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1999 Classic Ballad, Which Won an Oscar, Remains a Timeless Anthem 27 Years Later

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 7:24pm

It's been almost three decades since Phil Collins' impactful soundtrack to the animated filmTarzan first came out, but even now, his songs are finding new fans every day.

One song in particular, the emotional ballad "You'll Be in My Heart," is still touching hearts so many years later. The song was originally written for Collins' young daughter, Lily, as a lullaby before he altered it to fit the film.

In the film, the song provides a touching moment between the main character, Tarzan, and his adoptive mother, Kala. Collins wrote and performed all of the songs for the Disney animated movie.

Fans loved the songs when the movie first came out in 1999, leading to "You'll Be in My Heart" being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Collins took home the prestigious award at the 2000 award ceremony, beating out tracks from other films like Toy Story 2 and Music of the Heart. It also won the Golden Globe for the same category.

Related: 1985 Soft Rock Classic by Phil Collins Hit No. 1 41 Years Ago Today

This was the first time that Disney featured music sung by a singer as opposed to a character. In a 1999 interview with CNN, Collins touched on this milestone.

He said, "They've never done it. And I was actually a bit surprised that I was going to be asked to do that." Going on, he noted that he had to "forget about" all the charisma and personality he would have on stage performing rock music while crafting and performing the music for Tarzan.

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Collins also sang "You'll Be in My Heart" in multiple different languages for dubbed versions of the movie. It was his first time singing in a different language. This included French, Spanish, German and Italian.

The song wasn't as big of a success on the music charts as some of Collins' past hits, peaking at 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although it held the top spot on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for many weeks.

Related: 1984 Rock Classic Collab Hit No. 1 41 Years Ago Today

Anson Mount Reveals He Originally Auditioned for a Different 'Star Trek' Captain

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 7:10pm

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds star Anson Mountrevealed he originally auditioned for a different Star Trekcharacter before landing the role of Captain Chrisphor Pike.

During a July 2026 interview with Stream Wars, alongside his castmates Celia Rose Goodingand Rebecca Romijn, Mount explained that he was contacted about Star Trek: Discovery after his series, Hell on Wheels, ended in 2016. Mount, who is a long-time fan of Star Trek, said he was immediately interested in starring in Star Trek: Discovery, which had a five-season run until 2024. The actor then revealed that he was in talks to play Captain Gabriel Lorca, a role that eventually went to Jason Isaacs.

"I actually had initially been talking to them and auditioning for the role of Lorca, the captain in the first season of Discovery, and they very wisely hired Jason Isaacs," said Mount during the interview.

He went on to say that he eventually was happy about not being chosen to play Lorca because he ended up being cast as Captain Pike for the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, which premiered in 2019.

Mount has continued playing Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which began airing in 2022.

Anson Mount Revealed How He Became Interested in 'Star Trek'

During a July 2026 interview on The Social, Mount shared that he became a fan of Star Trek after his mother introduced him to Star Trek: The Original Series "when [he] was about seven or eight." He clarified that he watched the series, which had a three-season run until 1969, while it "was running in syndication."

"I've just sort of been a Trekkie ever since," said Mount.

He then said, however, that he never believed that he would ever end up starring in a Star Trek project.

"It wasn't even on my bucket list because I never thought to myself, 'Well, I'll be on Star Trek one day.' You just don't think that that's going to happen, right? And then you find yourself in the [captian 's] chair, and you're like, 'I'm from White Bluff, Tennessee. This is so weird,'" said the 53-year-old during his appearance on The Social.

The fourth season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds began airing on July 23.

Pamela Anderson Breaks Silence on 'Baywatch' Return With a Surprising Verdict

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 7:00pm

Pamela Anderson will always be known for her role as C.J. Parker in the 1989 television show Baywatch

Almost forty years after it first aired, the series is returning with a reboot by Fox. Anderson told Deadline she wants “to make really bold choices” and has “no plans” to appear in the new Baywatch

“No one’s reached out to me. I don’t know much about it. I know that they were talking to my sons at some point about producing, but I don’t think they had a meeting of the minds. I’m not sure what happened there, but I wish them well. It was a great job, and I loved going to work every day on the beach. I would have been there anyway. [Laughs] At the time, it taught me a lot, and it gave me worldwide exposure. Everything I’ve done has led me to here, which is a blessing. But I have no plans of going back to Baywatch,” she said.

She added, “If my kids were involved, I probably would have listened to them. I think I’ve just got to keep on seeing what else is out there. I get that there’s a lot of really great TV out there right now, but I’ve already done that. Now is my time to really play with different characters. I don’t want to just fill my time until the end of the year. I have options, and some things I’m thinking about, including some theater again. I want to make really bold choices. I want to surprise people. I want to surprise myself. And so I’m trying to do things I haven’t done in the past.”

Anderson earned a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the 2024 film The Last Showgirl. Her latest project is the satirical dark comedy Rosebush Pruning. She stars in the film alongside CallumTurner, RileyKeough, ElleFanning, JamieBell, Elena Anaya, and Lukas Gage

Fans React to LeBron James Signing With the Philadelphia 76ers

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:58pm

Yesterday, LeBron James announced that he will be signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on an $8 million, two-year contract. The announcement comes weeks after James announced he’d be turning in his gold and purple uniform and leaving the Lakers, after spending eight seasons on the team. The move sent shockwaves through the sports world, and since learning of the player’s decision, fans have taken to social media platforms to react and share their excitement and thoughts. 

Many fans are excited for his decision, while others question why he chose to go with Philly over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat or Golden State Warriors. The decision was also announced after the Miami Heat posted a link to a scheduled live stream titled, “LeBron James Introductory Press Conference,” which led many to believe James would choose the Miami Heat. 

“Bron ending his career on a team he has no history with is odd. I don’t like it personally,” tweeted X user @_veryhateful. Yesterday, LeBron James tweeted a statement after his move to the 76ers was announced. “This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” he said.

LeBron James shared on social media why he chose to join the Philadelphia 76ers. pic.twitter.com/cziKIXH9eu

— ESPN (@espn) July 24, 2026

Several fans couldn’t be more excited, and some are hoping for a LeBron James cameo in Abbott Elementary. Creator and star of the show, Quinta Brunson, has already announced she’s on board. And after cameos from Philadelphia Eagles players Jalen Hurts, Jason Kelce, Brandon Graham and DeVonta Smith, and Philadelphia Phillies player Kyle Schwarber, who knows? "We need a cameo from Zhuri!" one person commented on @culturecentral_'s post. Others commented asking for a Savannah cameo.

