Entertainment
Donald Trump Compares CNN’s Kaitlan Collins to Trans Actress
President Donald Trump took aim at frequent target Kaitlan Collins during this year’s rescheduled White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
“I want to personally congratulate CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on receiving her award. It was all about me. It’s a fake — she shouldn’t get the award, it was a fake,” Trump, 80, said during the Friday, July 24, event, which was moved to the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., following the security breach and subsequent shooting at the annual April fundraiser.
Collins, 34, was previously awarded for her coverage of the president’s contentious Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy — an exchange that sparked fierce criticism of the president and his continued friendship with various dictators, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
“But I don’t mind, I said, ‘Kaitlan, congratulations.’ But it was fake, there’s no question about it,” the president continued, before turning his attention to Collins’ appearance. “She’s a young, attractive woman. She never smiles. I said, ‘Kaitlan, do you ever smile? Smile. You have a nice position, you’re at CNN fake news, you should be a happy person. So smile, Kaitlan, just smile.”
He added of the news anchor’s looks, “I thought Kaitlan had really made it big with a major new sponsorship, but then I informed her that it wasn’t her on the Bud Light can, it was Dylan Mulvaney.”
Trump’s decision to compare Collins to Mulvaney, a trans actress, has been wildly criticized as transphobic, as the president and his administration have repeatedly targeted trans athletes competing in women’s sports and trans youth — as well as trans adults — accessing gender-affirming care.
Us has reached out to the White House for comment.
The president’s speech at the rescheduled dinner, meant to celebrate the freedom of speech and freedom of the press, was not the first instance in which the commander-in-chief has targeted Collins and her looks specifically.
“She’s a young beautiful woman. Never smiles. I never see a smile off her face,” Trump said of the reporter during an Oval Office press conference earlier this month. “I see her standing there with hatred in her eyes, like she has hatred, because we had borders, because we have a strong military, because we cut our taxes, because we do things that everybody wanted, and then we win our election in a massive landslide.”
He continued at the time, “People like you have abused our people so badly. The fake news, like CNN, like The New York Times, and like others, have abused our people, have abused our people so badly.”
Two days after The New York Times published the first of two stories on the security concerns surrounding the president’s new Air Force One jet, gifted to him by Turkey, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed subpoenas against three reporters in an attempt to force them to reveal their sources.
On Thursday, July 23, the DOJ dropped the subpoenas it filed against the reporters, admitting the administration made “legal errors,” per the Associated Press, after a federal judge criticized the DOJ for potentially violating the First Amendment.
Entertainment
Patrick Mahomes’ Wife Celebrates Football Return After Injury
Brittany Mahomes is celebrating her husband, Patrick Mahomes, and his highly anticipated return to the gridiron after his season-ending ACL injury.
“Seeing him back doing what he loves,” Brittany, 30, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, July 25, resharing the team’s footage of Patrick, also 30, arriving for training camp. “So thankful 🙏.”
The Kansas City Chiefs starting quarterback sustained a leg injury at the tail-end of the 2025-2026 season, sidelining the star for the remainder of the team’s regular season games. (The Chiefs failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2014, ending their season in January ahead of the Super Bowl.)
Patrick underwent ACL surgery before spending the bulk of the offseason recuperating in time for the team’s training camp. (The Chiefs, like most NFL teams, spend July in training camp before a handful of preseason games ahead of the regular season.)
Just one day before Patrick arrived at the Saint Joseph, Missouri, facility for training camp, he gave reporters an update on his recovery progress.
“That’s the goal to be able to practice when we get to training camp, and we hit that next step,” he said in a Friday, July 24, press conference. “Now, it’s gonna be about building and keep getting better and better, so that whenever the regular season comes around, I can try to be available and ready to play.”
Patrick further revealed that he was medically cleared by his physician “two days ago” to participate in practices.
“He saw the numbers I was putting up and that gave him the comfortability [to be] fully cleared to practice,” Patrick noted, sharing his doctor’s advice. “It’s still good to be out there and have bodies around and be able to run the offense. This is just another checkpoint on the schedule.”
He continued at the time, “You have to continue to work. It’s not, like, it’s over and I’m gonna be able to play a game tomorrow. You have to continue to work and get better and better and go through all practice, prove to the coaches [and] prove to the doctors and everybody that I’m the same quarterback I was, if not better.”
Patrick is a three-time Super Bowl champion and remains hopeful that he will be strong enough to start in the 2026-2027 season games.
“I’m a competitor, so game day, I wanna be out there,” Patrick stated. “I understand the process of getting myself ready to play, and the regular season is more important [than preseason games]. We will, the doctors and coaches will make that decision for me, but I will prepare myself like I’m gonna play.”
Entertainment
Kacey Musgraves Quietly Axes 3 Concerts With No Explanation
Kacey Musgraves has quietly canceled three upcoming concerts, including the show that was supposed to launch her “Middle of Nowhere Tour.” With the North American leg scheduled to begin in late August, fans in Chicago, Boston, and Brooklyn received notifications that their concerts had been called off. The country singer has not publicly explained the cancellations, leaving disappointed ticket holders to speculate about what happened.
The unexpected changes come just days after Musgraves released a steamy music video for her song “Mexico Honey” and several months after she faced criticism over the sizing offered through her Walmart clothing collaboration.

