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Grieving parents sue hospital saying staff handed them prescription slip to drive dead baby home in back seat
A Washington couple has filed a $10M lawsuit against Salem Health, claiming staff forced them to drive their deceased infant home across state lines in their backseat.
Grieving parents sue hospital saying staff handed them prescription slip to drive dead baby home in back seat
A Washington couple has filed a $10M lawsuit against Salem Health, claiming staff forced them to drive their deceased infant home across state lines in their backseat.
Grieving parents sue hospital saying staff handed them prescription slip to drive dead baby home in back seat
A Washington couple has filed a $10M lawsuit against Salem Health, claiming staff forced them to drive their deceased infant home across state lines in their backseat.
Armand Hammer's private art collection arrives at Sotheby's L.A.
Hammer Museum founder Armand Hammer's private art collection will go up for auction after a preview exhibition at Sotheby's L.A. Works include Mary Cassatt's "Summertime" and Edgar Degas' "Trois danseuses."
Sea turtle laying eggs at Huntington Beach is first known instance of nesting on West Coast
At least one olive ridley sea turtle has laid its eggs on the sand in Huntington Beach.
This 'fire amoeba' pushes the limit of what's possible for complex life
Scientists have found a species they've named the fire amoeba, which is capable of reproducing at 145°F and continuing to move up to temperatures of 147°F — a record for complex eukaryotic life.
LABI Names 2026 Business Excellence Award Honorees
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) has announced the nine honorees of its 2026 Louisiana Business Excellence Awards,
Nearly $17 million awarded to expand mental health and addiction services across Kentucky
Kentucky has secured nearly $17 million in federal grants for 988 crisis services, youth mental health programs and addiction recovery support.
Justice Department Sides With Churches in Political Speech Case
The Justice Department told an appeals court it largely agrees with the religious groups suing it over how far churches can wade into politics and still keep their tax-exempt status.
Interactive: Workers brace for biggest health insurance cost spike since 2003
Employers expect the biggest rise in health insurance costs in decades, increasing pressure on wages, premiums and benefits for workers.
Trump threatens to send Iran 'into hell' if war carries on
The president's remarks at the United Nations come more than six months into a war that has grown increasingly unpopular at home.
Newsom signs bill expanding mental health options for veterans
A state budget trailer bill with funding for psychedelic therapy research to help veterans has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Brian W. Jones, R-Santee, announced Tuesday.
Business Tenancies—Two Problems
The Law Commission proposes reforms to business tenancy laws, addressing pre-emption rights and intra-group lease assignments.
What CDC's new teen health survey shows, and what it skips
Teen suicide risk hit a 10-year low in 2025. Guns, sexual violence, and self-harm. Where are the 2025 data on transgender teens? Missing data changes public health policy. Teen suicide risk hit a 10-year low in 2025. CDC asked more than 10,000 high school students over 100 questions in spring 2025. Yesterday, it published a report covering a fraction of them. The report focsed on five areas: diet, physical activity, sleep, digital behaviors, and mental health, reflecting the priorities of the Make America Healthy Again movement. There was good news. Fewer teens seriously considered suicide in 2025 than in any survey year since 2015: 14%, down from 20% in 2023. Sadness fell. Underlying Conditions is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe Sports participation, which dipped to 49% in 2021, is back to its 2015 level of 58%. Daily PE fell from 27% to 20% in two years, while fewer students eat breakfast daily than a decade ago. Guns, sexual violence, and self-harm. The questionnaire is public, and it goes well beyond those five areas. Students answered questions about sexual violence, self-harm, and whether they got help when they felt sad or anxious. They said how quickly they could get a loaded gun. They reported whether food ran out at home and whether they felt close to people at school. There were questions about sexual identity, including whether they were transgender. The report did not publish any of the answers students gave to those questions. CDC posts the raw survey data online, so anyone can see what the report left out. The report doesn’t cover the health of sexual minority students. Among students who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning, or another non-straight identity, persistent sadness fell from 66% to 57% between 2023 and 2025. Serious thoughts of