By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 23 seconds ago

One of the questions I frequently find myself coming back to is who the scariest villains in all of Star Trek are. The Borg are an obvious possible answer. As robot zombies, their very existence is kind of spooky. Plus, they are relentless and nearly unstoppable, even in the face of advanced Starfleet technology. However, you could make a case that the Dominion are truly the most frightening bad guys because they are designed as an evil mirror image of the Federation. What could a group as powerful as the Feds do without morals? Why, conquer a quarter of the galaxy, of course!

We saw that play out in Deep Space Nine, a show which spent two and a half seasons ramping up the tension before the final two seasons focused on a massive war between Starfleet and the Dominion. This evil organization was first mentioned in the Season 2 episode “Rules of Acquisition,” during which the writers had no idea exactly who or what the Dominion would be. In order to keep fans from endlessly speculating about this new group or guessing how important they would be, producers decided to hide these villains in plain sight. That’s the real reason why they were first mentioned in one of the silliest episodes ever made!

Meet Star Trek’s Creepiest Bad Guys

“Rules of Acquisition” was one of the most divisive kinds of Deep Space Nine stories: a Ferengi episode. These episodes tended to be designed as broad comedies, which rubs some fans the wrong way. Sometimes, these episodes even annoyed writers and producers who thought that Star Trek should stick to telling relatively serious sci-fi stories. At any rate, “Rules of Acquisition” was a story in which the Ferengi Grand Nagus Zek wanted to open business relations in the Gamma Quadrant. Once he learns that means doing business with the Dominion, the alien tries (and fails) to learn everything he can about this mysterious empire.

The Dominion was only created because Deep Space Nine wanted to explore the Gamma Quadrant for the first time, something that became more important because the spinoff Voyager was going to constantly explore the Delta Quadrant. As reported by the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion, future DS9 showrunner Ira Steven Behr understood that exploring the Gamma Quadrant would also differentiate his show from previous Trek series. “The existence of the Gamma Quadrant next door to Deep Space Nine would not help the series if it remained just unexplored space,” he said. “They did three years of that on The Original Series, and seven years on The Next Generation. We needed to define that space.”

Hidden In Plain Sight

There was just one problem. The writers knew nothing about the Dominion except for the name when “Rules of Acquisition” was written. If they made a big deal about the Dominion, then fans would begin endlessly speculating, and we all know how that goes: the eventual villain reveal would be disappointing compared to what everyone whipped up in their heads. Therefore, the writers did something very clever: they hid the first mention of the Dominion in a comedic Ferengi episode. After all, it’s hard to clock that this mystery group is going to define the entire series when there’s a will they/won’t they subplot about Quark and his thirsty, crossdressing employee!  

The plan worked, and almost nobody watching the first broadcast of “Rules of Acquisition” understood how important the Dominion was going to be. This gave the writers and producers time to fully flesh out these iconic villains before they made their first onscreen appearance in the Season 2 finale “The Jem’Hadar.” Even then, it was hard to guess how these baddies were going to reshape the show and help transform Deep Space Nine into the best Star Trek series. Fortunately, their earliest mention was hidden in the last place you’d expect to find something important: an episode where Quark nearly gets imprisoned for treating a woman as anything but a naked bang maid.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 52 seconds ago

From the very beginning, Star Trek embraced progressive ideals that risked angering the more conservative audiences of the time. The Original Series, for example, made a Black woman a main character at the height of the Civil Rights era. It also featured a prominent Japanese character when post-World War II racism was still in full swing and added a Russian character at the height of the Cold War. Later, shows like Deep Space Nine took bigger swings by making a Black man the captain, and Voyager did the same thing by putting a woman in charge, nearly 30 years after TOS insisted there could be no female Starfleet captains.

However, there was one final frontier that the Golden Age of Star Trek didn’t dare explore, and that was featuring openly gay characters. There are multiple people responsible for this decision. Historically, franchise creator Gene Roddenberry was opposed to including gay characters because he worried about offending the network and the fandom. After his death, new Trek guru Rick Berman reportedly did his best to quash multiple gay characters and stories. However, that didn’t keep the writers from occasionally sneaking coded moments past the goalie. For example, the Deep Space Nine episode “Rules of Acquistion” features Dax being fully accepting of a Ferengi who loves Quark, even when she thinks that the Ferengi is a man!

Star Trek‘s Sneaky Sexuality

For this weird tale to make sense, we’re gonna have to slingshot around the sun and visit different Star Trek eras. In an interview with PBS, gay franchise icon George Takei said that he spoke to Roddenberry about including any openly homosexual characters. He claims that Roddenberry really wanted to do it but worried he was “walking a tightrope” with viewers, pointing out that Kirk and Uhura’s interracial kiss “was very controversial.” When The Next Generation came out, there were unconfirmed accounts that Roddenberry promised various groups that he would include gay characters, but that never happened.

After Roddenberry died, Rick Berman became the final word on Star Trek. Unfortunately, he allegedly did everything he could to quash gay representation in the franchise. This included reportedly killing a David Gerrold TNG script which featured gay characters and a clear AIDs allegory. Berman also killed the Bashir/Garak relationship on DS9 despite the actors being into it. Later, he even put out a press release to kill rumors that First Contact’s Lieutenant Hawke was gay. Eventually, prolific TNG and DS9 writer Ronald Moore seemingly alluded to Berman, telling Fandom the only reason there were no gay characters in the franchise is that “people in charge don’t want gay characters in Star Trek, period.”

