“Wanna sing with me?” Phil X and Richie Sambora team up as two eras of Bon Jovi combine to perform Livin’ on a Prayer at LA benefit concert

The guitarist who helped write the classic song – and the man who later replaced him in the band – came together to raise funds in the wake of the LA wildfires

(Image credit: Phil X Official Fan Club YouTube)

Bon Jovi guitarists old and new, Richie Sambora and Phil X, joined forces with Orianthi and Matt Sorum at the Rock For Responders benefit concert on Thursday, February 27, with Livin’ on a Prayer headlining the supergroup’s mini performance.

Phil X became a full-time member of the rock giants in 2016, having initially served as a stand-in for Sambora on a number of tours after 2011. And, while a Sambora-Bon Jovi reunion may be off the table, the two lead guitarists offered perhaps the next best thing with an era-combining show.

Sambora wielded a heavily relic’d Henrik Danhage signature Charvel, while Phil X opted for a gold Gibson SG as the pair put on an initially subdued – and notably Talkbox-less – take on the 1980s classic, with an octaver-laced solo from Sambora helping crank through the gears.

He’d started by thanking the responders who “risked their lives to save ours” during the wildfires before asking the crowd, “Wanna sing with me?” as the droning opening chords of the song cut through the PA.

Latest Videos From Guitar World

Taking place at the Battleship Iowa Museum in San Pedro, California, the show was the latest in a long line of benefit concerts that have been put on to raise much-needed funds in the wake of the LA wildfires that swept through the city in January.

The concerts haven’t disappointed so far, with a female-powered Nirvana reunion, Blink-182 performing with Matt Skiba, and a star-studded show being compared to Live Aid all delivering the goods previously.

Phil X with Richie Sambora and Orianthi Livin’On A Prayer Rock For Responders 2025 – YouTube

Watch On
Orianthi, meanwhile, made one of her first public appearances since being forced off the Alice Cooper tour due to injury. The guitarist had been forced to perform sat down at PRS’s recent 40th anniversary bash.

Get The Pick Newsletter

Last month, Phil X confirmed that new Bon Jovi music – featuring at least one killer guitar solo – is in the works, along with more tour dates, as the band looks to build on the momentum of 2024’s Forever. That record featured Jon Bon Jovi’s first-ever acoustic guitar, after the frontman was reunited with it 45 years after he sold it.

The Ultimate Backline Lifesaver? Phil X Talks PXO, New Bon Jovi and Why Single Pickups Are Best – YouTube

The news seemingly keeps any possibility of a Richie Sambora return on ice. Mind, Bon Jovi had rather brutally shut the door on a reunion last summer, when he hit back at the manner of Samobora’s departure, saying: “He wasn’t kicked out, he quit. And he hasn’t made any great overtures about coming back.”

Sambora, meanwhile, has detailed Bon Jovi’s disastrous first arena show when, opening for ZZ Top at Madison Square Garden, he blew his amp in the first 60 seconds.

Jon Bon Jovi ‘Almost Cried in a Laundromat’ Thinking About His Eldest Son Jesse: ‘He’s Come So Far’

“I’m so incredibly proud of what Jess has accomplished here,” Bon Jovi tells PEOPLE about their wine brand, Hampton Water

Jon Bon Jovi and Jesse Bongiovi attend Hampton Water celebrates Bubbly with Jon Bon Jovi at La La Laundry on January 30, 2025 in New York City. . Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Hampton Water

Jon Bon Jovi may be a rock icon, but he’s not afraid to shed a tear or two when it comes to being a proud dad.

The singer-songwriter, 62, has been working alongside his son Jesse on their Rosé label, Hampton Water Wine, since 2018 and feels “incredibly proud” of the choices Jesse has made for the brand.

“I have to say that 99.9% of everything Jess has come up with, I’ve just said yes,” Jon tells PEOPLE at a Hampton Water event at La La Laundry in late January. “We agreed on everything from the minute he came up with the name.”

For Jesse, 29, working with his dad on a concept they were both new to has been “a lot of fun.”

