Home Blog Page 829

Legendary ‘Transformers’ Voice Actor Peter Cullen Passes Away at 85

Renowned for lending his powerful voice to Optimus Prime in the beloved “Transformers” series, Peter Cullen has passed away at the age of 85.

TMZ reports, citing his agent, that the iconic voice actor left us on Wednesday, finding peace at his home in Los Angeles.

At this time, the precise cause of Cullen’s death remains undisclosed.

Legendary voice actor Peter Cullen (pictured in 2016) has died. He was 85. Getty Images
Cullen was most known for voicing Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” franchise. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

Cullen’s family conveyed their heartfelt sentiments through a statement shared with the media, describing his passing as peaceful and marked by the presence of devoted family members.

“In remembering his extraordinary legacy, his family encourages the public to honor him by serving their communities and leading with compassion, integrity, and loyalty, while always recalling his words: ‘be strong enough to be gentle.’”

Peter voiced Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, in the original 1980s “Transformers” animated TV series.

He reprised the role in in “The Transformers: The Movie” (1986) as his deep, commanding delivery became inseparable from the character.

He also voiced Optimus Prime in the epic “Transformers” film series directed by Michael Bay.

Prince Harry Steps Down from African Parks Role Amid Scandal

0

After ten impactful years, Prince Harry is bidding farewell to his role on the board of African Parks, a pivotal conservation organization where he served as a guiding force.

Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after a decade with the conservation organisation

Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of African Parks after a decade with the conservation organisation

This decision aligns with a strategic overhaul by African Parks, which has been prompted by revelations of human rights abuses by park rangers in a national park they oversee in the Republic of the Congo. At 41, the Duke of Sussex departs as part of what the charity calls a necessary “governance refresh.”

The departure comes days before Harry, his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 45, and their children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are expected to return to Britain for an extended stay, six years after the couple stopped being working royals and moved to California.

Harry’s departure also follows an independent investigation into allegations involving members of the Baka community at Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo.

Idaho Pushes for Swift Dismissal Ahead of Bryan Kohberger’s 2027 Hearing

0

Judge Hippler has issued an order charting the course for Kohberger’s plea withdrawal efforts. The judge noted that while hearings are tentatively slated for June 2027, they remain flexible, with several procedural deadlines and expectations set for both parties in the months ahead.

“Should there be an evidentiary hearing, the proceedings are scheduled to commence on June 17, 2027, at 9:00 a.m.,” Judge Hippler stated.

Prosecutors have urged the court not to grant a hearing, labeling Kohberger’s allegations as lacking substance and devoid of supportable evidence.

The 31-year-old Kohberger had confessed to four counts of first-degree murder and a felony burglary for the deadly 2022 assaults on University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

Bryan Kohberger staring wearing a orange jumpsuit.

Bryan Kohberger appears at the Ada County Courthouse for his sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025 in Boise, Idaho. Kohberger pleaded guilty in exchange for being spared the death penalty for the stabbing of four University of Idaho students. (Kyle Green-Pool/Getty Images)

In a motion filed Tuesday, Deputy Latah County Prosecuting Attorney Keith Scholl asked for a transcript of Kohberger’s July 2, 2025, change of plea hearing, in which Kohberger’s own words could be used to rebut the new claims in his petition.

Kohberger, in a handwritten petition filed in July, is claiming he had ineffective counsel, that his guilty plea was “not knowingly or voluntarily entered because it was induced by unkept promises” and that it was “not voluntarily entered because of threats asserted by petitioner’s (Kohberger’s) legal counsel.”

The University of Idaho students killed in a November 2022 attack pose together in the final photo taken of them all together, with the faces of two surviving roommates blurred.

Madison Mogen, top left, smiles on the shoulders of her best friend, Kaylee Goncalves, as they pose with Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and two other housemates in Goncalves’ final Instagram post, shared the day before the four students were stabbed to death. (@kayleegoncalves/Instagram)

But in 2025, Kohberger checked “no” when asked whether an attorney or anyone else had forced or coerced him into accepting the plea agreement or made other promises that influenced his decision.

He affirmed that there was nothing going on in his life that would impair his ability to enter his guilty plea voluntarily, and there was no reason he couldn’t make a “reasoned and informed decision” when he did so.

