Latest news with #EltonJohnAIDSFoundation


Scotsman
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Glastonbury 2025 secret sets: who are favourites for them?
Glastonbury Festival is finally here and there are so many acts to look forward to. But while the vast majority of the line-up has been revealed - there are a few surprises up Glasto's sleeves. The Worthy Farm event will kick-off in full on Friday (June 27) and continue throughout the weekend until Sunday (June 29). The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo will each headline the Pyramid Stage this year. However a few secret sets have been confirmed - with much speculation about who it could be. A set is scheduled for 4.55pm to 5.30pm on the Pyramid Stage on Friday, with the mysterious 'Patchwork' due on the main stage on Saturday between 6.15pm and 7.15pm - with other surprise performances due on other stages over the weekend. The bookies have named the favourites to perform the secret sets this weekend. has 'revealed' the acts considered most likely to stun festivalgoers. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers 1 . Chappell Roan - 10/1 The pop sensation has seemingly hinted that she could be at Glastonbury. In a post on social media with throwback pictures, fans spotted a patchwork blanket - potentially hinting towards her being the mystery 'patchwork'. She has odds of 10/1 to perform a secret set at Glastonbury via |for Elton John AIDS Foundation Photo:for Elton John AIDS Foundation Photo Sales 2 . Weezer - 8/1 Rock legends Weezer could be set to surprise audiences at Glastonbury this year, according to the bookies. They are 8/1 to perform a secret set at Worthy Farm via | Helle Arensbak / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images Photo: Helle Arensbak / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . The Wombats - 8/1 The Glastonbury crowds could be invited to Let's Dance to Joy Division as The Wombats are one of the acts rumoured for the festival, according to the bookies. They are 8/1 to play a secret set at Worthy Farm via | JeffPhoto: JeffPhoto Sales 4 . Kings of Leon - 7/1 Kings of Leon are one of the bands to be rumoured for a Glastonbury appearance, according to bookies. They are 7/1 to perform a secret set via |Photo:Photo Sales Related topics: BoostTVMusicGlastonburyBBC


Scotsman
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Glastonbury 2025 secret sets: who are favourites for them?
Glastonbury Festival is finally here and there are so many acts to look forward to. But while the vast majority of the line-up has been revealed - there are a few surprises up Glasto's sleeves. The Worthy Farm event will kick-off in full on Friday (June 27) and continue throughout the weekend until Sunday (June 29). The 1975, Neil Young and Olivia Rodrigo will each headline the Pyramid Stage this year. However a few secret sets have been confirmed - with much speculation about who it could be. A set is scheduled for 4.55pm to 5.30pm on the Pyramid Stage on Friday, with the mysterious 'Patchwork' due on the main stage on Saturday between 6.15pm and 7.15pm - with other surprise performances due on other stages over the weekend. The bookies have named the favourites to perform the secret sets this weekend. has 'revealed' the acts considered most likely to stun festivalgoers. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers 1 . Chappell Roan - 10/1 The pop sensation has seemingly hinted that she could be at Glastonbury. In a post on social media with throwback pictures, fans spotted a patchwork blanket - potentially hinting towards her being the mystery 'patchwork'. She has odds of 10/1 to perform a secret set at Glastonbury via |for Elton John AIDS Foundation Photo:for Elton John AIDS Foundation Photo Sales 2 . Weezer - 8/1 Rock legends Weezer could be set to surprise audiences at Glastonbury this year, according to the bookies. They are 8/1 to perform a secret set at Worthy Farm via | Helle Arensbak / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images Photo: Helle Arensbak / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP via Getty Images Photo Sales 3 . The Wombats - 8/1 The Glastonbury crowds could be invited to Let's Dance to Joy Division as The Wombats are one of the acts rumoured for the festival, according to the bookies. They are 8/1 to play a secret set at Worthy Farm via | JeffPhoto: JeffPhoto Sales 4 . Kings of Leon - 7/1 Kings of Leon are one of the bands to be rumoured for a Glastonbury appearance, according to bookies. They are 7/1 to perform a secret set via |Photo:Photo Sales Related topics: BoostTVMusicGlastonburyBBC