Ticketmaster notified fans of the cancellations by email this week. The three affected shows are the August 20 concert in Chicago, the August 29 performance in Boston, and the September 2 stop in Brooklyn.
Chicago was originally slated to serve as the opening night of the North American tour. With that performance no longer happening, Musgraves will begin the run later than initially planned unless another date is added.
The timing drew more attention because the cancellations arrived shortly after the 37-year-old Grammy winner dropped her provocative “Mexico Honey” music video. Musgraves did not announce the changes through her own social media platforms or immediately offer fans an explanation.
No Reason Has Been Given For The Cancellations

As of the time of reporting, neither Musgraves nor her representatives had publicly revealed why the three concerts were canceled. It also remains unclear whether additional dates could be affected.
Some prospective concertgoers speculated online that low ticket sales may have motivated the decision. However, there has been no confirmation that ticket demand played any role in canceling the shows. Without an official statement, the reason remains unknown.
The Singer Still Has An Extensive Tour Schedule

Musgraves was initially preparing to visit 25 cities across 29 North American dates. The tour was scheduled to begin in Chicago on August 20 before concluding with two nights in Seattle at the end of October.
Her touring plans also extend beyond North America. The “Slow Burn” singer is expected to travel to Australia in January 2027 before continuing to the United Kingdom the following month. Her U.K. itinerary includes one concert in Scotland and two performances in England.
Musgraves initially announced the “Middle of Nowhere Tour” in late April. Just over one week later, she revealed that additional performances had been added, making the sudden removal of three dates particularly unexpected.
The majority of the announced itinerary appears to be moving forward, but fans will likely be watching closely for any further updates.
Kacey Musgraves Recently Faced Walmart Collection Backlash

The tour uncertainty arrives several months after Musgraves faced online criticism over the size range offered through her Kacey Lee clothing collection at Walmart. The collaboration with denim brand Lee featured more than 100 products spanning women’s and men’s fashion, swimwear, and accessories for pets.
Although the collection attracted attention for its affordable prices and Western-inspired designs, shoppers quickly noticed that many items did not offer inclusive sizing. Most tops reportedly stopped at XXL, while bottoms were generally available only through size 18.
The limited range frustrated shoppers who had hoped an extensive collection sold through a major retailer would provide more options for plus-size customers.
Shoppers Criticized The Lack Of Inclusive Sizing