suicide fell from 41% to 30%. Those drops were bigger than the ones among straight students, although the gap remains wide: 28% of straight students reported persistent sadness, about half the rate of LGBQ+ students. About 1 in 7 girls reported sexual violence in the past year. One in 6 students hurt themselves on purpose. Among students who needed help for sadness or anxiety, half rarely or never got it. And among students who had seriously considered suicide, 43% said they could get a loaded gun without an adult’s permission. One protective factor rose sharply. In 2023, 55% of students said they felt close to people at their school; in 2025, 63% did. CDC’s earlier research ties that kind of connection to better mental health. Where are the 2025 data on transgender teens? In 2023, CDC's national survey asked high school students, for the first time, whether they were transgender. Their answers are the only nationally representative data on transgender teens, and their mental health is by far the worst of any demographic. That year, 71% of transgender students reported persistent sadness, 54% seriously considered suicide, and 26% attempted it, compared with 38%, 18%, and 8% of cisgender students. But we don’t have 2025 data. The timing matters because students took the survey in spring 2025, as federal policy toward transgender youth shifted. On January 28th, an executive order directed agencies to end federal support for gender-affirming care for people under 19, and several hospitals paused that care within days. In February, the CDC said it would no longer process transgender identity data. Later in 2025, the Supreme Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors, and HHS ended the 988 Lifeline’s dedicated line for LGBTQ+ youth. Researchers disagree about how much state policy shapes trans teens’ mental health. A 2024 Trevor Project study estimated that anti-trans laws increased suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth. Critics dispute its methods and its estimates. The 2025 survey could have added national evidence to that fight. CDC collected the data but hasn’t publicly released it. Missing data changes public health policy. Surveillance works as a feedback loop. It can show officials whether their policies help or hurt. The CDC didn’t provide data on the students most exposed to transgender policy shifts. The report kept measures that frame health as personal choice, like fruit, breakfast, and sports. It left out measures that track policy, like gun access, mental healthcare, food at home, and school climate, all of which respond to what legislators and agencies decide. HHS did not respond to questions that I sent on September 21st.
AG Rob Bonta reaches settlement with Paramount/Skydance’s David Ellison over entertainment mega-merger with Warner Bros.
After clearing a state antitrust lawsuit with minor concessions, David Ellison pledges to keep the combined media empire in LA. By Sarah Lin Major California AG Rob Bonta settled an antitrust lawsuit against Paramount and Warner Bros., securing commitments from David Ellison to keep operations in Los Angeles.
Colorado’s first pup Gia — a 4-legged staple of Jared Polis’ term as governor
Gia, a rescue dog, attended bill signings and news conferences, meetings with big-name politicians and members of the governor’s cabinet
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Data Breach Settlement
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in New York State has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit stemming from a 2024 cybersecurity incident Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit related to a 2024 cybersecurity incident that affected 26,411 individuals.
$10M Ill. fire station puts firefighter health, safety at center of design
Buffalo Grove's new Fire Station 25 features cancer-reduction measures, sleep-focused bunk rooms, expanded apparatus bays and a larger fitness area
GOP senator calls for subpoena of Trump Jr. over oligarch-funded wedding report
Republican Sen. John Curtis of Utah wants Donald Trump Jr. subpoenaed over a report a Russian oligarch funded his wedding.
Should Boeing Stock Investors Worry About Its Money-Losing Jet Business?
If you own Boeing (BA), the worry is whether its commercial airplane business can earn money on the jets it sells. In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, that business lost money. Its operating margin was negative 2.7%, meaning costs ran above sales. The jet business brought in nearly half of Boeing's revenue for the quarter.
RFK Jr.-linked group offered access to U.S. officials for a fee
A nonprofit with ties to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. solicited payment from companies in exchange for access to top agency officials at an upcoming event, documents show.
Why Melinda French Gates is shifting her philanthropy on women’s health
The philanthropist is investing in care for women in their midlife.
