PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Hanks mixes laughs, gravity for ACLU fundraiser
Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin and other stars joined in an online fundraiser for the American Civil Liberties Union, urging the public to help protect rights they warned are in jeopardy.
Hanks said actions such as President Donald Trump’s attempted travel ban represent a “brand of tragedy” and not the America the actor learned about as a youngster.
The fundraiser, livestreamed Friday from New York City, included studio and videotaped appearances by Tracy Morgan, Jon Hamm, Steve Buscemi and Sterling K. Brown. Norah Jones, Usher and The Roots were among the musical performers.
Some mentioned Trump’s actions as the impetus for their show of support. He and his administration’s policies have drawn sharp opposition from many in the entertainment industry.
“Travel bans. Executive orders.
Chance donates to more schools; Bulls kick in $1M
Grammy winner Chance the Rapper is again championing public education in Chicago by announcing more money has been raised for his art fund. The Chicago native stopped at a high school Friday to announce he’s secured an additional $1 million from the Chicago Bulls for his New Chance Arts and Literature Fund.
The rapper, whose real name is Chancelor Bennett, donated $1 million earlier this month to Chicago schools. He said 10 schools will receive $10,000 checks as part of the donation. He said Friday a total of $2.2 million has now been raised in his Chicago Public Schools fundraising effort. As a result, an additional 12 schools would receive $10,000 donations.