Social media creator and self-described “fat activist” Megan Ixim publicly criticized the collaboration. Ixim said she was disappointed to discover that plus-size customers could not purchase most extended sizes inside Walmart stores. Only select pieces appeared to be offered in larger sizes online.
According to listings on Walmart’s website, sizing beyond XXL was primarily limited to parts of the swimwear line. Certain bikini tops, bottoms, and one-piece swimsuits were available for delivery in 2X and 3X, but those expanded options did not appear to extend across most of the collection.
The sizing controversy and the unexplained concert cancellations are separate developments, with no indication that one influenced the other. Still, both have placed Musgraves under heightened scrutiny as she prepares to take her “Middle of Nowhere Tour” on the road.
Until the singer addresses the canceled dates, fans in Chicago, Boston, and Brooklyn are left without an explanation, and other ticket holders may be waiting to see whether the remainder of the tour continues as planned.
Entertainment
13 New Summer Sandals Under $50 on Amazon
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Summer isn’t going anywhere yet, which means you’ll still need the proper footwear to get through scorching temperatures. The good news is that Amazon isn’t slowing down on its new releases, and the mega retailer just dropped comfortable and stylish sandals for under $50. So, whether you’re going to the beach or just bopping around town, there’s a pair for you.
Which new shoes you pick depends on what you like and what activities are on the agenda. If you’ll be doing a lot of walking, look for something with an ankle strap. If you’re constantly putting them on and taking them off, look for slip-on ones. Make it easy on yourself so you can have maximum fun this summer.
13 New Sandals From Amazon — All Under $50
1. Our Favorite: For under $20, you can get out the door without bending down, thanks to these round-toe slip-on sandals. I love that the fabric has a knotted look for some volume, so it doesn’t lay flat.
2. Real Raffia: Few things look beachier than raffia, and these flat slip-on sandals nail the vibe. Plus, they have giant buckles that add some stylish flair.
3. Trending Now: Jelly footwear is everywhere this season, and these mule-style slip-on sandals are a fun way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe. Plus, you know the airy design won’t leave your feet sweating by the end of the day.
4. Must-Have Mesh: There are plenty of occasions in the summer that call for a more elevated shoe, and that’s when peep-toe high heels come in. The mesh material offers a seasonal feel, so they don’t feel so stuffy.
5. Simple Style: Every wardrobe needs a classic pair of flip-flops, and these don’t skimp on comfort. The memory foam insole ensures you’re happy with each and every step.
6. Less Exposed: You won’t have to worry about having a fresh pedicure in this fisherman-style sandal. The closed yet still breezy shoe is casual for everyday wear, and the ankle strap ensures your foot stays put.
7. Buckled Beauties: Combining the classic double-buckle design with this season’s jelly trend, this slip-on sandal find covers all the bases. Bonus: the material makes them ideal for poolside wear.
8. Bling, Bling: With an easy 1.3-inch block heel, these embellished strappy sandals are still plenty comfortable. They’re the best way to dress up an outfit a little more without moving into blister territory.
9. Serious Support: A suede-like material doesn’t exactly scream summertime, but we like how this platform sandal pick brings in another texture. Plus, we’re sold on the ergonomic footbed and arch support design for a thoughtful summer companion.
10. Sweetly Square: There’s something elevated about square-toe summer sandals, and these flip-flops are calling our names. Don’t let the simple design fool you — they have memory foam insoles.
11. Braided Babe: For the look of flip-flops with a little more style, these braided thong-strap sandals still go with all your summer outfits. Plus, the faux-leather material gives them a high-end appearance.
12. Pain, Be Gone: If you didn’t think a pair of sandals could give you serious stability, you haven’t tried these ones. Designed to reduce foot pressure and relieve pain, these slip-ons will feel like you’re wearing your favorite sneakers.
13. Cool and Closed: For those who don’t love having their feet out but still want a breeze, try some closed ankle-strap sandals. Although the toes are covered, the rest is open so you won’t be pining to take them off on hot days.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Entertainment
Angie Katsanevas Talks ‘Ups And Downs’ With Mary Cosby
“Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Angie Katsanevas is getting real about the challenges she’s faced in her friendship with co-star Mary Cosby. In a new interview, the hairstylist-turned-breakout reality TV star said the upcoming season of “SLC” will focus a lot on “deep friendship” and showcase how the group of women makes it through the storm.
While speaking with Us Weekly, Katsanevas, 52, got candid about her friendship with Cosby. For those who may be unfamiliar, the pair became an unlikely duo during “RHOSLC” season 5. Their connection was shocking not only to the group, but to the audience, considering Cosby and Katsanevas clashed during season 4.
Over the years, the pair have hit bumps in the road, but somehow, they always seem to find their way back to each other. When the upcoming season airs, though, it seems fans may be in for a surprise, as Katsanevas said they go through another challenging period.
“I think that it’s just very real and raw challenges that friends deal with,” she said. “She’s going through a lot, and I’m going through a lot.”
Angie Katsanevas Says The ‘Honeymoon Phase’ With Cosby Is Officially Over