USA Today
5 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Elton John warns against cutting funding for HIV programs in USA TODAY essay
Elton John, a tireless soldier in the fight against AIDS, is ringing the alarm bell on what he views as a potentially dangerous cut to HIV care in the proposed federal budget. In a new op-ed for USA TODAY published on Tuesday, June 24, John, the founder of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, lauded the Trump administration's support for several HIV care and prevention initiatives, but warned of cuts to state surveillance programs. "The proposal also ends federal funding to states for HIV surveillance, testing and education; for community-based organizations that reach those most at risk, and for substance abuse treatment and mental health programs that are crucial for driving down HIV infections," the singer wrote of a draft budget currently awaiting approval in the Senate. The article was written alongside Jeanne White-Ginder, the mother of Ryan White, a young boy whose infection with HIV in the '80s helped to destigmatize the disease and rally mainstream American political support towards a cure. "Attempts to cut Medicaid are also alarming, as more than 40% of people living with HIV have their care and treatment covered by Medicaid," he continued. "Without this essential insurance, scores of people living with HIV won't get the care and medicines they need to keep them healthy." Elton John documentary on Disney+ goes deep on music, drug use, John Lennon and family His comments address a rift in the Republican party over cuts to one of the most popular sections of the safety net in the United States. Medicaid, which provides medical care to millions of low-income Americans, is a point of contention in President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" as GOP lawmakers struggle to find funding to pay for an expensive tax cut without ballooning the deficit. "The president has said don't mess with Medicaid. We agree," John wrote, referencing previous comments from Trump. "Programs that provide treatment, fuel prevention and fight stigma should be expanded, not eliminated, as we work toward eradicating the disease that ended Ryan's life," the singer wrote. "The moment of truth is here. As the administration and Congress consider their investment priorities for next year, we urge them to continue joining forces in the fight against AIDS in the U.S. and worldwide," John concluded. "Together, their investments over time have created this once-in-a-generation opportunity to end AIDS in the U.S. by 2030, as called for by President Trump. Together they can seize that opportunity by banking on prevention." Elton John and Bernie Taupin honored by Metallica, Joni Mitchell at Gershwin Prize ceremony John, inspired by the story of Ryan White, launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. According to its website, the organization has raised more than $600 million in support of projects to "increase access to health care, tackle LGBTQ+ stigma, and end AIDS." Contributing: Brendan Morrow


USA Today
5 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
Exclusive: Elton John: We've made great progress on HIV/AIDS. Budget cuts threaten to set us back.
Programs that provide treatment, fuel prevention and fight the stigma of HIV/AIDS should be expanded, not eliminated, as we work toward eradicating the disease that ended Ryan White's life. Ryan White was a spirited, bright kid who loved basketball, Nintendo and dreaming big. In 1984, 13-year-old Ryan contracted HIV through a contaminated blood transfusion used to treat his hemophilia. With widespread misconceptions about HIV/AIDS dominating the headlines, and fear overruling facts, Ryan was barred from attending his school and driven from his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. His harrowing story suddenly thrust Ryan onto the national stage, where he transformed the attention into a powerful force for changing perceptions about those living with HIV/AIDS. He had no idea how far his message would reach. Yet he was determined to use it for the greater good. His courage inspired the creation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which continues to help people across America, and around the world, stay safe and well. At the time of his diagnosis, doctors gave Ryan only six months to live. On April 8, 1990, six precious years later, we sat together at Ryan's bedside and held his hands as he lost his young, heroic life to AIDS. First lady Barbara Bush attended his funeral, and businessman Donald Trump came to the family home to pay his respects. When Americans needed to take compassionate action, Ryan opened the door and urged everyone to take heart and to help. Ryan White CARE Act is saving lives Four months later, in his name, Congress nearly unanimously enacted the Ryan White CARE Act – providing essential HIV care and treatment to Americans living with the virus. After years of fearmongering and paralysis, the U.S. government had finally committed to join the fight against our common enemy: AIDS. Ryan would be grateful for the progress being made. Today, more than 500,000 Americans living with HIV get lifesaving treatment through the Ryan White CARE Act. Surgeons general warning: We can't defend national security without global health security | Opinion In 2019, President Trump proudly launched the End the HIV Epidemic initiative in his State of the Union address − a focused prevention effort to end the HIV epidemic in America by 2030. This evidence-based strategic initiative has achieved remarkable results, reducing new HIV infections by 21% in targeted communities and connecting people newly diagnosed with HIV to vital care and support services. Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. This push to end AIDS is in full swing across America, but the work is not done yet – with young people, particularly in the South, now most severely impacted. We are grateful that the draft budget before Congress continues critically important funding for the Ryan White CARE Act and the End the HIV Epidemic efforts. That is an affirmation of these programs' effectiveness and bipartisan support. Proposed budget cuts threaten progress on HIV However, the proposal also would end federal funding to states for HIV surveillance, testing and education, for community-based organizations that reach those most at risk, and for substance abuse treatment and mental health programs that are crucial for driving down HIV infections. Attempts to cut Medicaid are also alarming, as more than 40% of people living with HIV have their care and treatment covered by Medicaid. Without this essential insurance, scores of people living with HIV won't get the care and medicines they need to keep them healthy. The president has said don't mess with Medicaid. We agree. Your Turn: What readers told us about Medicaid | Opinion Forum Programs that provide treatment, fuel prevention and fight stigma should be expanded, not eliminated, as we work toward eradicating the disease that ended Ryan's life. The game changing opportunity of the moment is to scale up prevention medication that keeps people HIV-free. The recent American-led development of PrEP − a pill or shot that prevents the virus from taking hold − is just the tool we need to end AIDS, but only if we make it accessible to those who need it. The economics are compelling: 14,000 people can receive generic PrEP ($30 annually) for the lifetime cost of treating one person with HIV ($420,285) − keeping Americans healthy, HIV-free and productive. The moment of truth is here. As the administration and Congress consider their investment priorities for next year, we urge them to continue joining forces in the fight against AIDS in the United States and worldwide. Together, their investments over time have created this once-in-a-generation opportunity to end AIDS in America by 2030, as called for by President Trump. Together they can seize that opportunity by banking on prevention. Ryan would expect nothing less. Jeanne White-Ginder is the mother of Ryan White. World-renowned musician Elton John established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.