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And of course, sports icons are reacting to the news. Dawn Staley took to Instagram to share her excitement, captioning her video, “YOOOOO PHILLY STAND ALL THE WAY UP!! @ sixers @KingJames let’s gooooooo!!!!”.

Excitement and thoughts from fans aren’t the only thing taking over social media. The memes have already started, too. From viral videos to TikTok edits, reactions from NBA fans are flooding almost every social media platform. X user @IsBronA76erYet woke up from their eight-year slumber to react to the news.

@prodantt

bron to philly 7️⃣6️⃣ || #lebronjames #b6 #philadelphia76ers #NBA #fyp

♬ original sound - 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐭 @rentduetwin

#lebron #nba #lebronjames #76ers #fyp

♬ Trap All Star - Fatt Macc

Some wonder what the future of the NBA and sports in Philadelphia will look like now that James will be in Philly. The Philadelphia Eagles and sports reporters like Mariah Rose have also weighed in on the breaking news. According to Bleacher Report, James decided to join the 76ers at 1 AM. USA Today reports that the NBA schedule was dependent on LeBron James making a decision. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement last week in The Hollywood Reporter. “We have to finish up the schedule, right? And where LeBron plays will affect the schedule. So I would like him to make his announcement already, so we can finish the schedule. Because as you might imagine, the teams are calling us, the networks are calling us, and everybody wants to lock in the schedule. But it will influence how we set the schedule, how we set opening week, Christmas Day, etc,” he said.

LeBron James and Jalen Hurts in the same city.

We won't hear about anything but Philly sports in the media for the next 2 years.#Eagles #Sixers

— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) July 24, 2026

1976 'The Jacksons' Performance Featured a Rare Reunion of the Entire Family

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:48pm

When The Jacksons debuted in 1976, it wasn’t just another musical variety show. It was one of the first opportunities for television audiences to see the Jackson family perform outside the looming shadow of The Jackson 5 and Motown. While Michael,Jackie, Tito, Marlon, and Randy were the stars of the weekly series, fans were treated to one unforgettable performance of "Do the Fonz," a Happy Days-inspired musical number that featured the rare sight of nearly the entire Jackson family together on stage—including baby sisterJanet.

The Jacksons Began a New Chapter for the Famous Family @mskatherinejackson

The jackson variety show 1977 performance of do the fonze #JanetJackson #MichaelJackson #Randyjackson #Latoyajackson #rebbiejackson #jackiejackson #marlonjackson #titojackson #titotime #1977 #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #Mj #thejackson5 #mjinnocent #mjfans #mjjforever #thekingofpop #tvshows #70s

♬ original sound - KatherineJackson

Created after the Jackson brothers left Motown for Epic Records, The Jacksons premiered on CBS on June 16, 1976. With Motown retaining the rights to the "Jackson 5" name, the group performed under the name "The Jacksons."

The weekly series featured comedy sketches, celebrity guests, and elaborate musical performances that highlighted the brothers’ seemingly endless talents and charisma. While the Jacksons were already household names by 1976, few Black family acts had ever headlined a primetime variety series, making the show a trailblazer in its own right.

"Do the Fonz" Became One of the Show's Most Memorable Moments

The series was filled with standout performances, but none quite like the unforgettable rendition of "Do the Fonz," inspired by Henry Winkler’s scene-stealing character Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli on the hit sitcomHappy Days.

The routine blended comedy and choreography with the Jacksons’ signature precision dance moves, capturing the playful spirit that became a hallmark of the variety series. The song itself reflected one of the biggest pop culture crazes of the 1970s, but what made the performance truly memorable was the group of performers surrounding Michael Jackson.

"Do the Fonz" featured nearly the entire Jackson family, including younger sister Janet Jackson, still years away from launching her own legendary solo career. Other siblings beyond the original Jackson 5 also appeared, turning the routine into a true family affair that showcased the extraordinary talent running throughout the entire family.

Related: Michael Jackson's Daughter Stuns Fans With 'No Rain' Cover: 'He'd Be So Proud'

A Rare Time Capsule of the Jackson Family's Talent @mskatherinejackson

#michaeljackson #marlonjackson #titojackson #janetjackson #rebbiejackson #latoyajackson #randyjackson #jackiejackson #mj #thejacksons #Thejackson5 #fyp #fypシ #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #viral #kingofpop #thejacksonfamily #janfam #mjinnocent #70s #tvshow #comedy #family

♬ original sound - KatherineJackson

The Jackson family has produced one of the most remarkable collections of entertainers in popular music history. Michael Jackson would become the biggest pop star in the world. Sister Janet Jackson would emerge as one of music’s most influential performers, selling more than 100 million records while redefining pop and R&B. Siblings Rebbie, La Toya, and Jermaine also built successful recording careers, while the brothers continued touring and recording for decades.

Watching "Do the Fonz" today is not only a nostalgic reminder of the golden age of television variety shows, but also a striking example of how naturally performance came to every member of the family.

Nearly 50 years later, "Do the Fonz" is more than a fun throwback performance. It serves as a rare time capsule capturing one of entertainment’s most influential families before their individual careers took dramatically different paths.

For fans revisiting the performance today, it’s a reminder that the Jackson family’s legacy in music and popular culture wasn’t built by one superstar alone. Their enormous popularity—and the continued fascination with the family—was the product of a collective talent that helped shape television, pop music, and live performance for generations.

Ayyy.

Related: This 1976 'Welcome Back, Kotter' Episode, Featuring an Iconic 'Barbara Ann' Parody, Previewed a Future Superstar

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Country Star Suffers Nasty Fall While Leaving His Concert in Michigan

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:42pm

Morgan Wallen suffered a nasty fall during one of his sold-out concerts over the weekend. The country music superstar, 33, has been busy this summer playing shows as part of the 2026 Still The Problem Tour, and his latest stop saw him left with an unexpected injury. 

On Friday, July 24, during night one of a back-to-back run at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Wallen was engaging with fans, high-fiving them before making his way to the locker room. Unfortunately, it was at that moment that he missed his footing and appeared to roll his ankle. 

