grass, hybrid systems offer a proven compromise. Due to hesitation and worry regarding costs of maintenance and the realism of investing in real grass fields, the hybrid systems present themselves as a realistic and financially viable middle ground that protects the players while accommodating multipurpose venues, ultimately allowing owners, alongside the league, to profit.  These counterarguments are in favor of convenience, not player safety. The facts are precise: the NFL can afford to mandate hybrid or real grass across the remaining 17 stadiums. What it cannot afford is the reputational and marketable toll of ignoring the evidence. The pattern has become painfully familiar: the league's most valuable assets are not the billion-dollar franchises with the logos stitched onto their uniforms, but the athletes who wear them with pride and fill stadiums to drive their yearly revenues. Global Standards: How the Rest of the World Plays It Safe  Outside of the United States, the turf debate has already been settled. Across major international leagues, from soccer to rugby, natural and hybrid grass are the global standard.  According to a 2019 AP News Report , the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) mandates natural or hybrid grass for all World Cup venues, rejecting fields due to performance and safety concerns. Per a June 2024 AP News Repor t, every U.S. stadium hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Lumen Field (in Seattle, Washington) and NRG Stadium (in Houston, Texas), will temporarily replace their turf with real grass systems to meet FIFA’s requirements.  Other leagues have taken the same stance. World Rugby discourages full synthetic surfaces at elite levels due to inconsistent traction and increased impact in the heavy-contact sport. The World Rugby’s Rugby Turf Performance Specification  states a minor exception, that any artificial turf used for competitive contact rugby must comply with Regulation 22, emphasizing that artificial turf must replicate the playing qualities of good-quality natural grass and provide an environment that does not increase the risk of injury to players.  The rest of the world has already evolved. If global leagues can modernize their fields to optimize safety and performance, the NFL, the world’s most profitable league, can certainly do the same. The question is no longer whether the league could change, but how soon it will choose to.  A Roadmap for Reform The path forward is no longer theoretical. While change may appear daunting, a realistic roadmap already exists. The league could begin with its stadiums on a time clock. Beginning with Lumen Field and NRG Stadium, which are soon to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The change, at least temporarily, is needed by FIFA. This seems the most apparent option to proceed with a more permanent solution versus a temporary one.  Alternatively, the league can focus on high-risk venues, like MetLife Stadium and Ford Field in Detroit, which have recorded some of the most publicised turf-related injuries. Following the 2025-26 season, the NFL and NFLPA could collaborate to commission an independent surface safety review, evaluating the options mentioned and supported by their own data. Following this, by constructing a multi-year conversion plan, mandating owners to implement hybrid or natural grass league-wide by the start of the 2028-29 season and evaluating which teams would benefit from which systems. For example, MetLife Stadium would benefit from hybrid technology similar to Lambeau Field’s, given the similar seasonal climate of New Jersey. Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, would benefit from converting to a real grass system solely based on the average climate.  Change can start small in the communities that make the NFL what it is known to be. Their very own players and their supporting fans have the power in their hands to push for reform by joining together through collective petitioning, sponsorship pressures and boycotting. The same passion amping up on gameday can be brought to their government offices, using multiple methods of contacting officials, leading to states funding stadium renovations or safety regulations as a condition of continued public support. Whether the call comes from, the message roots the same. The NFL has the money, the technology, and the responsibility to act, while the fans have the future of the game in their hands without realizing it. The change starts the second the need for it is acknowledged.  The solution is simple. When franchises across the league can afford to unveil new alternative jerseys to market a new "Rivalries" collection purely for aesthetics, they can afford to put their $22 billion where their mouth is when it comes to protecting what makes the game – the players.  Flip the turf and lay down the grass.  Disclaimer: This article reflects personal opinions and views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial stance of HAZZE MEDIA, it’s staff, and editorial team. We publish diverse perspectives to foster dialogue and encourage welcome submissions that contribute to meaningful, thought-provoking conversations.

Written By Alex Tran | Oct. 25th, 2025 Stan wars are commonplace on all social media platforms, notoriously on X and TikTok. Fans go head-to-head with each other via comments and quote retweets about which celebrity has the better discography, more popularity or cultural impact, assuming the role of unofficial spokesperson for their favorite celebrity. Amongst the chaos, one thing can be agreed on across numerous fandoms: Award ceremonies like the Grammys are inadequately recognizing artists and their work. Whether it is Ariana Grande's lack of nominations for her commercially successful “eternal sunshine” or Beyoncé’s long-awaited historic Album Of The Year (AOTY) win for “Cowboy Carter,” positive public opinion of the Grammys has been declining.   From corrupt voting practices 1  to the underrepresentation of artists of color 2 , online discourse 3  has emerged about the importance and continuation of the Grammys, like when a Reddit user on r/popheads 4  sparked a 230-reply threa d after questioning the relevancy of the Grammys. One glance at the Grammys’ track record shows a clear answer: abolition.    Bribery, Bad Reputation and Scandals The Recording Academy, who present the Grammys, has faced scrutiny and lawsuits over the years for using an anonymous voting committee to decide nominations and winners.  Deborah Dugan, a former Recording Academy president and successor of former Academy president Neil Portnow, outlined in a legal complaint 5  about the alleged corrupt voting practices: “The Board uses these committees as an opportunity to push forward artists with whom they have relationships… to end up receiving nominations.” Dugan was originally brought onto the Recording Academy to “change the culture behind the Grammy awards,” after allegations of sexual misconduct against Portnow came to light. However, Dugan faced mounting allegations of creating an “abusive work environment” by the academy, according to NPR 6 . Despite both sides denying the allegations, the academy settled 7  with Dugan.  