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Memorial Health begins $350 million expansion, closes Mets Road
Memorial Health will close Mets Road starting Monday, Oct. 5, as construction begins on a $350 million patient tower.
Police investigating theft from State College business, look to identify person of interest
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (WTAJ) — Police are asking the public for help in connection with a theft investigation in State College. According to Ferguson Township Police, the incident occurred Wedne…
Last-place Twins put top pitcher Taj Bradley on injured list with right pectoral inflammation
Car crashes into unoccupied Vergennes business
A car crashed into and heavily damaged a hair salon on Main Street in Vergennes Saturday night.
Sanofi suspends chronic lung disease phase 2 study, tied to ‘strategic business reasons’
Sanofi halted a phase 2 trial testing a monoclonal antibody, SAR445399, in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, Fierce Biotech has learned. The trial, which began only back in April, was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to measure the reduction in mucus plug score following treatment with SAR445399 compared with placebo in adults aged 18 to 80 years with NCFB, a chronic lung disease. The trial was officially reported as halted on July 29, the day before Sanofi’s second-quarter earnings call. The decision to pause the trial was made “as part of a company-wide portfolio review for strategic business reasons,” and not due to safety concerns, a Sanofi spokesperson told Fierce. The move to pause the NCFB trial comes during a trying time for Sanofi following a year filled with a series of trial fails. In February, the French pharma ousted CEO Paul Hudson and appointed Merck KGaA leader Belén Garijo, M.D., Ph.D., to steer the ship. Since then, Garijo has been doing a deep dive on correcting the company’s strewn R&D and clinical strategies. On July 24, Sanofi scrapped amlitelimab for atopic dermatitis, despite its lore as being a potential $5 billion blockbuster. During its second-quarter report, the company abandoned two more assets, balinatunfib and itepekimab, following failed trial results in psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respectively. SAR445399, only first revealed by Sanofi in 2023, is an anti-interleukin-1 receptor 3 monoclonal antibody developed to block the interleukin 1, 33, and 36 cytokine pathways. These pathways can be important in chronic immune-related dermatologic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and hidradenitis suppurativa, as well as respiratory conditions, such as NCFB. Related Sanofi’s new CEO ‘looking deeply’ at late-stage pipeline as clinical clearout continues NCFB affects roughly half a million people in the U.S., with a global incidence of greater than one million cases. In August 2025, Insmed received FDA approval for Brinsupri, a DPP1 inhibitor targeting neutrophil activation, for treatment of NCFB in adults and kids ages 12 and older. The British biotech Infex Therapeutics showed promising NCFB phase 2a data using their monoclonal antibody, INFEX702, which acts by disabling Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria known to be a major pathogen of NCFB. Sanofi is currently running a separate phase 2 study testing SAR445399 as a potential treatment for the inflammatory skin condition hidradenitis suppurativa.
Jackson bans employees from having relationships, doing business with ‘dope dealers’
The measure comes as three former Jackson city officials face federal charges in connection with a 2024 bribery scheme.
‘Business as Usual’ for Packers as Josh Jacobs Returns to Practice.
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has returned to practice following his arrest last Tuesday. Jacobs practiced on Monday and again on
Felony Theft Charges Filed Against Landscaping Business Owner, Investigators Seek Additional Information - Colorado First Judicial District Attorney's Office
GOLDEN, Colo. (July 27, 2026) --The First Judicial District Attorney's Office has filed two felony theft charges against Ulises Tajonar Diaz, 32, alleging he received more than $32,000 in deposits from two Jefferson County homeowners for landscaping projects that were never started. Diaz advertised and operated landscaping businesses across the metro area under the names My Son’s Landscape and My Son’s Landscape Group LLC.
VistaJet receives luxury and business awards
VistaJet was commended by a luxury magazine, while also receiving an award for brand image and service at a Chinese finance summit.
Mount Nittany Health profited over $96M last year, union claims amid contract disputes
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — New quarterly disclosures for Mount Nittany Health reveal the health system has amassed $96 million in total profits over the last 12 months, according to SEIU Healthcare P...
Meteor streaks across skies, causes bright flash Sunday morning
Early risers across southeast Louisiana were treated to quite a sight on Sunday morning when a brilliant flash of light streaked across the pre-dawn sky. Around 5:00 a.m., Storm Station viewers reported seeing what looked like a large, vibrant green ball with fire trailing behind it followed by a bright flash. When small space rocks (meteoroids) slam into Earth's atmosphere at high speeds, they create the light streaks we call shooting stars
Addie and Baylor Foundation teams up with Kentucky Science Center for library renovation project
Siblings Addie and Baylor Kirchgessner were killed in a crash during a family vacation in December 2020
McVean Uses Her Sports Management Degree To Advantage
Augusta, Ga. - To say Kennedy McVean and Augusta University were made for each other may be an understatement. McVean grew up in Harlem, Ga, which just about a half-hour from AU. She said the Jaguars have always been part of her family. She grew up going to games and knew early on she wanted to be a cheerleader for Augusta. She also knew she wanted to be involved with sports her entire life. Then, the sports management program was added and the stars aligned for McVean.
