Shania Twain is entering a new chapter of her career with a renewed appreciation for everything that brought her there. 

As the country music superstar celebrates the release of her seventh studio album, “Little Miss Twain,” she is also reflecting on the tragedies, setbacks, and personal battles that shaped her long before she reclaimed the spotlight. 

Looking back on decades of loss and resilience, Twain says those experiences didn’t break her. Rather, they taught her how to keep moving forward.

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Behind Shania Twain’s record-breaking success is a story marked by hardship that began years before fame ever found her.

The Canadian singer, who has sold more than 100 million albums, earned five Grammy Awards, and became the best-selling female country-pop artist in history, grew up in poverty in Timmins, Ontario, where she also endured an abusive childhood.

Despite those difficult circumstances, Twain remembers embracing the outdoors and refusing to let anything stop her from fitting in.

During a recent chat with PEOPLE, she laughed while recalling that she once “double bra-ed it” so she could play football with the boys, adding, “You just can’t take the woods out of the girl. That’s for sure.”

At 22, her life changed forever when her mother, Sharon, and stepfather, Jerry, were killed in a car accident, leaving her to care for her three younger siblings.

Rather than allowing grief to consume her, Twain said she learned one of life’s most important lessons.

“I had to learn how to be brave really early on and not crumble,” she explained, crediting education and self-therapy with helping her navigate one of the darkest periods of her life.

Twain Refused To Let Heartbreak And Illness Define Her

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Even after achieving international success, Shania Twain continued to face deeply personal challenges.

Her highly publicized split from producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange dominated headlines, while Lyme disease threatened the career she had spent years building after it damaged her vocal cords and eventually led to surgery.

Instead of viewing those moments as defeats, the 60-year-old said they strengthened her determination.

“I’ve gotten through difficult times by being capable of finding courage, being brave and pushing through the fear,” she said, further noting, “Fear fuels me.”

Today, she sees those experiences differently than she once did. Time has allowed her to replace pain with perspective, leaving her with a deeper confidence in both herself and the path that brought her here.

Shania Twain Poured Those Experiences Into ‘Little Miss Twain’

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That outlook is woven throughout “Little Miss Twain,” an album the singer describes as deeply rooted in the experiences that shaped her life.

Rather than running from the past, she embraced it, using memories of childhood, family, loss, and personal growth to create a project that reflects both where she has been and where she is today.

“I’ve already spent all of my life processing the challenges [I’ve had],” Twain told the outlet, adding, “I’m at a place where I really enjoy looking back on it with a smile.”

The album also gave her the opportunity to collaborate with artists she deeply admires, including Tanya Tucker, Josh Homme, The War and Treaty, and her 25-year-old son, Eja Lange.

Recording alongside Tucker proved especially memorable for Twain, who admitted the experience was “very, very surreal.” 

After decades of navigating unimaginable personal and professional obstacles, she now finds herself celebrating not just another album, but the resilience that made it possible.

Twain Turned A Tiny NYC Stage Into A Big Celebration 

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Shania Twain’s resilience isn’t the only thing captivating fans. Recently, the country music icon also reminded audiences why she remains one of entertainment’s most magnetic performers during an intimate New York City concert.

For the event, Twain paired dazzling fashion with a career-spanning set that celebrated both her biggest hits and the music that continues to define her latest creative chapter. 

Wearing sparkling diamond jewelry, black hot pants, a sheer caped blouse over a black bustier, and knee-high suede boots, she transformed the small venue into a star-studded celebration. 

She treated fans to classics including “Come On Over,” “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still the One,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” while also performing songs from Little Miss Twain, including “Dirty Rosie,” “I’d Be Loving Me,” “Stranger Things,” “Faded Blue Jeans,” and the title track. 

Between performances, Twain shared stories from her childhood in Ontario, paid tribute to her late mother, and even acknowledged her sister, who was in attendance.

Shania Twain Faces Mixed Reactions Over Wembley Performance

“Real Housewives of Orange County” star Shannon Beador says she was “bothered” and “embarrassed” that a California restaurant didn’t let her and Andy Cohen eat for free.

Beador, who joined “RHOC” during season 9 in 2014, recently appeared on a podcast and discussed her headline-making night out with Cohen at the Orange County staple The Quiet Woman.

During her interview, Beador blasted the eatery for returning to their table with a $540 bill after her meal with Cohen and six of her castmates.

On the “Hate to Break It to Ya” podcast, Beador told host Jamie Kennedy that she was “bothered” the staff at The Quiet Woman in Orange County didn’t immediately comp her meal with Cohen during a recent night out.

For those who may be unfamiliar, The Quiet Woman has been featured on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Orange County” for years and has been the site of some of the show’s most explosive fights.

“I have been frequenting this restaurant…for years now,” Beador said. “I’ve had some scenes there that have been, I guess, memorable.”

She continued, “But when I went to a restaurant and coordinated this dinner with six of my castmates and Andy Cohen, it’s kind of a big deal. So when Andy asks for the bill, and they brought one, I was bothered by it.”

