A new drug can slow the insidious impact of Alzheimer’s disease, a major clinical trial has found.

Patients taking the drug, known as lecanemab, showed a 27% decrease in cognitive decline compared to a control group, according to developers Biogen, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Eisai, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

“Starting as early as six months, across all time points, the treatment showed highly statistically significant changes in [dementia severity] from baseline compared to placebo,” the companies announced.

The news puts lecanemab — which is injected into a patient’s veins — one step closer to FDA approval.

“Today’s announcement gives patients and their families hope that lecanemab, if approved, can potentially slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and provide a clinically meaningful impact on cognition and function,” Biogen CEO Michel Vounatsos said.

“As pioneers in neuroscience, we believe defeating this disease will require multiple approaches and treatment options, and we look forward to continuing the discussion about the significance of these findings with the patient, scientific, and medical communities,” he said.

News of the milestone study, known as “Clarity AD,” also rippled in the finance world — Biogen’s stock soared around $73 to $270 upon the major announcement, Yahoo! Finance reported.

“We think that lecanemab holds mega blockbuster potential, likely in the $6 to $8 billion range,” Guggenheim Partners analyst Yatin Suneja wrote in a client memo on Wednesday.

Lecanemab represents a major rebound for Biogen after Aduhelm — the company’s previous try at an Alzheimer’s treatment — failed when brought to market in 2021, the New York Times reported.

The new drug’s intended, neurological purpose is to clear away plaques formed on the brain by an Alzheimer’s-connected protein called amyloid, thus reducing the disease’s major effects.

Eisai representatives will present the Clarity AD study findings to the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Congress in late November and will publish the research to a peer-reviewed medical journal.

“Eisai believes these findings will create new horizons in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as well as further activate innovation for new treatment options,” company CEO Haruo Naito said.

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The average American will experience symptoms of “hanger” almost every day of their lives, new research suggests.

A recent survey of 2,000 U.S. adults found three-fourths (74%) admit their hunger gets the best of them five times a week, culminating in an astounding 21,000+ “hangry” outbursts over the course of their lifetimes. 

People most commonly experience “hanger” as feelings of anger, grumpiness, impatience and fatigue. Regionally, the Northeast is the “hangriest” of all, with 46% saying they “always” or “often” experience this feeling. Countrywide, men are less likely to be “hangry” than women, with 32% saying they have never experienced “hanger,” as opposed to only 20% of women. 

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Farm Rich, the survey also revealed the most common reasons for people’s hunger-related irritability as mealtime delays (44%), a busy work schedule (37%) – a number that rose to 44% amongst millennials – never knowing what to cook (32%) and not having time to grocery shop (29%). 

“Hanger” is most frequently experienced at home (41%), but people’s crankiness seems to follow them to work (35%), when they’re shopping (34%), while running errands (33%) and traveling (33%). 

Perhaps to no one’s surprise, adults with small kids are the “hangriest” of all — 42% of people with kids ages 0 to 4 identify as frequently “hangry.” Overall, 39% of parents polled admitted to chowing down on their kids’ snacks to help ease their hunger pangs. And nearly seven in 10 (68%) parents are willing to let their kids eat whatever they want if it will stop them from having a “hangry” tantrum. 

Approaching someone who’s hungry and irritable? Here’s what you need to know: avoid talking too much (42%) and please don’t try to remove someone’s plate before they’re finished (38%). 

Fifty-eight percent of those who are “food grumpy” will even eat their least favorite food just to satisfy their cravings and 42% admitted to faux pas like eating leftovers they knew their significant other or roommate was saving for themselves. And (in true George Costanza style), 28% shockingly shared they’ve eaten food that’s been thrown out off the top of the garbage can, while 27% copped to eating expired food. 

Meghan Ozamiz, director of marketing for Farm Rich, says the new national survey seemed to really strike a chord with its respondents. 

“There are many reasons our moods can be affected by food and this poll shows us a lot of them,” said Ozamiz. “Also, we saw that snacks remain important, with more than half the respondents (56%) saying they try to always keep snacks on hand or fuel up with small meals throughout the day (55%).” 

When it comes to hot snacks versus cold, the results are about even. Slightly more than half of those surveyed (52%) say “a hot, savory snack is more satiating than a cold one.” 

There’s also a science behind hunger-related mood swings that are connected to our blood sugar levels. Snacks like fruit, dried fruit, nuts and nut butters require minimal prep and can help restore one’s emotional balance while managing blood sugar levels. 