Iranian regime plays for a ‘maximalist advantage,’ says former political prisoner
Former political prisoner in Iran Kian Tajbakhsh discusses President Donald Trump’s stance on Iran on ‘The Will Cain Show.’
May Mobility set to go public in a $1.4B deal
Ann Arbor-based autonomous vehicle technology company May Mobility is set to go public in a deal that values it at $1.4 billion.
Gameday Primer: Final preseason game
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) at Buffalo Bills (2-0)When: Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.Where: Highmark StadiumWatch: Steelers preseason TV affiliates The Pittsburgh Steelers play in their third and final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Three things to watch…Will the young quarterbacks bounce back? It’s been an up-and-down preseason for Will Howard and Drew […]
VistaJet founder Thomas Flohr shares his daily routine in St. Moritz
Thomas Flohr is the founder of VistaJet, a private aviation service. He's based in Switzerland but travels often between their 25 offices worldwide.
Pennsylvania lawmaker to propose bill establishing universal healthcare within the state
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — State Rep. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) plans to introduce legislation that would establish a universal single-payer health care system in Pennsylvania. In a memo circulate…
Red Sox acquire Jahmai Jones in trade with Tigers
Who is he and where did he come from? He’s Jahmai Fitzgerald Jones and he comes from suburban Atlanta, which seemingly produces more baseball talent than just about anywhere else in America right now (though the most notable alumn from his prep school is former Pats center David Andrews). Jones was a second round draft […]
Why John Cornyn, a Senate GOP stalwart, could lose his Texas primary
The four-term senator is determined to prevail Tuesday against two challengers who view him as a relic of the George W. Bush era. The race could go to a runoff in May.
Taj Bradley Reflects on Breakout Year After Twins Beat Giants
The right-hander reached a big strikeout milestone and closed out the best season of his career in San Francisco.
Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center hosts community day ahead of opening
Families and their pets attended the event outside the facility. Attendees met staff, learned about services and took guided tours inside.
Nadiyah Byard, A Two Sport Standout
Augusta, Ga. - Most collegiate student-athletes grew up playing multiple sports. Many times it wouldn't be until late in their high school career they decided which sport to focus all their attention to. In college, other than runners in cross country and track, very few do more than one sport. For Augusta University's Nadiyah Byard, she not only competed in basketball for the Jaguars, but is focusing on the high jump for the Jaguars.
Reusse: Spotlight on Gophers women’s sports is a welcome sight
The women’s basketball and hockey teams are in the headlines with NCAA tournament games in town and a coaching vacancy to fill.
India’s Neo Group Hires Veteran Banker To Boost Wealth Business
India’s Neo Group Ltd. hired senior banker Tajinderr Pal Singh Bhatia as a founding member and president of its wealth business, said people familiar with the matter, as demand for private bankers heats up in the the country’s fast-growing wealth management industry.
Taj Clubhouse closing at Ward Centre after 50 years in business
Shoppers grabbed what they could before the family-owned store, known for its hand-drawn, locally inspired characters, closes for good.
Pound loses footing, business activity growth slows on Iran war hit
The British pound fell against the dollar on Tuesday, reversing some of its rise from the day before, as the Middle East war continues to hold sway over markets and as signs emerged that the conflict was starting to affect Britain's economy.
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology receives $250k investment
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry announced a $250k investment in the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology Monday. The investment is part of...
U.S. Forging a Healthier Oceania Through Trump Administration's America First Global Health Strategy Through Bilateral Health Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in China
United States Forging a Healthier Oceania Through Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy Through Bilateral Health Memorandum of Understanding with Papua New Guinea Press Statement Thomas “Tommy” Pigott, Principal Deputy Spokesperson April 23, 2026 Yesterday the United States and Papua New Guinea signed a five-year bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) through the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy. The landmark health MOU focuses on effectively addressing emerging infectious diseases and ongoing outbreaks, building and maintaining surge-response capacities, and enabling Papua New Guinea’s government to independently manage new health threats before they spread internationally. Working with Congress, the United States intends to provide $15 million through December 2030 through the jointly decided health MOU, building on decades of progress in reducing HIV infections and transmissions in Papua New Guinea. The government of Papua New Guinea intends to allocate up to $3 million to disease control programs and strengthen health systems at the national and provincial levels. Up to $5 million under the health MOU will directly support global health security funding, advancing our shared commitment to health security in the region. Through the signing of this $18 million MOU, we are bolstering infectious disease prevention and response by leveraging cost-effective, nationally-driven approaches, with the goal of increasing Papua New Guinea’s health system self-sufficiency. America First Global Health Strategy Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed so far represent more than $20.6 billion in new health funding, including more than $12.8 billion in U.S. assistance alongside $7.8 billion in co-investment from recipient countries, building on decades of progress fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases around the world. As of April 22, the State Department has signed 32 bilateral global health MOUs with Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Panama, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, and Uganda.