“When we first started, it’s not like I went to him and said, ‘I want to start a rock band.’ We had this idea, and we were both very green in it,” Jesse shares about the brand’s inception eight years ago. “We knew that it was a fun name, a cool label and a great liquid. But there were a lot of conversations of, ‘I think this is a cool idea. What do you think?’ And it was like, ‘I don’t know, let’s try it.’ So doing a lot of that experimentation and bouncing ideas off of each other has been a ton of fun.”

Jon Bon Jovi and Jesse Bongiovi attend Hampton Water celebrates Bubbly with Jon Bon Jovi at La La Laundry on January 30, 2025 in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Hampton Water

Jon admits the Hampton Water event was an emotional experience.

“As if I didn’t love him enough already, just seeing what he’s accomplished… When I walked into a laundromat, I almost cried,” Jon laughs. “So I mean, he’s come so far. I have nothing at all to do with this business, nothing. It’s all him. And to have accomplished and become the No. 3 premium rosé in the country, I mean, how can you not be proud of that?”

Jesse adds, “It’s just been a blast. It’s been so much fun getting to work together and what started as driving around New York City and going out to Long Island turned into going to Dubai to meet with Hilton, going to Germany and London. To see the success of it and get to do these crazy things together… it’s been fun.”

Although Jon’s in business with his eldest son — “because I’m the best-looking son and the smartest,” Jesse jokes — the “Livin’ on a Prayer” artist says he “could not be more proud” of all his children’s achievements.

Inductee Jon Bon Jovi and family attend the 33rd Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Public Auditorium on April 14, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio.Kevin Mazur/Getty

“I actually, honest to God, I’m so incredibly proud of what Jess has accomplished here, but that should not at all demean the incredible work of the others,” he says of his other children: Stephanie, 31, Jake, 22, and Romeo, 20. “Where Jake’s at with his movie career and his producing career, and Romeo’s new music is awesome. And then Steph is the eldest of all of ’em, and I think she’ll be the boss of all. So I could not be more proud of each one of ’em. It’s going so well.”

Jesse then quips, “But just so you know, I’m the favorite… for the record.”

Armin Van Buuren Admits “It Wasn’t Easy” to Remix a Bon Jovi Classic, ‘Keep The Faith’

A groundbreaking fusion of trance and rock, this long-awaited rework redefines a classic.

Armin van Buuren has lived through countless career-defining moments, but few compare to Jon Bon Jovi gracing the stage at Ultra Music Festival in 2024 with an official remix of “‘Keep The Faith”. The legendary rock icon joined the Dutch DJ on stage to unveil a reimagined version of ‘Keep The Faith’, sending shockwaves through both dance and rock communities. Now, the track is finally here, merging two distinct yet powerful musical worlds.

EDMNOMAD caught up with electronic titan and Armada music label boss, Armin van Buuren after a successful 2-day ASOT festival, on his Jon Bon Jovi remix. Read the full exclusive interview here.

A Rock Anthem Reborn in Dance Music

Bringing Bon Jovi into the electronic scene was a bold move, but Armin van Buuren knew exactly what he was doing with the remix.

“I’ve been a massive fan of Jon Bon Jovi for years,” Armin reveals. “I remember buying his album as a kid. I chose ‘Keep The Faith’ because it’s such an iconic song, and I felt it would work well in an electronic production. Judging by the crowd’s response, I think we nailed it!”

The collaboration started as a passion project, blending Bon Jovi’s anthemic energy with Armin’s signature trance euphoria. The challenge? Maintaining the soul of the original while crafting a club-ready banger.

“It wasn’t easy, that’s for sure,” Armin admits. “But rock energy can be a great undercurrent for trance music. The raw synth riff has a bit of a rock guitar edge, in my mind. Add a thick kick drum and a powerful drop, and it’s ready to demolish clubs.”

The Iconic Ultra Music Festival Moment

What began as a studio experiment turned into an unforgettable live moment when Jon Bon Jovi stepped onto Ultra Music Festival’s main stage. The unsuspecting crowd erupted as the rock legend delivered a historic surprise performance with Armin.

