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Ryan Coogler to Bring ‘Animorphs’ Adventure to Disney+ with Exciting New Series

April 4, 2026

Ryan Coogler to Bring ‘Animorphs’ Adventure to Disney+ with Exciting New Series

In exciting news for fans of 1990s literature, the iconic sci-fi series “Animorphs” is set to be adapted into a streaming series on Disney+. The project is in its early stages, with acclaimed filmmaker Ryan Coogler, known for his Oscar-winning work, serving as executive producer. This development was initially reported by Variety on Friday.

The upcoming series will draw from the popular “Animorphs” books, a creation of Katherine Applegate and her husband Michael Grant. Spanning 54 books from 1996 to 2001, the series captivated audiences with its thrilling narrative, starting with “The Invasion” and wrapping up with “The Beginning.” Over its run, the franchise sold over 35 million copies globally.

The storyline revolves around a group of teenagers who encounter a dying alien. They learn that Earth is in danger of being overtaken by a species of parasitic aliens known as Yeerks. The alien bestows upon them the ability to morph into any animal they touch, a power they harness to fight back against the extraterrestrial threat.

Katherine Applegate took to social media to express her cautious optimism about the adaptation, sharing the excitement with fans who have cherished the series for decades.

Applegate shared the news on social media with cautious optimism.

“Michael Grant and I have concerns that the project is under-resourced. But one of the producers, Sev Ohanian, is a friend, as well as a genuine Animorphs fan,” she wrote. “If anyone can make it work, he can. Fingers crossed.”

The adaptation marks the latest high-profile project for Coogler and Proximity Media under their existing deal with Disney, under which Coogler is working on a pilot for a reboot of “The X-Files” starring Danielle Deadwyler and Himesh Patel. He’s also fresh off Oscar wins for his hit film “Sinners,” which won four Academy Awards, with Coogler taking home the award for best original screenplay.

Should it move forward, this would be the second “Animorphs” TV series to make it to air. A live-action series aired on Nickelodeon for two seasons between 1998 and 2000. There was also a previously announced attempt to develop an “Animorphs” film in 2020 that never moved forward.

In a 2016 interview, Applegate reflected on the books’ lasting appeal, saying that she and Grant “were clearly not talking down” to young readers.

“We used the premise to talk about big things with kids, and we think they appreciated that,” she said. “And then we’d have a fight between an alien and a kid-turned-tiger, and seriously, how is that not cool?”

No casting or premiere date has been announced.

Uncovering the Truth: Pam Bondi’s Involvement in Epstein Files and Her Departure from Trump’s Team

Celeb Zone

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

President Donald Trump has dismissed Attorney General Pam Bondi after 14 months in office, appointing Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as the interim leader of the Justice Department. The announcement, made on April 2, comes after the White House expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with Bondi’s management of the Jeffrey Epstein files and what Trump perceived as a lack of aggressiveness in prosecuting political opponents.

This development marks the second significant cabinet change in Trump’s second term, following the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March.

Why Did Trump Fire Pam Bondi: Epstein Files Role Revealed

Trump’s Announcement: Exact Words on Pam Bondi Exit

Trump addressed Bondi’s departure on Truth Social, portraying it as a transition rather than a dismissal. “Pam Bondi is a Great American Patriot and a loyal friend, who faithfully served as my Attorney General over the past year,” Trump stated. “Pam did a tremendous job overseeing a massive crackdown on crime across our country, with murders plummeting to their lowest level since 1900.”

He added that Pam Bondi “will be transitioning to a much needed and important new job in the private sector, to be announced at a date in the near future.” Blanche, Trump said, is “a very talented and respected Legal Mind” who will serve as acting attorney general.

Timeline of Events: How Frustrations Built at DOJ

Over the past months, Trump’s dissatisfaction with Bondi had been growing. In September 2025, he publicly criticized her on Truth Social, stating, “Pam, I have reviewed over 30 statements and posts saying that, essentially, ‘same old story as last time, all talk, no action.'” Shortly thereafter, the Department of Justice indicted former FBI Director James Comey, although the case was later dismissed by a judge.

By January 2026, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump was privately describing Bondi as “weak and an ineffective enforcer of his agenda.” The final decision to remove her followed an April 1 White House meeting, subsequent to Trump’s Supreme Court appearance concerning birthright citizenship.

