Stars including Meryl Streep, George Clooney donate $1 million each to SAG-AFTRA relief fund

Some of Hollywood’s highest-earning actors are helping their colleagues and fellow performers amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike. SAG-AFTRA Foundation President Courtney B. Vance shared that the nonprofit raised over $15 million in the past weeks for its Emergency Financial Assistance Program in order to “bring aid and hope to thousands of journeymen actors facing tremendous economic hardship” during the strikes and work stoppage.

Donations of $1 million or more came from a number of A-listers including Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey and more.  Those donations follow in the footsteps of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who made a “milestone” undisclosed seven-figure donation in July. The foundation said that the list of million-dollar donors also includes George and Amal Clooney, Luciana and Matt Damon, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Hugh Jackman, Deborra-Lee Furness, and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

Vance said in a statement on the SAG-AFTRA website: “The entertainment industry is in crisis and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation is currently processing more than 30 times our usual number of applications for emergency aid. Our Emergency Financial Assistance Program is here to ensure that performers in need don’t lose their homes, have the ability to pay for utilities, buy food for their families, purchase life-saving prescriptions, cover medical bills and more. It’s a massive challenge, but we’re determined to meet this moment. For more than 38 years, the Foundation has been a safety net for our community during its most challenging times, and much like the COVID pandemic, this work stoppage magnifies the precarious living conditions and financial distress of many actors living paycheck to paycheck. I appealed to our community to remember how tough it was coming up, and the response to help their fellow performers has been incredible, immediate and heartwarming… We’ve crushed our initial goal because our people are coming together, but we still aren’t done. Our fundraising will continue in order to meet the overwhelming needs of our community now and in the future.”

The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), which represent more than 160,000 film and television actors, officially went on strike on July 14, after they were unable to reach an agreement with major Hollywood studios and streamers by the July 12 deadline. Nearly all productions in Hollywood have been forced to shut down as a result.  In addition, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) went on strike in May after failing to reach an agreement with major Hollywood studios over fair compensation. This is the first time both unions have been on strike at the same time since 1960.

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Sylvester Stallone documentary ‘Sly’ to debut on Netflix in November

Netflix will debut the documentary “Sly”this November, a retrospective about the life and career or Sylvester Stallone.

Directed by Thom Zimny (“Springsteen on Broadway”), “Sly” is produced by Sean Stuart, P.G.A. Executive producers include Bill Zanker, Sam Delcanto, Braden Aftergood, Jon Beyer, Tom Forman, Jenny Daly and Sylvester Stallone.

The official synopsis for ‘Sly’ reads: “For nearly 50 years Sylvester Stallone has entertained millions with iconic characters and blockbuster franchises, from Rocky to Rambo to The Expendables. This retrospective documentary offers an intimate look at the Oscar-nominated actor-writer-director-producer, paralleling his inspirational underdog-story with the indelible characters he has brought to life.”

Stallone currently has a reality series about his family airing on Paramount+ and “The Expendables 4” for Lionsgate’s theatrical division. The mob comedy “Tulsa King” will also get a second season for Paramount+.

Take a look at the trailer for ‘Sly’here.

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Mary Cosby makes grand return in RHSLC

” Mary Cosby, who abruptly left RHOSLC after season two, is also back as a friend and still up to her kooky antics. In fact, upon entering Meredith’s Park City boutique, she immediately announces, “Somebody farted!””, Brett Malec wrote for eonline.com.

 

Published by: eonline.com / BRETT MALEC

Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/  monticello

 

McPhee leaves tour early due to family tragedy

“Dearest Jakarta fans, it’s with [a] heavy heart I announce I have to miss our final 2 shows of our Asia run,” McPhee, 39, wrote via Instagram on Friday, August 11. “David [Foster] and I have had a horrible tragedy in our family and at least one of us needs to get back home to our family.” , wrote for usmagazine.com.
 

Katharine McPhee Leaves Tour Early Due to ‘Horrible’ Family Tragedy

 

Published by: usmagazine.com /

Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/ Kathy Hutchins

The Pentagon is Failing at its Anti-Extremism Efforts

A rather unfortunate report from the Defense Department’s inspector general shows major flaws in military screening practices meant to weed out extremists during the recruitment process. A press release from the inspector general’s office summarized the report’s findings Monday:

This report highlights that the military service recruiting organizations generally screened applicants for extremist and criminal gang behavior using applicant interviews, screening questionnaires, tattoo reviews, and background investigations. However, we identified a number of instances where military service recruiters did not complete required screening steps in accordance [with] military service guidance. For example, military service recruiters did not always administer screening questionnaires or forms, provide evidence of fingerprint check results, or provide evidence that a background investigation was initiated.

The report found that recruiters “generally” screened applicants for extremist and criminal gang behavior in accordance with department policy. But, importantly, applicants required to go through additional screening often received an insufficient review, according to the report, potentially allowing extremists to slip through.

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Hawaii Wildfire Being Compared to Warzone

Tourist fleeing the deadly wildfire scene in Hawaii told reported on Thursday how they had been without food and power for days. They compared the scene to a warzone. Dozens of people perished when a rapid wildfire tore through Lahaina, destroying hundreds of buildings. Thousands of locals have been left homeless, and tourists have been urged to leave to provide more resources to help people in need.

Lorraina Peterson was on a honeymoon when the wildfire trapped her and hundreds of other in their hotel. They was stuck in the rooms for 3 days as she waited for her flight to leave the island. She described it was as very scary with no lights, no cellphones, and no way to call home. The backup generation that the hotel was using eventually failed causing some people to be stuck inside the elevator.

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Seahawks’ WR Cade Johnson Taken to Hospital with Concussion

The Seattle Seahawks young wide receiver Cade Johnson was taken off the football field on a stretcher and taken to the hospital after suffering a concussion during their preseason game Thursday night. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll revealed that initial test shows no signs of anything beyond a concussion. He also stated that the reports came back good and things are looks positive.

Johnson became concussed after being tackled during kickoff return during the second quarter of their preseason game after the Minnesota Vikings. After being hit he was able to get up and walk but was shortly taken in the medical tent for evaluation. Moments after he transported to the hospital after being loaded on a stretcher. Johnson is a undrafted player from South Dakota State in 2021 and was mostly on the practice squad his first 2 seasons with the team.

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C.J. Stroud Expected to Be Texans QB1 Despite Preseason Struggles

C.J. Stroud is most likely going to be the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans despite having a rough starting against the New England Patriots during his debut preseason game Thursday night. According to reports Stroud will remain the starting quarterback On Texans’ roster unless he looks really awful in the remaining preseason games.

Stroud was limited to only two possessions and his very first pass was intercepted by Jalen Mills after struggling to make a quicker decision to pass the ball to his receiver Tank Dell. C.J. ended the night going 2-4 for 13 yards and a interception. Plus a 15-yard loss sack. This was not a pretty start for Stroud but he’s not the first rookie to struggle against the Patriots defense.

NFL Rumors: C.J. Stroud Expected to Be Texans' QB1 Despite Struggles vs. Patriots

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Jordan Davis releases new single “Tucson Too Late”

In a collaboration with brother Jacob, Jordan Davis has released a new track titled “Tucson Too Late”. The song describes the feelings and emotions of a man who has lost something (or someone) too valuable and the deception that comes after.

 

Jordan Davis Puts His Acting Skills To The Test In ‘Tucson Too Late’ Music Video

 

Photo Contributor Debby Wong