The Latinum That Dare Not Speak Its Name

So, what does all of this have to do with “Rules of Acquisition,” a largely forgotten Deep Space Nine episode? This episode features a female employee of Quark’s, Pel, who has the hots for her boss. However, thanks to synthetic lobes, she presents herself to the galaxy as a male. She’s passing as a dude when she confesses her love for Quark to Dax. The science officer was perfectly fine with Pel expressing his love for a man, a simple action that helped normalize same-sex relationships in the 24th century. It’s not as loud and proud as it could have been, but getting this moment past Rick Berman was a small miracle.

After this, Deep Space Nine got more progressive in terms of gay representation. Dax kisses another woman in “Rejoined,” for example. In “Chimera,” Quark cracks a meta joke about a “Changeling Pride” demonstration. Meanwhile, the DS9 Mirror Universe is filled with queer versions of characters, including Kira, Ezri Dax, Garak, and even Worf, most of whom dress like they’re headed to the local sex dungeon. Is all of this campy and mostly catering to straight dudes who like to see women making out? Sure. But DS9 still had better gay representation than any Star Trek show until Discovery, and it all started with Dax quietly normalizing gay relationships, right under Rick Berman’s nose!  

On the night of June 10, 2016, Danielle Hendrix was standing outside the Plaza Live theater in Orlando, Florida, after seeing Christina Grimmie and the band Before You Exit perform, when she heard a loud bang inside the venue. “There were guys loading and carrying music equipment out,” she tells Us Weekly, “so I figured it must have been a speaker or some equipment falling.”

Moments earlier, Christina, a YouTube sensation who became a fan favorite while competing on season 6 of The Voice, had been glowing onstage, belting James Bay and Drake covers to a room full of devoted fans. Many stayed afterward for the meet-and-greet, hoping for a hug, a selfie or simply a few seconds with the singer they felt they genuinely knew. Then, security guards started screaming. “‘Run, run, there’s a shooter!’” Hendrix recalls them yelling. “At first I thought, That can’t be right. This is a pop concert.”

After discovering it was Christina who’d been shot, Hendrix, other fans and members of Before You Exit gathered in a nearby parking lot “just processing it all, crying and praying.” Not long after, Hendrix says they found out Christina, 22, had died from her injuries. “I remember breaking down sobbing in my car.”

More details of the horrific scene would soon unfold: The beloved singer had been shot once in the head and three times in the torso by an obsessed 27-year-old fan named Kevin Loibl, who, after being tackled to the ground by Christina’s older brother, Marcus, shot himself in the head and died on the scene.

For millions of fans who had spent years watching Christina sing from her bedroom into a laptop webcam, the loss felt personal. Tributes poured in from fellow artists, friends and fans around the world. “Behati and I are absolutely devastated and heartbroken,” Christina’s former Voice coach, Adam Levine, wrote in a statement on behalf of himself and his wife, Behati Prinsloo. “Christina was a natural, a gifted talent that comes along so rarely. She was taken from us too soon.” Selena Gomez posted a photo with her friend and former backup singer on Instagram alongside the caption: “My heart is absolutely broken.”

Christina’s friend and collaborator Tyler Ward remembers getting a text from Charlie Puth, who was also just breaking out after finding success on YouTube, following her death. “This was before Charlie Puth was Charlie Puth, and he was like, ‘I don’t even know how this stuff happens.’ He couldn’t even wrap his mind around it,” Ward tells Us. “How does that happen when you’re so genuine, so authentic to your fan base? You look them in the eyes, you’re in the weeds with them. And then this happens. [Her death] still doesn’t feel real. I don’t know if I’ll ever process the shock of that.”

This June marks the 10th anniversary of Christina’s death, and while Marcus and her dad, Albert (her mom, Tina, died in 2018 of breast cancer), will never forget the searing pain of losing her, they want to celebrate her life, talent and irrepressible spirit more than anything else. “We want Christina to be remembered for the person and artist she was, not just the tragedy,” says Albert, who founded the Christina Grimmie Foundation in 2016, which aims to help victims of gun violence. Between June 5 and 7, the foundation is hosting its first-ever Grimmie Fest, a three-day event featuring a fan meet-up and a benefit concert in Christina’s honor, headlined by a band Marcus manages, The Living Tombstone. “We’re honoring her legacy and all the people she’s brought together,” Marcus tells Us, “and celebrating the impact she still has.”

Ahead of Her Time

Christina was 15 when she started sharing music on YouTube from her Sonic the Hedgehog-adorned bedroom in New Jersey. Fans were instantly drawn to her immense musical talents — her cover of Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the U.S.A.” went viral in 2009; a 2013 cover of David Guetta and Sia’s “Titanium” racked up 33 million views — as well as her fun, down-to-earth personality. She was refreshingly open about her faith and love of video games, especially Zelda (her YouTube handle was zeldaxlove64), and followers adored her unique, edgy fashion choices and her signature poof hairstyle (3.6 million people tuned in for a hair tutorial in 2011). In the time of the “wild, wild web, as we call it, she was very unique for that time,” notes Marcus. “She catered to the nerd gamer thing when it wasn’t as popular. She was very Christian but accepting of all this new-age stuff coming up … part of why she got [to where she did] was her personality. She touched people.”

“It was surreal,” Christina’s best friend since fourth grade, Lauren Longo, tells Us of her instant popularity. She recalls being amazed by her perfect pitch and natural musicianship. “I would 100 percent use the word prodigy. As a child, I could tell she was abnormally talented.” Ward says she was “an originator of an influencer. I had fans, but with her, it was like magic,” Ward adds, likening Christina to Taylor Swift. “Taylor does a really great job of having that human, ‘I’m eye-to-eye with you, I’m not above you’ [vibe]. Christina wanted to interact with her fan base; part of her purpose was that connection piece.”