Role of Epstein Files in the Decision

The Epstein files controversy proved central to Bondi’s downfall. She had promised transparency but delivered what critics called “obfuscation.” In February 2025, she claimed Epstein’s client list was “sitting on my desk” – an assertion the DOJ later denied.

A July 2025 DOJ memo stated no more files would be released, triggering outrage from Trump allies. Congress responded by passing the Epstein Files Transparency Act in November 2025, forcing disclosure. While the DOJ eventually released roughly 3.5 million pages, critics noted this was only about half of identified materials.

Fox Business panelist Dagen McDowell called Bondi’s handling “a rolling disaster.”

Who Is Todd Blanche? Acting Attorney General Profile

Todd Blanche, 51, is Trump’s former personal criminal defense lawyer – the first acting attorney general in modern history to have held that role for a sitting president. He represented Trump in the Manhattan hush-money case and the Mar-a-Lago documents prosecution.

Blanche joined the DOJ as deputy attorney general in January 2025 and has been publicly visible on the Epstein issue, defending the administration’s release process on Fox News. He claimed on April 2 that “the Department of Justice has now released all the files with respect to the Epstein saga” – a statement fact-checkers disputed, noting roughly half of identified documents remain unreleased.

Impact on Justice Department Independence

Critics warn Blanche’s appointment further erodes DOJ independence. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) wrote: “The DOJ is not a personal law firm, yet Donald Trump has installed another one of his former personal defense lawyers to lead the DOJ.”

Blanche has previously defended the department’s pursuit of Trump’s perceived enemies, saying in November 2025: “When I read now that we’re weaponizing, I feel like I’m being gaslit.” Under Bondi, the DOJ prosecuted Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James – both cases later dismissed.

Pam Bondi’s Tenure Highlights and Controversies

Bondi, 60, was Florida’s first female attorney general before joining Trump’s administration. Her confirmation in February 2025 passed 54-46, with only one Democrat – Sen. John Fetterman – voting yes.

Her congressional appearances became notorious. In February 2026, when pressed on Epstein files, she shouted at a Democratic senator: “You don’t tell me anything, you washed-up, loser lawyer!” She also deflected by noting stock market gains: “The Dow is over 50,000 right now.”

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a frequent Trump critic, supported her firing, posting: “I hope the next AG will release all the Epstein files according to the law.”

What Happens Next: Potential Permanent Replacement

Trump is reportedly considering EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin as Bondi’s permanent replacement. The two met at the White House on March 31 to discuss the position. Zeldin, a former congressman from New York, has led Trump’s deregulation efforts at EPA.

Other names circulating include Jeanine Pirro, the former Fox News host now serving as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. Any permanent nominee will require Senate confirmation.

Reactions From Both Sides of the Aisle

Republican reactions were mixed. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) called Bondi “a great friend and one of the best lawyers I’ve ever met,” praising her work. Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.) told Newsmax she did “a remarkable job” with violent crime down over 20 percent.

Democrats were sharply critical. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) accused Bondi of “leading a White House cover-up of the Epstein files” and vowed she “will not escape accountability,” noting her congressional subpoena remains active despite her firing.

Why This Shake-Up Matters for Trump’s Second Term

This dismissal signals that no amount of loyalty insulates Trump’s cabinet from his demands. Bondi was a longtime Trump ally and fierce defender, yet she lasted just 14 months. With Blanche now at the helm – a lawyer whose entire recent career has been defending Trump personally – the Justice Department faces renewed questions about its independence.

The Epstein files saga is unlikely to end here. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who subpoenaed Bondi, posted: “My subpoena still stands. I did it by name, not by title.”

Heroic Rescue: California Toddler Survives Vicious Coyote Attack in Heart-Stopping Encounter

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Heroic Rescue: California Toddler Survives Vicious Coyote Attack in Heart-Stopping Encounter

A coyote, known for previous incidents, was captured and euthanized after being filmed attempting to bite and drag a 4-year-old boy in Southern California. The event unfolded in the child’s grandparents’ driveway earlier this week.

Young Solomon sustained seven puncture wounds on his legs and torso during the terrifying encounter, which was recorded by a surveillance camera.

