JQJO — Latest news · Page 11

Valentin "Val" Chmerkovskiy, the forty‑year‑old professional dancer, was suspended from "Dancing With the Stars" after a deleted TikTok post appeared to reference Will Smith’s infamous Oscars slap. The post, made in defense of his wife Jenna Johnson, was deemed inappropriate by the show’s producers.

As a result, Val will miss the upcoming Dedication Night episode, marking the first known suspension of a professional dancer in the program’s history. The network emphasized that the well‑being of everyone involved is non‑negotiable and that Val’s post did not reflect the values expected of anyone connected with the show. Val apologized publicly and privately, stating he never intended to cause offense.

The controversy began after Carrie Ann Inaba criticized Johnson and partner Harry Shum Jr. during a Super Bowl‑night episode. Val’s comment, referencing the Fresh Prince, was widely seen as a nod to Smith’

PARIS—Nationwide protests erupted after rising living costs and poor school conditions sparked outrage. Masked groups clashed with police, looted shops, and set fires, leading to at least one thousand eight hundred arrests across France. President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting with senior officials before addressing the nation at eight p.m., emphasizing the right to protest while condemning violent disorder.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered again at Paris’ Place de la République amid a heavy police presence. Tear gas was deployed as tensions flared sporadically, and the city’s prosecutor’s office investigated a fatal heart‑attack case. The unrest echoed the 2018 yellow‑vest movement, which drew a similar scale of protest and violence.

The government’s response highlights the fragile balance between civil liberties and public safety amid economic grievances, with implications for France’s upcoming presidential election.

Caleb Williams is officially active for the Chicago Bears after missing three games with a hamstring injury. The quarterback, who was listed as questionable in the Week two loss to the Vikings, returned to full practice this week and posted a comeback‑themed video on social media.

He is slated to start against the Atlanta Falcons in the 1 p.m. ET game.

Michael Penix will also be on the roster, having recovered from rib injuries. The Bears’ return of Williams is expected to bolster their offense and give the team a fresh dynamic heading into the season’s mid‑point.

In a London showdown, the Houston Texans edged the Jacksonville Jaguars with a 34‑31 win, thanks to Ka'imi Fairbairn’s 49‑yard field goal in the final seconds.

The game, played at the London Stadium, saw both teams’ defenses rank in the league’s top half, yet offensive play dominated. Quarterback CJ Stroud threw for nearly three hundred yards and three touchdowns, while Trevor Lawrence added four passing scores for the Jaguars.

A 60‑yard tie by Cam Little at the two‑minute warning kept the contest alive, but Fairbairn’s precise kick sealed the Texans’ triumph. The moment highlighted Fairbairn’s reputation as a clutch kicker, a trait forged during his UCLA career and national award wins.

The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, condemned a violent assault on Washington Post photojournalist Heidi Levine during an olive harvest in the West Bank. He described the attack as vicious and cowardly, calling for a full investigation, arrest, and prosecution of the assailants. Levine, an award‑winning photographer with more than four decades of experience, was beaten for more than ten minutes, had her camera, passport and phone stolen, and sustained broken ribs and hand injuries.

Israeli police and military opened investigations, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned violence but referred to the incident as alleged, noting circumstances remain unclear. Levine remains hospitalized in Tel Aviv as she recovers from surgery. The incident has drawn international attention to settler violence and the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

A24’s new documentary about Elizabeth Holmes opened to a staggering fifteen million dollars from eight‑five five screens, marking the second‑best opening for a non‑music documentary in history. The film’s success showcases the studio’s savvy marketing, which revealed little yet built intense curiosity, leading to more than two thousand sell‑outs. A24’s recent turnaround—after a rough 2024 year of costly flops—has seen hits like "Marty Supreme" and "Backrooms" dominate the box office, reinforcing its position as a beacon for auteur filmmakers.

The documentary’s performance underscores A24’s growing influence in Hollywood, where its three‑point‑five billion dollar valuation and strategic investments attract talent seeking creative freedom. With the studio’s continued profitability, industry analysts predict a shift toward boutique studios that prioritize storytelling over blockbuster spectacle.