As her popularity grew, she remained grounded. “My roommates loved video games, so she’d invite them over to hang out with her mom, and they’d make cookies, ” Ward says. “She cared about success, but it didn’t affect her.” Longo says the rising star never forgot where she came from. “It was so far from Christina to ever say, like, ‘Oh, you’re my little New Jersey friend.’ Her hometown friends weren’t second-class citizens.”

Longo also says Christina always had her priorities straight. “She had the words ‘All Is Vanity’ tattooed on her forearm, which is from her favorite book of the Bible. It was a reminder that fame and money and proximity to stars is all vanity. She was averse to anything that could be perceived as vain or bragging or self-centered.” Marcus says his little sister was “super goofy” and “great at impressions,” adding, “I don’t want people to forget how funny she was. Everyone loved her, and it was because she was a genuine, kind soul. There was no ego with her.”

Christina had a special relationship with her fans. Marcus recalls how one of them — who’s since become a close friend of the Grimmie family — gave him and his dad a big stack of emails and social media messages they’d printed from supporters around the world. “[They talk about] how Christina changed their lives,” says Marcus. (A couple who met at one of Albert and Marcus’ events got married and played Christina’s songs at their wedding.) “She was constantly bringing people together.” Her fans started a yearly fundraiser tied to Christina’s birthday. “We’ve raised over $50,000 in the last four years,” says Marcus. “I’m grateful she has such a great community, which doesn’t hang on to the tragedy,” Marcus adds. “They are celebrating her life and her impact, and it’s contagious.”

Ward says he can’t imagine where Christina would be these days because her fans were so loyal. “I didn’t realize how much of an impact you could have, basically, direct to consumer,” he says of her online success. Her fans cheered her on as she went from YouTube star to opening up for Gomez’s 2011 and 2013 tours to impressing the nation during her run on The Voice. “I remember seeing her in a dress for the first time on [the show],” Ward recalls, noting the incredible growth from her original grainy videos. “I was like, Wait! There was such a transition there, but you can see it in real time. It was almost like you were part of it, as if you grew up with her. Authenticity has almost become an overused word, but she captured it without even trying, which was a really special superpower.”

Tragic Turn

The same unprecedented closeness that helped Christina build one of the internet’s earliest fiercely loyal fan communities also exposed the darker side of parasocial obsession. Loibl was infatuated with her. Arthur Barnes, who worked with him at Best Buy when Christina was killed, says his coworkers were aware of the gunman’s fixation and that he would have Christina’s YouTube videos playing while working on customers’ computers. They also noted his recent physical transformation. Another employee, Cory Dennington, told police his coworker wanted to be more attractive for Christina, and that he had an “unrealistic” obsession with her that wasn’t “normal or healthy.” Dennington also revealed that the gunman came from an abusive household and had hinted at suicide the last time they spoke. “He got hair plugs and his teeth whitened, but nobody knew why until they put it together,” says Barnes.

In May and early June, Loibl bought two handguns, then traveled more than 100 miles from St. Petersburg, Florida, for her show at Plaza Live. Christina had opened her arms for a hug with him when he pulled his gun out. Hendrix blames security for letting him in. “Security was incredibly lacking,” she says. “What do you mean I was forced to toss a granola bar at the door while this guy somehow entered the venue with weapons and ammo?”

Marcus was hailed as a hero for tackling the gunman as people fled, but he says he has mixed feelings about that label. “I never agreed with it. I understand objectively what’s being said, but for me it’s like, ‘Well, I didn’t save her,’ so it’s hard to feel that way.” (“Nobody knows what would have transpired if Marcus hadn’t done what he did,” says Albert.) He says the real heroic work came after, via the community that’s been built through the Christina Grimmie Foundation. Seeing people unite for a common cause has helped him heal. “It was just me and two dead bodies in an empty room until the police came. I just felt so alone. To see people come together … I don’t feel so alone.”

Giving Back

Christina’s loved ones decided to develop the Christina Grimmie Foundation amid a flood of support from friends and fans, including Levine, who covered the cost of her funeral. Marcus felt inspired to help victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting (on June 12, two days after Christina’s murder, a 29-year-old gunman opened fire at the LGBTQ+ spot and killed 49 people and injured 58 others; in the aftermath, scammers created fraudulent fundraisers). “After Marcus read about the victims’ not receiving money, we stepped right into it,” says Albert. Adds Marcus: “The amount of love and compassion [we received] was really integral to our healing. We can help people so long as gun violence is an issue, and as long as we’re breathing, that’s what we want to be doing.”

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There’s still grief. “The grief itself is like this black marble in a jar, and the grief is going to be the same, but the jar is going to expand,” says Albert. “So my capacity to carry that grief has grown.” He says he misses Christina’s “excitement for life” and sense of humor. “I used to be able to make her laugh, even when she was mad or grumpy. I used to call her ‘Grumpina,’ and then she [would be] like, ‘Dad, I want to be grumpy right now.’ She was funny.” Marcus says there’s not a day that goes by that he doesn’t think of his little sister. “She always made people feel heard, and that’s something I try to do.”

What was once a day of mourning has become an opportunity to honor Christina. (A bill to make June 10 Christina Grimmie Day in New Jersey will be voted on by local senators.) “Instead of dreading the 10th, we’re adding this additional layer of hope,” says Marcus. “It’s exciting to celebrate the person she was.” Longo says it’s an opportunity to introduce Christina to new fans. “It’s opening doors for other people to be interested in her story, and that’s so wonderful.” Says Albert: “We want people to know this is more than just a tragedy. Christina was a pioneer of YouTube. She reached the world from her bedroom, where people wanted to be like her, and they cut their hair like her and tried to sing and play the keyboard like her. That’s an amazing thing for a father to watch happen.” Her legacy, adds Longo, “is her talent and the way she treated people.”

