Steve Pond's Blog, page 52

Hayden Christensen Gets Unexpectedly Buzzed by the Force of a Fighter Jet While Singing at a Cubs Game | Video

Hayden Christensen had the honor of leading Chicago Cubs fans in a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch of the team’s match against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. But just as the “Star Wars” kicked things off, he was loudly interrupted, not by drunken fans, but by the, ahem, force of a literal fighter jet flying very low over Wrigley Field.

Christenson, alongside an unidentified little girl singing with him, started things off with “and a one, and a two, and a three,” but just as Christensen and the girl said the first words of the song, “take me out,” all sound was drowned out completely by the aformentioned fighter jet as it flew over. Haydensen handled it like a pro of course, and could be heard audibly laughing when the noise of the jet stopped as he sang “to the ball game.” He and the girl — and a startled, yet highly amused crowd of Cubs fans — then sang the whole song.

You can watch the whole very amusing thing here now:

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In case you’re wondering, the U.S. Air Force wasn’t conducting an operation to take out Darth Vader. It turns out the annual Chicago Air and Water Show — a showcase of daredevil flying, parachuting, jet formation shows alongside boating and water skiing stunts, is happening this weekend. And Friday was the rehearsal. Alongside cool visuals, the event is also known for jump-scaring everyone who isn’t watching, locals and visitors alike.

Meanwhile, Christensen was in the city for an appearance at FanExpo Chicago all weekend. He’s set to reunite with fellow “Star Wars” prequel alum Ewan McGregor for a panel on Sunday night, to close out the show. Naturally, his jersey was numbered 66, as a nod to Order 66 from the film, in which Anakin Skywalker murdered several Jedi.

The post Hayden Christensen Gets Unexpectedly Buzzed by the Force of a Fighter Jet While Singing at a Cubs Game | Video  appeared first on TheWrap.

Bill Maher Takes Credit for Possibility Trump Might Reshedule Marijuana: ‘And They Said It Wasn’t Smart to Have Dinner With Him’ | Video

According to multiple reports, Donald Trump is now indicating he might actually finalize the rescheduling of cannabis (AKA marijuana), from a schedule 1 narcotic to a schedule III narcotic. If it happened, it would cause minor changes to the way the drug is treated legally, but it would be a crucial step toward full legalization or at least decriminalization.

Will it actually happen? We have no idea. But given how legalization is incredibly popular across political lines in America, and also given his current historically low popularity, Trump being able to take credit for something pretty much everyone wants would be a smart move.

But watch out, because there’s someone else ready to step in and take the credit for himself: Bill Maher.

During his monologue on Friday’s “Real Time,” Maher, a very, very well known lover of cannabis, took a victory lap over these reports, and then he jokingly credited his much-criticized dinner with the president for it.

But before he got to that topic, Maher joked about Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday.

“What it’s all about is trying to end this horrible war in Ukraine,” Maher said. “We’re going on for too long, and Trump and Putin, they finally said, ‘look, let’s just meet thug to thug’… So they’ve already met. They figured out the plan. They drove in the car, just them and the translators, very romantic. Then we’ll see. And then they had a working breakfast, and then what they call a bilateral lunch, that’s where the chef comes out and carves up Ukraine.”

You can watch that portion of the monologue below:

The monologue continued thusly, until Maher told his audience, “I saved the best story for last. Marijuana. You’ve heard of it? Well, it’s forever. It’s been a schedule I drug, which to all US potheads and any reasonable person is really just such a stupid thing. It’s in there with the worst sort of horrible drug, like heroin. Trump is considering reclassifying it as a much less dangerous Schedule III drug. And they say it wasn’t smart to have dinner with him.”

It should be noticed that the possibility of rescheduling cannabis actually began under Joe Biden. The former president announced plans in May, 2024 to change it from Schedule I status — which dishonestly classifies it as equivalent to heroin, cocaine and similar drugs — to the much less severe Schedule III. Alas, like a lot of other things the Biden administration announced, this job was left unfinished when Biden left office.