“Reworking this track was an incredible honor,” Armin shares. “But having Jon Bon Jovi join me on stage at Ultra was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Rock music has always inspired me, and I’ve been a Bon Jovi fan for ages, so this was truly special. I’m thrilled the track is finally out in the world.”

Jon Bon Jovi himself embraced the collaboration wholeheartedly, proving that rock and dance music share the same electrifying spirit.

“Bon Jovi songs have had some unique and epic moments over the years,” the rock legend shares. “But this is truly a highlight. Armin is a total pro, and I was thrilled to work with him on this track. I had a blast at my first Ultra—the crowd was absolutely electric. Thanks to Armin for having me.” Jon Bon Jovi concludes.

The Legacy of ‘Keep The Faith’

Originally released in 1992, ‘Keep The Faith’ was the lead single from Bon Jovi’s album of the same name. The track reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed into the top 10 in the U.K. and Canada, becoming a rock anthem of its era.

Now, Armin van Buuren delivers the first official dance rework, injecting modern electronic energy into a timeless hit. With Bon Jovi’s unmistakable vocals and Armin’s trance-driven production, this remix bridges generations and genres, proving that great music knows no boundaries.

Would Armin van Buuren reimagine more rock classics in the future?

“Why not?” he says. “I look back at the process and think it was an amazing experience. Every artist is different, and I’m willing to work with anyone who brings something fresh and exciting to the table.”

With ‘Keep The Faith’ now unleashed into the world, fans can experience the magic of this groundbreaking collaboration—one that unites rock and trance in an unforgettable way. Stream it here.

Kansas City Chiefs fans’ cause of death revealed after being found frozen in friend’s yard

David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson were found dead outside their friend’s Kansas City home

Fox News contributor Dr. Michael Baden joined ‘FOX & Friends’ to discuss his take on the report and what he thinks led to the deaths of the three NFL fans.

The causes of death have been revealed for the three Kansas City Chiefs fans who were found dead in the backyard of their friend’s home in January 2024.

A forensic exam determined David Harrington, 37, Clayton McGeeney, 36, and Ricky Johnson, 38, “all died of fentanyl and cocaine combined toxicity,” according to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital.

The documents reveal what responding officers encountered the day they were called to the Kansas City, Missouri, rental home, where the group of longtime friends had celebrated the Chiefs’ victory just days earlier.

On Wednesday, Jordan Willis and Ivory J. Carson were charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid. Each charge carries a maximum of 10 years.

David Harrington, Clayton McGeeney and Ricky Johnson were found dead outside their friend’s Kansas City, Missouri, home on Jan. 9, 2024. (Ricky Johnson/Facebook)

Willis and Carson had court appearances on Thursday, joining separately via video from the jail, wearing orange jumpsuits during their arraignment in Platte County, Missouri.

Willis’ lawyer, John Picerno, entered a not guilty plea on Willis’ behalf, and the judge entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Carson, who does not yet have an attorney and plans to apply for a public defender.

Deadly Kansas City discovery

McGeeney’s fiancée, April Mahoney, called authorities after discovering the frozen bodies of the trio on Jan. 9, 2024. The friends had gathered at Willis’ rental property to watch the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers around 7 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2024.

Mahoney, according to court documents, grew alarmed that her fiancé had seemingly disappeared — eventually going to the home and spotting McGeeney’s red Ford F-150 pickup truck parked outside the residence.

Repeated door knocking yielded no response, leading Mahoney to climb through a basement window, documents revealed.

“They located an isolated deceased person on the back patio and called police,” documents say, without specifying which body was first found.

Court documents note that all three of the victims were found deceased in the backyard of the home.

An exterior view of the backyard and porch of Jordan Willis’ home in Kansas City, Missouri, on Jan. 26, 2024. The bodies of Willis’ three friends — Ricky Johnson, Clayton McGeeney and David Harrington — were found in his backyard on Jan. 9, 2024. (DWS for Fox News Digital)

When police arrived at the single-family home, Mahoney told authorities that her fiancé would drink and use cocaine. She noted that McGeeney “would get low on money,” and Willis would “usually supply cocaine to his friends.”