'Begin Again' review: 2013 film gets musical makeover at Old Globe
San Diego's Old Globe presents the world premiere musical 'Begin Again,' based on the 2013 film by John Carney, with a book by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy and music and lyrics by Pat Monahan and the band Train (Jerry Becker and Matt Musty).
The best and biggest games of September
From Silent Hill: Townfall to Control Resonant to Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave, we review the best new games to play as autumn begins, ahead of the titanic GTA6 release.
Police, fire, EMT and mental health: How one city is leading the charge to reshape 911
Alternative response programs, where mental health clinicians respond to 911 calls instead of police, have proliferated since George Floyd's murder. What does it take to do this work well?
Police, fire, EMT and mental health: How one city is leading the charge to reshape 911
Alternative response programs, where mental health clinicians respond to 911 calls instead of police, have proliferated since George Floyd's murder. What does it take to do this work well?
Police, fire, EMT and mental health: How one city is leading the charge to reshape 911
Alternative response programs, where mental health clinicians respond to 911 calls instead of police, have proliferated since George Floyd's murder. What does it take to do this work well?
The House Freedom Caucus has to transform — it could preview the GOP's post-Trump era
The conservative House Freedom caucus grew in prominence along side President Trump, now they are considering what the future of their movement looks like.
Trump's Belarus potash plan draws warning over Russia route
Belarus says this year's potash output is already contracted as Trump seeks a cheaper supply deal with the US.
Belton holds public hearing on $250 million in tax breaks for entertainment district
Belton City Council is holding a public hearing Tuesday regarding its major Uptown Development District, for the issuance of $250 million in tax breaks to fund the project over a 20-year period.
Brian Cox: UKRI’s Cern project cut ‘damages science base’
Cut will mean “reduced scientific capability” for Large Hadron Collider beauty upgrade, its board warns
The centuries-old Japanese art of ikebana draws those seeking calm
Ikebana, the Japanese art of arranging flowers, is a form of expression that dates back more than 500 years.
Police search for possible source of drugs in death of Presley Gerber, Cindy Crawford's son
Presley Gerber, the supermodel's son with businessman Rande Gerber, died Sunday at a rehab facility at age 27.
City fielding tenants for historic Tempe National Bank, Tempe Hardware Building on Mill Avenue
The century-old Tempe National Bank building and the Tempe Hardware Building will soon be home to new businesses as the city fields offers for tenants to lease the spaces on Mill Avenue.
Chicago Blackhawks Coach Makes his Stance Clear on Analytics
One of the great debates when looking at the modern NHL game has been how much to rely on analytics when it comes to assessing on-ice play. While analytics can provide more usual information that may be missed by the casual observer, there are often flaws with how these models function. Sometimes, the old school […] The post Chicago Blackhawks Coach Makes his Stance Clear on Analytics appeared first on HEAVY.
Can you forget how you feel about Meta?
‘Pervert glasses.’ Thousands of lawsuits. Mark Zuckerberg wants to sweep it all away with a new bid on AI.
Build a Career in Wine: Linfield University Opens Applications for Graduate Certificate in Wine Business Leadership
Four-month online program gives wine professionals and career changers the business knowledge to take their next step in the wine industry September 21,
As world leaders converge on U.S., Trump seeks to demonstrate control
The president's actions stand to color the backdrop of a week that will feature meetings with world leaders at the U.N. and a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum receives $1M corporate investment
Bobcat Co. has committed $1 million in financial and in-kind support to help develop hands-on exhibits for the future Fargo-Moorhead Science Museum.
David Ellison: Me, Move? I Love L.A.
After telling top lieutenants he was serious about relocating Paramount from its century-old home if the states' lawsuit proceed, the mogul has now changed tune.
Mamdani hosts Trump at Gracie Mansion as unlikely rapport continues
The two leaders have traded insults but forged an unusually cordial personal relationship, with regular calls and texts.