Emily Ratajkowski says she rejects the label 'divorced single mom'
Emily Ratajkowski is opening up about resenting the label "divorced single mom" following her split from ex-husband Sebastian Bear-McClard.
Violence should never be part of the job in health care: Fawad Taj
The health care profession that has quietly endured violence for years is finally beginning to say, out loud, that this should never have been considered normal in the first place, writes guest columnist Dr. Fawad Taj, M.D., a psychiatrist, Cleveland resident, and community advocate.
Surprise Connor Storrie, Hudson Williams appearance supports ‘Heated Rivalry’-inspired charity
Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams make a surprise appearance to support a ‘Heated Rivalry’-inspired charity.
Dave Walls introduced as WDBJ7 sports director
Southwest Virginia TV veteran Dave Walls is WDBJ7’s new sports director, making his debut Thursday, January 8, 2026.
India vs Tajikistan FIFA friendly; Hariharan-Arjun in Indonesia Open QF: Indian Sports LIVE, June 5
Here are all the updates from Indian sports on June 5, 2026.
Iran negotiating with FIFA to move World Cup games to Mexico from US
Iran’s soccer federation is in discussions with FIFA about moving their World Cup matches to Mexico from the United States due to concerns about the safety of their players, Iranian soccer president Mehdi Taj said on Monday.
Textbook basketball from Tajianna Roberts! 🙌
Textbook basketball from Tajianna Roberts! 🙌
Colorado hires exciting new athletic director
Folks, doesn’t it feel good to have faith in an institution again? Isn’t it nice to trust the people making decisions that affect your life? I got to feel the sunshine of good decisions (not mine, obviously) on my face this weekend. My bet is, if you’re reading this, you did, too. We, as Colorado […]
WRDW TV and Peachtree Sports Network to Broadcast 10 Augusta Basketball Games
Augusta, Ga. - Augusta University basketball will once again be air on the Peachtree Sports Network. A total of 10 games, including four doubleheaders will be on WRDW-TV's affiliate for the second straight year.
USU College of Allied Health Sciences Graduate Plays Key Role in Lifesaving Response
Navy Hospital Corpsman Third Class Adam Altreche, a 2023 USU graduate, utilized his military medical training to revive an unresponsive man ...
Travel blogger’s new book offers ‘52 Weekends in the Pacific Northwest’
Kara Patajo, also known as Your Northwestie Bestie online, treats every day in the Pacific Northwest like an adventure.
FCC Launches Inquiry Into Broadcast Sports Rights
The Media Bureau is seeking comments on such issues as the shift of rights away from free-to-air broadcasts
Alvin and Yvette Harris Sports Peformance Center Pays Off For Student-Athletes
Augusta, Ga- When the Alvin and Paulette Harris Sports Performance Center opened before the start of the first semester at Augusta University, most everyone knew it would be a game changer for student-athletes. They now had a dedicated space for them to get faster, stronger and more fit for their athletic seasons. Now, after a full semester of its utilization, the student-athletes are seeing the dividends.
Tennessee Diving Invitational day three results
A look at how Tennessee fared on day three of the Tennessee Diving Invitational.
Wild owner, business leaders buys historic St. Paul Hotel
Craig Leipold led a group that purchased downtown St. Paul’s landmark hotel, where he leases the penthouse.
Chiefs’ hot start boosts business at KC-area bars and restaurants
Bars and restaurants in the Kansas City area say a hot start to the Chiefs season is packing tables and increasing profits.
Global Jet Capital Projects Steady Bizjet Growth to 2030
North America expected to remain largest market through 2030
Trump family business files for trademark rights on any airports using the president's name
The Trump family company has filed to trademark the use of the president's name on airports but says it doesn't plan on charging a fee — at least for a proposed renaming of one near his Florida home. ...
These common infections can cause cancer. Here’s what can lower your risk.
Recent research indicates that infectious diseases cause around 12 percent of new cancer cases.
Italy's Meloni pushes back on Trump's 'fabricated' claim as top diplomat cancels U.S. trip
ROME (AP) — The Italian government closed ranks on Friday to slam U.S. President Donald Trump over his claim that Premier Giorgia Meloni had “begged” for a photo with him during the recent G7 summit, a pushback that suggested the longtime U.S. ally had had enough of Trump’s boasting. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani abruptly cancelled a planned trip to the United States this weekend, calling Trump’s claims “serious and offensive” toward Meloni and all
Building the tools behind the science
An industry application scientist reflects on the invisible labor behind widely used lab techniques, and how iterative testing, troubleshooting and cross-team collaboration turn new technologies into practical tools for the scientific community.
