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20 things to know about wrestling legend Hulk Hogan

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The world of professional wrestling is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic figures, Hulk Hogan, who has died at the age of 71. Known for his unmistakable charisma, unmatched popularity, and larger-than-life presence, Hogan helped transform wrestling from a niche sport into a global entertainment powerhouse.

Emergency responders were called to his Clearwater, Florida home early Thursday following a reported cardiac arrest. The heartbreaking news comes just weeks after his wife, Sky, dismissed rumors about his health and assured fans he was recovering well from recent surgeries.

Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan’s rise in the 1980s reshaped the WWE landscape and captured the hearts of millions around the world.

Birth Name: Hulk Hogan was born as Terry Gene Bollea on August 11, 1953, in Augusta, Georgia, USA.

Family Background: He was the son of Pietro “Peter” Bollea, a construction foreman, and Ruth Moody, a homemaker and dance teacher.

Ethnic Roots: Hogan had a diverse heritage—Italian, Panamanian, Scottish, and French descent.

Tragedy in the Family: His older brother, Allan Bollea, died at the age of 38 from a drug overdose in 1986.

Early Life in Florida: His family moved to Port Tampa, Florida, when he was just a toddler.

Sports Beginnings: As a child, Hogan played Little League Baseball as a pitcher.

Wrestling Inspiration: He became interested in wrestling at age 16 and idolized stars like Dusty Rhodes and “Superstar” Billy Graham.

Read Also: Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71

Musical Talent: Before wrestling, Hogan spent over a decade playing fretless bass guitar in various Florida rock bands.

College Education: He briefly attended Hillsborough Community College and University of South Florida, but dropped out to focus on music.

Ruckus Band: In 1976, he co-founded a popular Florida band called Ruckus, which performed in the Tampa Bay area.

Discovery by Wrestlers: Wrestlers Jack and Gerald Brisco spotted Hogan’s physique during one of his band performances and recommended him for training.

Brutal Training Start: During his first wrestling training session, Hiro Matsuda broke Hogan’s leg to test his dedication.

Wrestling Debut: Hogan made his professional debut on August 10, 1977, against Brian Blair in Fort Myers, Florida.

First Ring Name: Early in his career, he wrestled under a mask as “The Super Destroyer”.

Early Tag Team: He formed a tag team with Ed Leslie, later known as Brutus Beefcake, calling themselves The Boulder Brothers.

Sterling Golden Persona: Hogan wrestled under the name Sterling Golden during his stint in Georgia Championship Wrestling in 1979.

Nickname Origin: His nickname “Hulk” came after a talk show appearance where he was visibly larger than Lou Ferrigno, star of The Incredible Hulk.

First Title Win: Hogan won his first professional title—the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division)—on December 1, 1979, by defeating Bob Roop.

Early Career Earnings: He accepted an $800/week offer from Memphis promoter Jerry Jarrett, a significant jump from his earlier pay of $175/week.

Passion for Wrestling: Despite setbacks, injuries, and early doubts from promoters, Hogan’s dedication and showmanship helped launch one of the most iconic careers in professional wrestling history.

Wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dies at 71

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Legendary professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, according to a report by TMZ Sports.

Emergency responders were called to Hogan’s residence in Clearwater, Florida, early Thursday morning following a suspected cardiac arrest. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of multiple police and emergency medical vehicles at the scene. The wrestling legend was reportedly seen being transported from his home on a stretcher before being taken to a nearby hospital.

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The news comes just weeks after Hogan’s wife, Sky, publicly dismissed online rumors suggesting the WWE Hall of Famer was in a coma. At the time, she insisted that Hogan’s heart was strong and that he was recovering well from recent medical procedures.

Born Terry Bollea, Hulk Hogan was a transformative figure in professional wrestling. Widely credited with catapulting WWE into mainstream global popularity in the 1980s, Hogan’s charisma, signature look, and family-friendly appeal helped redefine the sport’s image.

From his unforgettable feuds in the wrestling ring to his iconic catchphrases like “Whatcha gonna do when Hulkamania runs wild on you?”, Hogan built a legacy that made him a household name across generations of fans.