If you’re having trouble getting over “the hump” on Wednesdays, hunger may be to blame – a third (33%) of those who get irritable say they’re likely to experience this emotion mid-week. The cause? More than half of the adults surveyed (53%) attribute it to skipping meals, with not eating on time being another big culprit (48%). 

Not surprisingly, grocery shopping while “hangry” often results in impulse buys and big checkout receipts. The majority of those surveyed copped to spending $51 to $100 more during a trip to the store. And among the top impulse food buys are the 4Cs: cheese, chips, chocolate and cookies.

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A quarter of Americans would rather shave their head than contact customer support, according to new research.

The survey of 2,000 Americans (who have ever dealt with customer support) revealed 24% would prefer to shave their head than speak with customer service — and that’s not the only extreme some respondents are willing to go to.

Instead of trying to resolve an issue, respondents would rather do their taxes (30%), go to the dentist (28%) or go to the DMV (25%). Twenty-two percent would even choose a night in jail over dealing with a customer support representative.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Twilio Flex, the survey looked at the effect customer service can have on Americans’ habits — then it also dug into the current pain points people experience, to see why they might go to such extremes to avoid resolving their issue.

According to the survey results, 62% of respondents have stopped using a company or service specifically because of a bad customer support experience.

And the opposite is true as well: 80% of respondents are more likely to be loyal to a company in the future if they have a positive experience with their support team.

Results found negative experiences, unfortunately, tend to be more prevalent: it takes an average of three attempts and more than an hour and a half on hold — in order to solve just one issue with customer support.

Respondents spend 42 minutes on hold each time they contact customer service, which they have to do about three times per issue.

But even once they are able to speak with a representative, their issue is resolved less than half the time — with an average success rate of only 46%.

Two-thirds (65%) of those surveyed said it “doesn’t feel worth it” to get an issue resolved, due to the time and effort it takes.

When asked about specific pain points, needing to repeat details of an issue to a new representative after being transferred or disconnected (45%) was revealed to cause the most frustration for respondents.

That was followed by needing to contact a company multiple times to get an issue resolved (42%) — and having only one option for a communication method (email, phone, etc.) to reach a customer support representative (40%).

And all the frustrations that come with contacting customer service might be why 66% of respondents delay reaching out.

For those who delay contacting someone after an issue arises, the average respondent waits for a little over two weeks — or about 16 days.

This has caused respondents to get stuck in unwanted contracts because they miss the cancellation window (46%), miss the return window for products (44%) and even lose money on an item or service (41%).

“A major root cause of bad customer service is enabling technology that isn’t built to meet today’s customer expectations,” said Simonetta Turek, GM of Customer Experience Products, including Flex, Twilio’s contact center solution. “Representatives aren’t equipped to deliver seamless and contextual experiences when they’re using outdated technology not designed foremost with the customer experience and customer journey in mind. This results in a poor experience for both the representatives and customers.”

What would help solve the common frustrations? Respondents would like it if representatives had access to relevant information to better serve them, so they don’t have to repeat themselves if transferred (54%).

In addition to that, people surveyed want to be able to solve their issue without speaking on the phone to a live person (52%) and have multiple ways to contact support to get their issue resolved (51%).

Results also found that — of those who currently delay reaching out to customer service — 84% said they’d be less likely to do so if they had multiple ways to contact them.

“Customers expect a different experience from businesses — one that is personalized from the very first interaction, from the point of sale all the way to when they reach out for assistance,” said Turek. “Businesses need to take advantage of the technology available to provide these end-to-end experiences. These include easy to implement omni-channel functionality, shared context across contact center representatives and other customer-facing personnel, such as retail floor associates, and providing personalized offers and relevant product or service information. Those that don’t adopt new channels and maximize the value of existing customer information will lose out on loyalty and ongoing business opportunities.”

TOP PAIN POINTS RESPONDENTS FIND WHEN DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SUPPORT

• Having to repeat details of the issue to a new representative after being transferred or being disconnected — 45%
• Having to contact a company multiple times to get an issue resolved — 42%
• Only having one option in which to reach a customer support representative (ex. needing to call or email; not having a live chat or SMS option) — 40%
• Not being able to reach a live person quickly — 39% (tied)
• Spending time on hold listening to bad music while — 39% (tied)
• Poor connection resulting in getting disconnected or having a hard time hearing the representative — 37%
• Not being able to resolve an issue online — 30%
• Navigating the button options (“press two for xx”) — 28%
• Limited times in which I can call for help — 24%

WHAT WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PAIN POINTS OF DEALING WITH CUSTOMER SUPPORT?

