A Florida Pastor was arrested on Wednesday, July 29, in Orlando for allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old boy. Furthermore, the pastor, Timothy Chaneyfield, is reportedly HIV positive and exposed the teenager to the virus.

RELATED: Florida Mom Arrested & Charged After Three Children Reportedly Found Living In Home Covered With Feces

Florida Pastor Exposes 14-Year-Old Boy To HIV

Timothy Chaneyfield is a pastor at St. James United American Free Will Baptist Church in Winter Haven. In addition, he is a chaplain for Compassionate Care Hospice and a former substitute teacher at Crystal Lake Middle School.

The Auburndale Police Department received a cyber tip about “illicit inappropriate activity” between an adult and a child and notified the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said at a press conference on Tuesday, August 4 that Chaneyfield is a “child pedophile” and a “predator.” He also minced no words while listing the accusations against the Florida pastor.

“What we found is that Timothy Cheney went online with a dating app in search of children and that’s what he found was a 14-year-old child,” said Judd. “Did you hear what I said? A little boy.

“Then they moved from there over to the Instagram app where they chatted more often, ” he continued. “It first went to the Abundale Police Department. They determined this was in the unincorporated area and immediately called us and immediately we started our investigation.”

“Timothy took the 14-year-old to his home and when he took him to his home, he engaged the child in sex.

Chaneyfield was charged with three counts lewd battery of a minor and interfering with custody of a minor. In addition to that, he was also charged with unlawful use of a two-way communication device, three counts of traveling to meet a minor.

Timothy Chaneyfield Is HIV-Positive

Sheriff Judd also shared that Chaneyfield is HIV positive, and he was charged as an HIV-infected person having sex without informing partner.

“He confessed that he picked up this 14-year-old child on at least three different occasions, took him to Timothy’s home in Eagle Lake where he engaged this child in sex. But that wasn’t it. That wasn’t all. Timothy is HIV positive.

“He failed to tell this 14-year-old child that I’m HIV positive,” said Judd. “And he had unprotected sex with a child and exposed our 14-year-old victim to HIV.”

Chaneyfield was arrested on July 29 in Orlando. In addition, the Florida pastor was charged with marijuana possession and five counts of drug paraphernalia possession.

Man Says He’s HIV Positive After Sex With Pastor

A 26-year-old man came forward and revealed that he was HIV positive after having sex with the Florida pastor.

“We fear that there’s other victims out there,” revealed Sheriff Judd. “Because he was very aggressive and very adamant about having sex with apparently adults or children.”

He also noted that the victim had been started on an HIV cocktail in hopes that he won’t become infected.

“We pray that our work was fast enough because we got the, our victim, the 14-year-old, the HIV cocktail that we stopped this child from being infected,” he said.

RELATED: Pastor Jamal Bryant Says Cheyenne Bryant Sent Him A Cease-And-Desist As Degree Speculations Resurface (VIDEO)

Shawn Mendes went public with girlfriend Bruna Marquezine while offering a rare glimpse into their relationship.

Mendes, 27, took to Instagram on Tuesday, August 4, to celebrate Marquezine’s 31st birthday with a sweet tribute, which read, “Feliz aniversário my baby.”

The musician praised Marquezine for her impact on him.

“You are a light and a mãe in every room you walk into. Not to be tooooo sappy but you’ve truly changed my life, and I am so so grateful for you,” he continued, adding a message in Portuguese, which translated to, “I love you so, so, so much. We all do amor.”

Related: Shawn Mendes’ Candid Quotes About His Sexuality Through the Years

Shawn Mendes knows that there’s intense curiosity about his private life — including his sexuality. Since becoming a music superstar around 2013 at age 14, rumors have swirled about his sexual orientation. Mendes — whose celebrity exes include Camila Cabello and Sabrina Carpenter — declared previously that he was not gay. He later confessed that […]

Mendes’ social media post included videos of him and Marquezine at Casa Amarela Providencia in Rio de Janeiro. He also shared several sweet photos of the couple, who have largely kept their romance out of the public eye.

The pair originally sparked romance rumors in December 2025. They have since been photographed together in Los Angeles and Marquezine’s home country of Brazil. Before finding love with Marquezine, Mendes dated Camila Cabello on and off from 2019 to 2023.

Mendes was later photographed with Sabrina Carpenter, after which he claimed he wanted to take the pressure off finding The One.

“When you’re single, there’s this pressure of looking for The One, who’s The One? … Damn, that’s a lot of pressure to put on someone when you first start dating,” he said at a concert in October 2024.

He added: “For me, I’ve just been trying to take that pressure off of whoever, and just allow myself to experience the love that is happening in that moment, wherever and however that’s happening. Man, we all need a little bit of cuddling, a little bit of hugging.”

Throughout his years in the spotlight, Mendes has been candid about facing speculation regarding his sexuality.

“In the back of my heart, I feel like I need to go be seen with someone — like a girl — in public, to prove to people that I’m not gay,” he told Rolling Stone in 2018. “Even though in my heart I know that it’s not a bad thing. There’s still a piece of me that thinks that. And I hate that side of me.”

Two years later, Mendes referred to the rumors as “frustrating.”

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Related: Camila! Hailey! Inside Shawn Mendes’ Dating History

Looking for The One! Shawn Mendes‘ love life has made headlines over the years as he navigates dating in the public eye. The “Stitches” singer largely didn’t address his personal life until he started dating Camila Cabello. Mendes and the former Fifth Harmony member originally went public in 2019 after five years of friendship. At […]

“There were some people in my life that I was very, very close to who were gay and in the closet. And I felt this real anger for those people,” he said during an episode of the “Armchair Expert” podcast in December 2020. “It’s such a tricky thing. You want to say, ‘I’m not gay, but it’d be fine if I was gay — but also, there’s nothing wrong with being gay, but I’m not.’ You don’t really know how to respond to the situation.”

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Mendes went on to reflect on finding a “divine middle ground” with his sexuality.

“I didn’t grow up wrestling. I grew up getting my hair braided on New Year’s Eve. It just completely depends on the way you grew up in your life and your surroundings,” he explained at the time. “I’m still a little bit more manly than that, so I don’t know, it’s a little confusing. So I’m just gonna let it be what it is.”

He continued: “Everyone’s been calling me gay since I was 15 years old. I’m not gay and I’m like, ‘What does that mean?’ I had these problems with the way my voice sounded. I’m like, ‘How do I sit?’ I’m always first to cross my legs and sit with a position of this feminine style and I really suffered with that s***. I think a lot of guys go through that, and even worse than that, there are so many guys who are gay and in the closet and must be hearing s*** like that and being like, ‘I’m terrified to come out.’”

More than five years after Warner Bros. announced a live-action ThunderCats movie, fans are still eagerly waiting for the legendary animated franchise to make its return. While the project has remained largely quiet, director Adam Wingardhas continued to reassure fans that the film is very much alive.

Earlier this year, Wingard confirmed that he and longtime collaborator Simon Barrett are still actively developing the screenplay after production on Godzilla x Kong temporarily delayed progress. “Simon and I are still actively working on the script,” Wingard explained, adding that ThunderCats remains “one of the top priorities” on his slate.

Wingard has never hidden his love for the property. In fact, he famously revealed that he wrote his own ThunderCatsscreenplay while he was in high school, calling the film his dream project. He has also promised fans that he has no interest in dramatically reinventing the beloved characters.

“I want to do a ThunderCats film that takes you back to that ’80s aesthetic,” Wingard previously said. “I don’t want to reinvent the way they look. I want them to look like ThunderCats.” Rather than actors simply wearing makeup or prosthetics, Wingard has envisioned a hybrid of CGI and animation that captures the classic designs while bringing them into a modern cinematic world.

Although no casting announcements have been made, there are already several actors who seem like natural fits to wield the Sword of Omens.

One of the most popular fan choices is Henry Cavill. The former Superman star has built a reputation for portraying noble, honorable heroes, and his passion for fantasy franchises like The Witcher makes him an easy choice in the eyes of many fans. Cavill has the commanding presence, physicality, and leadership qualities that Lion-O demands.

Henry Cavill [the Witcher]

If Warner Bros. is looking for someone slightly younger, Tyler Hoechlin deserves consideration. His portrayal of Superman showcased warmth, confidence, and humility, all qualities that define Lion-O. Hoechlin also has years of experience leading ensemble casts, something that would be essential if ThunderCats launches a larger franchise.

Tyler Hoechlin

Finally, Leo Suter could be the wildcard pick. Best known for Vikings: Valhalla, Suter brings a regal presence, athleticism, and enough youthful charisma to portray Lion-O as he grows into the legendary leader fans remember from the original series. Casting a younger actor would also allow the character to evolve naturally over multiple films.

Leo suter

With Wingard still committed to bringing ThunderCats to the big screen, it’s only a matter of time before casting speculation begins to intensify. Whether Warner Bros. chooses an established Hollywood star or introduces a fresh face, whoever lands the role of Lion-O will have enormous expectations from generations of fans who have waited decades.

After previously missing out on playing the titular “God of War” character, Dave Bautista is reportedly back in contention for the role.

According to reports, the actor is now in discussions to take on the part after the previous lead, Ryan Hurst, suffered a serious injury that forced the show’s producers to recast.