Now that Katsanevas and Cosby have been close friends for over two years, it appears they’re reaching the point in their relationship where things aren’t always peaches and cream. “There’s a lot of ups and downs. I think that’s every year. It’s not all fun,” Katsanevas said about their last year together.
“The honeymoon phase is over as your bond deepens,” she continued, adding that as friends grow, they become more honest and vulnerable with one another. “You’re more honest with each other, and you say what you’re really feeling and thinking. We love each other. We love each other deeply.”
It’s unclear exactly what may have gone down between Katsanevas and Cosby, but according to an earlier report from The Blast, an insider claimed the pair got into an explosive fight while cameras were rolling.
The source said that Katsanevas got into quite the argument with Bronwyn Newport and allegedly tried to pull Cosby into it, prompting the latter to allegedly reply, “‘Keep my name out of your mouth, worry about your own friends and your own family.’”
After that, Katsanevas reportedly said something so “shocking” to Cosby in front of the rest of the group that fans “won’t believe.”
Angie Katsanevas Reveals Why She Thinks ‘The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City’ Is So Popular
There’s no premiere date set yet for the upcoming season of “RHOSLC,” but Katsanevas teased that there will be a heavy focus on “deep friendships.”
As she continued, the mother of one said she’s reflected on why their show is so popular amongst the Bravosphere, and according to her, it’s because of the cast’s real connections with each other.
“Everyone is so funny in their own way, but the relationships are real. The friendships, there’s a lot of love and mutual respect with all the women, and the dynamics in this group are so interesting,” she said. “It’s like an NBA team where every player is required, and the relationships are getting deeper, the bond is getting deeper, and I think you feel that.”
What Else Can Fans Expect From The Upcoming Season Of ‘RHOSLC’?

The upcoming batch of episodes will feature a lot of tears, according to Katsanevas. But with that, she said there will also be “more joy” and “more fun.”
“I just think that you’re going to see a lot more of everyone’s authentic self. I just really feel like everyone has hit their stride, and we’re seeing everyone in their truest form,” she continued.
Tragedy Hit Close To Home This Season
According to a previous report from The Blast, the first part of the season will focus on Cosby and the death of her 23-year-old son, Robert Cosby Jr.
He died just before production began at the beginning of the year, and as Lisa Barlow put it, it was a “bonding moment” for everyone involved.
As for Katsanevas, sources recently revealed that she split from her husband, Shawn Trujillo, after 27 years together.
Entertainment
Pamela Anderson Addresses ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Return Rumor
Pamela Anderson is addressing the likelihood of one day donning her iconic red swimsuit for Fox’s Baywatch reboot.
“No one’s reached out to me. I don’t know much about it,” Anderson, 59, revealed to Deadline in an interview published on Friday, July 24. “I know that they were talking to my sons [Brandon Lee and Dylan Lee] 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.”
She went on, “It was a great job, and I loved going to work every day on the beach. I would have been there anyway. 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.”
Anderson skyrocketed to fame while starring on the classic ‘90s action TV series as lifeguard C. J. Parker. She last reprised the role for a cameo in Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron’s 2017 movie reboot.
Fox’s latest incarnation of Baywatch is led by newcomers Brooks Nader, Shay Mitchell and Noah Beck, though Anderson’s ‘90s costars David Chokachi, Michael Bergin and Erika Eleniak will also reprise their roles from the classic show.
Asked whether she was curious about what her character C.K. was up to now, Anderson replied, “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,” she added. “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.”

