Entertainment
Meat Recall Issued For Over 160K Pounds With Fake USDA Labels
RELATED: Not Breakfast Too?! Social Media Sounds OFF After Massive Egg Recall Sparks Possible Salmonella Concerns
Dept. Of Agriculture Explains Meat Recall
Star Meat Delivery Inc., based in Lucama, North Carolina, is recalling more than 167,000 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat nationwide. The USDA said that number could grow as it continues its investigation. The agency said it discovered the problem during the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s routine checks. It’s not clear whether officials have arrested or criminally charged anyone.
The products ended up at the Georgia distributor A&D Foods for distribution to retail and restaurant locations nationwide.
However, the agency warned that some packages people purchased may not bear that labeling. That’s because retail stores may have applied their own stickers with pricing and safe handling instructions.
No Reports Of Illnesses Yet
Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants, the Dept of Agriculture said Tuesday (Sept. 22) in announcing the meat recall. So far, there have been no confirmed reports of illnesses or injuries from the meats, according to the USDA.
Company Responsible Reacts To Recall
Star Meat Delivery, in a statement posted on its Facebook page Thursday, pushed back at the notion that the inspection stamps on its products were somehow falsified.
“No other products sold by Star Meat Delivery were mislabeled, and no other products sold by Star Meat Delivery are part of the recall that has been issued,” the company said. “We are cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities to finalize the application and are following the recall procedures that have been put into place.”
The USDA didn’t immediately respond to Star Meat’s statement. Recalls triggered by forged inspection stamps are relatively rare, according to Keith Schneider. Keith is a food safety professor at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
“This is someone taking a shortcut,” he said. “Systems are in place to catch these sorts of things and it appears the system worked as intended. You can’t skip inspections.”
RELATED: Uh-Oh! Frozen Chicken Breasts Reportedly Sold Across Multiple States Recalled For Possible Listeria Contamination
Associated Press writer Philip Marcelo contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
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A woman accused of fatally attacking her husband with a box cutter and coffee mug has been charged with second-degree murder, according to authorities.
Christine Clark, of Hartford, New York, is also charged with tampering with physical evidence, a felony offense, and criminal possession of a weapon, which is a misdemeanor, New York State Police said in a Thursday, September 24, news release.
State police and first responders found Clark’s husband, James M. Clark, with “severe, life-threatening injuries” at a Hartford home the morning of Wednesday, September 23, after they were called to a report of an unresponsive adult, according to police.
James, 43, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he ultimately died.
A Colorado woman was arrested after she allegedly cut up her husband and stored his remains in several containers throughout her home, where she continued to live for several months. The Colorado Springs Police Department announced on Sunday, September 20, that Sheldon “Shelly” Wilson has been charged with second-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human […]
Christine, 43, was arrested that same day in relation to his death, police said.
Investigators learned Christine cut James’ body using a box cutter and struck his head with a coffee mug, according to court filings obtained by WTEN.
She is accused of trying to hide her involvement in the crime by attempting to clean her husband’s blood using towels and water, the TV station reported.
It wasn’t immediately clear what led to the alleged attack.
Following her arrest, Christine was booked in the Washington County Correctional Facility, state police said. The jail is located about a 55-mile drive northeast from Albany.
A 93-year-old man in North Carolina has died after his wife allegedly struck him with a vase in the middle of the night. The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that Yorleni Shoff called 911 around 2 a.m. on April 9 saying her husband, Richard Shoff, was lying on the floor and […]
On Thursday, September 24, she appeared in court for an arraignment and was ordered to be held in jail without bail.
State police said more details will be released following James’ autopsy, which was scheduled for Thursday.
Information regarding her legal representation or whether she entered a plea wasn’t immediately available.
If Christine is found guilty of second-degree murder, she could face at least 15 years in prison and up to 25 years to life, according to the Marwaha Law Group.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Antonio Brown plans to accept a plea deal in an attempted murder case in Miami. The deal will have the former NFL star wide receiver avoid prison time on the reduced charge. His lawyer said Wednesday (Sept. 23) the agreement with prosecutors was too good to turn down.
RELATED: Antonio Brown Enters Plea For Attempted Murder Charge Amid Release From Miami Jail (UPDATE)
What Happens Next For Antonio Brown?
Antonio Brown will appear in court on Sept. 30 to finalize the deal. Defense attorney Mark Eiglarsh said AB will plead no contest to aggravated assault. His sentence will include probation without adjudication. This means Brown will not be considered a convicted felon, the attorney said. Brown could have faced up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the original attempted murder charge. AB was extradited in November 2025 from Dubai, where he has business interests. Officials had previously issued an arrest warrant on the attempted murder charge in June 2025.
Meanwhile, the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office declined to comment on Wednesday. Spokesperson Ed Griffith said the details would be “fully clarified” at next week’s hearing. Antonio Brown has said on social media that he was defending himself from an attack and that others were trying to steal jewelry from him.
What Did AB Allegedly Do?
Brown is accused of grabbing a handgun from a security staffer after a celebrity boxing match in Miami on May 16, 2025. Also, he allegedly fired two shots at a man he had gotten into a fistfight with earlier, according to an arrest warrant. Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu told investigators that one of the bullets grazed his neck.
“This was not an easy decision,” Defense Attorney Eiglarsh said in a statement Wednesday. “Antonio believes in his innocence. He believes strongly in his Stand Your Ground defense, and he believes he would ultimately prevail at trial. But when prosecutors put an offer on the table that transforms a potential decades-long prison sentence into a significantly reduced charge and probation, there was simply no way he could reasonably turn it down.”
Florida’s so-called Stand Your Ground law allows people who believe they face death or serious injury to use deadly force to defend themselves without a duty to retreat. Also, Richard Cooper, an attorney for Nantambu, called the plea deal fair.
“We are satisfied that justice is served. My client maintains what he said previously: that he forgives Brown and will not cooperate with law enforcement,” Cooper said in an email Wednesday. “We wish Mr. Brown good health and that he grows from this event.”
In a previous statement, his attorneys said that Nantambu had decided to forgive Antonio Brown after “considerable reflection, prayer, and consultation with his family and counsel.”
AB Has A History Of Legal Issues
Antonio Brown has dealt with several legal problems over the years. He previously had been accused of battery of a moving truck driver, several domestic violence charges, failure to pay child support and other incidents. During a 2021 game with Tampa Bay against the New York Jets, Brown took off his jersey, shoulder pads and gloves and ran off the field. This led to his release by the Buccaneers and effectively ended his football career.
The 38-year-old spent 12 years in the NFL. He was an All-Pro wide receiver and won a Super Bowl championship with quarterback Tom Brady. He spent much of his career with Pittsburgh. For his career, Brown had 928 receptions for more than 12,000 yards and accounted for 88 total touchdowns, counting punt returns and one pass.
RELATED: Mississippi Police Make 2nd Arrest In Death Of Black Woman Found Hanging From Tree, Tasia Fortune
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Fans have been gushing ever since a source close to Ari Fletcher and Moneybagg Yo exclusively confirmed to The Shade Room that the couple is officially married! There’s no word on when their traditional Muslim wedding ceremony went down, but Bagg is making one thing clear — he’s BEEN in his husband era!
RELATED: Awww! Ari Fletcher Shares Sweet Post Celebrating Moneybagg Yo’s 35th Birthday (PHOTOS)
Husband Era Activated! Moneybagg Yo Claps Back At Comment About Showing Skin
Recently, a social media user tried to clock Moneybagg Yo for showing a lil’ too much skin now that he’s officially off the market. The rapper hit Instagram with a fresh batch of photos showing him putting in work during an intense track workout. Bagg ditched his shirt for the sweat session and rocked nothing but shorts, sunglasses, and sneakers — oh, and his abs definitely made an appearance as the bonus accessory! Once a social media user peeped Bagg popping out with his whole chest on display, she wasted no time telling him, “Cover up..u married now.” Bagg clearly caught the comment and clapped back immediately, replying with, “I been dat stay focus.” Whew, he had time!
