NEWSMAKERS OF THE WEEK
SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN IN A FINAL SWIPE AT TRUMP IN HIS FAREWELL MESSAGE DELIVERED POSTHUMOUSLY ON MONDAY, WARNED NOT TO “CONFUSE OUR PATRIOTISM WITH TRIBAL RIVALRIES.” HIS LIFE SHOWS THE HARD ROAD LEADERS OFTEN NEED TO TRAVEL TO MAKE CHANGE HAPPEN.
JOHN MCCAIN
John McCain, a war hero and towering figure in US politics known for reaching across the aisle in an increasingly divided nation, died on Saturday following a battle with brain cancer. He was 81. His passing marked the end of a 35-year political career that brought the independent-minded Republican within reach of the White House as his party’s presidential nominee. “It’s been quite a ride,” McCain, who was tortured for 5 years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, wrote in a memoir.
ARETHA FRANKLIN
The world mourned the loss of Aretha Franklin, one of the most iconic and influential singers in history, who died on August 16 at the age of 76. Aretha Franklin’s farewell week comprised four days of high fashion. In death as in life, Aretha Franklin demonstrated the value of an outfit change. The Queen of Soul was given a send-off that ‘would match her legacy.’
GERARD DEPARDIEU
One of France’s most prolific actors, Depardieu, 69, is being investigated by the Paris prosecutor over accusations of rape and sexual assault, a judicial source said. Though the prominent French actor denies any wrongdoing, according to his lawyer. Depardieu, has been in around 170 movies through his career and gained international recognition in 1990 with his starring role in the English language comedy Green Card.
POPE FRANCIS
Pope Francis said that parents of gay children shouldn’t condemn them, ignore their orientation or throw them out of the house. Rather, he said that they should pray, talk and try to understand. Speaking after closing a Catholic family rally in Ireland, Francis said, “There have always been gay people and people with homosexual tendencies.” It might be necessary to seek psychiatric help if a child begins to exhibit “worrisome” traits, but it’s something else if an adult comes out as gay, he added.
N. HARIKRISHNA
Actor, producer and politician Nandamuri Harikrishna died in a car accident in the early hours of Wednesday. Harikrishna is the son of former AP Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao. He was 61. Though Harikrishna acted in only a few films, he managed to leave his mark. He was also a lover of the Telugu language and had fought with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman during the UPA regime when he was asked not to speak in Telugu in the RS.