The term dark fantasy can mean different things. Sometimes it’s a fairy tale with grim elements, or a world where magic comes with heavy drawbacks; the best books in the genre explore this by blending familiar fantasy elements with darker themes of power, identity, survival, and the sacrifices people will make.

The five works below offer different interpretations of dark fantasy. V.E. Schwab views a blessing of living forever as a curse, and T. Kingfisher takes an unexpected group of protagonists on a bloodthirsty adventure, while Chloe Gong presents a dystopia where the difference between the real world and virtual space is almost gone. Kim Liggett and R.F. Kuang explore even darker themes by examining brutal societies and warfare.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Image via Tor Books

V.E. Schwab’s The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue opens with one of those deals that seem amazing until you find out the catch. In 1714 France, Addie needs to avoid an arranged marriage, so she makes a deal with a strange entity named Luc. Addie wins everything she wants — freedom, immortality, and living life by her own rules. The cost of success is high, and any encounter with someone in the world ends with Addie being forgotten the moment she leaves their sight.

The book shifts between Addie’s current life and centuries spent wandering the Earth, leaving her traces over time through art, history, and brief encounters. The melancholy atmosphere is a huge part of the book’s appeal, particularly as Addie eventually encounters someone who can remember her. It’s an intimate, occasionally haunting story about wanting to leave some evidence behind that you existed. The book was also a 2021 Locus Award finalist and spent 37 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

Image via John Jude Palencar / Tor Books

T. Kingfisher’s Nettle & Bone takes the fairy tale and asks what happens when the princess decides she is done waiting for someone else to rescue her. Marra is the youngest of three princesses, but after her older sisters suffer under an abusive prince, she decides to intervene herself. The main issue that arises is that killing the prince is no simple task, so Marra must first complete an odd set of three tasks for a dust-wife: fashioning a cloak from nettles, constructing a dog made of bones, and capturing the moonlight in a jar.

Those adventures ultimately become even stranger, as they bring Marra into a world involving a gravewitch, a disgraced knight, a reluctant fairy godmother, and a chicken possessed by a demon. The author, Kingfisher, has a knack for making heavy topics fun, and Nettle & Bone never allows the dark topics to overshadow its warmth. While domestic violence, trauma, and impossible choices appear on the page, they run alongside a wonderfully peculiar family that gives the story more emotional depth than you would expect from a short book. The novel won Best Novel at the Hugo Awards in 2023, and its mix of horror, humor, and fairy-tale oddness is part of what makes it special.

Coldwire by Chloe Gong

Image via Hachette UK / Chloe Gong

Chloe Gong’s Coldwire pushes dark fantasy into cyberpunk territory, creating a future where humanity has been divided between two countries and, perhaps more importantly, two versions of reality. Society is split between “upcountry,” a virtual-reality existence, and “downcountry,” the physical world. Eirale, an orphan of war turned soldier, finds herself framed for an assassination and forced to help track down a dangerous program. While Lia attends military academy, she is assigned to team up with her rival to sneak behind enemy lines and locate AI weaponry.

This sets off a YA dystopian story where politics run rampant, the military is misused, AI is everywhere, and nothing can be trusted. The author takes an interesting approach, delving into corporate politics, diaspora, and the repercussions of living in a rapidly changing world. Coldwire is the first installment of a trilogy called StrangeLoom and has made the NYT and Sunday Times bestseller lists. The story takes a while to get going as it lays the foundation, then reveals a plot twist.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Image via Del Rey UK

Kim Liggett’s The Grace Year drops 16-year-old Tierney James into Garner County, an isolated society built around the belief that teenage girls possess a dangerous magic. According to the community’s rules, girls must spend their 16th year banished to the wilderness, where they are expected to release that supposed magic before returning home to marry. Tierney has always questioned the system, but surviving her own grace year forces her to confront how much cruelty the tradition is built on.

The wild is dangerous, but what is scarier is the system that teaches these girls to be wary of one another. They find themselves struggling with the harsh environment and poachers. The book captures the essence of a survival story like The Lord of the Flies, but it also makes its fight against the patriarchal system even more horrifying. The Grace Year is ultimately less interested in whether the girls can simply survive one terrible year than in what happens when an entire society convinces women that they are each other’s enemies.

The Poppy War — R.F. Kuang

Image via JungShan Chang / Harper Voyager / HarperCollins

R.F. Kuang’s The Poppy War, begins in a recognizable fantasy setting. The story follows Fang Runin, or Rin, a girl in a family that wants to marry her off, so she takes part in the Keju, the empire-wide test that can help her escape the situation she is in. Rin is accepted into the prestigious military academy after she surprisingly comes first in her province. At this institution, Rin realizes she can communicate with powerful gods in ways beyond her understanding.

