Latest news with #Ferrell
San Francisco Chronicle
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Netflix star Harper Steele, Will Ferrell's road trip buddy, named S.F. Pride Grand Marshal
Harper Steele, the Emmy-winning writer and star of the Netflix documentary ' Will & Harper,' has been named the 2025 Celebrity Grand Marshal for San Francisco Pride, organizers announced Friday, May 30. Best known for her 13-year tenure at 'Saturday Night Live,' where she rose to head writer, Steele has emerged as a prominent voice in LGBTQ+ media. Her recent turn in 'Will & Harper,' a road trip film with longtime friend Will Ferrell that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, has earned critical praise for its honest depiction of friendship and identity following Steele's gender transition. 'Harper's story is one of authenticity, imagination, and connection — all values that resonate most deeply with our community,' said Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride, in a statement. 'Her visibility and vulnerability are a powerful reminder that queer people can and must be celebrated in every context, including in media and entertainment.' After leaving 'SNL,' Steele served as creative director at Funny or Die, where she co-wrote 'Casa de Mi Padre,' 'A Deadly Adoption' and 'Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.' The Netflix documentary ' Will & Harper' follows Ferrell and Steele, who have been pals since Will was added to the cast of 'SNL' in 1995 when Steele was one of the show's top writers, known by a different first name. After Steele came out as a woman following the pandemic, the two embarked on a cross-country road trip to reconnect and reflect. The journey, and the film, were sparked by Ferrell's realization that he knew little about the experiences and challenges faced by the transgender community. Steele also felt nervous about doing the trip as a trans woman driving through small towns and states where there were anti-transgender legislation was in effect. The documentary received positive reviews, with the Chronicle's G. Allen Johnson noting that Ferrell and Steele 'start with a deep empathy and understanding, and everything else follows.' This year's Pride celebration, scheduled to take place June 28–29, will carry the theme 'Queer Joy is Resistance.' The event is scheduled to kick off with the SF LGBT Center's second annual "Building the Block: House Party" on Saturday, May 31. San Francisco Pride's 2025 community grand marshals include activist Kenan Arun, director of operations at the LGBT Asylum Project; Jahnel Butler, associate director of Trans Services at the San Francisco Community Health Center and a prominent figure in the queer ballroom scene as the 'mother' of the House of Chanel; Jessy Ruiz, a community volunteer who immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico, to escape violence in her home state; and Dr. Tyler TerMeer, CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and co-chair of the AIDS United Public Policy Council. The San Francisco Community Health Center was named Organizational Grand Marshal by community vote. Activist Tita Aida, also known as Nicky Calma, was honored as Lifetime Achievement Grand Marshal for her longtime advocacy around HIV/AIDS awareness in AAPI and transgender communities.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Kind of chaotic;' NATO's security barricades impacting Dayton commuters
Dayton is hours away from the start of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and thousands of feet of security fencing and barricades have popped up downtown. As reported on News Center 7 at 5, the fencing and blockades are security measures, but it is making commuting around Dayton more complicated. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The NATO village is headquartered at the Schuster Center and spreads out two or three blocks in each direction. Everything will be closely monitored, but Dayton residents are still allowed to get to their homes and most of the places they work. TRENDING STORIES: NATO: What you need to know; Road closures, detours, and parking Van slams into building in Huber Heights Recall alert: Cucumbers recalled over salmonella concern In Ohio 'I knew it was going to happen, but I didn't think it was going to be this fast,' Donna Johnson said. Johnson works downtown and Wednesday morning she had to find a new route to avoid fences and barricades. 'Well you just might as well get adjusted to it because it's here,' Johnson said. Jasmine Ferrell says she shops downtown a lot. 'I'm just trying to figure out what the heck is going on. It's kind of chaotic,' Ferrell said. Ferrell's bus is taking a new route to the hub, and all the security measures may make the downtown area a place to avoid for the next few days. 'So now I'm seeing what's about to go on. I didn't know that they were supposed to be down here tomorrow but I knew that was coming down,' Ferrell said. Signs of the NATO Assembly are everywhere, not just in downtown. A sign on South Main Street lists the phone number for a NATO information hotline. Another sign warns of street closures and detours. 'It's a very big deal,' Johnson said. Dayton police estimated they would put up 14,000 feet of fencing and 6,000 feet of concrete barricades. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meals on Wheels Atlanta braces for effects of tariffs on food prices, reduced funding