• The representative has access to relevant information to their issue, so they don’t have to repeat themselves when transferred — 54%
• Being able to solve their issue without speaking on the phone to a live person (through text, online live chat, self-service online etc.) — 52%
• Having multiple ways to contact customer support (phone call, SMS text, Whats App, online live chat) — 51%
• Clear directions on how to get connected to a live person quickly — 47%
• Being able to solve their issue online — 39%

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Bone appétit.

A Pennsylvania humane society has gone viral after an anonymous adopter bought a scrumptious lunch for the shelter dogs, who more than showed their appreciation.

Pictures of the pups pounding down McDonald’s cheeseburgers attracted all sorts of attention on the Humane Society of Lebanon County’s Facebook page, with many users left in stitches by the messy eaters last week.

“This shark … swallow that burger whole … a little shakin’ … a little tenderizin’ … down it goes,” Brad Hampton commented on a pic of a pup swallowing a cheeseburger whole.

“Those are not just cheeseburgers, Those are DOUBLE cheeseburgers!” Facebook user Vikki De acutely pointed out.

Some, like Debbie Evans, were delighted to see the good boys and girls being given a much-deserved treat.

“LOVE to see things like this! So clean and neat, and animals being treated with love! Way to go Lebanon County Humane Society!” she commented. “Way to be an example of great animal welfare advocates!!!”

Others were simply mesmerized by the ravenous rovers, like Facebook user DaVina Ray.

“He was taking those tiny fast bites ‘nom, nom, nom, nom, nom!’ ” she wrote on a pic of a chewing Chihuahua.

“This dog just saw God,” Damian Pepin commented on a photo of a gray dog happily chomping down on the Mickey D’s.

But as fun and silly as the incredibly happy meal may seem, it marked a sentimental moment for the Humane Society, too.

“Donated by a previous adopter, burgers for the dogs were given, in memory of Joe Kunder,” the organization wrote, remembering a local man who died in a motorcycle crash in June.

For Kunder’s service, it was asked that those close to him donated to the society in lieu of sending flowers.

“Today was his heavenly 55th birthday, and this is something he would’ve loved.”

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You can cozy up to this beauty — but it won’t come cheap.

A “cuddle therapist” is speaking out about her unusual occupation, revealing that a roster of regular clients pay up to $1,300 for the privilege of holding her in their arms.

Missy Robinson, 43, says hugging helps “heal the body, mind and spirit” and insists her services have nothing to do with sex.

“I am not a sex worker, and I have never had any clients attempt to do anything like that with me,” Robinson told Daily Mail on Wednesday, saying she makes both male and female customers sign an agreement before the healing can begin.

As part of the agreement, genitals and breasts are to be covered at all times and are strictly off limits for touching.

Robinson, a former fashion blogger and publicist who has only been working as a cuddle therapist for a short time, said some of her male clients have experienced erections while they are in an embrace, but it never poses an issue.

“While there is nothing sexual about it [cuddle therapy], sometimes people do become aroused and get embarrassed, but we just deal with it in a mature way,” she disclosed. “Touch can elicit these responses, it’s only natural, but we leave it there.”

The brunette beauty, who served in the Australian Army, also confirmed that most of her clients are male, and she believes their sessions have profound healing benefits.

“I know that men are often the ones who need services like this because they can be overlooked when it comes to mental health support,” Robinson stated, claiming that a lack of touch exacerbates loneliness and can cause overeating and self-destructive habits such as smoking and nail-biting.

However, Robinson revealed that she recently had one female customer who simply needed a “mommy cuddle.”

“She called me after her boyfriend of two and a half years walked out on her without an explanation,” Robinson recalled. “She was devastated … and she had no friends or family in the area. So I went to her.”

The professional cuddler likens her skills to that of a masseuse.

“I work like a massage therapist in some ways, using touch as a way to help relieve people of their pain. The skin is the biggest organ and the gateway to our emotional capacity. Some people hate the idea of being touched, but we are all programmed to need it,” she said.

For those who can’t afford four figures for a cuddle, Robinson offers a range of cheaper packages.

