Drew Barrymore is surprising people alongside Ariana Grande.

The talk show presenter invited the “Wicked” star onto her program to chat about the successful movie musical, during which she presented the singer with a heartfelt gift — the original wand of Glinda from the beloved 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Grande will portray Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in “Wicked,” the record-breaking film version of the acclaimed Broadway show.

Barrymore mentioned that the wand had once belonged to the Smithsonian before being passed into private ownership, but was loaned to “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

Are you excited about ‘Wicked’? Here’s the latest on the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo film.

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The thoughtful gesture left the pop star momentarily speechless until she regained her composure. “Are you joking right now?” Grande then humorously walked off carrying the wand: “Thanks, everyone, it’s been great.”

Grande and Erivo have been candid about their emotional experiences during the press tour for “Wicked,” describing the filmmaking journey as “transformative.”

Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good in the “Wicked” movie musical.
“Some folks think we need to be committed. People believe we should be locked away,” Grande shared with Buzzfeed UK last month.

“We have counselors. This is alright. We’re just incredibly happy,” added Erivo. Grande further stated: “We’re okay. We’re simply thankful to people.”

From left, Margaret Hamilton, Judy Garland, and Billie Burke in “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939, Turner Ent. Co.
Last month, “Wicked” opened with $114 million in the U.S. and Canada and $164.2 million worldwide, setting a record for a film adapted from a Broadway musical, and achieving one of the highest-grossing second weekends in history.

It marked the best opening weekend for a movie derived from a Broadway musical, surpassing the global debut of Universal’s 2012 film “Les Miserables,” according to the studio.

With “Gladiator II,” an unofficial double feature affectionately dubbed “Glicked” by fans, the films collectively earned $169.5 million at domestic theaters, contributing to a total weekend box office of $201.9 million. This represents the highest-grossing weekend in North America since the July release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” based on Comscore data.

Aaron Rodgers believes his accomplishments in football speak volumes.

Therefore, the quarterback for the New York Jets doesn’t feel compelled to utilize the final part of this season to demonstrate his worth to the team and that he should be back next year. In fact, he considers it “ridiculous.”

“If they want me to remain, that’s great,” Rodgers stated on Wednesday. “If it requires these five games to show them what I offer, then perhaps they don’t fully understand my value.

“Nonetheless, I would love to perform exceptionally well in the last five games.”

Rodgers, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Monday, has faced challenges with both his performance and health as the Jets have struggled to a 3-9 record.

He has dealt with injuries to his legs — including a sprained ankle, a painful knee, and a tweaked hamstring — throughout the majority of the season. However, he emerged from the bye week feeling healthier than he had in several weeks. Despite this, he was erratic in a 26-21 defeat against Seattle and failed to guide New York to a winning drive during their final offensive series.

This led to speculation that the Jets might consider replacing Rodgers with Tyrod Taylor to potentially invigorate the offense. Instead, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich stated he would keep Rodgers as the starter as long as he is healthy, and the quarterback mentioned during his regular spot on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday that his aim is to conclude the season on the field, despite the team’s disappointing record.

“That’s what professionals do, and the most crucial ability is availability, which I lacked last year,” Rodgers said on Wednesday, referring to his torn Achilles tendon occurring just four plays into his debut with the Jets. “So I want to play the games, and I enjoy football. I am extremely competitive, and I love being out there with my teammates.”

He declined to attribute his unsatisfactory performance this season to injuries, asserting that he feels capable of playing when on the field. While Rodgers has accumulated 2,627 passing yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions, his average of 6.3 yards per pass attempt marks the lowest in his starting career.

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A few weeks ago, Rodgers indicated he believed he would like to play next year, but recently adjusted that to express uncertainty. He mentioned that health would be a significant consideration — and if he chose to play in 2025, the Jets would be his preferred team.

There is skepticism regarding whether the Jets would want him back as they look to rebuild under a new general manager and coach next season following the dismissals of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. Rodgers noted that some individuals have communicated their hopes for his return, but “not those who are making those choices.”

That elicited some chuckles, but Rodgers mentioned that discussions will definitely take place — eventually — to decide his future.

“I just remodeled my home here in New Jersey,” Rodgers noted. “My intention was to play several more years here, but we’ll see. I want to be healthy, I want to finish on my own terms, I want to perform well, and I want to feel appreciated if I return. If that’s not the case, I won’t take offense. I’ll be grateful regardless of what happens here.

“However, I need to be mentally and physically fit, and there must be interest from both parties. If that doesn’t happen, then I’ll consider other possibilities. But first, I need to contemplate whether I actually want to continue playing; usually, I take about a month to step away from it, which I plan to do, and then we’ll see what unfolds.”