“I just hear him screaming, and I turn around, and I scream as well because I see the coyote on top of him,” shared Sarina Donohoo, Solomon’s mother, as she recounted the incident to FOX 11 Los Angeles.

The coyote, deemed a “repeat offender,” attacked Solomon in the driveway before being captured and “humanely euthanized” by local authorities, according to reports from FOX 11 Los Angeles.

“He bit me,” Solomon recounted. “He tried to drag me.”

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife believes the animal may be responsible for even more attacks than initially believed, according to reporting from FOX 11 Los Angeles.

The coyote may have been a “repeat offender,” linked to two additional victims reporting attacks March 26 and March 30. According to FOX 11, DNA testing linked the coyote to a separate attack on a child Feb. 11 near an elementary school.

Wildlife authorities confirmed with FOX 11 that the coyote was “humanely euthanized” Thursday using “standard protocol” for animals that attack humans.

Sarina Donohoo shares coyote attack story in interview

Mother Sarina Donohoo recalled the terrifying incident with 4-year-old son Solomon in an interview with FOX 11 Los Angeles. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

“For a wild animal to walk up into your yard and try to snatch your grandchild, it’s like the most horrific thing in the world,” Solomon’s grandmother and property owner Stephanie Fields added.

The incident happened early in the morning, just before 9 a.m., as the boy’s mother was unloading groceries from her vehicle.

“I was so scared because I know how bad it could have been,” Sarina said, recalling the chilling incident. “My initial response was just, ‘I need to get him away.’”

The coyote had been spotted around the neighborhood, and one resident who runs a daycare recounted how she now carries both an air horn and a golf club to help keep the children in her charge safe from the predator. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)

Grandfather Stanley Fields shared that little Solomon is now undergoing a series of rabies treatments.

“He got nipped three times, and now he’s going through rabies protocol,” Stanley said. “He’s 4 years old, and I just think it was a little much for a young child to experience.”

A neighbor who operates a nearby daycare told FOX 11 she now carries an air horn and a golf club for protection in the area.

Authorities have urged residents in the neighborhood to “remain vigilant” as officials confirm whether other aggressive coyotes remain in the area, according to FOX 11.

Other recommendations for residents include supervising small children, especially outdoors, and using loud noises like air horns to deter wild animals. Residents are also encouraged to secure any food waste and trash bins.

Authorities encourage witnesses to call the Carson Sheriff’s Station at 310-830-1123 for coyote attacks or California Fish & Wildlife at 858-467-4257 for coyote sightings.

Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.

Prosecutors: Man Allegedly Assaults Girlfriend’s Brother with Weightlifting Bar, Causing Brain Bleed

Crime

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Prosecutors: Man Allegedly Assaults Girlfriend’s Brother with Weightlifting Bar, Causing Brain Bleed

Background: The Macomb County Jail in Mount Clemens, Michigan (Google Maps). Inset: Jevonn Green (Macomb County Prosecutor”s Office).

In a disturbing incident out of Michigan, a man is facing serious charges after allegedly attacking his girlfriend’s brother with a weightlifting bar while he slept.

Jevonn Green, aged 46, has been formally charged with several offenses, including assault with intent to murder, aggravated domestic violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon, according to a statement from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office. Given that this is purportedly his fourth offense, a conviction could result in a minimum of 25 years behind bars, with the possibility of a life sentence.

The incident took place on Sunday when Green returned to his Chesterfield Township residence, situated just northeast of Detroit. He lived there with his girlfriend and her 61-year-old brother, as reported by local authorities.

While the brother was asleep on the couch, Green is alleged to have attacked him, striking his head multiple times with a weightlifting bar. Following the attack, Green reportedly woke his girlfriend, who was asleep in another room, instructing her to call 911 for her brother’s aid, stated the prosecutor’s office.

The victim was taken to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition as of Thursday, suffering from a decompressed skull fracture and brain bleeding, officials reported.

“It is extremely troubling that a man was allegedly assaulted while he slept, completely defenseless,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said. “Domestic violence is not limited to romantic partners. If you are the victim of domestic violence, call 911 in the event of an emergency.”