Teen Mental Health Is Improving, CDC Finds. Then Why Are Experts Still Concerned?
Student mental health remains a big challenge for schools to address.
How a New Pistachio CEO Leverages CPG Experience to Drive Health Demand
Mike Forbes draws on leadership at Alter Eco, Procter & Gamble and California Olive Ranch to harness TikTok influencers, clean eating and global culinary partnerships.
What to know about Paramount's settlement and its impact on movies
Movie studio Paramount has agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit filed by 12 states, the last big obstacle blocking the company’s $81 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in a
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs ‘most comprehensive data center laws’ in US
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom signed seven new data center regulations into law Monday, as public concerns about the facilities’ demands for water and electricity have reached a fever
Health advocates warn of MassHealth changes for immigrants coming Oct. 1
About 7,300 immigrants will be impacted, according to Health Law Advocates
Investigators of Science registration now open for October
LA GRANDE – Local middle school students have a unique opportunity to learn about zombies…for ...Read More
United Way Day of Action draws more than 675 volunteers
More than 675 volunteers completed 67 service projects for 20 local nonprofit organizations during United Way of Central Iowa’s 2026 Day of Action. The event included projects such as reading with students, organizing learning materials, improving nonprofit facilities and revitalizing outdoor spaces. United Way estimated the volunteer work generated $64,932 in community impact. This year’s…
Laura Bruner Honored with 2026 Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award
Swine Vet Center veterinarian recognized for leadership in swine health, biosecurity and practical disease management.
Record share of voters motivated to oppose Trump in midterms, poll finds
In a new NBC News survey, 43 percent of registered voters said they want their vote for Congress this fall to send “a signal of opposition” to the president.
What can this Chicago professor tell us about violent populism?
A new book warns of the danger of accepting political violence as a regular part of democratic society.
Read Paramount CEO David Ellison's memo after settling WBD lawsuit
Paramount Skydance's CEO confirmed to employees that the company had settled the lawsuits that were holding up its deal to buy Warner Bros. Discovery.
Can Democrats flip the Senate? Here's the latest in key races
Democrats need to gain at least four seats, and not lose any, to retake control of the Senate. Here are five races to watch in the final weeks before Nov. 3.
Tove Lo talks new album 'Estrus,' motherhood and giving advice
Before making her newest album, "Estrus," Swedish singer-songwriter Tove Lo felt pressure to make it profound. But after returning to a small village in Sweden, she was instead reminded of who she is at her core: "the same f— messy girl."
State attorneys general agree to settle Paramount merger lawsuit
The state attorneys general suing to block Paramount’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, have reached a settlement, clearing the way for the companies to complete the merger.
Read the lawsuit: CNN, MS Now and Politico sue Trump admin over White House access
Read the full lawsuit CNN, MS Now and Politico filed against the Trump administration over White House access.
Local moving business owner charged with grand theft, accused of taking thousands in payment and not showing up
IDAHO FALLS — A Bonneville County business owner is accused of taking payment for a job but failing to provide services. Golden Barrett, 44, faces one grand theft charge and, if convicted, could receive up to 14 years in prison. The court set his bail at $20,000. A plea agreement was signed and filed on […]
Xulon Press announces a new work where theology and science meet, The Dimensional Universe: Quantum Ontology, Dynamics and Patterns of Duality from author Jack K. Mayfield.
Phoenix, AZ, Sept. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xulon Press announces the release of The Dimensional Universe: Quantum Ontology, Dynamics and Pa...
THE WEEK OF SEPT 21, 2026
- White House floats $100K fee for graduate workers - OMB seeks more power over NIH grants - Federal layoffs balloon spending on paid leave
UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Earns Nation's Highest Nursing Honor
UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Earns Nation's Highest Nursing Honor
Paramount, attorneys general settle lawsuit, clearing a path for Warner Bros. merger
With the agreement, California Atty. General Rob Bonta and his coalition plan to withdraw historic lawsuit that aimed to derail the $111-billion deal.