During his time on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers pointed out the Detroit Lions — who experienced a 3-13-1 season in Dan Campbell’s inaugural year as coach in 2021 and are now sharing the best NFL record at 11-1 with Kansas City — as an example of a team that prospered from patient and encouraging ownership.

After practice on Wednesday, a reporter inquired about those comments and whether he believes the Jets have shown similar support.

“Is that a leading question?” he replied before clarifying he was merely giving an example

Authorities are concerned that a woman who went missing while searching for her cat in western Pennsylvania may have been engulfed by a sinkhole, likely resulting from mine subsidence.

Rescue teams have not detected any signs of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard since she vanished on Monday evening, but a sinkhole emerged around the same time approximately 20 feet (6 meters) from her car, prompting fears that she may have fallen in. Her granddaughter was discovered safely inside the vehicle hours later.

Although sinkholes are often linked to mining activities, they can occur independently. In 2013, a man was killed when a sinkhole suddenly appeared beneath his house in central Florida, a region known for its porous limestone that leads to thousands of sinkholes annually.

Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania frequently experience the most significant issues due to sinkholes, although fatalities are uncommon.

What exactly are sinkholes?
A sinkhole is defined as a section of land that lacks natural external surface drainage and can develop when the ground beneath the surface is unable to bear the weight of the land above it, as per the U.S. Geological Survey.

Typically, the ground remains stable for a time until the subterranean spaces enlarge beyond capacity. When support becomes inadequate for the land situated above these voids, a sudden and dramatic surface collapse may occur.

How prevalent are sinkholes?
Sinkholes are predominantly found in areas termed karst terrain, characterized by rocks like limestone that can be eroded by groundwater. They can also result from abandoned underground mines.

Florida is particularly vulnerable to sinkholes due to its positioning over limestone.

What is the size range of sinkholes?
Sinkholes can vary from just a few feet across to those that extend over vast regions, sometimes encompassing hundreds of acres. The hole that may have absorbed Pollard was roughly the size of a manhole cover upon its detection on Tuesday morning.

Their depths can fluctuate from only a few inches to over 100 feet (30 meters). Some sinkholes feature shallow bowl or saucer shapes, while others possess vertical walls. Certain sinkholes can retain water, forming small ponds.

What triggered the sinkhole in Pennsylvania?
The sinkhole that appeared in the Unity Township area of Marguerite, where search and rescue teams are still hopeful of finding Pollard alive, formed above the Marguerite Mine site, which was last

To truly grasp the kicking struggles of Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, it’s insightful to consult another kicker for their perspective. So, I reached out to one of the greatest to ever play the position.

Lawrence Tynes successfully kicked game-winning field goals in two NFC Championship games, helping the Giants secure their place in the Super Bowl. Tynes, who played for three NFL franchises from 2001 to 2013, was renowned as one of the most clutch kickers of his time. He is also a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Tynes’ opinions carry weight, and his thoughts on Tucker’s situation are quite intriguing.

“From my view on the couch,” Tynes shared with USA TODAY Sports, “I see a mechanical issue that is leading him to pull all his kicks. It seems he hasn’t been able to address the root of the problem, resulting in continued misses to the left during games.”

To truly grasp the kicking difficulties faced by Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, it’s helpful to consult another kicker for insight. I did just that by speaking with one of the all-time greats.

“I mention in-game situations because I’m sure he’s worked on it during practice. However, games present a different challenge.”

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Bill Belichick shared a similar sentiment on the “Let’s Go!” podcast.

“Clearly, there’s something slightly off regarding his technique,” Belichick described, “but I don’t perceive a deficiency in talent. I believe there’s a mechanical aspect he isn’t executing consistently. If you could pinpoint that issue, then everything might fall into place.”

“Clearly, this issue has been ongoing since last year, as there were some accuracy problems during the ‘23 season along with this current season. Therefore, I believe Coach (John) Harbaugh is making the right decision. I would continue to trust Justin Tucker. He is the most precise kicker in football history. He achieves excellent height on his kicks and has been highly consistent. Although he is currently experiencing a rough period, it doesn’t seem to me that his skill level has diminished. There appears to be something mechanically off at times. I think they simply need to put in the effort to identify and correct it.”

Tucker has missed five attempts over the past three games. For him, this is akin to an average kicker missing 50. Tucker is like The Avengers among kickers. (I’m not sure if he’s Thor, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, or the archer, but you understand the comparison.)

In general, what Tynes is experiencing right now ranks among the most extraordinary tales not only in the NFL but in all of sports.