The post Bill Maher Takes Credit for Possibility Trump Might Reshedule Marijuana: ‘And They Said It Wasn’t Smart to Have Dinner With Him’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

No One Seems to Know if Deadpool Is in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ – Despite Ryan Reynolds’ Teasing

Is Deadpool going to be in “Avengers: Doomsday” or not?

That seems to be the question fans are asking, despite teasing by Ryan Reynolds and conflicting reports by two trade outlets. On Tuesday, Reynolds posted an Avengers logo on his Instagram that had been tagged with graffiti which sent fans into a tizzy.

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Reynolds IG post has received over a million likes at press time. On Friday, the Hollywood Reporter said in its Heatvision newsletter: “Sources tell Heat Vision that yes, Deadpool will appear in Avengers: Doomsday.”

However, the Hollywood Reporter didn’t post that item on the site. Which raises the question, how confident are those sources?

Then later on Friday Deadline came out with a rebuttal of sorts: “Sources tell us that they haven’t seen Reynolds on set in London, and he isn’t set to appear in the next two ‘Avengers’ movie ‘Doomsday.'”

Just because Reynolds isn’t on the call sheet today, doesn’t mean he isn’t in the movie. After all, Marvel Studios Chief Kevin Feige previously said at CinemaCon that more actors will be announced and TheWrap also previously reported that there are still more names to come.

So which outlet is right? According to insiders we spoke to, we haven’t seen that last of Deadpool, and will see him next in “Avengers: Doomsday.” But no one is going on the record about it — yet.

“Avengers: Doomsday” will be released on Dec. 18. 2026.

A rep for Marvel Studios could not be reached for comment.

The post No One Seems to Know if Deadpool Is in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ – Despite Ryan Reynolds’ Teasing appeared first on TheWrap.

9 Revelations From ‘Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser’

Netflix’s new documentary, “Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser” just landed on the streamer and it pulls back the curtain on allegations made against producers and former cast members of NBC’s former series “The Biggest Loser.”

The three-part Netflix series, which made its premiere on Friday, features in-depth interviews and footage from the 17 seasons of the mega hit show, “the good, the bad and the complicated,” as the show’s description shares.

Here’s a full synopsis: “The series explores how the experience shaped the lives of those involved with the show long after the cameras stopped rolling and invites viewers to reflect on the balance between entertainment and well-being, and what it truly means to pursue lasting change.”

The docuseries was directed by Skye Borgman, and includes interviews with former “Biggest Loser” producers, trainers and several contestants. Some say the program changed their lives, while others say they regret joining the show. Check out the allegations below.

Ryan Benson on “Fit for TV: the Reality of the Biggest Loser” (Netflix)Contestant Ryan Benson Recalls Having Urine in His Blood Due to Strict Diet

“Biggest Loser” Season 1 winner Ryan Benson recalls going to drastic lengths to win the competition series, even intensifying his already strict diet during the last week of the season.

“In the end, it worked out great ’cause I won, but I was doing what most doctors would say were super unhealthy things,” Benson said during the documentary. “The last 10 days I didn’t put any food in my body. I was doing the master cleanse, just drinking lemon juice and maple syrup, cayenne pepper, all these tricks that are super unhealthy just to cut weight. At the final weigh-in, we had to do a urine test and they said, ‘Ryan, there’s blood in your urine,’ which obviously means you’re sooo dehydrated.”

After he won, he remembers Jillian Michaels allegedly telling him, “You just made me a millionaire.”

Unhealthy products. food bad for figure, skin, heart and teeth. Assortment of fast carbohydrates food with fries and cola on a dark background. Top view. (Getty Images)Contestants Call the “Temptation” Challenge Cruel

One of the smaller challenges contestants had to participate in during the competition was a “Temptation” challenge. During the event, contestants were brought into a room where they were welcomed by several plates of junk food. They were given two options: eat enough food and gain a certain amount of calories to win a prize, which one could be going home to see your family, or refuse the food and continue as they were. Regardless of the option they chose, they still would be weighed and would need to lose pounds by the end of the week.

“That’s mean. We go through enough shit,” Joelle Gwynn said. “We’re trying to do better.”

From producers’ ends, it merely showed that everything is a choice.

“What is a temptation? A temptation is real life,” producer J.D. Roth said. “I can’t say that 100% of the temptations we got right. But I can say that life is full of temptations.”