Tributes have already begun to pour in from around the world, celebrating the life and impact of one of wrestling’s most beloved and influential figures.

U.S. to withdraw from UNESCO again, citing anti-Israel bias, ‘divisive’ agenda

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The United States has announced it will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) by the end of 2026, citing concerns over the agency’s alleged anti-Israel stance and promotion of “divisive social and cultural causes.”

U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday that remaining in UNESCO was “not in the national interest,” echoing criticisms first raised during former President Donald Trump’s initial decision to pull out of the organization in 2017. That decision had later been reversed by President Joe Biden.

“UNESCO maintains an outsized focus on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, a globalist, ideological agenda… at odds with our America First foreign policy,” Bruce stated, further describing the body’s 2011 decision to admit Palestine as a member as “highly problematic” and a contributor to anti-Israel sentiment.

Read Also: Trump signs order withdrawing US from UN bodies

UNESCO, a UN agency focused on promoting global peace through cultural, educational, and scientific cooperation, has now faced U.S. withdrawal three times. The first occurred in 1984 under President Ronald Reagan, before Washington rejoined in 2003. Trump’s administration pulled out again in 2017, and while Biden restored U.S. membership, the latest exit under the current administration will become effective in December 2026.

In a social media post, Bruce emphasized that future U.S. participation in global organizations “must make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay responded with “deep regret,” saying the decision undermines the principles of multilateralism and could affect American partners working with the organization. However, she noted that the move had been anticipated.

“UNESCO’s overall budget has steadily increased,” Azoulay said, adding that the U.S. now contributes just 8% of the agency’s funding, down significantly from previous levels. Structural reforms and increased support from other member states and private donors have helped buffer the agency financially.

“The U.S. is and will always be welcome at UNESCO,” Azoulay stated, adding that cooperation with American academic, private, and non-profit institutions would continue, alongside political dialogue with Washington.

The withdrawal adds another chapter to the often tense relationship between the United States and multilateral institutions, and could have wider implications for global cultural, educational, and scientific collaboration.

Heat dome grips U.S., puts 97 million under life-threatening alerts

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A massive heat dome is expanding across the central and eastern United States this week, placing over 97 million people under life-threatening heat alerts from the South to the East Coast, according to the FOX Forecast Center.

The dome of high pressure, acting like a lid on the atmosphere, is trapping heat and moisture, leading to dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels across multiple regions. By the end of the week, nearly 200 million Americans will be affected, with widespread highs climbing into the upper 90s and heat index values soaring well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Major cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, and Oklahoma City are already facing sweltering conditions, with some areas expected to feel as hot as 110 to 115 degrees due to oppressive humidity.

“High humidity significantly reduces the body’s ability to cool through sweating, making it feel far hotter than the actual air temperature,” meteorologists explained.

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Though largely dry conditions are expected under the heat dome, areas like Texas—which recently dealt with severe flooding—will continue to dry out. Meanwhile, the heat is expected to intensify and expand. By Thursday, the Great Lakes region will experience heat indices in the mid- to upper 90s, and by Friday, the most intense heat will shift toward the Northeast corridor.

Cities including Washington, D.C., New York City, and Boston are forecast to see highs in the 90s, but with elevated dew points, the “feels-like” temperature could exceed 100 degrees. Some cities may even flirt with record-breaking temperatures, with Newark, New Jersey potentially reaching the upper 90s.

Heat advisories have been issued across parts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts—including Boston—from Thursday into Friday.

Although slightly cooler conditions are expected in New York and Boston over the weekend, with highs dipping into the 80s, the mid-Atlantic will remain firmly in the grip of extreme heat. Cities such as Richmond and D.C. will continue to face heat index readings in the low 100s, with the added risk of isolated afternoon thunderstorms.

This summer has already proven historic, with over two dozen U.S. cities experiencing one of their five hottest summers on record. Average temperatures are currently running 1 to 3 degrees above normal in many regions. Long-range forecasts suggest that much of the East and Northeast will remain warmer than average for the rest of the season.