RELATED: Country Star Reveals He May Retire in the Next Two Years: ‘I’ve Been Really Looking at It’

A video posted on TikTok by Country Central shows Wallen jumping up to catch a high-five from one of his fans while exiting through the stadium tunnel of “The Big House.” On his way down, he appears to take a fall, hurting the lower half of his body in the process, although that footage is not shown in the clip. 

@countrycentral

#MorganWallen shares that landed awkwardly and hurt his ankle after his show last night in Michigan.

♬ original sound - Country Central

Wallen’s security staff appeared to act promptly, helping him up and following him through the tunnel, where the “Been By Now” hitmaker sat down to take a breather from the incident. 

“Knee? Ankle?” One person behind the camera lens can be heard asking Wallen to which he tries his best to get up from the floor and walk off the pain.   

“I hope you are okay. That looked painful,” one fan wrote in the comments section of the post while a second person added, “Praying for him. Hope he is okay.” 

“Oh no! So sorry, Morgan. Hope you’re okay,” a third user commented.  

At this point, it is unclear the extent of Wallen's injury, but the incident seems to be minor, as he addressed the situation on his personal Instagram page, notifying fans that he may appear to move a bit slower as he continues with night two of his two-night stint in Michigan. 

“Michigan, if I appear somewhat hobbled tonight, it’s because I am,” he captioned in his Instagram Stories of the video clip. 

Wallen also shared an image in a second Instagram Story that showed his foot appearing in an unnatural position.

All injuries aside, Wallen recently earned his 21st No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and his 22nd overall with “Don’t We.” 

Wallen only has a few shows left on his 23-stadium Still The Problem Tour as the trek is expected to wrap on Aug. 1 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Penn. For a complete list of concerts, visit Morgan Wallen’s official website.

Related: 1968 No. 1 Hit Ranked Among the ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ Was Written in 20 Minutes

Best-Selling Author's 2013 Novel Ranked Among Best Books of All Time

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:36pm

More than a decade after it introduced readers to a woman history had largely condemned, Hannah Kent's Burial Rites has earned a place among some of literature's most celebrated titles.

The 2013 novel was recently included on Pan Macmillan's list of the 50 best books of all time. It appears in the historical fiction section, where the publisher described it as a "dark yet thrilling work" and an "unputdownable must-read."

Set in northern Iceland in 1829, Burial Rites reimagines the final months of Agnes Magnúsdóttir, a real woman condemned to death for her involvement in the murders of two men.

While awaiting her execution, Agnes is sent to live with District Officer Jón Jónsson and his family on their remote farm. The family is initially horrified by her presence, but as Agnes shares her account of what happened, their certainty about her guilt begins to weaken. A young assistant reverend named Tóti is also assigned to prepare Agnes for death and becomes determined to understand her.

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Kent first encountered Agnes' story when she was a 17-year-old exchange student in Iceland. She was driven past the location of the country's last execution and became curious about the woman at the center of it.

"I spent the rest of my exchange and the years that followed it trying to satisfy my curiosity," Kent told Authorlink. "Who was Agnes? What social, political or cultural circumstances had contributed to her fate?"

Kent later spent nearly two years researching 19th-century Iceland, using censuses, ministerial records, original documents and other historical sources to reconstruct Agnes' world. She said she was frustrated by accounts that presented Agnes as simply evil and wanted the novel to explore her humanity.

Burial Rites became an international bestseller and was translated into more than 30 languages. It was also shortlisted for the 2014 Women's Prize for Fiction and earned several honors in Australia, establishing Kent as a major new voice in historical fiction.

Kent later released the novels The Good People and Devotion. In 2025, she revisited the Icelandic exchange that changed her life in her memoir, Always Home, Always Homesick, while also reflecting on how her understanding of Agnes' story has changed through the years.

"For every story we hear, there is another side that may be as equally, subjectively true," Kent said. Its new place among Pan Macmillan's must-read books suggests readers remain captivated by the other side of Agnes' story.

Related: Best-Selling Author's Novel Ranked No. 1 'Book You Can't Live Without' on Goodreads

Trump's WHCA Jab at Rosie O'Donnell Had One Glaring Problem

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:21pm

The rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner went off without a hitch on Friday, July 24th, at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. And while Donald Trumpended his hour-plus speech by saying he has “tremendous respect for the people in this room,” it looks like he doesn’t have the same level of admiration for actress Rosie O’Donnell.

Quick quips and jabs at journalists are all part of this annual event. But this year, the President took aim at one of his long-time Hollywood foes. Even though Trump went after Rosie, attempting to roast the comedian, most of his ‘jokes’ missed the mark. 

Donald Trump at the WHCA Dinner. (Photo by Eric Lee/Getty Images)

Case in point, it doesn’t seem like the President knows where O’Donnell is right now! Trump started his Rosie rant with, “Even Rosie O’Donnell reached out from Ireland. She really wanted to be here in order to honor me. She loves me very much. She was desperate to come back to the United States and pay her respects to Donald J. Trump.”

He continued, “But that didn’t work out, unfortunately, because nobody wanted her to come back.”

The President added, mocking O’Donnell’s age, “But she’s one of the greatest sufferers of Trump Derangement Syndrome. She’s a sick young woman. Sick older woman, I guess now I have to say.”

Actress Rosie O'Donnell during an interview with Seth Meyers. (Photo by: Paula Lobo/NBC via Getty Images)

While this bit could have worked back in April when the original WHCA Dinner was scheduled, it didn’t go over well on Friday. O’Donnell, who did move to Ireland in a somewhat unsuccessful bid to distance herself from Trump, is very much already back in the U.S. 

Her recent media blitz for her autobiographical one-woman show ‘Common Knowledge’ (now on Broadway) has put the former daytime host in the spotlight repeatedly. 

O’Donnell appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers earlier in the week and is scheduled to guest-host Jimmy Kimmel Live! from August 17 through August 20. 

Even though her Broadway engagement and guest-hosting duties will end in August, O’Donnell reportedly said that she could stay in the United States. During an appearance on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress’ podcast, Rosie shared, “I sold everything before I left, and so I’m hoping to get a place in New Jersey near my kids so that I could, when I’m home, we can have a home base here as well. You know. So I’m planning on doing that, and you know, I don’t know how long we’ll stay there.”