Locked In For Life! Ari & Moneybagg Are Officially Married!
Ari Fletcher recently had fans in their feels when she came through with a sweet birthday post for Bagg. The Remedy founder shared a carousel of photos featuring her and her hubby, but one particular flick quickly stole the spotlight. The pic showed the couple in all-white traditional Muslim attire, sharing a kiss. Fans immediately wondered whether Ari had confirmed they had tied the knot. Shortly after she dropped the photo, a source close to the couple exclusively confirmed to The Shade Room that she and Moneybagg Yo are officially married. Details surrounding their ceremony remain under wraps for now. However, during BET Weekend back in June, Ari did tell TSR that she and Bagg also have an official wedding planned for 2027.
Ari & Moneybagg Previously Fueled Married Speculation
Fans have been speculating for a minute that Ari and Moneybagg were already husband and wife. Folks even started clocking their social media accounts for clues. Back in July, fans flooded Bagg’s comment section after peeping the massive rings he and Ari wore while celebrating her 31st birthday in Ibiza. It’s hard to tell from the pics whether they actually wore the rings on their left hands, but either way, those icy rocks are hard to miss!
RELATED: Ari Fletcher & Moneybagg Yo Bring The Heat To Ibiza For Her Birthday & Fans Can’t Get Enough (PHOTO + VIDEO)
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Plaid may be a fall classic, but this year’s version feels straight out of a very fashionable weekend in the country. Rich brown prints, flowy gingham silhouettes and chic checkered layers are giving the pattern a rustic-chic makeover for 2026. It’s less ‘lumberjack,’ more ‘English countryside’ — and we’re very into it.
We found 17 affordable pieces that make the trend easy to wear, including ruffled blouses, flattering skirts, romantic dresses and rich-looking plaid jackets. There are polished options for work, relaxed picks for weekends and statement-making layers that can upgrade the jeans already in your closet. Even better, getting the look starts at only $10.
17 Rich-Looking Plaid Pieces for Fall 2026
Tops
1. Our Favorite: This is the kind of plaid that makes Us want to spend a weekend in the countryside. The brown checked blouse combines an autumnal color palette with a fitted button-down shape that looks especially chic with denim.
2. Ruffle Up: Ruffles are an easy way to soften up classic plaid. This gingham button-down shirt combines the two with billowy sleeves and a fitted shape for a look that feels equal parts country and chic.
3. Waist-Flattering: Plaid gets a figure-flattering twist with this ruched button-down top. The cinched waist creates definition through the middle, while the moody brown print brings the rustic fall energy.
4. English Countryside: This flowy gingham blouse looks like it belongs on a weekend spent somewhere incredibly charming. The billowy sleeves and a relaxed fit give the classic print an easy yet expensive-looking feel.
5. Casual Friday: Plaid can absolutely clock in for work. This beige pleated blouse looks polished with trousers for the office but relaxed enough to wear with jeans once the weekend starts.
Every fall, I inevitably find a new way to work the classic French girl aesthetic into my wardrobe. Some years I’m constantly wearing ballet flats or trench coats, but right now, I can’t stop looking at blouses covered in stripes, polka dots, lace and other romantic details. They’re an easy way to make everyday fall […]
Pants and Skirts
6. Our Favorite: This flowy plaid midi skirt was basically made for a crisp fall afternoon. Style it with a fitted sweater and knee-high boots for apple picking, cider sipping and obligatory fall photos.
7. Saturday Stroll: Jeans can take the morning off. Over 1,000 shoppers bought these brown gingham pants in the last month alone, and the stretchy smocked waist and breezy wide legs might explain why.
8. Rich Brown: Chocolatey shades make plaid look even more expensive. These wide-leg trousers combine the rich fall palette with a high-rise silhouette that looks chic with everything from sweaters to leather jackets.
