#Timesup for Harassment

Women in Hollywood are fed up and not going to take it anymore. More than three hundred female powerhouse actors, agents, writers, directors, producers and entertainment executives are starting the new year off with a plan to fight the systemic sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and workplaces across the US. Famous names in the effort include Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Reese Witherspoon, Rashida Jones, American Ferrara, and Kerry Washington.

The Time's Up campaign, which was announced with a full-page ad in the New York Times, includes a $13 million legal defense fund that will provide subsidized legal support to women and men who have experienced sexual harassment, assault or abuse in the workplace and while in pursuit of their careers. 

Visit the website here to learn more.

Protests Grip Iran 

At least 13 people have died in anti-government protests in Iran. The unrest began last week with protests against prices risinh and general corruption, but have spread across the nation with rising anti-government sentiment.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said of the the violence, "This is nothing. Criticism and protest are an opportunity not a threat." Despite this statement, the government has continued to crack down on the protesters. 

Read more here.

Star Wars Passes the $4 Billion Mark

In what might total the GDP of a small country, Disney and Lucasfilm's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Stars Wars: The Force Awakens have made more than $4 billion in ticket sales at the worldwide box office. The Last Jedi cleared the $1 billion mark over new year's weekend becoming the top-grossing 2017 release.

Learn more here.