Bachelor in Paradise threw a wrench into some couples’ happily ever after with the season 10 elimination twist.

In previous iterations of the Bachelor spinoff, pairs have been able to freely explore their connection until the finale when some contestants (think: Jade Roper and Tanner Tolbert) decided to leave the show engaged. This season, however, contestants are voted off by their peers amid the competition for a $500,000 cash prize.

While some couples have continued to explore their connection offscreen, other former contestants found their way to each other without the cameras. Alli Jo Hinkes and Sam McKinney, for example, hard-launched their relationship on social media in July after missing each other in Costa Rica.

“Sometimes… You just gotta do it your damn self,” the couple captioned a joint Instagram post at the time, sharing a series of PDA-filled photos. “Be a force and #StayRelentless.”

Scroll down to see the status of the couples who left Bachelor in Paradise season 10:

Jess Edwards and Spencer Conley

After connecting on day one in Costa Rica, Spencer proposed to Jess during the finale.

“Every room that you walk into is instantly brighter. You don’t know a stranger. You’re welcoming to everyone. And you always lead with honesty and what’s right, even when it’s something that’s not easy to do,” he said. “I am so in love with you and you let me know the same. Jessica Taylor Edwards, would you make me the happiest man on the face of the planet and would you marry me?”

The twosome told Us that they don’t have a set “timeline” for planning a wedding.

In September 2026, Jess and Spencer announced that they split.

“After a lot of honest conversations and reflection, we’ve made the difficult decision to end our engagement and go our separate ways,” the pair wrote in a joint statement shared via their respective Instagram Stories. “There wasn’t one moment that brought us here.”

Kat Izzo and Dale Moss

After navigating some rocky waters, including claims that Kat had a secret boyfriend back at home, Kat and Dale left Costa Rica as a couple. They revealed on the “Viall Files” the day after the finale aired in September that they are going strong.

Andrew Spencer and Alexe Godwin

Andrew and Alexe solidified their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend during the finale. After the episode aired, they gushed in a joint Instagram post, “Love you level ♾️.”

Jeremy Simon and Bailey Brown

The pair were eliminated ahead of the final test, but they are still dating after meeting on the beach.

“What a ride it’s been. From the first day in paradise until now, we’ve experienced so much more than we ever imagined. Though we didn’t win the money, we are both walking away with something far more valuable: a love that we’ve always dreamed of,” they wrote in a joint Instagram caption after the finale. “Life’s not about perfection, and our journey certainly wasn’t, but it’s all part of what has brought us here. We’ve grown so much over these past few months—both as individuals and as a couple—and we wouldn’t change a thing.”

They added, “Though our time in paradise wasn’t without its challenges, we truly believe everything happens for a reason. Every step, every moment, has led us to this incredible place together. We feel so lucky to have found each other and couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. Xx Bailey and Jeremy 🫰.”

Jeremy and Bailey shared during the first part of the “Bachelor Happy Hour” season 10 reunion podcast that they have plans to move in together.

Kathy Swarts and Keith Gordon

The Golden alums’ connection turned to friendship while they were still in Costa Rica, leading them to eliminate themselves from the final test of the season.

Leslie Fhima and Gary Levingston

When Leslie and Gary were eliminated from the show, they kept smiles on their faces and walked out holding hands. “Her and I will continue to move forward with our journey, just in a different way,” Gary said in a confessional.

Leslie later shared during an episode of the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast that she and Gary “talk all the time.” She added, “We were at the premiere together watching the show in L.A. Gary is, I can honestly say right now, one of my best friends. I’ll call him if I have a problem. He kind of talks me off the ledge a little bit, and we are always there for each other. We have each other’s back.”

Leslie noted that she doesn’t know “what it could be,” but wants to be friends with any romantic partner first. “We have special places in our hearts for each other, and that’s all I can say right now,” she said.

Faith Martin and Kim Buike

Faith and Kim may have been sent home from Bachelor in Paradise early, but the pair continued their relationship outside of Costa Rica. In an Instagram video shared after their elimination, Faith and Kim harmonized together as he kissed her neck. “Good times with family and sweet new friends! #liveyourbestlife,” she captioned the post. Kim, meanwhile, has shared fan edits of the pair’s love story to his social media page.

Allyshia Gupta and Sean McLaughlin

Allyshia and Sean ended their journey in Paradise when they sent themselves home, but have continued to maintain a bond after the show.

“Sean and I are on great terms. We like to have fun with it. It was fun for us. I mean, obviously there’s highs and lows of the whole experience, but at the end of the day, the relationships you walk away with are the best parts,” Allyshia exclusively told Us Weekly, calling her relationship with Sean “fantastic” and adding that “things are great.”

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

Advertisement

The pair have since gone their separate ways. In the first part of the season 10 reunion, Sean shared on the “Bachelor Happy Hour” podcast that he and Allyshia had a “good run” and are no longer romantically involved.

Parisa Shifteh and Brian Autz

Parisa and Brian were eliminated by their fellow contestants, leaving the rose ceremony hand in hand. Brian said in a confessional that the pair were “excited for the future.” It is unclear whether they are still together.

Parisa shared during the first part of the season 10 reunion that she and Brian had a “good run,” while he added that the pair are “still good, close friends.”

Editor’s Note: The following contains full spoilers for Season 2 of ‘The Paper’

The Paper may have started as a spin-off of The Office, but by Season 2 of the Peacock sitcom, the staff at Ohio’s local newspaper, the Toledo Truth Teller, has plenty of problems of its own. For starters, Ned (Domhnall Gleeson) spends much of the season searching for a big “journalistic crusade” while trying to keep his relationship with Mare (Chelsea Frei) from becoming another workplace story. Naturally, it does — and Mare eventually leaves for the Cincinnati Chronicle.