Police wrote in court documents that they discovered a bag of a “white powdery substance” in the top drawer of an end table and a second bag of “white powdery substance” on top of the entertainment center in the living room.

Willis told police on Jan. 9 that he believed McGeeney, Harrington and Johnson had left his home on Jan. 8 around 4 a.m., according to court documents. Picerno previously told Fox News Digital that his client went to sleep while the four men were still awake and hanging out at the house.

Picerno also previously revealed to FOX 4 that Willis was asleep with air buds and a loud fan on.

Jordan Willis, left, and Ivory J. Carson were charged with three counts of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid. Each charge carries a maximum of 10 years. (Platte County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office)

Two other unidentified witnesses, who were present at the football watch party, told police that they “drank, smoked marijuana and used cocaine.” One of the witnesses said that he left “shortly before midnight” on Jan. 8, documents said.

Another witness said that before heading to Willis’ rental home, he saw a “large plate of cocaine allegedly supplied by Mr. Willis that everyone was using” at Harrington’s home, the documents said.

Court records also indicated that Carson, who went by “Blade Brown,” supplied and sold cocaine to Willis and the victims, and that his DNA was found on a bag of fentanyl.

 

Video

The Kansas City Police Department said that it investigated the three deaths for 14 months before charges were filed.

“KCPD detectives never stopped working on the case, waiting for all the facts to come in. Reaching this point is a testament to their dedication to delivering justice for the victims and their loved ones,” Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said Wednesday.

Fox News’ Stepheny Price contributed to this report.

The Struggle Within: A Reflection on Pain and Resilience”

In a world that often feels overwhelming, many find solace in music, particularly songs that resonate with our deepest struggles. One such piece captures the essence of human emotion—pain, vulnerability, and the quest for understanding.

The Heartfelt Journey

The lyrics open with a sense of despair, as the narrator grapples with feelings of isolation and uncertainty. “I don’t know if I can do this on my own,” echoes a sentiment that many can relate to, especially during challenging times. The plea for connection is palpable, showcasing the universal fear of losing oneself amid the chaos of life.

As the song progresses, it transitions into a powerful acknowledgment that “everybody hurts.” This line serves as a reminder that suffering is not exclusive; it binds us together in our shared humanity. The chorus resonates deeply, emphasizing that it’s okay to feel lost and overwhelmed. This message is crucial in a society that often stigmatizes mental health struggles.

The Weight of Expectations

The narrative shifts to a more personal reflection, where the artist confronts their own demons. The struggle to regain motivation after setbacks is vividly portrayed. “I took my bruises, took my lumps,” illustrates the resilience required to rise after each fall. The desire for a “spark” to reignite passion is a common theme for anyone who has faced adversity.

The lyrics also touch on the pressure of societal expectations and the longing for acceptance. The artist’s experience of feeling like an outsider is relatable, as many navigate the complexities of fitting in while battling their inner turmoil. The lines convey a poignant truth: the façade of humor often masks deeper pain, revealing the layers of human experience that are not always visible.

A Call for Empathy

The song ultimately invites listeners to reflect on their own lives and the lives of others. It implores us to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding. “Where you see it from where you’re sitting is probably 110% different,” highlights the importance of perspective in our interactions with others.

As the melody swells, the recurring theme of collective struggle emerges. “Everybody screams, everybody feels this way,” reinforces the idea that we are all navigating our own battles, often in silence. This shared experience can be a source of strength, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

In conclusion, this song is more than just a collection of lyrics; it is a powerful anthem for those grappling with their emotions. It serves as a reminder that vulnerability is not a weakness but a testament to our humanity. As we navigate life’s challenges, let us hold onto the truth that it’s okay to hurt and that reaching out for help is a courageous step towards healing.

In a world that often rushes past our struggles, this message resonates loudly: **You are not alone.** Embrace your journey, and remember that it’s okay to seek support and understanding. Together, we can create a community that values empathy and compassion, reminding each other that it’s okay to feel and to heal.