She charges $65 for a 1-hour cuddle session, but her most popular package is a 2-hour cuddle and meal session, which will set a client back $195.

For $1,300, Robinson will cuddle up with a customer overnight, holding them in her arms as they drift off to sleep.

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The average American is willing to pay more than twice as much as the sticker price for products that last a lifetime.

A new poll of 2,000 US adults found on average, people would pay 108% more than the listed cost of any item they’re shopping for, as long as it lasts at least 20 years.

Three in five respondents claimed they’re more inclined to spend money on quality items than something that’s cheaper both in price and quality.

Items that last the longest were reportedly the most “valuable” to 69% of respondents.

Sixty-one percent even believe some of the oldest things they own are ageless — seemingly always in style.

Commissioned by Slickdeals and conducted by OnePoll, the study found the average person has held onto their oldest owned items for 15 years, but some go rarely used.

The top oldest items owned and used daily include phones (25%), cars (13%) and watches (8%). Meanwhile, rarely used and held-onto items are shoes (15%) and coats (9%).

According to two-thirds (67%), some things are always worth paying more for, provided they last longer than average — cars (34%), kitchen appliances (34%), cookware (30%), TVs (28%) and phones (26%).

Over six in 10 (63%) have been burned by buying the cheap version of a product before.

“A cheap upfront cost does not always mean you won’t end up paying for it later,” said Louie Patterson, personal finance manager for Slickdeals, “The concept of buy it for life can be a valuable one. Investing in a higher quality item can ultimately save you on replacement costs, as well as the time and energy spent researching and shopping for a new item.”

Seven in 10 (71%) said they make sure their oldest items stick around, giving them any maintenance they need to keep them in working order.

Half of respondents (49%) also said they own an item they are sentimental about and hope to one day pass it down to future generations. Over half (57%) base the value of their longest-lasting items based on sentimentality, rather than money.

However, if forced to sell the long-lasting items that mean the most to them, the average respondent said they’d list it for no less than $1,243.

Results also revealed a third of Americans (31%) have purchased items with lifetime warranties. Twice as many (62%) knew their items would stand the test of time the instant they were bought.

More than three-quarters (77%) bought lifetime warranty products over alternatives strictly because of the warranty they came with. Thirty-two percent of lifetime warranty holders have  never had to use them.

“Overlooking quality by simply focusing on price is a mistake consumers sometimes make when looking for the best deal,” added Patterson. “Our community of millions of real shoppers is a great resource to ensure you’re getting the best products at the best prices.”

TOP ITEMS WORTH THE MONEY, IF THEY LAST FOREVER

• Cars – 34%
• Kitchen appliances – 34%
• Cookware – 30%
• TVs – 28%
• Phones – 26%
• Jewelry – 26%
• Watches – 25%
• Exercise equipment – 22%
• Dishware – 19%
• Shoes – 19%

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DEAR ABBY: I am almost 30, not married, no kids. I am a workaholic. I love my nieces and nephews to death, and being an aunt is one of my favorite things ever. My issue is: I don’t want to have kids. 

I started dating again a few months back, and it seems like any man I go on a date with thinks he can change my mind about kids. I have personal medical reasons for not wanting to give birth. Of course, if I do meet a man who has kids, that would be perfect! I’d be a great mom. 

So why is it I get called dirty names because I choose not to have kids? Everyone says I’ll change my mind once I meet the right guy, but this isn’t a negotiable issue. If we want to adopt or consider other options for kids, I am more than willing. There are children who need a home more than I need to bring one into this world just to pass on my DNA. Please help me understand what I am missing. — UNWAVERING IN IDAHO

DEAR UNWAVERING: Not every woman wants to bear children. That is a fact. For someone to call you “dirty names” because of how you feel is judgmental and presumptuous. Motherhood should be — and is — a personal choice, and birth control allows us the freedom to exercise that choice as we see fit. 

It’s possible you may be dating in the wrong age group. If you concentrate on older men who most likely already have children, I’m betting you will receive less flak and have a better outcome. There are also dating apps for couples who want to remain child-free or for those who are already parents. Check them out.

DEAR ABBY: My girlfriend has a penchant for long stories, many times on the phone, which are trivial. This morning, she called and proceeded to describe, at length, a nightmare she’d had last night. I try — I really do — to listen, but I usually wind up thinking, what’s the point of having a looong conversation about a nightmare? Because I got bored, I started using the computer to search for some meal coupons. When I found them, I interrupted her monologue, which led to a back-and-forth accusatory interchange, “I interrupt you, you interrupt me,” etc., etc., etc. 