But as the season progresses, Ned’s Glass Club investigation becomes the one story that could bring her back. As co-creator Greg Daniels tells Collider, Ned is “trying to juggle both his romance and his obligations to the paper.” Meanwhile, his creative partner Michael Koman says the writers always try to “combine a newspaper story with an emotional story.”

But even as The Paper builds out its own newsroom and gives us another glimpse of local journalism in a bigger city through Mare’s eyes, The Office is never very far behind. Season 2 continues Oscar’s (Oscar Nuñez) little check-ins with Kevin (Brian Baumgartner), where Daniels reveals there was originally a much bigger connection to the original series that ultimately never made it to screen. So, how do Daniels and Koman decide when to lean into The Office and when to pull back?

In an exclusive conversation about Season 2, Collider spoke with Daniels and Koman about balancing The Paper with its Office roots, why Ned ultimately gives away the story he spent all season chasing, what is really going on with Nicole (Ramona Young) after Season 1’s breakup with Detrick (Melvin Gregg), the Office connection that almost happened, and how a character written as a “Jon Lovitz-type” ended up being played by Jon Lovitz himself.

‘The Paper’ Season 2 Turns Ned’s Biggest Story Into a Love Story

“Our goal is always to combine a newspaper story with an emotional story.”

COLLIDER: Ned spends most of the season searching for this big journalistic crusade, only for the Glass Club investigation to ultimately become Mare’s story. What interested you about having Ned finally make the choice he’s been chasing, only to give that choice away to someone he loves?

GREG DANIELS: Well, there is a shape of it from a romantic standpoint of him trying to juggle both his romance and his obligations to the paper and trying to show off with the crusade and having it blow up in his face and having him have to suffer the loss of Mare to another paper and then redeem himself through winning her respect back. So that was sort of a shape for the season.

MICHAEL KOMAN: Our goal is always to combine a newspaper story with an emotional story, and the show is following what’s happening between these people. So, to know how much work Ned has put in over the course of the season to what ultimately becomes his article about the Glass Club, and for him to be able to give that to Mare in a way, or to at least make sure that she was included in that, to me, these are the two things that are the most special to him: to have a piece of journalism that the paper can actually be proud of and to do it with this person, who is so meaningful to him.

Domhnall [Gleeson] did say he feels like he wanted to have a throuple [laughs], like Ned wants to have the paper and then Mare and him all co-exist.

KOMAN: I think it was really hard for him all season to balance these things. I think he thought it would be easy, and I think he was trying to find some way at the end to create some kind of balance.

Daniels Explains Nicole’s Season 2 Breakdown in ‘The Paper’

“She’s someone who’s trying to plan her life… and she finds out that you can’t do that.”

Image via John P. Fleenor/Peacock

I do have to ask about Nicole, because she has one of the wildest trajectories this season. She loses her best friend, Mare, things fall apart between her and Detrick, and then she becomes fixated on Lisa. What is actually happening underneath all that for Nicole? Is that meant to be her hitting rock bottom, or maybe losing control of things, or trying to create control for herself?

DANIELS: I think what happened was it’s sort of rooted in Season 1, where she entered into a relationship with Detrick and told herself that she had no feelings for him, and dumped him, and then realized afterwards that she had a lot of feelings for him, and she hadn’t been aware of them. I think that she’s just kind of processing that. She’s also trying to do well at work and get out from under Esmeralda’s thumb, and at one point she’s successfully doing that, and then she isn’t.

KOMAN: I think she’s someone who’s trying to plan her life and by controlling her emotions if they’re inconvenient for her, and she finds out that you can’t do that.

‘The Paper’ Season 2 Nearly Featured an Even Bigger ‘Office’ Reunion

“We kind of like these little Easter eggs that just remind you of it without trying to take over.”

Image via John P. Fleenor/Peacock

I do love that Oscar also keeps checking in with Kevin throughout the season. I’m wondering, was that always intended as a little connective tissue back to his world, and would we ever maybe see Kevin visit Ohio? I know he’s a bartender, but he travels. I’m sure he does.

DANIELS: It’s interesting, at one point, we had a whole scene where Oscar is on the phone. They call him for help, and it’s over the weekend, and he’s like, “I’m sorry. I’m halfway to Pennsylvania.” And he turns around, and he’s met Angela and Kevin for a little birthday party at a restaurant. I don’t know, it just felt kind of unnecessary to the story, like it would grab too much attention. So, we kind of like these little Easter eggs that just remind you of it without trying to take over, kind of.

How ‘The Paper’ Season 2 Landed Jon Lovitz, Andy Richter and Andy Daly

“Why don’t we get the real Jon Lovitz? Let’s not fool around.”

Image via John P. Fleenor/Peacock

I’m wondering also, when you bring in comedians like Lisa Gilroy, Andy Richter or Andy Daly — my two favorite Andys, by the way, so I was so happy — and then Jon Lovitz into this world, are you writing with them in mind, or do you guys create these characters, and then you just have them come to mind?

KOMAN: I think it’s a situation where you are writing with them in mind, not necessarily knowing that you would get them, but you think of a character first, you’re talking about why that character would be interesting or funny, and then inevitably you bring up, so people can get a picture in their mind. I do know that Jon Lovitz was the picture that we brought up that was written in the script: “Jon Lovitz-type.”