9. Plaid About You: This high-waisted mini skirt gives the rustic-chic trend a flirty twist. It comes in tons of plaid styles, including classic brown, preppy red, black-and-white and oversized checks.
Dresses
10. Our Favorite: This brown gingham maxi dress looks like it belongs in a countryside rom-com. The fitted waist and sweeping tiered skirt create a romantic silhouette that feels straight out of an autumn love story.
11. Layer Up: Don’t pack away this gingham maxi dress when summer ends. The sleeveless silhouette makes it easy to layer under a chunky cardigan or faux suede jacket once temperatures drop.
12. Pocket Perk: Yes, the plaid is cute, but this tiered fall dress also has pockets. Its relaxed silhouette and long sleeves make it an easy throw-on option when jeans simply aren’t happening.
13. Soft Girl: Rustic-chic gets a softer spin with this light brown gingham dress. Delicate flutter sleeves, a smocked waist and ruffled tiers give the classic country print an extra-feminine finish.
Layers
14. Our Favorite: When a cardigan feels too casual, reach for this tailored plaid blazer instead. The structured shape instantly sharpens up tees, tanks and lightweight sweaters without requiring much styling.
15. Classic Investment: This notched lapel plaid blazer has the kind of timeless shape you’ll pull out every fall. The double-breasted silhouette and neutral checkered print works with everything from jeans to dresses.
16. Selling Fast: Plaid gets a cool-girl makeover with this checked bomber jacket. Over 2,000 shoppers bought one in the last month, and we can see why; the oversized shape makes it an easy throw-on layer for jeans and leggings.
17. Equestrian Chic: No actual horseback riding is required for this one. This plaid barn jacket channels the equestrian aesthetic with heritage checks, an oversized fit and a polished stand collar.
UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping
Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Consider this my official resignation from wearing stiff trousers five days a week. As much as I love how polished they look, I’d rather spend an eight-hour workday in something soft, stretchy and considerably easier to move in. Thankfully, a good fall dress can give me the best of both worlds. I found 13 polished […]
“If you leave a door half open, soon you’ll hear the whispers spoken” is one of the creepiest things we’ve heard lately, and that’s the kind of thing that stays with you after you watch the newest crime thriller that Netflix has to offer. Clearly, their subscribers don’t mind losing out on a few nights’ sleep because one of their darkest movies to date has turned into a figurative streaming monster.
Robert De Niro (Goodfellas) stars in The Whisper Man, which has officially become one of Netflix’s biggest movies of 2026 after spending four consecutive weeks inside the global Top 10. The thriller opened with 23.2 million views before exploding to 33.4 million views during its first full week, when it became Netflix’s No. 1 English-language movie worldwide. Another 12.7 million followed the next week, with the movie adding 6.2 million between September 14-20.
When his 8-year-old son is abducted, a widowed crime writer, Tom Kennedy, looks to his estranged father, a retired former police detective (De Niro), for help, only to discover a connection with the decades-old case of a convicted serial killer known as “The Whisper Man.”
Who’s Involved in ‘The Whisper Man’?
The cast is led by Adam Scott (Severance) as Tom Kennedy alongside De Niro as Peter Willis, Michelle Monaghan(The White Lotus) as Amanda Beck, Hamish Linklater (Midnight Mass), Owen Teague (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes), Acston Luca Porto (Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado), and Will Brill (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).
The movie is directed by James Ashcroft (The Rule of Jenny Pen, Coming Home in the Dark) and written by Ben Jacoby (The First Omen) and Chase Palmer (It). The Whisper Man is an AGBO production, Netflix’s sixth collaboration to date with the production company founded by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo (Avengers: Doomsday).
AGBO’s previous movies for the service include Extraction, The Electric State, The Gray Man, and Extraction 2. Netflix said those films had accumulated more than 250 million views between them before The Whisper Man arrived, and this is just the latest in what’s proving to be a very fruitful partnership for all parties. Next up for AGBO and Netflix will be Extraction 3, which brings back Chris Hemsworth and Idris Elba in the action franchise directed by Sam Hargave.
