In 2018, we said goodbye to a lot of greats in the world of arts and entertainment. There were the trailblazers: Aretha Franklin, who forever changed the face of music. Tom Wolfe, the white-suited gent who memorably blended journalism and literary techniques. John Gavin, a Mexican-American actor in the ‘50s who refused to be narrowed by his ethnicity. And Stan Lee, who revolutionized the comic-book industry and inspired geeks everywhere to dream. Then there were those who were simply terrific at what they did. Neil Simon, who could make almost anyone laugh, or Burt Reynolds, the biggest movie star in the world at one point in the 1970s. Nancy Wilson wasn’t merely a wonderful singer; she oozed class and good taste throughout her career. And, as always, there were those whose deaths simply shocked us: Mac Miller, Anthony Bourdain and Dolores O’Riordan from the Cranberries fall into that sad category. Here is a roll call of some who died in 2018. … [Read more...] about In memoriam: Remembering celebrities who died in 2018
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Aretha Franklin, Stephen Hawking, George H.W. Bush and other luminaries: A look at legends we’ve lost in 2018
Every death leaves an echo, a memory, a ledger of glories, regrets and sometimes, if the life is lived well enough, lessons for what is to come. The future, after all, has many architects, and they don’t always agree. Especially when it comes to matters of faith. Among the most prominent deaths of 2018 was evangelist Billy Graham, the pulpit-shaking preacher from North Carolina who died in February at the age of 99. Graham’s more than 400 Crusades carried his unshakable Gospel “to the ends of the earth,” reaching an estimated 2 billion people. “My home is in Heaven,” he said. “I’m just traveling through this world.” Graham’s faith was unyielding. “The Bible is not a book of science. I accept the Creation story. I believe God did create the universe.” But wheelchair-bound physicist Stephen Hawking, who succumbed to Lou Gehrig’s disease at the age of 76 in March, worshipped numbers instead. … [Read more...] about Aretha Franklin, Stephen Hawking, George H.W. Bush and other luminaries: A look at legends we’ve lost in 2018
Blood pressure drug recalls, Mollie Tibbetts, Toys R Us and Roseanne: Our most-read stories of 2018
News cycles in 2018 felt dominated as ever by President Donald Trump and names in his orbit like Robert Mueller, Brett Kavanaugh and Rex Tillerson (remember him?). But not one story out of the White House cracked USA TODAY's most-read articles in 2018, a collection of storylines that mix nostalgia and curiosity alongside heartbreaking tragedy and the occasionally provocative detail. From the beginnings of a drug recall and a march against gun violence to the end of Toys R Us and TV's "Roseanne," here's what caught your attention this year. We didn't want to grow up. We were Toys R Us kids Even in the age of two-day delivery, national brick-and-mortar stores still hold our attention — at least when they close. The internet's disruption of retail hit a nostalgic brand this year in Toys R Us, which closed all stores nationwide in June after faltering under bankruptcy protection. Specifically, readers cared about their local stores: A … [Read more...] about Blood pressure drug recalls, Mollie Tibbetts, Toys R Us and Roseanne: Our most-read stories of 2018
2018 year in review: 50 stories from 50 states that moved us
In 2018, the eyes of the nation were again fixed on President Donald Trump, whose second year in office was no less remarkable than his first. It was a year that saw the president open up trade wars, meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, spar with the press and defend hush money payments to women he allegedly had affairs with, all while new revelations and indictments poured out of special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian election meddling. Policies and politics divided us. We found ourselves embroiled in a fierce immigration debate. Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh ascended to the high court despite sexual assault allegations from Christine Blasey Ford. Nature humbled us. California burned as the Camp Fire became the most destructive in state history. Hurricane winds and floods battered the Carolinas. But other stories made us proud. Team USA brought home 23 Olympic medals from Pyeongchang, South Korea. Teachers fought for … [Read more...] about 2018 year in review: 50 stories from 50 states that moved us
Playlist: Songs from artists we lost in 2018
From legendary names to young stars gone before their time, 2018 saw a number of tragic deaths in the music community. Read on to remember the artists we lost this year. "Respect," Aretha Franklin The Queen of Soul can never be replaced in the hearts of fans after she died of pancreatic cancer on Aug. 16. "Self Care," Mac Miller The rapper died of an accidental drug overdose on Sept. 7, an untimely departure for one of hip-hop's most promising young talents. "Wake Me Up," Avicii EDM fans were blindsided when the 28-year-old DJ was found dead on April 20. "The Theory of Everything," Jóhann Jóhannsson The composer, who scored a Golden Globe and received Grammy and Oscar nominations for his music for "The Theory of Everything," died on Feb. 10 at age 48. "Yesterday When I Was Young," Roy Clark The country guitar virtuoso and "Hee Haw" star died on Nov. 15 at age 85. "Beautiful - The Voice Performance," Beverly McClellan and Christina Aguilera McClellan, a … [Read more...] about Playlist: Songs from artists we lost in 2018