Let’s shift focus from Belichick to Tynes. As someone who is passionate about kicking, I could engage with Tynes for hours. He’s truly captivating.

“You can easily try to compensate too much for a miss to the left and then end up missing to the right, which happened on Sunday,” Tynes explained.

Tucker had a missed extra point along with two missed field goals in Baltimore’s 24-19 defeat to Philadelphia.

“To put it simply,” he stated, “mentally, he is having a tough time, and that’s the crux of the matter.”

How does Tucker resolve this? No one has the answer. If they did, it would have already been addressed.

What’s evident is that the Ravens face a tough decision. Harbaugh can choose to stay with Tucker and trust that he will overcome his problems. If he does, the team can move forward and potentially make a substantial playoff run.

Alternatively, Harbaugh can continue to back Tucker, and if the kicker fails to rectify his issues, he might miss a kick that costs the team in a playoff matchup.

These choices are not straightforward.

As he frequently does, Tynes captured the situation perfectly.

“He is the greatest kicker of all time who has never experienced even a minor slump in his career,” Tynes remarked. “This is his first one, and if we’re being honest, he isn’t coping with it well. I would hate to be in the Ravens’ position right now because while you believe he can resolve it, what if he doesn’t and it results in a playoff loss for the team?”

Indeed, this is a challenging situation for the Ravens.

Kerry Washington, widely recognized for her portrayal of “Olivia Pope” in the popular television series “Scandal,” was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Peter Navarro is returning to the White House as a senior advisor focused on trade and manufacturing, announced President-elect Donald Trump on Truth Social Wednesday.

Navarro, an economist, held a position in Trump’s initial administration, where he led the newly established National Trade Council and subsequently the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy.

A dedicated backer of the president-elect, Navarro received a four-month prison sentence following a federal jury’s conviction for his defiance of a subpoena issued by the congressional committee probing the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol. He addressed the Republican National Convention in August shortly after his release.

Navarro advocated for numerous debunked allegations of voter fraud concerning the 2020 election.

In his announcement on Wednesday, Trump claimed that Navarro was “mistreated terribly by the Deep State, or however you wish to refer to it.” He praised Navarro for having “done an outstanding job” during his first term, particularly for advocating trade policies that support buying American and employing American workers.

Who else will be part of the Trump administration?
On Wednesday, Trump introduced Navarro as the first of many appointments for his administration. The selections include:

Daniel Driscoll, who served as a senior advisor to Vice President-elect JD Vance, is Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Army. An Iraq War veteran with a background in venture capital, Trump remarked, “Dan brings a powerful combination of experiences to serve as a disruptor and change agent.”
Jared Isaacman, a billionaire astronaut and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has been appointed as the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Isaacman is connected to Trump adviser and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, serving as the leader of the Polaris program, which utilizes SpaceX vehicles for private astronaut missions in orbit. Additionally, Isaacman is a co-founder and former CEO of Draken International, a defense aerospace contractor. Trump stated, “Jared’s passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era.”
Trump announced that Adam Boehler, the former CEO of the United States Development Finance Corporation, will take on the role of special presidential envoy for hostage affairs with ambassadorial rank. Trump noted that Boehler played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, an agreement reached during Trump’s first term between Arab nations and Israel. “He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the World, including the Taliban, but Adam knows that NO ONE is tougher than the United States of America, at least when President Trump is its Leader,” Trump said. “Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME.”
In another announcement, Trump revealed that he has invited Michael Whatley, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, to resume the same position. Whatley previously led the RNC alongside Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. “Michael and Lara transformed the RNC into a lean, focused, and powerful machine that will empower the America First Agenda for many years to come,” Trump affirmed.

Deion Sanders began to lay the groundwork for the upcoming era of Colorado football on Wednesday by signing 14 new high school recruits for his program for 2025, including what could be the starting quarterback for the next season − Julian “JuJu” Lewis from Carrollton High in Georgia.

This marks his third major roster overhaul at Colorado, this time without two of the top players in the school’s history – two-way standout Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is also the head coach’s son.

The current recruiting class holds the No. 37 spot nationally according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, placing it fourth in the Big 12 Conference, behind TCU, Baylor, and Kansas State. Texas holds the top overall ranking as of Wednesday afternoon.

High school recruiting is just one aspect of Sanders’ overall approach. The transfer portal for recruits will open on Monday, and Sanders is determined to “attack that portal like it’s never been attacked before.” “My overall takeaway is that high school recruiting was prioritized much more this year after he focused on two portal classes (since 2023) and successfully brought in some top talent for this class,” noted Adam Gorney, national recruiting director for Rivals.com. “It wasn’t merely about rounding out the roster with portal players… Clearly, JuJu Lewis is the main attraction here.”