The Whisper Man is streaming now on Netflix.
- Release Date
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August 28, 2026
- Runtime
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106 minutes
- Director
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James Ashcroft
- Writers
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Ben Jacoby, Chase Palmer, Alex North
A good detective will follow a very precise set of rules in order to help them solve a crime. It’s important that those rules be followed to the letter. Look for a motive? Check. Establish a timeline? It’s done. Interrogate the suspects? Easy. Eat some grass? Wait, what? Did Sherlock Holmes ever graze a field? If he didn’t, maybe he should have tried it. Could have helped, as this lot proved.
Hugh Jackman’s (Logan) The Sheep Detectives has officially become one of Prime Video’s most enduring movie hits of 2026, almost three months after making its streaming debut. The acclaimed murder mystery reached No. 1 among movies on Prime Video in the United States following its June 24 arrival and was still sitting inside Amazon’s worldwide Prime Original Top 10 for the week of September 7-13.
The human cast includes Jackman as George alongside Nicholas Braun (Succession), Nicholas Galitzine (Red, White & Royal Blue), Emma Thompson (Love Actually), Hong Chau (The Whale), and Molly Gordon (The Bear). The flock gets an absurdly stacked voice cast of its own, including Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids), Regina Hall (Girls Trip), Patrick Stewart (Star Trek: Picard), Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us), and Brett Goldstein (Ted Lasso). Kyle Balda (Minions: The Rise of Gru) directs the adaptation of Leonie Swann’s novel, with Project Hail Mary directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller among its executive producers.
How Good Is ‘The Sheep Detectives’?
Turns out extremely good. The Sheep Detectives currently sits at 95% on Rotten Tomatoes. But these aren’t just 3 star reviews, the film is really good as what could easily have been a one-joke family movie instead became one of the year’s most acclaimed mysteries, with the sheep’s investigation providing the comedy without completely sacrificing the actual whodunit underneath it. Plus, it’s extremely moving and affecting, with themes of what it means to belong, found family and working together in the face of adversity. It’s truly one of those almost perfect ‘family films’, a proper four-quadrant production that everyone will enjoy.
The movie didn’t exactly embarrass itself theatrically either, eventually earning around $133 million worldwide before making the jump to Prime Video. Streaming is where things really took off. The movie reached No. 1 on Prime Video in the United States and was also No. 1 across JustWatch’s combined UK and Ireland streaming chart shortly after its release. Months later, Amazon’s own worldwide rankings still had it among Prime Video’s 10 most-watched original movies.
The Sheep Detectives is streaming now on Prime Video.
- Release Date
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May 8, 2026
- Runtime
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109 Minutes
- Director
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Kyle Balda
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Fall dressing has a funny little styling problem: dresses are easy, but finding comfy shoes that make them feel polished can be surprisingly tricky. The right pair of flats can instantly make a flowy midi, sweater dress or tailored shirtdress feel more intentional, while making you feel good enough to get through the day.
For this roundup, I pulled together 17 chic flat styles to shop on Amazon, including polished Mary Janes, pointed-toe ballet flats and rich, fall-ready loafers, starting at $20. The selection focuses on pairs that have that expensive-looking, fashion editor-approved feel without requiring a designer-shoe budget. See my top finds below.
17 Chic Fall Flats That Look Way More Expensive Than $20
1. Our Favorite: A pointed toe and slim Mary Jane strap give these dressy flats the kind of refined silhouette that instantly elevates a simple knit dress. It’s the easy answer when you want the polish of a pump . . . without actually wearing a heel.
2. Runner-Up: The timeless ballet flat is back in a big way, and this streamlined version makes practically any dress look more pulled together. Slip them on with a printed midi or minimalist sweater dress for an effortless French girl finish.