DANIELS: Yeah, “Jon Lovitz-type” was what we did. I worked with him on Saturday Night Live, and so I know how funny he can be. Then at some point, we were just like, “Well, why don’t we get the real Jon Lovitz? Let’s not fool around.” It was great. That was the same with Andy Richter. And then Andy Daly, we both loved, and he had tried out for Ken’s role that Tim Key plays, and so we were like, “Aw, can’t get two. You can’t have everybody. We got Tim, and Tim’s amazing. Maybe we’ll find a way to work Andy in,” and then he came in.

KOMAN: Working on a television show is fun anyway, but one of the things that’s the most fun is when you can write with a person in mind and then get to stand there and hear their actual voice saying it. It’s very satisfying.

The Paper is now streaming on Peacock.

Advertisement

The Paper

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

September 4, 2025

Network

Peacock

Advertisement

Directors

David Rogers, Jason Woliner, Jeffrey Blitz, Jennifer Celotta, Ken Kwapis, Matt Sohn, Paul Lieberstein, Yana Gorskaya

Writers

Advertisement

L.E. Correia, Michael Levin, Alex Edelman, Patrick Kang, Ben Philippe, Eric Rahill

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

After 29 years, the creators of South Park are changing the iconic comedy series’ name in an attempt to troll President Donald Trump.

“Following their Emmy win for Outstanding Animated Program, South Park is making a big change,” a Tuesday, September 8, press release read in part. “Creators Trey Parker & Matt Stone announce: ‘Inspired by the bravery and patriotism of Apple and Google, we are changing the name of South Park to SOUTH AMERICA. We especially want to thank our parent company Paramount — a Skydance Capitulation.’”

The Comedy Central series also announced that season 29 will premiere on Wednesday, September 16th. New episodes will air every two weeks. The show will be available to stream on Paramount+ the next day.

The name change from South Park to South America is a purposeful dig at Trump, 80, and his apparent obsession with changing the names of various bodies of water and even states.

In January 2025, Trump renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. More recently, Trump issued an executive order changing the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America following stalled trade talks with Canada. He has also proposed changing the name of New Mexico to New America. (While the president has the authority to force U.S. agencies to use a new name for a body of water or state, he cannot require any other country — including Canada — to follow suit.)

South Park, or dare we say South America now, hasn’t shied away at poking fun at Trump and his administration. When the former reality TV star was elected president for the first time in 2016, the animated show parodied the newly-elected commander-in-chief with its character Mr. Garrison.

Parker and Stone made a different creative decision in season 27, opting to use actual images of Trump and Vice President JD Vance to poke fun at Trump’s second administration in both season 27 and 28.

While Trump hasn’t reacted to South Park’s name change yet, the White House previously released a statement slamming the animated series for its portrayal of the president.

Thank You!

You have successfully subscribed.

“This show hasn’t been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Entertainment Weekly in January 2025. “President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our country’s history — and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trump’s hot streak.”

Over the weekend, the Comedy Central series won its fifth Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program at the 2026 Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The show celebrated the accomplishment on Monday, September 7, and included an image of Trump holding the award in celebration.

“Congratulations to Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and the entire South Park team on their Emmy win for Outstanding Animated Program!” read an Instagram post shared by the show.

The cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac” is entering season 11 with something to prove, and the trailer showed fans exactly that. According to the teaser, the new batch of episodes, which begins airing on October 11 at 8 PM EST, gives fans a preview of what to expect as the Maryland-based ladies get back together for another unforgettable season. In addition to capturing Wendy Osefo‘s ongoing legal woes with her husband, Eddie Osefo, the trailer also showed Karen Huger, who was released from prison in September 2025, nearly getting into a physical altercation with “RHOP” mainstay Gizelle Bryant.

The sneak peek showcased laughter, tears, and plenty of drama. One storyline fans will get an update on is Huger’s relationship with her husband, Ray Huger. Season 10 of “RHOP” didn’t show either of them because Karen Huger was in prison.

After serving six months for her DUI conviction, Huger returned to the show with a new perspective and ready to start a new journey that might not include her longtime partner, whom she once dubbed the “Black Bill Gates.” In the trailer, Huger is seen speaking with her co-stars and telling them she plans to “live separately from Ray.”

Advertisement

Karen Huger Addressed Her Prison Sentence In The Upcoming Batch Of Episodes

Elsewhere in the trailer, Huger is seen addressing her time in prison, telling her castmates she now has “street cred” from being locked behind bars. “I wouldn’t f-ck with me,” she said in a confessional before adding, “If it could happen to me, it could happen to anybody.”

Months ago, Huger appeared on an episode of Sherri Shepherd’s now-canceled talk show, “Sherri,” and spoke about what’s changed in her life since being released from prison. “This is not a reflection of what God has done for me since I healed myself,” she said before speaking about the dangers of her behavior. “No one should drink and drive. I was wrong. Okay. I was absolutely dead wrong. I’m so grateful no one was killed.”

Wendy Osefo Is Getting Real About Her Legal Woes In The Next Season Of ‘RHOP’

Also in the trailer, Osefo was seen speaking to her inner circle about her ongoing legal woes involving her husband, Eddie.

According to The Blast, police arrested the pair in October 2025 and accused them of fraud. Since then, the reality TV couple have been in and out of court, attempting to have their case dismissed.

And if that wasn’t enough, Wendy and Eddie appear to be having marital difficulties this year, as the “Real Housewives” mainstay was challenged to think about whether her husband would be in the legal mess he’s in now had he not married her.

Advertisement

Gizelle Bryant Bumps Heads With Huger In Explosive Argument

As for Bryant, the show’s longest-running cast member, she’s forced to overcome a surprise hurdle in her relationship with her best friend, Robyn Dixon, who returned to the series as a friend-of-the-show.

