Take a trip down memory lane and revisit the unforgettable women who reigned supreme as the ultimate it girls during the 2000s. First for Women shines a spotlight on the magnetic actresses and trendsetters who shaped pop culture, earned countless fans, and continue to captivate with their style, talent, and charisma. From red carpets and premiere nights to trailblazing moves in business and entertainment, these icons have left a lasting mark on Hollywood — and on the hearts of an entire generation.
Photo Image Press / MEGA
Known for her infectious energy and starring roles in beloved romantic comedies, Kate Hudson became synonymous with glamour and an infectious smile. Her portrayal of Penny Lane in Almost Famous earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, as reported by Biography.
Photo Image Press / MEGA
Jessica Simpson charmed audiences not just with her powerful vocals and catchy tunes, but also with her down-to-earth personality and sharp business acumen. Her transition from pop sensation to reality TV star and fashion mogul showcased her versatility and enduring appeal. The Jessica Simpson Collection, launched in 2005, grew into a fashion empire that reached $1 billion in annual sales at its peak, according to Forbes.

#business

MOSCOW, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Russia's health watchdog said on Tuesday that no cases of plague had been detected among people who had come ‌into contact with a Siberian plague institute laboratory worker who died ‌last week.
Authorities say the 28-year-old woman died on Friday from pneumonia of an as-yet unestablished origin, in a case that has prompted international concern, including from US President Donald Trump.
Rospotrebnadzor, the watchdog, said in a statement that no infectious diseases had been reported among the staff of the same plague research institute in Irkutsk over the past 10 ‌days and that extensive testing ⁠had found no microorganisms in the deceased woman's body linked to her work.
Elena Sofina, deputy head of the Shelekhov district near Irkutsk, ⁠where a local hospital was placed under quarantine, said that what she called "a dangerous diagnosis" had not been confirmed.
She added that 60% of those placed under quarantine as a precaution had already been released. Local media said around 200 people had previously ‌been quarantined.

#local #people #died

Every year, RealClear Media Fund presents the Samizdat Prize - the "Sami" for short - an award for individuals who have courageously resisted censorship and stood for the principles of the First Amendment.
Why do we do this? Because we get the future that we praise today.
We are pleased to announce one of 2027's honorees: Gad Saad, professor, evolutionary behavioral scientist, and author of the new best-selling book "Suicidal Empathy: Dying to Be Kind."
Gad, originally from Lebanon, is a long-time Canadian professor, having taught at Concordia University for over 30 years, author of myriad books and scientific papers on evolutionary psychology and human behavior, and host of "The Saad Truth" podcast, which focuses on such themes as intellectual diversity, modern day thought policing, and the current state of political correctness.
In his 2020 best-selling book "The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense," Professor Saad unabashedly defends the Western tradition of open debate and Socratic dialogue. He does this in an age of university-sponsored safe ***** es, trigger warnings, and censorship.

#university #evolutionary #author #book

By David French
NEW YORK, Sept 13 (Reuters) - The death toll in Pennsylvania's measles outbreak rose this weekend with a county coroner's ‌report of a woman's death from complications related to the ‌disease.
The coroner's office of western Pennsylvania's Jefferson County reported that a 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications ******* ociated with measles. The commonwealth has seen an outbreak of the highly-infectious disease, adding to a resurgence of measles in the United States as official data shows declining U.S. vaccination rates.
The coroner's office said it ‌was working with the Pennsylvania ⁠Department of Health.
"This is a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a ⁠serious and potentially life-threatening disease," Coroner Greg Furlong said in a statement posted on Facebook.

#county #outbreak #office

The Cowboys have two defensive captains this season, and both were acquired by trading Micah Parsons.
Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams are the Cowboys' defensive captains. A year ago, the Cowboys traded Parsons to the Packers for Clark and two first-round picks, and later they traded one of those picks to the Jets for Williams.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer singled out Williams as a leader who has meant a lot to the team.
"From the minute he got here, he's been about one thing, and it's winning," Schottenheimer said of Williams. "He's never won in the NFL and the leadership is real, the talent is incredible, but every decision that guy makes is based on what's best for us winning. I love that about him, and it's infectious. It rubs off. I love hearing him talk to the young linemen, the young defenders."
Unsurprisingly, quarterback Dak Prescott is the offensive captain and kicker Brandon Aubrey is the special teams captain. Schottenheimer said the players voted on the captains, and those four players were overwhelmingly the top vote getters.