Beador Says Andy Cohen Helped Put The Quiet Woman ‘On The Map’

Beador apparently threw a fit after receiving a bill over $500. “I said, ‘This is ridiculous. You have Andy Cohen here, who’s never been to Orange County, and he’s chosen your establishment,’” she said. “What else do you need?”

While Beador said she wasn’t “having a meltdown,” she did voice her frustration because she believes Cohen put the local eatery “on the map.”

“I said, ‘It’s Business 101. You just had Andy Cohen in here with six housewives,’” she added.

After Cohen paid the bill and left a reported massive tip for the waiter, Beador said the general manager came running after them and canceled the tab. However, that wasn’t enough for the Bravo star.

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“It should’ve been discussed prior,” she said. “It should’ve been figured out because it was embarrassing to me.”

Beador finished by saying that she would be taking “a break” from The Quiet Woman moving forward.

Andy Cohen Wasn’t As Bothered By The Moment As Beador Was

Beador’s comments come after her co-star, Tamra Judge, opened up about the moment on her podcast, “Two Ts In A Pod.” She claimed that Beador made a big fuss out of the situation and had a “meltdown” over the bill.

During an episode of “Radio Andy,” Cohen said the story wasn’t as big of a deal as it’s been made out to be. In fact, he called it “the greatest night” and “so much fun.”

“I loved being there with the women and the staff at The Quiet Woman. I was so happy to meet them,” he said. “I was so happy to meet the owner and the manager, and they love the Housewives, and they love what the show has done for their business.”

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Cohen also confirmed that the manager offered to comp their bill, which he was against because he wanted to tip the staff. “We figured that out, and that’s all I know,” the “Real Housewives” producer said. “I don’t think there’s any big kind of drama to this story.”

Beador Reflects On 20 Years Of ‘The Real Housewives’

Beador’s comments come amid the start of “RHOC” season 20, which features the return of OG Vicki Gunvalson.

While speaking with OK!, Beador got candid about what it means to her to be part of a series that’s had so much staying power for two decades.

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“It’s insane when you think about it because not many television shows have been on for that long,” Beador said. She also explained that when she began in 2014, she thought she was “late” to the game. “Now, it’s my 12th year, which is also quite a long time; but you need to be real. When I get asked, ‘What would you tell Season 9 Shannon?’ I’d say, ‘Do the same thing.’ When you tell the truth, and you’re honest, sometimes to my detriment, it makes it easy to follow the story because some people don’t.”

How Has Beador Enjoyed Having Gunvalson Back In The Fold?

Beador also shed some light on Gunvalson’s comeback season, calling her return to the series so much “fun.”

The reality star said they often get together to film about various things, but by the end of the scene, they end up discussing something totally different.

“She and I have this banter that can’t be duplicated. We’ve stayed very close,” Beador said. “It’s what I’m most excited about this season, because the last couple of years have been a lot of drama for me. Now, I’m able to be silly and have fun. It’s great to have Vicki right next to me to have that fun.”

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Drew Sidora has the internet asking questions after she shared a link-up video with fellow actor Pooch Hall on Instagram. The two actors worked together on the sitcom ‘The Game,’ and fans want to know what the duo is up to now.

RELATED: Whew! Drew Sidora & Ralph Pittman’s Divorce Reportedly Finalized As Child Support Ruling Sparks Reactions

Drew Sidora Shares Video With Pooch Hall

Drew Sidora shared the link-up video of herself with Pooch Hall on Tuesday, July 28, and it features the two actors dancing to Chef Boy’s ‘Take It Off.’

The video has the internet going crazy as folks wonder if the duo is working on another project together. In addition to working together on ‘The Game,’ Hall recently appeared in an episode of Sidora’s reality show, ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’

Sidora didn’t note what the two actors are working on, but she captioned the post, “Never a dull moment with @iampoochhall @bravotv #RHOA #theGametvshow.”

Fans Have Mixed Reactions To The Reunion

Folks have long memories, and many fans can still remember Hall’s character, Derwin, on ‘The Game’ cheating on his girlfriend (played by Tia Mowry) with Sidora’s character. Several fans teased the duo over their former collaboration, while a few others speculated about the meaning of their video shenanigans.

User @ joked, “Why yall stirring up trauma 🤔😒 like dang.”

@kearajanay added, “Uggggh excuse me, we’re still not over this! I don’t approve this 😂😂😂.”

User @brownskinempress2 added, “See no lol I’m not healed.”

@elite_camaraderie exclaimed, “oh hell naw drew, you know we ride at dawn for girl melanie 🤣🙌.”

@iamtone_  joked, “After all these years he still ain’t learned his lesson 😂.”

User @_itsjayvia added, “I still ain’t forgave her yet …… button >>>>>.”

@msparker_legalbrains added, “Nope, too soon very inappropriate 😅.”

@urbanf*ckgirl added, “wtf yall doing together 😡.”

User @thebucketbillionaire joked, “A sprite commercial 😎😂.”

