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Jason Collins: Courage Beyond the Court, Resilience Against Glioblastoma

Jason Collins has always been a trailblazer. In 2013, he became the first openly gay active NBA player, shattering barriers and inspiring countless athletes and fans. Today, he faces another battle, Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain cancers known to medicine. Collins first experienced symptoms in August 2025: confusion, memory lapses, and difficulty focusing. By September, his family announced he had a brain tumor. On December 11, Collins himself revealed the diagnosis in an ESPN essay, describing the cancer as a “monster with tentacles” spreading across his brain. Despite the grim prognosis, median survival of 12–18 months, Collins has chosen to fight with the same toughness that defined his NBA career. Supported by his husband, Brunson Green, and buoyed by the love of his community, Collins is undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, and experimental therapies in Singapore. Beyond basketball, Collins has always loved mentoring young athletes, advocating for LGBTQ rights, and building community. His resilience now reminds us that health is not guaranteed, and vigilance is essential. Treatment Options While there is no cure, treatments aim to slow tumor growth and improve quality of life: Prognosis Risks & Challenges In summary: Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest brain cancers, with rapid progression and limited treatment options. Jason Collins’ diagnosis highlights both the personal toll and the urgent need for continued research into more effective therapies. Sources: my.clevelandclinic.orgCleveland Clinic mayoclinic.orgMayo Clinic mdanderson.orgMD Anderson Cancer Center Call to Action:We must stay on top of our health. Screenings save lives. Early detection matters. And for the LGBTQ community, rallying around Jason and his family is more than solidarity, it is a continuation of the movement he helped ignite. Career Highlights:

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Michigan’s Double Standard: Harbaugh, Moore, and the Question of Racial Bias

The University of Michigan has become a case study in contradictions. When Jim Harbaugh was implicated in two consecutive scandals, first violating recruiting rules during the COVID dead period, then presiding over the Connor Stalions sign‑stealing scheme, the university stood by him. Even as the NCAA dragged its feet for years before finally issuing historic fines and a 10‑year show‑cause penalty in 2025, Harbaugh was allowed to leave gracefully for the NFL. His reputation, though tarnished, was never destroyed. Now compare that to Sherrone Moore. Elevated to head coach in 2024, Moore was fired for cause in December 2025 after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. The facts remain unclear, yet the university acted swiftly and decisively, ending his career overnight. Within hours, Moore faced criminal charges, his name splashed across headlines, his future in coaching effectively erased. Michigan Coaching Controversies: Harbaugh vs. Moore Coach Tenure Major Scandal(s) Outcome Impact on Program Jim Harbaugh 2015–2024 – Recruiting violations (BurgerGate) during COVID dead period<br>- Connor Stalions sign‑stealing scheme (illegal scouting, signal recording) – Multiple suspensions<br>- Left for NFL in 2024<br>- NCAA issued 10‑year show‑cause penalty in 2025 Despite winning the 2023 National Championship, Michigan’s success was overshadowed by historic NCAA penalties and reputational damage Sherrone Moore 2024–2025 – Inappropriate relationship with staff member<br>- Criminal charges: felony home invasion, stalking, breaking & entering – Fired for cause in Dec 2025<br>- Released on bond with restrictions<br>- Lost remaining $12.3M contract value Players felt “betrayed” and emotionally shaken before the Citrus Bowl; Michigan forced into another coaching search just two years after Harbaugh’s exit Wrong is wrong. But the disparity in treatment is glaring. Harbaugh’s systemic violations undermined the integrity of the game itself, yet Michigan protected him. Moore’s alleged misconduct, personal, contested, and far less clear, was immediately weaponized to destroy him. It looks, smells, and feels like a smear campaign, one that ensures he never coaches again. And when you look at who was shielded and who was sacrificed, the shadow of racial bias is impossible to ignore. Why do the differences between Black and White always surface at the ugliest times? Why do institutions like Michigan continue to fail at ethics, accountability, and due diligence when it matters most? Call to Action It’s time to hold the University of Michigan accountable. Like so many other institutions, they must be boycotted, exposed, and put on front street for their double standards and racial bias. We want to hear from you: Your voice matters. Share your thoughts, challenge the narrative, and let’s demand accountability together.