In the stillness of the night, when the weight of the world feels unbearable, there are moments when we all find ourselves questioning our strength. The loneliness of loss, the shadows of doubt, and the echoes of pain can seem insurmountable. But in those moments, we must remind ourselves—we are not alone.

Life has a way of testing us, pushing us to the edge, making us wonder if we have what it takes to keep going. The struggle can feel endless, the sorrow too deep to navigate. There is something profoundly human in feeling lost, in battling with the ghosts of our past, and in searching for a light when everything seems dark.

Sometimes, it’s the departure of someone dear that leaves the most profound wounds. The absence they leave behind is like a void, impossible to fill, whispering of what once was and what will never be again. The grief can be all-consuming, an ache that lingers in every breath. And yet, even in that heartbreak, there is love. Love that remains in memories, in laughter that once filled the room, in the smallest reminders that they were here, and they mattered.

In the chaos of pain, there’s a natural tendency to withdraw, to build walls that shield us from the world. Smiles become masks, conversations feel hollow, and every glance in the mirror is a reminder of what has changed. The struggle is real—pain does not discriminate, and suffering is universal. It is in these moments that we must acknowledge the hurt, allow it to exist, but not let it define us.

The battle within is often unseen, a silent war fought behind closed doors. The world may not see the weight you carry, the burdens that press upon your shoulders. But every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Every time you choose to keep moving, to keep believing, you are proving to yourself that you are stronger than the pain that seeks to hold you down.

It is okay to cry, to scream, to feel as though the world is crumbling beneath your feet. It is okay to hurt. Pain is not a sign of weakness; it is proof that we have loved deeply, that we have cared enough to feel the loss. But in the midst of the hurt, there is resilience. There is a fire within each of us that refuses to be extinguished, no matter how dark the night may seem.

There comes a point when we must make a choice—remain in the sorrow or fight to rise above it. It is not an easy battle. The road to healing is long and winding, often marked with setbacks and moments of despair. But even the longest journey begins with a single step. One moment at a time, we rebuild, we reclaim our light, and we find meaning beyond the pain.

Music, art, and storytelling have long been vessels for expressing the depths of human emotion. A simple song can resonate so deeply, capturing emotions too complex to articulate. It is in these artistic expressions that we often find solace—a reminder that others have walked this path before us, and they, too, have found their way back to hope.

It is essential to remember that no one walks alone. Even when it feels as though no one understands, there are those who do—those who have been there, who have fought their own battles and emerged stronger. Seeking support, whether through friends, family, or even strangers who share similar experiences, can be the bridge that leads us out of the darkness.

Pain may shape us, but it does not define us. The ability to feel so deeply is a gift, even when it feels like a curse. It means we are alive, that we have experienced something worth remembering. The key is to take that pain and transform it into something meaningful—to use it to fuel our resilience, to inspire our growth, and to remind us of our capacity to endure.

At the heart of it all, we must hold onto the simple truth: everybody hurts. And that is okay. But no pain lasts forever, and no night is endless. Dawn will always come, bringing with it the promise of a new beginning. So, even in the depths of despair, even when it feels impossible, hold on. Keep walking, keep believing, keep fighting. Because one day, you will look back and realize that the pain that once felt unbearable has become a testament to your strength.

You are not alone. And you never were.

 

Boy honored by Trump says cancer won’t slow him down until ‘God calls’ him home

DJ Daniel of Texas has been through 13 brain cancer surgeries, his father says

Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, the 13-year-old with cancer who received an honorary Secret Service agent badge from President Donald Trump, is speaking out about his personal health journey.

The president, during his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, honored the boy, who is fighting brain cancer. The room erupted in applause and standing ovations.

“I am very thankful that Donald Trump invited us down here, and I was not expecting a lot of people to be over there,” DJ Daniel told Fox News Digital in an on-camera interview. (See the video at the top of this article.)

On Wednesday, the day after Trump’s speech, DJ Daniel was invited to visit the president in the Oval Office, “where Special Agent Daniel gave the President a ‘big hug,’” the White House announced on Instagram.