Weaner Pig Breakeven at $10.44, Down $4.52 From Last Week
When you consider that today’s purchased weaner would be sold in March 2027 using April 2027 futures, the weaner breakeven was $10.44, down $4.52 for the week, and $18.27 below the average cash price for the week of $28.71.
Small Business, Big Lessons® — That Old Time Rock & Roll or Blue Dot Fever?
This post builds on my Water Balloon Economics idea and adds a twist: knowing when it’s time to wrap up a “wonderful” career or business, recognizing your own limitations, and being honest about the experience you’re delivering.
Paramount to Resolve Antitrust Lawsuit, Clearing the Way for Warner Bros. Acquisition
The deal would remove the last significant hurdle the media mogul David Ellison faced to create a news and entertainment empire, home to movie studios, HBO, CBS and CNN.
VCSU hosting ND Science Teacher Association Fall Conference
VALLEY CITY, N.D. – Valley City State University is hosting the return of the North Dakota Science Teacher Association (NDSTA) Fall Conference in October.
Are draws the elephant in the room for Blues?
Fan writer Kym Smith reflects on a fifth draw of the season for Birmingham City against Middlesbrough.
Should You Buy PepsiCo Stock Because Its International Business Keeps Accelerating?
PepsiCo (PEP) stock traded at $129.75 on September 18, the lowest price of its past 52 weeks. The worry is North America, where sales of snacks and drinks have disappointed. Yet the part of PepsiCo that sells outside the U.S. is growing faster and earning more on each sale. The share price appears to give that part little credit.
GOP lawmakers sound alarm on diesel fuel costs
Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley joined the chorus of concerns over the weekend.
Population Science Fall Seminar Series kicks off
The Population Research Institute and the Collaborative on Population Aging Disparities will host the Population Science Seminar Series this fall, featuring hour-long talks from scholars whose research examines population dynamics and the social forces that shape them. Seminars will take place on select Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. in the Susan Welch Liberal Arts Building, room 314.
iPhone owners can now submit a claim in Apple’s $250 million Siri AI lawsuit
You can receive $25 per eligible device.
Column: Three ballot measures on housing, medical research but only one no-brainer
Analyzing three state bond measures that are on the ballot for the Nov. 3 election.
You can now claim your payout from Apple’s $250 million Siri settlement
The major class action lawsuit against Apple over Siri and Apple Intelligence delays continues to progress. Apple is expected to...
Announcing our new STEP Grant winners: A Solar System shadow-tracker,…
Three groups of scientists will receive crowdfunded support to further the scientific exploration of space.
CMU makes progress on Hall of Sciences, campus improvements
Construction of the Richard King Mellon (RKM) Hall of Sciences progressed over the summer. Carnegie Mellon broke ground on the new building in June 2024 and expects expected to finish on schedule.
News | Hotel-convention host Manchester at forefront of radical changes in U.K. politics
Parliamentary lawmakers on Oct. 12 to discuss rejoining European Union.
Trump and Mamdani to meet in New York
The president of the United States and the mayor have met three times so far.
A true independent could shake Congress from its slumber
Americans should consider voting independent in November. Here’s why.
Nothing to report about contract
The 35-year-old's deal expires at the end of this season and it remains to be seen whether the centre-back, who joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018, will be offered an extension or he will choose to move on. Van Dijk has played every minute of Liverpool's Premier League campaign so farand said his side have "not had a bad start" under new boss Andoni Iraola. The Reds are unbeaten in seven games this season and go into the international break sixth in the table after two wins and three draws in the league.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico to sue Trump administration over White House access
CNN By Katelyn Polantz, Brian Stelter, CNN (CNN) — The three national news outlets President Donald Trump banned from the White House — CNN, MS NOW, and Politico — are filing a critical First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access. The emergency request is set to go before a federal judge in the DC District
MORNING BUSINESS REPORT: Paramount settlement, parents rely on family for money, CT foliage rank
Paramount looks to settle antitrust lawsuits, more parents are relying on family to make ends meet, and where CT ranks for foliage. Here's the Morning Business Report for Sept. 21.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico to sue Trump administration over White House access
The three national news outlets President Donald Trump banned from the White House — CNN, MS NOW, and Politico — are filing a critical First Amendment lawsuit to restore their access.