Trump halts Student Loan forgiveness under IBR plan

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The U.S. Department of Education under the Trump administration has quietly suspended student loan forgiveness under the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan, leaving millions of borrowers in limbo with no clear timeline for when the process will resume.

IBR is one of the four federal income-driven repayment (IDR) plans designed to ease loan burdens by tying monthly payments to a borrower’s income and family size. After 20 or 25 years of consistent payments, borrowers are promised loan forgiveness. Unlike the other plans currently entangled in court injunctions, IBR had remained unaffected—until now.

In a recently updated FAQ, the Department of Education stated:“IBR forgiveness is paused while our systems are updated to accurately count months not affected by the court’s injunction. IBR forgiveness will resume once those updates are completed.”

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This development has caused confusion among borrowers and experts alike, as IBR is not subject to any court injunction, unlike the three other plans — Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Saving on a Valuable Education (Save) — which are currently on hold due to ongoing litigation.

Student loan servicers report that they have not received any official direction from the Department since mid-January regarding the processing of IBR forgiveness. Many were surprised by the update, given that IBR is the only remaining plan legally authorized to forgive loans without interference.

The controversy stems from a court ruling that halted the Save plan — a flagship Biden-era repayment program — after Republican-led states challenged its legality. The Save plan, introduced under the 1993 Higher Education Act, promised lower monthly payments and faster forgiveness, but courts found the legal basis insufficient. That ruling also put a hold on loan discharges through PAYE and ICR, which rely on the same statute.

IBR, on the other hand, was created by Congress in 2007 with explicit authority to grant forgiveness after the repayment term, which is why it had remained functional — until now.

With interest set to resume on Save loans starting August 1, despite payments being paused, many of the program’s 7.7 million enrollees are being urged to switch to IBR. However, the suspension of forgiveness processing may discourage such moves, especially if the department fails to provide clarity soon.

Adding to the uncertainty, a new tax law signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month officially terminates the Save program, giving borrowers until 2028 to exit the plan.

As borrowers await further guidance, concerns are rising that millions could find themselves stuck in a repayment plan with no immediate path to loan forgiveness — a potentially devastating blow to those who have spent decades making payments in good faith.

JUST IN: English singer Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76

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Legendary rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has passed away at the age of 76, just weeks after his emotional farewell performance in Birmingham.

American heavy metal band Metallica led the tributes, posting a broken-heart emoji in response to the heartbreaking news.

A statement released by the Osbourne family on Monday confirmed the news: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Osbourne had been battling Parkinson’s disease since being diagnosed in 2019. Despite his health struggles, he remained active in the music scene and continued to connect with fans around the world.

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The former Black Sabbath frontman, often hailed as the “Prince of Darkness,” was a pioneer of the heavy metal genre. Known for his electrifying stage presence and shocking antics—most infamously biting the head off a bat during a live performance—Osbourne redefined rock performance and identity.

Earlier this month, he gave fans a final unforgettable moment during a Black Sabbath reunion at Villa Park in Birmingham, the birthplace of the iconic band formed in 1968. Seated on a large black throne, Osbourne told thousands of fans, “It’s so good to be on this stage.”

Ozzy was joined on stage by fellow original Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi, Terence “Geezer” Butler, and Bill Ward. The performance was part of the “Back to the Beginning” concert, a nostalgic and emotional night that now stands as a historic farewell.

Osbourne’s legacy spans more than five decades, with a career that shaped generations of musicians and fans. From his groundbreaking work with Black Sabbath to his successful solo career and unforgettable reality TV presence, Ozzy leaves behind a monumental impact on global music culture.

Fans, fellow musicians, and industry legends continue to pour in tributes for the heavy metal trailblazer whose influence will never be forgotten.

20 things to know about Malcolm Jamal Warner

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American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.

Warner reportedly drowned over the weekend while vacationing in Costa Rica. According to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency, the tragedy occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday at Playa Grande, Cocles, in the Limón Province. Authorities said he was caught in a strong ocean current and dragged out to sea while swimming.