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Alabama Football: Championships, Black Excellence, and the Head Coach They’ve Never Had

The University of Alabama’s football program, known as the Crimson Tide, is one of the most storied and successful in college football history, with 18 claimed national championships and 29 SEC titles spanning from its founding in 1892 to the modern era IntroductionThe University of Alabama football program is celebrated as one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. From Wallace Wade’s Rose Bowl triumph in 1925 to Nick Saban’s six national championships in the modern era, the Crimson Tide has defined college football dominance. But beneath the trophies and tradition lies a deeper story: the contributions of Black athletes who carried Alabama to glory, and the glaring absence of a Black head coach in its 133-year history. Timeline of Success and Integration Timeline: Championships + Racial Integration Era / Coach Championships Racial Makeup 1892–1969 (Pre‑Integration) 1925, 1926, 1930 (Wade); 1945 (Thomas); 1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1979 (Bryant) 100% white players 1970–1971 (Integration Begins) — 1970: Wilbur Jackson signed (first Black scholarship player). 1971: Jackson & John Mitchell play (first Black varsity players). 1970s–1980s (Gradual Growth) — By late 1970s, ~10–20% Black players. By 1980s, ~40–50%. 1992 (Gene Stallings) National Championship ~40–50% Black players 2000s–Present (Nick Saban Era) 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020 ~60–75% Black players; majority of roster, including Heisman winners Ingram, Henry, Smith, Young The Contribution of Black Players From Jackson and Mitchell breaking barriers in 1971 to Derrick Henry bulldozing his way to a Heisman in 2015, Black athletes have not only participated — they have defined Alabama football. They are the stars, the playmakers, the faces of the program. Without them, Alabama’s dynasty would not exist. Yet, despite their central role, Alabama has never entrusted its program to a Black head coach. The message is clear: Black athletes are good enough to win games, sell tickets, and generate millions, but not to lead. This visualization makes the contrast undeniable: Alabama’s dynasty was built on Black athletes after integration, yet leadership has remained exclusively white. Why No Black Head Coach? This is the uncomfortable truth. Alabama football thrives on the labor, talent, and brilliance of Black athletes, but leadership remains guarded by tradition. The program reflects a broader pattern in college football: Black players dominate the field, but white coaches dominate the sidelines. Is this simply “tradition”? Or is it exploitation, using Black faces to win and profit, while denying them the authority to lead? As the saying goes: if you can get the milk for free, why buy the cow? Alabama has built its empire on Black excellence, but refuses to acknowledge that excellence in leadership. Call to Action Football is supposed to be about unity, teamwork, and trust. But Alabama’s refusal to hire a Black head coach reveals a deeper fracture. If the Crimson Tide truly believes in “team,” then it must extend that belief beyond the field. Until then, the program’s legacy will remain incomplete, a dynasty built on Black talent but limited by old traditions.

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Black America: The Blueprint of Global Culture and Opportunity

Introduction Black America has always been the heartbeat of democracy, culture, and progress. Yet, too often, our contributions are overlooked, minimized, or outright stolen. From the Civil Rights Movement to the African Diaspora, Black Americans have paved the way for immigrant communities, global liberation movements, and cultural revolutions. It is time to reclaim that truth. Civil Rights Legacy and Immigration The Civil Rights Movement, led by Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and countless others, did more than secure rights for Black Americans. It opened doors for immigrant communities. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was born out of the Civil Rights struggle, allowing Cubans, Latinos, Caribbeans, Nigerians, Asians, Somalians, and others to enter the U.S. in greater numbers. Without Black America, those opportunities would not exist. Identity and Assimilation Yet, many of these groups distance themselves from Blackness, seeking acceptance by aligning with whiteness. Statements like “I’m not Black, I’m Jamaican” or “I’m Nigerian, not African American” fracture solidarity. Assimilation for survival may be understandable, but denial of identity undermines collective power. The Diaspora and World Culture The African Diaspora is not just about migration, it is about influence. Black America is the epicenter of global culture. Hip-hop, born in the Bronx, is now the most consumed music genre worldwide. Jazz, gospel, and R&B shaped entire industries. Fashion trends rooted in Black creativity dominate global markets. Even social justice movements abroad borrow language and tactics from the Civil Rights Movement. Cultural Appropriation vs. Scrutiny Black culture is celebrated globally but often stolen and repackaged by others. TikTok dances created by Black teens go viral, but influencers from other groups profit. Streetwear, rooted in Black creativity, is now a billion-dollar industry. Meanwhile, Black youth are stereotyped as “criminals” for the same creativity. The hypocrisy is undeniable: the world profits from Black culture while vilifying Black people. Politics and Immigration Many immigrant groups supported Donald Trump, believing his promises. Yet, his administration deported thousands from Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The irony is sharp: communities that distanced themselves from Black solidarity were targeted by the same system they empowered. Global Impact of Black America Black America is not just a cultural force, it is a political and social catalyst. Civil rights victories inspired global liberation movements, from South Africa to the Caribbean. Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African vision, Dr. King’s dream of justice, and Malcolm X’s call for dignity continue to resonate worldwide. Conclusion Black America is the foundation, the heartbeat, and the blueprint. We are not just culture, we are culture. We paved the way for the world politically, socially, and culturally. It is time for the world to recognize, respect, and honor that legacy.