“I’m not with the bulls–t,” Dixon told her co-star before another clip shows the mother of two seemingly calling Bryant out for talking “sh-t” about something on an episode of their podcast, “Reasonably Shady.”

But Dixon isn’t the only one pressing Bryant this year. Later in the trailer, the latter is seen getting into a screaming match with Huger, yelling, “Have you lost your f-cking mind?” Huger, meanwhile, told Bryant from across the room that she is “dead to me!”

There’s A New Lady Joining ‘RHOP’

Amid the chaos, a new lady, Courtney Ajinça, joined the cast of “RHOP” for season 11. According to Bravo, Ajinça is an NBA wife, minister, and prophetess.

Advertisement

Although she wasn’t featured much throughout the trailer, Ashley Darby teased in a confessional that Anjiça could be the source of plenty of drama, calling her “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.”

General Hospital has some leaks and we are bringing them for you from our behind-the-scenes source. This time, it’s mostly focused on character exits, deaths, and a return. We’re going to talk about several characters rumored to be leaving, some temporarily and some for good, like 10 toes up.

And just to be perfectly clear, I classify these as rumors. The leaker has a good track record. But these are not official spoilers. These leaks come from the same source who told us quite a while ago that Jack Brennan (Chris McKenna) was going to be killed off, and that just panned out. Chris McKenna has called his exit rumors clickbait. But clearly they weren’t.

This same source also leaked Cyrus Renault (Jeff Kober) was Sam McCall’s (Kelly Monaco) killer way before it came out and a bunch of other stuff. So, with that in mind, we’re going to talk about some more exits our source says are coming, plus a return.

Kai Exits General Hospital

And first of all, just along with Brennan‘s exit, our leaker says that hot on the heels of that, Kai Taylor (Jens Austin Astrup) is also set to exit. Late last year, Jens Austin Astrup, who plays Kai, was dropped from contract to recurring. Back then, we heard that he was on his way out. The latest rumor said that Kai’s exit was delayed, along with a lot of other stuff that shifted.

This was because of the long breaks that Finola Hughes and Steve Burton were allowed to take. And if this rumor pans out and Kai exits, obviously that’ll be a bummer for Trina Robinson (Tabyana Ali). Because she’s really going through it right now with her dad Curtis Ashford (Donnell Turner) being in Pentonville.

Plus, there’s the recent bombshell that just dropped that Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) was the second driver in Curtis and Jordan Ashford‘s (Tanisha Harper) accident. Of course, we all knew. But Trina’s just now finding out.

Trina’s Stalker Bombshell on GH

And then there’s the other bombshell yet to drop that Trina has an obsessed stalker. So, this is the worst time for her to lose somebody who is her support and who’s in her corner. And soon, Trina is going to need that support more than ever. And if Kai leaves, that’s going to be a hard hit for Trina. Currently, she and Kai are doing great. So, if his character leaves, I honestly suspect we’re going to see some sort of foul play involved.

If you remember, Simon (Grady Eldridge) just told Kai not to hold Trina back. And of course, there’s a chance that record label guy Simon is Trina’s stalker. So, it could be that Simon is pressuring Kai to dump Trina and walk away. Or what I feel like is more likely, Kai is killed off by Trina’s stalker. Whether the bad guy is Simon or whether it’s Quinn (Jequan Jackson), who’s another likely candidate. But that would be a really soapy outcome.

General Hospital LEAK: Ric Killed Off

The second exit that the leaker mentioned is Ric Lansing (Rick Hearst). We’ve talked about that here before because we’d heard a while back that Rick Hearst may leave. But this was another exit that was rumored to be delayed because of the long breaks and it was supposed to happen a while back.

So, one leak said that Ric had a health crisis. The rumor said it was coming in Fall and it would be near fatal or possibly actually fatal. And this was intended to be a storyline to amp things up for Sonny Corinthos (Maurice Benard)’s storyline.

However, this leak contradicts another leak we heard from a good source that Ric was going to be fine and was supposed to be splitting with Liz and that he may reunite with his ex, Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn). So, we’ll see if one of those manifests. That being said, I don’t want Ric to go. I love him.

General Hospital: Willow Headed to the Nuthouse

All right, next. Let’s talk about Willow Tait Corinthos (Katelyn MacMullen). Our source says she’s supposed to be making a temporary exit this fall. Her contract renewal date is October unless they’ve already inked the deal. And we’ve heard that part of the negotiations was to get Willow some sort of exit to accommodate a break for the actress who’s been on the front burner a while.

So, reportedly she wanted a long break like what Finola Hughes got. And that may be why Willow is going off the canvas for a little while. It was originally about her wanting a break. But it may tie into these contract negotiations. And with the way Drew Cain Quartermaine (Cameron Mathison) is coming for Willow, and Jack’s gone missing, you know, plus Michael Corinthos (Rory Gibson)’s got her cornered, everything is falling apart for Willow.

So, it would make sense for her to have some kind of exit to face consequences for a while. With Brennan dead, the evidence against Drew is obscured for now, maybe forever. So, it’s just a question of what and who is finally going to take down Willow because she’s way overdue for consequences.

General Hospital: Drew Blindsides Willow

This week, Drew is over at her congressional office and he’s taunting his ex-wife. He may want to see Willow in Pentonville for drugging him because Drew can’t nail her for shooting him twice in the back. And that is because Willow already faced trial for that. And thanks to Alexis, she was acquitted. Not exonerated. But off the hook for those criminal charges because of double jeopardy.

