Latest news with #MichelleObama
The Independent
12 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Trump plans to revive the Presidential Fitness Test for American schoolchildren
President Donald Trump on Thursday plans to reestablish the Presidential Fitness Test for American schoolchildren, a program created in 1966 to help interest young people in following healthy, active lifestyles. Children had to run and perform situps, pullups or pushups and a sit-and-reach test, but the program changed in 2012 during the Obama administration to focus more on individual health than athletic feats. The president 'wants to ensure America's future generations are strong, healthy, and successful,' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement, and that all young Americans 'have the opportunity to emphasize healthy, active lifestyles — creating a culture of strength and excellence for years to come.' In a late afternoon ceremony at the White House, Trump intends to sign an order reestablishing the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, as well as the fitness test, to be administered by his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The council also will develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award. In 2012, the assessment evolved into the Youth Fitness Program, which the government said 'moved away from recognizing athletic performance to providing a barometer on student's health.' Then-first lady Michelle Obama also promoted her 'Let's Move' initiative focused on reducing childhood obesity through diet and exercise. Reinvigorating the sports council and the fitness test fits with Trump's focus on athletics. The Republican president played baseball in high school and plays golf almost every weekend. Much of the domestic travel he has done this year that is not related to weekend golf games at his clubs in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia was built around attending sporting events, including the Super Bowl, Daytona 500 and UFC matches. The announcement Thursday comes as Trump readies the United States to host the 2025 Ryder Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup games and the 2028 Summer Olympics. The Youth Fitness Test, according to a Health and Human Services Department website last updated in 2023 but still online Thursday, 'minimizes comparisons between children and instead supports students as they pursue personal fitness goals for lifelong health.' Expected to join Trump at the event are several prominent athletes, including some who have faced controversy. They include Trump friend and pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau; Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker; Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam; WWE chief content officer Paul 'Triple H' Levesque, the son-in-law of Trump's education secretary, Linda McMahon; and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, a registered sex offender. The NFL distanced itself from comments Butker made last year during a commencement address at a Kansas college, when he said most of the women receiving degrees were probably more excited about getting married and having children than entering the workforce and that some Catholic leaders were 'pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America.' Butker also assailed Pride Month and railed against Democratic President Joe Biden's stance on abortion. Butker later formed a political action committee designed to encourage Christians to vote for what the PAC describes as 'traditional values.' Sorenstam faced backlash for accepting the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump on Jan. 7, 2021, the day after rioters spurred by Trump's false claims about his election loss to Biden stormed the Capitol in Washington. Taylor, who has appeared on stage with Trump at campaign rallies, pleaded guilty in New York in 2011 to misdemeanor criminal charges of sexual misconduct. He was sentenced to six years of probation and ordered to register as a sex offender. He was arrested in 2021 in Broward County, Florida, and charged with failing to report a change of residence as a sex offender. He later pleaded no contest to an amended charge, was ordered to pay $261 in court fees, and the case was closed, court records show. The return of the exam brought mixed reactions from some who study exercise. Trump is putting a welcome focus on physical activity, but a test alone won't make America's children healthier, said Laura Richardson, a kinesiology professor at the University of Michigan. The exam is only a starting point that should be paired with lessons to help all students improve, she said. 'It's not just, you get a score and you're doomed,' said Richardson, whose teaching focuses on obesity. 'But you get a score, and we can figure out a program that really helps the improvement.' —- Associated Press writers Jeff Martin in Atlanta, Collin Binkley in Washington and John Wawrow in Buffalo, New York, contributed to this report.
CBC
a day ago
- Entertainment
- CBC
Fashion designer Prabal Gurung explains why Kamala Harris's pockets matter
Fashion designer Prabal Gurung has dressed some of the most famous women in the world — women like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and Kate Middleton, who understand that their clothes tell a story about who they are and what they stand for. Female celebrities and public figures face near-constant scrutiny for their fashion choices, but he says there's one profession that's judged way more harshly than any other: politicians. "The way female politicians and female leaders are scrutinized versus male [politicians] is completely different," Gurung tells Q 's Tom Power in an interview. "I knew that early on. So my job was finding the right balance of who they are and making sure the clothes don't distract [from] their messaging. It's one of the most difficult things to do." When Gurung had the chance to dress former U.S. vice-president Kamala Harris, he had to consider every detail of her outfit. If the shoulders of her suit were too wide, for instance, she might be considered "too strong." His job is to ensure his clients carry themselves well. "The scrutiny is insane," he says. "Little things, like the pocket positioning of a pant and a jacket matters…. If you're wearing a jacket and the pocket is slightly above your waist, the way you put your hands in the pocket is going to be a different posture. Not only that, where you position the pocket can make a person look taller or shorter, wider or slimmer." While Gurung doesn't want to reveal too much about the thought process behind Harris's outfits, he says the clothes must be flattering without being distracting. "The shade of the ivory of that suit that she wore, you know, making sure it is the right ivory, that is not too stark white," he says. "Really, what I always ask everyone is, 'What do you want to feel?' … And that is what my job is, to make sure that I accomplish that." Gurung has released a new memoir, Walk Like a Girl, which is out now.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Martha's Vineyard film fest returns with Black star power, bold storytelling and cultural legacy
