Entertainment
Cynthia Bailey on Her ‘RHOA’ Season 18 Casting
Season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” is nearing its end, with part one of the reunion having aired. Now, as fans await news about the next installment of the hit Bravo series, beloved friend of the show Cynthia Bailey is revealing that she will, in fact, be returning. This comes after Andy Cohen squashed rumors about a shakeup for the “RHOA” cast.

Bailey took to the “Humble Brag” podcast, which she hosts with Crystal Kung Minkoff, to discuss “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” during the August 10 episode. They started with Minkoff mentioning Cohen’s comments, where he essentially said, ‘everyone’s back.”
Bailey then said, “I definitely saw him say that this was the cast, and there was a photo I was in, so I am a part of that as well.” Minkoff then stated, “You heard it here, Cynthia’s back, obviously,” with Bailey then laughing, saying, “Andy said it first.”
She went on to discuss the most recent “RHOA” season, stating that she had “the most fun” she’s ever had filming the series.
Cynthia Bailey Does Not Have Plans To Become A Full Housewife

Bailey continued this line of discussion by mentioning that many had asked if she desired to return to her status as a full-time cast member instead of a friend of the show. According to her, “This is my sweet spot.” However, she’s not ruling out a casting upgrade in the future.
The 59-year-old continued, “I’m not saying that I won’t ever because I’m not an idiot. I’m not gonna say that. I may wake up next week and say [change my mind].” Bailey went on, “But I love the space that I’m in now.” After that, she stated that she “invented the friend contract. I invented the friendship contract so I feel like in some way I manifested this space for myself.”
As for why she prefers to be a friend of the show on “RHOA,” Bailey stated that it allows for flexibility in her career, noting that she recently booked a movie role. The Bravo star added, “It works for me.”
The ‘RHOA’ Fan-Favorite Initially Left The Series In 2021
Bailey joined “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” during the show’s third season as a full-time housewife. She then appeared on the series for 11 consecutive seasons before announcing her exit in September 2021. Bailey announced the news on Instagram.
She said at the time, “After much thought and consideration, I have made the very difficult and heartfelt decision not to return for the next season of Real Housewives of Atlanta. Thank you, NBC Universal, Bravo, and Truly Original for over a decade of partnership. I can’t wait to see what we do next!”
Bailey’s statement continued, “Most importantly, THANK YOU to my fans! I could not have done it without your blessings, love, and support. Without the fans, none of this would be possible. I love and appreciate all of you.
It’s time to move on to my next chapter, and I look forward to sharing it with all of you.”
Andy Cohen Says He’s ‘Very Happy’ With The Current ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ Cast

As season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” edged closer to its conclusion, rumors began to swirl about the cast moving forward. Notably, many stated that current cast members Shamea Morton and Kelli Ferrell would not be returning and that NeNe Leakes would rejoin the show.
However, in early August 2026, Cohen took to SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live” to debunk the reports about season 18 of “RHOA.” He said, “There are a lot of casting rumors online, which came out over the weekend, and I’m gonna tell you that they’re not true.”
Cohen continued, “If you want a preview of next season of Atlanta, look at this cast. This is the group, guys. I mean, we love this group. So spoiler alert, we’re very happy. As you can see from the reunion, I was very happy as the day went on.”
Cynthia Bailey Will Be Featured On The New ‘Ultimate Girls Trip’

Bravo’s new limited series, “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” premiered on Bravo on August 9, after being announced at BravoCon 2025. The series features seven primary cast members: Vicki Gunvalson, Kyle Richards, Luann de Lesseps, Teresa Giudice, Porsha Williams, Gizelle Bryant, and Lisa Barlow.
In addition to the main cast, close to 100 current and former “Housewives” stars are also set to appear, including the likes of Dorit Kemsley, Ashley Darby, Tamra Judge, and Bailey.
Entertainment
Anne Hathaway’s 4-Word Reply To ‘Fake’ Baby Bump Claims
Anne Hathaway isn’t allowing one of the stranger theories surrounding her pregnancy to linger unanswered.
Just one day after her daring maternity outfit became a major online talking point, the actress found herself at the center of an even more personal debate as some social media users questioned whether her exposed baby bump was actually real.
Rather than issue a lengthy denial, Hathaway seemingly addressed the speculation with four playful words that left little room for interpretation.
Hathaway appeared to have seen the chatter surrounding her baby bump after photos from “The End Of Oak Street” premiere spread across social media.
The 43-year-old responded on Instagram with a behind-the-scenes montage documenting the chaotic process of getting ready for the event.
“Fake hair, real bump,” Hathaway wrote in the caption, adding that fans could watch as her outfit “literally melts in the heat.”
The joke was particularly fitting because the video actually showed one thing about Hathaway’s appearance that wasn’t entirely natural.
As members of her glam team prepared her hair, a stylist could be seen securing a hairpiece to create additional volume in her ponytail.
“It’s not my hair,” Hathaway freely admitted in the footage. Her baby bump, however, was another matter entirely.
The cheeky distinction appeared to be Hathaway’s answer to viewers who had begun questioning her pregnancy after seeing photographs and videos from Sunday’s premiere.
Anne Hathaway’s Exposed Baby Bump Sparked A Bizarre Online Theory

The speculation emerged after Hathaway walked the Los Angeles red carpet in an outfit specifically designed to showcase her growing stomach.
The Oscar winner wore a custom Atelier Prabal Gurung high-low halter top made from celestial-blue and vivid-crimson silk mikado, paired with low-rise jeans.
The unconventional combination initially sparked a fashion debate, with critics particularly fixated on Hathaway’s decision to wear denim with the dramatic top.
However, the conversation soon moved beyond her clothes. Some TikTok users began questioning the appearance of Hathaway’s stomach, with one asking, “Why does it look fake?” The comment reportedly attracted thousands of likes.
Another viewer claimed, “It does look fake. There’s body makeup on it.”
Other users quickly pushed back against the speculation, pointing out the obvious problem with comparing one pregnant woman’s body to another.
One defender suggested Hathaway’s fitness could contribute to the shape of her stomach, while another questioned why women were scrutinizing her body simply because their own pregnancies had looked different.
Hathaway’s “real bump” response seemingly made clear exactly where she stood on the theory.
The Pregnancy Rumors Come After Hathaway’s Maternity Outfit Was Already Roasted

The unusual pregnancy speculation added another layer to what had already been a surprisingly controversial red carpet appearance.
As The Blast reported, Anne Hathaway’s maternity outfit sharply divided fans before questions about her bump even began circulating.
Some critics described the ensemble as “ridiculous” and “tacky,” while others couldn’t understand why the dramatic Prabal Gurung top had been paired with jeans.
“Jeans? JEANS?! That dazzling top deserves a better companion,” one critic complained.
Yet Hathaway herself appeared completely comfortable with the fashion gamble.
The look was deliberately constructed around her pregnancy, with the cropped front leaving her stomach uncovered while the fabric cascaded behind her into a dramatic train.
Whatever fans thought about the jeans, Hathaway clearly wasn’t interested in hiding her changing body.
Anne Hathaway Has Been Open About Her Fertility Struggles

The suggestion that Hathaway might be faking her pregnancy is especially striking given how candidly she has discussed what expecting another child means to her.
Hathaway and her husband, Adam Shulman, already share sons Jonathan and Jack, but the actress has previously spoken openly about experiencing fertility struggles.
When announcing her second pregnancy in 2019, Hathaway specifically acknowledged that conception had not been a straightforward journey for her.
Her third pregnancy therefore came with considerable surprise.
Anne Hathaway Revealed Why Baby No. 3 Felt So Unlikely
During a July appearance on “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” Hathaway explained that she and Shulman knew what they were doing but were still stunned that they had conceived.
“We were so shocked it went this way,” she said, revealing that they had nicknamed the pregnancy their “buzzer-beater.”
Hathaway also offered even more perspective on becoming pregnant in her 40s during a chat with Access Hollywood, explaining that she and Shulman approached the possibility with very low expectations.
She said they understood their chances were limited and simply decided to see where life took them.
That reality has made the pregnancy particularly meaningful.
“We’re overjoyed because we just know from personal experience that not everybody gets this,” Hathaway explained, acknowledging that some people never get the pregnancy they hope for.
Entertainment
Bold and Beautiful 2-Week Spoilers Aug 10-21: Sheila Rescues Steffy! Stunning Death Twist!
The Bold and the Beautiful 2-Week Spoilers for August 10-21, 2026 excite with Steffy Forrester (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) having her life being saved by Sheila Carter (Kimberlin Brown). And it looks like it may be a deathly drop shock. It’s going to be life and death in Monaco and it’s going to change everything.
Also, in the two weeks of August 10th through the 21st, we’ve got R.J. making a pitch. Brooke Logan (Katherine Kelly Lang) is enraged. Will Spencer (Crew Morrow) and Dylan get frisky, and even more. Let’s jump right into it.
On Monday, August 10th, Brooke, Ridge Forrester (Thorsten Kaye), and Steffy are all in Monte Carlo trying to work on Forester Creations international relations. Of course, they’re blaming their issues on Logan and their debut. Ridge is teasing Steffy and Ridge wants to know why she’s looking at her phone, not the amazing view.
And turns out Steffy’s monitoring Finn’s flight to see when it lands. Brooke is sorry Finn couldn’t fly with them, but Steffy says, “You know, I married a dedicated surgeon, so he had to stay behind to take care of a patient.” But Steffy’s really excited to be reunited with Finn in Monaco.
Meanwhile, on the plane, Sheila is crowding Finn’s space to look out the window. She wants to know if he can see the Mediterranean yet. And Finn’s annoyed and tells Sheila, “If you want, you can just have the window seat.” Electra Forester (Laneya Grace) and R.J. Forrester (Brayan Nicoletti) are starting a new venture together.
Electra, of course, is very hurt over the Will split and R.J. is trying to distract her. So, up at the Forester Creations office, we’re going to see Electra in a beautiful dress and R.J. is telling Electra that he thinks the next youth line should be hers.
So, it sounds like R.J. is suggesting to Electra she could replace Hope Logan (Annika Noelle). They come up with a new line to replace Hope for the Future. It’s not a bad idea from R.J. because Hope wasn’t a designer either, so Electra could just be the muse.
Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Monaco Romance and Life-Changing Moments
Tuesday, August 11th on The Bold and the Beautiful, Finn Finnegan (Tanner Novlan) and Sheila are still on the flight to Monaco. Finn’s trying really hard to get Sheila to stay far away from Steffy, both in Monaco and back home in LA. So on the plane, Finn’s telling Sheila he won’t tell Steffy that Sheila followed him there, but Finn tells Sheila she needs to turn around and just go home. She may tell Finn, okay, because that’s what he wants to hear. But of course, we know Sheila isn’t going anywhere.
Brooke gets news from Fanny Greyson (Elsa Esnoult) that absolutely sets her off. So Fanny may have inked a deal with House of Logan to do a fragrance line, which of course would infuriate Brooke about Katie all over again. Then on Wednesday, August 12th’s episode of The Bold and the Beautiful, we’ve got Deacon getting romantic with Taylor.
With Steffy and Finn in Monaco, we’ve had Deacon hanging out non-stop with Taylor. And then Deacon drops down to one knee and he asks Taylor to marry him. Deacon asked Taylor, “Will you be my wife?” And she asked Deacon if he is serious. So, if Taylor says yes, that will shock Sheila and Finn and Steffy if she comes home to find a ring on her mom’s finger.
B&B Spoilers: Steffy Waiting for Finn
We’ve got Steffy waiting at the church for Finn on Wednesday. She’s listening to the bells and Steffy says, “Soon, Finn. Soon.” And when he shows up, he and Steffy are going to get fully romantic in Monaco. It is the anniversary of when Finn showed up in Monaco back when Steffy thought Finn was dead. If you remember, they re reunited in front of the church and they’re going to be back in that all important spot. I’m hoping to see a vow renewal. We know they filmed at the church and also on the beach and apparently on a bridge. We’ll talk about that more in a minute.
There’s also scenes coming this week with Steffy and Finn spending some time together on the beach. And then Steffy notices Sheila’s there trying to disguise herself under a head covering. Steffy storms over and blasts Sheila for being there. She’s absolutely furious. And I’m wondering if Finn is going to tell Steffy before that that Sheila was on his flight and flew to Monaco or if that’s when Steffy finds out.
The Bold and Beautiful: Love, Proposals, and New Beginnings
Then on Thursday, August 13th, on The Bold and the Beautiful, Daphne Rose Walton (Murielle Hilaire) tells Carter Walton (Lawrence Saint-Victor) how much she loves him. Then Daphne opens up to Carter while they’re in the CEO office with her saying it’s so unfair that she has this diagnosis. And he tells Daphne it doesn’t mean that she can’t carry a child. You know, she’s just not ovulating.
So, Carter may suggest that they try in vitro. They can use a donor egg. And I still think Steffy’s going to offer them an egg. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have come up. Maybe Daphne will take her up on it, and then they can use Carter’s sperm, and Daphne can at least carry the baby herself and experience pregnancy, which is what she really wanted. Ridge tries to distract Brooke with some romance. So, it looks like she may be upset about the Fanny thing.

Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Carter Determined to Have a Family with Daphne
Friday, August 14th, on The Bold and the Beautiful. Carter promises to help Daphne. So obviously Carter is going to do everything he can to make that baby dream a reality. Steffy’s hit by a wave of emotions. Maybe during the beach incident or maybe when Sheila saves her life. We’ll see if it happens on Friday. It may wind up being a literal cliffhanger that plays out on Friday and then carries over to Monday.
So, it’s not confirmed in official spoilers, but I’ve seen leaked photos of Steffy falling off a scenic bridge. She’s screaming. Sheila hears her, pulls Steffy up, even though letting her go would make Sheila’s life easier. And then once Sheila pulls Steffy up, then she hugs Sheila in gratitude. It looks to me so much like when Sheila saved Taylor from falling off the hospital roof a few years ago when Krista Allen was still on The Bold and the Beautiful. So, Steffy is so relieved that Sheila saved her life. Looks like it’s going to change everything as Brad Bell promised it would.
The Bold and the Beautiful: August 17-21 Spoilers
Then the week of August 17th through the 21st, we may get carryover, as I said, from cliffhanger Friday to this life-changing event in Monaco with Sheila saving Steffy. Obviously, Finn would be eternally grateful to his mom, and Steffy will have to be, too. In fact, Ridge will need to thank her.
So will the other Forresters because, you know, Sheila shot Taylor and Steffy, and now Sheila has saved both of their lives. So, if we’re going life for a life, this should seal Sheila’s redemption. When they all get back from Monaco, we could see Steffy tentatively inviting Sheila to be part of the family.
I can’t wait to see all of their reactions if Deacon and Taylor are officially engaged by the time she gets back. Also, once she’s back, I think Brooke’s going to march over to Logan and confront Katie after she hears Fanny’s news. We may see Deacon and Taylor making some wedding plans. Even though they haven’t been together that long, she’s head over heels for Deacon.
Bold and the Beautiful Spoilers: Dylan Gets Closer to Will
Dylan and Will get closer. They have a night of passion soon. I think Katie Logan (Heather Tom) might hate it, but the rest of the Spencers are going to embrace Dylan simply because she’s not Electra and is not a Forrester. Bill Spencer (Don Diamont) wants Will far away from all Foresters. Wyatt Spencer (Darin Brooks) doesn’t want Will mooning over her.
Also, at the end of this month, we have Darcy Dylan (Kelly Sullivan) debuting as Dylan’s mom. I’m excited about that. We may see Steffy officially offering Carter and Daphne an egg to start the in vitro process. I really hope Daphne and Carter get to start a family soon. They have such a sweet story. We’re going to see Electra and R.J. pitching a new youth line with Electra as the brand’s face and name.
Ridge, Steffy, and Brooke may think it’s the perfect way to keep Zende Forrester (Delon de Metz) happy and more importantly to clap back at Hope and Katie for launching Hope’s new line over there. We’ll see R.J. and Electra getting closer both personally and professionally. And we have lots more with the dynamic going on with Dylan and Katie and all that. It’s far from over.
Entertainment
A Timeline of Their Relationship
Not only did Jon Hamm win an Emmy for his role as Don Draper on Mad Men, but the show introduced him to his wife, Anna Osceola.
The actors met while filming the series finale of the AMC drama in 2015, as Osceola played Clementine, a receptionist at the retreat Hamm’s character attended.
Though briefly linked in 2017, Us confirmed the couple’s romance in June 2020. Hamm popped the question nearly three years later, and he and Osceola said “I do” in June 2023.
In 2026, multiple outlets reported that Osceola is pregnant with her and Hamm’s first baby. The actress seemingly confirmed the baby news by showing off her growing belly on a trip to the Hamptons with Hamm in August of that same year.
Scroll below to relive Hamm and Osceola’s sweetest relationship moments:
Entertainment
Brad Pitt Shares Reason He Can’t Watch Adult Content
Brad Pitt is keeping it real about why he can’t participate in certain vices. However, it is not for the reason fans might think.
The “Fight Club” actor’s complicated personal life has continued to play out in the public eye, with his children, shared with ex-wife Angelina Jolie, continuously cutting ties.
However, Pitt has remained largely silent on the issue until now.