But Willow and her drugging him and then Nina Reeves (Cynthia Watros) dumping Drew into the lake trying to drown him, those are all things he wants payback for. And if he doesn’t have to worry about that blackmail evidence, he could pursue that. So, Willow might be arrested or she has some big mental breakdown that could send her to Shady Brook or Ferncliff to facilitate her exit.

Who Moves in at the Quartermaine Gate House?

Our source also says when the actress goes on her break, the Quartermaine gate house is going to be free again and somebody else may move in. Our leaker also heard a while back, I think it was like in March, that the General Hospital writers were planning a Willow and Michael reunion with an Alan Quartermaine (Stuart Damon) and Monica Quartermaine (Leslie Charleson) type vibe.

So, the temporary exit for Willow was also supposedly a proactive safety measure to protect the soap. So, in case the negotiations to renew didn’t work out and they needed time to recast the role, they could send Willow offscreen to Shady Brook or Ferncliff and then bring her back with a new face.

General Hospital: Michael & Willow 2.0

So, it’s all pretty exciting if General Hospital is going to go that route with Michael and Willow, honestly. Because it seemed like they might be on a road to reconciliation. They were sparking when Jacinda Bracken (Paige Herschell) drugged Willow with MDMA and she was being sweet to Michael and flirty. So, maybe Willow hitting rock bottom and having a breakdown and going to a mental health facility will ultimately bring her and Michael back together.

You know, maybe Willow can finally get a clear head if she spends time in intensive therapy and works through her messed up Shiloh Archer (Coby Ryan McLaughlin) teenage rape trauma. I feel like the Dawn of Day stuff and her dad being forced out is what made Willow vulnerable to Drew’s manipulations and all of his gaslighting.

So, if the therapist can fix Willow’s issues, maybe she and Michael could reunite and have a decent relationship. Honestly, there have been more toxic pairings on General Hospital that ended up in a reunion and worked out fine. So, we’ll see how it all plays out.

General Hospital: Tristan Connected to Britt

Our source has been really on point lately. Some more tidbits from the leaker include that Tristan Roberts (Dean Geyer) is supposed to be keeping an eye on Britt Westbourne (Kelly Thiebaud) to see if she’s in contact with her dad Cesar Faison‘s (Anders Hove) network.

And rumor has it the reason Z (John Oliver) saved Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) and took him away was because Z wanted more info on Faison’s network from his son. Rumors point to JJE possibly having some subsidiaries also tied to Faison’s organization.

That’s why Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is involved in the WSB. Remember again, these are not official spoilers. File them under leaks and rumors and watch to see what happens on General Hospital as Port Charles heats up and we’ve got exits. We’ve got possible recast. We have a big return. Because Cassius is supposed to be back. Stay tuned for all of that.

I’ve learned the hard way that splurging on baby items before your little one arrives is probably a bad idea. For instance, who knew my kid would hate the multiple baby carriers I own, or that he prefers to sleep everywhere except his pricey crib? Even the fancy, expensive stroller I got has sat unused — it’s way too bulky and a pain to set up, which is why I’ve been (unofficially) testing travel strollers as we enter the toddler phase.

My requirements for the perfect stroller pick? It has to be lightweight, fold easily and — because I’m a fashion girl at heart — have a cute, sleek yet convenient design. That kind of combo does exist and, shockingly, it doesn’t cost thousands, especially now that this stroller is discounted during Amazon’s September Baby Sale. The Mamazing Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller has completely changed my life.

Get the Mamazing Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller for $190 (was $250) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Made from carbon fiber, this stroller weighs just 11.6 pounds, so even though I’m currently slacking on my fitness routine, I have no problem picking it up or toting it around. It’s also compact, folding neatly at the push of a button and fitting easily into the tote-like bag it comes with. I’ve brought this stroller on planes, where it fits in an overhead compartment, but I usually keep it in my car trunk since it takes up so little space. It’s now become my everyday go-to.

Sometimes, smaller strollers mean sacrificing storage space, but Mamazing’s design includes an under-seat basket that’s large enough to hold a backpack or diaper bag. It also has plenty of safety features like an easy-to-operate brake and a five-point harness that keeps my tiny escape artist secure. And while the material is soft and breathable, the canopy offers UV protection. Basically, this stroller checks all my boxes and then some!

I’m not the only fan of this parent must-have either. Plenty of Amazon reviewers sing its praises, saying the stroller is ideal for trips and beyond.

“Ordered this a year ago and it has been absolutely fantastic for traveling with a young child,” one reviewer wrote. “It’s easy to collapse and fits in the overhead compartment for planes. The travel bag is a plus (as we’ve stashed other items in with the stroller to get on flights), and it can be easily folded and unfolded one-handed.”

The shopper continued: “It’s held up through airport delays, Vegas, cruising, farmers’ markets and most other travel. We barely use the full-size stroller we have anymore because this one is so much more convenient to move around.”

Another shopper who calls it “the best travel stroller” wrote in a review: “This collapsible travel stroller has been one of the best purchases for our baby we’ve ever made. It is worth the money!”

They even highlight the compact, durable build and comfy design: “We’ve taken it around the country and on multiple planes and cruises. It has traveled on sandy, rocky and cobblestone streets with no problems. Our baby loves it and often falls asleep in it. With the ability to recline, it’s really easy for him to take naps, and he’s quite comfortable.”

While I use my stroller for my 15-month old, some have used it for much younger babies and older kids, too. According to brand guidelines, it’s ideal for those 6 months and up to 50 pounds, so if you see me still using it years from now, don’t be surprised!