Bautista has yet to confirm whether talks are underway, but fans are already expressing excitement over the possibility of seeing him step into the iconic character.

Ever since the “God of War” series was announced in 2022, speculation has surrounded which actor would take on the beloved video game character Kratos.

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Dave Bautista was among the names frequently linked to the role, alongside Christopher Judge, who voices Kratos in the video game series. However, the part ultimately went to “Superman: Man of Tomorrow” star Ryan Hurst in January 2026.

That casting decision has now been revisited after Hurst suffered a torn biceps while filming a stunt in June. The injury forced the show’s producers to recast the role because his recovery timeline no longer aligned with the production schedule.

According to Variety, Bautista is now in discussions to take over the role while filming remains paused. Although it is unclear how far negotiations have progressed, a decision is expected soon, with production reportedly aiming to resume in the fall.

Bautista Still Fits The Kratos Mold

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In the video game series, Kratos is portrayed as a towering, heavily muscular warrior with a broad frame, powerful arms, and a battle-hardened physique built for strength and endurance.

Bautista had a similar build during his WWE career, leading many fans to believe he was the perfect choice when the series was first announced. While the actor has since slimmed down to pursue a broader range of Hollywood roles, he remains in excellent physical condition and could regain the muscle needed for the part.

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The decision to enter talks with Bautista also suggests the show’s producers see him as a strong fit for the iconic character. However, the actor has yet to publicly confirm whether negotiations are taking place.

Dave Bautista Could Lead God Of War For Years

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If Bautista lands the role, he would be expected to portray Kratos across at least the two seasons already ordered by Amazon Prime Video.

Both seasons are expected to adapt the two most recent “God of War” games, which follow Kratos as he raises his 10-year-old son, Atreus, while confronting the gods of the Norse pantheon.

“Father and son Kratos and Atreus embark on a journey to spread the ashes of their wife and mother, Faye. Through their adventures, Kratos tries to teach his son to be a better god, while Atreus tries to teach his father how to be a better human,” the official logline reads.

Atreus is currently portrayed by Callum Vinson, the young actor known for the latest installment of the “Chucky” franchise. However, the role is expected to be recast for the second season due to the time jump in the games.

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The Hollywood Star’s Casting Rumors Divide Fans

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Following the reports, fans have shared mixed reactions to the possibility of Bautista replacing Hurst as Kratos.

Some questioned whether it would be worth the actor undergoing another dramatic body transformation to match the character’s imposing physique.

“So after going on his dieting and self-healing journey, they’ll have him on steroids again?” one user asked.

Others were enthusiastic about the potential casting, even as they acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Hurst’s injury.

“It sucks that Ryan had to give up the role (I do think he would have put a lot of effort in & done great), but I’d be lying if I said I don’t prefer Bautista as Kratos,” another fan wrote.

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Dave Bautista Talks Leave Christopher Judge Out Of Kratos Race

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With Bautista now seemingly back in contention for the role, it appears the show’s producers are no longer considering Christopher Judge to play Kratos.

Judge has not responded publicly to reports linking Bautista to the role. However, he previously suggested he would rather see another actor portray the live-action version of the character.

“Don’t get me wrong, I think @DaveBautista is great, but…,” Judge wrote in a 2023 post on X when early speculation about the series first surfaced.

Diddy‘s prison release date has reportedly been updated — once again.

RELATED: Whew! Diddy Reportedly Placed In Solitary Confinement Following Alleged Fight With Inmate

Diddy’s Prison Release Date Reportedly Updated — Again

According to TMZ, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has now pushed back Diddy’s prison release date. Per Page Six, the date has now been updated to February 20, 2028. Furthermore, the outlet reportedly reached out to the bureau for an explanation on the new date and the repeated updates. However, it has yet to hear back.

Per PEOPLE, Diddy’s legal team declined to share a statement on the matter.

Judge Reportedly Signs Off On Government Seizing Confiscated  Property

On Tuesday, August 4, TMZ also published a separate report. In it, the outlet asserted that Diddy’s trial judge, Arun Subramanian, signed a court order that day. Specifically, the outlet reports that the order “officially [forfeits] a bunch of property to Uncle Sam.”

The property reportedly includes a “long list of items.” This allegedly includes “multiple iPhones, iPads, hard drives — and even $9K cash seized from the Park Hyatt Hotel on September 16, 2024.” As The Shade Room previously reported, on that date, Diddy was arrested and taken into federal custody in connection with what was then a sex trafficking investigation. Additionally, in March 2024, Diddy’s homes were raided, and items were confiscated by federal agents.

Per the outlet, the order reportedly signed by the judge came after no timely claim was filed against the forfeiture.