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Lenacapavir: A Breakthrough HIV Prevention Tool Held Back by Global Funding Cuts

Adapted from reporting by Rachel Schraer, The Independent (Rethinking Global Aid Project) The closest thing we have to an HIV vaccine has finally arrived. Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable medication that can prevent nearly 100% of HIV infections when administered twice yearly, is being hailed as revolutionary. Yet despite its promise, only a fraction of the people who need it will gain access. The Numbers Behind the Breakthrough The Cost and Access Challenge Why This Matters Globally Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, called the rollout “unprecedented,” noting that doses are arriving in Eswatini at the same time as in the U.S., a sharp contrast to the early AIDS crisis, when African nations waited more than a decade for antiretroviral drugs. Still, she warns that funding gaps threaten progress. Vulnerable populations, young women, LGBTQ communities, sex workers, and people who use drugs, are often excluded from prevention services. Without reaching these groups, the epidemic cannot be contained. Innovation in Delivery 🇬🇧 The UK’s Role Mike Podmore, CEO of STOPAIDS, emphasizes that UK contributions are not just charity, they fuel domestic research and innovation. Agencies like Unitaid have invested £250m into UK universities over the past decade, strengthening both global and local HIV responses. The UK has set a goal to end new HIV transmissions by 2030, and expanding access to lenacapavir will be critical to achieving it. The Call to Action Ending HIV is within reach, but only if global leaders step up. Dr. Hill and advocates worldwide are urging wealthy nations to contribute to a proposed $400m fund to expand access without undermining existing HIV programs. This is a pivotal moment: decades of research and advocacy have brought us closer than ever to a cure. But without adequate funding, only 7% of those who need lenacapavir will receive it. What you can do: Together, we can ensure that this breakthrough doesn’t stall at the starting line. Let’s end HIV and make life better for all. Original reporting by Rachel Schraer, The Independent, as part of the “Rethinking Global Aid” project.

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Seventh HIV Remission Sparks Hope, and Raises Questions About U.S. LeadershipOriginal reporting by Michelle Starr, Nature

A German man known as “Berlin 2 (B2)” has remained in remission from HIV for six years after a stem cell transplant to treat leukemia. This marks the seventh known case of long-term HIV remission worldwide. Unlike earlier cases, B2’s donor carried only one copy of the CCR5 Δ32 mutation, previously thought insufficient for durable resistance. His remission challenges assumptions and opens new pathways for understanding how HIV reservoirs can be eliminated. Globally, 40.8 million people were living with HIV in 2024, with 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths. In the U.S., 39,201 new diagnoses were reported in 2023, disproportionately impacting Black and Latino communities, especially in the South. These breakthroughs abroad raise urgent questions: For those living with HIV/AIDS, these questions are not abstract, they are about survival. If you are reading this and living with HIV, ask your doctor about the current status of cure research. Demand transparency. Stem cell transplants are not scalable cures, but they prove that reservoir reduction, graft-versus-reservoir responses, and partial CCR5 protection can lead to remission. The challenge now is whether America will invest in replicating these mechanisms through gene editing and pharmaceutical innovation or continue to let others lead while its citizens wait.

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Jalen Hurts has become the face of the Philadelphia Eagles, but recent drama raises questions about the team’s unity. Is the organization truly behind its franchise quarterback, or are outside voices stirring unnecessary doubt?