Ten years after hearing the gunshots that took Christina’s life, Hendrix wants the singer to be remembered for her voice and her radiance (she has the word “radiate” tattooed on her arm in Christina’s honor). “It might be kind of cringey to admit, but honestly, to this day, I still think of her whenever I see rays of sun filtering through clouds. She had a heart of gold,” says Hendrix. “And she’ll never be forgotten on our watch.”

For most of my youth, I had awful skin. I’m talking stubborn cystic acne that only medication could clear up. However, I ended up reaping endless skincare knowledge from those painful years. One of the first things I learned was to only invest in products that absorb into your skin (aka serums, exfoliants, creams — basically anything but face wash). Now, I get compliments on my skin, and I’m finally able to share one of my secrets: PCA Skin Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads.

I’ve tried so many drugstore exfoliating pads and toners, but none compare to PCA Skin peel pads. I was lucky enough to test the newly released product, and I’m happily surprised by the deep chemical exfoliation — so much so, I skipped my most recent facial appointment!

Get the Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads from PCA Skin!

PCA Skin Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads pull triple duty, offering chemical exfoliation, enzymatic exfoliation (to activate cellular renewal) and physical exfoliation. The ingredients list is a homerun for anyone experiencing rough skin texture, acne or bumps.

AHAs — aka lactic, glycolic and mandelic acids — exfoliate the skin’s surface, while the BHAs get deep into pores to clear sebum (otherwise known as the substance that clogs skin). PHAs offer another layer of exfoliation, sans irritation, and prickly pear extract helps shed dead skin cells to deliver a fresh-faced glow. Last, niacinamide, licorice root extract and peptides soothe redness and visibly brighten skin. According to the brand, the pads are clinically proven to smooth texture by 50%, reduce fine lines and wrinkles by 36%, and boost hydration by 48%. How’s that for at-home skincare?

While the peel pads are safe for daily use, you must work up to it. Since I have sensitive skin, I use the peel pads three times per week for now. My skin feels a little tingly after swiping one pad on my chin, nose and T-zone (a sign the exfoliating ingredients are doing the hard work!). But it’s the undeniable, fresh-faced glow that makes these pads stand out.

While some chemical exfoliators and toners can leave skin feeling dry and tight, PCA Skin Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads are the opposite. They clean my pores and somehow leave my skin feeling rejuvenated and spa-level clean.

For best results, use the peel pads at night three times per week, working up to daily use over a few weeks. Follow up with your serums, moisturizers and SPF the next morning like normal. Whether you’re experiencing rough skin texture, clogged pores or pesky bumps, try the Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads from PCA Skin. Trust me, this is one of the most important skincare steps you’ll actually garner results from in such a short period of time!

Get the Triple Exfoliation Peel Pads from PCA Skin!

Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann are still embroiled in their years-long divorce saga. More recently, custody of their four minor children has become a contentious topic, with both parties launching allegations at one another. Now, the former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star is accusing Biermann of child abuse and not properly shielding their kids from his sex with random women.

TMZ obtained court documents filed by Zolciak that accuse her estranged husband of being inappropriate with their children. First, she stated that the EX NFL star threw one of their sons over a couch. Specifically, she alleges that this occurred during a passionate argument while at his home.

That’s not all, as she claims Biermann has been sexually active with multiple women recently. The issue is that he’s having sex with them in areas of the home where the children can fully hear them, according to the “RHOA” alum’s court filing. One of the women is said to have vacationed with the kids and Biermann.

Additionally, Zolciak says the kids “have reported on multiple occasions not seeing [Kroy] for hours on end, but hearing him engage in sexual acts with his girlfriend of the moment.”

Regarding abuse, she is also accusing Biermann of throwing a pan at one of the kids’ heads.

Kim Slams Court-Appointed Guardian

Per TMZ, Zolciak claims that the court-appointed guardian was made aware of the incident with Biermann allegedly abusing their son. However, the person is said to have dismissed the claim, stating that the boy was large for his age. Still, Zolciak says his size does not matter as he’s still a legal minor.

Regarding the rest of the kids, the “RHOA” alum stated in court documents that they’ve made it clear which parent they would like to live with, but to no avail from the guardian. She also claimed the person referred to the children as dishonest.

In explaining why there haven’t been changes to the custody agreement following the supposed abuse, she said, “No professionals have sounded an alarm because the abuse did not ‘leave marks.’” According to her, she’s “constantly contacted” by the kids when they are in their dad’s custody.

The reality star also included text messages in her court filing. Notably, it features a text said to be from one of Biermann’s alleged romantic encounters, accusing him of abuse. The text, sent to Zolciak’s boyfriend Kyle Mowitz, said, “I believe Kim. He is abusive. And his abuse is unlike any I’ve ever witnessed.”

‘RHOA’ Fans Are Divided By Kim’s Latest Court Filing

Following Zolciak’s latest legal filing against Biermann, social media is reacting with many unsure of which side to take. While some are taking her side, others claim she’s not being fully honest with her accusations against her estranged husband.

One person said on X, “She’s making it sound like they were in the room. Did she expect him to leave his kids at home and take his jump off to a hotel room? Do they even have money for that?”

Someone else wrote, “This divorce has lasted longer than their actual marriage at this point.” A different “RHOA” fan questioned the text message, saying, “Why would his girlfriend reach out to her [married] boyfriend? Why would she even have his number? The best way to test all of Kim’s allegations is to just ask the parties outright; the kids are old enough to testify at this point.”

Another social media user chimed in, writing, “It feels like every day I learn something about Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann that I wish I didn’t know.”

Overall, everyone wants what’s best for the children.

The ‘RHOA’ Alum Lost Primary Custody Of The Kids In May

Biermann accused Zolciak of neglecting their children and of being out of the country for several weeks at a time. Then, according to TMZ, in early May 2026, a judge ruled on Biermann’s emergency motion, stripping the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” alum of primary physical custody of the kids.