However, the story soon takes a darker turn when, amid the military academy’s peaceful life, a vicious campaign begins after the Mugen Federation invades, opening the door to a war reminiscent of the most horrifying events in 20th-century Chinese history. Kuang draws from many real-life wars, such as the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Opium Wars, and reflects upon many aspects of colonialism. The novel has received two awards: the Crawford Award and the Compton Crook Award. This book is also the first in a trilogy that follows Rin through her trials and tribulations.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to rewrite the box office record books.

The latest Marvel and Sony blockbuster starring Tom Holland has now climbed to approximately $2.33 billion worldwide, pushing past Avatar: The Way of Water to become the third highest-grossing movie of all time at the global box office.

The film now trails only Avengers: Endgame and James Cameron’s original Avatar on the worldwide charts.

It is another staggering milestone for Brand New Day, which has been breaking records since arriving in theaters on July 31.

The film opened to more than $360 million domestically, the biggest domestic opening weekend ever, and quickly became the second-fastest movie in history to cross $1 billion worldwide. It later became just the eighth movie ever to reach $2 billion globally.

Its success hasn’t slowed much either. Brand New Day remained No. 1 at the domestic box office for a fifth consecutive weekend, adding another $22 million and bringing its North American total to roughly $892 million.

Sadie Sink, Spider-Man: Brand New Day [marvel studios]

That puts another historic record within reach.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens currently holds the record as the highest-grossing movie in domestic box office history with approximately $936.7 million. Brand New Day is now less than $50 million away from potentially taking the crown.

Worldwide, the mountain is considerably larger.

Tom Holland and Zendaya, Spider-Man: Brand New Day [marvel studios]

Avengers: Endgame sits at roughly $2.8 billion, while Avatar remains the worldwide box office champion with approximately $2.9 billion.

Whether Brand New Day has enough momentum left to challenge those films remains to be seen, but reaching the No. 3 position already puts the latest Spider-Man adventure in exceptionally rare territory.

With nearly $900 million domestically and more than $2.3 billion worldwide, Tom Holland’s fourth solo Spider-Man movie has officially become one of the biggest theatrical releases in movie history.

A Los Angeles federal jury is now deliberating the fate of Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, following closing arguments in his high-profile federal trial. The deliberations began Sept. 9 in the case involving the 2022 shooting death of Saviay’a ‘Lul Pab’ Robinson, the cousin of rapper Quando Rondo.

RELATED: Trial Watch! King Von’s Son’s Mother Shakema Springfield Testifies In Lil Durk’s Trial, Calls OTF Vonnie A “Liar”

Here’s What Prosecutors Allege About Lil Durk

Lil Durk has pleaded not guilty to five federal charges tied to an alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy. The charges also include stalking-related conduct and the alleged use of interstate facilities in connection with the plot. Prosecutors leaned on testimony from cooperating witnesses to build their case. Durk’s defense team, however, challenged the witnesses’ credibility. His attorneys also argued that Durk’s connections to people tied to the shooting do not prove that he ordered or financed the alleged attack.

Did Prosecutors Tie Lil Durk To The Alleged Plot?

Prosecutors contend that Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, played a role in financing and directing an alleged plot aimed at Quando Rondo, born Tyquian Bowman. The government has tied the alleged retaliation to the 2020 killing of King Von. During the shooting targeting Bowman, his cousin Saviay’a ‘Lul Pab’ Robinson was killed, while Bowman survived. Durk did not take the stand, and his defense ultimately presented nine witnesses before resting its case.

Jurors are also being asked to consider the Pinkerton doctrine, a legal principle that can make a person in a conspiracy responsible for another participant’s crime when it was committed to advance the alleged conspiracy and was reasonably foreseeable. Prosecutors argue that principle could apply to Robinson’s death if the jury determines Durk was part of a plot targeting Bowman, while the defense has pushed back on that theory. At press time, the jury was still deliberating, and no verdict had been reached. Deliberations will resume on Friday (September 10).

Wait, Was Jay-Z Mentioned?

There’s also been a notable Jay-Z comparison making the rounds amid the trial. According to Trap Lore Ross on X, prosecutors reportedly pushed back on the defense’s characterization of Durk as a superstar, with the alleged statement reading, “Defense will say Durk is a superstar, respectfully he ain’t Jay-Z. He thought his statements would fly under the radar… The Jig is up.” The quote has since sparked conversation online over the prosecution’s apparent attempt to downplay Durk’s career while arguing its case.