Hall Appears On The ‘RHOA’

In addition to reuniting in the video and in an episode of The ‘RHOA,’ the two actors are also starring in a stage play called ‘Whispers.’

Sidora teased Hall during a video call during the episode.

Sidora asked her co-star about his sex life, and she was not prepared for his reply.

Sidora asked Hall, “How many women have you slept with?” 

He replied, “Are you serious? LOST COUNT!”

“Oh my God! … Damn! You lost count is crazy,” she replied.

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RELATED: Drew Sidora Reveals The Ex-Boyfriend She’d Pick Up The Phone For & Michael B. Jordan’s Name Is In The Mix (VIDEO) 

Michael B. Jordan has given fans another glimpse of his next big-screen role after unveiling a striking new poster for his upcoming film.

The newly released artwork features the actor in a sharp tuxedo as he takes on the title role in the modern remake of the 1968 heist classic “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

Jordan has previously spoken about his personal connection to the film, revealing that he grew up loving the 1999 version starring Pierce Brosnan. He later became an even bigger fan after watching the original 1968 classic starring Steve McQueen.

More than a year after revealing that filming had begun on his remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair,” Michael B. Jordan has given fans another look at the project by unveiling its first official poste.

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Jordan appears in an elegant ivory-white tuxedo jacket paired with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. A black leather-gloved hand adjusts the bow tie, reinforcing the polished, sophisticated image of the master thief he portrays in the film.

Above the title is the tagline, “REVENGE IS A WORK OF ART,” hinting that vengeance could play a central role in the story.

The bottom of the poster confirms an IMAX release and a theatrical debut on March 5, 2027, and credits the creative team Jordan partnered with to bring the project to life.

The A-list Actor’s New Poster Sparks Fan Excitement

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Although the film is still nearly a year away from its theatrical release, fans are already eagerly anticipating its arrival.

“I’ve never seen the version from the 1960s or 1990s, but I plan to watch them before I go see this one,” one fan wrote.

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“Classic movie. One of my favorites. Definitely think MBJ can pull it off,” a second Instagram user commented.

“The one with Pierce Brosnan was awesome… I can only imagine what awesomeness will come from this one,” another fan shared.

“This man doesn’t miss. Not once. March 5 officially booked,” another user wrote, while another added, “The original is so good! Can’t wait for this.”

Michael B. Jordan Shares His Personal ‘Thomas Crown Affair Story’

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During an appearance on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast last November, Jordan discussed his lifelong admiration for “The Thomas Crown Affair” franchise and why he chose it as his next MGM project after the critically acclaimed Creed series.

“I loved the 1999 version as a kid — Pierce Brosnan, the slickness, the art. I didn’t grow up going to museums, so that film showed me a different side of New York. My mom’s an artist, so I was raised around paints and leather dyeing. It shaped my taste more than I realized,” he said.

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Jordan added, “Later, I saw the 1968 Steve McQueen version — the split screens, the style. After Creed, MGM asked what I wanted to do next. I said, ‘Thomas Crown Affair.’ I need that.”

Jordan Says Making Film Pushed Him To The Limit

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For his remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair,” Michael B. Jordan temporarily relocated to England, where the film was shot.

The move left him feeling homesick, but the biggest challenge came from balancing several responsibilities beyond starring in the film.

“It’s the second hardest thing I’ve ever had to do outside of Sinners,” the actor said, comparing the project to his award-winning 2025 horror film. “Directing, producing, writing, acting. It was a lot.”

The ‘Sinners’ Star Promises A Different Twist To The Project

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Earlier this year, Jordan teased that his remake of “The Thomas Crown Affair” would feature plenty of unexpected twists that would keep fans guessing.

“It’s a big movie. It’s international. It’s sexy. It’s a lot of fun. A lot of twists and turns. It’s going to have some things that I think audiences won’t be expecting that might be a nice treat for them,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in January.

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During a subsequent appearance at MGM Studios’ CinemaCon in April, Jordan offered further insight into what drew him to “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

“I’ve been daydreaming of making this movie for years,” he shared. “I saw the ’99 Thomas Crown Affair when I was around 9 years old. It was a guy who was smart, sophisticated, and always three steps ahead.”

Oliva Wilde is enjoying the success of her latest film, “The Invite,” which many have called an Oscar contender. Now, weeks after its release, her next movie, “Naughty,” is set to star Jennifer Aniston and Peter Dinklage. Recently, she opened up about why both actors were perfect for the upcoming unorthodox movie, which has been in the works since 2023.

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Wilde attended the Los Angeles premiere of the upcoming erotic thriller “I Want Your Sex” on July 28. While on the red carpet, the “Invite” director spoke to Variety, with the reporter asking about “Naughty,” which will feature Dinklage as Santa Claus. She began by discussing the movie’s history, saying, “That film has been in the works for several years,” before noting that Jimmy Warden wrote the script.

She continued, “I read that script, and I laughed so hard, and I became obsessed with the idea of Peter Dinklage playing Santa Claus.” When asked how she convinced the “Game of Thrones” alum to take on the role, Wilde said, “He’s the greatest guy, and I’m a big fan of his, and we went and had a coffee in Brooklyn, and I pitched it to him, and he was so immediately excited and supportive.”