Green was arrested and booked into the Macomb County Jail on a $250,000 bond. “If released, he must wear a GPS tether and submit to drug testing three times weekly” and he “cannot return to the residence where the alleged assault occurred, nor may he consume any alcohol or drugs,” the prosecutor’s office said.

The defendant’s defense attorney asked for Green to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, a request that was granted. He was arraigned in court on Thursday and is scheduled to return on April 16.

Authorities Launch Manhunt in Sydney’s North-West Following Ute Arson Incident

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Authorities Launch Manhunt in Sydney’s North-West Following Ute Arson Incident

Officers are searching for a group after they allegedly smashed the windows of a home in Sydney’s north-west and set fire to a stolen ute.

In the early hours of this morning, around 2 a.m., emergency services responded to an incident on Bocks Road in Oakville. A group reportedly drove a utility vehicle onto the premises and proceeded to smash several windows.

Shortly thereafter, the group allegedly set the vehicle on fire.

A police operation is under way in Sydney's north-west. — A police operation is under way in Sydney’s north-west. (Nine)

Upon the arrival of police officers, the individuals fled the scene on foot, while one person managed to get into another vehicle and drive off.

Law enforcement pursued the vehicle, bringing it to a halt on Fontana Drive at The Gables. The driver, however, attempted to escape once more on foot.

A subsequent search led to the arrest of a 17-year-old boy, who was then taken to the Windsor Police Station for further questioning.

The ute was extinguished, and further investigations found that it had reportedly been stolen last month.

The occupants of the home, a man and woman in their 50s, were uninjured following the incident, and an investigation is now underway.

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Community Outrage Erupts as District Axes Three Middle School Chorus Programs

Local News

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Community Outrage Erupts as District Axes Three Middle School Chorus Programs

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. — A recent decision by the Aiken County School District has stirred discontent among parents, following the announcement to eliminate the chorus program from Paul Knox, North Augusta, and Kennedy Middle Schools. This move has raised concerns about the future of these schools’ music education offerings.

Todd Gillespie Jr., a former choir member from North Augusta High School, has taken to social media to express his concerns about this cutback. His worry stems from the fact that two of these middle schools serve as key feeders into North Augusta High School’s highly acclaimed choir program. Gillespie shared his apprehensions with NewsChannel 6, highlighting the potential impact this decision may have.

“It’s really disappointing,” Gillespie expressed. “I remember going through middle and high school, witnessing an overwhelming financial preference for sports and academics. The same level of support just wasn’t there for choir programs.” Gillespie’s experiences led him to a career as a choir teacher, underscoring his belief in the importance of early music education.

Gillespie emphasized that middle school chorus programs play a crucial role in nurturing future musicians and music educators. “Programs with middle school feeders tend to be more successful because they establish foundational roots—instilling a love for music and developing essential skills at an early stage. That’s the entire purpose of having these programs,” he explained.

“Programs that have middle school feeders are more successful because they have those roots being set, that love of music and those skills that are being set at the middle school level to feed the kids up. That’s the whole point of the program.”

Earlier this week, Gillespie posted the news about the cuts to Facebook, and it quickly went viral. Someone tagged the district’s school board representative, Colen Lindell, who said it was the first he had heard of it and he opposes cutting these programs. He told us the district did not make the school board aware of their decision.

“I issued a quick statement saying that, you know, I’m aware of their concerns, would be looking deeper into it the next day and that I would I support Choir, Band, Orchestra and the arts programs,” said Lindell, who represents District 4.

In a statement, the school district said the programs were cut because of loss of teacher allocation and a lack of student interest. They followed it up the next day, telling us Paul Knox found 50 student course requests for chorus not included in the information used to make the original decision. So, they’re going to hire one full-time chorus teacher to split time between Paul Knox and Kennedy. You can read the district’s full statements below.

Lindell said he will follow up and make sure arts programs continue to be supported.

“These programs matter. They are not extras — they are essential. They help shape confident students, build discipline, and create opportunities that reach far beyond the classroom,” he said.

Gillespie is skeptical, especially since North Augusta Middle School’s program is still cut.

“I think that this is a slippery slope. I think once you start taking away, it will not come back. I just truly do,” Gillespie said.