In a new cover story, the award-winning actor gave his commentary on the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, picking issues with how players dramatically fell to draw a foul.
“I’m gonna start a class for flopping, because these guys are terrible,” Pitt revealed, adding, “It’s some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen.”
The Hollywood big shot then teased that his first client will be Brazilian player Neymar, promising to teach him how to sell his falls better.
Diving deeper into the topic, Pitt told Esquire Magazine, “It’s one of those things that’s accepted but that no one likes—like forties acting, when the female actors would swoon. Lawd! Bad acting drives me crazy. It’s why I can’t watch p-rn.”
Brad Pitt Is No Longer Completely Sober

While the “Mr & Mrs Smith” star might be turned off by x-rated content, he hasn’t completely given up his desire to drink, despite being sober for almost a decade.
After offering the interviewer a glass of wine, Pitt dished on why he ditched the conventional method of staying completely away from alcohol.
“No, I got — I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon. Yep, nope, not good for me.’ Not in big quantities,” he disclosed, per The Blast.
The 62-year-old noted that he had tried drinking without constrictions, but that always led him back to where he was escaping.
Now, he has to tread carefully, only letting himself take a few glasses so he doesn’t exceed his limit.
The ‘F1’ Actor Made Rare Confession About His Family Troubles

During the interview, Pitt also broke his silence on the family turbulence he has been experiencing following his split from Jolie.
The duo called it quits in 2019 and were embroiled in a nasty divorce that has dragged on for years. Four of the couple’s six kids have since made moves to drop Pitt’s name from their surname, distancing themselves from the actor.
While he didn’t go into details about the elephant in the room, the two-time Golden Globe winner opened up about a time he battled suicidal thoughts.
According to The Blast, Pitt, who described himself as a “congenital optimist,” recalled a time when things were so dark, he “just didn’t see a way out.’
Luckily, he relied on his survival instincts to pull him out, admitting it wasn’t an easy experience. When asked if it had anything to do with his estrangement from his children, the actor simply answered, “Family stuff. We could leave it at that.”
How Angelina Jolie Feels About Kids’ Estrangement From Pitt

With the “World War Z” star having a few words to say about the dicey situation, sources close to his ex-wife reveal how she truly feels.
As The Blast reported, an insider debunked speculations that Jolie was responsible for turning the children against their famous father.
Instead, the “Tomb Raider” is said to have moved on and is mainly focused on everyone finding healing. The source added, “If people knew the whole truth, they would have more sympathy for the children and respect them.”
The truth of Jolie’s reaction comes after her and Pitt’s youngest child, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, took legal steps to relinquish her dad’s name.
Daughter Shiloh kickstarted the name-dropping pattern in 2024 after filing to be called Shiloh Jolie. Siblings Maddox and Zahara have since followed suit with flings of their own.
Pitt’s Image Might Be At Stake Amid Family Drama

With only two out of the six children, Pax and Knox, still bearing the “Babylon” actor’s surname, concerns continue to rise about Pitt’s public image and what that would do for his career.
Attorney Tre Lovell, a family attorney, explained that given his extensive career accolades, Pitt might remain untouched and survive the scandal.
However, communications expert Kaivan Shroff believes otherwise, telling The Blast, “[Pitt’s] talent remains unquestioned. But when multiple adult children publicly choose to stop using your surname, the conversation inevitably shifts from career to character.”
Entertainment
Reese Witherspoon’s Dad Back Home After Alarming Scare
Reese Witherspoon can breathe a little easier after a frightening family emergency involving her father, Dr. John Witherspoon.
Days after the 84-year-old retired physician was rushed to the hospital following an alarming discovery near the pool at his Nashville condo, he has reportedly been released and returned home.
The reassuring update comes after the “Legally Blonde” star personally addressed the scare and assured fans that her father was receiving excellent medical care.