Diddy’s Prison Release Date Was Reportedly Updated After His Alleged Prison Fight

As The Shade Room previously reported, last month, Diddy’s prison release date was reportedly updated after he got into an alleged fight at Fort Dix. The alleged altercation allegedly took place days before July 24, and it was allegedly sparked by an argument between Diddy and another inmate.

During the alleged altercation, the 56-year-old allegedly held his own. However, afterward, he was reportedly thrown into solitary confinement, per The Shade Room.

Subsequently, it was then — surprisingly — revealed that his release date was updated from February 23, 2028, to January 24, 2028.

RELATED: Diddy’s Release Date Is Reportedly Updated Following Alleged Prison Fight

Whiter teeth can quickly change how you feel and present yourself, but a shinier smile seems like a luxury reserved for those who can spend a lot of money. Snow is making sure that isn’t true. The brand offers a range of teeth-whitening products that make it an affordable at-home journey, and its products can even be used by those with sensitive gums and teeth.

There’s more than one way to whiten your teeth. For some, it might be using a daily toothpaste, and for others, a booster powder makes more sense. One of Snow’s bestsellers, though, is its wireless device that uses light-emitting diode (LED) technology to help you achieve a whiter smile in just 21 days. Simply place the mouthguard in your mouth for nine to 30 minutes each day, depending on your goals.

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If you’d prefer a more direct solution, shoppers appreciate Snow’s Gold Wand Extra-Strength Teeth Whitening Pen. As the name suggests, it lets you control and apply the product directly to your teeth. Made from a combination of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide that lifts surface stains, it dries on the teeth in 30 seconds and just needs to sit for 30 minutes. No one will even know you’re in the process of whitening!

Another one of Snow’s bestsellers is its dissolving strips that use P3 Technology — a proprietary combination of pectin, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and pentasodium triphosphate — combined with hydrogen peroxide for a visibly whiter appearance. The perk here is that you don’t have to peel off a film at the end of the 30 minutes. The strips completely dissolve, so you’re ready to go.

Regular users agree that Snow products really work, leaving you with whiter teeth after a little consistency.

“I’m truly impressed by the Snow at-home whitening serum. I LOVE that the whitening serum doesn’t make my teeth sensitive to hot or cold,” one buyer wrote about the whitening pen.

“I can’t say enough good things about Snow! I did the full 21 days as recommended, and the results were amazing!! Now I do three days a month for simple upkeep,” a whitening kit user said.

With a range of options and thousands of happy reviews, it’s clear that Snow makes finding the best teeth-whitening product for you a priority. Just think: if you start now, you’re one day closer to the smile of your dreams!

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Influencer Jen Hamilton is seeking to give new meaning to her would-be 14th wedding anniversary date amid her ongoing and messy separation.

“Today is my 14th wedding anniversary, and this is me 14 years ago, so excited about my future,” Hamilton, 35, said in a Tuesday, August 4, video shared via Instagram, sharing a throwback photo from her nuptials to now-estranged husband Brian Hamilton. “This is me today at my ‘Jendependence Day’ party, surrounded by people that love me [and are] so excited for my future.”

To mark her so-called “Jendependence,” a play on the nurse’s first name and the word independence, Jen hosted a party with her friends. She was seen beaming in her social media images.

“What’s crazy is this is the best anniversary I’ve ever had,” Jen added on Tuesday. “What an honor it is to feel more love than when I did when I was married, and this [photo showed] half the people that came. This is the best anniversary I’ve ever had.”

Related: Influencer Jen Hamilton and Husband Brian’s Relationship Timeline

Influencer Jen Hamilton and her husband, Brian, have been candid about their relationship through the years. The couple exchanged vows in 2012, before welcoming sons Ellis and Luke. In June 2026, Jen — who sparked speculation that the pair had called it quits — shared her side of the story on where they stand in […]

Jen announced in June that she and her then-husband, Brian, had separated after decades of marriage.

“Yes, we are separating. This comes with enormous pain for the both of us but also gratitude for the 15 years of shared history, love, and friendship,” a joint statement from the pair, who share two sons, read. “What we are committed to is loving each other well through this transition and placing the wellbeing of the family we created at the center.”

Weeks later, Jen claimed that Brian was allegedly leading a “double life” well before they decided to end their marriage.

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Related: Jen Hamilton Vows Not to Change Last Name Amid Split: ‘My Name Now’

Influencer Jen Hamilton confirmed she will keep her last name despite the breakdown of her marriage to estranged husband Brian Hamilton. “It’s my name now,” she shared via Instagram on Monday, July 27. “I made this name special and I’m gonna keep it.” Jen announced her separation from Brian after “15 years of shared history” […]

“He had a double life with a woman who was 56 years old. Yes, I should have left him way earlier — giving myself grace,” Jen claimed via Instagram last month. “I am so fortunate to have the means and resources to leave a bad relationship. There are so many women who are unable to do so, whether from finances, resources, etc.”

