Jones in the 2010 revival of the play Driving Miss Daisy at the Theatre Royal in Sydney Image Credit: Eva Rinaldi from Sydney, Australia
James Earl Jones
The world has bid farewell to one of its most profound voices, both literally and metaphorically. James Earl Jones, a venerated icon whose deep timbre and formidable presence captivated audiences for more than seven decades, passed away at his home in Pawling, New York, on September 9, 2024, at the age of 93.
Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones overcame a stutter to speak resonant truths on the American stage, in the halls of Hollywood, and beyond. His journey from a quiet child who found solace in poetry and acting to a celebrated thespian and cultural pillar is nothing short of inspirational. A distinguished figure in American theater and cinema, Jones achieved the rare and prestigious EGOT status, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards throughout his illustrious career.
A Legacy of Diversity and Dynamic Roles
Jones’s influence stretched across every medium: from the boards of Broadway where he became a Tony-awarded actor, to the vast universe of “Star Wars” as the voice of Darth Vader, creating perhaps one of the most instantly recognizable voices in film history. His powerful performances were never confined to just one genre. He adeptly traversed from dramatic territories in films like “The Great White Hope” and “Cry, the Beloved Country,” to comedic roles in “Coming to America” and family classics like “The Lion King,” where his voice brought Mufasa to life.
Broadway and Beyond
Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 and quickly found his footing on stage with notable performances in Shakespeare’s “Othello” and as Jack Jefferson in “The Great White Hope,” a role that earned him his first Tony Award. His portrayal of Troy Maxson in August Wilson’s “Fences” further cemented his legacy as a leading actor and a voice for powerful, introspective narratives concerning the African American experience.
The Voice That Commanded Attention
Apart from his roles in film and theater, Jones’s voice became emblematic of authority and depth. He lent this iconic voice to CNN, bringing a distinctive sound that defined the network’s branding for years. His vocal legacy also includes various books and narrations, forever preserving his rich, resonant tone.
Tributes Pour In
Following his passing, tributes from every corner of the entertainment industry have highlighted his influence. From Kevin Costner and Mark Hamill to newer voices like Viola Davis and Kerry Washington, all have expressed their grief and gratitude towards Jones’s contributions. Organizations from MLB to SAG-AFTRA and institutions like the University of Michigan, where Jones studied, have all honored his memory.
An Emblem of Dignity and Grace
Critics and actors alike, including Alec Baldwin and Viola Davis, have cited Jones as not only a seminal actor but also a cornerstone for Black excellence and dignity in Hollywood. His roles often exuded a moral force, embodying characters that transcended societal limitations and spoke to the core human experience of struggle, resilience, and hope.
James Earl Jones’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy is indelible. He used his voice as an instrument of change, his performances as windows into the souls of often complex characters, and his career as a platform to elevate discussions on art, culture, and humanity. As we remember James Earl Jones, we not only celebrate his myriad contributions but also the indomitable spirit of a man who believed in the power of words and the potential of art to transform lives. His enduring influence will continue to inspire generations to come, ensuring that his rich, reverberating voice will never truly be silenced.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.
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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.
Veggies forVeterans Phoenix VA, May 14, 2025 Image Credit: Rod Washington
In a powerful display of community support and health advocacy, the Phoenix VA Hospital hosted another landmark Veggies for Veterans event yesterday, May 14, 2025. This milestone event, marking eight years of service since April 2017, continues to transform lives through the collaborative efforts of Gregory’s Fresh Market and the VA Health Care System. Yesterday’s distribution saw 600 veterans receiving fresh produce at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center, adding to the impressive total of over 22,000 veterans served since the program’s inception.
“This is a way to thank them for their service,” explains Diana Gregory, founder of Gregory’s Fresh Market. This sentiment resonates deeply with veterans like Bobby Smith, who shared, “This helps with my wife and my budget because food is getting more expensive. It really has added to our diet, we were able to have healthy food.”
Yesterday’s distribution featured carefully curated bags filled with seasonal favorites including apples, oranges, zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions. The program, funded through Gregory’s 501(c)(3) organization and supported by key sponsors including Arizona Complete Health, Peddler’s Son, and Fry’s, has become a model for veteran support programs nationwide.