David Broome on “Fit for TV: the Reality of the Biggest Loser” (Netflix)Producers Wanted Contestants to Get Sick

While explaining the depths and lengths producers would go to make entertaining television, “Biggest Loser” coach Bob Harper shared that producers were excited at the idea that contestants could get sick if they worked out too hard.

“Producers loved that s—t; they were like, ‘We want ’em to puke. We want the madness of it all,” Harper explained.”

Executive producers said it simply made for a better show.

“One big Kumbaya doesn’t make great television, I’ll tell you that,” David Broome.

Tracey Yukich on “Fit for TV: the Reality of the Biggest Loser” (Netflix)Contestant Says She Almost Died After First Challenge

Season 8 contestant Tracey Yukich said she developed a potentially deadly condition called Rhabdomyolysis after the first challenge of “Biggest Loser.” At the time, contestants were instructed to run a mile and cross a finish line in order to make the cut for the show. While she was running, her body gave out on her and she collapsed.

“Rhabdomyolysis is your body saying, ‘I’m going to shut down on you,'” Yukich explained. “It started with my liver, then it went to my kidneys and then it goes to your heart. And that’s where I almost died.”

She decided to continue on, saying it the moment “was her drive.”

I just cheated death,” Yukich said. “Completely cheated it, didn’t die. It’s on.”

Dr. Robert Huizenga on “Fit for TV: the Reality of the Biggest Loser” (Netflix)“Biggest Loser” Allegedly Didn’t Include or Inform Medical Advisors About Every Challenge

During the show, Dr. Robert Huizenga was tasked with overseeing the contestant’s health and wellbeing. But during more grueling challenges, he says producers and coaches would sometimes leave him out.

“The show could’ve done a better job,” Huizenga said. “They didn’t alert me of the challenge. I mean, I should be at every one of the challenges.”

Dr. Huizenga said that he threatened to quit the show every season over the show’s negligence, mentioning that trainers would try to make participants consume as low as 800 calories a day.

“Every season I pretty much said I was going to quit unless I got to talk to the trainers,” Huizenga said. “So they would force them to come in and I would give my little half an hour speech and maybe some things changed, not as much as I would like.”

Harper said the meal plans and exercise regimen were the coaches’ realm.

“No one was going to tell us what to do when it came to diet and exercise. It was our meal plans, it was our exercise program,” Harper said.

Joelle Gwynn on “Fit for TV: the Reality of the Biggest Loser” (Netflix)Joelle Gwynn Says She Was Verbally “Abused” by Trainer Bob Harper

During one of the workouts, the contestants were instructed to run on a treadmill nonstop for 30 seconds. The effort was a struggle for Gwynn, who repeatedly stopped running about 10 seconds shy of the 30-second mark. After failed attempts, Harper became irate and cussed Gwynn out.

“I’ve never seen someone get abused like that. It was very, very, very embarrassing,” Gwynn said. “It brought me back home. I’m there because I would get sh-t like that and eat. So you cursing me out doesn’t help me. I do not care for Bob Harper. F-ck you, Bob Harper. You’re little dog, too.”

From Harper’s point of view, he wanted Gwynn to make a commitment.

Pill on the background of coffee beans. (Getty Images)Contestants Were Given Non-Approved Caffeine Pills

During the show, contestants were supposed to only lose weight through diet and exercise. However, some contestants say there given caffeine pills to boost their energy and stamina.

“At some point I was given stackers, and a stacker was like a caffeine pill,” Danny Cahill shared. “You’re allowed one of these a day, but they were approved by the trainer. I took it cause I decided that caffeine would probably help me in a workout.”

Dr. Huizenga said caffeine pills were against the rules of the show, which trainer Michaels admitted to doing without a doctor’s permission.

“Caffiene, a weight loss pill, was absolutely against everything in the show,” Huizenga said. “No caffeine pills, no caffeine. I banned coffee ’cause people were abusing it. It was in the show rules, and the patients signed off to that and the trainers signed off to that, and all the producers signed off to that. If a trainer tells you something different and you elected to do that, that’s on you.”