Gov cooked Durk and downplayed his career ‘Defence will say Durk is a superstar, respectfully he ain’t Jay-Z. He thought his statements would fly under the radar… The Jig is up’ 🤯

— Trap Lore Ross (@traploreross) September 9, 2026

RELATED: Lil Durk’s Trial Takes Major Turn As Fans Debate Latest Court Ruling (PHOTO)

A woman who served on the jury in Lindsay Clancy’s murder trial revealed how her ex-husband Patrick Clancy’s emotional testimony helped the defense’s case.

Kellie Farina and two other female jurors spoke to NBC 10 Boston about the case for the first time publicly on Tuesday, September 8, just four days after Judge William Sullivan declared a mistrial on Friday, September 4, when the jury was unable to come to a unanimous verdict. Lindsay, 36, was on trial for the January 2023 murders of her kids Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months.

Farina said that Lindsay’s attorney Kevin Reddington’s decision to present testimony from people close to the defendant helped the jury better understand who she was. She said it was opposite from the prosecution, who provided “no character witnesses.”

“[Reddington] brought all these people in — people that loved her, her family, her in-laws,” Farina explained. “Even Patrick was very compassionate.”

Related: Lindsay Clancy’s Ex-Husband Choked Up While Describing Their 3 Kids in Court

Lindsay Clancy’s ex-husband, Patrick Clancy, got emotional while describing their three children during his ex-wife’s murder trial after she killed them in January 2023. Lindsay, 35, was arrested on January 26, 2023, and charged with the murders of their children Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, 8 months. Three years later, Patrick, 38, took the […]

She continued, “So we appreciated the fact that [Reddington] didn’t just delay [the trial] and drag it on with a bunch of more medical BS and get more to the point really of who Lindsay is and what her life was like.”

Patrick, 38, was the first witness to take the stand during the trial, which lasted five weeks. During his testimony, he fought back tears as he shared insight into who his three children were.

On the days of their deaths, he recalled returning home from running errands and finding that Lindsay had jumped out a second-story window in an apparent suicide attempt. Soon after, he found the kids with exercise bands around their necks.

Patrick testified that Lindsay was a loving mother whose “mental health started to deteriorate” before the killings. He has also publicly forgiven her for the murders.

Farina reflected on Patrick’s testimony shortly after his attorney issued a statement slamming conspiracy theories on social media suggesting that he was involved in the killings.

“Over the past months, Patrick Clancy and his family have been subjected to a relentless, escalating and destructive defamation campaign,” Patrick’s lawyer, Howard Cooper, said in a statement on Tuesday. “This campaign of misinformation has been launched and promoted by minor celebrities, so-called influencers and outright conspiracy theorists who appear intent on boosting their own social media profiles and potential profit by publishing what they know to be outright falsehoods that Patrick was somehow involved in the death of his young children and other vile claims.”

Cooper continued, “This campaign, now fueled by insatiable media coverage, remains at a fever pitch and has resulted in real life threats to his reputation, livelihood, and life.”

Related: Judge to Declare Mistrial in Lindsay Clancy Case, Grants Defense 1 Hour

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A Massachusetts judge is preparing to declare a mistrial in the Lindsay Clancy case after jurors spent several days and more than 30 hours in deliberation. Judge William Sullivan granted Clancy’s defense, Kevin Reddington, one hour in order to seek an emergency stay from the Supreme Judicial Court on Friday, September 4, per CNN. Clancy, […]

“Patrick has no choice but to address this situation – with the clear goal of stopping injurious behavior, creating accountability for lies that are self-serving to the perpetrators, and being able to return his attention to what matters: preserving the memory of Cora, Dawson and Callan Clancy and supporting other women facing perinatal mental health challenges,” he added.

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After noting that “enough is enough,” Cooper said that “this spread of blatant and baseless falsehoods must stop.”

“Those responsible should understand that there will be consequences, and every appropriate measure will be pursued to hold them accountable, including legally,” he said. “Law enforcement has been notified.”

If you or someone you know is pregnant or just had a baby and is in crisis, help is available. Call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential support 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

Musical is one of Hollywood’s oldest genres. For a musical to be truly fun, it needs to do more than simply have good songs. The best ones create a sense of freedom where characters can suddenly burst into song and dance through the streets. Whether they are romantic, funny, or completely over-the-top, the best musicals understand that they have to immerse the audience in their world. They invite us to enjoy the music and start moving, but also to get swept up in the emotions.