3. Celeb-Approved: Square toes and a delicate strap bring a distinctly fashion-girl feel to this classic flat. Pair them with a knee-length dress and sheer tights when you want your fall outfit to look styled, rather than simply assembled.
4. Designer-Looking: The elegant T-strap detail makes these flats look far more luxe than your average slip-on. They’re especially good with midi dresses, which allow you to show off the interesting vertical strap.
5. Everyday Essential: This almond-shaped toe style hits the sweet spot between a classic ballet flat and a sharp-pointed pick. Keep the neutral pair by the door, and they’ll become the shoes you reach for whenever a dress needs a polished finishing touch.
There’s something about a good fall loafer that makes an entire outfit look more pulled together. Instead of reaching for ankle boots whenever the temperature drops, a polished pair of loafers can bring the same dressed-up effect while working beautifully with jeans, trousers and skirts. This wardrobe swap makes getting dressed feel instantly easier, especially […]
6. Rich-Fall Pick: Few textures say ‘fall’ quite like suede, and a low-profile suede flat (as seen here) instantly makes lightweight dresses feel more seasonally appropriate. Look for chocolate brown, cognac, burgundy or black to get maximum mileage from your autumn wardrobe.
7. Polished Pick: A sleek loafer gives feminine dresses a little menswear-inspired edge, which is exactly what makes the combination feel fresh. The flat silhouette keeps the look easy, while the structured upper makes even a casual dress look more sophisticated.
8. On Trend: Sheer mesh gives the classic ballet flat a decidedly modern update, adding texture and visual interest without making your outfit feel fussy. Wear them with a simple knit dress when the shoes need to do a little more of the styling work.
9. Pop of Color: The elongated toe and vibrant hue creates a sleek line that works beautifully with longer hemlines. They’re the pair to grab when you want your dresses to look elegant.
10. Understated Luxe: A smooth faux leather finish and minimalist strap make this shoe style look remarkably elevated for a flat. Try them with a printed or ruffled dress to balance out the femininity with a clean, polished shoe.
11. Ruby Red: Red ballet flats are an easy way to make a neutral fall dress feel instantly more fashion-forward. The beauty is that you only need one statement accessory — the shoes do all the work!
12. Fall Favorite: Chocolate and cognac tones feel luxe against cream knit dresses and burgundy maxis. This structured loafer, for example, is one style that adds welcomed visual weight to floaty silhouettes.
13. Editor-Loved: A petite bow adds just enough romance to make these round-toe flats feel special, without veering overly sweet. They’re a natural match for slip dresses, floral midis and other feminine fall silhouettes.
14. Texture Play: A woven finish makes simple flats look considerably more expensive, and gives solid-color dresses an extra layer of texture. Choose a dark neutral for fall, so the detailing feels sophisticated, rather than summery.
15. Comfortable Classic: When you know you’ll be on your feet all day, a cushioned ballet flat can save the outfit, and your feet. Look for a flexible sole and supportive insole, so your dress-and-flats combination works just as well for errands as it does for the office.
16. Evening-Ready: The glossy finish gives these Birdies flats an instant evening upgrade, making it an especially clever alternative to heels. Style these with a black dress, opaque tights and a small shoulder bag for a polished dinner look.
17. Closet Staple: If you buy only one pair, a sleek black pointed-toe flat is the one that can quietly carry an entire wardrobe. This option works with virtually every dress length and color, giving you a reliable, polished finish whenever heels aren’t on the agenda.
UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping
Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Get a rundown of Us‘ top stories making headlines in celebrity news, sports and entertainment on September 24, 2026. Here are the key takeaways:
• ABC unveiled the song and dance lineup for Yacht Rock Night on Dancing With the Stars season 35, featuring tracks from Toto, Fleetwood Mac, Hall & Oates and the Doobie Brothers ahead of the September 29 episode. The reveal follows the elimination of Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten during Viral Songs Night.
• Brooke Hogan exclusively told Us that her late father, Hulk Hogan, sleeping with her friend Christiane Plante was “a major turning point” that permanently changed their relationship. Brooke’s new single “Goes Around,” written about her family dysfunction, is being released September 25.