The school district also said they believe the arts are important to education. They nurture student talent by offering the AC Gateway program each summer for gifted and talented students in all vocations of visual and performance art.

Aiken County Public School District Statement 4/01/2026:

“Fine arts and exploratory course offerings, including career and technology education (CTE), in our middle schools are driven by student interest. Rising sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students have an opportunity to submit course requests for the upcoming school year.

When district and school leaders conduct each year’s allocation meetings for the upcoming year, they consider student enrollment projections, course requests, and any other pertinent information to determine teacher staffing. Increases or decreases in student projections typically have a comparable impact on teacher staffing. Unless slight, increases in student projections generally result in additional teachers; decreases in student projections generally result in reduced staffing. For the 2026 – 2027 school year, Paul Knox Middle, North Augusta Middle, and Kennedy Middle each lose teacher allocation due to decreases in student numbers. The loss of teacher allocation and low interest in comparison to other course offerings ultimately led to the decisions to close chorus classes.

Despite the changes described above, Aiken County Public Schools remains committed to strong fine arts programs, including chorus. This is evidenced by budgeting more than $338,000 annually for fine arts supplies and related equipment. Schools have the discretion to use those funds as they see fit as long as they are for fine arts and directly benefit students. Furthermore, the District offers an intensive summer arts program (Gateway), which includes chorus, and is exploring after-school choir opportunities, county-wide choir experiences, and expanded intersession offerings.

As a final and general note, the elimination of a teacher allocation at a school should not be misconstrued as a loss of someone’s employment. Schools throughout our District have shifts, increases, or decreases in teacher staffing each school year. Our Human Resources department works closely with school leadership to ensure appropriate placements for all of our returning teachers.”

Aiken County Public School District Statement 4/02/2026:

“On Wednesday, April 1, subsequent to concerns shared by the community, to which the district responded and explained the rationale to eliminate chorus, Paul Knox Middle School discovered that approximately 50 chorus course requests from students were not included in the information used to form the original decision.

The new information received results in student interest numbers for chorus at Paul Knox qualifying the school for a portion of a teacher allocation. Due to the anticipated difficulty of finding a part-time chorus teacher, a full-time chorus teacher will be split between Paul Knox and Kennedy Middle School, the school with the next highest student course request numbers.”

Traffic Alert: Major Closure on Champaign’s Fox Drive for Patching Project – What You Need to Know

Local News

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Traffic Alert: Major Closure on Champaign’s Fox Drive for Patching Project – What You Need to Know

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A section of Fox Drive in Champaign is set to close next week for a city-led concrete patching project, according to local officials.

The city has announced that A&A Concrete will begin pavement repairs on Fox Drive, specifically the segment between Devonshire Drive and State Street. This area, located within a business park, is not adjacent to any residential properties.

Blake Lively Expresses Relief as Sexual Harassment Allegations Dismissed: A Grateful Perspective

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Blake Lively Expresses Relief as Sexual Harassment Allegations Dismissed: A Grateful Perspective

Blake Lively has expressed her gratitude following a judge’s decision to dismiss her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni amid their ongoing legal dispute.

The 38-year-old actress, who initiated legal action against Baldoni in December 2024, shared her reaction on Instagram Stories this Friday. In her statement, Lively also criticized the “online abuse” she has encountered.

In addition to dismissing the sexual harassment claims, Judge Lewis Liman also threw out allegations of fat-shaming that Lively had made against Baldoni, her co-star and director in “It Ends With Us.”

Despite these dismissals, Lively retains the right to pursue claims of retaliation, aiding and abetting retaliation, and breach of contract.

“I’m thankful for the Court’s decision, which allows the core of my case to be heard by a jury next month,” Lively stated. “I look forward to finally sharing my story fully at the trial, for my own peace of mind…”

The Gossip Girl alum added, ‘But also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to… many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I’ll never know.’

Blake Lively, 38, said that she is ‘grateful’ for the judge’s ruling as she reacted to her sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni being tossed out this week amid their legal battle; seen in 2025 in NYC

The actress took to her Instagram stories on Friday to offer her own response as she also slammed the ‘online abuse’ she has faced

Lively explained to her followers that she never wanted to be a part of a lawsuit, but did so due to the ‘persuasive RETALLIATION I faced, and continue to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.’