After that, the “Booksmart” director stated that Dinklage was the only person she had in mind for the role. She then called the movie “really ambitious” and “really funny.”

The Filmmaker Had High Praise For Jennifer Aniston

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Wilde continued her Variety interview by gushing about the casting of Aniston in the upcoming movie. According to her, “Of course, Jen was our dream girl, but I didn’t think I’d get her.” She was then asked why she believed the “Friends” alum would turn down the role in “Naughty.”

Wilde responded, “I think that, you know, to be able to direct one of our greatest comedians and actresses, someone who I grew up learning from, looking up to, laughing with, I just never imagined it would come true.”

She went on, “It’s like the name you have up on the board, but we won’t get her, and then she read it, and then she was so immediately into it and loved it.” Wilde then reiterated that it’s “a really ambitious movie,” before saying, “it’s an original comedy, and it’s not one that is an obvious greenlight because it’s bold.”

In the end, Wilde shared that she “fought like hell” to get the movie made.

‘Naughty’ Has Been In The Works For Years Now

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Following the success of “Don’t Worry Darling,” it was announced in December 2023 that Wilde was set to direct a new movie with backing from Margot Robbie‘s LuckyChap production company. The movie “Naughty” was then described as “Bridesmaids” if it took place in the North Pole.

The movie follows Mallory, who we now know will be played by Aniston, as she must find Santa Claus, played by Dinklage, to testify at her divorce hearing to gain custody of her child. At the time, there was no studio attached. However, with the casting of Aniston and Dinklage came news that Universal had picked up the movie and set it for a November 5, 2027 theatrical release.

Olivia Wilde Stars In ‘I Want Your Sex’

Though her career as a director is heating up, Wilde remains a force on the screen, both in films she directs and those helmed by others. Her newest movie, “I Want Your Sex,” finds her starring in Gregg Araki‘s new erotic thriller, set to be released on July 31, going head-to-head with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.”

So far, following the LA Premiere of the movie, it has received solid reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently has an 89% positive rating based on 61 reviews. “I Want Your Sex” also stars Cooper Hoffman, Mason Gooding, Chase Sui Wonders, Daveed Diggs, and Charlie XCX.

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‘The Invite’ Became The Year’s Highest Rated Comedy

A24 opened Wilde’s “The Invite” in wide release on July 10, following its premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival and a limited release in June. According to Deadline, the comedy debuted at number six in wide release, earning over $5.7 million and bringing its then-total to $7.38 million.

Per BoxOfficeMojo, to date, “The Invite” has made over $32 million, including its international box office. Regarding reviews, the film holds an impressive 97% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Wilde stars in the movie alongside Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton.

Claressa Shields is going viral for several Hollywood-style glamour shots she shared with her fans on Instagram. The professional boxer shared the photographs from a recent photo shoot on Monday, July 27.

RELATED: Claressa Shields Appears To Advise Chrisean Rock To Stay Away From Blueface After They Link Up For Boxing Training (VIDEO)

Claressa Shields Shares Her Glamour Shots With Fans

Shields went viral after sharing glamour shots on social media, and, in addition to being dressed to impress, she had a surprise for them.

The boxer transformed into a redhead during the photo shoot and wore a black, mesh-like, sheer dress covered with shiny stones. The 31-year-old paired the glamour look with a white fur coat, and she shared a message with the post, noting her “Good Life.”

The post was captioned, “Every chapter looks different. This one feels like the Good Life #GWOATERA #ClaressaShields #GoodLife. Welcome to the Good Life, I can sit pretty now 🥹🥰 Hair: @kingrichluxuryhair. Hairstylist: @theqluxe_hairco. MUA: @envymulatto. Lips: @damanicosmetic. Fine Like Wine 🍷 Your smile is your best curve, never let anything or anybody steal it. Always look Forward 🤩 Real Soft girl. Good life, good views good checks when I land 🤯. Claressa Fierce.”

She added in the comment section, “BEAUTIFUL WOMAN DON’T STOP 🛑 BEING WHO YOU ARE 🎶.”

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Folks Praised Shields’ Glamour Shots On Instagram

After Shields shared the photos on Instagram, her fans weighed in with their approval in the comment section.

User @thegrasonedition wrote, “Excuuuse the hell out of me!!!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 Mrs. Shields you look amazing 🔥.”

@sarah_tcj__ added, “It’s giving Jessica Rabbit 😍😍😍😍🔥🔥🔥.”

User @da_real_slim_goody wrote, “Yyyeesssss I love this ssssoooooo muchhhhhhhh!!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍.”

@hermosa_belle_ added, “Tell em to pick their jaw up 👏👏.”

‘Who This Fa’ artist Bri Biase wrote, “Ate this DOWNNNNNN 👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.”

@cali.is.deadgame added, “Whatchu trynna dooooo ??!! 😍😍😍.”

@msfeethemadam wrote, “Oh my goodness! You look so very pretty!💕.”

