In 2025, Warner Bros. led the box office with diverse hits, Disney achieved over $6 billion globally but faced failures, Marvel struggled with its franchise, and Paramount underperformed. A24 and Universal had mixed results, with Warner Bros. making a notable comeback. Overall, family films, video game adaptations, and original ideas shaped the year's cinema landscape.
Bobby Hart, a key songwriter for The Monkees known for hits like 'Last Train to Clarksville' and the theme song, has died at 86. He was instrumental in creating the Monkees' sound and had a successful career in music and television, collaborating with various artists and contributing to pop culture. Hart's partnership with Tommy Boyce produced numerous hits and he remained active in the music industry for decades.
The Milwaukee Brewers have set a record with 56 hits over three games, showcasing a unique and highly effective style of play that involves making contact and small-ball tactics, leading to their best record in baseball and a fierce division race, despite their unorthodox approach and the apparent cruelty of their offensive dominance.
Manny Machado became the 17th player in MLB history to reach 350 home runs and 2,000 hits by age 33, joining an elite group of baseball legends, and continues to demonstrate durability and skill as he aims for 3,000 hits.
The 2025 box office has seen a mix of hits like 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'A Minecraft Movie,' and significant flops such as 'Elio' and 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,' with overall ticket sales up 18% from 2024 but still below pre-COVID levels. While some films are performing well financially, others are costly failures, reflecting a challenging year for Hollywood.
Rangers' head coach Peter Laviolette expressed fury over what he deemed as "vicious" hits during the team's 4-2 loss to the Islanders, particularly focusing on a collision that knocked Mika Zibanejad out of the game. Laviolette also criticized the Islanders' overall play and expressed frustration with the officiating. Despite a comeback attempt, the Rangers fell short, and the Islanders secured the win with an empty-net goal.
Country music star Toby Keith, known for hits like "Beer for My Horses" and "Made in America," has passed away at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer. Keith, a two-time winner of the Academy of Country Music's entertainer of the year, received tributes from fellow artists like Billy Ray Cyrus and Blake Shelton. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Aerosmith kicked off their Peace Out tour in Philadelphia, showcasing their hits and celebrating their 50 years of music. The band delivered a nearly two-hour show filled with energetic performances and a mix of album cuts and familiar anthems. Despite a few minor snafus, Aerosmith sounded taut and aggressive, with Steven Tyler's vocals remaining remarkably flexible. The tour also featured The Black Crowes as the opening act, providing a well-matched serving of substantial rock.
Barry Manilow delighted fans in Cleveland with his old-school showmanship, jokes, and a set filled with his greatest hits. The 80-year-old singer mixed humility, humor, and appreciation for his loyal fans throughout the concert. Despite his age, Manilow's voice remained strong as he hit all the big notes and performed his signature key modulations. He entertained the crowd with corny jokes, personalized references to Cleveland, and costume changes. The show ended with a heartfelt thank you and a reminder that every rainbow has to have an end, leaving fans happy and nostalgic.
Post Malone made his debut on NPR's Tiny Desk concert series, performing a four-song set list that included hits like "Sunflower," "Circles," and "I Fall Apart," as well as a track from his latest album, Austin. Backed by a full band, orchestra, and backing vocalists, Post Malone showcased his recent forays into pop and alternative rock. Despite his initial nerves, he delivered a raspy and impressive performance, expressing his desire to take a moment to appreciate his success.
Babyface performs a soulful set of his greatest hits, including "Whip Appeal" and "Can We Talk," in the latest NPR Tiny Desk Concert video series. He pays tribute to Whitney Houston, calling her "one of the greatest artists ever," and recalls working with her on "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)." R&B singers Tank, Chanté Moore, and Avery Wilson join him on vocals, and he reminisces about working with Mary J. Blige on "Not Gon' Cry." The performance celebrates June's Black Music Month.
Cynthia Weil, a legendary songwriter and lyricist who formed a successful partnership with her husband Barry Mann, has died at the age of 82. The duo wrote some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and beyond, including "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin'" and "On Broadway." They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. Weil's lyrical success continued well after the 1960s, with hits like "Here You Come Again" and "He's So Shy."
Cynthia Weil, the legendary songwriter behind hits like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "On Broadway," has died at the age of 82. Weil, who was married to fellow songwriter Barry Mann for 62 years, rose to prominence in the 1960s and worked with some of the biggest names in music. She was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for her contributions to the industry. No cause of death has been provided.
Cynthia Weil, the celebrated songwriter who co-wrote classics like "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'," "Somewhere Out There," and "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," died at the age of 82. Weil and her husband Barry Mann were key figures in the Brill Building scene, helping to shape the sound of American pop and rock and roll in the early Sixties. They continued to find success, scoring hits with an array of artists in various genres through the 1990s. Weil was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987 and was the first woman to receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Cynthia Weil, the co-writer of pop classics such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and "On Broadway," has died at the age of 82. Weil and her husband Barry Mann were among the most important songwriters in the early days of rock 'n' roll, winning a pair of Grammys and being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Their songs charted nearly 100 times on the Billboard Hot 100 and more than 50 times in the UK. Weil is survived by Mann and their daughter.