Jalen Hurts: The Relentless Leader Since arriving in Philadelphia in 2020, Jalen Hurts has never had the same offensive coordinator in back-to-back seasons, a challenge dating back to his college days at Alabama and Oklahoma. Yet, he has never complained. Instead, he has put in the work, adapted, and excelled. His leadership carried the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances in five years, including a Super Bowl LIX victory in 2025, where he was named Super Bowl MVP media.nfl.com The Hilltop. AJ Brown vs. Team Unity Fresh off that championship, wide receiver A.J. Brown has publicly voiced frustration about being left out of the offensive game plan Sports Illustrated. His complaints echo the infamous Terrell Owens saga with Donovan McNabb after the Eagles’ 2005 Super Bowl loss. Owens’ selfishness fractured the team, leading to Andy Reid’s firing, McNabb’s trade, and Owens’ departure. Brown’s lack of effort on contested catches and his media outbursts have drawn criticism. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith has emerged as a true WR1, battling for every ball and proving his reliability. The Eagles gambled by keeping Brown past the trade deadline, but his behavior continues to cast a shadow. Outside Voices: Seth Joyner & LeSean McCoy Former Eagles Seth Joyner and LeSean McCoy have suggested that some in the organization are unhappy with Hurts. But let’s be clear: letting Hurts walk would be unthinkable. Every other NFL team would break the bank to sign him. Joyner was a solid linebacker but never a game-changer, while McCoy’s career fizzled after early promise. Their critiques seem more rooted in bitterness than fact. Jalen Hurts Career Stats (NFL) ESPN NFL Pro-Football-Reference.com Season GP Comp% Pass Yards TD INT Rush Yards Rush TD 2020 15 52.0% 1,061 6 4 354 3 2021 15 61.3% 3,144 16 9 784 10 2022 15 66.5% 3,701 22 6 760 13 2023 17 65.4% 3,858 23 15 605 15 2024 15 68.7% 2,903 18 5 630 14 2025 10 66.9% 1,995 16 1 265 6 Career 87 64.7% 16,662 101 40 3,398 61 a chart comparing Jalen Hurts’ passing and rushing yards by season. This dual-axis chart highlights how Hurts has balanced his game since entering the NFL. His passing yards steadily climbed from 2020 to 2023, peaking at nearly 3,900, while his rushing yards consistently added another dimension to the Eagles’ offense. Even in seasons with coordinator changes, Hurts adapted and delivered. Jalen Hurts’ Accomplishments media.nfl.com Sportskeeda The Hilltop Final Thoughts The Eagles’ success is inseparable from Jalen Hurts. He has proven himself as a franchise leader, overcoming instability at coordinator, silencing critics, and delivering championships. The real question isn’t whether Hurts is the problem, it’s whether the organization can keep the locker room united and silence distractions. Readers, what do you think? Is Jalen Hurts the long-term answer for Philadelphia, or do the Eagles risk repeating history by letting drama overshadow their success? Comment below, subscribe, and join the conversation. Sources: Sports Illustrated media.nfl.com Sportskeeda The Hilltop ESPN NFL Pro-Football-Reference.com

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Jellybean Johnson, a Pioneer of the Minneapolis Sound, Remembered

Garry George “Jellybean” Johnson, legendary drummer, guitarist, producer, and founding member of The Time, has passed away at the age of 69, just two days after celebrating his birthday. His sudden death marks the loss of one of the architects of the Minneapolis Sound, a genre-defining fusion of funk, rock, R&B, and new wave that continues to influence music today Rolling Stone FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Wikipedia Bring Me The News. Honoring His Legacy Jellybean Johnson was born in Chicago in 1956 and moved to Minneapolis at age 13. It was there that he befriended future icons like Prince, Morris Day, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis, forming the creative nucleus that would shape an entire era of music Rolling Stone FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul. Visual Timeline of His Career Here’s a timeline chart capturing his milestones from 1976 to 2025: Preserving the Minneapolis Sound Johnson’s vision extended beyond performance. In 2021, he co-founded the Minneapolis Sound Museum, dedicated to preserving the history and cultural impact of the genre he helped pioneer Bring Me The News. His final reflections on legacy emphasized community, mentorship, and ensuring future generations had access to creative spaces like those that shaped him North News Bring Me The News. Tributes Musicians and fans alike have poured out tributes. Morris Day called him “more like a brother than a bandmate,” while Sheila E. remembered him as “a kind human being, extremely talented and funny.” Susannah Melvoin described him as “the master of loving you like no brother could” Rolling Stone Yahoo International Business Times UK. Closing Thoughts Jellybean Johnson’s artistry was not confined to the stage—it was embedded in the DNA of modern pop and R&B. His drumming, guitar work, and production shaped hits across decades, while his mentorship and museum project ensured the Minneapolis Sound will live on. Credit: This blog post is based on reporting by Daniel Bird and expanded with details from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Fox9, and other sources Rolling Stone FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Yahoo Billboard Wikipedia Bring Me The News Discogs.

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