Per the ruling, Zolciak shares joint physical custody with the former NFL player. She also has limited parenting time with the four kids every other week. This arrangement gives Biermann the final say over educational, non-emergency medical, and religious decisions.

Kim Is On A New Show

According to Variety, Prime Video has greenlit a new series, “Reality Retreat.” The show features well-known reality stars as they attend “a high-stakes wellness retreat designed to challenge their identities, relationships, and personal growth.”

In addition to Zolciak, it features the likes of Kenya Moore, Margaret Josephs, Julie Chrisley, and more. “Reality Retreat” is set to premiere sometime in 2027. Zolciak will also appear on Bravo’s upcoming “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,” premiering August 9.

Comic conventions are great places for pop culture fans to enjoy, shop, and meet like-minded individuals, all while surrounded by the movies, shows, games, and comic books that mean so much to them. From June 5 to June 7, Indiana will take center stage as it hosts the Indiana Comic Convention, an exciting gathering that will feature some of the biggest names in entertainment together at the Indiana Convention Center.

Attending a comic con can be a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know how to manage your time. Indiana Comic Con 2026 will also feature quite a few exciting panels, making the choice of which ones to attend all the more complicated. Luckily, we have you covered there. Here are some of the best things to do at Indiana Comic Convention 2026, including panels, activities, experiences, and even contests. We also have a discount code for all of you who have yet to purchase your tickets: type in COLLIDER in the APPLY PROMO CODE box at checkout and get a juicy deal!

7

‘Vampire Diaries’ Reunion With Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley – Friday, June 5, 14:00, 500 Ballroom

Image via The CW

Teen shows absolutely dominated the 2010s, but few were more successful than The Vampire Diaries. Based on L. J. Smith‘s eponymous book series, the show follows the love triangle between teenager Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) and the vampire brothers Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder). The show went on for eight seasons and remains an icon of 2010s television.

Indiana Comic Convention 2026 will provide a massive treat for fans of the show, as both Salvatore brothers will reunite on stage in a panel hosted by Collider‘s Maggie Lovitt. Wesley and Somerhalder remain fan-favorites, and their reunion is bound to be one of the con’s most talked-about moments. Together, they’ll discuss the show’s considerable legacy and maybe even share a detail or two of what it was like to bring life to these mysterious and alluring brothers.

6

‘Red Dead Redemption’ Panel With Rob Wiethoff – Friday, June 5, 16:00, Wabash Ballroom

Image via Rockstar Games

Video games are hotter than ever. In fact, the industry is arguably experiencing its highest peak, and it shows no signs of stopping. One of the most acclaimed video games of the 21st century is 2010’s Red Dead Redemption, an action-adventure Western about the exploits of John Marston, a former outlaw who goes on a quest to bring three gang members to justice after the government kidnaps his wife and son.

As one of the best adventure video games of all time, Red Dead Redemption has a large following that will surely be present at Indiana Comic Convention 2026, where Rob Wiethoff will be doing a panel moderated by Collider‘s Maggie Lovitt. Wiethoff will be there to chat about the game and its sequel/prequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, where he returns as a secondary protagonist. This duology is among the most acclaimed in modern gaming, so there won’t be a shortage of topics for Wiethoff to discuss.

5

Alaqua Cox Panel – Saturday, June 6, 12:00, 500 Ballroom

Image via Marvel Studios

Alaqua Cox debuted in the MCU in the surprisingly great 2021 miniseries Hawkeye, playing Maya Lopez, AKA Echo, the deaf commander of the tracksuit mafia and a major antagonist for Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) and his protegée, Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld). Cox returned three years later as the protagonist in Echo, where Lopez returns to her hometown to reconnect with her family and Native American roots.

At Indiana Comic Convention 2026, Cox will headline a panel, moderated by Collider‘s Maggie Lovitt. There, she’ll discuss both shows, Echo’s importance as a major representative for the deaf community, and perhaps even hint at when we might see her again in the MCU. Unfairly, Cox hasn’t received the same attention as other major players of the MCU, so it’s great that she has these types of opportunities to showcase her artistry and contributions to the franchise.

4

‘X-Men ’97’ Panel With Cal Dodd, Adrian Hough, and Alison Sealy-Smith – Saturday, June 6, 17:00, 500 Ballroom

A revival of the seminal ’90s show X-Men: The Animated Series, X-Men ’97 debuted in 2024 to near-universal fan and critical acclaim. It revitalized mainstream interest for the X-Men and restored their reputation following a series of less-than-ideal movies from the near-defunct 20th Century Studios era. The show’s first season sees the titular team fighting Bastion and his Sentinel program, while the soon-to-be-released second season will focus on their conflict against Apocalypse.

Indiana Comic Convention 2026 will host three cast members of the show — Cal Dodd, who voices Wolverine, Adrian Hough, who voices Nightcrawler, and Alison Sealy-Smith, who voices Storm — in a panel hosted by Collider‘s Maggie Lovitt. The trio will talk about the original show’s enduring appeal and the revival’s continued success. Perhaps they’ll even provide a bit of extra info about the team’s upcoming fight with Apocalypse! Season 2 of X-Men ’97 is among the most anticipated in superhero TV, making this panel even more exciting for fans.

3

Cosplay Contest – Saturday, June 6, 19:00, 500 Ballroom

Image via CBS

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Cosplaying is a must in these types of events. An art form in itself, cosplaying is practically synonymous with conventions, and fans put out all the stops for the occasion. Some of the attendees create spectacular replicas of their favorite pop culture characters, many of which could easily belong in a museum, considering the level of detail and care that go into these costumes.