DJ Daniel was diagnosed in Sept. 2018 with high-grade anaplastic ependymoma, a thyroid tumor. He was also diagnosed with cataracts.

“The doctors gave him five months at most to live. That was more than six years ago,” Trump said during his speech.

Childhood ependymoma is a type of tumor that starts in the brain or spinal cord, impacting the central nervous system with all body functions such as breathing, heart rate, memory and learning, emotion and sense, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

About 200 to 250 children in the United States are diagnosed with ependymoma each year.

Over time, DJ Daniel’s cancer metastasized, relapsed and returned.

He has undergone 13 brain surgeries, which have changed his personality each time, said Theodis Daniel.

“I have to [keep] learn[ing] his personality,” said the dad. “So, what you see is what you get until we have another surgery.”

DJ Daniel has been given honorary badges across the country, with 908 agencies recognizing him. He surpassed his original goal of 100 badges.

“Well, once I reach 1,000, I’m just going to keep on going until my gas tank runs out. That’s when God calls you home,” DJ Daniel said.

Eric Woodhouse, a local radio host at WNBZ, first came across DJ Daniel’s story last August while working with a local New York police station near Saranac Lake, where the police chief swore him in.

“Devarjaye [DJ] is truly a remarkable young man who we could all learn a thing or two from. He’s looking at a less-than-ideal diagnosis in the face and not stopping,” Woodhouse told Fox News Digital.

Theodis Daniel said he taught his son that he was not put on Earth to be comfortable.

“When you go through things and you overcome them, it builds integrity and it builds character. You become a better version of yourself. So, for me, a very nice job last night, very, very proud and just ecstatic,” Theodis Daniel said of Trump honoring his son.

“He’s taken his little dream and ran with it,” the proud dad added.

“DJ’s doctors believe his cancer likely came from a chemical he was exposed to when he was younger,” Trump said during the address.

Theodis said that he and his son have met a lot of other children battling cancer at the Texas Children’s Hospital.

Theodis Daniel said he is excited about the Make America Healthy Again movement.

“It just breaks your heart to see [what] these kids go through. But, you know, this spirit of resilience and tenacity, it’s overwhelming,” he added.

“You got to stay supremely positive and stay prayed up and just do nice things for people and you’ll make it through, we promise you. Look at us,” Theodis Daniel said.

Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease after infancy among children in the U.S., according to NCI.

During his fight, DJ Daniel has talked about his dream of becoming a police officer and said he was inspired by the kindness of officers he has met over the years.

“They helped us. So I became one. And I want to help other people,” he said.

DJ Daniel also wants to help the homeless.

“You [can] take them, get them clean and get them back to where they can work,” he said.

Mr. Trump narrows the power of billionaire Elon Musk

US President Donald Trump summoned his cabinet to convey the message: ‘You are in charge of your department, not Elon Musk’.

Mr. Elon Musk raised his hand to greet everyone. Photo: Politico

Politico quoted two administration officials as saying that on March 6, Trump told senior members of the administration that although the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Elon Musk is empowered to make recommendations to ministries, he cannot make unilateral decisions on personnel and policy.

When the above statement was made, Mr. Musk was also present and expressed support for President Donald Trump’s directive. According to several sources familiar with the meeting, Mr. Musk admitted that DOGE made some mistakes.

The cabinet meeting comes after a series of major layoffs in federal agencies. DOGE’s moves, headed by Elon Musk, have faced fierce opposition in court and criticism from Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans.

Musk’s involvement in government affairs has sparked protests and lawsuits, with some accusing the billionaire’s influence on policy decisions to be unconstitutional.

President Donald Trump’s message on March 6 represents the first significant move to narrow Musk’s power. According to the guidance of the head of the United States, DOGE and its employees should act as advisors, and cabinet ministers will be the final decision-makers on personnel, policy, and speed of implementation.

However, President Trump added, Mr. Musk is still a key figure in efforts to improve the efficiency of the administration.