While Brian never publicly addressed the accusations, Jen alleged that her now-ex never had “much interest” in her romantically.

“While I was at the hospital, taking care of people, he found the time to have a whole other life,” she further claimed. “As someone who’s never even passionately kissed anyone else in my entire life, this has broken me beyond comprehension. I’m done being people’s PR manager. My kids know, everybody in my orbit knows.”

On 90 Day Fiance, Catie Norboe and friends celebrate her bachelorette party with a bride or die themed party and she reveals she wants to leave the door open. Marissa Rubinetti scolds Edward Miguel Gomez when he fibs about going through her phone. Rasit Kebabci takes a hard line when it comes to Mallorie DeGrange not wanting kids. And Shea McGuire tries to patch things up between Annabelle Chua and his daughter Allison. Let’s dive in to the drama in this recap of Season 12, Episode 13 Do I Stay or Do I Go.

90 Day Fiance: Catie Norboe Wants an Open Marriage

Catie prepares for her bachelorette party on 90 Day Fiancé. She’s been trying to curb the urge to drink too much and make out with her friends. And asks Josh Atkins for some boundaries on bachelorette night. He states the obvious, no drinking till she blacks out and no making out with randoms. She agrees to try and plants a kiss on Josh before heading out to meet her friends. The theme of the party is “Bride or Die” and the girls all dress in black for the funeral of Catie’s freedom.

But Catie isn’t ready to let her freedom die. She is thrilled with the decorations that include a casket. Catie is quick to admit that her intimacy with Josh is a little vanilla. And she fears being unsatisfied having to remain monogamous. A game of never have I ever ensues and Catie shames her less promiscuous pals. She shocks everyone when she admits she would like to keep the door open after marriage for some outside action.

On 90 Day Fiancé, Catie maintains that she’s willing to approach the subject of an open marriage with Josh. The others wonder if he too would partake in extramarital flings. Catie admits he probably wouldn’t want to. It gets a bit uncomfortable. But Catie is wide open when it comes to being limited in having multiple partners. So, Josh’s reaction to the whole scenario remains to be seen.

90 Day Fiance: Marissa Has Cold Feet

On 90 Day Fiance, the clock is running out for Marissa and Edward. With just two weeks left to marry, Marissa’s doubts are growing. And she tells Edward she isn’t sure if she’s on board. Edward is angry and stomps off. Later at her New York City apartment the pair get into a big argument that Marissa describes as breakup worthy. They sleep separate. Her in the bed and him on the couch.

In the morning Marissa suggests they talk. Over coffee and breakfast at a sidewalk cafe, she lays out her frustrations. He needs to give her space and be more independent. She calls him manipulative for tricking her into believing he went through her phone and found she had been in touch with her ex. She admitted she has remained friends with him and did talk to him. But Edward was bluffing. Leading Marissa to amp up her doubts even more as the wedding day looms.

TLC Couple Rasit and Mallorie Struggle

The honeymoon may be over before it even starts for 90 Day Fiance couple Mallorie DeGrange and Rasit. Initially the pair seemed legit head over heels with each other. Until the roadblocks started piling up including her relationship with her ex, Brandon, her unwillingness to purchase a luxury bidet and Mallorie wanting Rasit to sign a prenup to protect her assets. But the final straw is her not wanting children.

Rasit rings up his brother for moral support. His brother agrees that her not wanting kids is a dealbreaker. Mallorie suggests a trip to a wedding venue to break the ice. While both enjoy the tour of the beautiful grounds, Rasit admits his heart and head aren’t in it. He really wants kids. And if Mallorie doesn’t, he says he will walk away. Mallorie then doubts the marriage too since he shows no empathy towards her past trauma.

90 Day Fiance: Shea McGuire Plays Peacemaker

Shea works up a sweat doing Zumba with his 90 Day Fiancé Annabelle. He even gets lucky after when Annabelle joins him in the shower. But Shea lets Annabelle know he wants her to make it right with his daughter Allison. The pair aren’t getting along after Annabelle mocked Allison’s church. Shea urges Annabelle to get to know Allison and share a little about herself. He invites Allison to accompany Annabelle to shop for wedding veils.

Allison mopes in the back seat while Shea encourages the women to talk. Allison calls Annabelle a b*tch. So it’s awkward in the dress shop until Annabelle opens up. She has empathy for Allison losing her mother. And reveals the infidelity in her first marriage that resulted in a child to another woman. Annabelle vows to be there for Allison. And Allison agrees to a hug and a fresh start with Annabelle as her stepmom.