She wrote that she still hopes others will have the courage to ‘speak up.’

‘Don’t be distracted by the digital soap opera,’ the actress typed, before expressing that adding labels to the lawsuit such as ‘Celebrity Drama’ is ‘irresponsible.’

Lively continued, ‘The physical pain from digital violence is very real. It is abuse. And it’s everywhere. Not just in the news, but in your communities and schools.’

She also discussed manipulation that can occur online and warned that children with phones ‘are some of the most vulnerable.’

‘Studies estimate that between 16% and 58% of women have experienced online abuse or stalking, with 97% of gender-based violence service providers reporting technology-facilitated abuse in their cases.’

Lively added that she is ‘proud’ over the steps that have been taken to ‘expose systems, tactics and players who harm.’

The star sent gratitude to others who have spoken up before her and also said she is thankful to the support she has received.

Along with her sexual harassment claims, Judge Lewis Liman additionally dismissed fat-shaming allegations that she made against her It Ends With Us co-star and director; Baldoni seen in 2024 in NYC

‘I’m grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake,’ she wrote; seen in February in NYC

The actress also posted a statement from her attorney Mike Gottlieb as she still prepares to go to trial on May 18

In conclusion, Lively added, ‘I will never stop doing my part to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims. I know it’s a privilege to be able to stand up. I will not waste it. Your support keeps me going.’

The actress also posted a statement from her attorney Mike Gottlieb as she still prepares to go to trial on May 18.

‘It is completely unsurprising that Bryan Freedman does not understand the court’s actual ruling,’ he said, referring to Baldoni’s attorney.

‘He didn’t even argue the summary judgement motion he’s now spinning, had to bring in another law firm for the trial, and just last week was reprimanded by the court for having filed legally frivolous claims.’

Gottlieb then said that the court holds Lively ‘provided sufficient evidence’ on other claims including: ‘She reasonably believed, in good faith, that the behavior she privately raised concerns about was unlawful sexual harassment.’

Her attorney also shared a quote from the Court in regards to her sexual harassment claims.

It read: ‘A person in her position could have understood the workplace to at times reflect a gendered and sexualized view and a disregard for their privacy sufficient to make it reasonable to complain about a hostile work environment based on sex or gender.”‘

Gottlieb concluded with, ‘The retaliation Ms. Lively faced for privately speaking up for a safe working environment has always been the beating heart of her case.

In conclusion, Lively added, ‘I will never stop doing my part to expose the systems and people who seek to harm, shame, silence and retaliate against victims’; seen in 2025 in NYC

‘It is completely unsurprising that Bryan Freedman does not understand the court’s actual ruling,’ Lively’s lawyer said, referring to Baldoni’s attorney; Baldoni seen in February in NYC

‘It is why she filed her lawsuit. The Court found ample evidence to move her case forward. We look forward to trial on May 18.’

Baldoni’s other attorneys, Alexandra Shapiro and Jonathan Bach, have also reacted to his recent legal victory.

‘We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel,’ they said in a statement to the Daily Mail on Thursday.

‘These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.’

Shapiro and Bach added that Lively’s lawsuit ‘is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court.’

The judge threw out 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit this week.

It was also revealed on Friday that lawyers for both Lively and Baldoni have been unexpectedly called to discuss their latest openness to settling their case.

The attorneys in the long-running case have been told to call US Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave on Monday in separate sessions.

Shapiro and Bach added that Lively’s lawsuit ‘is a significantly narrowed case, and we look forward to presenting our defense to the remaining claims in court’; Baldoni seen in 2024 in NYC

It was also revealed on Friday that lawyers for both Lively and Baldoni have been unexpectedly called to discuss their latest openness to settling their case; seen above in It Ends With Us (2024)

The public will not be allowed to hear what is said on the two calls on Monday.

The first is with Lively’s lawyers at 3pm and those for Baldoni and his company Wayfarer Productions are to be held one hour later.

Both sides have been told they should address ‘their client’s updated settlement position.’

Lively’s lawyer Michael Gottlieb insisted that doesn’t mean it is all over. He said the actress is looking forward to the trial scheduled for next month.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Gottlieb said the jury will still hear her claims about sexual harassment, which he called ‘the beating heart’ of the case.