I have always been easily bored with long-winded conversations about minor issues or non-issues. People sometimes criticize me because it’s obvious I’m not paying attention. How do I fix this so people don’t get offended when they persist with these pointless stories? Today I had to hang up as our “discussion” was escalating. — EASILY BORED IN LAS VEGAS 

DEAR EASILY BORED: If this happens regularly, the problem may be that you have a short attention span. However, if that’s not the case, it’s time you realized that relationships are based on people taking the time to communicate with each other. This includes hearing and listening as well as talking. If you value your relationship with your girlfriend, try to make more of an effort. And help her to compromise by pointing out how she can edit some of her longer monologues.

DEAR ABBY: This may seem kind of morbid, but I want to know if it I should write a letter to my daughter and son to be read after my death to let them know how very proud I am to have been their mother. Is this an OK thing to do? — GRATEFUL MOM IN THE MIDWEST

DEAR GRATEFUL MOM: I see nothing wrong with it. However, an even better thing to do would be to convey that message to your son and daughter often while you are still among the living.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at http://www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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A huge social media star has given her first born child a very unusual name – and internet is divided over whether they love it or hate it.

Trisha Paytas recently welcomed daughter Malibu Barbie with husband Moses Hacmon after struggling with fertility issues.

The influencer, who originally shot to online fame on YouTube in 2006, has been documenting her pregnancy with her millions of followers.

But fans have been left divided over the 34-year-old’s “bold” choice in name, with some even questioning if the moniker was real.

“Leave it to Trish to give her a horrible name. She’s a baby not a doll,” one furious woman wrote on Twitter.

“No way Trisha Paytas named her baby Malibu Barbie…” another questioned.

“Malibu Barbie. It’s certainly a bold choice, glad mum, dad and baby are healthy and happy but that’s a name,” someone else added.

As one ranted: “Malibu Barbie is cruel and selfish. It is an ugly game played by the poor baby’s parents. It is NOT a cute name.”

However others said the unusual name was “cute”, adding it was a “fitting” choice for Trisha who is known for being eccentric and over the top.

“Idk bout you all but I think that the name ‘Malibu’ is so cute for a baby. Trisha Paytas did something right for once,” one wrote.

“Controversial opinion but I love Trisha Paytas’ baby’s name… Malibu Barbie is so cute,” another agreed.

“Yall sh*tting on Trisha Paytas’ baby’s name but after lots of consideration I have decided that I kinda love it,” someone else mused.

But the moniker is so “out there” it has left some convinced it is a “fake” name given in order to protect the bub’s privacy.

It appears Trisha, who has described her daughter as a “miracle”, isn’t letting the commentary affect her and has given fans a full tour of little Malibu Barbie’s fully decked out nursery.

Pink nursery cops backlash

The YouTube star shared a video showing off the luxury nursery husband Moses had created for their first child.

The pink room has handpainted murals on the wall of the iconic kids toy as well as beach scenes and their daughter’s name Malibu Barbie emblazoned across the wall where the pink cot is positioned.

Everything from the carpet to the furniture is pink – even Trisha’s outfit as she gives the tour to fans.

However, the striking room has attracted criticism, with some claiming the new mom is going “overboard” with the Barbie branding.

“Girl about to be sued by Mattel,” one woman claimed.

“This child is having a personality shoved onto her and it’s breaking my heart,” another argued.

But there were also plenty who “loved” the nursery, telling Trisha she “nailed it”.

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Doggone it!

An Alabama dog breeder was in for quite a shock when he discovered that his French bulldog gave birth to a bright green puppy.

Mark Ruffin was surprised when his dog Freya, who was supposed to give birth via C-section, managed to deliver her pups on her own.

But after one of the pups died, Freya was hurried to the vet, according to the Daily Star. She had eight in total.

As for the little one coated in the highlighter-esque hue, Ruffin believed at first that she just needed to be cleaned.

However, as the days went by, the color stayed put.

He told the outlet: “When I first saw the dog I thought it was dirty because that’s what the doctor said, she didn’t even know what it was. I got home and cleaned it about four times that night and I let the mother clean it and it never went away.”

Ruffin is still trying to come up with a name for the puppy and is considering Chloe.