#winning

Milo Manheim, Chandler Kinney and more cast members from the "Zombies" film series paid tribute to co-star Carla Jeffery following her death at 33.
On Wednesday, Kinney, who played Willa Lykensen in the Disney Channel musical movie franchise opposite Jeffery's Bree, took to Instagram and shared a series of photos of the two together.
"This doesn't feel real," the "Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin" actress wrote. "Carla, the sweetest, most sparkly gal. You made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity."
She continued. "I think part of why you brought such effervescence to Bree (aside from your immense talent) is because that's really who you were in your heart; a bubbly, vivacious heart-of-gold cheerleader who loved nothing more than to uplift those around her."
As Kinney went on, she noted that she felt "so grateful to have known [her] love," adding, "I'm going to miss laughing with you, and watching you break out your signature splits on any and every dance floor."

#kinney #bree #heart #milo

Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Carla Jeffery, the Disney actor best known for her appearances in the ZOMBIES TV film franchise, has died at the age of 33, her agency announced Wednesday.
She died Tuesday, Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management said in a statement on Instagram. Details of Jeffery's death were not provided.
"Carla was more than a client; she was family," Alexander said.
"For more than 20 years, Carla was part of the Alexanders Talent Management family, and watching her grow from a talented young girl into the beautiful, vibrant woman and actress she became was an incredible privilege," she continued in the caption to the post.
"We will remember her infectious smile, her laughter, her talent and the beautiful light she carried everywhere she went."

#beautiful

Leading U.S. medical groups are urging people to get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this fall, banding together Wednesday to issue shot guidelines — and highlight the science behind them — saying they hope to ease confusion caused by the Trump administration's changing advice.
Flu vaccinations are beginning and COVID-19 shots are starting to arrive after the Food and Drug Administration approved this year's updated versions last week. Winter also brings another vaccine-preventable risk called RSV. Exactly who should get one or all of these vaccines, and when?
That advice usually comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with help from its independent advisers. But despite no new scientific evidence, Trump health officials last year began pulling back on some longstanding recommendations for fall virus protection and routine children's vaccinations. And that advisory panel, which influences state and insurance vaccine policies, is caught in a court battle. The CDC didn't respond to questions about any new fall guidance but suggested on its website that doctors follow last year's flu recommendations.
Doctors' groups are filling the gap: the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America each released vaccination guidelines for their patient populations.
"There's been a lot of confusion and chaos regarding vaccine recommendations," said Dr. Sandra Fryhofer, of the American Medical **** ociation.

#vaccinations #medical

Sports media is filled with different types of personalities. Some are more performative than others. Often, you'll find differences between a person's on-camera persona and their off-camera nature. Marcus Spears prides himself on being comfortable in his own skin at ESPN. A native son of Baton Rouge, he found his calling at ESPN after a nine-year career in the NFL. Not by being the next man up, but by being authentic to who he truly is.
"The way I am on television is the way I am in life. I don't know any other way to be," says Spears, who's entering his 13th year with ESPN. "I have fortunately ended up in a place around people who embrace me being myself. The truth and the honesty is when that's not accepted anymore, I'll go do something else."
Nicknamed "Swagu" after his playful flair and abundance of "swag," Spears has been a rising star with ESPN since arriving in 2014. From his beginnings at SEC Network to now being one of the network's top NFL ***** ysts, Spears' approach has never changed.
Provide perspective, teach the game and have a great time doing it. The vibes from his appearances are infectious, as his authentic self resonates with the everyday viewer. Spears' tact is intentional. He never wants to talk over the viewer's head, but he also isn't competing for the shine of being the best person at the desk.
"The most important thing is to entertain and make whatever show I'm on something they want to watch with their full attention and having a good time doing it," explained Spears. "The everyday person should feel like they're talking to their friend. That matters. There's so much of this faux competition about who's the best. I don't subscribe to that. The people will determine what they like and don't like."