Danny Cahill on “Fit for TV: the Reality of the Biggest Loser” (Netflix)Several Contestants Either Gained Their Weight Back, Developed Eating Disorders or Were Injured Because of the Show

Many of the contestants during interviews said that after the show ended, they were able to keep the weight for awhile. However, as years passed the intense workout, diet and rapid weight loss all eventually countered the progress they had made.

Cahill shared that he gained all his weight back over the course of seven years, Season 2 contestant Suzanne Mendonca said she developed an eating disorder, which consisted of her not eating, and Gwynn said the activities on the show led her to having a bruised coccyx bone from the first and hip pain.

Jillian Michaels (Credit: Getty Images)Bob Harper Says Jillian Michaels Is the Only Person Who Didn’t Check on Him After Suffering a Heart Attack

In 2017, news broke that Harper had suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack that left him clinically dead on a gym floor. During the documentary, he said most of the “Biggest Loser” team reached out to him, except for fellow coach Michaels.

“After I had my heart attack, she’s the one person I never heard from, so that to me spoke volumes,” Harper said.

The post 9 Revelations From ‘Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser’ appeared first on TheWrap.

World Leaders Are Ridiculing Trump for Rolling Out ‘Literal Red Carpet’ for ‘War Criminal’ Putin, MSNBC Says | Video

World leaders are seeing how Donald Trump welcomed Vladimir Putin onto U.S. soil with “a literal red carpet” and are ridiculing him for it, according to Foreign Policy editor-in-chief and MSNBC contributor Ravi Agrawal.

During a segment on MSNBC Friday, Agrawal and host Katy Tur explained that leaders around the world take note for how Trump “lights up” and treats Putin when the two are together. That compared to how the president treats democratically elected representatives is more than a little telling.

“That way that he embraces and lights up when he sees Vladimir Putin, [who is] not our ally, who we have a hostile relationship with, is so different, and I think it’s so hard to understand,” Tur said.

“If you are any leader anywhere in the world right now, you’re looking at this and you see two things,” Agrawal said. “One is that the rules don’t matter. Friendships don’t matter, democracy doesn’t matter.”

Agrawal continued: “And America, which stood up for these things—stood up for the rules-based order—didn’t sign up to the ICC and has a war criminal on its soil, has mistreated democratically elected leaders, but welcomes Vladimir Putin with a robust handshake and a literal red carpet, which you do not see with other leaders in the same way. That symbolism is very important for Putin back home, but also very important for other leaders around the world as they look at what gets valued and what doesn’t.”

It is not just world leaders giving Trump a hard time for how he treats Putin and their endlessly memeable relationship. “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon took a few shots at the pair and their meeting location in Alaska on Thursday.

“Trump’s meeting with Vladimir Putin is almost here, and today, Trump warned that Russia will face severe consequences if Putin doesn’t agree to end the war,” Fallon said as he teed the bit up. “You have severe consequences? Putin responded, ‘Like, what, a second meeting? Forget this.’”

Fallon continued: “Trump is hosting Putin at a U.S. military base because it’s peak tourist season in Alaska, and the options were limited. This meeting could end a war, and Alaska’s like, ‘Oh, sorry, but the Marriott conference room is all tied up with a rotary club salmon retreat. What are you doing?”

The post World Leaders Are Ridiculing Trump for Rolling Out ‘Literal Red Carpet’ for ‘War Criminal’ Putin, MSNBC Says | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

‘The Rainmaker’ Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Out?

The next screen adaptation of a John Grisham novel is here, this time in the form of a TV series. “The Rainmaker” hits the USA network on Friday.

Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the series centers on Rudy Baylor, freshly out of law school, as he goes head-to-head with Leo Drummond as well as his law school girlfriend, Sarah. With a bit of help, Rudy uncovers two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client’s son and works to solve them.

Here’s everything you need to know about the series.

What is the release date?

“The Rainmaker” premieres Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on USA.

Is it streaming?

Not right away. You can catch new episodes on USA, but you can stream them on Peacock one week after they air. So, should you choose to watch via Peacock only, you’ll be a week behind the live crowd.

How many episodes are there?

There are 10 episodes in the first season of “The Rainmaker.”