The recruitment of JuJu Lewis indicates that Sanders is establishing a foundation at CU. Lewis has guided his high school team to an impressive 13-0 record this season and intends to enroll in January. His signing on Wednesday appears to clarify a widely discussed topic in college football over the last 15 months: Is Deion Sanders considering departing from Colorado in the near future, particularly after his two sons leave the team at the end of this season?

It’s uncertain whether Lewis would have chosen Colorado if he had other options. Last year, Lewis pledged to Southern California but explored other campuses before revealing his choice to join Colorado last month, where the Buffaloes (9-3) will start preparing for a bowl game later this month, likely the Alamo Bowl on December 28.

“It was significant for Deion to accomplish this, as I believe he needed to assure JuJu and his family that he would remain in Boulder,” Gorney shared with USA TODAY Sports.

JuJu Lewis is also receiving support at Colorado. The alarming aspect for opponents of Colorado is that Lewis may surpass Shedeur in skill, based on recruiting ratings. In 2021, Shedeur Sanders was rated as the 26th best quarterback recruit in the country by 247Sports’ composite rankings. He initially committed to Florida Atlantic but chose to play for his father at Jackson State before moving on to Colorado, where he currently leads the nation with a 74.2% completion rate.

Lewis is ranked 6th nationally as a quarterback, according to the same ranking service. Additionally, he’s gaining some significant talent to protect him in Boulder. Colorado added three offensive linemen on Wednesday, including tackle Carde Smith, who is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound blocker from Mobile, Alabama. He changed his commitment from USC to join JuJu at CU and is recognized as the 18th best offensive tackle by Rivals.

“Can’t wait to get up there in Boulder and get to work,” Smith said in a video shared on social media on Wednesday.

Deion Sanders has gained a reputation for being a force in the transfer portal rather than excelling in high school recruiting. His 2024 transfer class earned the top ranking from Rivals. He began the season with 39 new scholarship players who transferred from other four-year institutions, while only adding 11 new high school scholarship recruits. The high school recruiting class from last year was ranked No. 95 nationally, primarily due to its limited size, according to 247Sports’ composite.

“We don’t recruit many high school athletes, and the ones we do bring in are expected to contribute right away,” Sanders stated at a recent news conference. “We want them to make an impact.”

In his inaugural season as head coach, Sanders kicked off the 2023 campaign with 17 new scholarship players from high school, versus 47 scholarship transfer recruits from other four-year schools. Of those 17 high school scholarship players, only nine remained a year later. This reinforces the pro culture within the team, as newcomers are required to perform at a high level to stay with so many experienced transfers joining the squad.

“We achieved our goals,” Sanders remarked last week regarding his latest batch of high school recruits.

He secured commitments from schools in seven different states, including his native Florida, where he picked up edge rusher London Merritt from IMG Academy after he had initially pledged to Ohio State. According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Merritt is ranked No. 13 at that position. On Wednesday, Sanders also brought in three wide receiver prospects to help address some of the gap left by Hunter, who is set to enter the NFL next season.

Yes, one recruit who had committed to Colorado in April chose not to sign with the Buffaloes on Wednesday: cornerback Alex Graham from Cass Technical High School in Detroit. On Wednesday, Graham declared that he would instead sign with USC.

His choice caused Colorado’s national recruiting ranking to drop a few spots, but that doesn’t worry Sanders, who has the option to explore other prospects in the transfer portal.

High school football recruits set to join Colorado for 2025
The recruits graduating from high school who begin their enrollment at Colorado in January will have the opportunity to practice with the team prior to the Buffs competing in a bowl game. These are the recruits the university announced as signed on Wednesday, coinciding with the first day of the early signing period, which lasts until Friday:

• QB Julian Lewis, Carrollton, Georgia.
• OT Carde Smith, Mobile, Alabama.
• OG Chauncey Gooden, Nashville, Tennessee.
• OT Jay Gardenhire, West Bloomfield, Michigan.
• WR Quentin Gibson, Fort Worth, Texas
• WR Adrian Wilson, Pflugerville, Texas
• WR Quanell Farrakhan Jr., Houston, Texas
• TE Zayne DeSouza, Loveland, Colorado.
• TE Corbin Laisure, Johnson City, Tennessee.
• DE London Merritt, Bradenton, Florida.
• DT Alexander McPherson, Bradenton, Florida.
• DL Christian Hudson, Daytona Beach, Florida.
• LB Mantrez Walker, Buford, Georgia.
• S TJ Branch, Miami, Florida.