Ashia’s Family Not Sold on Maxwell

Ashia Montgomery is hustling up a quick wedding in Nigeria. Her family has arrived including outspoken God brother Rod. He fires off questions to Maxwell Okeke. Going as far as to indicate he thinks he could be a scammer. Ashia defends Maxwell as does his family. Next, Ashia’s family wants to know about the actual ceremony on 90 Day Fiancé. Maxwell’s mom says it won’t be the traditional Igbo ceremony. But they will dress Ashia traditionally and forbid any alcohol since they are Christian.

God brother Rod suggests he will bring his own booze to tolerate the wedding. He pulls Maxwell aside to question his motives some more. Calling him a slick salesman. Maxwell considers him insulting. But Rod doesn’t care. He doesn’t think Maxwell is established. And fears he will flounder in America like a newborn baby. He says Ashia shouldn’t marry for potential. And Maxwell feels disrespected.

90 Day Fiance: Thomas Makes a Stink over Deodorant

90 Day Fiancé couple Thomas Dintino and Paula Barbosa head to taste wedding cakes. They’ve found a bakery that accommodates both her vegan preferences and his dairy allergy. But Thomas is annoyed that Paula sprayed deodorant in the apartment. And accuses her of not caring about his sensitivities to scents. Paula tries to joke about it. But he doubles down on her choice of perfumes and deodorants calling them extraordinarily bad.

Things get better as they enjoy cake tasting. But they argue again when Paula reveals her family will be arriving for the wedding and staying at their apartment. A total of eight people. Thomas finds this ridiculous. Especially when Paula suggests giving his parents their bedroom. He rants that his home is his safe space. And that nobody better be terrorizing him with perfumes and deodorants during their stay. Till next time!

Barry Manilow‘s fans suffer another crushing blow!

The singer seemingly shelved another performance for the second time this year, months after he postponed a few dates to focus on addressing his lung cancer diagnosis.

Barry Manilow revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer in late 2025 after his doctor ordered an MRI after dealing with a lengthy episode of bronchitis.

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The songwriter shocked his fans by canceling his Tuesday night concert in Lexington. The announcement was made via X minutes before he was billed to take the stage at Rupp Arena, and he did not give a reason for the sudden rescheduling.

The Lexington show was postponed back in March when it was originally scheduled amid his recovery from surgery for his lung cancer. Rupp Arena has since assured ticket buyers that all previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the newly announced dates.

Page Six reported that a significant number of tickets for the standard package were still on sale, ranging from $39 to $578, while fan club tickets had sold out on Tuesday, August 4. Manilow is, however, expected to appear in Cincinnati, Ohio, for another leg of performances on Wednesday, August 5.

The ‘Could It Be Magic’ Hitmaker Was Uncertain About Regaining His Voice Post-Surgery

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As shared by The Blast in early June, Manilow disclosed that his stage one cancer surgery was successful, but he harbored one concerning fear about the state of his vocals.

The singer shared that his left lung was taken out during the surgery, and he got to realize just how it may impact his career during his first soundcheck after his surgery.

Manilow was billed to open his first stadium show on June 25, ahead of his Las Vegas residency, which was slated for July. He confessed that his voice felt so unfamiliar, and that realization left him at a crossroads about whether to return to performing or move on.

“That is really upsetting. Because I don’t want it to stop,” the star noted, as he admitted that edging so close to losing a voice everyone once treasured made him value the richness of his tone differently. 

To address his diagnosis, Manilow revealed that he did not go through chemotherapy or radiation, as medics confirmed it was an early-stage tumor, which was sorted by a successful procedure.

Barry Manilow Did Not Have Smooth Sailing During Surgery Recovery

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The performer shared that his cancer was discovered after his doctor decided to conduct more tests into his six-week battle with bronchitis, which led him straight to the roots of his health issues. He revealed that his team of doctors saw the spot on his lungs and, in their urgency, called for a surgical procedure almost instantly.

As soon as the process was done, Manilow headed into recovery, which totally left a not-so-great taste on his tongue as he had to deal with pneumonia. This interference in his health landed him in the intensive care unit, and he spent most of his time there wondering if he would make it out alive.

He also did a lot of introspection about his music and its effect on people over the years, wondering if he had made people happy. Manilow’s experience with the kind medical staff who tended to him in recovery also gave him hope that there is so much good in the world.

Throughout his career, Manilow has recorded and released over 51 chart-topping singles, including 13 number-one hits, and 13 platinum and 6 multi-platinum albums. The singer has sold over 85 million records worldwide as a solo artist, earning him a spot on the list of the world’s best-selling artists.