Here, we put together musicals that bring the most entertaining time. From classic musicals from the 1960s to contemporary 2020s film, these movies are not afraid to go for broke and deliver a jolly good time. They remind us that sometimes the best musical is simply the one that leaves you smiling, humming the soundtrack, and wanting to watch it all over again.

8

‘Om Shanti Om’ (2007)

Image via Eros International

Om Shanti Om first begins in the 1970s, following Om Prakash Makhija (Shah Rukh Khan), a junior film artist who is killed when he tries to protect the famous leading actress Shanti (Deepika Padukone) from a studio fire that took her life. Om is then reincarnated decades later as a successful Bollywood star. With memories of his past life, he seeks to expose that Shanti’s death was not an accident and confront the killer.

If Hollywood tentpoles tend to have massive action set pieces in them, Bollywood ultra-big productions have elaborate musical numbers and over-the-top, dramatic storytelling. Om Shanti Om has all that, while also paying homage to the country’s long cinema history. The film keeps on escalating, even after the shift in the second half, where the film focuses on Om’s new self. The musical numbers are electrifying and intricate, and they’re inseparable from the plot. Even the final confrontation with the villain is through a song. Shah Rukh Khan’s performance as both the earnest struggling actor and the ridiculous superstar gives the film an enormous amount of comedic energy, while Deepika Padukone’s feature film debut catapults her into superstardom. If you’re new to Indian cinema, this is the perfect gateway to start.

7

‘Funny Girl’ (1968)

Image via Columbia Pictures

Funny Girl follows Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand), a talented young woman from New York who dreams of becoming a performer despite not looking like a typical stage star. Her determination eventually gets her noticed, and she moves from small-time performer to major Broadway celebrity, becoming one of the stars of the Ziegfeld Follies. As she rises, she has to balance her professional success with her personal life.

The obvious reason Funny Girl is so much fun is Barbra Streisand, who originated the role on stage. Her comic timing, singing voice, and charisma are perfect for this film. Songs such as “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “I’m the Greatest Star” are huge musical showcases, but they are further elevated by Streisand’s personality. The Ziegfeld Follies sequences also give the movie the old-fashioned glamour of classic Broadway. Directed by William Wyler, who did Ben-Hur and Roman Holiday, the film is a major success, with eight Oscar nominations and one win for Streisand.

6

‘In the Heights’ (2021)

Image via Warner Bros.

Set in Washington Heights, In the Heights centers on Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a young bodega owner who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic, while his friend Benny (Corey Hawkins) hopes to build a life with Usnavi’s cousin Nina (Leslie Grace). Usnavi is enamored with Vanessa (Melissa Barrera) who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. As a heat wave hits the neighborhood and the possibility of winning a lottery ticket emerges, the characters have to confront what they actually want from their futures.

Adapted from the Broadway show written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film successfully transports the energy of the play to the film. Right from the very beginning, it grabs you with energetic songs and choreography, as well as its characters. Director Jon M. Chu turns rooftops, streets, swimming pools, subway stations, and even walls to create musical numbers that feel magical. The Latin and hip-hop influences also give the soundtrack a much more contemporary energy than many traditional Hollywood musicals. Hamilton alum Anthony Ramos brings charisma and warmth to Usnavi, while the rest of the ensemble that makes the Heights feel like a genuine community. It’s definitely one of the best musical films released in recent memory.

5

‘La La Land’ (2016)

Image via Lionsgate

La La Land follows Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress trying to reach her dreams, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a passionate jazz pianist who dreams of opening his own club. They meet and eventually fall in love and begin supporting each other’s ambitions. As Mia’s acting career develops and Sebastian gets opportunities to pursue his musical dreams, however, their relationship becomes complicated by their different paths.

La La Land is so fun because of how it turns ordinary, familiar life into giant musical numbers. The opening highway sequence immediately establishes the film’s joyful sense of movement. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone also make the movie enjoyable because their chemistry has been battle-tested through numerous other movies, so it just feels cozy to see them on screen. At the same time, the film’s homage to old Hollywood musicals gives it a wonderfully romantic visual style while still creating its own language. The film’s extended musical number at the end is a lovely and heartbreaking sequence that is true to the film’s theme of chasing our dreams. With its 10th anniversary this year, there is no better time to revisit this film.

4

‘The Young Girls of Rochefort’ (1967)

Image via Madeleine Films

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The Young Girls of Rochefort follows twin sisters Delphine (Catherine Deneuve) and Solange (Françoise Dorléac), two talented young women living in the seaside town of Rochefort who are both dreaming of leaving for Paris and finding love. Delphine is a dancer and Solange is a musician, and they are hired as carnival singers. There, they find colorful characters in town, and also what they’re looking for.