User @alwayznikk247 added, “Yazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzah!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍.”

@da_real_hotgemz added, “So fly!!!🔥🔥.”

User @karenmightyqueen concluded, “Gorgeous, elegant, and always that girl champ. Keep elevating.”

Shields Also Went Viral For Footage With Chrisean Rock

The boxer also went viral after she shared footage of her workout with Chrisean Rock on Instagram. Shields shared the photos with a caption about strong women training together.

Shields also noted that the 26-year-old rapper was attending her fight on Saturday, August 15, against Kaye Scott. The two boxers will face off at the WBC/WBA Unified Middleweight World Championships at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 

“GWOAT x @CHRISEAN 😈 Strong women. Strong personalities. Stronger picture. 💪🏾 Can’t wait to train together sis 🥊,” she wrote. “She coming to Atlanta Aug.15th for my fight too! #claressashields #GWOAT #chriseanrock.”

RELATED: You Good? Claressa Shields Speaks Out After Fans Question Why Papoose Wasn’t Smiling When They Walked Out At BET Awards (VIDEO)

Meghan McCain chose to remember the good times she shared with Sen. Lindsey Graham after attending his funeral in Washington, D.C.

“A beautiful, poetic send off for a patriotic man and an American icon,” McCain, 41, wrote via X on Tuesday, July 28. “I will always miss you Lindsey and forever cherish my family’s time together with you.”

In her social media post, McCain shared a photo of the funeral program, which read, “In celebration of and in thanksgiving for the life of Lindsey Olin Graham.”

Graham died on July 11 from a brief and sudden illness, his spokesperson previously stated. He was 71.

Related: Meghan McCain Addresses Family’s ‘Political Differences and Affiliations’

Meghan McCain asserts that there’s no bad blood with her relatives even if they sit across the political aisle from one another. “Going to address something because there’s quite a bit of negative online chatter directed at me over this,” Meghan, 41, wrote via X on Thursday, July 16. “My mother, siblings and I love […]

Shortly after the news was confirmed, Meghan paid tribute to the South Carolina senator, who had a close relationship with her late father, Sen. John McCain.

“The news of his sudden passing is shocking and deeply saddening for me and my family. Like many relationships in life, mine with Lindsey was complex in later years,” she wrote via X on July 12. “I choose to remember the endless laughter and joy he brought to my family so many times, in so many ways. These memories are some of the most precious of my life. I hope that he is at peace and I hope he is in heaven drinking a White Russian and fishing with my dad and Joe [Lieberman].”

While Meghan often criticized Donald Trump for his controversial comments on her father, Graham remained one of the president’s closest allies.

Trump, 80, Vice President JD Vance, congressional colleagues and world leaders all came together on Tuesday for Graham’s funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter & Saint Paul.

During his eulogy, Trump described Graham as “a respected statesman, a giant of the United States Senate and a true American original who left us much too soon.”

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Related: South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham’s Preliminary Cause of Death Revealed

Authorities have determined a preliminary cause of death for former Senator Lindsey Graham, according to a new statement. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Jeffery W. Carroll and the District of Columbia Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Francisco J. Diaz confirmed to Us Weekly that Graham died “of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.” An autopsy was […]

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“For more than 30 years, nothing of consequence happened in this capital without Lindsey Graham knowing about it,” Trump said via NBC News. “Nothing of significance happened anywhere in the world without Lindsey Graham having a view on it, and no bill became law in the most exceptional republic in human history without Lindsey Graham having a say in it.”

According to NBC News, Meghan’s mom, Cindy McCain, was also in attendance along with former Vice President Mike Pence, Fox News host Sean Hannity and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Lindsey’s only sibling, Darline Graham, who was appointed to take his place in the Senate, was seen walking tearfully up to the casket during the service.

The MCU captured lightning in a bottle with the release of the first Guardians of the Galaxy film back in 2014. Even modern Marvel Comics readers were largely unfamiliar with the team and its lineup of heroes before James Gunn came along and elevated them all to a new level of stardom with a mix of humor, heart, a killer soundtrack, and serious star power, including Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, and Vin Diesel. The crew of intergalactic underdogs managed to defy the odds and score a staggering box office haul of over $773 million, paving the way for two more films, a holiday special, a major role in the two-part Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, and an expanded roster. Yet, despite their newfound fame, their future in film is currently up in the air, especially with Gunn now leading the DCU and the MCU heading for Doomsday.

On the page, however, the Guardians are still managing just fine. This year marked the launch of the Imperial Guardians series, radically reinventing the lineup with one familiar face in Gamora as the leader alongside Captain Marvel, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Brawn, and Dark Hawk. To celebrate half a century since the character’s creation, Marvel now also has a new set of solo adventures on store shelves today starring the member of the team Gunn has previously called his favorite of the bunch — Rocket Raccoon. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 largely served as a spotlight for the Cooper-voiced anthropomorphic weapons specialist, but now, Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 is sending him blasting off across the cosmos with bonkers action, exciting team-ups, and a revisit to his origins on the page. A sneak preview was released to showcase three of the stories packed into this one massive issue.