Celebrities like Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, spoke openly to The New York Times 8  about his disdain for the anonymous voters, leading to his boycott of the Academy, “Because of the secret committees… I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys”.  Zayn Malik, another notable musician, called out the process of spending obscene amounts of money on lavish gifts in a tweet posted on X 9 , “F–k the Grammys and everyone associated. Unless you shake hands and send gifts, there’s no nomination considerations.” While the accusations are speculative, these accusations still raised enough concerns about the ethics of the Grammys. On April 30, 2021, after the major backlash from several high-profile celebrities, the anonymous committee was dissolved by the Recording Academy, according to the New York Times 10 . Instead, the Grammys voting process 11  has been replaced by voters with “creative and technical processes of recording.” Furthermore, the Grammys’ voting and solicitation guidelines 12 more clearly outline the constraints and policies about gifting for a nomination.  Despite the Grammys’ efforts to become more open about their awarding process, it did not prevent them from online scrutiny during the 2025 award cycle.      The Voters: What’s wrong with them? Voters’ opinion can easily be swayed by implicit biases like racism, misogyny, homophobia and ageism that contribute to whether a voter would consider a celebrity worthy of an award. The most recent award cycle demonstrates the challenges that still need to be overcome in the recording industry.   “Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo lost her nomination for best lead actress to Mikey Madison, the star of Oscar-winning “Anora.” While both are incredibly talented, an interview conducted by Indiewire 13  with an anonymous voter highlighted the potential biases that play a role when it comes to voters: “Cynthia Erivo was actually too old for Wicked...”   The voters at the Grammys also faced similar backlash, especially for artists of color like Beyoncé , who, despite recently winning AOTY with “Cowboy Carter” and being the most awarded Grammy recipient, took eight studio albums to win the treasured AOTY. Her album “Lemonade,” which earned nine nominations in 2017, received substantial critical acclaim, ranked recently at number ten on Apple Music’s 14  top 100 albums of all time. However, she lost to Adele’s “25,” another popular album at the time. The longevity and cultural impact of tracks like “Freedom,” a song recently featured on Kamala Harris's presidential campaign 15 , suggest the question of how Beyoncé lost the AOTY category. While the focus has been on Beyoncé, other artists of color have faced similar treatment, like SZA, Tyler, the Creator, The Weeknd and more.  The discrepancy between the Recording Academy and the artists it votes on is alarming. According to the Associated Press 16 , the most recent demographics of the Recording Academy voting board show 66% are men, 49% white and 66% over the age of 40. In contrast, around 61% 17  of artists on the Billboard Hot 100 are artists of color, and around 41% 17  are women. While anyone can empathize with the message behind an album, it becomes increasingly difficult to understand the gravity of Black and Brown artists' experiences as someone outside the community. Scammy or Grammy, Who Actually Wins and Benefits?  The Grammys’ entire 65-year history has produced some alarming statistics. Since the writing of this article, only 12 black artists 18  have won the coveted AOTY award, with only four 19  being black women. Meanwhile, you have artists like Taylor Swift winning AOTY four separate times.  Comparatively, Latin artists have also been making strides on the music charts, with Karol G, Kali Uchis and Rauw Alejandro breaking records for the Latin community. Despite this, Bad Bunny has been the only Spanish-speaking artist to be nominated for AOTY in 2022. In an interview with Variety 20 , Bad Bunny took the loss not as a moment of discouragement, but to highlight an important issue with the Recording Academy: “Maybe they weren’t ready for a Spanish-language album to win the big prize…”       Moreover, Korean pop, commonly referred to as K-pop, has been on the rise with little recognition by the academy. According to the Korean Herald 21 , only BTS, a Korean boy group, has received a nomination from the Grammys. The lack of acknowledgement of Asian American achievements in Western contexts demonstrates the challenges that still need to be overcome, on top of the current challenges with Latin and Black artists.  There has also been criticism from Black artists about whether their music, despite not being traditionally rap, gets mislabelled or thrown in the “urban” category. Tyler, The Creator 22 , pointed this out when he won rap album of the year in 2020, “It sucks that whenever we — and I mean guys that look like me — do anything that’s genre-bending…they always put it in a rap or urban category. I don’t like that ‘urban’ word — it’s just a politically correct way to say the n-word to me.” While Black artists appreciate the recognition for their work, not defining their music in the proper categories demonstrates the racial biases in the music industry.     An album’s nomination, especially for the big categories like AOTY, is contingent on the album’s marketability, publicity and retention of importance, all of which are tied to whether a record label even wants to promote an artist. Even well-known, non-marginalized artists Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish struggle to secure a nomination.  The struggle intensifies for smaller, independent artists, who face challenges in achieving mass marketing and longevity in a world of streaming and constant music releases by larger artists, often leading to their work being overlooked in the grand scheme of the music world. While all recipients are incredibly talented, the music industry has been dominated by people of color, but their works never seem to be commemorated with the same rigor.      What is the Solution?    Proposed solutions to fix the Grammys and other award ceremonies need to honor the ceremonies' sanctity and prestigious nature, while ensuring that the audiences can still have invested interest and confidence in the ceremony process. The amendments made back in 2021 have not accounted for the impact of streaming, nor the parasocial relationships many fans have developed with their favorite celebrity.    A solution, implemented by other award ceremonies like Eurovision and Kids’ Choice Awards, is displaying an audience pick. Simply acknowledging the audience would engage with those die-hard fans who want to give their artist the recognition they deserve. Also, posting an article on the official Grammys page explaining their choices for the big categories, like AOTY, would clarify why an artist earned their spot, like when Jon Batiste won back in 2022, someone relatively under the radar compared to the other nominees that Grammy cycle, like Doja Cat, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo.      