#camera #people #something

By Mike Sheikh
Cocrystal Pharma (NASDAQ: COCP) may look like another undercapitalized, clinical-stage biotech searching for its niche, and in need of a rescue, but there is more to this story than what meets the eye. Investors glancing at the stock chart may miss the signs of a strategic reset orchestrated by biotech legends, and miss this unique opportunity.
COCP is not a company that lacks science or researchers. It has a drug discovery platform technology capable of delivering broad spectrum antivirals on demand for high value diseases that include norovirus, influenza, coronaviruses, and hepatitis C. If you had to point to something they were lacking then the missing "it factor" was a clear strategic vision. They needed an operator and a commercialization guru capable of aligning the board to his vision and raising the capital they needed on favorable terms to turn a platform technology into an enterprise.
The appointment of James Sapirstein was a transformative moment for the company.
Sapirstein is a high powered biotech exec with an impeccable pedigree. He's not an eager early-career operator looking to make a name for himself. Investors need to realize he joined after decades of experience in commercial pharmaceutical leadership, antiviral development, product launches, and business development. From his bio we learned that he has participated in or led 23 product launches and has driven numerous business-development transactions. His résumé includes founding CEO of Tobira Therapeutics, CEO of Contravir Pharmaceuticals (Hepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NASDAQ: HEPA), executive leadership at Serono Laboratories, senior commercial roles at Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD), and international marketing leadership in Bristol Myers Squibb's (NYSE:BMY) infectious-disease division.

#NASDAQ #Biotech

Rahway, New Jersey-based Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) is a global research-driven biopharmaceutical company focused on developing medicines, vaccines, and animal-health products. Known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, Merck operates through two main businesses: Pharmaceuticals and Animal Health. Valued at a market cap of $297 billion, its pharmaceutical portfolio spans oncology, vaccines, cardiometabolic disease, infectious diseases, and other therapeutic areas.
Companies with a market cap of $200 billion or more are typically referred to as "mega-cap stocks." It fits right into that category, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, reflecting its substantial size and influence in the general drug manufacturers industry. Merck combines a dominant oncology franchise, a broad vaccine portfolio, an expanding pipeline of newer medicines, and a large animal-health business. Its key investment consideration is balancing the continued strength of Keytruda and newer products against pressure on mature franchises such as Gardasil and the eventual impact of Keytruda's patent expiry.
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#animal #medicines #products

After a 139-day wait, Carlos Alcaraz is back to winning ways on the singles court.
The seven-time major winner walked on to Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday to begin his US Open ******* le defence after spending just over four months on the sidelines with a wrist injury.
And he delighted fans with his entertaining brand of tennis and infectious energy as he beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4 6-4 6-4.
Alcaraz was forced to watch from the sidelines as rivals Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner lifted the French Open and Wimbledon ******* les this summer.
However, the Spaniard is finally back - and grateful to be competing again.

#ashe

Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN) announced on August 10 that the U.S. FDA cleared its QIAstat-Dx BCID GPF Plus AMR Panel, marking the company's first entry into the U.S. bloodstream infection testing market. Operating on the QIAstat-Dx platform, which boasts over 5,200 global placements, the automated panel detects 20 gram-positive bacterial and fungal targets, alongside 10 genetic antimicrobial resistance markers, in about one hour.
This regulatory milestone comes shortly after Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN) reported solid Q2 2026 financial results on August 5. Net sales reached $535 million (flat YoY at constant exchange rates), beating guidance for a 2% decline. Adjusted diluted EPS rose 3% YoY to $0.62, topping expectations. Performance across core growth pillars (+5% CER), including Sample Technologies (+9% CER) and QIAcuity digital PCR, helped offset a 7% drop in QIAstat-Dx respiratory testing sales. QGEN reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook for 1%–2% CER net sales growth and adjusted EPS of at least $2.43.
Additionally, Qiagen announced that Jonathan Pratt will take over as CEO effective September 1, succeeding Thierry Bernard. Joining at a pivotal time, Pratt will lead executive execution following an intensive portfolio evaluation and ongoing corporate efficiency programs.
This brings up a key question: Does the FDA clearance and steady execution under incoming leadership position Qiagen N.V. (NYSE:QGEN) for a valuation rerating, or will soft regional demand and product mix headwinds keep shares range-bound?
Bulls argue that Qiagen's high-margin, consumable-driven business model (comprising 90% of total Q2 sales) provides defensive recurring cash flow, generating $301 million in H1 operating cash flow. The new FDA approval expands QIAstat-Dx into its fourth major infectious disease area in the U.S., unlocking higher-margin hospital diagnostic channels. Furthermore, solid growth across core pillars like Sample Technologies and QIAcuity demonstrates fundamental demand. Strong internal cash generation also gives incoming CEO Jonathan Pratt ample balance sheet capacity to pursue disciplined capital deployment and portfolio innovation.