When do new episodes come out?

You won’t be able to binge “The Rainmaker,” as new episodes air every Friday. Here’s how that breaks down for the season:

Episode 1: Airs Aug. 15 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Aug. 22Episode 2: Airs Aug. 22 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Aug. 29Episode 3: Airs Aug. 29 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Sept. 5Episode 4: Airs September 5 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Sept. 12Episode 5: Airs Sept. 12 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Sept. 19Episode 6: Airs Sept. 19 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Sept. 26Episode 7: Airs Sept. 26 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Oct. 3Episode 8: Airs Oct.3 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Oct. 10Episode 9: Airs Oct. 10 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Oct. 17Episode 10 (finale): Airs Oct. 17 at 10 p.m., Streaming on Peacock Oct. 24Who stars in it?

“The Rainmaker” stars Milo Callaghan, John Slattery, Lana Parrilla, Madison Iseman, P.J. Byrne, Dan Fogler, Wade Briggs and Robyn Cara.

Watch the trailer:

The post ‘The Rainmaker’ Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Out? appeared first on TheWrap.

How to Watch the 2025 Stand Up to Cancer Special Telecast

The ninth biennial fundraising special Stand Up to Cancer is headed to Nashville for another push to raise awareness and educate viewers about cancer.

For the first time ever, the telecast will be broadcast from Nashville. During the broadcast, viewers and listeners will learn about the recent advances in cancer research, “and why continued support is vital in the fight against the disease,” according to a statement about the telecast.

“The goal of Stand Up To Cancer has always been about working collaboratively to push cancer research forward so we could help patients as quickly as possible,” Katie Couric, SU2C co-founder, said in a statement. “Nearly two decades later, it’s incredibly gratifying and inspiring to see the impact of this research. Bringing the show to Nashville will infuse new energy and excitement into our mission. There’s still so much work to do and every dollar makes a difference—especially to the families who are counting on novel approaches and therapies as they face the challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis.”

Several stars, musicians and figures in media are slated to join the party, and we’re here with all the details about when, where and how to watch.

When is the 2025 Stand Up to Cancer special telecast?

The 2025 Stand Up to Cancer special telecast starts at 5 p.m. PST. on Friday, Aug. 15. It will run for one hour without commercials.

What is the Stand Up to Cancer telecast about?

Per the official website, the special is part of the organization Stand Up to Cancer, a mission that seeks to “raise awareness and fund research to detect and treat cancers with aspiration to cure all patients.”

Will the 2025 Stand Up to Cancer telecast be streaming?

Yes, the telecast will be streaming via several TV stations, including: ABC,CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC News Live, Prime Video, AMC+, AHC, AXS TV, Comedy Central, CMT, Destination America, Disney+, Discovery Family, Discovery Life, ESPN News, FS2, FUBO, HBO Max, HDNET Movies, Hulu, MGM+, MTV, Paramount+, Paramount Network, Paramount+ with Showtime, Peacock, Pluto TV, Spectrum News, Starz, Tubi and Youtube.

You can also watch it on demand through Starz and Tubi. It will stream audio-only on iHeart Radio.

Who’s performing?

Several musicians will hit the stage, including the Jonas Brothers, Noah Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, Marcus King, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Jelly Roll, Dan + Shay and CeCe Winans, joined by Nashville Community Gospel.

Who will the 2025 Stand Up to Cancer telecast feature?

In addition, several Hollywood stars are set to appear at the event, including Kevin Bacon, Jamie Foxx, Tim McGraw, Zoe Saldaña, Reese Witherspoon and Keith Urban.

Who’s hosting?

Sheryl Crow, who will also perform, will serve as host. SU2C co-founder, Couric, will also deliver remarks during the evening.

Where does the 2025 Stand Up to Cancer telecast take place?

The telecast was recorded in Nashville on Aug. 9 at The Pinnacle.

The post How to Watch the 2025 Stand Up to Cancer Special Telecast appeared first on TheWrap.

Tristan Rogers, ‘General Hospital’ Star, Dies at 79

“General Hospital” star Tristan Rogers has died at the age of 79.