Another interesting solution, proposed by Reddit user ZealousidealVirus358 23 , involves splitting the AOTY award, similar to the current model of record versus song of the year. Splitting the award would honor two artists who contributed immensely to the music culture that year, while still earning the title of AOTY. While the execution of a divided AOTY is still unknown, the concept is interesting and demonstrates that multiple albums can play a powerful influence in an era of streaming.    The Future of the Grammys    Music is always being pushed in different directions, some of which have led to different music genres outside of pop, like electronic or reggaeton, gaining traction and the attention it deserves. But the Academy seems to be rewarding those who are capable of reproducing music that appeals to a majority-white audience.   The Grammys deserve to be abolished. The Recording Academy was built to uplift artists to a new level of status, but the artists it chooses to elevate do not reflect the current trends in music, like the rise in K-pop 24  and reggaeton 25 . Furthermore, it feels like the Grammys have been following trends, rather than looking for innovative, well-crafted work, like Charli XCX , who, despite earning her first Grammy this award cycle, was already making a name for herself in the industry with records like “Break the Rules” and “Boom Clap” back in 2014.  The music world has changed drastically since the creation of the Grammys back in 1959. Social media and digital streaming services uplift artists and give the opportunity for smaller artists, who used to rely intensely on record labels and the academy, to make a name for themselves. While the academy can solidify an artist into history, millions of fans are already making that history happen through the internet. Citations Sources for “Introduction”:  1 BBC,  “Grammy Awards scrap controversial voting committees”, May 1 2021. 2Wikipedia, “Accusations of racial bias in Grammy Awards”. 3r/Popheads “‘The Grammys are a popularity contest’ deep dive”, Reddit.com . 4“How relevant are the Grammys?”, Reddit.com . Sources for “Bribery, Bad Reputation, and Scandals” 5Rasha Ali and Andrea Mandell, “Ousted Recording Academy CEO alleges sexual harassment, corrupt Grammys voting”, USA Today, January 22 2020. 6Anastasia Tsioulcas, “The Recording Academy Fires Deborah Dugan, Its Short-Lived Leader”, NPR, March 2 2020. 7Jem Aswad, “Recording Academy Settles With Ousted President-CEO Deborah Dugan”, Variety, Jun 24 2021. 8Ben Sisario, “Grammys Ready Pandemic Show, as the Weeknd Boycotts Future Awards​”, The New York Times, March 11 2021. 9Zayn Malik, “F–k the Grammys”, X.com , March 9 2021. 10Ben Sisario, “Grammys Drop Anonymous Nominating Committees After Backlash”, The New York Times, May 3 2021. 11The Recording Academy, “The Recording Academy GRAMMY Awards Voting Process”.  12The Recording Academy, “Voting and Solicitation Guidelines”. Sources for “The Voters: What’s wrong with them?” 13Anne Thompson, “Anonymous Oscar Ballot 2025: Costume Designer Votes the ‘Emilia Pérez’ Ticket and Celebrates ‘A Complete Unknown’”, Indiewire, February 27 2025. 14Apple, “Apple Music, 100 Best Albums”. 15Dailymail, “Kamala Harris Campaign Video”, TikTok, July 25 2024. 16Maria Sherman, “The Grammys’ voting body is more diverse, with 66% new members. What does it mean for the awards?”, Associated Press, October 3 2024. 17Katie Bain, “Women Are Gaining Ground Across Music Creation, New Study Finds”, Billboard, January 30 2024. Sources for “Scammy or Grammy, who actually wins and benefits?” 18Callie Ahlgrim, “Only 12 Black artists have won album of the year at the Grammys — here they all are”, BusinessInsider, February 3 2025. 19Daphne A. Brooks, “Only 3 Black Women Have Won the Grammys’ Top Award. Is Beyoncé Next?”, The New York Times, February 3 2025.  20Thania Garcia, “Bad Bunny Confronts Grammys Upset for Album of the Year and ‘F—ed Up’ Closed Caption Fail: ‘They Weren’t Ready for Spanish-Language Album to Win’”, Variety, September 12 2023. 21Kim Jae-heun, ”No surprise, K-pop absent from Grammys”, The Korean Herald, February 3 2025. 22Toyin Owoseje, “Tyler, The Creator slams Grammys’ ‘urban’ category as a politically correct version of the n-word”, CNN, January 27 2020. Sources for “What is the solution?” 23ZealousidealVirus358, “Should Album of the Year be split into two categories similar to Record/Song of the Year?”, Reddit.com . Sources for “The Future of the Grammys” 24Piper Kroll, “The Rise of K-Pop”, Garnet and Black, January 29 2024. 25Music Metric Vault, “Reggaeton”, musicmetricsvault.com . Image Credits:  Wikimeadia, “Grammy Award icon”, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grammy_Award_icon.svg   Public Domain Vectors, “Voting symbol”, https://publicdomainvectors.org/en/free-clipart/Voting-symbol/70933.html   Disclaimer: This article reflects personal opinions and views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial stance of HAZZE MEDIA, it’s staff, and editorial team. We publish diverse perspectives to foster dialogue and encourage welcome submissions that contribute to meaningful, thought-provoking conversations.

By Whitney Randall Courtesy of "Tusky (UTAH MAMMOTH MASCOT)" on Instagram Utah hockey stands at a turning point, one defined by both triumph and loss. As one team rises to national attention, another fades into memories. With the National Hockey League’s (NHL ) Utah Mammoth  starting its inaugural season under its new name, Utah’s hockey spotlight has never been brighter. The Utah Grizzlies  longtime minor-league franchise are skating into their final season before relocating to New Jersey. It’s a moment that is both exciting and bittersweet for hockey fans in Utah. The Mammoth’s rise is a milestone in Utah’s sports history, while the Grizzlies’ fall serves as a reminder that progress often comes with a price. The Utah Mammoth's arrival signals Utah’s evolution into a major-league market, but it also highlights the fragile balance between growth and loyalty. In the rush toward NHL prestige, Utah risks losing the local culture and community that the Grizzlies built over three decades.              Utah has been building toward this moment for years. According to ESPN  in April 2024, the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes  officially relocated to Salt Lake City after years of financial uncertainty and arena disputes in Arizona. The franchise was purchased by Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, and began to play under the Utah Hockey Club name until a permanent one was chosen. In June 2025, the team officially adopted the name Utah Mammoth, a name chosen through fan input. The rebrand  included a woolly mammoth logo, red rock inspired color palette and a marketing campaign focused on state pride and community connection. According to the Salt Lake Tribune , 2025, the Mammoth made bold moves by acquiring JJ Peterka  on a five-year, $7.7 million deal, signaling the team's intent to compete immediately in its new home.  The Mammoth’s debut represents more than just a new name. It symbolizes Utah’s long-awaited entry into the NHL spotlight. Season tickets sold out within weeks, merchandise filled the Delta Center, and social media buzzed in anticipation.  