As layoffs hit, videogame workers' union launches hardship fund
Plus: Charli XCX and rock's future, Valkyries slay at Ballhalla, Sam Neill RIP
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8/29: A FULL DAY OF MOVIES MADE BY PUNKS, DIRTBAGS, METALHEADS & ODDBALLS
Join 48 Hills at Scumdance Film Festival, the annual celebration of celluloid for sickos! Ten years of freaky films from underground auteurs—and the 2026 installment at North Beach's The Lost Church promises eye-popping fun.
Today's headlines:
As wider layoffs hit, videogame workers’ union launches hardship fund
By Leah Isobel
UVW-CWA aid initiative and innovative Necrosoft bundle aim to support affected workers from indie orgs and big corps.
Charli XCX is the future of rock, in fact
By Daniel Bromfield
The genre will be saved by outsiders—even highbrow-nodding hyperpop ones who know how to slay big festivals like Outside Lands.
Screen Grabs: ‘The Piano’ plays again
By Dennis Harvey
Sam Neill (RIP) in major key. Plus: Futile love in 'White Nights,' Hector Babenco tribute, whimsical 'Drunken Noodles,' sour "Ice Cream Man'
Live Shots: Valkyries flew high in return to Ballhalla
By D.A. Mission
WNBA home team filled Chase Center with wild community spirit and plenty of winning shots.
In case you missed it:
Drama Masks: Forget AI, you’re in ‘Urinetown’ now
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Aerial Arts Fest flies high on a shoestring and a dream
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YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back with 100+ free outdoor shows in downtown SF. With free music concerts, dance events, circus, kids’ shows, and more, YBG Festival is the place for picnics and summertime vibes.