Bystanders managed to pull the actor to shore, where members of the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted resuscitation efforts. However, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.

Here are 20 things to Know About Malcolm Jamal Warner

1.            Born in 1970: Malcolm-Jamal Warner was born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, and was raised in Los Angeles from the age of five.

2.            Named After Icons: He was named after civil rights activist Malcolm X and legendary jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal.

3.            Child Star Turned Icon: Warner began acting at age nine and was enrolled in professional acting schools, graduating from The Professional Children’s School in New York City.

4.            Breakout Role on The Cosby Show: He rose to fame as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show (1984–1992), which became one of the most successful sitcoms in TV history.

5.            Emmy Nominee: Warner was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 38th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1986.

6.            Cast on Final Day: He auditioned on the final day of The Cosby Show’s nationwide search and was personally selected by Bill Cosby.

7.            Directed While Still a Teen: During his Cosby Show days, Warner began directing, including music videos for New Edition and Special Ed.

Read Also: Malcolm Jamal Warner, ‘The Cosby Show’ star, dies at 54

8.            Star of Malcolm & Eddie: From 1996 to 2000, he starred in the UPN sitcom Malcolm & Eddie alongside comedian Eddie Griffin.

9.            Versatile TV Career: He had key roles in series such as Reed Between the Lines, The Resident, Jeremiah, Suits, Major Crimes, and Sneaky Pete.

10.          Portrayed Al Cowlings: In 2016, he played Al Cowlings in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.

11.          Award-Winning Musician: In 2015, Warner won a Grammy Award for Best Traditional R&B Performance for his spoken word contribution to “Jesus Children” by Robert Glasper Experiment and Lalah Hathaway.

12.          Poet and Spoken Word Artist: Warner’s poetry, often performed live and accompanied by jazz music, addressed social issues and Black identity.

13.          Grammy Nomination in 2022: His spoken word album Hiding in Plain View was nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

14.          Music Albums: He released two albums: The Miles Long Mixtape (2003) and Love & Other Social Issues (2007).

15.          Podcast Host: In 2024, Warner co-launched the Not All Hood (NAH) podcast, focusing on the real-life experiences of Black Americans.

16.          Children’s Programming: Warner hosted CBS Storybreak in the early 1990s, promoting literacy among children.

17.          Advocate for Health Education: He directed a public health video on HIV/AIDS awareness featuring Magic Johnson and Arsenio Hall.

18.          Private Family Life: Warner married later in life and had a daughter, though he intentionally kept his family out of the spotlight.

19.          Romantic Relationships: He dated several actresses, including Michelle Thomas, Karen Malina White, and Regina King. Thomas passed away in 1998, deeply affecting Warner.

20.          Tragic Death at 54: Warner died on July 20, 2025, after drowning while swimming in Costa Rica. He was caught in a powerful ocean current. His death was confirmed as due to asphyxia by drowning.

Malcolm Jamal Warner, ‘The Cosby Show’ star, dies at 54

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American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on the iconic sitcom The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54.

Warner reportedly drowned over the weekend while vacationing in Costa Rica. According to the country’s Judicial Investigation Agency, the tragedy occurred around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday at Playa Grande, Cocles, in the Limón Province. Authorities said he was caught in a strong ocean current and dragged out to sea while swimming.

Bystanders managed to pull the actor to shore, where members of the Costa Rican Red Cross attempted resuscitation efforts. However, Warner was pronounced dead at the scene.

He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Warner rose to fame in the 1980s when he was cast as the Huxtables’ only son on The Cosby Show, which aired from 1984 to 1992. His portrayal earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. In a 2023 interview, Warner revealed he was the final actor seen during the show’s nationwide audition before being handpicked by Bill Cosby himself.

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The sitcom, which dominated U.S. television ratings from 1985 to 1990, was praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of a successful Black American family, a rarity at the time. Reflecting on the impact of the show, Warner once said, “We were getting tens of thousands of fan letters from people saying, ‘Thank you so much for this show.’”