Rogers died Friday after a battle with lung cancer. He played the fan-favorite character Robert Scorpio on “General Hospital” for 45 years. His death was announced in a statement by “General Hospital” executive producer Frank Valentini.

“The entire ‘General Hospital’ family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers’ passing,” Valentini said in a statement on Twitter. “Tristan has captivated our fans for 45 years, and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio). I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Tristan was a one-of-a-kind talent and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”

The entire @GeneralHospital family is heartbroken to hear of Tristan Rogers' passing. Tristan has captivated our fans for more than 50 years and Port Charles will not be the same without him (or Robert Scorpio). (1/2) #GH pic.twitter.com/VnXLjfpDEX

— Frank Valentini (@valentinifrank) August 15, 2025

Rogers’ diagnosis was announced a month ago. A July statement read, “Tristan sends his love to his fans and wants them to know how much he appreciates their loyalty and encouragement over the years.”

Rogers appeared as Robert Scorpio off and on through the soap’s run since his original appearance back in 1980. He was killed off the show in 1992, but in classic soap opera fashion, made a miraculous return to the land of the living in 2006. His last appearance on “General Hospital” was in the Nov. 12, 2024, episode when Robert left Port Charles.

Alongside his recognizable work in the soap, Rogers won a Daytime Emmy award in 2020 for his role in “Studio City.” He’s also lent his voice to a number of popular animated shows, including “Batman Beyond” and “The Wild Thornberrys.”

Rogers is survived by his wife and two children.

The post Tristan Rogers, ‘General Hospital’ Star, Dies at 79 appeared first on TheWrap.

Lawrence O’Donnell Praises Newsom’s Redistricting Push: ‘This Is What Fighting Donald Trump Looks Like’ | Video

During Lawrence O’Donnell’s breakdown of President Donald Trump efforts to avoid questions about Jeffrey Epstein, an issue that has weakened his approval rating among Americans, the “Last Word” host praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s for fighting back against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Trump-orchestrated redistricting war, saying the politician is doing exactly what needs to be done.

“This is what fighting Donald Trump looks like,” O’Donnell said during his latest segment of the “The Last Word” on MSNBC. “Gavin Newsom and California Democrats have found a way to fight Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy by using democracy against Donald Trump. The biggest state in the union, the richest state in the union has finally been provoked to show Donald Trump just how much power the state has.”

He continued: “Gavin Newsom is now leading California to the rescue of the United States of America, to the rescue of Democracy in America. And today, Gavin Newsom showed millions of people who have been feeling powerless, millions of Californians who voted for the California candidate for president in the last election, that they still have power.”

As Trump continues to evade questions surrounding his relationship to the child sex offender and financier, his likability among Americans has continued to decline at the polls. O’Donnell said the president seeking to gain the Republican House seats is just a strategy Trump’s using to ensure he doesn’t get booted out of the Oval Office during the 2026 midterm elections.

“It is at this low point in Donald Trump’s public support that he has chosen to try to rig Congressional districts in Texas to give Republicans five move Republican seats in the House of Representatives so that Donald Trump can guarantee that Republicans will control the House of Representatives, and he won’t be impeached by the House of Representatives during this term of his presidency,” O’Donnell explained.

O’Donnell went on to explain that Newsom’s move brings new power to the California voter. California has always reigned blue during presidential elections, and despite it being one of the top three largest states in the country, the voting power has hardly no impact on deciding who the next commander-in-chief will be. However, as O’Donnell explains, Newsom’s redistricting mission puts power back into California voters’ hands as they will be able to vote on his “Election Rigging Response Act,” which in turn, if voted in, will grant the Democratic-controlled legislature more power and ultimately pave the way for Trump to potentially be voted out.

“The voters of California can feel left out in presidential elections,” O’Donnell said. “The candidates never bothered to campaign in California because everyone knows how California is going to vote in a presidential election. California doesn’t have the power to turn the election one way or another the way much smaller states like neighboring Arizona do. Voting in California in a presidential election can be an exercise in dutiful civic frustration. Carrying out your civic duty, knowing it won’t make a difference when you’re watching the election returns that night. Today, California Gov. Gavin Newsom changed all that. Today, Gavin Newsom told California voters they hold in their hands the power to break Donald Trump’s grip.”