Here are seven candidates for song of the summer
These are seven songs that could be song of the summer for 2026. Candidates include artists like Karol G, Olivia Rodrigo and Ella Langley.
Suno made a new AI music model with major labels. Here's what it means
Record labels that sued AI music companies are now licensing them. But payouts are undisclosed, lawsuits continue and musicians ask who benefits.
Largest U.S. survey of Huguette Caland's work arrives at Hammer Museum
The Lebanese-born painter, sculptor and fashion designer Huguette Caland's life was as wild and audacious as her art. A Hammer Museum retrospective unpacks the once L.A.-based artist's remarkable legacy.
Despite court wins, California election war with Trump rages on
L.A. County says it has received federal grand jury subpoenas demanding voter registration information on dozens of individuals the Trump administration suspects may not be U.S. citizens.
Political Risk Reshapes M&A Strategy, White & Case Chief Says
EchoStar Corp.'s deals to sell airwave rights to AT&T and SpaceX highlight the political and regulatory pressures driving M&A activity, according to the lawyer who steered the transactions.
Cole Palmer withdraws from England squad after earning Tuchel recall
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming international break as his workload and a muscle problem are managed.The 24-year-old had been recalled by England m...
The data center backlash is reshaping American politics — one community at a time
With striking speed, the widespread debate around data centers has become a fault line in American communities, cutting across political parties and forging unexpected alliances.
Trump heads into a week of diplomacy, hampered by a lack of allies
At the United Nations on Tuesday and in meetings with China's Xi Jinping on Thursday, the president will largely stand alone.
England latest: Cole Palmer withdraws from Thomas Tuchel's squad ahead of long international break
Cole Palmer was recalled to Thomas Tuchels squad after being snubbed for the 2026 World Cup; Palmer has scored four goals in seven games this season for Chelsea; Palmer had previously stated he felt back to his best after an injury-hit 2025-26 campaign
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
How Budding Laws On AI And Mental Health Could Go The Route Of ‘Federal Floor, State Ceiling’
U.S. states are enacting AI mental health laws. A federal version is in the offing. One approach would be to do a "federal floor, state ceiling". An AI Insider analysis.
How Hemp-THC businesses are bracing for a near total ban
Follow us to Tennessee where hemp farmers are already pivoting in the face of a state ban and soon, a looming federal ban on basically all THC-derived hemp products. Will Congress step in to save this $28 billion industry? Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — How would-be weed merchants hit a ‘grass ceiling’ Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator’s weekly newsletter! — Buy the Planet Money book — Find our socials, YouTube and more! — For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.
AI saves scientists time but adds ‘verification tax’, paper finds
Google study also finds AI pushes researchers towards “safer, more incremental projects”
Telehealth companies keep exposing customers' medical data. What should they do?
The FTC recently filed a lawsuit alleging Hims & Hers secretly exposed customers’ health data and signed them up for hard-to-cancel subscriptions without permission. It's the latest in a series of similar cases.
Presley Gerber, son of model Cindy Crawford, dies at age 27
Presley Gerber, the son of supermodel Cindy Crawford and her husband, Rande Gerber, died Sunday at a rehab facility at age 27, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.
Sports Entertainment Group (ASX:SEG) Shares Advance as Media Stock Draws Attention
Sports Entertainment Group (ASX:SEG) Shares Advance as Media Stock Draws Attention
BUSINESS MONDAY: Spotlight on Undergrowth in Great Barrington—from kitchen table dream to reality
This new mother-daughter business is bringing together art, craft, and community through meaningful experiences and beautifully made goods rooted in creativity, nature, and shared stories.