When Susan Boyle stepped onto the stage to perform ‘You Have To Be There’ with a full orchestra, the air was charged with anticipation. From the moment she took her place under the spotlight, it was clear this was going to be something extraordinary. And what followed was nothing short of pure magic.

With the first few notes, Susan didn’t just sing; she transported the audience into the heart of the song. Backed by the rich and sweeping melodies of the orchestra, she delivered a performance so raw and authentic that it left an indelible mark on everyone present. Each line she sang felt deeply personal, as if she was sharing a heartfelt confession or a desperate plea.

Susan Boyle isn’t just a vocalist—she’s a storyteller. Through her remarkable voice and emotional depth, she breathed life into every word, making it impossible not to feel the weight of the lyrics. The connection between her and the audience was palpable, as she turned a song into a shared, soul-stirring experience.

This rendition of ‘You Have To Be There’ was nothing short of breathtaking. Each note carried a passion that gave listeners chills, and for many, brought tears to their eyes. It was a performance that reminded us why Susan Boyle remains one of the most beloved and celebrated singers of our time.

Moments like this are why we turn to music—not just to hear it but to feel it. Susan’s performance was a testament to her unmatched ability to connect with her audience and leave them with memories that linger long after the final note fades. If you haven’t watched this stunning live performance yet, prepare to be utterly captivated.

At The Avicii Tribute Concert, Adam Lambert took the stage in a fabulous pink suit and effortlessly delivered an unforgettable performance of “Lay Me Down,” the hit collaboration between him and the late Avicii. With his signature funky style and energetic stage presence, Lambert honored Avicii’s legacy while getting the crowd at Friends Arena in Stockholm on their feet. The 55,000-strong audience could feel the energy as Lambert sailed through sky-high vocal runs with ease, making the demanding song sound effortless.

Known for his ability to elevate any song, Lambert didn’t just sing “Lay Me Down”—he owned it, showcasing his extraordinary vocal prowess while delivering a smooth, lithe tone that captivated fans worldwide. It was clear that he was having the time of his life, and the crowd sent a wave of love and excitement back to him. The performance went viral, with over 3.3 million views on YouTube, and fans flooded the comments, praising Lambert’s unmatched live vocal talent.

The song itself, which Lambert co-wrote with Avicii, Nile Rodgers, and Arash Pournouri, was a funky anthem that blended Avicii’s signature electronic sound with Rodgers’ iconic guitar riffs. Released in 2014, “Lay Me Down” was a chart-topping hit, earning a Gold certification in Sweden.

The Avicii Tribute Concert, held on December 5, 2019, not only showcased Lambert’s powerful performance but also featured an incredible lineup of artists, including David Guetta, Aloe Blacc, Kygo, Rita Ora, and more, all coming together to celebrate Avicii’s musical legacy. With proceeds benefiting mental health and suicide prevention foundations, the concert was a heartwarming tribute to the late DJ. And for Adam Lambert, it was a shining moment to showcase his unparalleled voice and pay tribute to a musical icon.

Watch the video below:

Water retention, or edema, occurs when excess fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing swelling, usually in the hands, feet, ankles, or legs. There are several home remedies that may help reduce water retention naturally. Here are 8 of the best options:

1. Drink More Water

It may sound counterintuitive, but drinking more water can help flush out excess sodium from the body, which is a major cause of water retention. Staying hydrated supports kidney function, encouraging the release of excess fluids.

2. Reduce Sodium Intake

Excessive sodium can cause the body to retain water. Cutting back on salty foods and processed meals, while focusing on whole, fresh foods, can help your body balance fluids more effectively.

3. Increase Potassium-Rich Foods

Potassium helps balance sodium levels in the body, which can reduce water retention. Foods rich in potassium include bananas, avocados, spinach, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes.

4. Consume Dandelion Tea

Dandelion is a natural diuretic that helps your body get rid of excess water. It may also provide a gentle detoxifying effect. Drinking dandelion tea or using dandelion extract as a supplement can aid in reducing water retention.

5. Epsom Salt Bath

Epsom salts contain magnesium, which may help reduce fluid retention by improving circulation and relaxing muscles. Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts for 20 minutes can promote relaxation and fluid balance.

6. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can support digestion, which may reduce bloating and water retention. Drinking ginger tea or adding fresh ginger to meals can help reduce fluid buildup.

7. Elevate Your Legs

If you’re experiencing swelling in your legs or feet, elevating your legs above the level of your heart can help improve circulation and reduce water retention. This simple position can allow fluid to move back into the bloodstream.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can help balance your body’s pH levels and reduce water retention. It has a mild diuretic effect and may aid digestion. Mix one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water and drink it once or twice a day.

Bonus Tip:

Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, helps to increase circulation, which can reduce water retention.