#qiagen

On August 19, 2026, Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) said their personalized melanoma vaccine, intismeran, combined with Merck's Keytruda, met its goals in a Phase 3 trial of 1,137 patients. It reduced the risk of cancer recurrence and spread compared with Keytruda alone, Reuters reported.
It is the first positive late-stage trial result for an mRNA cancer vaccine. Merck's Jane Healy called the result a "clinically meaningful improvement," and said it was well tolerated, CNBC reported.
Both companies' shares rose on the news. Full data will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting alongside regulatory filing discussions. The companies are already running additional trials of the same vaccine-Keytruda combination in lung, bladder, kidney, pancreatic, and stomach cancers.
For Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA), this is proof that its mRNA platform works beyond vaccines for infectious disease. A positive Phase 3 readout validates years of personalized cancer vaccine development. It gives Moderna a genuine second growth pillar alongside its COVID business, one built on technology the company already knows how to manufacture and scale.
For Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), the result extends Keytruda's competitive life at a critical moment. Pairing Keytruda with a personalized vaccine gives Merck a differentiated, harder-to-copy combination therapy just as Keytruda itself approaches patent expiration later this decade. Hence, it protects franchise revenue through a next-generation product rather than the drug alone.

#result #NYSE

NEW HAVEN - It doesn't take much to get Jakyi Wright to smile.
Even on the football field, during practice or a game, you will often see a smile on the face of the wide receiver from Hillhouse.
"That is an infectious smile," Hillhouse football coach Walter Gibbs said. "I try to get him not to smile so much, but he is such a good kid. He always has a positive attitude."
Wright, a junior, has plenty of reasons to smile. He is coming off a breakout season in which he quickly became one of the best receivers in the SCC and the state.
The 6-foot-1 Wright finished 2025 with 1,131 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 20.9 yards per reception. He was selected to the New Haven Register All-State Third Team last year, in addition to the All-SCC First Team.

#wright #Football #yards

The world of food television exploded with personalities in the 1990s, and these culinary icons didn't just cook — they captivated millions with their on-screen flair, flavor-packed recipes, and unforgettable catchphrases. InTouch brings you a closer look at the chefs who inspired at-home cooks, redefined cooking shows, and became household names. From the bustling streets of New York to the glamour of Hollywood, each of these stars made a mark that's still felt in today's kitchens.
ZUMA Press / MEGA
Renowned for blending French techniques with Californian ingredients, Wolfgang Puck helped revolutionize American fine dining. From elegant Oscar after-parties to his many popular restaurants, Puck remains a pioneer in both taste and innovation. His lively presence brought culinary artistry into the mainstream spotlight. Puck's flagship eatery, Spago, opened on Sunset Strip in January 1982 and introduced the then-unheard-of open-kitchen dining concept, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Joe Russo / MEGA / MA
With his iconic shouts of "Bam!" and "Kick it up a notch," Emeril Lagasse energized home cooking for a generation of TV viewers. His star power on the Food Network and in the kitchen transformed him into a true celebrity, bridging the gap between old-school technique and modern showmanship. His infectious personality and approachable style set the gold standard for TV chefs. Lagasse first stepped in front of cameras in 1993 on Food Network's How to Boil Water, before his own program, Essence of Emeril, and later Emeril Live! turned him into television's breakout culinary star, according to Parade.

