
Trump's Memorial Day quip triggers broad backlash
Former President Donald Trump faced swift backlash after laughing at a Memorial Day joke, drawing criticism from opponents and prompting renewed scrutiny over his respect for the holiday.
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Former President Donald Trump faced swift backlash after laughing at a Memorial Day joke, drawing criticism from opponents and prompting renewed scrutiny over his respect for the holiday.

Greek director Yannis Smaragdis has joined the ongoing debate over the Black Helen of Troy, adding his perspective to discussions about how the myth is portrayed in Greek media and cinema.

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven by TKO in Cairo after a controversial stoppage that occurred after the bell; Verhoeven, ahead on one scorecard and arguing the bell rang, intends to appeal and wants a rematch or a scorecard decision, while praising his game plan and acknowledging the setback.

Oleksandr Usyk defeated Rico Verhoeven by a controversial TKO with one second left in the 11th round during a spectacle staged near the pyramids of Giza, a finish that left Verhoeven ahead or tied on the scorecards and sparked questions about officiating. The event drew boxing luminaries and celebrities, highlighting the dramatic, publicity-filled clash.
The Commission of Fine Arts approved a modified plan for President Trump's 250-foot arch along the Potomac, removing a lower platform and tunnel access but keeping two large golden statues atop and using granite for the surface. Critics say the project bypasses congressional authorization and required preservation reviews, risking the Lincoln Memorial–Arlington Cemetery area and raising funding questions; lawsuits have been filed. The arch still awaits approvals from the National Capital Planning Commission and could include additional statues in niches, with borings indicating bedrock about 70 feet down.

Heart Attack Grill, the controversial Las Vegas restaurant famous for its extreme, high-calorie menu and provocative branding, closed its Neonopolis location after 14 years due to ongoing losses; owner Jon Basso cited non-renewal of the lease and a shifting city landscape, and signaled plans to pursue new opportunities elsewhere while the landmark recedes from downtown’s quirky dining scene.

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong exchanged crude insults with a female fan after a misplayed ball during a Cubs-White Sox game; he later defended his reaction. The White Sox won 9-8 in 10 innings, keeping the Cubs atop the NL Central standings.

A backlash surrounds Donald Trump’s gold T1 phone after a major US flag error appeared in its branding or display, drawing criticism from opponents and attention from supporters. No fix or official statement has been detailed yet, underscoring ongoing debates about patriotism in political tech and symbolism.

In SNL’s season finale, host Michael Che read a joke swap piece written by Colin Jost about Michael Jackson that included a provocative line about molestation, triggering backlash and online debate over taste and boundaries in live comedy.

Bulgaria’s Dara won Eurovision 2026, the country’s first victory, while Israel finished second to boos amid a boycott that saw several nations withdraw over Israel’s participation, contributing to low attendance and viewership; the controversy over the EBU’s decision to let Israel compete has sparked debate about Eurovision’s future and its broadcasters.

Jim Rome argues the NFL chose to open the 2026 season with Seahawks vs. Patriots to capitalize on the Mike Vrabel scandal and off-field headlines, suggesting the spectacle would outsizedly upstage the schedule release, while the league says the decision was about celebrating Seattle and the game’s reach rather than Vrabel’s personal saga.

Timmy, the young humpback whose rescue drew global attention after being stranded in Germany and later released near Denmark’s Anholt Island, was found dead off the Danish coast weeks later. Danish authorities confirmed the whale’s identity via a recovered tracking device and noted the animal had weakened health from Baltic Sea conditions. The incident followed a controversial privately funded rescue attempt; there are no plans to remove the carcass, and officials urged the public to stay at a safe distance for health reasons.

Bulgaria clinched its first Eurovision title in Vienna with Dara’s Bangaranga, and will host next year’s event, as Israel placed second with Noam Bettan’s 'Michelle' amid ongoing protests and boycotts over its participation; the 70th edition also highlighted political tensions surrounding the contest, with several broadcasters withdrawing and fans voicing dissent while celebrating the ceremony’s festive performances.

Olivia Rodrigo’s white babydoll dress paired with knee‑high black boots at Spotify’s Billions Club show in Barcelona triggered social media backlash, with critics comparing the look to toddler wear, while others defend it as a fashion choice rooted in history as she promotes her upcoming third album.

Rex Reed, a longtime and outspoken film critic for The New York Observer, died at 87 in Manhattan after a short illness, ending a six-decade career that included eight books, occasional acting roles, and a legacy of provocative, sometimes controversial comments about Hollywood stars.