For a limited time, this already reasonably priced stroller is on sale for $190. I got the green, but the gray, black and khaki are all so chic that I might have to purchase another one for Nonna and Grandpa, too! Trust me — it’s a worthy investment.

Get the Mamazing Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller for $190 (was $250) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

UsNow Fall Sale Alert: These chic fashion finds are up to 60% off – plus free shipping

Welcome to fall with our biggest sale of the season. Our favorite dresses, tops, handbags, and shoes are all on sale + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.

Shop the UsNow Fall Sale –>

Related: 17 Amazon ‘Carpool Sets’ for Looking Put-Together in 30 Seconds

Advertisement

I’m always looking for ways to make getting dressed easier, and I’m officially calling matching outfits my new ‘carpool sets.’ These throw-on-and-go combinations make you look put-together in about 30 seconds, even when the morning feels chaotic. Better yet, many of my favorite options work especially well for the tricky summer-to-fall stretch. I found 17 […]

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for Lanterns Episode 4.

Superhero stories have become a staple of film and TV over the last few decades, but historically, the genre has struggled in one distinct way. Women too rarely play leading roles, and if they don’t, they’re usually sidelined. That’s not to say there are no good examples of female characters in superhero media, but there are few to choose from. While Lanterns star Poorna Jagannathan spoke about the issue in an upcoming interview for Collider Ladies Night, she also emphasized that the DCU’s latest show does something different for the superhero genre.

Lanterns primarily follows Hal Jordan (Kyle Chandler) and John Stewart (Aaron Pierre) as they investigate suspicious events in the small town of Rushville, Nebraska. Yet, even with two male characters leading the story, the series doesn’t fall into the superhero genre’s most common trap. From Jagannathan’s Zoe to Jasmine Cephas Jones‘s Bernadette Stewart, Lanterns features complex women who play vital roles. In doing so, the DCU series proves the genre’s division between men’s and women’s stories is pointless.

The Superhero Genre Has Historically Struggled With Female Characters

The lack of women in the superhero genre has been discussed many times, but this goes beyond that. Jagannathan described the problem as “binary,” saying that “women’s stories are told in the women’s superhero [stories], and the men’s don’t.” While her explanation is simple, the truth appears throughout both DC and Marvel’s onscreen universes. Often, the women in male-led superhero content are designated as romantic interests or supporting characters. The result is a genre where women never get the narrative spotlight they deserve.

In the former DCEU, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) was set up as a fascinating character in her own film, but her next appearance in Justice League was far less remarkable, despite her being one of DC’s most iconic superheroes. Meanwhile, other women in the franchise, except Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), have limited significance to the stories they appear in. Reserving women’s stories for female-led projects significantly reduces the number of interesting characters in the genre. Worse, it creates a major divide between male-led and female-led projects.

‘Lanterns’ Takes a Different Approach to Its Female Characters

While this shortcoming is traditionally typical for the superhero genre, Lanterns takes a different path. The DCU series may primarily revolve around Hal Jordan and John Stewart, but several women carry significant narrative weight, including Bernadette Stewart, Sheriff Kerry Kane (Kelly Macdonald), and Zoe Macon. As Jagannathan puts it, “I feel the female characters are given such weight and importance, and they are allowed to shine, which is very, very different from what I’ve seen in the past.” Although Lanterns hasn’t introduced a female superhero, these characters have a huge influence in the story, especially with Episode 4 all but confirming that Zoe is the Manhunter.

Lanterns’ portrayal of women stands out because they actively contribute to the series through their own choices rather than simply being connected to the male characters. Each of these three women has clear goals: Bernadette focuses on ensuring John’s future, Kerry is determined to protect her town, and Zoe holds on to her power by whatever means necessary. Admittedly, Bernadette’s role largely revolves around being John’s mother, yet her choices actively shape the direction of his story. The series may force viewers to question the morality of each woman’s actions, but they are allowed to be truly complex. This only increases their significance, reflecting the ambiguity the series is trying to explore. Lanterns is better because of the complex women it features, proving the superhero genre doesn’t need to separate stories by gender.

Lanterns is streaming on HBO Max with new episodes on Sundays.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

August 16, 2026

Network

Advertisement

HBO

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Jessie J, whose real name is Jessica Cornish, is temporarily stepping away from the spotlight. 

The singer-songwriter opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis over a year ago and has remained honest throughout her experience, keeping fans updated.  

However, it seems the vocal powerhouse needs some time to herself, amid dealing with a separation, raising her child, and navigating social media allegations. 

3

The “Bang Bang” singer took to Instagram in an emotional post to reveal she would be taking a break from the public eye to focus on herself. 

“I want to start this post off by saying I am ok,” the caption began. “I am not at my best but very far from my worst,” she added, potentially making reference to her diagnosis. 

“It’s no secret that the last 2 years have been magical, successful, life-changing, and extremely busy,” Jessie J added, a few days after concluding her first tour in almost a decade. 

The 38-year-old has had a very eventful couple of years, from releasing her first album in 8 years, “Don’t Tease Me With A Good Time,” to moving back to her home country of England, and co-parenting her toddler Sky Colman with former partner Chanan Safir Colman.

However, she shared that it had taken a toll on her. “The past 2 years have taken a toll on parts of me that I haven’t had time to give space and grace to,” Jessie admitted.

“Now’s the time. Work has slowed down. So healing speeds up, please. So I’m tapping out of this [world] for a while and into my real one. To give my mind, body, and heart a well-needed hug.”