The Utah Grizzlies  came to Utah in 1995 from Denver, joining the International Hockey League before becoming a part of the American Hockey League from 2001 to 2005. Since 2005, the team has competed in the East Coast Hockey League and has been based out of the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah.  For nearly thirty years, the Grizzlies were Utah’s hockey foundation. They gave local fans affordable, family-friendly entertainment and created a sense of community around the game. They introduced many young Utah kids to the sport of hockey hosting countless youth hockey nights, local fundraisers, and player meet-and-greets. They built a loyal following that made hockey matter in Utah long before the NHL took over. Over the years, the Grizzlies became a fixture in Utah’s sports scene. They survived league changes, ownership shifts and fluctuating attendance but remained a dependable presence for nearly three decades. However, as competition intensified across the state, the Grizzlies found it difficult to keep up. The Utah Jazz dominated the spotlight, Real Salt Lake built its soccer empire, the Salt Lake Bees have a monopoly on baseball, and the Mammoth’s arrival brought unprecedented attention and funding to the sport. The Grizzlies , limited by aging facilities and fewer media opportunities, just couldn’t keep up. Attendance dipped, sponsorships moved on to bigger franchises, and community outreach programs started scaling back. What was once a local institution began to fade from public view.   But beneath the excitement lies a dilemma. For every spotlight the Mammoth gains, the Grizzlies are pushed further into the shadows. The team that once defined Utah’s hockey heartbeat is nearing extinction in the same state it helped build. The loss of the Grizzlies isn’t just another relocation story. It’s the end of an era that shaped Utah’s sports identity from the ground up. Before national broadcasts, it was the Grizzlies who kept hockey alive here. They built something genuine, something authentic, a hometown fanbase that loved the sport with all its heart.  Meanwhile, the Mammoth’s rise has been rapid and strategic. When the Coyotes’ relocation was finalized, it became one of the most dramatic moves in NHL history. The Mammoth’s new identity, complete with fan-voted branding, Utah-inspired designs and a larger-than-life mascot named Tusky,  was crafted to resonate deeply with the state’s growing sports community. The marketing strategy is genius, and more importantly, it's working. Hopefully, it’s as authentic as it’s trying to be.  Utah Jazz and New Utah Mammoth owner, Ryan Smith , had no qualms about the team moving to Utah in 2024, “The one thing I do know about Utah is, people show up. It’s just what we do. We show up. I have a lot of faith in the people of Utah.”  The Mammoth’s version of community is polished and statewide, while the Grizzlies’ was personal and had a small-town feel to it. The Mammoth represents ambition and gaining recognition for the state, while the Grizzlies were all about loyalty and personal identity. Both matter in their own way. Only one built Utah hockey from the ground up. Utah’s sports market is thriving, but such growth has consequences. When major-league teams move in, smaller franchises often move out. Sponsors, broadcasters, and fans tend to follow the bigger name with better reach. The Mammoth didn’t push the Grizzlies out. The market did. The question now is whether the Mammoth can preserve Utah’s authenticity and culture. The economics are brutal but predictable. Utah isn’t unique in that regard; it’s what happens when growth outpaces loyalty. For longtime Utah hockey fans, this transition feels complicated. There’s pride in seeing Utah finally join the NHL ranks, but grief in losing the team that helped make that dream possible. Families passed down season tickets and kids grew up chasing autographs from their favorite players. Those memories are being replaced by a sleeker, more professional version of hockey. Social media has become a scoreboard for Utah’s divided emotions. For fans who grew up with the Grizzlies, this transition feels like being written out of a story they helped build. For newer fans, it’s the beginning of something they’ve waited years to experience. Both sides are right but both sides are missing something. The Mammoth may have the spotlight, but the Grizzlies had the soul. Utah’s hockey identity is now caught somewhere in between. The Mammoth’s success will depend on how well they connect with Utah’s hockey roots. Utah fans have always valued accessibility and authenticity over flash, and that’s something the Grizzlies understood instinctively.  The Mammoth is entering a market that already loves hockey, but love has to be earned, not inherited. To build something lasting, they’ll have to show up in schools, youth programs, and local rinks, not just on billboards. They’ll need to create memories that feel personal, not promotional. Because when the newness fades and merch stops selling itself, what will keep fans showing up isn’t hype; it's heart.  The future of hockey in Utah depends on how well the state can combine its past with its potential. The Mammoth creates a national stage but it means nothing if they can’t win over the community. The loss of the Grizzlies leaves a gap in the developmental and cultural pipeline that once connected youth players to their hometown pros. The Mammoth have the power to fill that gap, but only if they choose to invest in more than just the product on the ice.  If Utah wants its hockey future to last, it needs to invest where it all begins: the community. That means the Mammoths are partnering with local rinks, supporting youth and high school leagues, and keeping ticket prices accessible enough for families who once filled Grizzlies games.  Honoring the Grizzlies’ legacy should also be part of that foundation. Hanging retired jerseys in the Delta Center, hosting alumni nights, or even community tournaments in their name would remind fans that Utah hockey didn’t start with the NHL. Growth doesn’t have to erase history; it can build on it. The Mammoth has a rare opportunity to set a new standard, one where big-league success and small-town spirit coexist. Whether they take it will determine if Utah’s rise in hockey becomes a lasting movement or just another moment. Utah hockey has always been about more than the game. It’s about belonging.  The rise of the Mammoth proves how far the sport has come in Utah, but the fall of the Grizzlies reminds us what can be lost along the way. One story ends in nostalgia, the other begins in anticipation. Together, they capture the paradox of progress, how growth can inspire and ache at the same time. Utah is no longer the underdog of American hockey– it’s a headline. But headlines fade, and history lasts. Utah’s test is not how loud the Mammoth roars, b ut how deeply they root their legacy into the ice that made them possible. Disclaimer: The views, analysis, and opinions expressed in this op-ed are of the writer. All information is for commentary and informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, professional, or investment advice. References to third-party sources and public figures are made for illustrative purposes and do not imply endorsement or verification by HAZZE MEDIA.