Graziadaily
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Who Is Benson Boone's Girlfriend? All About Maggie Thurmon
With his raspy voice and stunning cheekbones, Benson Boone is never going to be single. The Beautiful Things crooner, 22, is dating actress Maggie Thurmon. The couple – recently seen at the BMI Pop Awards in May – made their public debut in March 2024, after going Insta-official three months earlier. Here's everything we know about her… Benson Boone and Maggie Thurmon ©for BMI Aside from being Benson Boone's girlfriend, Maggie, 23, is an actress, podcaster and content creator. A former brand ambassador for Hollister, she rose to fame on TikTok in 2019, often posting viral dance videos with her dad Dan, a motivational speaker and author. She hosts a podcast – Mags and Dad's Wholesome Chaos – with him. Maggie is also known for starring in indie films The Candy Shop – a short movie about child sex trafficking in Atlanta – Tip-Off , Summer Of Charlie and Lemon Made . Her first major big-screen role was in The Other Zoey in 2023 alongside Drew Starkey and Josephine Langford. While the exact details aren't known, Benson first teased that he's in a relationship in January 2024. He sings along to his lyrics about a mysterious 'her' on TikTok. The following month, he hinted that his hit Beautiful Things was inspired by a new relationship. Benson has revealed that Beautiful Things 'was inspired by a relationship that I had just gotten into'. He explained, 'For the first time in my life, I felt like I was extremely out of control of the way this relationship could turn out. Meaning like, in the past, I feel like I've always known that I could be the one to end a relationship. This one felt very different. It was the first time that I'd really been actually, genuinely terrified to lose something.' Benson Boone and Maggie Thurmon at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Academy Awards Viewing Party in March 2024 ©for Elton John AIDS Foundation After confirming their relationship on social media, Benson and Maggie made their public debut at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's Academy Awards viewing party in March 2024. She shared a clip of them holding hands while walking on Instagram in June, and while his face wasn't visible, fans were able to deduce her famous boyfriend. The following month, they posed together in matching denim on the red carpet of Twisters, which featured Benson's song Death, Wish, Love. Benson Boone and Maggie Thurmon at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards ©for MTV Since then, they have appeared together on red carpets and events, showing that their relationship is stronger than ever – even kissing at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 2024. 'I love her whole personality. She's the sweetest and the kindest,' Benson said of Maggie. Shereen Low is a senior news and entertainment writer for Grazia UK, who has covered some of the biggest showbiz news from the past decade.