Jacques Demy made several legendary musicals in his career, and The Young Girls of Rochefort is one of them. Demy’s colorful and bright style turns Rochefort into a magical place, filled with pastel buildings and brightly colored costumes. The catchy songs paired with elaborate choreography make the film a grand time to watch. Added with Michel Legrand’s score gives the whole film an infectious sense of movement. Deneuve and Dorléac are particularly charming as the sisters, and the combination of French musical romance with a distinctly Hollywood-inspired style makes the film feel both familiar and unusual. This masterpiece of a musical is often overlooked because of Demy’s other masterpiece, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, but it is still a 10/10 film.

3

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ (1952)

Image via Loew’s Inc.

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Singin’ in the Rain follows silent-film star Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly), his best friend Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Connor), and aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) as Hollywood makes the transition from silent movies to talking pictures. Don’s latest film becomes a disaster when audiences discover that his co-star has an unbearable voice. With the studio desperate to save its expensive production, Don, Cosmo, and Kathy come up with the idea of transforming the film into a musical.

Singin’ in the Rain remains one of the easiest musicals to simply have a great time watching. The movie is packed with extraordinary dance sequences, genuinely funny comedy, infectious songs, and a level of physical performance that makes almost every scene entertaining. Gene Kelly’s famous rain dance is obviously the centerpiece, but the film has several other spectacular moments. Kelly, O’Connor, and Reynolds have an easy chemistry makes the film effortlessly fun. Its story that chronicles Hollywood’s transition to talkies makes it a must-see for cinephiles as well.

2

‘Mamma Mia!’ (2008)

Image via Universal

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Mamma Mia! follows Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) who is preparing to marry her fiancé and she wants her father to walk her down the aisle. However, she has never met her father and has discovered that three different men could potentially be him. Without telling her mother Donna (Meryl Streep), Sophie invites all three men to the wedding, setting off a chaotic reunion between her mom and the three men.

With the story constructed around the immensely catchy ABBA songbook, Mamma Mia! is simply a joy to watch. From its beautiful Greek setting, comedic moments and colorful ensemble cast, the film invites the audience to sing along. Led by the energetic Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep, hit songs like Dancing Queen and Super Trouper become huge communal experiences. The commitment from all the cast, including Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård, only triples the fun. It’s silly and absurd but it is never boring. This enjoyable musical is followed by an equally beloved sequel, Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again.

1

‘The Sound of Music’ (1965)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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The Sound of Music follows Maria (Julie Andrews), a spirited young woman who leaves the convent to become the governess of the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp (Christopher Plummer). The captain’s strict nature makes it difficult for Maria, but still, she brings music and playfulness back into the household, especially for the children.

The Sound of Music is one of the most important and iconic musicals in Hollywood. The songs are instantly memorable, but more importantly, they are woven into the plot in ways that make the film feel constantly energetic and alive. “Do-Re-Mi” turns a musical lesson into a playful family excursion and “My Favorite Things” transforms anxiety into comfort. They are timeless songs that can also function outside of the musical. Julie Andrews gives Maria an infectious warmth makes the movie thoroughly engaging for audiences of all ages. Even with its darker historical material, the film remains remarkably cheerful, colorful, romantic, and funny. It is the gold standard of musicals.

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The Sound of Music

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Release Date

March 2, 1965

Runtime

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174 minutes

Director

Robert Wise

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Writers

Ernest Lehman, Howard Lindsay, Russel Crouse

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Nearly 30 years after the murder of Tupac Shakur, a Las Vegas jury has delivered a historic verdict in one of the most infamous unsolved cases in music history.

Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been found guilty of first degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon in connection with the 1996 drive by shooting that killed Shakur.

Davis, 63, is the first person ever convicted in connection with the rapper’s death.

The verdict came Monday following a weeks long trial and only a few hours of jury deliberations. Davis was accused of orchestrating the attack that ultimately resulted in Shakur’s death, despite prosecutors not alleging that Davis himself fired the fatal shots.

Prosecutors argued that Davis helped organize the shooting as retaliation following a confrontation at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas earlier that night.

Gary Reyes/Oakland Tribune Staff Archives/MediaNews Group/Bay Area News via Getty Images

Shakur and members of his entourage had been involved in a physical altercation with Orlando “Baby Lane” Anderson, Davis’ nephew, after attending a Mike Tyson boxing match.

Later that evening, Shakur was riding in a BMW driven by Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight when a white Cadillac pulled alongside their vehicle near the Las Vegas Strip.

Someone inside the Cadillac opened fire.