As expected, Indiana Comic Convention 2026 will indeed host a cosplay contest, which will take place on Saturday, June 6 at 19:00. Lunar Lepus, Nikki Nostalgia, and Scarred Metwo will be the judges for the occasion, and contestants will participate for the chance to win $8000 in prizes and Cosplay Awards “worthy of bragging about.” Pre-judging will happen in Room #132 from 11:00 to 16:00. For cosplayers who don’t want to compete, there will also be meet-ups for Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more.

2

‘Teen Wolf’ Panel With Tyler Hoechlin and Tyler Posey – Sunday, June 7, 14:00, 500 Ballroom

Image via MTV

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If you grew up in the 2010s, chances are you were a fan of Teen Wolf, MTV’s reimagining of the eponymous 1985 movie. Set in the fictional California town of Beacon Hills, the show stars Tyler Posey as Scott McCall, a teenage werewolf who must fight all manner of supernatural threats. Joining his pack is an assortment of allies, including Derek Hale (Tyler Hoechlin), an older werewolf from a prominent family in Beacon Hills.

Indiana Comic Convention 2026 will host the two most famous werewolves from Teen Wolf, as Posey and Hoechlin will headline a panel moderated by Stephanie Carr. The two will surely share stories from their time in the show and the 2023 sequel movie, maybe sharing some stories from the set and discussing the show’s surprising legacy as a gem of 2010s television. The Teen Wolf fandom is still surprisingly active, so expect to see a packed house for this one.

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Meet Nicolas Cage! – Saturday, June 6, 10:30 – 18:30/Sunday, June 7, 10:00 – 14:30

Image via Prime Video

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Nicolas Cage is one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood. The Oscar winner is currently in the middle of promoting his newest show, Spider-Noir, where he reprises the character he first voiced in the Oscar-winning 2018 animated masterpiece Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Fans have been wanting to see Cage suiting up as the hard-boiled detective for years now, and it’s wild to think we actually got our wish.

At Indiana Comic Convention 2026, Cage will be appearing on Celebrity Row on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, he’ll be present from 10:30 to 18:30 with breaks, while on Sunday, he’ll be there from 10:00 to 14:30. You’ll get a chance to get an autograph, a picture, or both with this pop culture icon, whose career spans forty years and includes some of the most celebrated movies of the 21st century. Cage will undoubtedly be one of the con’s main events, so make sure to secure your place while you still can!

Chunky sneakers are already on their way out in favor of sleek black flats, but Kate Hudson dialed up the polish and added so much comfort. Her knit flats are basically elevated slippers, and we found the expensive look on sale for just $33!

Spotted leaving an Italian restaurant in Santa Monica, the actress wore a silky cami, a knee-length skirt and slipper-like flats that quietly stole the attention. It’s no surprise that Hudson’s knit shoe style is now everywhere on the streets of Italy, New York and California.

Get the Frank Mully Knit Ballet Flats for $33 (was $40) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

These Frank Mully Knit Ballet Flats have the same round toe, classic black color and low-profile silhouette that made Hudson’s pair so effortless. The knit upper hugs your foot the way a sock does, with enough stretch to skip the painful break-in period that most flats demand. Better yet, the soft sole is built for actual walking, not just standing pretty on a red carpet.

Related: Skip Chunky Sneakers — These Rich Mom Walking Sandals Are Comfier

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‘Walking’ and ‘sandals’ might feel like contradictory terms, and for a while, they were. But it’s 2026. Designers have finally heard our wishes, creating chic walking sandals that deliver the support of sneakers with the style of summer. They’re still hard to come by, but we found 15 comfy sandals that effortlessly balance comfort and […]

Thousands of shoppers agree: These chic flats work with and for everything. Throw them on with a tee and jeans for grocery runs, then copy Hudson with a simple skirt for date night. They’re the polished alternative to chunky sneakers we’ve been hunting for, and they happen to be just as comfy.

One five-star fan wrote, “I’ve worn them for errands, work days and long stretches on my feet, and they continue to feel supportive and lightweight. Another thing I love is how versatile they are. They pair beautifully with jeans, work pants or even a casual dress. Simple, elegant and incredibly comfortable.”

Another happy reviewer shared, “I have a pair of Rothy’s, and these are just as comfortable. On a recent trip to NYC, these were my go-to shoes. Walked many miles in them.”

Black knit flats are already (and always will be) ‘in,’ but Hudson’s version is double-trendy. Slip a pair into your weekly rotation, and you’ll understand why she reaches for the style. It’s hard to believe the look is only $33!

Get the Frank Mully Knit Ballet Flats for $33 (was $40) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.

Denise Richards is not about to look bad in front of the press!

The actress is brushing off the criticism surrounding her courtroom fashion choice, insisting that she simply wore what she had in her wardrobe and would not want her estranged husband to make her look bad.

Denise Richards has been in the fashion department for a while now, as she famously rocked a lace romper with a detachable tulle skirt during her wedding to estranged husband Aaron Phypers.

The media personality, in a recent Instagram video, shared with her teeming followers a glimpse into her early-morning preparation routine ahead of another appearance in her ongoing divorce proceedings with Phypers.

Starting her day before sunrise, Richards joked about her appearance before explaining that media attention surrounding the case has influenced how she dresses for court. It is no thanks to her estranged husband, who always makes sure the press are present in court, making her super conscious.

Richards said planning outfits for court has unexpectedly become a stressful experience, as she admitted that the whole topic of her leather outfits has come up.

She defended a later outfit that featured a fitted Gucci leather pencil skirt. The famous TV host said the leather pencil skirt isn’t out of the ordinary or intimidating to her.

The actress also added that she does not have many formal suits, and so it is tough to style her for court, as compared to what others think.