Pamela Anderson as C.J. 20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection
Anderson is in the middle of a career renaissance, having received award season buzz for her 2024 comeback movie The Last Showgirl. Last year, her reboot of cult classic comedy franchise The Naked Gun with Liam Neeson made more than $100 million at the box office.
The actress is now promoting the comedic thriller Rosebush Pruning, in which she plays the matriarch of a wealthy, dysfunctional family. Her upcoming drama Place to Be — starring opposite Ellen Burstyn and Taika Waititi — will premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September.
Meanwhile, Fox’s reimagining of Baywatch has faced some backlash for casting models and influencers alongside established actors. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covergirl Nader, 29, strongly defended the new Baywatch cast shortly after the project was announced.
“I think that the times are different and everyone is so multi-hyphenate now, and you can be both an actor and an influencer and have influence,” she told the Daily Mail earlier this year. “And that’s the beauty of the culture that social media has created.”
Baywatch was given a straight-to-series order and is expected to premiere on Fox during the 2026-2027 TV season.
Entertainment
2026’s Horror Hit Is Taking Over the Streaming Charts
One of the biggest horror films of 2026 is dominating streaming. Made on a low budget, the feature not only received high praise but also huge box office numbers, to the point that people online are wondering whether there will be a follow-up or spin-off based on its concept. Not to mention, it was directed by a young filmmaker who also has a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, joining other content creators, like Markiplier and Kane Parsons, dominating Hollywood through their creativity, passion for the craft, and loyal audience.
The film in question is Obsession, a horror movie produced under Blumhouse and directed by Curry Barker, who runs the YouTube channel “That’s a bad idea” with 1.55 million subscribers. The film stars Michael Johnston as Bear, a guy who uses a magical item called a “One Wish Willow” to wish his friend, Nikki (Inde Navarrette), to “love him more than anyone in the f***ing world”, which works… but also leads to dire consequences. Obsession has a reported budget of $750,000, but became a box office success, generating $443 million worldwide. Now, the feature is pulling audiences once more over on streaming.
Obsession has dominated Peacock’s streaming charts, sitting at #1 in the Top 10 in the United States after it entered the platform’s library this week. Additionally, the film has found a place on Vudu’s Top 10 Movie Charts in the U.S., sitting at #6, in between Backrooms and Petty Woman. During its theatrical run, Obsession competed with many major blockbusters. One of them, Pedro Pascal‘s Star Wars feature The Mandalorian and Grogu, didn’t even crack the Top 10, while Obsession has become the 7th highest-grossing film in 2026.
Is ‘Obsession’ Worth Watching?
Since its release, Obsession has received high ratings, earning a 94% Certified Fresh critics’ score and a Verified Hot audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as a 4.1-star rating on Letterboxd. Critics praised Obsession‘s concept and premise, as well as how Barker communicated with his target audience through the feature. Some critics noted that Obsession “rehashes” the monkey’s paw trope, which has been done many times before. However, audiences praised Obsession for its originality, for being a horror film that kept them on edge, and for Navarrette’s star-making performance. Collider’s Hannah Hunt gave Obsession an 8/10 in her review, praising Navarrette’s acting, and the film’s pacing and sound design. Her only criticism was how “underdeveloped” the side characters were.
Obsession is available to stream on Peacock.
- Release Date
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May 15, 2026
- Runtime
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108 minutes
- Director
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Curry Barker
Entertainment
Bret Michaels Shares Hospital Bed Photo After Medical Emergency
Bret Michaels has undergone emergency surgery after powering through three concerts while suffering from a debilitating kidney stone. The 63-year-old Poison frontman revealed that he spent seven days in “intense” pain before being admitted to the hospital immediately following a private performance. Although Michaels is now out of postoperative recovery, his statement indicates that he is waiting for a complete clean bill of health before returning to the stage.

Michaels revealed his health scare in a Facebook update accompanied by a photograph from his hospital bed. The “Rock of Love” star smiled broadly while wearing his signature cap and making an “all good” hand gesture toward the camera.
According to the singer, the kidney stone would not pass despite causing seven days of excruciating pain. However, Michaels was determined not to disappoint fans attending his scheduled performances.
He completed a July 4 concert in Charleston, West Virginia, followed by a July 11 show in Grantville, Pennsylvania. Michaels then performed a special private concert at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, on July 18. “But immediately, the next day following that show, I was admitted to the hospital, as the pain became too much when the stone would not pass,” Michaels told his followers.
The Poison Singer Is Recovering After His Operation

Michaels confirmed that doctors successfully completed the procedure and that he had moved beyond the initial postoperative recovery stage. “The operation has been done and is complete & I’m out of post-op recovery, and I’m doing everything within my power to feel better and continue playing great shows for great fans when I’ve got a complete clean bill of health,” he wrote.
The musician expressed “complete gratitude” for the doctors and nurses who cared for him during the emergency. “Just want to say on this #WisdomWednesday that I am wise enough to know how important family, friends, fans, doctors and nurses play such a vital role in our everyday health,” Michaels added.
He also joked about arriving at the hospital directly from his concert without stopping to change. “Also just know, they eventually forced me out of my clothes & into a hospital gown lol as I had gone straight from the show to the hospital,” he shared.
Fans Urge Bret Michaels To Prioritize His Health

Michaels’ followers flooded the post with supportive messages, with many expressing relief that his operation was successful. “Glad the operation was successful! Feel better soon!!!!” one person wrote.
Another fan urged the rocker to stop pushing through severe pain for the sake of his performances. “You need to listen to your body! You can reschedule your concerts! But you have only one body to take care of!” they commented.
Others shared their own frightening experiences with kidney stones. One follower recalled visiting an emergency room with pain so intense that she could not speak, adding that even morphine failed to provide relief. “Kidney stones are HORRIBLE!!!!! I went to an ER with such intense pain that I couldn’t speak! I just handed my driver’s license to the receptionist. 8 hours of pain and vomiting. Even morphine didn’t work!” the fan wrote.
Another person described suffering septic shock twice within one month and spending 21 days in intensive care before undergoing five months of dialysis. “Kidney stones are no joke. I gave birth to two children and kidney stones can really match up to the labor pain,” the follower wrote. “Take care of the stones. I’m so glad you’re doing much better. Again, take care.”
Bret Michaels Has More Concerts Scheduled