Duane Davis stands in the courtroom before closing arguments in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday. Steve Marcus/Reuters

Shakur was struck multiple times, while Knight was also wounded. Shakur died from his injuries six days later on September 13, 1996. He was just 25 years old.

The identity of the person who actually fired the shots has remained one of the biggest questions surrounding the case. Prosecutors did not need to prove Davis was the shooter, arguing instead that his alleged role in organizing and facilitating the attack made him criminally responsible for the murder.

A major part of the prosecution’s case came from Davis himself.

Over the years, Davis publicly discussed his presence inside the Cadillac and details surrounding the shooting in interviews and his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend. Prosecutors used those statements to argue that Davis had repeatedly admitted his involvement in the events leading to Shakur’s death.

Davis’ defense argued that those accounts were exaggerated or fabricated and pointed to the lack of physical and forensic evidence connecting him to the shooting.

The jury ultimately sided with prosecutors.

Tupac Shakur

The conviction represents a stunning conclusion to a case that remained officially unsolved for decades and generated countless theories, documentaries, books and investigations.

Shakur remains one of the most influential artists in hip hop history. Despite his death at only 25, his music and cultural influence have continued for generations, with songs including California Love, Changes, Dear Mama and Hail Maryremaining among the most recognizable tracks of his career.

Davis now faces the possibility of life in prison.

For Tupac Shakur’s family, friends and millions of fans around the world, the verdict marks the first criminal conviction in a case that has remained unanswered for nearly three decades.

Giada De Laurentiis is giving fans a glimpse of a physical injury she’s faced while rehearsing for Dancing With the Stars season 35.

“So I had a great day at rehearsals today. But sadly, I busted my toe,” De Laurentiis, 56, said in a Monday, September 7, Instagram video. “Take a look.”

While sitting on a couch, De Laurentiis then turned the camera to show her bruised toe.

“As you can see, it’s quite purple and it wraps all the way around. I’m, for sure, going to lose my toe nail, I think,” she said. “I don’t know. It hurts, but we’ll figure it out tomorrow. Part of the game. Part of the game!”

Related: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 35 Cast: Meet the Celebs and Their Pros

Dancing With the Stars is headed back to the ballroom with a star-studded cast for season 35. The complete lineup of celebrity contestants and pro dancers for the milestone season was unveiled during the Wednesday, September 2, episode of Good Morning America. The newly confirmed participants join Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez, […]

She captioned the clip, “You know what they say… no pain, no gain. 👠🪩.”

De Laurentiis was revealed earlier this month as one of the celebrities vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on season 35, where she is partnered with pro dancer Alan Bersten.

From De Laurentiis’ perspective, now was the perfect time to compete on the reality TV show after she recently dropped off daughter Jade at college. (De Laurentiis shares the 18-year-old with ex-husband Todd Thompson.)

“I’m now an empty nester,” De Laurentiis exclusively told Us after the full cast for season 35 was revealed on Good Morning America. “I figured my daughter is going on this new adventure, so I’m going on a new adventure with Alan.”

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Related: ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Injuries Through the Years

Over the years, Dancing With the Stars contestants and professionals have dealt with their fair share of health scares while participating on the show. In March 2022, Daniella Karagach was injured during her time on the Dancing With the Stars Live 2022 tour. The dancer, who was partnered up with Iman Shumpert, sustained the injury […]

Bersten, 32, then chimed in, “What better way to fill your time than on national television dancing in front of millions of people?”

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While preparing for her first performance (ABC has yet to unveil the pair’s song and style of dance for the two-night premiere episodes), De Laurentiis shared that she’s staying in her lane — and trying not to think about her fellow competitors.

“We can’t compare [ourselves] to other people because we have professional dancers as competition,” she told Us. “Honestly, how could we, right? I would lose my mind if I tried to compete against Jenna Dewan or Harry [Shum Jr.] or even Julia Stiles because they all have background in dance. I do not, so it’s our journey. We’re going to stick to that, and I think I’ll keep my sanity that way.”

Dancing With the Stars season 35 kicks off with a two-night premiere on ABC and Disney+ Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. ET.

Jade Miura is putting her own spin on the internet’s “muscle mommy” obsession, mixing a muscular physique with a dark, goth-inspired look that has quickly caught followers’ attention. The label has become cultural shorthand over the past few years, evolving from a niche fitness compliment into a recognizable aesthetic category with its own visual language, inside jokes, and dedicated corners of Instagram and TikTok.

What started as commentary on physical strength has grown into a full persona, blending bodybuilding culture with fashion, humor, and a distinct online voice. Creators who lean into the trend often build entire content strategies around the contrast between traditional femininity and visible muscle, using captions, outfits and lighting to play up that tension.