Organizations, like Meals on Wheels Atlanta, are now bracing for possible reduced funding and the impacts President Trump's tariffs might have on food costs. 'We have canned goods that are donated by corporations,' Brandon Jenkins of Meals on Wheels Atlanta told Channel 2's Audrey Washington. Jenkins said he knows the need, firsthand. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] 'We've definitely seen folks make some tough decisions for day-to-day things,' Jenkins explained. Jenkins said he is now preparing for MOWA's big 'TASTE' fundraiser to hopefully keep feeding senior citizens in need. 'We've seen a 30% increase in our protein products alone, so fish and chicken,' Jenkins said. Jenkins said rising grocery prices and impending tariffs are making the effort difficult and increasing the number of seniors who rely on food deliveries. RELATED STORIES: Metro Atlanta businesses selling British goods say tariffs are hitting them hard Georgia businesses react as Chinese tariffs get 'paused' Trump warns Walmart: Don't raise prices due to my tariffs but do eat the costs from those taxes 'We serve about 600 seniors on our meal delivery list, but we have over 800 on our waitlist,' Jenkins told Channel 2 Action News. 'It's a huge concern,' celebrity chef and owner of Nana's Chicken and Waffles restaurant, Kelli Ferrell said. Farrell said she is helping MOWA by providing some of the food for the 'TASTE' fundraiser. 'We have our peach pecan waffle. Our famous fried chicken. Some shrimp and grits,' Ferrell showed Channel 2's Audrey Washington. Ferrell said she is giving back while, as a restaurateur dealing with the impact of President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on imported goods. 'The increase of food prices. The increase of just 'to go' containers that come from different places. It affects us all. I want to make sure that no matter what that looks we are able to do our part and help the seniors,' Ferrell explained. The TASTE event is scheduled for May 30th to benefit Meals on Wheels Atlanta. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hillsborough County schools remove books after state threatens legal action
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida's Attorney General and Education Commissioner are demanding Hillsborough County Schools immediately remove certain books they claim are 'patently pornographic' and harmful to minors. In a letter sent this week, Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the district that keeping the books on school shelves could violate state law. 'This letter didn't say, 'Hey Hillsborough, review these books,' it said remove them, or we'll take further action. That's a direct threat from the state,' said Stephana Ferrell with Florida Freedom to Read. The AG's letter called the district's inaction a failure to protect students and said it 'shirks a school board's responsibility to keep kids safe.' But advocates with Florida Freedom to Read argue parents already have tools to restrict access without banning books entirely. 'These are voluntary books. Every parent can set restrictions on their own child without impacting everybody else,' Ferrell added. The group said Hillsborough County had a review process in place before new state laws like House Bill 1467 were passed and they believe this latest move is a warning to other districts. 'Hillsborough is meant to be a cautionary tale … a sacrificial lamb. 'We're going to come for you next if you don't take the same actions,'' Ferrell said. In response, Hillsborough Superintendent Van Ayres confirmed the district removed the titles named in the state's letter, including 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Jack of Hearts and Other Parts,' and is reviewing others. Ayres says the district will update its policies ahead of the 2025–2026 school year, require annual collection plans from media specialists, and provide new training. Since 2022, Hillsborough Schools say they have removed 389,037 books across the district. In a separate letter, the school board attorney said additional policy revisions are coming in the months ahead. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
08-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Should you use inheritance to pay off credit card debt?