The 83-Year-Old Chose Healing Over Comeback Post Cancer Surgery

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USA Today shared earlier in the year that Manilow announced in an Instagram post that he has decided to reschedule all performances from February through mid-March. He explained that despite maintaining a regular wellness routine ahead of an early-stage return, he still found it hard to sustain notes without taking breaks.

The singer added that, while he received a positive update from his doctor about his recovery, his doctor sternly warned him against considering a 90-minute performance. Although he was disappointed, the singer agreed that a quick comeback could jeopardize the pace of his recovery.

The music producer expressed optimism about returning to his Las Vegas residency later in March and early April, while profusely apologizing for the additional postponements and promising that his comeback would be worth it.

Barry Manilow Uncovered A New Purpose In Being A Grandfather Before His Health Episode

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The music producer had been riding high after welcoming his first grandchild a few years before his lung cancer surgery. The Blast shared that the singer confessed that he never imagined stepping into fatherhood, but watching his granddaughter grow has been an experience of a lifetime.

Manilow stepped into grandfatherhood after his husband’s daughter Kirsten Kief welcomed a baby girl into the family via adoption. The family milestone came during a memorable year for the entertainer, who broke Elvis Presley’s long-standing record for the most performances at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

The award-winning singer shared that his late stepfather opened his eyes to the positive side of family and music via his extensive record collection. Manilow has also helped raise Kirsten from the tender age of two, remaining a significant part of her life. 

Manilow and his husband cum longtime manager Garry Kief have been together for more than 4 decades. They discreetly tied the knot in 2014 during an intimate ceremony attended by around 30 guests.

Literature saw a drastic transformation—or rather, several—throughout the 20th century. From the experimental nature of modernism, to the surge of global voices that came from postcolonial literature, to the post-Tolkien fantasy revolution, to the transformation of science fiction into a genre as respectable as any other—well, it’s no mystery why many of the greatest books ever written were published between 1901 and 1999.

Whether it’s a generation-defining Latin American gem like Pedro Páramo, a genre masterpiece like the revolutionary Dune, or a postmodernist masterpiece like Gravity’s Rainbow, the greatest book masterpieces of the 20th century are fascinating to study. These 100 years were perhaps the most radically transformative in literary history, and as such, the best books they produced are all essential reading.

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‘Pedro Páramo’ (1955)

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Studying the history and trajectory of 20th-century literature could never possibly be complete without looking at Latin America’s output during the era. Fittingly, no study of 20th-century Latin American literature could ever possibly be complete without reading Mexican writer Juan Rulfo‘s magnum opus, Pedro Páramo, one of the greatest and most important works of magical realism in the genre’s entire history.

Legendary Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges once called Pedro Páramo one of the greatest texts ever written in any language, and it’s hard to disagree. Though it was originally a critical and commercial failure, Pedro Páramo nowadays stands as a paragon of Latin American literature. Framed with a revolutionary non-linear structure and full of haunting surrealism that makes the book hard to put down, it’s one of the most influential modern literary works not in the English language.

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‘In Cold Blood’ (1966)

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It’s difficult to pinpoint the origins of the non-fiction novel all the way back to a single book, but one thing is certain: the genre saw its boom around the mid-20th century. One of the most important non-fiction novels in history is Truman Capote‘s In Cold Blood, one of the best books of the 1960s, detailing the 1959 Clutter family murders that took place in Holcomb, Kansas.

Widely hailed as the grandfather of the true crime novel, In Cold Blood has aged like fine wine, and some 21st-century critics even call it the first true non-fiction novel. It’s a masterpiece built on surprisingly cinematic and free-flowing prose, without ever sacrificing Capote’s journalistic attention to detail. Exhaustively researched, perfectly paced, and wonderfully complex, it’s a must-read for anyone interested in the true crime genre.

8

‘The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle’ (1994–1995)

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Published as a three-volume novel between 1994 and 1995, and later published in English in 1997, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is almost universally regarded as the best 20th-century book by one of the greatest Japanese authors of all time, Haruki Murakami. Wildly ambitious and beautifully surreal, it’s a thought-provoking exploration of historical trauma and the search for personal identity.

It may be a bit too long, dark, and dense for someone who hasn’t read Murakami before, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle is one of the greatest Japanese novels in history. Bolstered by Murakami’s uniquely dreamlike prose, a fascinating protagonist, and imagery that lends itself perfectly to infinite analysis and multiple re-reads, it’s yet another instance of flawless 20th-century magical realism.

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‘Dune’ (1965)

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Upon release, Frank Herbert‘s Dune was an immediate commercial and critical success. In the years since, praise for it has only kept growing larger, more widespread, and more mainstream. Today, few would be against saying that this is the single most important and influential work of science fiction of the 20th century.