The viral fitness creator recently leaned into that combination on Instagram, sharing three photos taken in a red-lit room while wearing a lace-up leather bustier, pleated miniskirt, fishnets and dark lipstick.

The red-lit setting fits squarely within the visual conventions that have come to define the goth aesthetic online, where moody lighting, dramatic shadows, and high-contrast color palettes often heighten the sense of atmosphere in a single post. It’s a look that photographs well against the scroll-heavy nature of social media feeds, where creators are competing for attention in fractions of a second.

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Fans Give Their Verdict, Compare Miura To ‘Final Fantasy’ Icon

Miura made sure her strength was part of the look, flexing her bicep in one of the images before putting a simple question to her followers. “So… goth muscle mommies, yes or no?” she wrote.

Her audience appeared to have already made up its mind. “Yes please,” one commenter replied as the post filled with heart-eye, flame, and red-heart emojis.

Another follower compared Miura’s appearance to “Final Fantasy VII” character Tifa Lockhart, writing, “Holy Final Fantasy, Tifa got competition.”

The comparison to Tifa Lockhart has popped up repeatedly across fan communities whenever a creator combines visible strength with a stylized, alternative look, since the character has long been held up as a touchstone for that pairing in gaming and pop culture.

Miura Challenges Fans: ‘Would You Survive A Goth Muscle Mommy?’

Miura has continued playing with the goth fitness persona across her social media accounts. In a recent post on X, she challenged followers with another question: “Would you survive a goth muscle mommy?”

The responses suggested some fans were more interested in accepting the challenge than considering the consequences. “I’m gonna die trying,” one person wrote. Another responded, “Please do horrible things to me, goth mommy.”

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Miura’s Bio Says It All: ‘Muscles. Black Lipstick. Zero Mercy.’

The “muscle mommy” label has become popular internet slang for muscular women, particularly within online fitness communities. The phrase has become its own social media category, with creators blending bodybuilding, fashion, and personality-driven content.

Miura has pushed the trend in a darker direction, leaning heavily into black makeup, provocative fashion and an intimidating online persona. Her current bio summarizes the character in just three phrases: “Muscles. Black lipstick. Zero mercy.”

Other recent posts have asked followers whether she looks “sweet or dangerous” and whether they can “handle this.”

WWE’s Rhea Ripley Made The Same Transformation Years Earlier

Miura is not alone in combining strength with a goth aesthetic.

WWE star Rhea Ripley has become one of the most recognizable examples, developing a darker image after moving away from the blonde, girl-next-door presentation she had earlier in her career.

Ripley’s transformation has often been cited as one of the more visible mainstream examples of this same aesthetic shift, given her platform within a major wrestling promotion and the reach that comes with it.

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“I love the studded jackets, I love the painted jackets. I love the black makeup, the black hair,” Ripley told The Ringer in 2024. “I’ve always loved that grungy look. And that’s been me, deep down. I’ve just been hiding it for so long because I was trying to be the girl next door, the beachy sort of vibes, but it wasn’t me.”

For Miura, the combination appears to be working.

A man whose 16 grandchildren were discovered living in squalid conditions at a rural southern Ohio home was found mentally incompetent to stand trial Wednesday.
A judge in Vinton County accepted the findings of an evaluation report for Gary Siders Sr.

Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer did not object to the findings.
The 73-year-old Siders appeared in court in a wheelchair. His attorney, Dorian Baum, said after the hearing that Siders’ mental health has been declining for years and is “not restorable.”
“It’s not really a surprise to any of us that he’s not been found competent at this point,” Baum said. “He doesn’t fully understand or appreciate what’s going on.”
Siders was charged with 16 counts of child endangerment related to the children, who were rescued June 30 from a home in Hamden about 80 miles (129 kilometers) south of Columbus.
Siders’ wife, Christina Siders; son Gary Siders Jr., and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Siders, the children’s mother, have pleaded not guilty.
Investigators said the children remained mostly confined to a small room in the house under deplorable conditions. The children weren’t enrolled in school, the family moved around over the past two decades, and neighbors said they’d never spotted the kids.
At the time they were found, the children ranged in age from 18 months to 18 years, with some described as “feral” and unable to speak. Authorities said their medical conditions varied.
The eldest was born in May 2008, two months after Gary Siders Jr., then 18, and Elizabeth, then 15, crossed into West Virginia to marry at the Mason County Courthouse with her parents’ consent, according to court records. She has been pregnant most years since then, the records show.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Bodies Of Missing Florida Couple And Their Grandchildren Found Following Plane Crash In Bahamas

Associated Press contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

Jennifer Aniston is standing firmly behind her boyfriend, Jim Curtis, as questions emerge about whether everyone in her inner circle is as supportive of their romance as she believed.