John Witherspoon was released from the hospital on Sunday after spending two nights under medical care, according to Page Six.
A source told the outlet that the retired doctor had returned to his luxury Nashville condo following the frightening incident on Friday.
The building’s management has reportedly asked residents to respect his privacy and avoid discussing the situation publicly.
The latest news marks a welcome development after John was discovered face down on the concrete near the building’s pool.
A resident reportedly spotted him from above and alerted staff, setting off the emergency response that ultimately resulted in his hospitalization.
No detailed medical diagnosis has been publicly disclosed, making it unclear exactly what caused the fall or whether any underlying health issue contributed to the incident.
John Witherspoon Was Found Face Down Near His Condo Pool

The circumstances surrounding the emergency initially caused significant alarm.
According to Page Six, a resident noticed John lying face down near the pool and quickly alerted the doorman.
Building staff then approached him and rolled him over while asking whether he was okay.
“The doorman and building manager rolled him over and they said, ‘Dr. Witherspoon, are you OK?’” a source told the outlet. “He blinked his eyes, and that’s when he was rushed to the hospital.”
Nashville Metro later confirmed that a medical incident had occurred at the residential building, though officials did not publicly identify the patient involved.
That lack of detail initially left questions surrounding the severity of John’s condition until his famous daughter stepped in to reassure concerned fans.
Reese Personally Reassured Fans After The Scare

As reports about her father’s hospitalization began circulating, Reese Witherspoon addressed the situation herself through a post on her Instagram Stories.
“Earlier today, several outlets reported that my dad was taken to the hospital after a fall,” the actress wrote.
She quickly moved to calm fears about his condition, adding, “I want to let everyone know that he is fine now. He is being taken care of by wonderful doctors and nurses.”
Reese concluded by thanking those who had reached out to her family, saying their support “means the world.”
Her statement was particularly notable because the actress does not frequently share updates about her father’s personal life publicly.
Reese Witherspoon’s Dad Spent His Career Helping Others

Long before finding himself on the receiving end of hospital care, John Witherspoon spent much of his own professional life treating patients.
He worked as an otolaryngologist, specializing in conditions affecting the ears, nose and throat, before retiring from medicine.
Medicine was deeply embedded in the household. Reese’s mother, Betty, built a career in nursing, meaning both parents spent their professional lives in healthcare.
That environment left a lasting impression on their daughter.
Reese Witherspoon’s Early Childhood Was Shaped By Her Dad’s Military Service