By Ariana Ottrando | October 9, 2025 Courtesy of "Dancing with the Stars" on Instagram It’s that time of year again when both Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) and the National Hockey League (NHL) grace our screens and consume our lives for the next two months — or at least in my house. But what if there was a world in which the two combined? I present: Dancing with the NHL Stars, where we review which active NHL players would be entertaining and suitable contestants on Dancing with the Stars, and which pros from this season, Season 34, they would pair with. While it’s common for professional athletes to compete on Dancing with the Stars, Sean Avery has been the only NHL player to take the stage to date, back on Season 18. Though Avery’s time in the ballroom was short-lived, getting eliminated in Week 2 with partner Karina Smirnoff, there are plenty of NHL players who have what it takes to go the distance on the dance floor.  Think about it: Hockey players already share the discipline, competitive nature, and familiarity with a demanding practice schedule that dancers do. They’re also media-trained and “perform live” for large audiences, so they’re not afraid of the camera or the pressure of the moment either. Instead of taking critiques and running drills with hockey coaches, they’d do the same with their partners and the judges. And, both rely heavily on trust — whether it’s with linemates on the ice or dance partners in the studio — so teamwork and the concept of synchronicity aren’t new to them. Without further ado, let’s break down the cast of the first season of Dancing with the NHL Stars. Macklin Celebrini A young star in the making, Celebrini would definitely be a long-term contender on DWTS. As the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker award in college with Boston University, he could follow suit and join a short list of DWTS winners under age 20. That is, if his dancing abilities were anything like those on the ice. I would pair Celebrini with DWTS pro Rylee Arnold, as they’re both “rookies” in their respective professions and would make for an entertaining partnership. Connor McDavid They don’t call him “ McJesus ” for no reason. Stats and accolades aside, the Edmonton Oilers captain’s fiercely competitive nature and will to win would take him far on DWTS. Skill is one thing, but heart could also work in his favor as both the judges and fans would appreciate his work ethic and passion for succeeding in each style of ballroom. McDavid would excel with DWTS pro Daniella Karagach for their shared intensity and he would take on the challenge of her routines head-on. Mika Zibanejad For those who don’t know, the most tenured New York Ranger is also a DJ, starting in his home country of Sweden and even performing on big stages like Lollapalooza Stockholm in 2023. Zibanejad’s love and familiarity with music should translate beautifully to the dance floor, with an assumed musicality and vocabulary as advantages for picking up choreography. I would pair Zibanejad with DWTS pro Pasha Pashkov because of their similar calm and grounded demeanors, hopefully making for an easy learning process and potential friendship as well. Brad Marchand Brad Marchand, also known as “ The Rat ”, has always been a “love him or hate him” type of NHL player. But no one can deny that his aggressive play style has established him in his identity and career, on and off the ice. That “in your face” mantra would naturally aid in Marchand’s performance and showmanship on DWTS and he strikes me as someone who could be an unexpected finalist. Marchand would pair well with DWTS pro Mark Ballas because his bold personality would be able to handle Ballas’ bold and sometimes risky choreography. Cale Makar Cale Makar may have a more reserved personality than his fellow “castmates”, but his skillset speaks for itself. I can totally picture the two-time Norris Trophy winner crushing a contemporary-esque foxtrot and winning over the audience with his determination and sweet disposition. Makar would do best with DWTS pro Ezra Sosa because their completely opposite personalities would balance each other out, so Sosa’s extrovertedness would help Makar come out of his shell on the dance floor. Quinn Hughes Quinn Hughes is another NHL player who lets his stats do the talking. The Vancouver Canucks captain and eldest Hughes brother definitely leads by example on the ice. His exciting play style would make for exciting performances in the ballroom — certainly a side of Hughes that hockey fans have not yet seen. I would pair Hughes with DWTS pro Emma Slater because her bubbly personality and experience on the show would set Hughes up for success. Jack Hughes In addition to drawing a ton of Gen-Z votes, Jack Hughes would also be a DWTS contender in the spirit of competing against Quinn in ballroom shoes instead of skates. Their sibling battle would make for great debate among fans each Tuesday night, as they would be the first celebrity sibling duo to compete on the same DWTS season. Food for thought, ABC. Their shared charisma and charm would make Jack Hughes and DWTS pro Alan Bersten a successful pairing. I can already picture them performing a memorable freestyle or quickstep! Matt Rempe You knew it was coming. Matt Rempe would be such an entertaining, fan-favorite contestant on DWTS. From being an on-ice enforcer to his goofy personality to his popularity among Gen-Z, there are so many aspects to the “ Rempire State Building ” that DWTS could tap into to make his dances stand out — then again, his 6’9” frame may do that already. DWTS pro Jenna Johnson would work to Rempe’s strong suits and help him learn dance fundamentals such as body control and facial expressions within each piece. Their height difference would also allow for some crazy tricks! Cole Caufield An NHL player who never fails to have a smile on his face is Cole Caufield. His positivity would be refreshing as a star in the process of learning, executing, and receiving feedback on dances each week from his partner and the judges’ panel. Caufield is someone who thrives under pressure on the ice, and the Montreal Canadiens’ winger would bring the same mindset to dancing on the show. DWTS pro Britt Stewart perfectly matches Caufield’s smiley and outgoing personality and would create an encouraging learning environment for him in his ballroom journey. Anze Kopitar The “ King of [the] Kings ,” Anze Kopitar, would be a great addition to DWTS. The 2025-26 NHL season is officially the “last dance” for the down-to-earth veteran captain, so it would only be fitting for him to hit the dance floor in L.A. in retirement, where so many locals would have his back and vote. I would pair Kopitar with DWTS pro Jan Ravnik for their shared Slovenian roots. I think that common ground would be a great foundation for Kopitar to learn from Ravnik and also allow for opportunities to tie their culture to some routines. Tell me that they wouldn’t absolutely tear up a tango. Matthew Knies Yet another player who dominated college hockey and is now in the big leagues, Toronto Maple Leaf’s Matthew Knies would be a fun contestant to root for on DWTS. As a younger and newer guy on the roster, NHL fans are still learning about Knies, so participating on DWTS would highlight sides to him that we don’t typically see in the rink. I see Knies and DWTS pro Witney Carson as a power duo between their shared Western roots, in Arizona and Utah, respectively, and confident personalities. Knies would definitely be all-in for Carson’s upbeat routines, like jazz, and their height difference would make for frequent stunts as well. Jeremy Swayman When I think of active NHL goalies with big personalities, my mind immediately goes to none other than Boston Bruins’ Jeremy Swayman. Focus on the details and repetition is heavily involved with being both a goaltender and dancer, so “ Sway ” would fit right into DWTS and likely make it far into the competition. I would pair Swayman with DWTS pro Brandon Armstrong because their enthusiasm and energy would play off each other so well, making for a strong partnership on the dance floor. The duo would probably score highest with styles that highlight that, like the cha-cha or jive. Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby Obviously, a stacked NHL/DWTS cast crossover wouldn’t be without the greatest active players in the game: Alexander Ovechkin (WSH) and Sidney Crosby (PIT). The veteran captains and most accomplished players headed into the 2025-26 season have long been compared through their careers over the last two decades — dating back to 2005-06 — so it only makes sense for “ The Great 8 ” and “ Sid the Kid ” to compete on the same season of DWTS as well. Ovechkin and DWTS pro Gleb Savchenko would click as partners because of their shared Russian descent, allowing for a “great” friendship and opportunities to nod to their culture. Pairing Crosby with DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, the most tenured pro on the show, feels like ‘10’s all around. Crosby would definitely be the last one in the studio every night practicing Chmerkovskiy’s difficult routines on his own time. (Gotta take Sid on this one, sorry Ovi.) Hockey players are no strangers to high-pressure performances and precision under the spotlight — two factors that also yield success on Dancing with the Stars. With the right partner by their side, who’s to say these NHL players couldn’t chase the Mirrorball Trophy in addition to the Stanley Cup? I always appreciate athletes choosing to combine their athleticism with artistry by competing on the show, which would make a cast entirely derived by the NHL a totally different (hockey) game. I would crown Sidney Crosby, and his partner Val Chmerkovskiy, the DWTS champions of this debut season of Dancing with the NHL Stars, but any of the pairings could skate away with the title if they bring their A-game to the ballroom. Disclaimer:  This article reflects personal opinions and research and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any individuals, teams, or organizations mentioned.

Written By Elliot Heath Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 and the world’s ensuing search for a new leader of the Catholic Church, President Trump posted a rather peculiar response to Truth Social : an AI-generated portrait of himself in papal robes, sat on a golden throne.  The post, which drew heavy criticism  from Catholic organizations, was just one in a sea of bizarre, unnervingly glossy images and videos that have flooded the internet in recent years. Since the birth of ChatGPT in 2022, artificial intelligence technology has revolutionized, granting humans the ability to generate written, audial and visual material at a rate never before seen.  But among the near-limitless possibilities of generative AI, from creating new models of K-12 teaching  to aiding crucial research in the healthcare sciences , it is often AI “art” — including lavish depictions of Trump as the pope — that end up going viral. Trump is far from the only conservative politician to use AI imagery in social media posts. Official U.S. government accounts on X frequently post AI-generated illustrations to advertise whatever policy they are putting forth. A recent post from the Department of Homeland Security, for example, depicts  alligators with Immigration and Customs Enforcement caps standing near barbed wire fences, hinting at a newly-built immigrant detention facility in Florida nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz.”  The official White House account similarly celebrated the March arrest of an undocumented immigrant allegedly involved in drug trafficking by posting a Studio Ghibli-style illustration  of a man in a military uniform putting handcuffs on a Latina woman who was in tears.  Beyond the executive branch, AI art dominates conservative social media circles, especially on sites like X and Instagram. Right-wing pundits, congresspeople and advocacy groups alike frequently post memes , comic strips  and political cartoons  to hammer home their messaging, all with the ease of typing in a simple prompt to an online software. While many posts are innocuous, others often contain explicit racism and xenophobia, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent X post showing  a woman in a burqa replacing the Statue of Liberty in response to Muslim candidate Zohran Mamdani’s recent New York City mayoral primary win.  Islamophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric have become recurring themes in AI posts by far-right groups across Europe  as well.  These types of posts seem to be intentionally provocative. Striking visuals are key to capturing attention, whether that be through energizing supporters or enraging critics of a particular messaging. A graphic of a military officer arresting a crying woman is not just meant to show support for a new policy — it is saying that the government is entirely unapologetic about its actions, no matter how much harm is caused in their wake. And while brazen political ads have been commonplace for decades, the difference is that now, humanity has access to tools that can produce them almost instantly.  Indeed, propaganda has never been so effortless.  But the question remains: Why is AI art so much more prevalent in right-wing circles than in left-wing ones? With the technology being so new, few studies have yet been conducted on AI users en masse. The differences across ideological lines, though, are already becoming clear.  It might help starting with why many on the left are so averse to AI-generated art. One of the most common criticisms is that the practice steals from real artists , conjuring images based on existing artwork that is available online. A single image that could have taken a human being hours or even days to complete could have key resemblances to what an AI tool could create in seconds, with no compensation or credit to the original artist whatsoever.  Even more alarmingly, generative AI requires gargantuan amounts of energy to run. As the technology has gained popularity, the resulting demands for electricity and water use  have grown exponentially, far exceeding the requirements to run simple internet searches. The number of data centers worldwide has also seen a steep increase  in the past few years to account for more AI users, adding significant hurdles to an already strenuous global effort to reduce the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions. These issues can understandably repel a lot of left-leaning folk who place value in artists’ work and the climate conservation movement. American conservatives, on the other hand, are not exactly known  for their admiration for the arts, and the Republican party continues to fiercely oppose any and all environmental legislation . It makes sense that those on the right — whether it be policymakers, official government accounts, or regular people — are more dismissive of the threats AI art poses.  Aside from the ethically dubious methods behind AI-generated imagery, looking at its potential uses helps explain a lot of right-wing enthusiasm around the new tech. The Trump-led conservative movement has played a crucial role  in the spread of misinformation in the past decade, which has succeeded in part due to social media’s ability to circulate unfiltered claims at an inconceivably fast pace. With so much material overloading the senses at all times, it can be hard to distinguish between what is real and what is not. AI art tools, which can falsify infographics, visual accounts, or even news events themselves, fit seamlessly into this environment of constant information overload.  Coupled with users’ tendencies to produce AI images fueling support for bigoted causes and unconstitutional policy initiatives , the future implications for the technology are dire. If a large language model can generate both fake news and propaganda cartoons in response to that news, it could win control over a large sum of the public — and push our era of polarization and media distrust to a breaking point.  We are still, however, a little ways away from that reality. While the challenges posed by right-wing AI art are substantial, they are also not anything new; experts have proposed a number of methods  to combat online disinformation in the past, including fact-checking services and counter-messaging campaigns, and much of those strategies still apply to today’s circumstances. Even with the increased speed with which AI posts can be produced, their ability to deceive the public is limited by fact-based sources and news outlets that share the social media space. Moreover, AI can also be harnessed to combat and contextualize  misinformation, automatically flagging posts as soon as they come out.  As for the provocative political memes and images that flood the web in droves on the daily, it may take some pretty hefty legislation to regulate. Given the current presidential administration’s affinity for the trend, that does not seem to be on the table for the time being. What we can do, however, is consider the impact of our reactions. If posting crude AI images is intended to provoke responses, choosing not to engage may help reduce the spread and influence of such content. These types of posts thrive on controversy and upset, but their success is wholly contingent on the attention they receive.  The key is to focus on addressing the message hidden behind the pixels, rather than getting swept into the visualized delusions of chronically online people seeking only to spur chaos. Those posts are cruel and wasteful, yes, but more importantly they can often end up distracting you from real, harmful policies going into effect all around us. The vast majority of the country’s upheaval is happening offline. It is happening on the street, in courts , schools , places of worship , government buildings , hospitals , prisons , detention centers  and everywhere else. And making a tangible difference requires an ability to cut through the internet slop and fight for what really matters. In a space engulfed by fakes and falsehoods, true victory comes with keeping things real.  Disclaimer: This article reflects personal opinions and views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or editorial stance of HAZZE MEDIA, it’s staff, and editorial team. We publish diverse perspectives to foster dialogue and encourage welcome submissions that contribute to meaningful, thought-provoking conversations.