She also revealed that she would be undergoing her second cancer reconstruction surgery, explaining that this chapter is about loving herself, recharging, and being present. Jessie described the break as a “digital cleanse” 

“I’m posting this for the people who would give af that I haven’t posted or been active for a while,” she concluded.

Jessie J And Chanan Safir Colman Broke Up Earlier This Year

The singer’s choice comes as she continues to handle living as a single mother following her breakup with ex Colman.

E! News reported that in July, the couple announced their separation in a joint post, disclosing that it was a sad and difficult situation. They added they were navigating the situation privately for a healthy and happy co-parenting environment for their son.

“We will always continue supporting each other with love, respect and care as friends and most importantly being Sky’s Mum and Dad,” the statement read.

Advertisement

Jessie J Had A Broken Neck Scare While On Tour In China 

Her breakup with Colman is one of several major challenges Jessie J has recently faced, as she had a health scare in March of this year. 

While on her “No Secrets Tour” in China, the singer bumped her head while getting into a van. She subsequently had to have an MRI.

She was scared that she had broken her neck, but she injured her neck and her back, according to The Blast.

The mother of one was heard saying to her team, “I’m alright, I’ll just have to take some painkillers and march right through it. I just want to kind of run down the show.”

Jessie J Has Been Candid On Her Experience With Cancer 

3

The “Price Tag” singer has remained open about her health battle. The Blast reported that while performing at the Irving Plaza in New York City, she talked to the crowd about her breast cancer. 

She spoke on how 2025 was the year of perspective, joking that it was “rude” of her breasts to give her cancer 10 days before releasing her album. 

Advertisement

The Grammy-nominated singer also had an encouraging message for anyone battling breast cancer, advising them to “hold the f-ck on” 

Jessie J Pushed Back Against Pregnancy Allegations 

3

Her medical diagnosis isn’t the only personal thing the British pop star has addressed.

“I just have a little belly since Sky,” she wrote in reference to allegations that she was pregnant with her second child back in February. “BUT I also decided to wear a skin-tight catsuit on the last day of my period/ovulation bloatation day.”

She concluded that women could have bellies and not be pregnant, adding that it was an insane thought, per The Blast. 

Advertisement

The past several decades in the private equity landscape have witnessed subtle but monumental forms of  change. The days of leveraged buyouts and balance sheet optimization have shifted to something  different—an industry that is increasingly reliant on operational expertise as a form of creating and sustaining value.  

The adoption of lean manufacturing, in particular, has helped usher in firms that are specifically focused  on building value rather than buying value. Analyzing the decades-long career of John Stewart— Founding & Managing Partner at MiddleGround Capital and a staple in the sphere of private equity since  2007—can help those newer to lean manufacturing understand the shift. 

Private Equity Firms Historically and Lean Manufacturing 

4

Historically, creating value in private equity has depended on leverage. Firms typically raise capital and purchase organizations using the debt they’ve acquired. They then aim to improve the company they’ve  purchased in myriad ways before selling for a profit several years down the road. What mattered first and foremost was financial structuring. 

But higher interest rates and a vast increase in the competition for deals have led to the downfall of this model. And it’s forced many private equity firms to shift their operations in terms of generating capital.  That’s where operational value creation via lean manufacturing techniques has thrived. 

An evolution of the Toyota Production System, lean manufacturing is an approach that focuses on  minimizing waste while maximizing production and empowering frontline workers. Lean emphasizes the  Japanese philosophy of Kaizen, a concept that focuses on continuous improvement. Lean methods are proving particularly useful in industrial sectors that haven’t been fully optimized yet, which are the exact companies that many private equity firms look to purchase and reshape.  

John Stewart’s Trajectory and the Founding of MiddleGround 

4

Since delving into the world of private equity in 2007, John Stewart’s career has been one that  exemplifies this shift toward lean manufacturing. While most private equity founders come from money or a background in finance, Stewart started his career as an hourly worker on Toyota’s factory floor.  

He ascended through the ranks and would eventually lead Toyota’s largest division in Europe before  making the transition into the world of finance and investing. That background was specifically what led  him to believe in lean manufacturing principles. To Stewart, the backbone of value creation lies in supply chains, production systems, and buy-in from a company’s workforce. He shaped MiddleGround Capital around that exact philosophy. 

His company’s approach differs from many traditional equity firms in that it relies on hands-on operational improvement. Much of the team at MiddleGround Capital is made up of experts from industrial backgrounds—workers who have developed expertise in shop-floor efficiency and inventory management. And they use their expertise at every level of the organization. 

Lean Manufacturing in MiddleGround and Other Firms’ Approach  

4

In terms of operational value creation, lean manufacturing principles are critical to the MiddleGround  Capital’s approach. John Stewart’s aim has specifically been to introduce advanced forms of automation 

and standardize processes. With these additions, Stewart and his team have worked tirelessly to unearth  productivity levels in under-optimized companies.  

For instance, since 2023, MiddleGround has utilized an in-house automation team that specifically  identifies automation opportunities and supports safety improvements for the organizations they work  alongside. MiddleGround’s automation roadmaps have offered a holistic path forward for combining and replicating opportunities across various sectors. The goal is to have ownership teams at companies build  their automation plans from the ground up.  

MiddleGround’s focus on lean manufacturing and automation hasn’t been all about cost-cutting, either.  Instead, the company has emphasized that the implementation of lean principles can lead to increased  work outputs and improved wages for frontline workers. This approach runs in contrast to traditional  private equity firms, which often extract value at all costs.  