Read the state’s motion to dismiss Kohberger’s petition for post conviction relief:

Scholl asked Hippler to dismiss Kohberger’s petition outright.

“The petition fails to raise a genuine issue of material fact, and respondent is entitled to judgment as a matter of law,” he wrote.

He added that Kohberger could have raised his claims of constitutional violations in an appeal — while the plea agreement itself says he waived his appellate rights. He said Kohberger’s petition included no facts to support his claim that he had ineffective counsel and wrote that Kohberger’s “freestanding claim of actual innocence” is unrecognized under the law.

Lastly, he wrote, Kohberger’s defense team wasn’t obligated to explain “the conditions of prison life or what the incarceration would practically entail as collateral consequences of a guilty plea.”

Read Hippler’s scheduling order:

Hippler set the following dates over the next few months for deadlines in the case:

He gave Kohberger until Nov. 13 — four years to the day after the murders — to file an amended petition. The state has 14 days to file a new answer once one is filed, or 14 days from the deadline if Kohberger doesn’t file one.

Kohberger must disclose witnesses, expert reports and opinions by Feb. 1, 2027.

The state’s rebuttal expert disclosures are due on March 1, 2027.

The home where four University of Idaho students were slain

Investigators set up outside the home where four University of Idaho students were slain in November last year in Moscow, Idaho, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023.  (Derek Shook for News Media)

Discovery requests have to be completed by May 7, 2027.

Then a status conference and evidentiary hearing have been tentatively scheduled for June 3, 2027 and June 17, 2027, respectively.

The sides have 14 days from the order, made public Wednesday, to ask for any alterations to the schedule. Potentially, Hippler could grant an earlier hearing to resolve scheduling disagreements.

Lawyer Defends Lindsay Clancy as a ‘Darn Good Mother’

0

In a poignant defense, attorney Kevin Reddington described Lindsay Clancy as “a darn good mother” during his courtroom address.

Reddington emphasized Clancy’s exemplary life, asserting, “Objectively, this young lady has done nothing wrong. She has balanced roles as a nurse, daughter, wife, and has been an outstanding mother.”


Stay updated with The Post’s live coverage of the Lindsay Clancy trial


A smiling mother and father hold their two young children outdoors.

Lindsay Clancy, 32, strangled her daughter Cora, five, and son Dawson, three, 8 month old son Callan to death. Facebook / Lindsay Marie Clancy

The defense later pointed fingers at psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Tufts, citing her as a pivotal factor in Clancy’s decline, due to her prescription of numerous psychiatric medications.

“She dedicated her life to her children until her visits with Dr. Tufts,” Reddington claimed. “After those appointments, her life was far from wonderful.”

Menace II Society’s Samuel Monroe Jr Passes at 52 from Meningitis

0

Samuel Monroe Jr., the actor celebrated for his memorable role in the iconic 1993 film “Menace II Society,” has passed away at the age of 52. His tragic demise follows a prolonged and debilitating battle with meningitis, which kept him hospitalized for several months.

The seasoned actor had been on life support since April, grappling with a myriad of severe health complications stemming from his meningitis diagnosis.

Adding to the family’s distress, Monroe Jr. also contracted a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia infection, further aggravating his condition. He subsequently needed dialysis treatment due to kidney failure.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Monroe Jr.’s mother, Joyce Patton, shared the somber news of his passing, stating, “Today God called him home,” while seeking prayers for their bereaved family, particularly for his three children.

She expressed gratitude to friends and family on social media for their support, writing: “I want to thank all of my Facebook family and friends, new and old, for praying for Samuel Monroe, Jr., my son. But today, God called him home. Please honor my final request to pray for the family, especially his three children.”

The matriarch confirmed to TMZ that the actor died at the hospital around 10:24 PM on Wednesday.    

