Cancer research cuts, 'Blue's Clues', Jay Leno, Lady Gaga
Because we come from everywhere, we all come from away.
Hello, dear readers,
Saturday was World Press Freedom Day. Observed annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day recognizes the essential role journalism plays in protecting democracy and informing the public. It’s also a time to honor journalists who face threats, censorship or violence.
Which brings me to …
Everyone has an opinion on the news and how it’s produced.
But how many people truly understand how news works?
People get outraged over headlines without reading the story, share misleading social media posts without checking the source and assume that one billionaire dictates everything a newsroom publishes.
The truth? Journalism is still driven by hardworking reporters committed to fairness, accuracy and accountability.
I spent years in newsrooms, witnessing both the flaws and strengths that define the industry.
I know the pressure of deadlines, the weight of getting it right and the responsibility of informing the public. (An executive at a place I worked says, “First is desired; right is required.”)
Journalism isn’t perfect.
Many news outlets now rely too much on click-driven gimmicks that prioritize engagement over substance.
Headlines should be engaging, but they shouldn’t be misleading or sensational just to generate clicks.
A strong headline invites you in—it doesn’t trick you.
But a strong headline also shouldn’t tell the whole story.
The same goes for social posts and preview copy—don’t give the full story away, but don’t sensationalize.
And while there are flaws in the industry, much of the distrust in news comes from the public lacking critical thinking skills and not reading beyond the headline or social media posts.
A screenshot of a headline isn’t the same as the full story.
The most important thing you can do when seeing news on social media is to find the original source.
Is it from a respected news organization? Or is it a random account posting something designed to spark outrage?
Too often, people react to random posts from unverifiable sources without verifying the facts.
The world is complicated, and good journalism can help us make sense of it.
🍒
Trump’s cuts target cancer research funding
Trump’s proposed 2026 budget includes a sweeping 37% reduction in funding for the National Institutes of Health, which plays a central role in cancer research and other life-saving health initiatives.
The cuts will eliminate cancer screening and prevention programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Returning to funding levels from two decades ago – and three decades ago when accounting for biomedical inflation – will set this nation back dramatically in our ability to reduce death and suffering from a disease that is expected to kill more than 618,000 Americans this year alone,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said in a statement.
Trump’s administration said the cuts eliminate “woke science spending.”
Tell Congress to reject Trump’s cancer research, programming cuts
Here’s your chance to tell your elected representatives to deny Trump’s draconian cuts.
You can do your civic duty in just a few steps thanks to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Follow this link to send a message to your elected representatives.
We’ve made far too much progress in the fight against cancer to have it blocked by Trump. Use your voice and civic duty to fight back.
Other things to know…
Here’s a look at other stories I’ve read recently:
Tracking Trump
Tracking the lawsuits against Trump’s agenda (NYT)
Trump, in a new interview, says he doesn’t know if he backs due process rights (AP)
Trump defends the high price tag for his military parade: 'Peanuts compared to the value' (NBC)
Economy
Stephen Miller crashes out defending Trump’s weird dolls comment (TNR)
Trump feels tug of political gravity as economy falters and polls plunge (The Guardian)
Are we in a recession? Here are the umpires who make the final call. (Yahoo Finance)
Pennsylvania
Presque Isle spring 2025 beach walk reveals good conditions with federal funding uncertain (Erie Times-News)
The mystery of the disappearing picnic table benches (originating newspaper; paywall: Meadville Tribune/viewable without paywall: New Castle News)
Pirates say 20-year-old fan who fell at PNC Park consumed 2 beers, but didn't buy them (KDKA)
Entertainment
Brazilian police: Bomb attack thwarted by hate group at Lady Gaga’s Copacabana concert (Deadline)
‘Blue’s Clues’ star Steve Burns recalls making less money from show than “every waiter” he knew (The Hollywood Reporter)
Jay Leno dismisses his numerous recent injuries: 'People get banged up in real jobs all the time' (Entertainment Weekly)
And, finally…
I saw “Come From Away” on Saturday at the Benedum Center, and wow—that show hits hard. “Come From Away” is such a powerful story about kindness and being a good neighbor to everybody. The story is especially poignant now as America feels darker and more divided. I wish we could learn from the “plane people” and the Newfoundlanders in Gander. Because we come from everywhere, we all come from away.