Central Asia's growing commitment to university sport on full display in Tashkent and Samarkand
The 1st Central Asia Student Sports Federations Forum, held from 29 September to 2 October 2026, brought together FISU leadership, FISU Central Asia and national university sports federations from across the region, confirming the growing political and institutional commitment to student sport in Central Asia. National delegations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan attended […]
What early Cannes Lions conversations reveal about AI, creators and agencies
After my first day at Cannes Lions, two things stood out immediately: the festival feels busier than it did a year ago, and the mood feels more optimistic.
BREAKING: Huskers land San Diego State guard Taj DeGourville
Nebraska men’s basketball has landed its fifth player through the transfer portal, after gaining Trevan Leonhardt, Sam Orme, Kadyn Betts and Boden Kapke. San Diego State guard Taj DeGourville has committed to the Huskers, per On3.
Lexington bakery thanks for customers for spike in business after warning it could close
Al-Taj Mediterranean Bakery & Sweets credited its customers for some of its busiest days in a social media post on Friday.
Atlanta’s entertainment scene gives rise to lawyer John Rose
Atlanta-based entertainment attorney John Rose helps recording artists land deals, film studios relocate productions and creatives understand their value.
Undefeated Local Favorite Taj Mahal Targets Preakness
Taj Mahal, running for trainer Brittany Russell, enters the Preakness Stakes off the back of an authoritative 8 1/4-length romp in the April 18 Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel Park. The son of Nyquist earned an automatic berth to the Preakness with that victory and remains a perfect three-for-three ...
Sephora Brings Beauty Leaders Together at The Business of Beauty Global Forum 2026
Founders and executives from brands including Kayali, Ilia Beauty, Summer Fridays, Merit Beauty and Danessa Myricks Beauty gathered at Stanly Ranch to discuss the partnerships shaping the industry’s future.
Broadening the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Engagement In South and Central Asia - United States Department of State
On April 6, the United States signed a bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Tajikistan under the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy (AFGHS). This breakthrough MOU marks the first bilateral health cooperation signed in the South and Central Asia region and aims to protect Americans from infectious disease threats while strengthening U.S.-Tajikistan relations. Through the MOU worth $78 million and working with Congress, the […]
Steelers trade Joey Porter Jr. to Dallas Cowboys
PITTSBURGH (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) — The end to an ongoing story has finally arrived between the Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive back Joey Porter Jr. The team has traded Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. This marks the second trade the two teams have made […]
11 Daily Low-Impact Moves to Support Mobility, Flexibility, and Joint Health After 50
These 11 expert-backed exercises can improve mobility, balance, and range of motion after 50—helping you stay strong and independent.
Superheated magma may power towering lava fountains
Scientists studying magma from the 2021 Tajogaite eruption on La Palma have discovered that extreme heat can dramatically change how an eruption unfolds. When magma becomes superheated, it can dissolve the tiny crystal seeds that normally trigger crystallization, allowing the molten rock to remain fluid far longer as it rises.
Have the Giants Been Aggressive Enough in Free Agency?
Though they haven’t made any groundbreaking additions, the New York Giants have been quite active in free agency. The Giants have brought back players like Jermaine Eluemunor and Micah McFadden, while adding newcomers such as Isaiah Likely, Tremaine Edmunds, and Patrick Ricard. But after restructuring and cuts before free agency, there were hopes of retaining more […] The post Have the Giants Been Aggressive Enough in Free Agency? appeared first on The Lead.
Banijay Entertainment Expands Creator Push With Breakout Format ‘All Star Hide and Seek’ From Finnish YouTuber Roni Bäck (EXCLUSIVE)
Banijay has picked up the breakout streaming format 'All Star Hide and Seek,' underscoring a broader push into creator-led entertainment.
Arjun, Vidit draw at UzChess Cup third round, India face Tajikistan in football friendly: Indian Sports LIVE, June 9
Here are all the updates from Indian sports on June 9, 2026.
Steelers open season with familiar faces in new place
PITTSBURGH (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are opening their 2026 season at home against the Atlanta Falcons, the first time they have opened at home since 2023. While the team has not played the Falcons since 2023, the Steelers will recognize some familiar faces donning the red and black. Atlanta had a […]
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
Minnesota Twins Launch Three Home Runs in Win Over Astros
Josh Bell, Kody Clemens and Luke Keaschall all homered and Taj Bradley struck out 11 as the Twins took the rubber match from the Astros on Wednesday night.