Marathi cinema goes global - but can it step outside of Bollywood's shadow?

Two California senators, Tom Umberg and Josh Becker, are raising alarms about potential settlement talks between Paramount Global and former President Trump. They argue that any deal to secure Trump’s support for Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media could effectively function as a bribe—undermining both regulatory integrity and the independence of the press. The senators are pushing for a hearing to scrutinize the situation.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about corporate dealmaking—it’s about whether powerful figures can trade favors to sway regulatory outcomes. If settlements like this go unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent where mergers (or other big decisions) hinge on backroom agreements rather than fair oversight. For the press, it’s especially sticky: Paramount owns major news outlets, and any perception of political quid pro quos could erode public trust in journalism.

Alf Clausen, the brilliant composer behind the iconic music of The Simpsons for nearly three decades, has passed away at 84. A two-time Emmy winner, Clausen crafted the show’s unforgettable melodies—from the jazzy theme variations to the hilarious musical numbers—that became as much a part of the show’s DNA as Homer’s "D’oh!"

Editor’s Note: Clausen’s work wasn’t just background noise—it shaped the emotional rhythm of The Simpsons, one of TV’s most enduring shows. His death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up humming his tunes, and it’s a reminder of how much great scoring elevates even the quirkiest comedies. The music world—and Springfield—just got a little quieter.

Paresh Rawal, a beloved actor from the Hera Pheri franchise, recently made headlines after exiting Hera Pheri 3 amid legal drama involving Akshay Kumar’s production team. But this isn’t just about contracts—Rawal had already been vocal about how Phir Hera Pheri (the sequel) lost the magic of the original, calling it a cash grab that sacrificed wit and charm for cheap laughs. His candid critique strikes a chord with fans who feel the same way about sequels that miss the mark.

Editor’s Note: Rawal’s exit—and his blunt honesty—highlights a bigger issue in Bollywood: the struggle to balance nostalgia with quality. When franchises prioritize profits over storytelling, even loyal fans end up disappointed. His comments resonate beyond this one film, sparking a conversation about how sequels should honor what made the originals special.

Former President Donald Trump says he might consider pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, the music mogul currently embroiled in a high-profile sex trafficking and racketeering trial. Trump admits he hasn’t kept up with the details of the case but is open to reviewing it, despite their past rocky relationship. The trial has already featured explosive testimony about the allegations against Combs, making Trump’s comments particularly eyebrow-raising.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just tabloid fodder—Trump’s willingness to float a pardon for someone facing such serious charges raises questions about the political and ethical implications of clemency. It also adds fuel to the fire of an already sensational case, blending celebrity drama with legal and moral debates. Whether or not it happens, the mere suggestion keeps the story in the headlines and keeps people talking.

A nostalgic BuzzFeed quiz challenges readers to test their memory of classic Disney Channel characters from the 2000s, with a playful shoutout to Kim Possible—because let’s be honest, she deserves it.

Editor’s Note: For millennials and older Gen Zers, this isn’t just a trivia game—it’s a throwback to after-school TV marathons and childhood obsessions. Remembering these characters taps into shared cultural memories, making it a fun, lighthearted way to bond over the shows that defined a generation. (Also, yes, Kim Possible was that girl.)