Paxton Idell, Boy Who Skydived After Terminal Cancer Diagnosis, Dies at 9. Mom Shares His Final Words to Her

Paxton Idell swimming with a dolphin (left), the Idell family.Photo:Courtesy of Amanda Idell Courtesy of Amanda Idell A Texas family is morning the loss of a little boy whose personality was larger than life.Paxton’s mother, Amanda Idell, shared the heartbreaking news of the 9-year-old’s death fromPediatric Medulloblastomaon Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, almost four years since he wasfirst diagnosed.On a Facebook page where friends and family could receive updates on Paxton’s condition, Amanda explains that a “fairly normal” day took a turn.

PEN America Reports 200% Surge in Book Bans in 2023-2024, Largely BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Books

John Green; Jodi Picoult; Stephen Chbosky.Photo:Eric Charbonneau/Getty; Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty; VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Eric Charbonneau/Getty; Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty; VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty PEN America, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness for the protection of free expression through the advancement of literature and human rights, has released statistics on book bans in schools this past year. According to the organization, which was founded in 1922, schools have seen a 200% increase in the banning of certain types of literature — which translates into roughly 10,000 books between 2023-2024.

Penguins' Evgeni Malkin Becomes Latest Victim of Athlete Robberies as His 3 Stanley Cup Rings Are Stolen

Evgeni Malkin.Photo:Derek Cain/Getty Derek Cain/Getty Another high-profile athlete has been burglarized while away from their home during a game.The Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed that star forward Evgeni Malkin’s home was broken into and robbed on Saturday, Jan. 11 while the team had a game against the Ottawa Senators.WXPIfirst reported the news, and localKDKAand thePittsburgh Post-Gazetteadded that burglars stole Malkin’s three Stanley Cup rings. They said that the Penguins’ star’s home security system and cameras had reportedly been shut off prior to the burglary.

Penn Badgley ChannelsGossip Girl's Dan Humphrey with Buzz Cut and Brooding Look in New Moncler Campaign

Penn Badgley.Photo:Moncler; everett Moncler; everett Penn Badgleyis giving a subtle nod to one of his most iconic characters. The actor, 38, ditched his signature curls for a buzz cut in a new campaign forMoncler’s spring 2025 collection, drawing comparisons to his character Dam Humphrey in season one ofGossip Girl. Fittingly, the campaign is themed around New York City, which is not only Badgley’s home but the setting of the teen drama series, which aired on The CW from 2007 to 2012.

Pennsylvania Family of 4, Including 2 Children, Found Dead Following Apparent Murder-Suicide

Karen Swarner and her two children.Photo:Karen Swarner/Facebook Karen Swarner/Facebook State police in Pennsylvania said they’re investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a father, mother and two young children were found dead in their Westmoreland County home this week. Paul Swarner, 35, and Karen Swarner, 32, werefound dead in their Hempfield Township homeon the morning of Friday, Jan. 24, alongside their “two minor children,” according to authorities and Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson.