FIFA fans may kick back plans to support US in 2026

Soccer fans are reputedly loyal to the popular sport acclaimed throughout the world. Although growing in popularity here, early concerns due to recent immigration restrictions pose a threat to the FIFA World Cup games slated from June 15 to July 13 on this continent. Initially expected to attract billions in revenues and fans who usually travel from cities near and far, reportedly, some of the global cheerleaders are contemplating boycotting the face-off between the best of 40 teams representing 211 nations.

Six continents comprise the men’s national teams readying to kickoff in 11 cities here and in Mexico and Canada. And while 12 stadiums anticipate capacity crowds of up to 88,000 in Los Angeles, California lackluster ticket sales pose a threat.
Reportedly, FIFA has already slashed ticket prices for the opening match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

“Tens of thousands” of seats at the 65,326 seat venue remain unsold, which pit Argentina’s Lionel Messi against Egypt’s Al Ahly.
Now priced at $55 at Ticketmaster’s portal, the reduction is half the initial going rate.
Allegedly, only 20,000 seats have been sold.

Unfortunately empty seats would reflect negatively on the burgeoning popularity of the sport in the USA.
Fear of being targeted for arrests seem to be the principal reason for lackluster sales.
Speculations are that games in Canada and Mexico might provide options to the east to west coast contest of nations.
That Portugal’s Christiano Ronaldo recently confirmed he will not play at the World Cup tournament compounds an already tenuous situation.

Meanwhile, impressive architectural structures are being constructed to impress visitors, athletes and fans willing to cheer on winners and losers aiming to collect the $125 million and the prized golden trophy. Last December, Saudi Arabia was confirmed to host the games in 2034.

Apollo Theater slates “One Night Only” with Dione Warwick

Already this year, rhythm and blues legend has performed in Europe and Jamaica. The 84-year old whose family tree includes aunt Cissy Houston, cousin Whitney Houston, sister Dee Dee Warwick, and opera singer Leontyne Price is booked for the “Don’t Make Me Over:One Night Only” concert at the Apollo Theater on June 27.
Listed among the 40 biggest hit makers in America, Warwick is ranked one of the most charted vocalist of all time.

‘No Kings’ parade might downplay Trump 79/Army 250

An anti-Trump collective is expected to protest a massive 79th birthday combo marking the 250th anniversary celebration of the US Army. United to display disdain for public displays usually seen in kingdoms, the main focus of the June 14 gatherings is expected to emphasize a No Kings message. Organizers of the protests claim the president of the United States overreached his authority by proclaiming gifted privilege with a military parade on his birthday. In fact, the huge procession showing military might stems from an impressive display President Donald Trump witnessed on Bastille Day while on a visit to France eight years ago. Allegedly, after seeing the spectacle, the US leader vowed to surpass the French showing by hosting his own salute.

Back in the driver’s seat, that promise is expected to be fulfilled in Washington DC with helicopters, tanks, artillery and soldiers. All in all, next weekend will be an unprecedented, memorable calendar timeframe.

Ancestral tribute back on the Brooklyn boardwalk

Cultural activists will reconfirm a commitment to ancestry by honoring long-lost and recently deceased Africans and African-Americans during the 36th annual Tribute to Our Ancestors of the Middle Passages.

Primarily amassed to pay tribute to thousands drowned during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the annual collaborated Medgar Evers College MEC students with the Crown Heights Youth Collective and the People of the Sun Middle Passage Collective for a daylong ceremony, which now includes honorarium to each and every deceased Black American since.

With respect to the ancestors, celebrants should gather at 17th St, aka Ancestral Circle and are urged to wear white, take offerings of fruits and flowers and most of all invite professional drummers to participate in rituals lauding those who have transitioned. Poets, singers and dancers are expected to begin the rituals at noon continuing to dusk with a procession to the sea for waterside tributes on June 14.

Fathers finally command a day in the year

Mothers had their day last month with offspring and parents ogling the first love of life. However, fathers get their turn to relish in the joy of paternal bliss on June 15, when Father’s Day enables full appreciation of their worth.

Meteorologists have forecast a rainy Sunday for outdoor revelry for pops. While he may not get the same pampering as mom did recently, deserving fathers might appreciate breakfast in bed, flowers, chocolate, or treats to choice restaurants.

Whether the weather is good, all dads should know their presence is appreciated.
Happy Father’s Day to all biological, adoptive, or willing males who ably handle the responsibility.
Catch you On the Inside!