Recent claims suggest some of the actress’s friends are concerned that Curtis could be benefiting from her celebrity status to raise his own profile.

However, Jennifer Aniston is said to have little patience for the speculation and remains confident about the man she has been dating for roughly a year.

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Aniston may normally ignore unflattering speculation surrounding her personal life, but claims involving her friends and Curtis have apparently struck a nerve.

A source said the actress was particularly bothered by the suggestion that people she trusts could privately have doubts about her boyfriend, who is a hypnotist and hypnotherapist.

“Jen usually pays no attention to negative chatter, but this narrative about some of her friends being suspicious of Jim has not gone unnoticed by her,” the insider told Star Magazine.

For Aniston, the bigger concern appears to be the possibility that someone within her circle has not been honest with her.

She reportedly expects the people closest to her to be straightforward, making the idea of friends privately criticizing Curtis particularly difficult for her to accept.

The source described the situation as “very upsetting,” explaining that Aniston values loyalty. Despite the side talks, her confidence in Curtis is said to remain unchanged as she “adores Jim” and “trusts him implicitly.”

Jim Curtis Faces ‘Opportunist’ Claims After Joint Appearance With The Actress

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The speculation intensified shortly after Aniston stepped out with Curtis to support an important moment in his professional life.

On September 3, reports emerged claiming some people close to the “Friends” star were concerned that her boyfriend might be an “opportunist.”

Those claims surfaced one day after the couple appeared together in New York City to promote Curtis’ new book, “The Book of Possibility.” Their joint appearance apparently could increase Curtis’ visibility and make him more recognizable.

The timing appears to have contributed to questions about whether Curtis’ growing public profile could be a result of his romance with Aniston. The actress, however, is reportedly not pleased by that interpretation of their relationship.

Sources have instead described Aniston as feeling more secure with Curtis than she did in previous relationships.

Jennifer Aniston Is Ready To Cut Off Anyone Who Turns Out To Be ‘Anti-Jim’

While Aniston is taking the claims seriously, she has no intention of immediately confronting friends based solely on rumors.

Instead, the actress wants to establish whether anyone within her circle actually expressed concerns about Curtis before deciding how to respond.

“She is not the type to start accusing people with no evidence,” the source explained.

But if Aniston discovers that someone close to her has been criticizing Curtis privately, that friendship could face consequences.

The insider claimed, “Anyone that turns out to be anti-Jim is going to be booted immediately from her circle.”

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Her protective reaction is also said to come from concern about how the speculation could affect Curtis himself.

Having people publicly question his motives could leave him wondering which members of Aniston’s inner circle genuinely support their relationship.

Jim Curtis Has Been Having A Hard Time Being In The Spotlight

Curtis has admitted that dating Aniston brought a level of public attention he had never experienced before. Although he was already accustomed to having a public career, suddenly finding himself regularly discussed in celebrity headlines required some adjustment.

Speaking on “The Jamie Kern Lima Show,” Curtis said the attention “was new” and “something to get used to.” He explained that his previous relationships had never generated this kind of interest, making the experience a significant change for him.

The increased scrutiny has not always been easy. According to People Magazine, Curtis admitted that “some things have hurt my feelings,” particularly when he encountered negative or inaccurate stories about himself. He found himself wanting people to recognize his professional accomplishments rather than judge him through celebrity coverage.

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Curtis even acknowledged googling himself before realizing that constantly checking what was being written was doing him little good. After several months, he began distancing himself from the headlines and told himself, “Don’t Google yourself again, Jim, to see what the news is saying today.”

He has since tried to accept that increased attention comes with being Aniston’s partner rather than allowing every headline to affect him.

Jennifer Aniston And Jim Curtis Are Going Slow And Steady With Their Relationship

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Despite the outside attention surrounding their romance, Aniston and Curtis are not allowing pressure about their future to dictate how quickly their relationship progresses.

Instead, “They are allowing the relationship to develop at its own pace,” an insider told Us Weekly. Adding that they now feel more certain about how well their priorities and lifestyles fit together.

Marriage has apparently entered their conversations, but neither is treating it as something that needs to happen immediately.

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“Jen is open to getting married again, but they’re both on the same page about not rushing it,” another source revealed.

Aniston would also reportedly prefer something simple if they eventually decide to marry, with the insider saying she would consider “doing something really low-key, like eloping.”

For now, the pair appear comfortable with where their relationship is.

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