To look the part, Richards wore the leather skirt, which also features Gucci’s signature horsebit detailing, with a fitted long-sleeved black bodysuit, all in her trademark sleek style.

Fans Applauded The TV Personality’s Bold Style Choice

Richards’ Instagram followers and online admirers commended her choice of outfit and decision to take a risk that turned out very classy and stunning. This fan wrote, “You just show up. You are a blessing in this world. You are the most reliable, real deal. Love you to the moon and back.”

Another commenter reassured the actress of her striking natural beauty while wishing her good luck with the divorce process and everything in between. Richards can take solace in the words of this fan who declared that, despite the backlash, she ended up looking fabulous for her day in court.

“You could wear a garbage bag and still look stunning. Good luck, Bella,” this fan noted in the comment section. Regardless of the time or space, the consensus from the fans is that the actress never fails to steal looks.

Denise Richards Previously Defended Her Unconventional 2018 Wedding Outfit

When the media personality got married in 2018, she did it in grand style, sparking conversations with her choice of outfit, which was a huge detour away from the traditional wedding dress.

She opened up in an interview with PEOPLE that her choice was deliberate, and since she already wore a dress for her first wedding, she opted for a unique and personal option for the second.

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She consulted designer Mark Zunino to bring her lace romper vision to life in less than 24 hours, and alongside the unconventional lace romper, she also added a detachable tulle skirt, which she removed during a motorcycle ride with Phypers.

Reacting to the attention that followed Richards’ dress online, Zunino insisted that it was the actress’s vision that they create something she genuinely loved rather than satisfy outside opinions.

Richards, however, remained unfazed by the criticism, noting that she stopped paying attention to online commentary years ago. She insisted that her outfit captured exactly the energy she wanted to showcase a playful, confident, and fitting look for a beach wedding in Malibu.

The Actress Opened Up About Unexpected Facelift Reveal

In March, The Blast reported that the reality TV star set the record straight following the rumors of a significant shift in her appearance.

In a subsequent interview with writer and editor Elizabeth Siegel for Allure, Richards admitted she had undergone a complete facelift eight months ago but wanted to keep it a secret until her ex-husband, Phypers, maliciously publicized it.

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According to Richards, she had been focused on healing and recently visited an appointment for microneedling to help improve the appearance of her scars when things took a turn.

She stated that a photographer showed up outside the appointment and that her ex told them about the surgery, but that got botched; she vehemently disagreed with this.

Richards said she had been agonizing over whether to talk about the procedure at length, and she had believed that she might have kept it to herself. She then joked that people might have eventually figured it out anyway since the results are so good.

Denise Richards Embraced Renewed Confidence After Corrective Surgery

Prior to her facelift story, Richards initially revealed that she experienced a scary yet very painful incident on set while competing on the third season of “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”

Richards shared that during the shoot, one of her breast implants ruptured, forcing her to undergo corrective surgery once again, as she had dealt with ruptured implants in the past.

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Richards did not forget to recognize those who stood by her during such a tough time, like her surgeon and her friend Camille Grammer, who linked her up with the surgeon and also supported her throughout the process.

She also shared parts of her recovery journey with fans, celebrating the results and expressing anticipation to take on the bikini season with renewed confidence. Richards added that she was happy to finally speak honestly about living with implants and document that journey publicly alongside Grammer. 

What will Denise Richards do next?

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Jason George revealed if there are plans for him to return to Grey’s Anatomy for season 23 after the show went through multiple cast exits.

“I think I can confirm that Ben is coming back,” George, 54, exclusively told Us Weekly at the MPTF NextGen Summer Party on Sunday, May 31, confirming his involvement in the hit show’s next season. “I’m pretty certain I’m coming back.”

George, who has played Ben since season 2010, praised the show’s creative team for knowing when to help the story evolve, adding, “They’re not afraid to make the hard decisions in terms of story to keep the story as fresh and alive as possible. But they do it with respect.”

The actor broke down the process of a cast exit.

“As early as possible — as soon as you’re thinking about it — you’ll get a call and a conversation,” he explained. “I remember when I got called to do the spinoff for Station 19. I thought it was a call to [say], ‘Sorry, man, we’re writing Ben off the show.’”

George continued: “I’m thankful because there are shows in Hollywood — you hear the stories — where you find out that you’re leaving the show at the table read. You’re completely notably blindsided. I love the fact that my bosses try to give as much respect as possible in that regard.”

Going into season 23, George is “not worried” about a potential looming exit.

“Every show that gets on the air gets canceled someday,” he continued. “It’s just a matter of if people treat it with respect while you’re going along the path. So that’s what I have and that’s a good time.”

Season 22 of Grey’s Anatomy faced plenty of cast shakeups as the show reduced the minimum guarantees for its veteran cast members to 14 out of its 18 episodes per season. Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd, meanwhile, surprised viewers when they exited the show.

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Related: Grey’s Anatomy’s Biggest Exits Over the Years

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Katherine Heigl, Patrick Dempsey, Justin Chambers and more stars have left Grey’s Anatomy — for various reasons. Created by Shonda Rhimes and starring Ellen Pompeo, Grey’s Anatomy debuted on ABC in 2005. Pompeo (Meredith Grey) left the show as a series regular following season 19 but continued to provide voiceover narration and make special guest […]

“I don’t think they’re going to make a move in the first few episodes. But Kim and Kevin are some of the best people I’ve met my entire time in Hollywood,” George continued during his interview with Us. “We’re dear friends off camera. … I’m sad to see them go. But the fun part is that they’re always gonna be my life.”

Looking ahead, George showed support for the idea of Ben taking a break at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to appear on the new ABC spinoff slated for a 2027 debut, adding, “[He] should visit Texas at some point in time because he has the skill sets of an EMT, firefighter, anesthesiologist and a surgeon. What else do you need? He’s an entire department unto himself so he should pop into Texas for a heartbeat. I want Ben to keep exploring.”