#puck #cooking

Who holds the ****** le of "America's Sweetheart" in Hollywood? From the golden age of film to the present-day red carpet, this iconic label has been passed down across generations of beloved actresses whose warmth, charisma, and timeless appeal have captured the nation's heart. Whether reigning in romantic comedies, captivating in dramas, or making the leap from childhood stardom to Hollywood royalty, these stars have a unique place in pop culture. Discover the faces behind this endearing ****** le and how each one brought their unique magic to the big screen.
LISA O'Connor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
Known for her radiant charm and beloved roles on both film and television, Jennifer Garner continues to define what it means to be America's Sweetheart. She is often recognized for her down-to-earth persona and heartfelt performances, making her a relatable favorite amongst fans. Whether lighting up the screen in romantic comedies or dramatic roles, Garner remains a central figure in Hollywood's legacy of warmth and authenticity. During her time as Sydney Bristow on the spy drama Alias, Garner earned four consecutive Emmy nominations for her lead performance, as reported by GoldDerby.
American Foto Features / MEGA
Debbie Reynolds' infectious smile and lively spirit made her a fan favorite for decades. Rising to fame as a triple threat in musicals and classic films, Reynolds charmed audiences with her talent and grace. Her legacy as a Hollywood icon endures, with her name forever synonymous with the magic of old-Hollywood musicals. Best known for Singin' in the Rain, Reynolds passed away in December 2016, just one day after the death of her daughter, actress Carrie Fisher, according to KQED.

#reynolds #whether #mega

Infectious energy can be a great thing for NFL teams, but infectious diseases – those are always something to avoid.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh characterized running back Cam Skattebo's energy on Wednesday, Aug. 26 as more of the latter. Skattebo's antics in practice on Wednesday ignited a fight with Giants defensive backs Jevón Holland and Greg Newsome II, according to multiple reports.
Asked about "infectious" energy from Skattebo on Aug. 26, Harbaugh criticized Skattebo's antagonizing, according to a report.
"Yeah it's infectious. It can be infectious the other way, an infectious disease type of thing. We want it to be in a positive way," Harbaugh reportedly said.
GIANTS NEWS: Calvin Austin injury update after WR carted off with non-contact injury

#wednesday #according

Dolly Parton, the songwriter and singer from Locust Ridge, Tennessee, died Tuesday, Aug. 25. Her death sparked a tsunami of support and reflection from the media, her family and friends, colleagues, and her fans.
When someone lives a life as loudly and publicly as Parton did for 80 years, it's of little surprise that that person will be written about for days, weeks, and years to come after their death. But one article about Parton from The Washington Post is getting a lot of attention — and it's because its author missed a crucial detail of the singer's life.
"Dolly Parton's lack of children demonstrated that the world could in fact love a woman who wasn't a mother," the Post wrote on X — a statement that's already fairly outrageous. The message continued, "But more importantly, she was proof that a person could be an advocate for children while personally choosing against parenting."
In her column, Ashley Fetters Maloy wrote that she loves Parton "for the same reasons everyone loves Dolly Parton." For Maloy, that list includes that her "songs are undeniably powerful, her joy infectious, her hair magnificent" and her "quietly subversive jokes about her ***** and her fashion sense will never not be funny, or poignant."
(I feel compelled to note here that people loved Parton for many, many more reasons — for example, those of us who also grew up in small Southern towns and who have been on the receiving end of a whole lot of judgement for that have often been buoyed by Parton's take-no-prisoners approach to being true to who she was, where she was from, and what that meant culturally over the decades.)

#post #death #person

By Christy Santhosh and Shashwat Chauhan
Aug 19 (Reuters) - Moderna shares more than doubled on Wednesday, adding about $30 billion to its market value, after promising late-stage data on its personalized mRNA cancer ‌therapy developed with Merck sent investors piling into the stock.
The therapy is central to Moderna's ‌efforts to prove that its mRNA technology can succeed beyond its COVID-19 vaccine franchise and infectious disease shots, as it seeks to build a more durable revenue base. The company recently added a flu vaccine to its portfolio and is advancing experimental vaccines for conditions including norovirus and Lyme disease.
Analysts had noted the cancer vaccine data could be an important catalyst for the company and potentially strengthen investor sentiment.
"A successful trial gives investors stronger evidence that mRNA technology can ‌have a meaningful future beyond infectious diseases," ⁠said Lale Akoner, global market strategist for eToro.

#market #cancer #Therapy #investors

By Nate Raymond
Aug 18 (Reuters) - A former adviser to infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiring to evade public records laws and conceal government documents related ‌to grant research funding and the COVID-19 pandemic.
David Morens, who had worked under Fauci as a ‌senior official at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the pandemic, entered his plea to a conspiracy charge during a hearing in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The 78-year-old had been indicted in April on charges related to what prosecutors said was a scheme to thwart public records requests received by the agency beginning in April 2020 related to COVID-19 research grants.
He faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on November ‌12.

