Alex McDaniel
(She/Her)
Chicago
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writer, editor, naysayer. the south is home.
Articles by Alex McDaniel
This German soccer fan is speed-running SEC country and we're not giving him back, sorry
As a Southern transplant living in Chicago, it doesn't take much for me to wax poetic about everything I miss back home, particularly SEC football, gas-station fried chicken and deploying "bless your heart" as a weapon of psychological destruction against my sworn enemies. That said, words aren't always enough to fully convey the South's cultural significance.
The iconic watch Kelly McGillis wore in 'Top Gun' 40 years ago is more popular than ever
Alex McDaniel, For The Win Top Gun is heading back to theaters on May 13 for a one-week 40th-anniversary run in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and premium formats , and while most of the conversation will probably be about Tom Cruise, fighter jets, and that volleyball scene , there's one element from the original that deserves its own moment: the watch on Kelly McGillis' wrist.
The iconic watch Kelly McGillis wore in 'Top Gun' 40 years ago is more popular than ever
Top Gun is heading back to theaters on May 13 for a one-week 40th-anniversary run in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, and premium formats, and while most of the conversation will probably be about Tom Cruise, fighter jets, and that volleyball scene, there's one element from the original that deserves its own moment: the watch on Kelly McGillis' wrist.
The Amanda Batula, Ciara Miller, West Wilson 'Summer House' drama, explained Original
Updated April 1, 2026, 4:11 p.m. ET If you’re not a regular Bravo viewer, you might be wondering why everyone’s suddenly talking about the drama surrounding Summer House stars Amanda Batula, Ciara Miller and West Wilson. After weeks of rumors, Batula and Wilson have confirmed they’re dating, which would make for fairly mild group-chat fodder if not for the fact that a) Batula and Miller are close friends and b) Wilson is Miller’s ex-boyfriend.
Watch Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's 35mm camera test for 'The Drama'
A24 released the 35mm camera test for its upcoming film, "The Drama," starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as an engaged couple whose relationship takes an unexpected turn before the wedding.
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Watch Ilia Malinin's moving final skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics
7 hours ago In the end, Ilia Malinin chose to rely on the medium he knows best to express his deepest thoughts. And despite his struggles at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, his skate at the Feb. 21 exhibition gala helped him to address those challenges and speak directly with the audience who had supported …
Watch Ilia Malinin's moving final skate at the 2026 Winter Olympics Original
Ilia Malinin returned to Olympic ice a week after the disastrous free-skate performance that prompted him to share how immense pressure to succeed took a toll on his mental health. Wearing a hoodie and jeans, the 21-year-old's performance to NF's "Fear" at the traditional Olympic figure skating exhibition gala was a bittersweet ending to Malinin's run at the 2026 Winter Olympics and reinforced his struggle to ignore media attention leading up to the competition.
Taylor Swift left a perfect comment on Breezy Johnson's engagement pic Original
Team USA Alpine skier Breezy Johnson has had an action-packed Thursday. After competing in the women's super-G at the 2026 Winter Olympics, her boyfriend, Connor Watkins, surprised her at the bottom of the hill with an important question and a ring box engraved with lyrics from "The Alchemy" by Taylor Swift. Doesn't get much better than that, right? WRONG.
Is Ilia Malinin dating anyone?
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Is Ilia Malinin dating anyone?
Ilia Malinin is getting a lot of attention during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. While most of it relates to Malinin's performance as part of Team USA, there’s plenty of online chatter regarding whether the 21-year-old backflipping figure skater has a significant other in his life.
8 times we knew Madison Chock and Evan Bates were in love before they did Original
Updated Feb. 9, 2026, 5:44 p.m. ET Even the most casual figure skating and/or Olympics enthusiasts are likely aware of the storybook romance of U.S. ice-dancing champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the reigning world champs in their sport for three years running and...the cutest Olympics couple we've ever seen?
Are they dating? Tom Brady and Alix Earle spotted at Super Bowl party
While there’s no official indication as to whether Tom Brady and Alix Earle are actually a thing, they were definitely spotted chatting at a party over Super Bowl weekend, and AS Y’ALL KNOW, TWO SINGLE PEOPLE CHATTING ON CAMERA IS MORE THAN ENOUGH PROOF REQUIRED TO SPECULATE ABOUT A POSSIBLE ROMANCE, RIGHT? Right.
2026 Olympics ski jumping announcers: Who's on the call for NBC? Original
Feb. 7, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ET The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway with more than 80 commentators covering events across an array of NBC platforms. With six ski jumping events, including a new men’s super team, there’s plenty of action in store. If you’re wondering whose voices you’re hearing behind the mic, we’ve got you covered. The play-by-play voice for ski jumping at the 2026 Winter Olympics is Paul Burmeister.