The first two pages come from “The Fight in the Raccoon,” though it’s Hank Pym who opens up the tale. He’s on the losing end of an invasion on the planet of B’Digg-4, where he’s trying to protect a race of insects against an invading force led by a massive space dragon. Years of shrinking and growing in galactic wars as Ant-Man, Giant-Man, and more have left him weakened, so he sends out distress signals for help, and the only one who answers is Rocket, fresh off of nearly getting into an altercation with an alien at a bar. Though he doesn’t even show off his skills in the pages, his legendary status as a renowned warrior Thor and Captain Marvel precedes him, as does his penchant for wise-cracking. In the second story, “Boomshakalaka,” Rocket makes his way to the planet Shaka, chatting en route with old pal Groot about how odd their honor-based culture is. He’s unsure why they even hired him, considering they’re a peaceful planet protected by the Intergalactic Council, but he’s about to change his tune when it appears the rumors of their sacred artifact, the Pura Vida, are true after all.

‘Rocket Rewind’s Final Story Is a Homage to Rocket Raccoon’s Past

Last but not least, the final page provides a short look at “The Sword in the Star,” the framing story that sets up an exploration of Rocket’s creative origins. It sees the raccoon landing on an unknown backwater asteroid after his engine overheats. While he’s able to easily make repairs, even while immensely frustrated, he’s stuck on the rock for several hours while he waits for the engine to cool down. That leads him to start exploring until, out of nowhere, a hole opens underneath him, pulling him towards a mysterious signature indicating there is another lifeform on the asteroid. It will inevitably tie into the fourth and final story, “The Sword in the Star: Witchblade,” which isn’t an original tale for the anniversary comic, but a reprint of the exact moment from Marvel Preview #7 when Rocket’s creators, writer Bill Mantlo and artist Keith Giffen, introduced the character to readers for the first time. Expect things to get meta as the description teases a team-up between Rocket and his original 1976 counterpart, then called Rocky Raccoon.

As for the new segments, Rocket Rewind has gathered a murderer’s row of writers and illustrators for Rocket’s big spotlight. “The Fight in the Raccoon” was penned by Marvel veteran Christos Gage, who has also written for Netflix’s Daredevil series, while the art was done by Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man illustrator Todd Nauck. Award-winning Marvel Mutts author MacKenzie Cadenhead and artist Enid Balám collaborated for “Boomshakalaka,” and J.M. DeMatteis, notable for penning “Kraven’s Last Hunt,” wrote “The Sword in the Star” alongside art from Shawn McManus. As the cherry on top, beloved Spider-Man artist Ryan Stegman and colorist Arthur Hesli handled the main cover.

Rocket Raccoon: Rocket Rewind #1 is now available on store shelves. Check out a preview of the comic in the gallery above.

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Release Date

August 1, 2014

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Runtime

121 minutes

Director

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James Gunn

Writers

Nicole Perlman, James Gunn

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Producers

Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Nik Korda, Stan Lee, Victoria Alonso, Jeremy Latcham

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Ant Anstead’s two previous marriages haven’t completely deterred him from potentially walking down the wedding aisle with girlfriend Renée Zellweger.

“I still believe in marriage, but right now we’re really happy,” Anstead, 47, told The Telegraph in an interview published on Friday, July 24, of the possibility the pair would say “I do” in the future.

The TV personality noted that while he does call Zellweger, 57, “the missus,” they aren’t in a rush to get hitched.

“We don’t need the pressure of a label,” Anstead added of their relationship.

Related: Ant Anstead Shares Rare Comment About Renee Zellweger on 5th Anniversary

Ant Anstead and girlfriend Renée Zellweger are still wheeling and dealing — and completely smitten — after five years of dating. “How it started …..” Anstead, 47, wrote in a rare Instagram tribute to Zellweger, 56, on Friday, April 24, in honor of their anniversary, sharing a throwback photo from what appeared to be their […]

Ant was previously married to Louise Anstead from 2005 to 2017. The exes share two children, Amelie, 22 and Archie, 19. He moved on with Christina Haack, whom he wed in 2018. The pair, who share son Hudson, 7, announced their divorce in 2020.

Ant and Zellweger, meanwhile, met while working on a 2021 episode of Discovery Channel’s Celebrity IOU: Joyride, where they bonded over their shared knowledge of cars.

“Renée is a hands-on car girl,” Ant told the outlet of the actress’ vibe on set. “She used a grinder to cut metal, she was welding, she was on the spanners.”

The Bridget Jones’s Diary star impressed Ant as soon as she drove stick shift mid-shoot.

“A lot of people in America don’t drive stick [manual cars] but, on the first day of filming, we needed to relocate a car for a scene,” he recalled. “Ren jumps in, goes, ‘I’ll do it!’, slams it into first, and off she goes. I’m like, ‘Wow. This lady really knows her cars.’”

Ant later learned that Zellweger’s dad was a Swiss engineer and she had picked up a thing or two from him along the way.