She added, “I think it really does depend on what happens politically in the country and if I feel mentally healthy enough to, you know, battle those demons. And some days I do. Some days I feel very strong, and other days I feel like, oh boy, this is a lot. You know. Yeah, he like bombards you. It’s always he’s doing something.”

Best-Selling Author’s 1989 Novel Ranked Among Best Books of All Time

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:15pm

More than 35 years after it first captivated readers, Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth continues to stand among the world's most celebrated novels.

The bestselling 1989 historical epic has been included on Pan Macmillan's list of the 50 best books of all time, joining literary masterpieces by authors including Cormac McCarthy, Bret Easton Ellis, Charles Dickens, and Toni Morrison. The recognition underscores the novel's enduring influence and remarkable staying power.

Originally published in 1989, The Pillars of the Earth represented a bold departure for Follett.

Already known internationally for thrillers such as Eye of the Needle, the Welsh author turned his attention to medieval England, crafting an expansive story centered on the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge during the 12th century. Blending historical events with richly drawn fictional characters, the novel explores ambition, faith, politics, love, and survival across decades of upheaval.

"My publishers were nervous," Follett later wrote in a piece for Oprah's Book Club. "They wanted another spy story. My friends were also apprehensive. They know that I enjoy success. I'm not the kind of writer who would deal with a failure by saying that the book was good but the readers were inadequate. I write to entertain, and I'm happy doing so. A failure would make me miserable. No one tried to talk me out of it, but lots of people expressed anxious reservations."

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The bold pivot paid off.

Although Follett's publisher initially questioned whether readers would embrace such an ambitious historical novel, The Pillars of the Earth became an international bestseller.

Its vivid storytelling and meticulous historical detail earned widespread praise, introducing millions of readers to medieval history through an unforgettable cast of builders, monks, nobles, and ordinary townspeople.

As beloved as the novel has become is as difficult as it was for Follett to write.

"The real challenge was to tell the story of how a cathedral is built without getting bogged down in technicalities – and the technicalities of cathedral building are pretty complicated!" he told Pan Macmillan. "I had a famous book called The Construction of Gothic Cathedrals and I had to try to take from that the essence, the bones of it, and make it clear and easily comprehensible to the reader. It was also difficult for me to write 375,000 words because previously all my books have been around 90 to 100,000 words. And the thing about a long book is you’ve got to keep on making up more stuff about the same group of characters!"

The novel also launched one of historical fiction's most successful series.

Follett later returned to Kingsbridge with World Without End (2007), A Column of Fire (2017), The Evening and the Morning (2020), and The Armor of Light (2023), expanding the fictional world across centuries. Together, the Kingsbridge novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and remain among the most popular works in the genre.

Beyond its commercial success, The Pillars of the Earth has left a lasting cultural impact.

The novel inspired a television miniseries, a board game, and a video game, while continuing to appear on recommended reading lists for fans of historical fiction. Readers have long praised its immersive world-building and unforgettable characters, qualities that have helped it remain a favorite across generations.

Now, more than three decades after its publication, The Pillars of the Earth has earned another prestigious distinction with its inclusion on Pan Macmillan's list of the greatest books of all time. For Ken Follett, the novel that once marked a dramatic shift in his career has become the work that defines his literary legacy, and one of the most beloved historical novels ever written.

Related: Best-Selling Author’s 2014 Novel Ranked Among Best Books of All Time

75 Random Questions To Ask That Can Help You Get To Know Someone New or Deepen an Existing Bond

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:15pm

Whether you’re getting to know someone you just met, spending time with your closest friends or hoping to bring a little more fun into a conversation, the right questions can help people open up in ways you'd never expect. In fact, a simple query can lead to a funny story, a favorite memory, a surprising opinion or give you a glimpse into the little things that make someone special. After all, some of the best conversations happen when you ask a random question.

But coming up with fun questions and conversation starters on the spot can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to avoid the same 'ole small talk. That’s why we rounded up 75 random questions to ask that can help you get to know someone new or deepen an existing bond. These questions are perfect for first dates, road trips with friends and family or those moments when you’re bored. While they're a bit different than icebreaker questions, these could also do the trick with new people, too.

From silly questions that make you LOL to more thoughtful ones that reveal how someone sees the world, these conversation starters can help you discover things about the people in your life (new and old) that you may have never known. Whether you’re looking for a deeper connection, a good laugh or just a way to make the moment more memorable, these questions are an easy way to get your conversation flowing.

Related: 135 of the Most Confusing Trick Questions That’ll Give Your Noggin a Workout

75 Best Random Questions To Ask Someone

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  1. If you could make one ridiculous law, what would it be?
  2. If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
  3. If you could instantly master one talent, what would it be?
  4. What fictional character do you relate to most?
  5. What’s something you think everyone should try at least once?
  6. What’s a trend you’ll never understand?
  7. What’s something you’d do if you had an extra hour every day?
  8. What’s the most random thing in your camera roll?
  9. If you had to give a TED Talk on something ridiculous, what would it be about?
  10. If you were a meme, what kind would you be?
Random Questions To Ask Your Friends

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  1. What’s a hobby you’d love to try someday?
  2. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
  3. What’s a food you could eat forever and never get tired of?
  4. What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
  5. What’s a conspiracy theory you secretly find interesting?
  6. What’s something you’re currently learning or curious about?
  7. What three things would you bring to a deserted island?
  8. What’s something you’d do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
  9. What’s a rule you think everyone should break sometimes?
  10. What’s a harmless thing that annoys you way more than it should?