John also served in the U.S. Army and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel, with his military career taking the Witherspoon family overseas during Reese’s early childhood.
The actress spent several of her first years living on a military base in Wiesbaden, Germany, because of her father’s service before the family eventually settled in Nashville.
Reese has previously explained that growing up around parents who believed they were helping people every day instilled the same sense of purpose in her, even admitting that she once struggled with giving up her childhood dream of becoming a doctor herself.
Although Reese Witherspoon ultimately chose Hollywood instead of medicine, she has frequently connected her ambition to the household in which she was raised.
Her parents have also supported major moments in their daughter’s extraordinary career.
John and Betty attended the 2006 Academy Awards, where Reese won Best Actress for portraying June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line.”
Entertainment
Aang’ Left You Wanting More, These Books Expand the World Better Than You Think
Avatar: Aang: The Last Airbender may be giving fans another adventure with Aang and the original Team Avatar, but it is hardly the only way to keep exploring this world. The Avatar universe has grown far beyond the events of the animated series, with a collection of novels that dig into the lives of the Avatars who came before Aang and, more recently, the ordinary people caught in the middle of the Hundred-Year War.
The books are particularly useful for anyone who finished Avatar Aang wanting more. The movie sends Aang (Eric Nam), Katara (Jessica Matten), Sokka (Román Zaragoza), Toph (Dionne Quan), and Zuko (Steven Yeun) on another adventure years after the original series, but the novels go in the opposite direction, looking back at the history that shaped the Avatar the world would eventually come to know. They make the history of the Four Nations feel considerably bigger than what could fit into an animated series.
The Kyoshi Novels Are a Perfect Place To Start
If there’s one Avatar book series that makes the case for reading beyond the screen, it’s F.C. Yee’s Chronicles of the Avatar novels. The series begins with The Rise of Kyoshi, set 396 years before Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA), when Kyoshi is still an uncertain young woman rather than the intimidating Avatar remembered by history.
Kyoshi’s origin is anything but straightforward. After years of searching for the Avatar, the world believes it has found its next incarnation in Yun; Kyoshi, meanwhile, is an unassuming servant who doesn’t realize the significance of her own bending abilities until everything begins to unravel. Forced to flee with Fire Army officer Rangi, Kyoshi finds allies among the daofei, the outlaws operating in the shadows of the Earth Kingdom, while struggling to figure out what kind of Avatar she wants to become. ATLA occasionally tells viewers that past Avatars were complicated people, but the novel actually gets to live in that complication. Kyoshi is a young woman learning what justice means, dealing with grief, falling in love, and trying to survive a world that suddenly expects her to fix it.
The Shadow of Kyoshi continues that story as Kyoshi travels across the Four Nations attempting to maintain peace while confronting a new threat from the Spirit World. Together, the novels offer a version of the Avatar universe that is more politically complicated and considerably more interested in the consequences of violence. And now, fans can collect both stories in the Kyoshi Novels Ultimate Collector’s Edition, which packages the duology together in a single premium edition with a cloth slipcase, foil stamping, stained edges, die-cuts, and a satin ribbon bookmark.
Yangchen and Roku Show What the Avatar World Looked Like Before Aang
The other major advantage of the Chronicles of the Avatar books is that each Avatar feels genuinely different. The Dawn of Yangchen and The Legacy of Yangchen move away from Kyoshi’s more aggressive approach and into political intrigue, diplomacy, espionage, and the uncomfortable compromises required to keep the Four Nations from tearing itself apart.
Yangchen is the composed, almost saintly Avatar who Aang encounters through his past-life memories and spiritual connections in ATLA. The novels complicate that image by showing her before she has become the legendary figure Aang knows. In The Dawn of Yangchen, she navigates a corrupt Earth Kingdom city where political loyalty can be bought, while The Legacy of Yangchen heightens the stakes as the Four Nations face the threat of Unanimity, a weapon capable of catastrophic destruction.
Another familiar name in the prequel novels is Roku, whose history is already deeply woven into ATLA after being the center of the start of the Hundred-Year War we come to know in the 2005 series. Randy Ribay’s The Reckoning of Roku takes readers back to the beginning of Roku’s Avatar journey, when he is still struggling with self-doubt and training at the Southern Air Temple alongside a young Gyatso. His friendship with Crown Prince Sozin gives the story an immediate connection to the history fans already know, while the novel fills in the years that the animated series could only glimpse. The Awakening of Roku continues the story three years later, sending Roku north to investigate a mysterious illness threatening the Northern Water Tribe. For fans who want the strongest direct connections to ATLA, the Roku books are an especially natural next step.
The Yangchen books are also getting their own Ultimate Collector’s Edition later this year, bringing both novels together in the same kind of premium package as the Kyoshi collection. For collectors, there’s also a four-book hardcover box set containing both Kyoshi and Yangchen duologies, complete with a bonus character poster.
‘City of Echoes’ Proves You Don’t Need To Be an Avatar
Perhaps the most interesting expansion of the universe comes from City of Echoes, Judy I. Lin’s first Avatar Legends novel. Instead of following an Avatar, the story centers on Jin, the young woman fans briefly meet in Ba Sing Se during Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Jin is a refugee living in the Lower Ring, caring for her grandfather while trying to survive in a city that insists there is no war beyond its walls. When her best friend’s family falls into financial trouble, Jin gets pulled into a dangerous world involving the city’s black market, the Silver Fangs, and a conspiracy unfolding as the Fire Nation closes in on Ba Sing Se.
The novel revisits several familiar events from Jin’s perspective, including moments from the Book Two episode “The Tales of Ba Sing Se,” Jet’s attack on the Pao Family Tea House, the aftermath of Jet’s death, and the eventual liberation of Ba Sing Se. It’s the sort of story ATLA could never have fully told because of its focus on Aang’s journey.
Avatar Aang gives fans more of the characters they already love, and the novels offer the history behind those characters, the people living in the corners of the world they never got to visit, and a much clearer sense of how massive the Avatar universe actually is. For fans who aren’t ready to leave that world behind, that’s a pretty good reason to keep reading.
Entertainment
Shay Mitchell Takes Over an Exclusive Disneyland Residence for a Magical Night Out
Pack your bags! Shay Mitchell headed to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on Sunday, Aug. 9 to host a special event celebrating the BÉIS x Disney collection.
The evening kicked off at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, where guests, including Mitchell’s Pretty Little Liars costar Tyler Blackburn, arrived ready for a little magic.
The group gathered by the lobby fireplace before a royal butler whisked them away by shuttle to a private 2,200-square-foot residence.
Attendees climbed a tucked-away staircase above New Orleans Square and stepped into 21 Royal, a retreat originally envisioned by Walt Disney for entertaining, which Mitchell made her own for the night.
