We’re no where near the middle of outrage from proposed congressional budget cuts, the most visible of which would eliminate funding for staples like the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Sesame Street in particular made headlines switching from PBS funding to HBO, though both it, and Jimmy Kimmel have now placed Big Bird in the spotlight to address the historic cut.
The longevity of Sesame Street has seen some inevitable turnover through the years, some less controversial than others, but the latest loss will have most everyone in a nostalgic fit. Sonia Manzano, best known as the iconic Maria, will say goodbye to Sesame Street after a whopping 44 years on the air.
Today is not a sunny day on Sesame Street. Kevin Clash, the voice actor and puppeteer behind Elmo, the show's most popular character, has taken an indefinite leave of absence following allegations the he had sexual relations with an underage boy.