• Country singers Tucker Wetmore and Ella Langley have been “quietly dating for more than six months but less than a year,” a source exclusively told Us, after they met through mutual connections in Nashville. The pair were most recently spotted leaving the 2026 Nashville Songwriter Awards together on September 22.
Edited by Samantha Benitz. Story produced with AI assistance
As Tom Cruise returns to the big screen with the off-the-wall satire Digger next month, one of his lesser known movies has become a streaming hit on HBO Max, where it’s among the top 5 most-viewed films. American Made was a lower-profile biographical thriller that saw the star play a unique role, and certainly one fans are not used to seeing him play. While the movie may not have matched the box office heights of his spectacular action pics, it’s another example of how absorbing Cruise can be when he steps outside his comfort zone, and subverts our expectations.
Tom Cruise Rebounded from ‘The Mummy’ with ‘American Made’
The year is 2017, and Tom Cruise is in a position he is not particularly used to being in. His action-horror movie The Mummy, intended to launch a new cinematic universe, did not go over well with audiences, a rare miss for the man who had spent much of the previous three decades making hit after hit. His follow-up, released later in the year, is the engrossing true story of Barry Seal, a TWA commercial pilot who is caught by the CIA smuggling cigars in from Cuba. He is recruited to fly reconnaissance missions over Central America, and eventually act as courier for them.
During one mission, he encounters the Medellín Cartel, who ask him to fly drugs back on his return flights. Playing both sides for his own benefit, Seal enjoys the fruits of his success, until his luck begins to run out. The unbelievable true story was brought to the big screen by Doug Liman, who had previously worked with Cruise on Edge of Tomorrow. However, this movie was a very different prospect to the 2014 hit.
‘American Made’ Shows Tom Cruise as an Anti-Hero
In a confessional video pivotal to the plot, Seal outlines his misadventures. “You know, I guess you could say I helped build an army, defend a country and create the biggest drug cartel this world has ever seen,” he confesses. “DEA, CIA, White House. I mean, it’s been a hell of an adventure. Yes, sometimes a little more than I bargained for. But goddamn, you try telling me that this ain’t the greatest country in the world?” In that one monologue, Cruise outlines his character perfectly – a rogue who has undoubtedly done bad things, but who relishes the thrill.
The actor retains his signature charm in the lead, but neither he nor director Liman allow you to ever forget that everything Seal does is morally compromised. He is a man out for himself, at the expense of almost everyone else in his life, and as he becomes more desperate, the more lines he is willing to cross. It creates a compelling push-and-pull sensation in the viewer, as you root for Seal to get away with his scheme, but also know that justice will catch up with him eventually.
It’s Fun Watching the Dark Side of Hollywood’s Biggest Star
When you say the name Tom Cruise, certain images come to mind – a fighter pilot with the American flag on his uniform, a spy saving the world at the last second, or a sports agent telling the love of his life, “You complete me.” For forty years, audiences have known the actor as the quintessential hero, so it’s fascinating to see him in the few roles where he plays a bad guy. In 2004’s Collateral, he played the ruthless Vincent, a man who doesn’t even blink when carrying out the most heinous of crimes. Ten years earlier, in Interview with the Vampire, he was Lestat, a bloodsucker who reveled in his evil deeds. Both stand out in Cruise’s filmography as rare examples of him playing bad men, and while Seal may not stretch to that level of villainy, there is no doubt he is a lead character with a dark side.
Cruise often plays complicated characters, maybe even unlikable characters, but very rarely an outright criminal. Indeed, the man who was the star of A Few Good Men and The Firm is more likely to be seen upholding the law rather than breaking it. Just as it’s fascinating to see a comedy actor take on a serious role, the juxtaposition of what we see in American Made compared with what we expect to see from a Tom Cruise movie creates an enthralling contrast.