Following The Cosby Show, Warner continued a successful television career, appearing in series like Malcolm & Eddie alongside Eddie Griffin, who mourned him on social media, calling him “My big little brother” and writing, “R.I.P. King.”

He also made appearances on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Sesame Street, and more recently starred as Dr. AJ Austin in the Fox medical drama The Resident.

In a statement to Variety, Fox Entertainment said: “Everyone at Fox is heartbroken by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, the extraordinary Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While his iconic roles – from comedic to dramatic – are unforgettable and timeless, Malcolm will be remembered most for his warmth, kind heart and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family and fans everywhere.”

Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, including from Questlove, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Magic Johnson.

Kemi Badenoch: My kids couldn’t get citizenship in Nigeria, but Nigerians easily get UK citizenship

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The United Kingdom’s Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has sparked fresh debate on immigration policies after revealing that her children are unable to obtain Nigerian citizenship due to her gender—despite many Nigerians securing British citizenship with ease.

In a recent interview with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Badenoch criticized what she described as the UK’s overly lenient immigration system, comparing it with stricter policies in countries like Nigeria.

“There are many people who come to our country, to the UK, who do things that would not be acceptable in their countries,” she said.

When asked if she would support Nigerian immigrants in recreating a “mini-Nigeria” in the UK under the guise of cultural integration, she firmly responded: “That is not right. Nigerians would not tolerate that. That’s not something that many countries would accept.”

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Badenoch, who is of Nigerian descent, used her personal experience to highlight what she called a double standard. According to her, while she holds Nigerian citizenship through her parents, she cannot pass it on to her children simply because she is a woman.

“It’s virtually impossible, for example, to get Nigerian citizenship. I have that citizenship by virtue of my parents. I can’t give it to my children because I’m a woman,” she said. “Yet loads of Nigerians come to the UK, stay for a relatively free period of time, and acquire British citizenship. We need to stop being naive.”

The Conservative leader, who has three children with her husband, Hamish Badenoch, declared that she would make acquiring British citizenship “a lot harder” if elected Prime Minister.

Born in London in 1980 to Yoruba parents, Badenoch spent a significant part of her early years in Nigeria before returning to the UK at 16. Her political journey has seen her serve under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak in various cabinet roles between 2022 and 2024.

Seven things to know about Chris Gotterup, golf’s rising star

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Chris Gotterup is rapidly emerging as one of the most talked-about names on the PGA Tour in 2025.

With two professional wins under his belt and a powerful playing style, he’s proving he’s here to stay.

Here are seven key things to know about the American golf sensation:

1. He’s a Jersey-Born Talent

Chris Gotterup was born on July 20, 1999, and raised in Little Silver, New Jersey. He played high school golf at Christian Brothers Academy, where his talent quickly stood out.

2. He Was a Standout in College Golf

Gotterup began his collegiate golf career at Rutgers University (2017–2021) before transferring to the University of Oklahoma for the 2021–22 season. There, he dominated the college circuit, winning both the Haskins Award and the Jack Nicklaus Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate golfer.

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3. He Won Big as an Amateur

Even before turning pro, Gotterup showed signs of brilliance. He won both the Metropolitan Amateur and the New Jersey State Open in 2019, and earned the Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year Award from the Metropolitan Golf Association.

4. He Turned Pro in 2022

After the 2022 NCAA Championship, Gotterup turned professional. He gained attention with a T-4 finish at the John Deere Classic, one of his early PGA Tour events, signaling he could hang with the pros.

5. He Earned His PGA Tour Card Through Grit

Gotterup played on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023, finishing 23rd on the points list to earn his 2024 PGA Tour card. Along the way, he posted three top-10 finishes, showing steady growth in his game.

6. He Claimed His First PGA Tour Win in 2024

On May 12, 2024, Gotterup captured his first PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, a breakout moment that made fans and analysts take serious notice of his talent.

7. He Beat Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open

Gotterup’s rise continued in July 2025, when he secured his second PGA Tour title by winning the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing two strokes ahead of Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge. It was also his first win on the DP World Tour, proving his ability to compete globally.