The singer is currently touring as a solo artist while performing music from his career with Poison. His upcoming schedule includes a July 30 concert in Interlochen, Michigan, followed by a July 31 performance in Belleville, Illinois. Michaels also has additional dates booked throughout August and September.
His statement did not explicitly confirm whether those performances will proceed as scheduled. Instead, he emphasized that he wants to resume performing once he receives full medical clearance.
Michaels previously canceled an appearance at the President Donald Trump-supported Freedom 250 concert on May 29. At the time, he cited increasing political divisiveness and security concerns as the reasons for withdrawing. His latest interruption, however, stems from the kidney stone and subsequent emergency operation.
Poison’s Planned 2026 Reunion Tour Fell Apart

Alongside his solo schedule, Michaels has been discussing the possibility of reuniting Poison for another tour. The hair-metal band last toured with Def Leppard in 2022 and had reportedly considered returning for a run of major headlining shows in 2026. However, those plans were ultimately abandoned.
Poison drummer Rikki Rockett claimed that the proposed tour fell apart because Michaels wanted the “lion’s share” of the money. Michaels has pushed back against the idea that ongoing drama will prevent the band from reuniting. Instead, he has identified 2027 as a potential year for Poison’s comeback.
During an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk,” the singer expressed confidence that the band could return to the road. “We’re hoping for ’27, ’cause I know it’s a big question,” Michaels said. “I think. I really strongly think ’27, without going into details yet, is going to be a good reunion year for Poison. I think it’s gonna be awesome.”
For now, Michaels’ immediate priority is recovering from surgery and receiving the medical clearance necessary to continue his solo tour safely.
Entertainment
Tom Morello Honors Late Mom With Heartfelt Memorial Project
Tom Morello has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother with a major memorial project named in her honor.
The initiative aims to raise funds for organizations that were deeply meaningful to her, supporting causes ranging from medical care to assistance for children in need.
Fans praised the Rage Against the Machine guitarist for the tribute, with many saying his mother would have been proud of the impact the project is set to make.
Taking to Instagram on July 20, Morello announced plans for a memorial project celebrating his mother’s life and legacy while honoring the profound influence she had on him.
The post invited her friends, family, and everyone whose life she touched to donate to the memorial project, which is centered on “caring,” “service,” and “action.”
“Donations to the Mary Morello Memorial Project will support organizations that were deeply meaningful to Mary throughout her life, and reflect the causes she passionately believed in and was proud to work alongside,” the post read. Beyond donating, Morello also encouraged people to “do something” meaningful for the world and share their efforts online to continue his mother’s lifelong commitment to peace, equality, and justice.
Morello Reveals Charities Backed By Memorial Fund

Elsewhere in the post, Morello tagged the organizations that will receive donations from the memorial project, seemingly to provide transparency about where the funds will go.
The organizations support a wide range of nonprofit causes, including assistance for at-risk youth and children, as well as medical aid for those in need.
The groups named include the UFW Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, The Midnight Mission, Jail Guitar Doors, Orphans of the Storm, All Chicago, Corazón for Cuba, the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and the Center for Native American Youth.
The post also noted that additional organizations may be added in the future to benefit from the donations raised through the memorial project.
Fans Praise Tom Morello’s Emotional Tribute
In the comments section, Morello received an outpouring of praise for creating the memorial project in honor of his mother.
“Thank you, Tom, for providing sources where we can all make meaningful contributions, either monetarily, by raising awareness, or through volunteering for so many incredible projects,” one individual wrote.
“This is so beautiful! Your mom is so inspiring, and you are too. Thank you for helping us all care more about each other,” another fan commented.
“Count me in! Thank you for your constant unwavering action. The world is a better place because of Mary and this beautiful family,” a third person added.
“Seriously, I welled up when I saw you support UFW, people so deserving of support. Immigrants feed America! Thank you for all you are doing in Mary’s name,” another user shared.
“So good! Thanks for your efforts! I’ll do my very best to act in her way,” one more individual reacted.
The Guitarist Shares Emotional Video Of His Mother