A Father’s Love Never Fades: A Daughter’s Heartfelt Tribute

The weight of grief is immeasurable. It comes in waves, unexpected and uncontrollable. Some days, it lets you breathe; other days, it drowns you. For a young girl, the pain of losing her father became an ever-present ache, one that time refused to heal. But in the midst of her sorrow, she found solace in art, in the delicate strokes of a pencil, in the memory of the man she loved most.

Sitting in a quiet corner of the house they once shared, she held the pencil tightly in her trembling fingers. Her eyes, red and swollen from endless nights of crying, focused on the blank canvas in front of her. It was empty, just as her heart felt. But she was determined to fill it—not with mere sketches, but with love, longing, and a deep desire to bring him back, if only for a moment.

As the portrait took shape, so did the memories. His strong yet kind eyes, the faint lines on his face that told stories of laughter and sacrifice, the military uniform he wore with honor—all of it came alive on the page. Every pencil stroke felt like a whisper from the past, a desperate attempt to bridge the unbearable distance between them.

She remembered the way he used to hold her hand when she was little, his firm grip making her feel invincible. He was her hero, her protector, her guiding light. Even after long deployments, he would return home and lift her into his arms as if time had stood still. His love was constant, unwavering, and unconditional. And now, all she had left were the echoes of his voice and the fading scent of his uniform tucked away in her closet.

The world had moved on without him, but she hadn’t. The people around her offered condolences, empty words that failed to touch the depths of her pain. They said time would heal, but how could time possibly erase the hollow space he had left? How could she learn to live in a world where he no longer existed?

Finishing the portrait was like reliving the final goodbye. As she added the last details—the gentle curve of his lips, the warmth in his gaze—tears streamed down her face. She wanted to believe that if she just stared long enough, he would blink back at her. That somehow, he would step out of the canvas, wrap her in his arms, and tell her that everything would be okay.

But he didn’t. He never would.

She set the pencil down and looked at what she had created. It wasn’t just a drawing. It was him. Her father. The man who had given her everything and asked for nothing in return. The man who had fought battles she would never understand, not just in war, but in life. The man whose absence left a void no words could ever fill.

With a deep breath, she wiped her tears and whispered, “You’re still here.” Because in truth, he was. Not in the way she wanted, not in the way she yearned for, but in every lesson he had taught her, in every moment of courage he had inspired, in every heartbeat that still carried his love.

No one else may have cared about her portrait. The world may have scrolled past it, too busy to notice the raw pain etched into every line. But that didn’t matter. Because she hadn’t drawn it for them.

She had drawn it for him.

And in that, he lived on.

Michael Jordaп Proposes Baп oп Pride Flag iп Sports aпd US School System

Michael Jordan and the False Claims About a Pride Flag Ban: Debunking the Misinformation

In recent weeks, social media platforms have been inundated with claims that basketball legend Michael Jordan has proposed a ban on Pride flags in sports and U.S. schools.

This assertion has sparked intense debate, drawing reactions from different political and social factions. However, a thorough investigation reveals that these claims are entirely false and rooted in satirical misinformation.

In this article, we will break down the origins of this false narrative, the role of social media in spreading misinformation, and the importance of media literacy in the digital age.

The Origin of the Misinformation

The false claim originated from a satirical article published on January 4, 2025, by the website Esspots.com. The article, titled “Michael Jordan Calls for Ban on Pride Flags in Sports and Schools,” was clearly labeled as satire, with a disclaimer stating: “Note this is satire, it’s not true.”

Despite this explicit disclaimer, the claim took on a life of its own, spreading rapidly across social media as though it were factual news.

Soon after its publication, the fictional article was stripped of its satirical context and shared widely on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

The speed at which it circulated showcases how easily misinformation can spread, especially when it aligns with certain biases or political narratives.

How Social Media Amplified the False Claim

Misinformation thrives in the fast-paced world of social media, where headlines and sensational claims often receive more engagement than factual reporting. In this case, the claim that Jordan had called for a ban on Pride flags was widely shared and repeated without verification.