And inside, there was plenty to unpack! The venue was decked out with artwork, whimsical touches, and pieces from the actress’ latest collection, which officially launches on Wednesday, Aug. 12.
As guests explored their lavish surroundings and got a first look at the new offerings, they sipped on cocktails, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and heard welcome remarks from Mitchell.
“This collection is really fun. … The fact that I’m even saying we have a BÉIS x Disney collab is kind of insane for me considering I’ve been here since I was a little kid and I’ve been such a fan of Disney and everything. … It is really the happiest place on earth,” she said.
There was no need to wish upon a star for the perfect ending. The crowd snacked on specialty desserts before heading out to the balcony to watch Fantasmic! and a fireworks show.
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“Heated Rivalry” season 2: Who’s returning, who’s joining, and what’s next
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Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are returning for another season of the steamy hit series as new players take the ice.
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OnlyFans’ Courtney Clenney Sentenced for Boyfriend’s Murder
OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney will spend just two more years behind bars after she accepted a plea deal and was sentenced in the 2022 murder of her boyfriend, Christian “Toby” Obumseli.
During a court hearing on Monday, August 10, prosecutors and her attorneys revealed that Clenney, 30, was ultimately charged with manslaughter with a deadly weapon as part of a plea deal.
Prior to accepting the deal, Clenney had been facing second-degree murder charges after she fatally stabbed Obumseli, 27, in their Miami high-rise apartment.
Judge Andrea Ricker Wolfson ultimately sentenced Clenney to six years behind bars with time served. Once she is released from prison, Clenney will have to serve five years of probation.
Clenney is expected to be behind bars for about two more years, as she has already served four years after her arrest in 2022. With credits, she could be released in just over a year and a half.
After Clenney’s sentence was revealed, Obumseli’s mother, Chio Obumseli, addressed the courtroom. “There is simply too much pain to put on paper,” she said, according to The Daily Mail. “Four years later there are still nights when I cannot sleep. I do not want Christian to be remembered only for how he died.”
“Christian was my son, everyone who knew Christian can attest that he was kindhearted, compassionate, friendly and respectful,” Chio continued. “Nothing can describe what it feels like for a mother to stand at the grave of her child.”
Chio went on to say that their family has “lived with the loss every day and waited for accountability” for the past four years.
“Today closes a legal chapter, but it certainly doesn’t close our grief. No sentence, no plea can bring back my son to me,” she concluded.
Clenney wiped tears from her eyes with a tissue as Chio gave her victim’s impact statement, per the outlet.
As Us previously reported, Clenney was arrested just days after Christian was killed on April 3, 2022. An autopsy report revealed that he died from a single, three-inch-deep stab wound to the chest that punctured his subclavian artery.
She claimed to have killed him in self-defense, alleging that she threw a knife at him during an altercation.
Before she accepted the plea deal, Clenney’s legal team revealed that they planned to use text messages the defendant exchanged with Christian in order to prove that he was abusive.
Clenney claimed that Christian was abusive at least nine times over the course of their relationship. She also alleged that he punched her in the face and fractured her ribs just months before he died.
Obumseli’s family, however, said that she was the aggressor in their relationship and that he was often subject to abuse.
Prior to the killing, Clenney had a large following on social media. She had over 2 million followers on Instagram, as well as had a popular presence on OnlyFans.
Entertainment
Days of our Lives 2-Week Spoilers Aug 10-21: Leo Makes Ultimate Sacrifice as Theo Issues Warning!
Days of Our Lives 2-Week Spoilers for August 10-21, 2026 pull at the heart with Leo Stark (Greg Rikaart) making a selfless sacrifice, but it might not pan out how he thinks. We’ll also see Theo Carver (Tyler Joseph Andrews) threatening a woman when he has lost his patience.
Also, the week of August 10th through the 21st, there’s Chanel Dupree (Raven Bowens) in labor, Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) making a rough decision, and Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) demanding answers.
Days of Our Lives Spoilers: Cat Grills EJ
Monday, August 10th on Days of Our Lives, Cat Greene (AnnaLynne McCord) is questioning EJ DiMera (Dan Feuerriegel). Now, already Cat knows from Rafe Hernandez (Galen Gering) that EJ didn’t kidnap Gwen Rizczech (Emily O’Brien). So, this might be about Lexie Carver (Nikki Crawford). And I wonder if EJ will admit the truth that Lexie is at the mansion and wants to die away from everybody else.
And EJ tells her that he’s taking care of his sister. That might actually make Cat a little sympathetic. Alex Kiriakis (Robert Scott Wilson) repeats to Stephanie what he said on Friday that he’s going to move into Joy’s room. Alex says he’ll stay at the pub for a while to take care of Kelsey since Alex can’t have her at the apartment right now because Stephanie was banned by Joy from the kid.
So, Stephanie Johnson (Abigail Klein) tells Alex, “No, you won’t do that.” And then Stephanie makes a heartbreaking decision. So, she may step away from Alex because of this Joy thing. Not in the manner of Stephanie breaking up with Alex, but she may stay with her parents, Steve Johnson (Stephen Nichols), Kayla Johnson (Mary Beth Evans), so Alex can have Kelsey at their apartment.
DOOL Spoilers: Chanel Expresses Herself
Stephanie also talks things over with bestie Jada, at her place. And Chanel offers Alex some perspective. I’m sure Chanel’s got harsh things to say about Joy since Chanel hates Joy and is 1,000% team Stephanie. Johnny DiMera (Carson Boatman) is keeping a secret and I wonder if this is referring to keeping it from Chanel that Kristen DiMera (Stacy Haiduk) tried to have him killed.
That’s a huge secret or it may be about EJ being responsible for Kristen going missing. Lonnie comforts a distraught Theo. He is obviously very upset that Lexie took off without a return ticket and she told Theo, you know, I’ll call you, don’t call me. It’s just a whole lot since she just came back from the dead.
Days of Our Lives: Dimitri’s Obsession and Rafe’s Rescue
Tuesday, August 11th on Days of Our Lives, Dimitri von Leuschner DiMera (Peter Porte) is determined to force Leo to be with him. And this week, we’re going to see Leo making Dimitri a tempting and shocking offer. So, Dimitri threatens Leo and Gwen this week and says, “I don’t think anyone will ever find you.”
But then Rafe walks in and says, “Somebody already has.” And Leo and Gwen’s jaws drop. Also, Theo is keeping a secret from his dad, Abe Carver (James Reynolds), about Lexie. So, we’ll see if Lonnie finds out some things and shares them with Theo. You know, the ugly truth that Lexie is dying is out to her family by the end of the week.
By the way, Marlena Evans (Deidre Hall) listens as Belle Black (Martha Madison) pleads her case. Also, this week, Chad and Belle are smooching at the pub enjoying some romance. And then Chad needs a favor from Cap. So he could ask her if EJ has Lexie because Chad’s helping out Theo this week in the search. Also on Tuesday, a big deal, John Oliver makes his Days of Our Lives debut on Tuesday. We’ll also see him on the Wednesday and Friday episodes. He turns up at Paulina Price’s (Jackee Harry) office and surprises her.

