Clown School Teaches Failure, Chile Freezes Plants, & More!

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Comedy Icon Catherine O'Hara Dies at 71; Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Remembered

Catherine O'Hara, the celebrated comedy actress known for her roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek," died Friday at the age of 71. Her death coincided with ongoing discussions about the legacy of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, who died in September 2025.

O'Hara, whose career spanned over half a century, was renowned for her ability to portray larger-than-life characters with "enormous feelings," according to Time magazine. Her performances were often histrionic, narcissistic, and full of passion. She was known for playing people at the end of their ropes or legends in their own unbalanced minds.

Meanwhile, the conservative movement continued to grapple with the void left by Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk, who aimed to counter liberal indoctrination in universities, was fatally shot on a Utah college campus in September 2025. His death sparked grief among conservatives, and prompted then President Donald Trump to threaten a crackdown on the radical left, according to Vox. This year's AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Arizona, commemorated Kirk's life. Vox reported that some of Kirk's followers are drifting toward Nick Fuentes, his onetime nemesis.

In other news, a clown school near Paris emphasizes failure as a key lesson for its students. According to NPR, the school puts students in situations where pleasing the audience is nearly impossible, teaching them valuable lessons about the art of clowning.

NPR also reported on efforts in Chile to preserve plant biodiversity in the world's driest desert. The Initihuasi Seed Bank is working to freeze its future to protect plants.

Time magazine also delved into the film "Send Help," describing the "savage final act" of the movie. The film follows the evolving relationship between CEO Bradley Preston (Dylan O'Brien) and his employee Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams) after they are marooned on a desert island.