Grey’s Anatomy is streaming on ABC.

As the summer tour season approaches, fans are gearing up to see shows all over the world. There’s something special about outdoor summer concerts, when fans can let loose and vibe with the crowd and the band. However, not every tour goes off without a hitch and there have been several tours that forever have a black eye.

In the summer of 1992, there were a plethora of great bands on tour. U2, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Iron Maiden, The Black Crowes, Skid Row, the late Ozzy Osbourne and more brought music to the masses. It was also the year of the first Lollapalooza tour, which featured Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Ice Cube, Pearl Jam, and Jesus and Mary Chain. But, the biggest tour of the summer of 92 was a co-headlining outing featuring the most popular hard rock and heavy metal bands at the time. The tour started off well, but hit a few snags along the way before it deteriorated into a disaster.

Metallica was on top of the world and on their way to becoming the biggest metal band on the planet with the success of The Black Album, which features the huge hits “Enter Sandman,” “Nothing Else Matters,” “The Unforgiven,” and “Wherever I May Roam.” The group was in the midst of a three-year outing that took them around the world promoting their most-popular album. At the same time, Guns n’ Roses were on tour promoting their two albums, Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II, which spawned hits like “You Could Be Mine,” “Civil War,” “Don’t Cry,” and “November Rain.” The two groups decided to go out on a co-headlining stadium tour with Faith No More opening each night

The 26-date tour kicked off in RFK Stadium in Washington D.C. on July 17, 1992, without a hitch, but things soon began to unravel. There was a tension building between the two acts. Metallica were regimented, playing tight and punctual sets, while GNR were unpredictable and were notorious for late starts. In fact, on their fall tour of 1991, the tickets for Guns N’ Roses concerts stated the band would take the stage “around 9 PM.” In December 1991 at a show in Philadelphia, Guns N’ Roses didn’t take the stage until after midnight, playing until past two in the morning, drawing some ire from an exhausted audience.

The Tour was Plagued with Issues

Image via Wall Street Journal

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Outside GNR’s infamous punctuality troubles, there were a myriad of issues on the tour. In Detroit, GNR frontman Axl Rose vomited onstage as the band ended “You Could Be Mine.” He left the stage for a few minutes and returned to apologize, and the band launched into the song and played it again. During GNR’s set at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Axl Rose was hit in the crotch by a lighter thrown by an audience member. He quickly stormed off-stage, leaving bassist Duff McKagen to sing the rest of their cover of Bob Dylan‘s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” The band left the stage after the song and was supposed to return for an encore. Duff walked out and addressed the audience saying Axl would not be returning, and the show was over.

Axl Rose had been suffering vocal issues on the outing, most likely brought on from the non-stop performances combined with chain-smoking and a lot of drinking. It all came to a head in a perfect storm in Montreal on August 8, 1992. During Metallica’s set, they were playing the intro to “Fade to Black” when James Hetfield accidentally stood on top of a pyrotechnic that was discharged. It sent flames up his body, resulting in second and third-degree burns to his arm, hand, face and back. The band immediately stopped playing and Hetfield was rushed to the hospital. Drummer Lars Ulrich addressed the crowd, explaining James had been injured and was en route to the hospital, and that the band would return to make it up to the fans.

The Riot in Montreal Caused over 400-Thousand Dollars of Damage

A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica

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Fans waited over two hours after Metallica’s shortened set for Guns N’ Roses to take the stage. The band had only played a few songs when Axl Rose complained about monitor issues and sound problems. He added that his throat was hurting and left the stage, ending the show. The fans, who were already disappointed by Metallica’s short set, combined with a long wait and then GNR’s lackadaisical and truncated show, hit a breaking point.

Fans erupted into violence inside the only indoor stadium of the tour, storming the stage and merchandise stands. Outside the stadium, people overturned police cars, smashed windows, looted, lit bonfires and fought with police. There were multiple injuries and arrests and the chaos caused more than 400-thousand dollars of damage to the city.

In the aftermath of the riot, the two groups were forced to postpone six shows and cancel one in Vancouver. The tour picked back up over two weeks later in Phoenix. Metallica’s guitar tech, John Marshall, joined the band on rhythm guitar since frontman James Hetfield couldn’t play due to his injuries. Thankfully, his voice was fine, and he fronted the band without his guitar for the remainder of the outing.

Who’s Your Perfect Classic Rock Band?

The tension between the two bands was at an all-time high. Metallica felt like GNR could’ve saved the day in Montreal after Hetfield’s accident, and they were bothered by Axl Rose’s nonchalant behavior about the riot while he complained about his voice problems backstage smoking cigarette after cigarette while Montreal was on fire.

Faith No More was Kicked off the Tour by GNR After an Incident

Kabik/Starlitepics/Abaca/startraksphoto.com

The final incident to take place on the ill-fated tour was during a September show where frontman Mike Patton of Faith No More, took a bottle of urine a fan threw on stage, opened it and poured it all over himself and Axl Rose’s vocal monitor. The band was immediately fired from the tour and replaced with Body Count and Motorhead.

The Guns N’ Roses and Metallica double bill limped to the finish line on October 6, 1992, in Seattle. It was the last big co-headlining rock show of that magnitude for many years as grunge and alternative rock became dominant. Guns N’ Roses kept touring but kept having issues and eventually parted ways, while Metallica just got bigger and bigger, dominating the metal scene for years. Metallica did the right thing and returned to play two shows at the Montreal Forum in February 1993, offering half-priced tickets for fans, while GNR were banned for life from playing Olympic Stadium. A microcosm of the biggest and most disastrous summer tour of 1992.