Related: Renee Zellweger and Ant Anstead Enjoy a ‘Low-Key Lifestyle’ With His Kids

Renée Zellweger has bonded with Ant Anstead’s three kids during their romance. “Renée gets along really well with Ant’s children and they spend a lot of quality time together,” a source exclusively reveals in the new issue of Us Weekly, adding that Zellweger, 54, is particularly close with Anstead’s daughter Amelie, 19, whom he shares […]

“She’s a very real person. She’s absolutely brilliant, the most grounded, humble person,” he gushed. “If there’s a car job to be done at home, I say, ‘We’re doing this together. Put your overalls on, let’s go.’”

After sparking a relationship on Celebrity IOU: Joyride, the pair became a couple off camera and haven’t looked back, celebrating their five-year anniversary in April.

While the couple have not reunited on camera, Ant said Zellweger is very much involved in his latest show, Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic.

He revealed that although Zellweger doesn’t appear on the car repair/restoration series for Quest, she has been guiding him from behind the camera.

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“Ren was looking over my shoulder without me realizing [while I shopped on eBay for a few reclaimed gates]. The next day I went to buy them and they were gone. I was mad,” Ant told the publication. “I arrived here and they were in the barn with a balloon on them for my birthday.”

The former Wheelers and Dealers host explained that Zellweger had “secretly contacted my dad and arranged for him to collect them.”

Ant teased, “As a gift, it knocks a pair of socks on the head.”

It is often the case in our modern streaming age that fantasy shows are geared more towards mature audiences, and that’s something of a shame. Fantasy, as a genre, offers the viewer a magical perspective on the world while speaking fondly to the inner child. There is a reason that so many grow up with the legends of King Arthur, the realm of Narnia, and the journeys of small Hobbits who make a world of difference. While few contemporary programs capture that same childlike wonder and sense of fantastical adventure, The Librarians: The Next Chapter is an outlier that does so quite wonderfully — and now in its second season, that enterprising spirit has only increased.

‘The Librarians: The Next Chapter’ Is a Novel Take on ‘The Librarians’ Formula

From the beginning, The Librarians: The Next Chapter was meant as a spin-off to continue The Librarians franchise beyond the original TNT series and the Noah Wyle-led made-for-TV movies that preceded it. It’s not a direct continuation of past entries, nor was it meant to replace the adventures of the heroes we came to love over those installments. Rather, it’s more akin to how Stargate Atlantis operated parallel to Stargate SG-1, or how Angel ran alongside Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It can be watched entirely independent of the original program or in conjunction with it. The only difference is that these are the only Librarians exploits currently on the air. However, it more than makes up for that sorry fact with fast-paced, character-driven episodes that somehow manage to recapture the spirit of the original series.

Amazingly, the spin-off reinterprets the material in a fresh way that doesn’t undo (or simply redo) what’s been done before. It’s its own thing, though it undoubtedly falls under the same distinct brand of fantasy adventure. Developed by Dean Devlin and John Rogers, The Next Chapter owes much of its charm and whimsy not just to the creative minds behind the series, but those at the forefront of each episode. After getting to know them over the first season, Season 2 wastes no time sending us flying through the magical door with its lead cast into whatever new mystery presents itself. Callum McGowan leads the charge as time-displaced Vikram Chamberlain, head Librarian of the Belgrade Annex, who has struggled to adapt to the 21st century — and he’s no closer to adapting to our world.

In many respects, McGowan’s performance is remarkably reminiscent of Tim Mison‘s Ichabod Crane from Fox’s gone-too-soon paranormal drama Sleepy Hollow, another man-out-of-time who uses his knowledge of history to battle supernatural forces in the present day. While the similarities between these two men are strong, The Librarians‘ tone stands in stark contrast to the moody look and feel of Sleepy Hollow, which was sometimes a bit more of a horror show than straight fantasy. Thus, McGowan plays Vikram with a bit more levity and wonder in each step, emphasizing his 19th-century eccentricities in each scene. One may be tempted to consider him a “discount Crane” in some sense, but that’s an oversimplification that doesn’t account for the differences between these series. Of course, The Librarians doesn’t work in this format without a team to fill out the Annex, and Vikram’s cohorts offer their own unique strengths.

Lysa Pascal (Olivia Morris) is proficient in physics, mathematics, and engineering. Her personal tragedy and desire for a “found family” fuels her devotion to the team, and stands in contrast to Vikram’s struggles to accept his place in this “brave new world.” But while Lysa is the team’s resident magic skeptic, former professor-turned-conspiracy buff Connor Green (Bluey Robinson) is a true believer to his core. Despite his belief, however, he wrestles with obsessiveness regarding magic — an obsession that may very well grip him if he isn’t careful. Morris and Robinson balance each other quite well, with Charlie Cornwall (Jessica Green of The Outpost fame) — the trio’s Guardian — there to pull them out of the fire. Of the four, Green’s character is perhaps the most underdeveloped, but like Rebecca Romijn in the previous series, she has arguably the most creative potential. It’s one thing to guard one Librarian, but how does one manage three? That is, in part, what this season is about.

