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'We want action': Disney employees stage walkouts, demand more LGBTQ support

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Disney employees around the country are calling on their company to live up to its expressed ideals when it comes to showing support for LGBTQ employees following The Walt Disney Company’s response to what critics have called Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
If signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Parental Rights in Education bill would restrict classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grades, prohibiting instruction on it through third grade in public schools. DeSantis said he plans to sign the bill soon and accused Disney of painting false narratives around the legislation.
After initial public silence on the matter, Disney CEO Bob Chapek apologized for not being a “stronger ally in the fight for equal rights” and announced a number of supportive measures, including donations to advocacy groups and reevaluating political giving.
Some employees don’t think that’s enough. They staged walkouts across Disney properties Tuesday, with a list of demands.
‘I LET YOU DOWN’:Disney CEO apologizes for ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill response
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Why are Disney employees protesting?
“We want action,” said Nicholas Maldonado, an Orlando-area Disney employee who had always loved working for the company but now won’t even watch Disney+.
“Be the fighter that you say you are,” he added Tuesday. “I challenge you, Mr. Chapek, that you stand with us.”
Chapek said Disney would pause political donations in Florida amid a restructuring of the framework for such giving, but walkout organizers and supporters want the company to permanently cut off donations to lawmakers who backed the bill.
They also want Disney to stop relocating employees to the state and stop construction and investment there until the bill is off the books. Construction is currently underway for two attractions at Walt Disney World, Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT and TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom.
Other demands include outlining spending and plans for content that increases LGBTQ representation.
In an internal memo to employees obtained by USA TODAY, Chapek initially said, “I believe the best way for our company to bring about lasting change is through the inspiring content we produce, the welcoming culture we create, and the diverse community organizations we support.”
In another memo sent days later, following the bill’s passage, he acknowledged the need to promote good “by telling inclusive stories, but also by standing up for the rights of all.”
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WHAT’S NEXT:Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill sparked national backlash. But more legislation is brewing.
Who’s protesting Disney?
Walt Disney Company employees at Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland in California, Disney Cruise Line, ABC, FX, National Geographic, Hulu, Walt Disney Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, LucasFilm, 20th Century Fox, Searchlight Pictures and Disney’s various other properties were invited to take part in Tuesday’s walkout.
Numerous employees took part in smaller walkouts over the past week and spoke out on social media.
On air, ESPN announcers Elle Duncan, Carolyn Peck, Courtney Lyle, Stephanie White and Pam Ward have observed moments of silence live during broadcasts, in solidarity with their colleagues.
Maldonado said he was “incredibly nervous” about protesting, but had to speak up on behalf of his identity and community.
“I want them to hear not just me, but many other LGBTQ cast members that are part of this company,” he said. “I cannot be any more proud to be part of the community. … I hope again I can be proud to be part of The Walt Disney Company.”
How has Disney responded?
Without specifically addressing walkouts, a number of Disney brands, like Disney+, ESPN and National Geographic posted supportive statements on social media Tuesday morning.
“We oppose any legislation that infringes on the basic human rights, and stand in solidarity and support our LGBTQIA+ cast, crew, guest and fans who make their voices heard today and every day,” Walt Disney World posted in Instagram.
USA TODAY sent multiple requests to Disney for further comment but did not receive a response.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy makes next job decision as Man Utd plan coaching appointment

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That decision failed to pay off, however, with the Red Devils sacking Moyes after just 10 months in charge.
After the current West Ham boss came Van Gaal, who arrived with big things expected due to his past success at the likes of Barcelona and Ajax.
Giggs was hoping to get the Red Devils job himself, which was why he stayed, but both ended up leaving nearly six years ago.
When Jose Mourinho took over, he opted to maintain his close relationship with Rui Faria – who had previously worked under him at clubs such as Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Fair departed in the summer of 2018, though, with Michael Carrick then given a place on Mourinho’s bench.
Carrick stayed to work under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the Norwegian also regularly picking up the thoughts of Phelan and Kieran McKenna throughout his spell in the dugout.
Want the latest football news? Join our brand new Facebook group by clicking here
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High cholesterol: Blood pressure drug linked to significant reduction in good cholesterol

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“Though they’re commonly used to treat different forms of heart disease, beta-blockers can significantly reduce HDL levels.”
Among the beta-blockers that cause this are Corgard (nadolol), Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Zebeta (bisoprolol).
These drugs are widely used in the treatment of angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart attack and high blood pressure.
But despite concerns about their effect on cholesterol, scientists stress that the benefits of beta-blockers far outweigh the risks.
VeryWell Health adds: “If your beta-blocker affects your cholesterol significantly, your doctor may lower your dose or switch you to a different medication.”
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Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez not on same page over Saudi Arabia GP after missile attack

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However, after a four-hour meeting between race officials and the teams, it was confirmed the race would go ahead despite the attack. It had been reported that a number of the competing drivers were concerned for their safety following the nearby explosion.
Despite this, an agreement was finally reached to race at 2:30am local time, after team chiefs left the lengthy meeting to confirm: “We will be racing.” A statement from Formula 1 confirmed Sunday’s race would go ahead as planned. It read: “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”
Unsurprisingly, there were a number of mixed views on whether the race should go ahead, and this is clearly apparent in the Red Bull setup. This comes after advisor Helmut Marko revealed that drivers Verstappen and Perez are not on the same page when it comes to racing.
JUST IN: F1 drivers ‘had concerns’ about Saudi Arabia GP as new details emerge after missile attack
On the issue, Marko told Sky Germany: “Max is a bit more relaxed about it. Perez is a little bit scared, but when you live in Mexico City there’s not much more security. We have the pandemic, we have the war in Europe and now we have a missile attack 20 kilometres away. This is no longer normal or pleasant.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s race though, the Austrian advisor is firmly on the side of Verstappen and the race officials, supporting the idea of the race taking place. He commented: “I really think it’s the right thing to do. As I said, these drone attacks are common, I think. They have a very good defence system. Why this one didn’t work remains to be seen. It’s not the first drone, after all. But it’s the first one to strike on such a scale.”
The attack took place during Friday’s first practice session, and it was Red Bull’s star man Verstappen who was one of the first to realise something was wrong after reporting on his team radio that he could ‘smell burning’. Initially, the Dutchman thought the smell was coming from either his or one of his rival’s cars, however it then became clear that an explosion had taken place just a few miles from the track.
Giving an insight into Verstappen’s initial worries, Marko said: “Max radioed us, he thought his car had caught fire because there was an intense burning smell. We were informed a drone had been sent from Yemen. The Saudis have a defence system and for some reason the drone was not intercepted.”
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