Samuel Monroe Jr, who is best known for his role in classic 1993 film Menace II Society, has died at 52 following a devastating meningitis battle which landed him in the hospital for months (he is seen in February 2020)

Samuel Monroe Jr, who is best known for his role in classic 1993 film Menace II Society, has died at 52 following a devastating meningitis battle which landed him in the hospital for months (he is seen in February 2020) 

Monroe is best known for his role in 1993’s teen crime drama Menace II Society which starred Samuel L. Jackson, Tyrin Turner and Jada Pinkett Smith. He’s also been seen in Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood, Set It Off, Out All Night and NYPD Blue.

In April, Monroe Jr. had been put on dialysis due to severe kidney issues, amid his fight for life in a Southern California hospital.

The actor was diagnosed by doctors with failing kidneys, his spouse Shawna Stewart told TMZ at the time.

The grim news came just two days after Stewart said Monroe had recently been diagnosed with the lung infection methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia.

Stewart said doctors had started a new antibiotic regimen to try to combat the bacteria, but now his family can only wait and see if the treatments are effective. 

Patients suffering from MRSA pneumonia, which is often contracted in hospitals, can have inflamed lungs that fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult, according to Healthline. 

His mother Joyce Patton revealed the news of her son's death on Facebook as she wrote 'today God called him home' while asking for prayers for the family especially his three children

His mother Joyce Patton revealed the news of her son’s death on Facebook as she wrote ‘today God called him home’ while asking for prayers for the family especially his three children

Monroe, pictured with Jamie Foxx, has also starred in Tales from the Hood, Set It Off, Out All Night and NYPD Blue

Monroe, pictured with Jamie Foxx, has also starred in Tales from the Hood, Set It Off, Out All Night and NYPD Blue 

MRSA pneumonia is resistant to several kinds of antibiotics, which also makes treating it more difficult. 

Individuals with MRSA pneumonia that isn’t quickly treated may develop potentially deadly sepsis – in which the body overreacts and begins to attack healthy tissues in response to an infection – and septic shock, in which blood pressure plummets and organs can fail in people suffering from sepsis.

Monroe is married to corporate tech executive and voice actor Stewart, and has two children: 12-year-old Kingston Monroe and 11-year-old Brooklynn Monroe 

Monroe’s mother, Joyce Patton, posted on Facebook, saying: ‘God don’t make no mistakes, but he is gracious, and I am humbly asking for his mercy and grace for Sam. I love you, son, to the moon and back 100 times.’

His family has also created a GoFundMe in order to help pay for his medical bills, as the description reads: ‘Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the burden on Samuel’s family and ensure that Kingston and Brooklynn have the support they need while their father fights for his life.’

It was also revealed on the crowd funding page that the actor has endured two brain surgeries and is now on life support.

Stewart confirmed to Complex that the actor was on life support amid a prolonged battle with meningitis: ‘Around 18 months ago, Samuel was in Las Vegas filming, and unfortunately, that is where he contracted meningitis.

‘He went to several different hospitals, where his condition was repeatedly misdiagnosed and because of this negligence, the meningitis went untreated for eight months.’

Monroe is best known for a small role in 1993's Menace II Society

 Monroe is best known for a small role in 1993’s Menace II Society

His mother Joyce Patton previously posted on Facebook , saying: 'God don’t make no mistakes, but he is gracious, and I am humbly asking for his mercy and grace for Sam. I love you, son, to the moon and back 100 times'

His mother Joyce Patton previously posted on Facebook , saying: ‘God don’t make no mistakes, but he is gracious, and I am humbly asking for his mercy and grace for Sam. I love you, son, to the moon and back 100 times’

She revealed that by the time the infection had been 'finally identified,' it had 'already spread not only to his spine but also his brain' (Monroe Jr. is pictured with former NFL star Terrell Owens)

She revealed that by the time the infection had been ‘finally identified,’ it had ‘already spread not only to his spine but also his brain’ (Monroe Jr. is pictured with former NFL star Terrell Owens)

She revealed that by the time the infection had been ‘finally identified,’ it had ‘already spread not only to his spine but also his brain.’ 

Stewart’s statement to Complex concluded by asking that their family is urging everyone to ‘keep him in their prayers, as Samuel remains on life support due to meningitis.’

He has recently been working as a director, writer and producer, producing his own TV series, The Halls, about children who enter the Juvenile Hall system at a young age.