Days Spoilers: Chanel’s Labor and Family Crisis
Then on Wednesday, August 12th’s episode of Days of Our Lives, Rachel Black (Lorelei Olivia Mote) and Brady Black (Eric Martsolf) have a heartfelt and heartbreaking talk about Kristen. Rachel is crying in her dad’s arms, distraught. Meanwhile, we have Xander Cook Kiriakis (Paul Telfer) deciding to try something drastic to save Titan. Philip Kiriakis (John-Paul Lavoisier) is also desperate and has a crazy idea. He pitches to Gabi. All three of them have a tense meeting this week.
Arianna Hernandez (Vico Escorcia) and Aaron Greene (Louis Tomeo) plan a surprise for Holly Jonas (Ashley Puzemis) and Tate Black (Leo Howard). And we’re also going to see Aaron and Tate flexing at the gym this week. Then on Thursday, August 13th, Days of Our Lives, Alex needs Steve’s help, and this may be about Stephanie.
Abe and Theo worry about missing Lexie. So maybe Abe got wise and phoned Celeste Perrault (Beverly Todd). So, Abe might have asked about Lexie and found out she is not in South Africa visiting her mom. And that is going to scare him and Theo both.
This week, Paulina feels Chanel’s baby kicking and they spend some time playing with Trey. Paulina and Marlena are leaning on each other this week. They may be worried about Chanel, Johnny, and Lexie. Also, this week, Chanel says she thinks she is in labor. And in the summer promo, we’ve got Kayla checking Chanel out. She’s up at the hospital and Johnny says Chanel’s bleeding. So, Kayla tells Paulina and Lani Price (Sal Stowers) they have to go. Chanel tells Johnny that she’s scared.
Dimitri is not going to stop. He is obsessed with making Leo his man again. So, we’ve got Rafe in Alamania. There’s a deal on the table and Leo’s asking Dimitri if he won’t make a deal with Rafe. Will Dimitri make a deal with him? So, maybe Leo offers to stay in Alamania if he lets Gwen go because Rafe can’t just take her. He’s got no jurisdiction. But Rafe has an offer that Gwen may really like. Of course, he wants to give Gwen immunity if she will testify against EJ.
Days of Our Lives: August 14-21 Spoilers
Then on Friday, August 14th, Days of Our Lives, we’ll see Lonnie there comforting Abe. They’re at The Bistro together. This is clearly before he finds out that EJ’s got Lexie in the basement. At the mansion this week, Theo is threatening Rita Lesley (Maggie Carney). It says, “If you don’t get out of the way, I will make you get out of the way.” She’s obviously trying to keep him out of the tunnels, but Theo and Chad DiMera (Connor Floyd) find something devastating.
They head into the tunnels and Chad is right behind Theo as the two go into Lexie’s room below the mansion. Theo is shocked and calling out mom. From there, I’m sure he notifies Abe because by the end of the week, he has joined him at Lexie’s deathbed in the DiMera basement.
So, we are also going to see Johnny having a crisis of conscience. And this may be about keeping one of EJ’s many secrets. Something about Kristen. You know, I don’t think it’s a secret about Chanel going into labor. I just hope that Johnny doesn’t have to choose between Chanel and the baby because of the high-risk labor and delivery.
Cat gets some worrisome news and it may be an update from Rafe and Alamania. We’ve got EJ and Rita forced to act fast. So, Friday is when Rita wakes up her boss EJ, crawls onto his bed, and shakes him. And then John Oliver’s character burst into EJ’s bedroom with a briefcase and an agenda. We’ll see if this is about DiMera Pharmaceuticals or some other shady deal.
Then the week of August 17th through the 21st, we’ll see Lexie transported from the DiMera mansion over to the hospital for her final hours under proper medical supervision. Chad confronts Cat very soon, and it may be about Lexie. Chad is ranting at Cat, “You knew about all this and you did nothing.” And Cat’s trying to tell Chad there’s reasons that she hasn’t told him everything.
We also have scenes soon with Theo demanding answers. He wants to know what else that Johnny’s hiding from him. So, this may be about Lexie or Kristen. I’m sure it’s EJ adjacent. Some people are shaken by John Oliver’s visit and the aftermath of this cameo. I hope he does well. I’ll tell you guys, his cameo on General Hospital was extremely well done.
It lasted the same. It was like two or three episodes and it was so good. Leo may convince Dimitri to head back to Salem with him. However, Javi Hernandez (Jacob Martinez) is desperate to get to Alamania to save Leo from evil Dimitri. And Gus (Michael Ocampo) is being a naysayer and as a result, Javi soon realizes that he still loves Leo and he wants him.
Sarah Horton (Linsey Godfrey) and Brady swap I love you soon. Chanel gives birth, but it’s very high risk. Theo could turn to Stephanie in his grief. They’ve been supportive friends. We’ll see if it turns into more. Paulina tries to comfort Abe in his grief, but it may take some time to reunite as a couple. And we’ll find out more about Joy’s spinal issue and her prognosis.
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