Mariah Carey's iconic career in photos
Mariah Carey's iconic career in photos Feb. 6, 2026, 2:16 p.m. ET Mariah Carey holds up her two Grammys at the 33rd annual Grammy awards at Radio City Music Hall, NYC. February 20, 1991 Greta Pratt, REUTERS Mariah Carey holds her two awards presented to her at the American Music Awards in 1993 Fred Prouser Mariah Carey sings "One Sweet Day" at the 38th Grammy Awards, February 28, 1996. Gary Hershorn Designer Giorgio Armani and singer Mariah Carey pose for photographers at a party in 1998.
What is hyaluronic acid and why is it part of the Crotchgate scandal? Original
Feb. 6, 2026, 11:25 a.m. ET Hyaluronic acid is having a very weird moment given its role in the Olympic ski jumping scandal known as "crotchgate" in which athletes in the sport were accused of injecting it into their penises to give them a competitive advantage when it came to their uniform design. Injecting acid in your body sounds, well, horrifying for any purpose, but hyaluronic acid isn't as scary as it sounds.
Where will be the 2030 Winter Olympics be held? Original
Feb. 4, 2026, 12:29 p.m. ET The 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics are four years away, but preparations have already begun in the French Alps, where the games will be hosted. The French Alps 2030 organizing committee shared its vision and ongoing plans for the next winter games before the start of the 2026 Milan Olympics.
See Snoop Dogg's torch run before the 2026 Winter Olympics
See Snoop Dogg's torch run before the 2026 Winter Olympics Updated Feb. 4, 2026, 9:24 a.m. ET This handout picture taken and released on February 04, 2026 by the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Committee shows US rapper Snoop Dogg carrying the torch of the Olympic flame in Gallarate, ahead of Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games.
Chappell Roan says topless Grammys outfit wasn't 'THAT outrageous' Original
Feb. 3, 2026, 10:43 a.m. ET Chappell Roan is amused by the response to the jaw-dropping, faux-nipple-pierced burgundy dress she wore on the Grammys red carpet Sunday, insisting it's not "THAT outrageous of an outfit." "The look’s actually so awesome and weird," she wrote in an Instagram post featuring the dress.
Chappell Roan's most iconic looks over the years
See Chappell Roan's best and boldest looks Feb. 3, 2026, 10:30 a.m. ET Chappell Roan attends the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Neilson Barnard, Getty Images For The Recording Academy Chappell Roan performs at FirstBank Amphitheater on October 01, 2024 in Franklin, Tennessee. Jason Kempin, Getty Images Chappell Roan performs onstage during the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Jordon Hudson throwing Bill Belichick Hall of Fame snub party: Report Original
Feb. 2, 2026, 3:51 p.m. ET Jordon Hudson isn’t dwelling on the fact that boyfriend Bill Belichick won’t be a first-ballot Hall of Famer because she's reportedly planning a star-studded bash for him that just happens to be the same night as the induction ceremony. People first reported Hudson's party plans (as shared by an unnamed "insider" source) not long after the news broke that Belichick didn't have the votes for induction into this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
10 outrageous Dolly Parton covers that don't exist but definitely should exist
What else needs to be said about Dolly Parton? The woman can do it all — write, sing, act, run an East Tennessee tourism shempire — and when she’s not busy doing those things, she’s out here funding childhood literacy and life-saving vaccine research. Anyone foolish enough to say Dolly should stay in her lane doesn’t realize she built the whole damn road. BUT. I. DIGRESS.
An FTW discussion about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift evolved into a heated Michael Jordan debate
Charles Curtis (deputy managing editor): alex is so mad about this I love it Alex McDaniel (managing editor): LISTEN Caroline Darney (managing editor, BetFTW and pop culture): SHE [Taylor Swift] IS THE MOST FAMOUS WOMAN IN THE WORLD Alex: ALL I’M SAYING IS YOU’D THINK HE’D [Travis Kelce] HAVE SOMETHING SMOOTH AND/OR CHARMING AND/OR NOT AWFUL Meghan Hall (staff writer): Beyonce is the most famous, imo. But Swift is right behind her.
Connections today: Answer, clues for NYT game on Monday August 28 2023
WARNING: THERE ARE CONNECTIONS SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT THE AUGUST 28, 2023 CONNECTIONS ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK! Have you been trying out Connections, the super fun new word game from the New York Times that has people sharing those multi-colored squares on social media like they did with Wordle? It’s pretty fun and sometimes very challenging, so we’re here to help you out with some clues and the answer for the four categories that you need to know: 1.