Green-colored Frenchies appear to be an infrequent phenomenon and supposedly occur when puppies interact with biliverdin — a green bile.

The famed bat-eared, snout-nosed breed’s coats come in a variety of colors, including the extremely rare (and expensive) stone-blue hue, as well as black, tan, fawn, brindle, gray, dark brown and cream.

Frenchies have been the go-to breed for many celebs, including Megan thee Stallion, Martha Stewart, Patrick Dempsey, Ty Dolla $ign and Lady Gaga.

The “Shallow” singer’s little monsters, Koji and Gustav, were unfortunately taken while her dog walker was out with them for their daily stroll in 2021.

The walker — Ryan Fischer — was shot in the chest and suffered a collapsed lung last year.

The pop star’s dogs were returned two days later by a woman who claimed she had found them and wanted the $500,000 reward Gaga promised.

However, it was later discovered that the woman was in cahoots with the group who had connections to the dognapping and shooting.

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“Pose” actress and trans activist Angelica Ross is now a part of showbiz history. The Wisconsin native is starring in “Chicago” as Roxie Hart, making her the first openly transgender woman to play a leading part on Broadway.

“I definitely learned that at this ripe age of 41 this body is still flexible,” she told me on this week’s “Renaissance Man.”

“I remember after the first dance rehearsal, I got up the next day and my body was just crying and screaming and I was just like, ‘What did I get myself into.’ But as I got to rehearsal, my body started to snap back into it.”

Yes, life just keeps getting better for Angelica, who is seeing more success and acceptance than ever. And she’s come a long way in her incredible journey.

She grew up acting and dancing but also entrenched in the church. At a young age, she knew she was different from the other kids and, as she tried to deal with those feelings, she became suicidal. When she was going into high school, Angelica told her parents that she needed therapy.

“I remember, my father is like, ‘Ain’t nothing wrong with you.’ Therapy wasn’t encouraged, you know, at that time. So it was extremely hard navigating a space, knowing even in my own home that my mom is subconsciously setting the tone and making [it known], ‘Ain’t nobody better be gay in this house.’ So it was a nightmare navigating that situation.”

And then something horrific and unthinkable happened. Her mother essentially told her to commit suicide.

“She told me, either kill myself or she had to kill herself, because the church did not condone raising a child like me. And I attempted suicide that evening and luckily survived … But what I would say is this: My life could have ended there and I would not have had the ripple effect that my life has had on this planet, not just on my own family, but in the ways that I have helped move our conversations forward.”

Since September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, I have to point out that the star is a walking testament to the fact that suicide is not the answer.

Angelica ended up transitioning and found solace in therapy, the theatre and eventually Buddhism. Her role in “Pose” taught her to “sell it. Confidence is key. And if you know how to sell it, anything can happen. You know, confidence is kind of the game changer.”

And man, does she have a lot of moxie and confidence. “It comes from a tried and tested sort of journey of not giving up.”

She has also acted in “American Horror Story” and is the CEO of a firm that employs trans people in tech. And Angelica marvels at how things have changed for young people since she was a kid.

“I look at the kids nowadays, like even like your Zaya Wades … and I’m thinking to myself, like, I wish I had [that] and I don’t even know where that courage is coming from. And I’m courageous, but to be coming out like that out the gate and be in school around other kids who are just nasty and abusive.”

But perhaps she can take credit for much of that change.

At the moment, she’s reveling in her “Chicago” role and she hopes to continue to land in more high-profile theater productions.

“My next dream Broadway role will be Elphaba in ‘Wicked.’ You know, the green witch. People don’t know, if you read the book, she was actually born intersex.”

Her advice for young people who want to be in her position?

“Everything is possible if you focus and follow your own drum and, like, are willing to do the work. It looks like a lot of work. It looks impossible sometimes, but just know that you can do anything that you’re willing to take responsibility for.”

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline by calling 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

Detroit native Jalen Rose is a member of the University of Michigan’s iconoclastic Fab Five, who shook up the college hoops world in the early ’90s. He played 13 seasons in the NBA, before transitioning into a media personality. Rose is currently an analyst for “NBA Countdown” and “Get Up,” and co-host of “Jalen & Jacoby.” He executive produced “The Fab Five” for ESPN’s “30 for 30” series, is the author of the best-selling book, “Got To Give the People What They Want,” a fashion tastemaker, and co-founded the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in his hometown.

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