What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its dual benefit: while veterans receive access to fresh, nutrient-dense foods, local farmers and suppliers also gain support through the program’s commitment to sourcing produce locally. This approach creates a sustainable cycle of community support that extends beyond the immediate benefits to veterans.
The dedication of participants like David Eberly, who waited since 6 a.m. to participate, demonstrates the program’s significance to the veteran community. Phoenix VA Nurse Practitioner Isabel Kozak, who has witnessed the program’s impact firsthand, noted, “I just absolutely love being able to hear Veterans’ stories about how this event is so helpful to them.”
Corporate volunteers and VA staff worked side by side to distribute the produce, creating an atmosphere of genuine care and community engagement. Veterans don’t need to be enrolled in VA care to participate, making the program accessible to all who have served. This inclusive approach aligns perfectly with President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served our nation’s military, their families, caregivers, and survivors.
The Future for Veggies for Veterans
The Veggies for Veterans program continues to grow, with regular distribution events scheduled throughout the year. For veterans interested in participating, the program will return to the Phoenix VA Hospital on September 10 and November 5, 2025. This consistent presence ensures that veterans have reliable access to fresh, healthy food options while fostering a stronger sense of community support.
As this initiative enters its ninth year, it stands as a testament to how community partnerships can create meaningful impact in the lives of those who have served our country, one bag of fresh produce at a time.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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As summer approaches, Arizonans are bracing for yet another season of intense heat and unpredictable weather. According to forecasts from NOAA, AccuWeather, and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, summer2025 is shaping up to include above-average temperatures, sporadic monsoon activity, and potential drought conditions.
Above-Average Heat ExpectedNOAA predicts that Arizona will experience higher-than-average temperatures, continuing the warming trend of recent years. Phoenix and other urban areas may see extended stretches of triple-digit heat, making heat safety a top priority for residents.###
Monsoon Outlook AccuWeather forecasts a slightly below-average monsoon season. While Arizona relies on these summer storms for essential rainfall, experts warn of fewer storms, with flash flooding still possible in localized areas. Homeowners should prepare for potential microbursts and dust storms, especially in July and August. ###
Drought Concerns PersistThe Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests that while some areas might see sporadic relief, drought conditions will likely persist across much of the state. Water conservation efforts remain crucial as reservoirs and aquifers continue to face stress.###
Practical Tips for Staying Safe.
Hydration and Cooling: Always carry water and plan outdoor activities during early morning or evening hours.2.
Monsoon Prep: Secure outdoor furniture and prepare an emergency kit for storm-related power outages.3.
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Conservation Efforts: Reduce water usage by fixing leaks, using drought-resistant landscaping, and being mindful of daily consumption.###
Looking AheadArizona’s summer 2025 will challenge both residents and visitors with its heat and sporadic weather patterns. Staying informed and proactive can make all the difference in navigating the season safely.What are your favorite ways to beat the Arizona heat? Share your tips in the comments below!
Let me help you enhance the article with proper attribution and related links. First, I’ll search for the NOAA website.
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What Will Summer 2025 Be Like in Arizona? Here’s What the Experts Predict
Originally published by AZ Central on May 12, 2025
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
Influencer Alix Earle, a self-described ‘hot mess,’ has legions of online haters.
Greg Doherty/Getty Images for RevolveJessica Maddox, University of Alabama and Jess Rauchberg, Seton Hall University
Since 2020, content creator Remi Bader had accumulated millions of TikTok followers by offering her opinions on the fits of popular clothing brands as a plus-size woman.
In 2023, however, Bader appeared noticeably thinner. When some fans asked her whether she’d undergone a procedure, she blocked them. Later that year, she announced that she would no longer be posting about her body.
Enter snark subreddits. On Reddit, these forums exist for the sole purpose of calling out internet celebrities, whether they’re devoted to dinging the late-night antics of self-described “hot mess” Alix Earle or venting over Savannah and Cole LaBrant, a family vlogging couple who misleadingly implied that their daughter had cancer.
While the internet is synonymous with fan culture, snark subreddits aren’t for enthusiasts. Instead, snarkers are anti-fans who hone the art of hating.
Remi Bader attends New York Fashion Week on Feb. 10, 2025.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Tory Burch
After Bader’s refusal to talk about her weight loss, the Remi Bader snark subreddit blew up. Posters weren’t upset that Bader had lost weight or had stopped posting about her body size. Instead, they believed Bader the influencer, who’d built her brand on plus-size inclusion in fashion, wasn’t being straight with her fans and needed to be taken to account.