Connections today: Answer, clues for NYT game on Tuesday August 23 2023
WARNING: THERE ARE CONNECTIONS SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT THE AUGUST 23, 2023 CONNECTIONS ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK! Have you been trying out Connections, the super fun new word game from the New York Times that has people sharing those multi-colored squares on social media like they did with Wordle? It’s pretty fun and sometimes very challenging, so we’re here to help you out with some clues and the answer for the four categories that you need to know: 1.
Connections today: Answer, clues for NYT game on Tuesday August 22 2023
WARNING: THERE ARE CONNECTIONS SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT THE AUGUST 22, 2023 CONNECTIONS ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK! Have you been trying out Connections, the super fun new word game from the New York Times that has people sharing those multi-colored squares on social media like they did with Wordle? It’s pretty fun and sometimes very challenging, so we’re here to help you out with some clues and the answer for the four categories that you need to know: 1.
Ted Lasso Cares with guest Alex McDaniel on Apple Podcasts
Alex McDaniel from For The Win and Big Screen Sports joins the pod to discuss episode 9 of season 3 of Ted Lasso, La Locker Room Aux Folles! We cover the episode, talk about kid jokes, and listen to the 1988 classic McGruff the Crime Dog anti-drug album. Enjoy!
Parents are tired of living in fear of school shootings
I woke up this morning thinking about soccer cleats. My son’s are too small because he’s 9, and 9-year-olds are rapidly growing out of everything, and because I, a non-rookie mom, made the rookie mistake of fitting him in one brand and indulging his last-minute switch to another by grabbing a box without trying them on.
Why did a Wisconsin school cut a Dolly Parton-Miley Cyrus song from a first-grade musical?
As the mom of a third-grader, let’s get this out of the way: There is NOTHING cuter than an elementary school musical. A bunch of kids onstage in fancy clothes singing and/or playing 100 out-of-tune recorders simultaneously at the same time ALL AT ONCE?
Brendan Hunt says Ted Lasso Season 3 is 'not necessarily the end of everything'
Fans of Apple TV+’s wildly popular series, Ted Lasso, are gearing up for the show’s third season, which premieres March 15. There’s plenty of speculation around whether this is the last season of the Emmy-winning series. While no one has confirmed the third season will be the show’s last, its creators — Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly — have said from the start it was developed as a three-act story.
Ted Lasso's third season feels like the end — now we have to trust them to stick the landing
Editor’s Note: The following contains a spoiler regarding the plot of Season 3: Episode 1 of Ted Lasso. Being a Ted Lasso fan has always been a test of faith. First, we had to trust the show’s creators — Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt and Joe Kelly — to take a series of NBC Premier League commercials about a clueless American coach in London and give it roots, along with characters worth rooting for.
Joe Burrow thirst is raging on TikTok and y'all should be ashamed
To say Joe Burrow is having a moment isn’t just an understatement — it’s misleading. Burrow’s “moment” has lasted years at this point, both for his talent and ability to bounce back, and his star isn’t fading anytime soon.
Mike Leach’s death has stunned and saddened the sports world
Football fans are stunned by the sudden loss of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach, whose offensive prowess and eccentric personality made him one of the most compelling figures in college sports. Leach, 61, died Monday night after complications from a heart condition, according to a university statement. Leach’s role in developing the air raid offense under Hal Mumme defined not only his 35-year career, but his legacy in college football.
Mike Leach's death has stunned and saddened the sports world
Football fans are stunned by the sudden loss of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach, whose offensive prowess and eccentric personality made him one of the most compelling figures in college sports. Leach, 61, died Monday night after complications from a heart condition, according to a university statement. Leach’s role in developing the air raid offense under Hal Mumme defined not only his 35-year career, but his legacy in college football.
How to watch Taylor Swift's exclusive 'Midnights' teaser trailer on Thursday Night Football
Taylor Swift fans hoping for a sneak peek of her new album, “Midnights”, hours before its official release can tune into the third quarter of Thursday Night Football Oct. 20 for a special teaser trailer.
Taylor Swift might drop an exclusive 'Midnights' video on Thursday Night Football and WE LOVE TO SEE IT
TNF’s Charissa Thompson didn’t bother with subtlety Thursday night when she dropped more Taylor Swift references than a millennial mom’s Instagram to tease an exclusive and “very, very special” premiere on next week’s broadcast, hours before “Midnights” is officially released.