Morello further honored his mother by sharing a heartfelt throwback video highlighting some of the special moments they shared over the years.
In one clip, Mary is seen attending one of his concerts during the early days of his career.
Another scene features Morello reflecting on his upbringing, saying he once took it for granted that everyone’s parents were like his mother before realizing that no one else’s parent was quite like her.
In another touching moment, Mary expressed her pride in her son’s career, saying: “I am proud that he has done exactly what he wanted every minute of his life. I have been proud of him every minute, and I love him with all my heart forever.”
Mary Morello Died At 102
The memorial project comes just days after Morello revealed that his mother had passed away in an Instagram post.
“Mary Morello is forever with the Rebels of Light & Song. (1923-2026),” he wrote at the time.
The retired history teacher lived to the remarkable age of 102 before her passing. While the circumstances surrounding her death have not been disclosed, Morello had previously canceled a series of European shows to return to the United States after his mother was hospitalized so he could be by her side.
Entertainment
The Lord of the Rings Officially Returns With New Release on November 10
This has been a great week for Lord of the Rings fans, who have been treated to several new looks at the upcoming season of the Prime Video adaptation, The Rings of Power. The first new image to surface online showed Charlie Vickers as Sauron in The Rings of Power Season 3, which is dropping on November 11, and the second to follow officially revealed Daniel Weyman as Gandalf in the fantasy series. Tolkien fans also have the first live-action movie in years to look forward to, with The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum set to be unleashed in theaters on December 17, 2027 — the same day as Avengers: Secret Wars. While most fans thought that Rings of Power Season 3 was the next official LOTR release coming in 2026, there’s something coming later this year that’s timed almost perfectly with its premiere.
Amazon has officially announced that The Fall of Númenor Deluxe Edition: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth is officially available for pre-order now for $75, and it will release around the world on November 10. The book is set before the events of Peter Jackson’s first live-action Lord of the Rings movie, The Fellowship of the Ring, and it will feature 352 pages of premium copy for the epic novel. Legendary Tolkien artist Alan Lee also did the illustrations for the new releases, and the stories have been edited by Christopher Tolkien after his father’s original writing of the book. The story follows the Elves of Eregion as they work to forge the Rings of Power at the order of Sauron.
Is ‘The Rings of Power’ Season 3 the Final Season?
Prime Video has not officially renewed The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for Season 4, but the studio has confirmed that work on the next season is underway, so it will likely get the chance to continue barring anything unforeseen. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has been planned out as a five-season show, mapped out for 50 full hours of content, and after Prime Video has invested so much in the franchise already, it would be surprising to see it canceled at this point. Should The Rings of Power be renewed for Season 4, it will likely not return until 2028.
Check out the first two seasons of The Rings of Power on Prime Video, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the new release for The Fall of Númenor.
- Release Date
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September 1, 2022
- Network
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Amazon Prime Video
- Showrunner
-
John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Louise Hooper, Charlotte Brändström, Wayne Yip
- Writers
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Patrick McKay, John D. Payne, J.R.R. Tolkien, Justin Doble, Jason Cahill, Gennifer Hutchison, Stephany Folsom, Nicholas Adams
Entertainment
‘Star Trek’s Best Series Has Quietly Outdone ‘The Next Generation’
Star Trek, as we know it, owes its legacy to a fanbase that has never stopped showing up, especially for its best moments, most notably in The Next Generation. Star Trek: The Next Generation was a true turning point for the franchise, seeing as it modernized Gene Roddenberry’s universe and set a new standard for modern sci-fi television.
Originally airing from September 28, 1987, to May 23, 1994, the space epic is the franchise’s second live-action series and took heavy inspiration from the first-ever Star Trek entry, The Original Series. Unlike its predecessor, however, The Next Generation moved away from relying strictly on a central trio, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Instead, it built a true ensemble cast featuring professional Enterprise crew that acted more like representatives of a utopian future than cowboys in space.
Nearly three decades after The Next Generation went off the air, another similarly phenomenal entry arose: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Often regarded as the spiritual successor to TNG, Strange New Worlds has consistently won over critics and lifelong fans alike with every passing season, proving that the franchise’s episodic, character-driven storytelling still works today. Now in its fourth season, the show has refined The Next Generation’s classic formula for a modern audience in ways few thought possible.