It worked. During a March 2025 appearance on Khloe Kardashian’s podcast, Bader finally revealed that she had, in fact, had weight-loss surgery.
Some critics see snarkers as a big problem and understandably denounce their tendency to harass, body shame and try to cancel influencers.
But completely dismissing snark glosses over the fact that it can serve a purpose. In our work as social media researchers, we’ve written about how snark can actually be thought of as a way to call out bad actors in the largely unregulated world of influencing and content creation.
Grassroots policing
Before there were influencers, there were bloggers. While bloggers covered topics that ranged from entertainment to politics to travel, parenting and fashion bloggers probably have the closest connection to today’s influencers.
After Google introduced AdSense in 2003, bloggers were easily able to run advertising on their websites. Then brands saw an opportunity. Parenting and fashion bloggers had large, loyal followings. Many readers felt an intimate connection to their favorite bloggers, who seemed more like friends than out-of-touch celebrity spokespersons.
Brands realized they could send bloggers their products in exchange for a write-up or a feature. Furthermore, advertisers understood that parenting and fashion bloggers didn’t have to adhere to the same industry regulations or code of ethics as most news media outlets, such as disclosing payments or conflicts of interest.
This changed the dynamic between bloggers and their fans, who wondered whether bloggers could be trusted if they were sometimes being paid to promote certain products.
In response, websites emerged in 2009 to critique bloggers. “Get Off My Internets,” for example, fashioned itself as a “quality control watchdog” to provide constructive criticism and call out deceptive practices. As Instagram and YouTube became more popular, the subreddit “r/Blogsnark” launched in 2015 to critique early influencers, in addition to bloggers.
Few guardrails in place
Today the influencer industry has a valuation of over US$250 billion in the U.S. alone, and it’s on track to be worth over $500 billion by 2027.
Yet there are few regulations in place for influencers. A few laws have emerged to protect child influencers, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has established legal guidelines for sponsored content.
That said, the influencing industry remains rife with exploitation.
It goes both ways: Corporations can exploit influencers. For example, a 2021 study found that Black influencers receive below-market offers compared with white influencers.
Savannah and Cole LaBrant came under fire for implying that their daughter had cancer, in what their critics called a ploy for attention.Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images for Lionsgate
Likewise, influencers can deceive or exploit their followers. They might use unrealistic body filters to appear thinner than they are. They could hide who’s paying them. They may promote health misinformation such as the controversial ParaGuard cleanse, a fake treatment pushed by wellness influencers that claimed to rid its users of parasites.
Or, in the case of Remi Bader, they might gain a huge following by promoting body positivity, only to conceal a weight-loss procedure from their fans.
For disappointed fans or followers who feel burned, snark can seem like the only regulatory guardrail in an industry that has gone largely unchecked. Think of snark as a Better Business Bureau for the untamable world of influencing – a form of accountability that brings attention to the scammers and hustlers.
Keeping it real
Todays’s snark exists at the intersection of gossip and cancel culture.
Though cancel culture certainly has its faults, we approach cancel culture in our writing as a worthy tool that allows audiences to hold the powerful accountable. For example, communities of color have joined forces to call out racists, as they did in 2024 when they exposed lifestyle influencer Brooke Schofield’s anti-Black tweets.
Influencers build trust with their audiences based on being “real” and relatable. But there’s nothing preventing them from breaking that trust, and snarkers can swoop in to point out bad behavior or hypocrisy.
Within the competitive world of family vlogging, snarkers see themselves as doing more than stirring the pot. They’re truth-tellers who bring injustices to light, such as abuse and child labor exploitation. Some of this exposure is paying off, with more and more states introducing and passing family vlogger laws that require children to one day receive a portion of their parents’ earnings or restrict how often children can appear in their parents’ videos.
Yes, snark can veer into cyberbullying. But that shouldn’t discount its value as a tool for transparency. Influencers are ultimately brands. They sell audiences ideas, lifestyles and products.
When people feel as if they’ve been misled, we think they have every right to call it out.
Jessica Maddox, Assistant Professor of Journalism and Creative Media, University of Alabama and Jess Rauchberg, Assistant Professor of Communication Technologies, Seton Hall University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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