For instance, a Facebook post dated January 26, 2025, stated: “BREAKING NEWS: Michael Jordan calls for a ban on the Pride flag in sports and U.S. schools.”

Similarly, an Instagram post on January 11, 2025, included an image of Jordan alongside a misleading caption suggesting that he had taken a strong stance against LGBTQ+ representation in sports and education.

The spread of this claim was not limited to social media alone. A number of blogs and lesser-known news websites picked up the false story, further amplifying its reach.

Many of these sources failed to mention that the original article was satirical, making it difficult for readers to distinguish between fact and fiction.

Fact-Checking and Official Responses

In response to the widespread misinformation, fact-checking organizations, including PolitiFact, stepped in to clarify the situation. Their investigation found no evidence supporting the assertion that Michael Jordan had ever made such a statement.

Furthermore, reputable news outlets confirmed that the claim was entirely fabricated and originated from a satirical source.

PolitiFact, in its report on January 27, 2025, emphasized: “The claim that Michael Jordan called for a ban on Pride flags in sports and schools is completely false. It stems from a satirical article that was taken out of context and misrepresented as factual news.”

Despite these clarifications, the misinformation has continued to circulate, underscoring the persistent challenge of combating fake news and misleading narratives in the digital era.

The Importance of Media Literacy

The rapid spread of the false claim about Michael Jordan highlights the need for greater media literacy among internet users. In an age where information is readily accessible, individuals must develop the skills to critically evaluate sources and verify facts before accepting claims as truth.

How to Spot Misinformation:

Check the Source: Always verify whether the information comes from a reputable news outlet. If a claim originates from a blog or an unknown website, it may not be credible.

Look for Disclaimers: Many satirical websites include disclaimers indicating that their content is fictional. If an article seems sensational or extreme, it is worth checking for such notices.

Cross-Reference Information: If a major claim is true, it will likely be reported by multiple established news organizations. Always check multiple sources before believing or sharing a claim.

Be Cautious on Social Media: Social media posts often lack context and can be easily manipulated. Before sharing, consider whether the information has been verified by a trusted source.

Understand Satire: Some websites and social media accounts specialize in satire or parody. Recognizing these sources can help prevent confusion between satire and legitimate news.

The Broader Implications of Misinformation

Misinformation like the false claims about Michael Jordan can have significant real-world consequences. Here are some of the broader implications:

Erosion of Public Trust: False narratives can diminish public trust in media and public figures, leading to increased skepticism and polarization.

Reputational Damage: Public figures like Jordan can suffer unwarranted damage to their reputations based on entirely false claims.

Policy and Public Opinion: Misinformation can shape public opinion and influence political decisions, sometimes leading to misguided policies based on false premises.

Michael Jordan’s Stance on Social Issues

While Michael Jordan has largely stayed out of political debates throughout his career, he has supported various philanthropic causes and spoken out on issues of social justice.

In 2020, he and his Jordan Brand pledged $100 million over 10 years to organizations dedicated to racial equality, social justice, and education access. However, there is no record of him making any statements regarding banning Pride flags in sports or schools.

Jordan’s approach to social and political issues has been characterized by a desire to remain neutral in highly polarized debates. The false claim that he proposed banning Pride flags is entirely inconsistent with his known public persona and actions.

The Role of Responsible Journalism

In the fight against misinformation, responsible journalism plays a crucial role. Journalists and media organizations have a duty to fact-check information before publishing and to provide context when reporting on satirical or misleading claims.

Additionally, social media platforms must continue to improve their efforts in flagging and mitigating the spread of fake news.

The viral claim that Michael Jordan proposed a ban on Pride flags in sports and schools is entirely false, originating from a satirical article that was misrepresented as factual news.

The incident highlights the dangers of misinformation and the critical need for media literacy in today’s digital landscape.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, individuals must take proactive steps to verify the accuracy of the information they consume and share.

By doing so, we can foster a more informed and less polarized society, where truth and accuracy prevail over sensationalism and falsehoods.

As we navigate an increasingly complex information ecosystem, it is essential to remain vigilant, question dubious claims, and prioritize facts over fiction.