Related: 5 Surprising Conversation Starters That Will Instantly Make You Sound Classy, According to an Etiquette Expert

Random Questions To Ask a Guy

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  1. What’s something people are usually surprised to learn about you?
  2. What’s your dream vacation destination?
  3. What’s a song that instantly puts you in a good mood?
  4. What’s a place you’ve visited that you’d love to return to?
  5. If your phone could expose one thing about you, what would you be the most worried about?
  6. What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you?
  7. What’s a random opinion you’ll defend forever?
  8. What’s something you’re surprisingly good at?
  9. What’s the strangest food combination you actually like?
  10. If you had a pet dinosaur, what would you name it?
  11. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what’s the first thing you’d do?
  12. What’s something you’d never try again?
  13. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Related: 250 Good Questions To Ask a Guy the Next Time You're Feeling Stuck

Random Questions To Ask a Girl

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  1. What’s one thing on your bucket list?
  2. What’s your comfort movie or TV show?
  3. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
  4. What’s the nicest thing someone has ever done for you?
  5. What’s your perfect lazy day?
  6. If you were a ghost, who would you haunt and why?
  7. What’s the most ridiculous nickname you’d give me based only on my vibe?
  8. What’s a place where you feel completely yourself?
  9. If you could make one animal the size of a horse, which animal would you choose?
  10. If I challenged you to a ridiculous competition, what would you choose?
  11. If we opened a restaurant together, what would we serve?
  12. What’s your biggest green flag in someone?
  13. What’s your love language?

Related: Break the Ice! These 270 Questions To Ask a Girl Will Help You Get the Conversation Started

Interesting Random Questions That Get Deep

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  1. What’s something small that always makes your day better?
  2. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
  3. What’s something you’re really proud of?
  4. What’s a memory you’ll never forget?
  5. What’s one thing you’d tell your younger self?
  6. What’s something you hope your future self will accomplish?
  7. What’s a childhood memory that still makes you smile?
  8. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
  9. What’s a random moment from your life you think about often?
  10. What’s something you used to believe as a kid?
  11. What’s something you wish you knew five years ago?
  12. What’s a smell that instantly brings back a memory?
  13. What’s something you’d want your friends to remember about you?

Related: Start Your Day With Curiosity and Contemplation—155 Random Shower Thoughts That Will Make You Laugh and Think

Funniest Random Questions To Ask

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  1. If you were a villain, what would your evil plan be?
  2. What’s the funniest spicy nickname you’ve ever had?
  3. What’s something you do that makes you feel like a cartoon character?
  4. What’s your most questionable fashion phase?
  5. What’s the funniest lie you told as a kid?
  6. What’s the most childish thing you still do?
  7. If your laugh had a name, what would it be?
  8. If you were a potato, how would you want to be cooked?
  9. What’s the weirdest thing you find attractive?
  10. If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest?
  11. What’s the dumbest way you’ve ever injured yourself?
  12. If your pet could roast you, what would they say?
  13. If you had a warning label, what would it say?
  14. If you had to survive a zombie apocalypse, what role would you play?
  15. If your personality was a food, what food would it be?
  16. What’s something you’re convinced you’d win a gold medal in?

Up Next:

Related: 250 Best 'Would You Rather' Questions To Learn More About Friends Than You Ever Expected

Turquoise Jewelry Is Having a Moment, and Macy’s ‘Stunning’ Bead Bracelet Nails the Luxe Look for Less

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:15pm

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Turquoise is having a major fashion moment in 2026. The blue-green gemstone has become one of the year's biggest jewelry trends, popping up on everything from earrings to necklaces. If you've been looking for an easy way to wear the look, Macy's has a gold-plated turquoise cuff shoppers can't stop raving about.

Right now, you can grab the Ettika Turquoise Bead 18k Gold Plated Wire Cuff Bracelet for just $35, down from $50 during the Black Friday in July event. Shoppers were especially impressed with its striking design, with one reviewer calling it "stunning" and another describing it as the "perfect summer bracelet." 

Ettika Turquoise Bead 18k Gold Plated Wire Cuff Bracelet, $35 (was $50) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

Shop at Macy's

This cuff bracelet's simple yet stylish design consists of a sleek 18-karat gold-plated wire frame capped with an eye-catching turquoise bead at each end. It has an open cuff style, which makes it easy to slip on in seconds. The turquoise-and-gold design is easy to style for any occasion. You can style it with casual staples like jeans and a white tee or dress it up with a breezy sundress or an elegant maxi dress. 

Reviewers said the bracelet is a statement piece. One shopper described it as a "versatile" accessory that "adds a touch of class and boldness" to their everyday outfits, while another wrote, "This is gorgeous and I am in love!" They added that they would gladly buy the bracelet style in other stones.

To help preserve the bracelet's gold-plated finish, it's best to remove it before swimming, showering, or exercising. You should also avoid direct contact with perfume or lotion, since moisture and chemicals can gradually dull the plating. A quick wipe with a soft cloth after wearing will help keep it looking polished.

Looking to complete the look? Macy's is also offering matching Ettika turquoise rings and statement necklaces for up to 30% off during its Black Friday in July sale. 

Shop More Deals

Related: Macy’s ‘Dainty’ Freshwater Pearl Jewelry Set Nails the Coastal Grandmother Aesthetic and Radiates Quiet Luxury

At just $35, the Ettika Turquoise Bead 18k Gold Plated Wire Cuff Bracelet is an easy way to add a pop of color to your summer jewelry stack. If you've been looking for a piece that works with everything, this deal is worth grabbing before the Black Friday in July sale ends July 26.

Don’t miss future deals!Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week.

Why Tom Holland Was More Nervous Than Ever Returning for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 6:02pm

Actor Tom Holland is getting candid about playing Spider-Man, AKA Peter Parker, again for the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which premieres on July 31.

In a July 2026 interview with KinoTV, Holland and his wife, Zendaya, who plays Michelle Jones "MJ" Watson in the MCU, discussed their time co-starring together in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, as well as Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Holland said that he began feeling the "pressure of making these movies" as time has gone on. He explained that when he was first cast as Spider-Man, he "was a kid" and "didn't necessarily understand the stakes and the scope and scale of like what [they] were a part of."

"Then I think after the third movie came out, making this film was the most nervous I'd been stepping onto set as Spider-Man. But you know, it's been quadruply fulfilling because of those nerves," said Holland in the interview.

While speaking to KinoTV, Zendaya said she believes she and her co-stars have gotten wisdom "over the years" while playing their respective Spider-Man roles.

"We look back at those movies, and with such fondness and joy, but also you look back, and you're like, 'Oh my god, I was like a literal infant.' You know what I mean? So, I think there's a wisdom," said Zendaya.

In addition, she said that she has enjoyed seeing Holland "really take even more ownership of the films and the character" of Spider-Man throughout the past decade.

Zendaya made similar comments about Holland's take on Spider-Man during a June 2026 interview with Fandango, alongside her husband, Jacob Batalon, who plays Ned Leeds, and Sadie Sink, who has a mysterious role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Zendaya shared that her "favorite thing about Tom's Spider-Man is how Tom handles Spider-Man outside of Spider-Man."

"So many people connect to this character, to Peter Parker, to Spider-Man, and especially young people, especially children," said Zendaya during the June 2026 interview. "And I think that he's just handled that weight with such grace and really loves and cares so much about the character and what the character means to other people, and realizing that, like, when you are in front of these kids, you are Spider-Man. You are this person to them. And I just love seeing what and how you carry Spider-Man through your life in real life."

Beloved Metal Band Announces New Album 17 Years After Forming

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 5:44pm

What started between two high school classmates is now expanding into an entire world of its own.

Swedish metalcore band Imminence has announced its sixth studio album, Axis Mundi, set for release Oct. 2 through Sumerian Records. The album comes 17 years after vocalist and violinist Eddie Berg and guitarist Harald Barrett formed the group in Trelleborg, Sweden, in 2009.

The announcement was accompanied by the release of "Crestfallen," which followed the surprise arrival of "False Light" one day earlier. Both songs continue the story introduced in June with "The Sword That Never Bends," though each approaches the album's world from a very different direction.

"Duality has always been at the heart of Imminence," Barrett said. "They're radically different in sound and emotion, but together they tell a single story."

While "False Light" pushes toward the heavier side of Imminence's music, "Crestfallen" focuses more on Berg's clean vocals, violin and the record's orchestral elements. The contrast offers an early look at the range the band plans to explore across the 11-track album.

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Axis Mundi also carries a larger narrative about a knight cursed with immortality as he searches for his own death. The title refers to a mythological bridge between life and death, and the story will continue through a series of connected music videos developed with a scriptwriter and director.

The scale of the project reflects how far Imminence has come since Berg and Barrett formed the band while attending the same high school. Berg worked part-time so he could continue pursuing the group, which gradually built an international following through years of writing, recording and touring.

That steady climb accelerated with the release of The Black in 2024. The album brought Imminence wider recognition and helped the group sell out shows across North America, South America, Australia, Japan and Europe. Its success also led to the band's new deal with Sumerian Records, making Axis Mundi its first album for the label.

Rather than repeat what worked on The Black, Berg and Barrett brought outside collaborators into the creative process for the first time, including film composer Lukas Geppert and producer Drew Fulk. Imminence still self-produced the album, but the additional team allowed the group to develop its orchestral sound and the story surrounding it more fully.

With Axis Mundi, the project that began between two classmates is preparing to take its biggest step yet.

Related: '80s Metal Band Parts Ways With Guitarist After 41 Years

Alan Ritchson's Donald Trump Jail Comment Gets a White House Response

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 5:25pm

The Reacher star made his political opinions known in the past. Alan Ritchson admitted that has affected his reputation. He explained why he openly criticizes President Donald Trump and the White House responded.

Alan Ritchson Calls Out President Donald Trump for the Epstein Files

The War Machine star was a guest on the Happy Sad Confused With Josh Horowitz podcast. Ritchson, 43, said if he did go into politics then he would step away from the entertainment industry. His goal would be to go after those abusing the law and the system.

Related: Alan Ritchson of ‘Reacher’ Returns to Reality TV

Ritchson said people, like his publicist, are scared of what he'll say. However, he encouraged people to speak up to make the world a better place. The actor also rejects the label of being a loose cannon.

"The Epstein files!" the actor yelled. He asked where they are and it's the law to show them. "That b-tch has the keys to the nuclear codes," Ritchson later said. "He's like all up into the 13 year olds. Like dude, go to jail."

Jeffrey Epstein was a child sex trafficker and interacted with many high-profile individuals. The Justice Department withheld some of the files including an accusation that the president sexually abused a minor, according to NPR. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson gave a statement to respond to Entertainment Weekly.

"Just as President Trump has said, he’s been totally exonerated on anything relating to Epstein," claimed the statement. "And by releasing thousands of pages of documents, cooperating with the House Oversight Committee’s subpoena request, signing the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and calling for more investigations into Epstein’s Democrat friends, President Trump has done more for Epstein’s victims than anyone before him."

A court hasn't exonerated the president, according to Deadline. The statement then pointed fingers at the other political party.

"Meanwhile, Democrats like Hakeem Jeffries and Stacey Plaskett have yet to explain why they were soliciting money and meetings from Epstein after he was a convicted sex offender," it ended.

Related: Bill Gates Addresses His Affairs and Jeffrey Epstein

Ritchson Questioned Other Christians Supporting Trump Alan Ritchson at the "Motor City" New York Premiere

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

The Reacher star isn't just openly talking about politics. He talked about his Christianity and being raised Catholic.

"Christians today have become the most vitriolic tribe. It is so antithetical to what Jesus was calling us to be and to do," he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2024. "Trump is a rapist and a con man, and yet the entire Christian church seems to be treat him like he’s their poster child and it’s unreal. I don’t understand it."

The actor's new movie Motor City is currently in theaters. The thriller takes place in the 1970's and his character goes up against a ganger after falling for another man's girlfriend played by Shailene Woodley.

Ritchson also posted on his Instagram Story on July 25 that he was on a flight after shooting Reacher. He was headed to San Diego Comic Con.

1972 Classic Ballad, Named No. 1 Hit for Six Weeks, Became a Timeless Love Anthem

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 5:21pm

Fifty-four years ago, iconic singer-songwriter Roberta Flack released the single version of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"—a song that dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and became a romantic staple for years to come.

Originally, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was released on June 20, 1969 as a track from her debut studio album First Take. In January 1972, the song was rereleased as a single following its feature in the hit 1971 Clint Eastwood film, Play Misty for Me—which significantly aided in its popularity.

Months after its release, the single captured the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 15, 1972, holding the top position for six consecutive weeks. Alongside its dominant Hot 100 reign, the song enjoyed significant commercial success. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" went on to be certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and was named the best-selling single of 1972.

Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon, Yoko Ono, John Lennon and Roberta Flack talk backstage at the 17th Grammy Awards, on March 1, 1975.

Tim Boxer/Getty Images

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was written 12 years before Flack's version's debut. British folk singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl originally penned the song in 1957. The musician was inspired by his overwhelming love for fellow folk singer Peggy Seeger, whom he would later marry.