Taylor Swift fans are convinced she's playing the Super Bowl Halftime Show and they might be right
WAKE UP, AMERICA — AND YES, I KNOW THAT’S AN AGGRESSIVE WAY TO SAY HELLO, BUT THEM’S THE BREAKS BECAUSE WE. HAVE. TO. TALK. Twitter lit up early Friday morning when the NFL announced some pretty significant Super Bowl news at the stroke of midnight: They’ve signed a multi-year halftime show sponsorship deal with Apple Music months after ending their deal with Pepsi. (By now you’re asking, “Is THIS why you’re screaming at me right now? Because Apple’s going to be taking over yet another thing?
A Utah fan allegedly threatened to detonate a nuclear reactor if her team lost
A Utah fan allegedly threatened to detonate a nuclear reactor if her team lost Share this article share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/09/utah-fan-nuclear-reactor-loss-yik-yak In today’s Totally Normal and Fine sports news, let’s take it over to the Pac-12 where a college student was reportedly arrested this week for having too much Utah in her.
App State students flooded the streets after upset over Texas A&M and it was THRILLING
App State students flooded the streets after upset over Texas A&M and it was THRILLING Share this article share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/09/app-state-celebrate-texas-am-upset-win Even following last week’s nail-biter against UNC, it’s understandable why Appalachian State students wouldn’t make the trip from Boone, North Carolina to College Station this weekend to watch the Mountaineers face off against...
Taylor Hawkins' teenage son played an emotional 'My Hero' tribute with Foo Fighters
Taylor Hawkins' teenage son played an emotional 'My Hero' tribute with Foo Fighters Share this article share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/09/taylor-hawkins-son-plays-my-hero In their first performance since the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters were joined by celebrities and musical guests in London Saturday to pay tribute to their bandmate and friend.
Peyton Manning foolishly passed on an 'Emily in Paris' cameo to enjoy a romantic vacation with his wife
Peyton Manning foolishly passed on an 'Emily in Paris' cameo to enjoy a romantic vacation with his wife Share this article share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/09/peyton-manning-emily-in-paris-cameo For those of us who are firmly centered in the Venn diagram of football and lightweight romantic comedies, Peyton Manning stole our hearts in January with his VERY ACCURATE REVIEW on Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend...
Wordle today: Answer, clues for Thursday, August 25 2022 word of the day
Wordle today: Answer, clues for Thursday, August 25 2022 word of the day Share this article share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://ftw.usatoday.com/2022/08/wordle-today-answer-clues-august-25-2022 WARNING: THERE ARE WORDLE SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT THE AUGUST 25, 2022 WORDLE ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. As far as hardest Wordle words go, Thursday’s answer wasn’t that bad.
45 really old things that are still younger than Tom Brady
45 really old things that are still younger than Tom Brady Share this article share tweet text email link on Facebook on Twitter via text message on LinkedIn via email https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/tom-brady-birthday-45-things-younger It’s Tom Brady’s birthday, and let’s face it, he looks fantastic for someone who can barely handle a White Claw and hasn’t eaten a processed carb in decades.
Vin Scully, beloved Hall of Fame broadcaster at the helm of the Dodgers for 67 years, died Tuesday at age 94. A cherished voice, not only among Dodgers fans but all who loved baseball, Scully was the longest-tenured broadcaster of a team in the history of pro sports.
13 breathtaking photos of the biggest supermoon of the year
This week brought the biggest supermoon of the year, also known as a “buck” or “thunder” moon, which lit up the night sky in spectacular fashion. Why is it called a “buck” or “thunder” moon? “For millennia, people across the world, including Native Americans in the eastern and central USA, named the months after nature’s cues. “The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon,” the almanac said.
WARNING: THERE ARE WORDLE SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JULY 14, 2022 WORDLE ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. As far as hardest Wordle words go, Thursday's answer was a little tricky. If you're here, you're probably struggling with it and looking for some help.
WARNING: THERE ARE WORDLE SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JUNE 23, 2022 WORDLE ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. As far as hardest Wordle words go, Thursday's answer wasn't so bad. If you're here, you're probably struggling with it and looking for some help.
WARNING: THERE ARE WORDLE SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JUNE 22, 2022 WORDLE ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. As far as hardest Wordle words go, Wednesday's answer could have been worse. If you're here, you're probably struggling with it and looking for some help.
WARNING: THERE ARE WORDLE SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JUNE 20, 2022 WORDLE ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. As far as hardest Wordle words go, Monday's answer wasn't that challenging. If you're here, you're probably struggling with it and looking for some help.
WARNING: THERE ARE WORDLE SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT THE JUNE 19, 2022 WORDLE ANSWER SPOILED FOR YOU. Ready? OK. As far as hardest Wordle words go, Sunday's answer was a walk in the park. If you're here, you're probably struggling with it and looking for some help.
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