Written By Allison Cho | October 29, 2025 In the dimly lit gymnasium of her former high school in Athens, Georgia, Cassie Chantel stood on the court with a basketball in hand, feeling the familiar bounce echo. It was years after her ACL tear had shattered her dreams of playing college basketball, but the game called her back. This time it wasn’t as a player, but as a coach, storyteller, and voice for women’s basketball. With a microphone in one hand and channeling her past experiences, Chantel turned setbacks into symphonies, blending her love for the game and music into a career that inspires a new generation.  Born and raised in Athens, Chantel grew up in a world where grit was as necessary as air. Basketball wasn’t just a sport; it was a family tradition. Though both her parents played basketball, it was her father’s competitive fire that ignited her own passion for the game. At the age of 7, she was already dribbling in the driveway of their trailer park home, mastering the fundamentals on a plastic hoop. "The interaction between me and my dad was something that energized me," she recalls. "I like how excited it made my dad, and I like how easy it was for me. I feel like I was a fast learner." By the time she hit the Boys and Girls Club courts, her edge was evident. She showcased a fierce competitive spirit, rising through the ranks with hard-earned achievements. “I'm from the era of no participation trophies. We had to earn everything that we got," Chantel says. She was surrounded by great mentors, including her cousin, a college athlete who coached her team, which all made winning all the more enjoyable.  High school brought elite Amateur Athletic Union teams and college scouts, but a devastating ACL tear in her senior year during a summer league game changed everything. “I felt like my world caved in,” Chantel reflects. “This is everything that I’ve been working towards. Why would God take this from me?” Over 15 years ago, her ACL recovery lacked specialized support, especially in a small town like Athens. “Tearing your ACL is different for athletes. It was kind of like, ‘oh, it’s done,’” she explains. Dreams of playing Division I faded, shifting her focus to mass communications at the Art Institute of Atlanta. However, the underdog mentality her dad instilled stuck with her, showing doubters wrong. “I’ve always felt doubted, and always felt like people underestimated what I’m able to do,” Chantel notes.  Music became her outlet long before the injury. As an emotionally-driven child, Chantel turned to writing poems and stories to express herself. School introduced poetry, but Tupac's "Brenda's Got a Baby" transformed her. "It was a story," she explains, “to see Tupac really bring it together into a song—like, oh, we can bob our head to this. We can memorize this. It changed the game for me, and it turned me into a musical storyteller." After graduating high school, Chantel stepped into the music scene, securing her first paid gig at a graduation party. "Once I realized, very early on [at] 17 years old, I [could] get paid for a performance, that was my mindset immediately," Chantel says. Her style evolved with the times, but storytelling remained at the core, influenced by the grit of her Athens upbringing. "Growing up in Athens in a small town, considering our country, it gives you that grit, like I'm not just this pretty girl. I always had an edge to me," she shares. Her dad taught her she could win against anyone, man or woman, forcing her to play one-on-one against a boy after practice. "That's been my mentality with everything that I take on as a creative person," Chantel adds. This drive propelled her music career, taking her on nationwide tours, earning her accolades like the Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year for “Miss America,” and opening doors to exciting collaborations, such as opening for Cindy Wilson of the B-52s. She also toured the West Coast, Texas, Florida, and Milwaukee, self-funding these trips with prize money. However, touring took its toll. Losing her voice and facing constant crowds led her to realize, "I don't like what I'm doing,” Chantel says. So she stepped back, focusing on messaging and authenticity. "[I started to be] really concerned with messaging and what type of message I'm putting out into the world," she explains. Finding the intensity of rap and hip-hop culture overwhelming, she took it in small doses and pivoted to jazz influences, releasing tracks like “Ego Death” and “Cool Chicks Only.”  Her writing began as an emotional expression, a trait she attributes to being a “very emotional child,” Chantel says, a natural inclination that evolved into music after Tupac’s narrative style inspired her.  The pivot back to basketball felt natural for Chantel. Attending a high school game reignited her passion: "I really like this," she confirmed. She organized a 3-on-3 fundraiser for a social justice camp, raising funds for cameras, and her old coach invited her to assist at her alma mater, eventually leading to head coaching a middle school team in Atlanta. "I wanted to talk about basketball more," Chantel says. Coaching became the bridge for Chantel’s passions, weaving together her love for basketball, leadership, and storytelling within a basketball community she calls "family," a bond that has always sustained her. This foundation propelled her into social media, where her Instagram  grew organically during March Madness 2023 with honest takes on the WNBA. "I saw a need," she notes. Content creation exploded with videos, analysis, and interviews. She founded Women's Basketball 365 and the podcast Let's Talk Hoops , amplifying untold stories. "Athletes are more than just their bodies," Chantel emphasizes, highlighting players' multifaceted lives. "There are a lot of stories about the WNBA out here. There aren't a lot of photos of these players,” Chantel points out. Using her photography skills from her music days, she decided to fill the gap. Her social media success stems from her authenticity. “I just started talking to the internet, and it organically took off… [which led to] a lot of the media talking heads looking a certain way,” she says. The one thing Chantel continues to strive for in the future is greater reach. "I want to further amplify what they're doing," she says. This drive to elevate diverse voices fuels her ongoing evolution as a digital influencer. Music's influence shines in her sports voice. Storytelling from songs translates to engaging breakdowns, and vulnerability from performances builds authentic connections. "Being on the internet made me comfortable," she says. Public speaking from stages also helped her develop her on-camera confidence. Her confidence channeled into her underdog spirit to fuel her advocacy for women in sports, challenging biases and pushing media literacy. "Anybody [who] has a platform at this point, and it's already doing well, I think that they're ahead of the curve," Chantel shares as she observes about social media's rise. Challenges never let up for Chantel, who juggled her passions, mental health, and the toxicity of online spaces. She was balancing an act she describes as “a constant dance,” leading her to reject a significant platform opportunity to safeguard her well-being. The shift to social media brought new pressures, yet she found strength in therapy, loved ones, and grounding activities, such as playing basketball or spending time with her dog. “Sometimes you've got to feel those emotions," she advises, emphasizing the importance of self-care. Her commitment to authenticity always shines through, as seen in her decision to turn down major deals that would misalign with her values. “I would never be able to come back from it,” she states. This resolve fuels her advocacy, challenging biases in women’s sports and promoting media literacy.  