Throughout the song, MacColl vividly describes his romantic infatuation with Seeger, beautifully showcasing the deeply emotional experience of falling in love. When sung by Flack's soulful voice, lines like "The first time ever I saw your face / I thought the sun rose in your eyes" and "And the first time ever I kissed your mouth / I felt the earth move in my hand" came to life.

Its theme of profound human connection resonated deeply with wide-ranging audiences, becoming a lasting wedding staple. When paired with the ballad's stunning arrangement, which consists of Flack's expressive vocals and gentle acoustic piano, it becomes even more irresistible.

Over five decades after its release, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" continues to find connection with listeners. In the digital era, the song has seen massive success, raking in over 122 million streams on Spotify alone.

Related: 1973 Classic Ballad, Named No. 1 Hit for Three Weeks, Became a Timeless Breakup Anthem

1977 No. 1 Fleetwood Mac Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Reimagined as a Duet With Ella Langley

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 5:16pm

Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” is one of the biggest songs of the 1970s, and today, nearly five decades later, the soft-rock classic still resonates with listeners everywhere. 

Released on March 24, 1977, and appearing on Fleetwood Mac’s wildly successful album Rumours, the song arrived during a tumultuous time for the band when its members were going through major personal life changes ranging from divorce to breakups and heavy drug use. The No. 1 album spawned hits like “Go Your Own Way,” “Don’t Stop,” and “You Make Loving Fun," but “Dreams,” which served as the second single from the project, is the band’s only single to go No. 1 in the U.S. 

RELATED: 1995 Rock Hit, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time,’ Became a Timeless Breakup Anthem

Stevie Nicks wrote“Dreams,” and ever since, the tune has been covered numerous times by artists like Kelsea Ballerini, The Coors, Joan Jett and more. Ella Langley has also been covering the song on her The Dandelion Tour 2026. 

On Thursday, July 23,  at the Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, Kentucky, the Alabama native, 27, took the stage with her opener Laci Kaye Booth, 30, to deliver a stunning take on the song duet-style. 

@ellalangleyarchive

still recovering from this one @Ella Langley #countrymusic

♬ original sound - Ella Langley Archive

A clip shared on a TikTok page devoted to Langley shows the artists sharing the stage with the “Choosin’ Texas” hitmaker playing guitar. The video, which offers a portion of the performance, finds American Idol alum Booth singing lead vocals, showing off her soft angelic vocals while Langley provides both harmony and instrumental accompaniment. The singer/songwriter’s matched each other's style as they wore knee-high cowgirl boots and fringe-sleeve dresses while keeping their hair in loose curls. 

Langley isn’t new to singing “Dreams” in concert with other artists. In the past, she performed the song with country singer Maggie Antone, and has also delved into the Fleetwood Mac catalog even further, performing “Rhiannon” on tour as shown in the YouTube clip below. 

“Dreams” sold more than a million copies and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on June 18, 1977, where it stayed for one week. The beloved tune also experienced a resurgence in 2020 thanks to a viral video on TikTok, bringing the song to No. 1 on the Billboard Rock Digital Songs Sales chart in October of that same year and re-entering the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 21. The song is also ranked at No. 11 on Rolling Stone’s list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” 

Related: 1979 Soft Rock Classic Became a No. 1 Hit After One Simple Lyric Change

1897 Novel With an Iconic Monster Was Just Named the Most Influential Horror Book of All Time

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 5:01pm

While modern horror books can be fresh and subversive, they still tend to borrow tried-and-true metaphors, images, and themes from the classics. For instance, the publication Collider recently showcased a few novels that undoubtedly changed horror forever, with a ranking of "the 10 most influential horror books of all time."

The list, published on July 25, featured beloved horror novels like 1967's Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin, The Exorcistby William Peter Blatty, published in 1971, Henry James' The Turn of the Screw from 1898, and 1818's Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. According to Collider, the "most influential horror book" ever published is Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, Dracula, which has a score of 4.03 out of 5 from 1,526,948 readers on Goodreads.

Bram Stoker's Relative, Dacre Stoker, Discussed the Lasting Legacy of 'Dracula' in a July 2026 Interview

Novelist and former teacherDacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of Stoker, who died in 1912 at the age of 64, discussed the lasting legacy of Dracula in a July 2026 interview on Little Podcast of Horrors. Dacre theorized that the book remains a horrific read because it feels grounded in reality due to Stoker's decision to make it an epistolary novel.

"By writing a letter to somebody and telling them what happened, that's much more factual," said Dacre during the interview.

He also clarified that while Stoker "didn't invent" the epistolary narrator, this literary style "was relatively new" when Dracula was published.

In addition, Dacre said his great-granduncle "placed all of the action in believable places," which also made "the story seem real to attain this willful suspension of disbelief" from readers.

"That's why people get nightmares because the book seems real. And it's harder to sort of compartmentalize. 'Ah, it's just a work of fiction. No problem.' But when it seems that real, and as you're reading it, it really goes deep into your psyche that, 'My god, maybe this is real. What happens if it is real?' And so it lodges a little bit deeper, and then it rattles around in your brain when you're having a nice REM sleep, and it just kicks the heck out of you," said Dacre while recording the podcast episode.

Buffalo Wild Wings Is Offering a Meal for 2 for Just $19.99

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 4:46pm

Buffalo Wild Wings just announced a meal deal that feeds two people for less than $20!

The restaurant chain recently launched its Pick 6 Meal for 2, which includes two entrées, two sides and two drinks for just $19.99.

Here's everything to know about the deal, including what you can get and how to claim it.

How to Get Buffalo Wild Wings' $19.99 Pick 6 Meal for 2

Getting the Pick 6 Meal for 2 is simple. Just visit a participating Buffalo Wild Wings location and order the $19.99 deal while it's available.

The meal includes:

  • 2 Entrées: Choose from options including 10 boneless wings, an All-American Cheeseburger, and three Crispy Chicken Dippers. Upgrades are also available for select items, including traditional wings and sandwiches.
  • 2 Sides: Choose from fries, tater tots or wedges.
  • 2 Drinks: The meal includes two standard fountain drinks or other eligible beverages.