#fauci #infectious #records #Research

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — A former senior adviser to infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci pleaded guilty Tuesday to plotting to conceal federal records related to research on the origins of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. David Morens is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 12 by U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis in Greenbelt, Maryland. Morens pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the U.S. government, a felony punishable by a maximum prison sentence of five years.
"By pleading guilty today, Dr. Morens has taken responsibility for what he did, and he will continue to do so," defense attorney Tim Belevetz said in a statement after the plea hearing.
Morens is accused of using his private email account to intentionally circumvent public records laws while employed at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The Justice Department alleges that he concealed or destroyed records of discussions related to COVID-19 research grants, including an effort to revive a controversial coronavirus grant.
The indictment follows a probe by House Republicans into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic that scrutinized Morens' email communications and accused him of intentionally concealing records. In congressional testimony, Morens denied attempting to evade federal transparency laws by using his personal email.

#records #guilty #infectious #pleaded

Becton, **** inson and Company (BDX) develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products. Valued at $50.5 billion by market cap, the company offers solutions that help advance medical research and genomics, enhance the diagnosis of infectious disease and cancer, improve medication management, and promote infection prevention.
Shares of this global medical technology giant have underperformed the broader market over the past year. BDX has gained 19.6% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 20.4%. However, in 2026, BDX stock is up 20.2%, surpassing the SPX's 13.7% rise on a YTD basis.
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#medical #billion

O.J. Brigance valiantly endured amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, for 19 years. On Monday, the Baltimore Ravens announced Brigance's death. He was 56 years old.
"We are devastated by the awful news that we have lost O.J. Brigance," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "O.J. was a beloved legend, mentor, and man to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. His infectious smile and the inspirational way he lived and played endeared him to everyone he touched, both inside our building and across this city. This is a tremendously sad day for Baltimore."
Brigance won the Grey Cup with the Baltimore Stallions in 1995 before beginning his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 1996. The linebacker only spent the 2000 season with the Ravens, but he made it count, winning Super Bowl ***** V.
Brigance finished his playing career with the then-St. Louis Rams and New England Patriots before retiring after the 2002 season. Upon retirement, Brigance joined the Ravens' front office. Even as a Super Bowl champion, his lasting impact on the Ravens came in the years he served in his player engagement role.
Brigance received his devastating ALS diagnosis in 2007. In 2013, having already outlived his prognosis, CBS Sunday Mornings featured Brigance and his life with ALS.

#Career

Dr. Anthony Fauci on Friday declined a request to appear voluntarily before a second Senate panel after majority Republicans on the Homeland Security Committee voted along partisan lines last week to hold the longtime infectious disease expert in contempt.
In a pointed letter to Sen. Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, a lawyer for the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said any effort to compel him to appear before a Senate subcommittee, after a contentious July 29 hearing, would be to "impermissibly harass or degrade Dr. Fauci for political purposes."
During the July hearing on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination 100 times, prompting the Aug. 6 contempt vote and setting up a referral to the Justice Department for potential investigation over whether he had properly exercised his constitutional rights.
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the committee chairman who pressed for the contempt finding, said the constitutional protection did not apply because Democratic President Joe Biden had issued a preemptive pardon to Fauci, and he did not need to be concerned about potential prosecution.
Paul has long accused Fauci of misleading the public during the pandemic and the July hearing was the latest episode in his highly publicized confrontations with him. Paul has repeatedly called for Fauci to be prosecuted and imprisoned.

#contempt #senate #republican

The Chiefs return to action on Saturday, with their first preseason game of 2026. They have a long way to go to get back to where they were, not all that long ago.
One key difference between last year and this year is the return of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
After being away from camp for two weeks following the shooting of his wife, Mia, Bieniemy is back — and tight end Travis Kelce thinks the Chiefs will be better for it.
"Intensity is the first thing," Kelce told reporters this week. "And that intensity is infectious. Makes you want to scream 'motherfuck' at everybody doing the wrong thing. And I love that ****** . That's one of my favorite things about him. I don't think there's enough of that in the world, let alone in this building, and I think E.B.'s one of those guys where his accountability is gonna ****** you off. But if you treat it the right way and you act the right way, respond the right way with it, you're gonna become better of it, and it's gonna make the team a better team because of it. And it's one of those things that I think we really missed here in Kansas City."
Bieniemy's return could be the kick in the ****** the Chiefs need, in order to get them back to the top of the division, the top of the conference, and perhaps the top of the league.