LOS ANGELES (AP) — No matter the time on Martha's Vineyard, a shimmering glow will be powered by the star presence of Black filmmakers, actors and tastemakers like Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil and Michelle Obama who are shaping culture on their own terms. For two-plus decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival has been a cultural reunion, a summer sanctuary and a safe haven where some of the industry's most influential voices converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. This week marks the return of the 23rd annual nine-day celebration, which kicks off Friday with a stacked slate that includes appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and Hall of Fame basketball player Dwyane Wade, screenings like Spike Lee 's 'Highest 2 Lowest' and intimate conversations with figures such as the Rev. Al Sharpton. Over the years, the festival has drawn the who's who of Black Hollywood — including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry and Regina King. The Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022. 'It's a moment when so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well,' said Tracee Ellis Ross, who will screen her new Roku Channel series 'Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross.' The three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to unplug, indulge and reconnect through Morocco, Mexico and Spain. Ross said traveling solo is a way of life. She said sharing her project at MVAAFF felt right, noting that the Vineyard-set episode of Akil's 'Forever' captures the spirit and beauty of the picturesque island. 'It felt like the perfect location to kind of share,' she said. 'The timing was perfect from when the show came out.' What makes MVAAFF a must-stop? Set on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, the festival has grown from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection and support. Akil paid homage to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, crediting them for building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture live and are seen. 'They know the value. They know the need,' said Akil, who will screen 'The Vineyard' episode from the Netflix series 'Forever' at the festival. 'Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told.' Floyd Rance described MVAAFF as a vital part of the entertainment ecosystem, offering a platform where Black voices and stories are given the spotlight they deserve. 'It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship,' said Floyd, who along with Stephanie said they did not expect their festival to become such a main attraction. 'Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together.' In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centers on the theme of joy, focusing more on celebration than struggle. She's especially excited for attendees to experience a range of conversations, from little-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, paying tribute to fashion icon André Leon Talley. 'The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers,' she said. 'Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart.' What else is happening on the Vineyard? This year's festival is delivering a dynamic slate that blends star power, conversation and creative insight. Spike Lee will unveil exclusive clips from his upcoming film 'Highest 2 Lowest' starring Denzel Washington. Courtney B. Vance is set to lead a panel on Black storytelling, diving into how content creation can retain cultural authenticity. Jennifer Hudson will open up about her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show, while Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy and capital in today's evolving media space. Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose. Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary 'Seen & Heard,' continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives. And Debbie Allen will be honored with a tribute to 'A Different World,' celebrating the force the show continues to be decades later. The screenings will showcase a wide range of Black storytelling, including Starz's 'Magic City: American Fantasy,' the Tyler Perry-produced 'Old Mary Mare,' HBO Max's 'The Gilded Age,' and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed 'Sinners.' Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson will hold a live taping of their podcast that'll include an interview with Teyana Taylor. For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he'll show 'The Dutchman,' a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's searing 1964 play. 'It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with,' said Gaines, who's also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott. Gaines said the festival affirms the value of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often overlook. 'Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't,' he said. 'That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michelle Obama's cryptic admission about 'healing after hurt' as rumors marriage to Barack is on rocks persist
Michelle Obama has offered sage advice on how to 'healing' as she assuredly declared there's 'something really beautiful on the other side of that hurt.' The 61-year-old, whose marriage to former President Barack Obama is rumored to be on the rocks, shared her thoughts on her latest episode of her podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, with guests Bowan Yang and Matt Rodgers. The foursome were talking about healing from painful relationships and fights with loved ones when the former First Lady shared a cryptic message on how to handle arguments. Admitting she's had some 'bad fights' throughout her years, she recalled of the worst ones was with her brother Craig, after their father passed away in 1991. While at first Craig protested he 'doesn't fight', he then recalled it being a 'hurt fight', as the siblings were both coming from a place of grief. After sharing their guests shared most hurtful altercations, Michelle divulged some sage advice on how to move past conflicts. 'Don't be afraid of people and friendships or hurt because that's just a part of it and there's something really beautiful on the other side of that hurt,' she shared. 'You get over it, you move on, you learn from it,' Michelle continued. The mom-of-two added that some self reflection is also needed when addressing problems. 'The thing you learn about yourself at 35, 36, 37 is that you have that sensitivity,' she admitted. 'It takes a minute of practice to say, "okay, that yelling wasn't about him, it was about me."' Michelle, who was reflecting on relationships following a viewer's question about being hurt my friends, also cryptically shared that said that moving past painful experiences with others isn't 'instantaneous.' 'It requires a plan and it requires you executing against the plan and you're going to get hurt and it's okay - you will heal from it and you will grow from it and it'll be alright,' she said passionately. Michelle's advice comes after rumors continue to swirl about rifts between herself and her husband of 33 years, former President Barack Obama. The rumor mill started to swirl after her decision to skip both Jimmy Carter's funeral and President Donald Trump's inauguration - with Michelle insisting they were decisions she made for herself. Her absence at the high-profile political events added fuel to divorce rumors, as did President Obama's admission in April that he was in a 'deep deficit' with his wife. 'This is like 50 term papers. I mean, it just goes on forever,' he said while addressing Hamilton College students in April. 'I'm hoping to get to the finish line on that.' The mom-of-two added that some self reflection is also needed when addressing problems. 'Beyond that, look, I was in a deep deficit with my wife, so I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,' the former Democratic president admitted. The pair addressed rumors earlier in July, when Barack appeared on his wife's podcast. 'She took me back!' Obama light-heartedly chimed in, adding: 'It was touch and go for awhile.' Michelle added that it is nice to be in the same room as her husband, sassily telling her brother: 'When we aren't, folks think we're divorced.' In May, Michelle set the record straight during a podcast with entrepreneur and investor Steven Bartlett following speculation over the former first couple's recent public appearances 'If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it,' she told the host, laughing. She added that she's 'not a martyr' and joked about how she would address such marital strife publicly.