The Pick 6 Meal for 2 is available for dine-in at participating Buffalo Wild Wings locations nationwide for a limited time. The deal starts at $19.99, though prices may be higher in some states.

RELATED: Taco Bell Is Selling a Fan-Favorite for Just $1 After Parasite Outbreak

More Buffalo Wild Wings news

The $19.99 meal deal isn't the only new offering from Buffalo Wild Wings. The chain recently debuted a first-of-its-kind menu item that promises to bring the flavor of ranch in an unexpected way.

On Monday, July 20, Buffalo Wild Wings introduced Poppin' Ranch, which delivers a "multi-sensory experience that quite literally pops."

"Poppin’ Ranch 'offers a bright burst of savory ranch flavor followed by an audible pop and crackle,'" the restaurant chain said in a statement shared with Parade.

“B-Dubs has done something that’s never been done before with Poppin’ Ranch," said Tristan Meline, Brand President of Buffalo Wild Wings. “It takes that classic popping candy you remember and pairs it with our signature ranch flavor. It’s an unexpected sensory experience that sounds wild, tastes delicious, and has to be experienced to be believed.”

Each packet costs 99 cents and can be sprinkled on top of wings, mixed into ranch dressing, or added to other foods.

And with National Chicken Wing Day coming up on Wednesday, July 29, Buffalo Wild Wings is also celebrating with a deal of its own. Customers can get free wings—either boneless or bone-in—with any purchase of at least $15.

😋😋 SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Parade Eats newsletter. 🍳🍔

Katy Perry Slams Trump Administration Over TikTok Video: See What She Wrote

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 4:40pm

KatyPerry is the latest musician to denounce the Trump administration for posting on social media with their song. 

The singer-songwriter took to X on July 25 after the official White House TikTok account used her song “Firework.” The post included footage of military strikes and bomb explosions timed to her 2010 hit song’s lyrics, “boom, boom, boom.” The video has received over 6.5 million views and 630,000 likes, with the caption reading, “Iran has been warned.”

“I am deeply appalled and angry to see ‘Firework’ used on the @WhiteHouse TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it,” Perry wrote on X. 

She continued: “I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and inner strength for people going through their darkest personal moments. To see a message of self-worth and upliftment weaponized to soundtrack destruction and violence is a complete violation of everything my song stands for. My music is for bringing people together, not celebrating warfare.” 

I am deeply appalled and angry to see “Firework” used on the @WhiteHouse TikTok account as a backing track for video footage of military strikes. I did not approve this, I was not asked, and I absolutely do not condone it.

I wrote this song to be an anthem of hope, healing, and…

— KATY PERRY (@katyperry) July 25, 2026

The 41-year-old isn’t the first artist to call out the Trump administration for unauthorized use of their songs. 

In June, ArianaGrande reprimanded the White House for using her 2024 song “Bye” in a TikTok post that showed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal officers arresting people. 

“Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense. Fck ice,” Grande wrote in the comment section of the TikTok. The White House kept the post up but muted her song from the video. 

SabrinaCarpenter, OliviaRodrigo, CelineDion, NeilYoung, and the Rolling Stones have previously bashed Trump for using their music to rally support on issues they disagree with. 

Courtney Shah, 'Jeopardy!' Champion and History Professor, Dies at 52

Sat, 07/25/2026 - 4:40pm

The Jeopardy! community and a college campus in Washington are mourning a woman who left her mark in classrooms and on national television alike.

Dr. Courtney Shah, a history professor at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington, died peacefully at home on the morning of Tuesday, July 21, the college confirmed to local radio station KLOG. Shah was battling brain cancer and had been receiving hospice care at home after learning in March that her radiation and chemotherapy treatments were no longer working, her daughter Maya Shah shared on CaringBridge.

Maya paid tribute to her beloved mom by sharing a deeply emotional statement on CaringBridge on Wednesday, July 22. "My mom died today, at 4:57 am on July 22, 2026, in the comfort of her home," she wrote. Her daughter's words carried both grief and gratitude. "I don't know what you believe about death, but I like to think that she's at peace now," she wrote. "We loved her in this world, and we loved her out of this world, and we'll go on loving her." 

She ended her statement by asking others to honor her mother in whatever way felt meaningful. "Hug your loved ones. Tell stories about my mom. Light a candle, say a prayer, pour out a drink, find something that feels meaningful to you to honor the gift that was her presence."

Courtney continued posting updates for followers throughout her illness, including one in February where she wrote, "Still some limited mobility on my left side. So we did a hair chop today. I'm feeling positive and well loved right now. Tell someone you love them today."

Courtney Shah’s ‘Jeopardy!’ Winning Streak

Shah became a familiar face to trivia fans in 2021, winning seven straight games on Jeopardy! Season 37, she earned $118,558 before a second-place finish in her eighth game added another $2,000, according to J! Archive.

She returned the following year for the 2022 Tournament of Champions, reaching the quarterfinals and taking home an additional $5,000.

Fans and Former Students Remember Her Impact

According to an LCC biography, Shah earned her Ph.D. from the University of Houston, focusing her research on the history of gender, sexuality, medicine and race. She authored "Sex Ed, Segregated: The Quest for Sexual Knowledge in Progressive-Era America" and published widely in academic journals. Away from campus, she found joy in hiking, kayaking, and reading, as per her bio.

Tributes poured in from both trivia fans and former students following news of her death. One Reddit user highlighted a major milestone in her run, noting she "ended the 'guest host curse' in Season 37 prior to Matt Amodio's superchampion status and became the first 5-plus game champion since Brian Chang/Zach Newkirk."

Former students echoed that same warmth. One student shared, "I had the pleasure of taking one of her US History classes. She was such a powerful teacher. Lots of her lessons still resonate with me. Rest in peace Dr. Shah!💐""

Another chimed in and shared, "She was such a powerful teacher. Lots of her lessons still resonate with me. Rest in peace, Dr. Shah."

Another former student wrote, "This is so sad. I took her course her first year of teaching there. One of my strong influences in getting my Bachelor's in history. She truly leaves behind a lasting legacy."

"I took a few of her classes at LCC and had her for history the same year she was on Jeopardy! As a long-time Jeopardy! fan, I thought it was so cool to get to watch her on there. She was wonderful in both roles.", read another tribute.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Aug. 10, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at LCC's Rose Center for the Arts. 

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