It’s not just John Stewart who has adopted this method, either. Private equity firms across the United  States and globally have implemented lean manufacturing principles to varying degrees of success. Just look at the philosophies and success of Core Industrial Partners and American Industrial Partners. Across  the board, lean is altering the way companies view value. There are firms that still place a high priority on  deal-making prowess—and there are firms that want to stimulate value through ethical execution and high  levels of expertise.  

How the Shift Impacts the Present and Future of Private Equity 

4

So, how does this shift impact both the present and future of private equity operational value creation?  Firms that prioritize operational value tend to adopt longer-term perspectives and take more proactive measures with companies that require overhauling. They’re also prepared for economic fluctuations, as  their ROI is less dependent on beneficial financing conditions. This approach can especially be effective  in the industrial manufacturing sector, where issues tend to be structural. 

It must be noted that the lean manufacturing model is not without its challenges. It’s difficult to scale. It’s resource-intensive. And, more than anything, adopting a complete operational overhaul is incredibly complex. It requires an open mind, specific industrial know-how, and long-term investing acumen.  

Still, the rise of lean manufacturing principles in the private equity sector comes as a welcome and  encouraging shift. Firms like Alpine, Core Industrial Partners, American Industrial Partners, and John  Stewart’s MiddleGround Capital have seen exceptional results over the years and helped usher the  principles into the mainstream. And as financial engineering continues to develop and broaden its views,  the ability to improve how organizations operate from a lean perspective might lead to incredible value  creation in the future of private equity.

The “Dancing with the Stars” ballroom is already buzzing with controversy before the new season has even begun.

The ringer debate centers on whether contestants with serious dance backgrounds have an unfair head start. Since its debut in 2005, the competition has brought celebrities from wildly different backgrounds into the ballroom, each learning to navigate the demands of a style they may have never tried before.

The “Dancing with the Stars” ringer debate may be heated now, but questions about who has an advantage have followed the show for years.

Bobby Bones says he has noticed a pattern on “Dancing with the Stars” that continues to surprise him. In his post, he said he has seen contestants with years of dance training come onto the show and then describe ballroom as extremely difficult simply because they have never performed that particular style.

Bones made clear that he does not have a problem with trained dancers competing. His issue is with contestants acting as though having no ballroom experience means they have no dance advantage, despite already possessing skills such as rhythm, balance, flexibility, posture, body control, and spatial awareness.

He compared it to putting a professional baseball player into a slow-pitch softball game. The game may be different, but the athlete still knows how to track a ball, swing a bat, maintain balance, and generate power. For Bones, pretending that years of dance training offer no advantage is what he finds “a little insulting,” because it is “an obvious advantage.”

Fans Side With Bobby Bones Saying The ‘DWTS’ Advantage Is Impossible To Ignore

According to Bones’ Instagram post, the reaction from viewers echoed his argument, with one commenter writing, “Same for athletes from gymnastics and figure skating. Just admit the advantage and keep going.”

Another added, “I agree! They know how to dance! They will just get better and better with no struggle like the ones with no dance experience, but like you said it happens every season.”

A third commenter pushed the argument even further, writing, “You winning Dancing with the Stars was what the show was originally all about… someone coming on with no dance experience and learning ballroom dancing and winning.”

Advertisement

The comments underline the tension at the heart of the debate. For some viewers, the appeal of “Dancing with the Stars” comes from watching people with little or no dance background learn ballroom from the ground up, making the presence of contestants with years of training a very different kind of competition.

Jenna Dewan Says ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Is A Different Kind Of Challenge 

The debate over dance experience has already put Jenna Dewan under a microscope, particularly because she spent years dancing professionally before becoming an actress. While Bobby Bones argues that contestants should acknowledge the advantage that training gives them, Dewan sees the issue differently.

The Blast reported that Dewan has insisted her previous dance background does not mean ballroom will come easily. “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” she said, while acknowledging that her training helps with choreography and performance but also means she has to “unlearn” certain habits.

That defense gives the ringer debate another side. While some viewers see years of dance training as an obvious head start, Dewan believes switching into ballroom requires a completely different technique, keeping the argument over what truly counts as an unfair advantage very much alive.

The Casting Controversy Goes Beyond Dance Experience

The questions surrounding Season 35 are not limited to who has spent years dancing. The Blast reported that some contestants are also paying attention to the relationships certain cast members already have within the “Dancing with the Stars family,” adding another layer to the fairness debate.

One connection reportedly drawing attention is Jenna Dewan’s friendship with judge Derek Hough. The two previously worked together on “World of Dance” and “ABC’s Step Into…The Movies”, with an insider describing them as “more or less besties.”

Advertisement

Tatyana Ali has also reportedly raised questions because of her longtime friendship with co-host Alfonso Ribeiro, who played her brother on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”

One source claimed that familiarity could give Ali an advantage through their existing bond, meaning the conversation around Season 35 is no longer just about dance training, but also about who may already have an inside connection to the show.

Jenna Johnson Said More Than Dance Could Decide ‘Dancing With The Stars’

With dance experience and personal connections already fueling questions about Season 35, Jenna Johnson believes the ballroom race cannot be reduced to either one. Different contestants can arrive with strengths that have little to do with professional dance training.

The Blast reported that Johnson has pointed to athletic stamina, acting ability, musicality, and even fan support as factors that can shape a contestant’s run. In other words, knowing how to dance may help, but it is only one piece of a much bigger competition.

That could be the most important distinction in the entire ringer debate. Everyone may enter with some kind of advantage, but the Mirrorball Trophy still requires contestants to handle live performances, learn quickly, and connect with viewers.

Advertisement

With so many different factors now in play, could “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 finally prove that the biggest advantage is not always the most obvious one?