The post Lawrence O’Donnell Praises Newsom’s Redistricting Push: ‘This Is What Fighting Donald Trump Looks Like’ | Video appeared first on TheWrap.

The 7 Best Horror Movies Streaming on HBO Max Right Now

HBO Max has done its absolute biggest one with its most recent slate of horror films, and we’re here to give you the best of the bunch the streamer has to offer.

Yeah, it’s still summertime, but if you’ve stepped into any local Marshalls or Michaels store, you’ll see that Halloween is just around the corner. And what better way to enjoy summerween than watching some spooky cinematic delights? But list isn’t just for those who are excited for the holiday season. This one’s for the horror film lover, thrill-seeker and spookologist who enjoys a little bit of terror every so often.

And with that being said, let’s get into this frighteningly good list of scary movies to watch on HBO Max right now.

Michael B. Jordan in “Sinners” (Warner Bros. Pictures)“Sinners” (2025)

Duh. Of course Ryan Coogler’s history-making vampire flick “Sinners” is No. 1 on this list. Hell, it was the No. 1 movie everyone wanted to see when it hit theaters in back in April. The bloody tale follows two twin brothers who return to their hometown in Mississippi where they attempt to open a juke joint business. But things take a dark turn when a few spooky visitors come to join the party.

Richard Harmon in ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’ (New Line)“Final Destination: Bloodlines” (2025)

HBO Max is packing a major punch by having both “Sinners” and the latest chapter in the “Final Destination” universe in its library. This time around, death follows a college student who’s been cursed with a horrific recurring nightmare. In an effort to find answers, he returns home to seek out the one person who may know how stop his inevitable death.

“Heretic” (A24)“Heretic” (2024)

This creepy thriller starring Hugh Grant came as pleasant but terrifying surprise when it came out in November 2024. Grant plays a seemingly nice older man who welcomes two Mormon missionaries into his home. What they don’t know is that he wants to play a cruel and sinister game before they leave.

“It” (Warner Bros. Pictures)“It” (2017)

Before morphing into Count Orlok in “Nosferatu,” Bill Skarsgård kept us up at night after he played the iconic, creepy clown Pennywise in Andy Muschietti’s remake of “It.” As you know the story, seven kids get the scare of their lives when an ancient killer clown reappears 27 years later to kill his next round of children. The group of kids must lean on one another and overcome their worst fears if they want to survive.

Oh, and “It: Chapter Two” and the original “It” miniseries are also on HBO Max as well. Enjoy.

“Get Out” (Universal)“Get Out” (2017)

Again, Max isn’t playin’ around when it comes to their selection of scary. Yes, they even have Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking film “Get Out.”

When Jordan’s Peele’s psychological horror film hit theaters in 2017, it took audiences by storm with its twisted themes that spotlighted the exploitation of Black people and Black culture. When Chris’s (Daniel Kaluuya) girlfriend Rose (Allison Williams) invites him to a weekend getaway to her family’s home so he can meet her parents, a series of strange events start to occur that lead ultimately lead him to discovering the dark truth behind her family’s accommodating behavior.

Dimension“Scream” (1996)

“Scream” has held its own as one of the most iconic horror franchises of all time. It’s not shocker HBO Max has it included in its horror movie pack. The slasher film follows Sidney Prescott, a teenager whose still mourning the death of her mother who was killed a year ago. She then suddenly becomes the target of a mask-wearing murderer who’s haunting her town.

“The Silence of the Lambs” (Orion Pictures)“Silence of the Lambs” (1991)

Where would the world, or the film “Joe Dirt,” be if we didn’t have the wild line “it rubs the lotion on its skin?” Hannibal Lecter goes down as one of the most terrifying horror film villains, and one of the few in film history that eats their prey … with fava beans and nice Chianti.

Jodie Foster stars as Clarice Starling, an FBI student, who’s been tasked with interviewing Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist who’s also a murderous cannibal. He’s currently serving life in prison, but Clarice thinks he might be able to share some information about a case.

“The Silence of the Lambs” is one of only a handful of films to win all the major Oscars – Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress and Adapted Screenplay.

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