In Menace II Society, he portrayed Ilena’s cousin as Ilena was portrayed by Erin Leshawn Wiley. Ilena is impregnated by main character Kaydee ‘Caine’ Lawson – portrayed by Tyrin Turner – who then stomps out Monroe Jr.’s character.

Ilena’s cousin then seeks vengeance as he and his friends drive-by shootout which results in the tragic death of Caine at the end of the film. 

Monroe Jr.’s latest role was as Zero in 2022 television film Shine Kings.

He also starred as The Intruder in the 2021 film Lockdown 2025 which is centered around a virus outbreak which leads to a nationwide lockdown with martial law declared.

Monroe Jr. also embarked on his own rap career with songs produced by stars including Battlecat and Duane Nettlesby.

Adults Season 2 Release Date Announced: Here’s When and Where to Watch the New Episodes

This week tugs at heartstrings for aficionados of young adult comedies. While fans mourn the cancellation of Mindy Kaling’s Not Suitable for Work after just one season, there is a silver lining. The popular FX series Adults, masterminded by Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw, is returning for its much-awaited second season, promising to mend some broken hearts.

The excitement for Adults Season 2 reached new heights after an unexpected prequel episode aired, delving into Paul Baker’s origins, portrayed by Jack Innanen. This episode premiered on July 31, leaving fans eager for the full ensemble’s return. Characters like Samir (Malik Elassal), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Issa (Amita Rao), and Anton (Owen Thiele) are gearing up to reconvene, and fortunately, fans won’t have to wait much longer.

FX teases that Season 2 of Adults will present fresh challenges for the characters. They will face dilemmas, such as living up to someone else’s legacy with a fake ID, admitting a love for a mundane job, navigating complex family dynamics, and balancing the chaos of change with the comfort of consistency. The season promises a rich tapestry of strategies and evasions, highlighting the youthful folly of finding new ways to make old mistakes. Yet, the essence of the show remains untouched – through all missteps, the friends reliably support each other.

So, when will viewers be reunited with the quirky crew of Adults Season 2 on Hulu and FXX? And who will grace the returning cast? Moreover, what’s the best way to catch their antics online? We’ve got all the details you need.

When Does Adults Season 2 Come Out On Hulu? Adults Season 2 Release Date:

The countdown is almost over for Adults Season 2. Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 27, when the series debuts on Hulu and FXX. On Hulu, all eight episodes will be available immediately for those ready to binge, while FXX will serve up two episodes per week, keeping the anticipation alive for fans tuning in regularly.

What Time Does Adults Season 2 Come Out? Adults Season 2 Release Time:

Adults Season 2 premieres on Thursday, August 27 at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET on FXX and Hulu.

How Many Episodes Are In Adults Season 2?

Like Season 1, Adults Season 2 will consist of eight episodes — but with the bonus “Marathon Day” episode, we’re technically getting nine new episodes this season.

Lucy Freyer as Billie, Owen Thiele as Anton, Amita Rao as Issa, Jack Innanen as Paul Baker, Malik Elassal as Samir.

Photo: Michael Gibson/FX

When Do New Episodes Of Adults Come Out? Adults Season 2 Episode Guide:

Looking for a full Adults Season 2 episode guide with corresponding episode titles and premiere dates on Hulu and FXX? Here’s what we know:

  • Season 2, Episode 1, “The Scrub”: 8/27 on Hulu and FXX

  • Season 2, Episode 2, “Fake ID”: 8/27 on Hulu and FXX
  • Season 2, Episode 3, “Talia”: 8/27 on Hulu, 9/3 on FXX
  • Season 2, Episode 4, “Raccoon”: 8/27 on Hulu, 9/3 on FXX
  • Season 2, Episode 5, “Room Swap”:  8/27 on Hulu, 9/10 on FXX
  • Season 2, Episode 6, “Pop Girlie”: 8/27 on Hulu, 9/10 on FXX 
  • Season 2, Episode 7, “C Alert”: 8/27 on Hulu, 9/17 on FXX
  • Season 2, Episode 8, “Vote for Paul Baker”: 8/27 on Hulu, 9/17 on FXX
  • Adults Season 2 Cast: Who’s Joining Adults Season 2?