‘Strange New Worlds’ Won Over Critics From the Start
Right from its premiere in 2022, Strange New Worlds was met with critical acclaim, earning a Certified Fresh rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes for Season 1, which immediately placed the series among the highest-rated in the franchise. To date, it hasn’t gone below 80% across every season on the review aggregator website; even the latest Season 4 debuted to a perfect 100% score.
By comparison, The Next Generation, which holds a 92% Tomatometer score, is remembered far more for its evolution than its debut. While later seasons produced some of the greatest episodes in Star Trek history, the show’s uneven first two years remain a frequent talking point among Trekkies. That difference matters because first impressions shape a series’ reputation. Strange New Worlds, which sits at 90%, never had to overcome an inconsistent beginning and understood exactly what made the franchise special.
‘Strange New Worlds’ Perfected the Star Trek Formula
Much of Strange New Worlds‘ success comes from how effectively it balances old and new. Like The Next Generation, it embraces classic Star Trek episodic storytelling and adventure-of-the-week structure while still developing its characters across the seasons. But unlike many modern streaming dramas that rely heavily on serialized plots, the four-season series refines the franchise’s formula without feeling dated.
In one episode, Strange New Worlds unexpectedly delivers a musical, the very first in Star Trek history, “Subspace Rhapsody.” And in the next, it’s exploring courtroom drama in “Ad Astra per Aspera,” before seamlessly crossing over with Star Trek: Lower Decks in “Those Old Scientists,” effortlessly balancing the distinct tones of both series.
No matter how ambitious its genre experiments become, every episode of Strange New Worlds remains unmistakably Star Trek at its core. Under Captain Christopher Pike, the series never loses sight of the optimism, curiosity, and humanity that have defined the franchise, values that The Next Generation helped popularize. Still, the difference is clearer when compared with the older series: although it excelled at exploring ethical dilemmas, it rarely ventured this boldly across genres, and when it did experiment, the results were far more uneven and divisive.
‘Strange New Worlds’ Features Fewer Weak Episodes
Looking at the critical reception of Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation, it stems directly from how both series were constructed. The classic drama operated under the draining 22-26-episode syndication model of the late 1980s and ’90s, forcing writers to prioritize quantity over consistent quality. So with 178 episodes across seven seasons, the inconsistency was almost unavoidable.
While The Next Generation gave fans all-time classics like “The Best of Both Worlds” and “The Inner Light,” it also produced its fair share of misfires. Early episodes such as “Code of Honor” remain among the most criticized in the franchise, while “Sub Rosa” has become infamous as one of Star Trek’s most divisive and frequently hate-watched episodes. Even many longtime fans admit there are entries they simply skip on rewatches.
Those uneven early years are reflected in the show’s critical reception. The first season struggled with frequent writer turnover and an uncertain creative direction. At the same time, the strike-shortened second season holds a lukewarm 57% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, ending with the widely panned clip-show finale “Shades of Gray.” Moreover, it wasn’t until Season 3, particularly the highly memorable “The Best of Both Worlds,” that The Next Generation truly found its footing.
Meanwhile, Strange New Worlds benefits from a tighter 10-episode season, giving each story more room to be carefully crafted without the need for filler. As a result, the series has produced very few episodes that critics or audiences consider weak. One of its finest is the Season 1 finale, “A Quality of Mercy,” which cleverly reimagines The Original Series episode “Balance of Terror.” By exploring how Pike and Kirk would handle the same crisis differently, the episode offers a compelling meditation on leadership, sacrifice, as well as destiny, and it is widely regarded as one of the strongest episodes of modern Star Trek.
The Next Generation will always be one of the most important series in Star Trek history. But when it comes to consistent critical acclaim and overall storytelling, Strange New Worlds may have quietly outdone the classic. Even so, it doesn’t replace TNG‘s legacy; instead, it builds on it, proving that Star Trek can still evolve while staying true to everything that made the franchise great.
Both Star Trek shows stream on Paramount+.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2027-00-00
- Network
-
Paramount+
- Showrunner
-
Henry Alonso Myers, Akiva Goldsman
- Directors
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Dan Liu, Amanda Row, Maja Vrvilo, Akiva Goldsman, Dermott Downs, Eduardo Sánchez, Jeffrey W. Byrd, Jonathan Frakes, Jordan Canning, Leslie Hope, Valerie Weiss, Sydney Freeland, Christopher J. Byrne, Rachel Leiterman
- Writers
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Onitra Johnson
-
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