We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. It could make sense to use an inheritance to wipe out debt, experts say, but it's not always the best option. Getty Images/iStockphoto Elevated interest rates and record-high consumer debt continue to impact the economy and strain borrowers. Despite cooling inflation, prices aren't coming down fast enough to provide meaningful relief to many Americans desperately seeking it. Amid the current economic uncertainties, the Federal Reserve extended its pause on benchmark interest rates in the range of 4.25% to 4.50% during its May meeting. Meanwhile, credit card debt has surged, with the national average balance among cardholders reaching nearly $8,000. In this climate, it's no surprise that many people are looking for ways to pay down their credit card debt. And if you've recently received or expect to receive an inheritance, you might be wondering whether to apply it to your debt or if the money would be better spent elsewhere. Here's what to know. Find out how to start tackling your expensive debt today. Should you use inheritance to pay off credit card debt? The answer to whether it makes sense to use your inheritance to pay off credit card debt likely depends on your financial situation, goals and other considerations. Here's when it may and may not make sense. When using an inheritance to pay off credit card debt makes sense From a numbers standpoint, using your inheritance to wipe out your credit card debt is usually a wise move, notes Matthew Ferrell, a certified financial planner and owner of MADE Financial Design. "With many credit cards charging over 20% interest, and long-term market returns averaging 8% to 10%, paying off the debt offers an immediate and higher return. It also lowers monthly obligations and reduces stress," says Ferrell. Still, the decision doesn't have to be all or nothing. In some cases, a more balanced approach can make sense, especially if the debt isn't overwhelming. "If the debt is large and weighing you down, using the inheritance to pay it off can lift a huge burden," says Sarah Maitre, a certified financial planner and founder and financial planner at Camriel Advisors. "If your balances are smaller and manageable, it might make sense to split it. You could pay off the debt and use some of the money to invest, save or do something meaningful." Learn what debt relief strategies you can use to get rid of your debt now. When using an inheritance to pay off credit card debt might not be the best move While an inheritance can give you the funds to get the debt under control, it may not make sense in some situations. Depending on your financial situation, there may be better uses for the money, or reasons to hold off altogether. "If there is something urgent or claims against the estate, I would hold off on spending any of the money yet," says Kyle Harper, CFP and financial advisor at Harper Financial Planning. "The goal with inheritance money would be to put it where it is going to work hardest for you." That could mean paying off high-interest debt, he notes, but it could also mean investing in yourself, such as enrolling in school to boost your future earning potential. "Too often inheritance is spent on depreciating assets or consumables like cars or trips, and the beneficiary soon finds themselves in the same position they were before the inheritance," Harper says. Ferrell explains it also may not be the best move if your balances are low, on a 0% promotional rate or being managed effectively. "In those cases, the money might be better used to build savings, invest or tackle other financial priorities," Ferrell says. Sometimes, inheritances come with strings attached. "When my wife received an inheritance, we didn't have credit card debt, but the trust required us to use the money a certain way. We used it to pay off a low-interest mortgage. In hindsight, we might have earned more by investing, but the trust didn't allow that," Ferrell says. In other words, the right decision might depend not only on your debt and financial goals but also on any legal or emotional considerations tied to the inheritance. Debt relief alternatives for high credit card debt If you don't have an inheritance to help tackle high credit card balances, there are several debt relief strategies you might explore. If you've exhausted other debt reduction options and want to avoid bankruptcy, these alternatives may help to reduce what you owe and get back on track. You might consider enrolling in a debt management program through a nonprofit credit counselor. This type of program may help you secure lower interest rates, erase or lower fees and combine your payments into a single monthly payment. Debt consolidation programs offered through debt relief companies are another option. These programs are similar to debt consolidation loans, meaning that they roll multiple debts into one lower-cost loan, but as with any financial program or strategy, be sure to consider the pros and cons before proceeding. The bottom line Using an inheritance to wipe the slate clean can be a smart move, but only if you take steps to keep from ending up in the same situation again. And, as you work to zero out your credit card balances, consider what led to the debt and how you can avoid debt problems in the future. "It generally is a good idea to use inheritance to pay off high interest rate debt," says Harper. "Before you do so, though, the root issue needs to be addressed. If it was a spending problem or a bad habit that led to the debt in the first place, it needs to be identified and corrected. If the behavior is not addressed, the same habits will lead to the same results and that beneficiary will soon have a balance back on the credit cards." By being proactive and intentional about implementing sound financial habits, you can turn your windfall into long-term financial strength.