Tom Cruise would spend the better part of the next decade in familiar territory, making three Mission: Impossible movies and returning to the world of Top Gun. Even with his curious left turn in the forthcoming Digger, American Made remains an interesting quirk in one of the film industry’s most celebrated careers.
- Release Date
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September 29, 2017
- Runtime
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115 minutes
- Director
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Doug Liman
Celine Dion is bringing the energy to her Paris residency, proving that she still belongs in the spotlight.
Dion took a break from performing after announcing her diagnosis with stiff-person syndrome, a rare disease which she secretly dealt with for years. Her Paris residency marks an important comeback for the singer.
Getting back on stage wasn’t something Dion did overnight; she spent considerable time preparing for her return, determined to give her fans the best. Now, the star is giving another glimpse into her spirited personality.
Celine Dion Boxes With Her Bodyguard After Successful Comeback Gigs
The Queen of Ballads was all smiles at her Paris hotel as she shared a playful moment with her bodyguard.
The singer wore a brown knitted two-piece: a hooded top and a matching skirt. Her caramel hair was in its signature bun, looking every bit the showwoman as she worked the crowd outside.
The 58-year-old was seen jokingly throwing some punches at her bodyguard, turning the pavement into her stage. She also did a couple of dramatic dance moves, blowing kisses at the crowd and making the famous ‘call me’ signal with her hands, as seen in images obtained by the Daily Mail.
This is not the first time Dion has turned a post-show fan encounter into an impromptu show. On a different night, she had climbed the roof of a car, singing and dancing along with admirers to her 1995 hit song “Pour Que Tu M’Aimes Encore.”
Celine Dion Was Moved To Tears After Ending Her 6-Year Hiatus In Paris
Dion’s animated spirit comes as little surprise, especially after she showed her vulnerable side upon her return to the stage in Paris after her break.
As usual, the “My Heart Will Go On” singer looked stunning for her first performance. She sported a strapless black peplum top and a straight skirt, paired with a chunky diamond necklace, a perfectly made-up face, and the signature bun.
The powerhouse vocalist struggled with her tears while trying to maintain her vocals. Eventually, she let her emotions take over, even pausing while the orchestra played on.
The Blast reported that the outpouring seemed to resonate deeply with the audience, who seized the moment to shower her with comforting words.
“She deserves eternal applause,” one fan declared online, with another noting that, since it was her first performance, the reaction was not far-fetched.
Celine Dion Revealed How Much She Missed Her Fans During Her Hiatus
The heartwarming reaction reflected what Dion had been saying. The magic of performing has always been about more than the music; it’s been about the fans.
The celebrated performer gave her fans their flowers last month, gushing about how much they meant to her. She said she wanted to offer them something to show how much she has missed them, per The Blast.
Despite her rare diagnosis, she still considered herself lucky because of her fandom, who allowed her to come to terms with the condition she battled silently for 17 years.
“They paid for tickets,” she explained. “They bought my records. They gave me that luxury. So the least I can do is tell them that I’m alive.”
Celine Dion Prepared Extensively For Her Paris Return
The award-winning singer is sticking to her promise to deliver a memorable performance, as she had prepared for long periods before her Paris residency.
Beyond just rehearsing songs, Dion worked with doctors and specialists to rebuild her strength and mobility. She had gradually pushed herself through rehabilitation as she worked towards performing again.
An insider gave insight into the true extent of her planning, sharing, “People may not realize how much work Celine put in to fight this condition and to regain her strength and mobility,” per The Blast.
Derek Hough Teased Possibility Of Celine Dion’s Appearance on DWTS
However, that behind-the-scenes groundwork didn’t extend to a stint on “Dancing With The Stars,” despite earlier speculation.
Professional dancer Derek Hough had a hilarious take on it. He shared an AI-generated photo of himself and the music legend seemingly posing for cast photos.
“When Céline calls, you answer,” the caption teased, per The Blast. “Just waiting for the call.”
He added that after an encounter with Dion, he was convinced she would be the perfect dance partner.
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