‘The Next Chapter’ Season 2 Introduces New Faces and Revives Returning Favorites

Image via TNT

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The first two episodes of this season — “And the Burning Heart” and “And the Tethered Wish” — establish the mantra of “be careful what you wish for” as the long, unwinding thread connecting each character dot this season. Naturally, this idea begins to take hold once the group encounters a Camelot legend: Dominic Monaghan‘s Merlin. Yes, that Merlin. The former ally of King Arthur has returned after centuries of slumber, and though the character was referenced on occasion in the original Librarians, this marks his first official appearance. Well, after that brief tease at the end of Season 1’s “And the Unfinished Business,” of course.

Monaghan may not be anyone’s first choice for Merlin (he’s always felt more Hobbit-ish than wizard-y), but The Lord of the Rings star proves himself a brilliant cast. Not only does his distinct interpretation of the ancient wizard fit in quite well with the franchise’s usual, offbeat depictions of Arthurian figures, but Monaghan plays the part so smoothly that one cannot tell if he is a true friend or conniving foe. Annex caretaker Mrs. Astolat (Caroline Loncq) has her own opinions, but the jury is still out. In addition to new faces like Merlin, old Librarian staples pop up this season as well. Christian Kane returns as fan-favorite Jacob Stone in the second episode, which feels more like a crossover with The Librarians than just a simple one-and-done guest appearance.

As always, Kane’s dynamic with The Next Chapter cast is so natural that we almost wish both Librarian groups could come together permanently. The season is peppered with offhanded references to John Harlan Kim‘s Ezekiel Jones and John Larroquette‘s Jenkins, which further connect the Portland Annex with the Belgrade-based team, but despite how often these characters are name-dropped, it never feels forced or overly indulgent. Rather, it’s just another reminder that the events of The Next Chapter don’t occur in a narrative vacuum — how Vikram and his team deal with magic will affect other characters we care about too. Perhaps it also helps that we already know that these nods are planting seeds for Lindy Booth‘s confirmed franchise as Cassandra Cillian this season. Here’s hoping TNT renews this show soon so that we can reunite the whole North American branch of the Library…

That said, The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 isn’t just notable because of its impressive (and long-anticipated) guest stars. That’s just icing on the cake. TNT’s flagship fantasy series builds on its first season foundation by giving each of our heroes a personal wish worth wrestling with. Vikram’s is explored in the second episode, but the season premiere hints at what drives each member of the team into this new normal at the Library. Admittedly, it does so in a way so incredibly on-the-nose that it leaves little to the imagination. The Librarians has never been known for its subtlety, and if there’s one obvious criticism of the second season, it’s that the dialogue could sometimes use a little finer-tuning. That said, considering how hours like “And the Feast of the Vampir” and “And Going Medieval” were able to surprise us in the back half of last season, we’re hopeful that future episodes will land better.

‘The Librarians: The Next Chapter’ Is Fantasy Entertainment Perfect for the Whole Family

Image via TNT

This season of The Librarians: The Next Chapter continues to explore a world full of magic that unapologetically pulls from mythology, literature, and religious texts. True to form, it’s unafraid of being overly referential, occasionally goofy, or of wearing its heart on its sleeve. This may be a turnoff to some who prefer their fantasy to be a bit more high-brow or grimdark, but that’s been this world’s charm ever since executive producer Noah Wyle‘s very first feature-length installment. (Speaking of, it appears we’re nowhere closer to Flynn Carsen’s return since Wyle’s busy over on The Pitt.) It’s because of this lighter tone and the occasionally unserious (though never emotionally dishonest) adventures that The Next Chapter is perfectly addictive family-friendly entertainment, not unlike its predecessor. I just wish the full season was out already.

In short, The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 is an exercise in fantastical adventure that doubles as endless fun. No, it’s not as high-budget or expansive as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, nor does it have quite the devoted following as a show like Supernatural, but this is a cult series well worth picking up. McGowen, Green, and the rest of the cast continue to leave a distinct mark on The Librarian franchise, and I wouldn’t be surprised if, in another decade or two, we’re calling for their return in The Next, Next Chapter… If you’re looking for a lighthearted drama with characters worth rooting for week-in and week-out, look no further.

The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 premieres on TNT on August 2, 2026.

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Release Date

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May 25, 2025

Network

TNT

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Showrunner

Dean Devlin

Writers

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Dean Devlin

Franchise(s)

The Librarians

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  Caroline Loncq

  Elaine Astalot

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  Callum McGowan

  Vikram Chamberlin

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Pros & Cons

• Everything you loved about the original Librarians series is made new here.
• The main cast has great chemistry that is finally beginning to rival the original team.
• Dominic Monaghan is perfect as Merlin. We can’t wait to see what he does next.
• The promise of returning franchise cast members is an exciting one.

• Noah Wylie is an executive producer, but would it kill him to come back as Flynn Carsen?
• Repetitive themes could derail longterm character development, but it’s still quite early in the season to tell.

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