Simply put, Dune is one of the best sci-fi book masterpieces of all time, a hugely ambitious and complex work that has only gotten better with age. It’s a cautionary tale against the dangers of messianic leaders and religious fanaticism, a study of the relationship between politics and religion, and a meditation on the way humans seek to control the environment. Epic in scale yet deeply intimate when it needs to be, Dune is a must-read even for those who typically don’t love science fiction.

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‘The Great Gatsby’ (1925)

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F. Scott Fitzgerald was primarily a short story writer, having written only four novels; and even though he died thinking he was a failure whose works were destined to oblivion, history remembers him among the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Who, if not one of the greats, could have written The Great Gatsby, a remarkably strong contender for the title of “The Great American Novel”?

It’s one of the most powerful tragedy novels of the 20th century, inspired by a romance Fitzgerald had with socialite Ginevra King in his youth. The book was a commercial disappointment, but in the years following, it became the subject of deep academic and critical re-evaluation. Today, it’s one of the most beloved classics of its time, a deeply nuanced and thought-provoking critique of the dark underbelly of the American Dream.

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‘The Catcher in the Rye’ (1951)

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Another book that some would dare to refer to as the greatest American novel of all time, J. D. Salinger‘s The Catcher in the Rye is at the very least a remarkable masterpiece. Partially serialized between 1945 and 1946, until finally being novelized in 1951, it has aged as one of the most important coming-of-age novels written in the modern era.

Calling it one of the best books of the 1950s is quite the understatement. Originally written for adults, the book has since become an icon for teenage angst and rebellion, thanks to its profound exploration of themes of loss, innocence, and identity. Imbued with a raw emotional honesty and highly accessible, colloquial prose that feels refreshing even today, it’s a classic that’s incredibly easy—and crucial—to read.

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‘The Lord of the Rings’ (1954–1955)

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Published in three volumes, J. R. R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings was originally envisioned as a simple sequel to Tolkien’s iconic children’s novel The Hobbit, but gradually started transforming into something far larger and more epic. Today, it’s widely remembered as the greatest work of fantasy literature of the 20th century, a true turning point for the entire genre.

Since 1955, many books have tried to be “the next Lord of the Rings,” yet not even the best ones have ever managed to match the level of quality of Tolkien’s writing. It really is one of the greatest genre novels ever written and one of the best fantasy book masterpieces, boosted by Tolkien’s gorgeously detailed use of language and the worldbuilding’s tremendous depth and density. One can’t fully understand the history of 20th-century literature without reading The Lord of the Rings.

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‘Gravity’s Rainbow’ (1973)

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Thomas Pynchon is far and away one of the most important postmodern writers ever, an author whose deep imagination and perfectly effective sense of humor helped him reshape modern literature. In order to understand Pynchon’s importance to 20th-century literature, one needn’t go any further than the book typically recognized as his very best: Gravity’s Rainbow, one of the heaviest sci-fi books ever written.

It’s a sprawling monster of a book whose cultural impact and deep influence can still be seen today. Gravity’s Rainbow is a work of true genius full of complex ideas and the sort of aesthetic experiments that you can expect from any Pynchon book, a techno-paranoid gem whose analysis of the dehumanizing effects of technology has tragically aged like fine wine. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an essential one nonetheless.

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‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ (1967)

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It’s a very nuanced and subjective debate, but if any book has a claim to the title of “most important work of Spanish-language literature since Cervantes‘ Don Quixote,” it’s Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez‘s One Hundred Years of Solitude. Heavily inspired by Pedro Páramo, this is arguably the greatest work of magical realism in the history of literature.

One Hundred Years of Solitude proved that the major axis of world literature in the mid-20th century was Latin America, and it’s just as profoundly engrossing a read today as it was almost 60 years ago. Masterfully structured, gorgeously atmospheric, and profoundly human in ways that very few books have ever been, it’s a masterpiece that absolutely everyone should read at least once in their lives, regardless of what their native language is.

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‘Ulysses’ (1922)

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James Joyce‘s Ulysses is to the modernist literature of the first half of the 20th century what Gravity’s Rainbow is to the postmodernist literature of the century’s latter half. It’s a modern take on Homer‘s The Odyssey, modeled after both the structure and story of the foundational epic poem. But where many classics can be a bit of a chore to get through nowadays, the uniquely experimental style with which Joyce approached Ulysses makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read to this day.

There’s not much of a plot here. Instead, Joyce structures the story with the free-flowing pace of a stream of consciousness, exploring an entirely ordinary day in Dublin with entirely extraordinary detail and vibrancy. Joyce toys around with the English language in ways that you just can’t get in any other book ever written, and that alone is more than enough to make Ulysses an essential read. It’s hard to point to a single novel and call it the best of the 20th century, but if any one deserves it, it’s this one.