    In addition to returning fan favorites, Adults Season 2 will welcome several exciting guest stars including Susie Essman, Raven-Symoné, Gaten Matarazzo, Jake Shane, Isaac Powell, Ben Marshall, Zosia Mamet, and more.

    Where To Watch Adults Season 2 Online: Hulu Streaming Info

    Want to stream Adults? Head to Hulu to watch the FX series online:

    If you’re new to Hulu, the basic (with ads) price is $11.99/month. If you want to upgrade to Hulu ad-free, it costs $18.99/month.

    If you want to stream even more and save a few bucks a month while you’re at it, we recommend subscribing to one of the Disney+ Bundles, all of which include Hulu. These bundles start at $12.99/month for ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu and goes up to $32.99/month for Disney+, Hulu, and Max, all ad-free.

    Stay tuned for more Adults Season 2 coverage from Decider.

    Beyoncé Stuns Coachella Crowd with Surprise Onstage Appearance During Solange’s Performance

    Missing Missouri Deputy AG Found Alive After Peak Summit Quest

    0

    A harrowing week in Wyoming’s wilderness came to a relief-filled end as a missing Missouri deputy attorney general was found alive on Wednesday. After embarking on a quest for the state’s tallest mountain, he vanished for nearly a week, setting off a high-stakes search.

    The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Shaun Mackelprang was discovered near the serene Scott Lake in the Wind River Range on Wednesday morning. After enduring intense aerial and ground searches, rescue teams located him in the thick of the rugged terrain.

    Once found, rescue personnel swiftly prepared Mackelprang for air evacuation by helicopter, ensuring his safe journey out of the unforgiving backcountry by mid-morning, around 9:45 a.m.

    Shaun Mackelprang reunited with family

    Shaun Mackelprang was not only found but also deemed a testament to human resilience, having survived the formidable elements of Wyoming’s Wind River Range for six days. (Facebook / Sublette County Sheriff’s Office)

    Despite his miraculous discovery, Mackelprang was in dire need of hydration and appeared disoriented when aid reached him. His brother, Romel Mackelprang, shared these details with Cowboy State Daily, underscoring the challenging conditions his sibling faced after summiting the daunting Gannett Peak.

    Romel said his brother has been working his way through the highest points in all 50 states, with Gannett Peak, the highest mountain in Wyoming at an elevation of 13,804 feet, next on his list.

    “This is number 45,” Romel told the outlet, adding that rescuers found his brother had signed the summit register, meaning it appeared the trouble began during his descent.

    rescuers sitting in helicopter

    Search crews spent days looking for Mackelprang on the ground and from the air. (Facebook / Sublette County Sheriff’s Office)

    He said he did not know how much longer his brother could have survived in the backcountry.

    “There’s only so much you can handle,” Romel said. “So we just are so grateful for everything that everyone has done on his behalf.”

    Shaun Mackelprang reunited with family

    It was unclear what kind of trouble Mackelprang ran into during his trek. (Facebook / Sublette County Sheriff’s Office)

    Mackelprang set out from the Green River Lakes Trailhead on Aug. 20, 2025, planning to reach Gannett Peak.

    The search began after Mackelprang was reported missing, and his vehicle was found at the trailhead.

    Crews from Tip Top Search and Rescue and the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office searched for Mackelprang with help from the sheriff’s drone team and a rescue helicopter.

    Missouri Attorney General Catherine L. Hanaway also celebrated Mackelprang’s rescue.

    “We are thrilled to hear that Deputy Attorney General Shaun Mackelprang has been located,” Hanaway said in a statement.

    Shaun Mackelprang reunited with family

    Mackelprang set out from the Green River Lakes Trailhead on Aug. 20 to hike to Gannett Peak. (Facebook / Sublette County Sheriff’s Office)

    “Our office is beyond grateful for everyone’s prayers and the steadfast work of the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and drone team, Tip Top Search and Rescue’s volunteers and helicopter crew, and Wyoming State leaders,” Hanaway added.

    The sheriff’s office also thanked hikers and others who shared information about Mackelprang, reviewed photographs and GPS data and helped spread word of his disappearance.

    Authorities have not said what happened to Mackelprang during the six days he was missing.