Actor James Van Der Beek dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, known for his role on “Dawson’s Creek,” among other performances, died on Wednesday at 48. The actor had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024.
Kurt Cobain’s death under new scrutiny
The internet exploded this week after a 2026 forensic report challenged the official 1994 suicide ruling of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. The analysis claims to have found inconsistencies suggesting a “staged homicide,” sending conspiracy theories into overdrive across social media. Fans and amateur investigators are now re-examining evidence alongside the original narrative, driving search interest past 100,000 queries.
Bijou Phillips hospitalized, needs kidney transplant
The actress, 45, posted to Instagram on Wednesday, saying she’s searching for a living kidney donor: “I need help finding a kidney. I’m asking as a friend, a sister, an aunt, and most important, a single mother to an incredible and brave daughter.”
Britney Spears sells music catalog for $200 Million
Pop icon Britney Spears has reportedly sold her entire music catalog, including mega-hits like “Toxic” and “Baby One More Time,” to Primary Wave for an estimated $200 million. Industry insiders are calling the deal a “formal resignation” from music, suggesting Ms. Spears is prioritizing financial freedom and privacy over her pop career.
Brendan Fraser returns for ’The Mummy 4’
Universal Pictures officially confirmed “The Mummy 4,” set to hit theaters May 19, 2028. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will reprise their roles as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell, with horror duo Radio Silence (“Scream”) directing. Expect the franchise’s classic adventure spirit mixed with modern horror elements.
Jill Zarin fired from ’The Golden Life’ over controversial comments
“Real Housewives” alum Jill Zarin has been dropped from upcoming spinoff “The Golden Life” after posting a video criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime performance. Ms. Zarin complained about the show being in Spanish and allegedly lacking “white people,” prompting production studio Blink49 to immediately cut ties and sparking broader conversations about inclusivity in media.
’Wuthering Heights’ divides critics
Emerald Fennell’s bold new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, opens February 13 to polarized reviews. While some praise the film’s raunchy, visually striking interpretation, others criticize it for abandoning the novel’s gothic depth in favor of what they’re calling “shallow fan fiction.”
Cheryl Hines on political backlash and Melania Trump’s advice
“Curb Your Enthusiasm” star Cheryl Hines opened up on “The Joe Rogan Experience” about the “feeling of doom” caused by political backlash against her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ms. Hines revealed that Melania Trump offered her advice about moving to D.C., and discussed how the polarization has cost her friendships in Hollywood, including with “Curb” creator Larry David.
This article was constructed with the assistance of artificial intelligence and published by a member of The Washington Times' AI News Desk team. The contents of this report are based solely on The Washington Times' original reporting, wire services, and/or other sources cited within the report. For more information, please read our AI policy AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
The Washington Times AI Ethics Newsroom Committee can be reached at aispotlight@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.