The messy feud boils down to Baldoni’s alleged harassment of Lively on set, and what she claimed was a smear campaign orchestrated by him and his team in the aftermath of the disastrous production.

The lawsuit was quickly reported on by The New York Times, which accused Baldoni and his colleagues of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively; seen in 2024 in NYC

In an explosive lawsuit filed in California in December 2024, Lively alleged that they’d fat-shamed her and forced her into uncomfortable scenes.

The lawsuit was quickly reported on by The New York Times, which accused Baldoni and his colleagues of orchestrating a smear campaign against Lively.

Baldoni immediately denied the allegations. He then sued The New York Times, Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds.

Both cases were thrown out and Lively’s outstanding complaints were consolidated into one case, to be argued in New York in May.

A spokesperson for WME agency voiced support for Lively in a statement to Deadline on Friday after the judge’s latest ruling this week; seen in 2024 in L.A.

At the time Lively filed her lawsuit against Baldoni, he was dropped from his talent agency WME.

A spokesperson for the agency voiced support for Lively in a statement to Deadline on Friday after the judge’s latest ruling this week.

‘In an industry that too often asks women to absorb the damage and stay quiet, Blake Lively chose to stand up for herself, her castmates, and those without the ability to fight back.’

The spokesperson added, ‘She has met this moment with courage, moral clarity, and extraordinary determination.’

Yaxel Lendeborg’s Incredible Journey: From Warehouse Worker to Michigan’s Final Four Basketball Star

NewsFinale Journal

April 4, 2026

Yaxel Lendeborg’s Incredible Journey: From Warehouse Worker to Michigan’s Final Four Basketball Star

INDIANAPOLIS — Yaxel Lendeborg had come to terms with his future. Pursuing higher education wasn’t in his plans.

“I was employed at a warehouse,” the standout forward from Michigan shared on Friday. “I was settling into that routine, thinking this would define my life. I didn’t have any dreams or ambitions beyond it.”

But his mother, Yissel Raposo, had other plans. She insisted he enroll in junior college.

Fast forward six years, the 6-foot-9 senior from Pennsauken, N.J., is gearing up for the Final Four.

Before long, he’s expected to be an NBA draft pick, with a potential to be chosen in the lottery.

It has been a wild journey.

Three years at Arizona Western College, two years at UAB, and now this past season at Michigan. In high school, Lendeborg admittedly “slacked off all four years.”

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines shoots the ball during the Practice Day of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. — Yaxel Lendeborg of the Michigan Wolverines shoots the ball during the Practice Day of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 3, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Getty Images

“I had no confidence in myself when I went to JUCO,” he recalled. “I didn’t want to go anyway, so it was like I was just wasting time. The journey has really felt like a dream, every step of the way. I went through so much. Mentally, it was definitely draining. There were many times I wanted to give up, I wanted to quit.”

Raposo wouldn’t let him. At Arizona Western, Lendeborg developed into a junior college All-American. Initially, he committed to St. John’s under former coach Mike Anderson. But when Anderson was fired, he decommitted and landed at UAB. There, he was one of the top mid-major players in the country. After his second season there, in which he averaged 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.8 blocks, Lendeborg entered the transfer portal while putting his name into the NBA Draft.

He would’ve likely been a late first-round pick, but he didn’t feel ready to make the jump. He also wanted the opportunity to play for the Wolverines.

Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines interacts with fans during the Practice Day of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2026. — Yaxel Lendeborg of the Michigan Wolverines interacts with fans during the Practice Day of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 03, 2026. Getty Images

Lendeborg felt a bond with Michigan coach Dusty May. May spent plenty of time building a relationship with Lendeborg, even though it was very much up in the air if he would get to coach him.

“He was with me throughout the whole process,” Lendeborg said. “That meant a lot to me.”

He couldn’t have imagined a season like this. Lendeborg has led Michigan to a 35-3 record, was an Associated Press first-team All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year. He added Midwest Region Most Outstanding Player last weekend.

“Everything has been falling into place so far,” said Lendeborg, averaging 21 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and shooting 50 percent from 3-point range in the NCAA Tournament. “We have two more wins and everything will be perfect.”

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