#think

WASHINGTON (AP) — Public health experts have been quick to condemn an executive order from President Donald Trump aimed at upending childhood vaccinations in the U.S., but the biggest obstacles may be the unprecedented financial and logistical challenges it would impose on parents, health providers and drugmakers.
Monday's announcement by the Republican president calls for separating combination shots — including the measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR, vaccine — into separate injections. Appointments for that and other vaccinations should be ****** ed out whenever possible, the order states.
To accomplish that, drugmakers would need to revive a slate of individual vaccines that have not been widely used in the U.S. for decades. They would also have to build new manufacturing plants capable of producing millions more vaccine doses than the nation currently uses.
For parents, unbundling the MMR vaccine and ****** ing out the shots would mean returning to the doctor's office many more times than is currently needed. Those appointments could also strain pediatricians who typically administer the shots, while driving up costs tied to syringes and other medical supplies.
Studies in the U.S. and other countries have shown that combination vaccines increase the likelihood that children will be fully protected from infectious diseases before starting school.

#shots #Health #order #vaccinations

As the death toll from the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) surpasses 2,000 people, infectious disease experts say Americans should remain aware of the humanitarian crisis overseas while understanding the reality of domestic risk.
The virus has spread rapidly across parts of eastern and northeastern DRC, with earlier cross-border cases in Uganda. Published government data shows a total of 4,381 confirmed cases.
"There's a lot of people who live there. So this is not breaking out in a town of 50, but in rural cities of hundreds of thousands," David Wohl, M.D., a professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, told Fox News Digital.
Fauci Texts Suggest Officials Were 'Too Slow To Pivot' Amid Pandemic, Says Dr Marc Siegel
"Compared to previous outbreaks, the pace at which this is moving is unprecedented," he went on.

#infectious #ebola #congo

Josh Harrison Retires as a Pirate: Why Former All-Star Remains Fan Favorite in Pittsburgh originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh. Add SportsNet Pittsburgh as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
For nearly a decade, Josh Harrison was not only one the most reliable, versatile players for the Pirates, but also a true fan favorite in Pittsburgh.
Known for his infectious energy and smile, Harrison was a key piece of the group that was able to snap the Pirates' streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons and reach the playoffs. He will be honored for his contributions when he officially retires as a member of the organization on Aug. 7.
And that's not all. Harrison will throw out the first pitch on Aug. 8 before the Pirates face the Mets. There will also be a Harrison T-shirt giveaway to the first 20,000 fans at PNC Park.
"Throughout his career, Josh Harrison embodied what it means to be a Pittsburgh Pirate: a gritty, hardworking player, a great teammate and a kind person who was always gracious with his time," Pirates chairman Bob Nutting said. "He was and remains a cherished member of our organization.

#josh #favorite

It's a special day for Marcus Thuram, who celebrates his 29th birthday today. The French forward, who joined Inter in the summer of 2023, marks his fourth birthday as a Nerazzurri player.
Pace and power, technique, flair and an eye for goal – Marcus possesses all the attributes of a complete forward, capable of adapting seamlessly to the team's needs. From holding up the ball to stretching defences, from intricate link-up play to aerial prowess, long-range strikes and instinctive finishes inside the box, Tikus can do it all. His qualities have made him one of the cornerstones of Inter's attack, a key figure in the dressing room and one of the Club's most popular players, combining his infectious smile with a relentless competitive spirit.
In his first season in Nerazzurri colours, he was one of the driving forces behind Inter's march to the Second Star, famously finding the net in the Scudetto-clinching Derby. Last season, he played a pivotal role in the Club's Double-winning campaign, scoring 13 Serie A goals, including a number of crucial strikes during the decisive stages of the ***** le race. Year after year, Thuram has continued to grow into one of the defining figures of the Nerazzurri. He has made 140 appearances for the Club, scoring 51 goals and providing 32 ***** ists, while lifting two Serie A ***** les, one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa Italiana.
Born in Parma on 6 August 1997, Marcus celebrates his 29th birthday today. Happy Birthday, Marcus, from everyone at Inter!

#marcus #thuram #Inter #celebrates