Chantel's impact? Inspiring belief.  "Be you. Believe in yourself," she urges. "It may sound crazy to other people, but only you know that you can do it. They’re gonna doubt you, but their doubts are not your reality." From ACL recovery to music tours to WNBA content creator, her resilience shows doubts aren't reality. Social media's rise, she predicts, will dominate, with platforms like hers leading the way. "Social media is going to be the only thing that people focus on," Chantel says, noting attention spans demand quick content. Her journey isn't linear, but that's the beauty of it. As she coaches youth, creates content, and eyes longevity, Chantel has no limits. "I'm most excited about the WNBA right now because it's just the time period that we're in. I see myself in a lot of these athletes," she shares. Music gave her a voice, but basketball gave her a platform. Together, they redefine success with no apologies needed. In her Hazze interviews, Chantel reflects on early advice she'd give her younger self: "Get stronger, like really focus on resistance training." Avoiding weights to not "look like a boy" was a regret, but now she encourages strength. Overcoming injuries built depth because “when you're a leader, you have to face adversity, so you can know how to lead." Chantel’s transition in music echoed the resilience she found in basketball, evolving from a youthful passion into a professional pursuit that followed her after high school. As her career gained momentum with award-winning tracks like “Miss America,” the demands of the industry prompted a deliberate pause, which allowed her to step back and rediscover her creative voice. This period of self-reflection only strengthened her alignment with her values, shaping a new approach that blended her early influences with a more profound sense of purpose. From driveway hoops to stages and screens, resilience reigns in Chantel's inspirational story. Rather than sitting by as others dominate the field, she champions women fighting for their rightful place in sports, declaring, "We're here to stay, and we're here to show we belong," as a rallying cry for her community.

Photographed by Katie Romo | Oct. 23, 2025 Twenty One Pilots photographed by Katie Romo @photosbyktromo in Chula Vista, CA Dayglow photographed by Katie Romo @photosbyktromo in Chula Vista, CA

Gallery by Sojung Kim | 10/26/25 Niagara Ice Dogs dominated Brampton Steelheads with a 5 - 1 victory on October 26th, 2025, led by a hat trick from Kevin He for Niagara and a lone goal from Mason Zebeski for Brampton. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC and may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Sojung Kim | 10/25/25 The 2025 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Rowing Championships brought rowers from across Ontario to St. Catharines’ Royal Canadian Henley Course, where Queen’s University triumphed in the women’s division and Brock University powered to victory in the men’s. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC and may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Gallery by Sojung Kim | 10/24/25 The Hamilton Tiger-Cats powered past the Ottawa Redblacks 35 - 15 to clinch the top spot in the East Division. With the win, Hamilton will host the East Division Final on November 8. These photos are owned by HAZZE MEDIA, LLC and may not be redistributed, sold, or used for commercial purposes without explicit permission.

Photos and Review by Sidney Mazza | Oct. 8th, 2025 Photos and Review by Sidney Mazza @sidneymcreativemedia There wasn’t a dry eye in Benchmark International Arena as Wesley Schultz, one-half of The Lumineers’ founding duo, let the crowd see into his world.   Wesley has recently lost his younger brother, a figure who he dedicates a song to at each performance. As he was preparing for Tampa Bay’s concert on October 8th, he was stopped by a stranger who asked him to play a specific song, “Long way from home,” at the show.  “That song is about my dad...just about that feeling of someone also going home. And my dad’s home, and my brother’s home, and one day I’ll be home with them, but for now we’re here,” said Wesley in front of the crowd. The next four minutes were an unforgettable reminder of how precious life is and how special music truly is.   The Lumineers’ newest album, “Automatic” features 11 new songs, six of which they performed this past Wednesday in Tampa. The light design was incredible, highlighting the energy of each new song without taking away from the talents of each band member.   One of the first exceptionally memorable moments was when the band brought back out their opener, Chance Peña, a 25-year-old singer, songwriter, and producer, to sing “Charlie Boy” alongside them. Chance’s music is emotional, vulnerable, and similar to The Lumineers’ songs in the sense that it begs you to feel something.    During their song “Big Parade,” each member took a turn singing a verse. Stelth Ulvang, the band’s talented piano player, never allowed for a dull moment. From handstands on top of his instruments, to backbends and leaps, Stelth gave the audience more joy than one could capture in a photo.   The Automatic tour has a few more U.S. stops and then will head to its international shows, starting in Mexico City and then New Zealand. Those that have tickets are truly in for an incomparable experience. As Wesley Schultz said in Tampa, “In a world where we’re numbing ourselves of everything, music can be medicine because it can cut through all your defenses and make you feel something.”  Set list:  1. Same Old Song  2. Flowers in Your Hair  3. Angela  4. You're All I Got  5. A.M. RADIO  6. Asshole  7. Charlie Boy (With Chance Peña)  8. Plasticine  9. Donna  10. Ho Hey  11. Dead Sea  12. BRIGHTSIDE  13. Sleep on the Floor  14. Gloria  15. Salt and the Sea  16. Keys on the Table  17. WHERE WE ARE  18. Slow It Down  19. Automatic  20. Ophelia  21. Big Parade  22. Leader of the Landslide  23. Long Way From Home   24. REPRISE  25. Cleopatra  26. Stubborn Love  The Lumineers Photographed by HAZZE Creative Team Photographer, Sidney Mazza @sidneymcreativemedia

Coverage & Photos By Allison Cho California State University, Northridge  dropped a tough 3–0 decision to Cal State Fullerton  on Wednesday night at Matador Soccer Field. The Matadors created plenty of chances and outshot the Titans but couldn’t find the finish. Fullerton capitalized on early opportunities and held on after CSUN went down a player late in the first half. Despite the result, the Matadors showed energy and pressure throughout the match, keeping fans engaged until the final whistle. Photos By Allison Cho Photos By Allison Cho