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Justin Baldoni and Wife Emily Speak Out Following Blake Lively Agreement

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Justin Baldoni and Wife Emily Speak Out Following Blake Lively Agreement

Justin Baldoni and his spouse, Emily Baldoni, are opening up about life after concluding their legal dispute with Blake Lively.

“We haven’t done this in a while, so it’s been the better part of two years without speaking publicly, not because we lacked words,” Justin, 42, explained in an Instagram video shared on Wednesday, July 8. “Believe me, we certainly did. However, each time we felt ready to release a video to communicate, something kept holding us back. It just never seemed like the right moment. We spent a lot of time contemplating and praying over this decision.”

Emily, 41, added in agreement, mentioning that “this feels like the right moment” to finally break their silence.

“There’s so much to cover, which makes it challenging to speak out and decide what’s fitting for this moment,” Emily pointed out. “Nonetheless, what’s clear to us is the immense gratitude we feel today for a multitude of reasons and for the incredible people who have been part of our journey.”

Feature 2627 Us Weekly Cover Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Story

After a grueling 18 months filled with public relations battles and over 1,400 legal filings, the intense confrontation between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni seems to have run its course. In early May, just a couple of weeks before the highly anticipated trial was to commence, their legal teams disclosed that they had reached an out-of-court resolution. […]

In late 2023, Justin was named in a lawsuit by his It Ends With Us costar Lively, 38, who accused the director of sexual harassment, fostering a hostile work environment and attempting to destroy her reputation. Justin vehemently denied the accusations, subsequently filing a defamation suit against Lively, which was ultimately dismissed by a judge.

In the midst of the legal battle, Justin and Emily refrained from speaking publicly. The Jane the Virgin alum further noted on Wednesday that gratitude “saved” the couple, who share two children.

“I also feel that it’s important as we say that, in that gratitude, it doesn’t negate the injustice and the pain that we have also felt in the last few years,” Emily continued. “We’ve had to wrestle with so many things and try to understand so many things, like, ‘How could something like this even happen?’ Let alone disguise[d] as a fight for women. So much to unpack, and the truth is that there’s been a lot of trauma for us to move through as a family, which also makes it hard to speak.”

Justin further acknowledged that there have been many “painful things that have been spoken into existence” as a result of the lengthy legal battle.

Justin Baldoni's Wife Emily Praises 'The Man, Husband and Father' He Is Amid Legal Drama

Justin Baldoni celebrated his 41st birthday with his family by his side amid ongoing legal drama. “Happy birthday, my love,” the actor’s wife, Emily Baldoni, wrote via Instagram on Friday, January 24. “Celebrating the man, husband and father that you are. I’d choose you again and again.” Emily, 40, also uploaded a photo of the […]

“That created so much noise and we didn’t want to add to the noise,” he explained of the couple’s reasons for staying quiet. “We just wanted to let the justice system run its course.”

A judge ruled in May to dismiss the majority of Lively’s lawsuit claims. The rest were settled within weeks before the pair were expected to begin trial.

“The truth and the facts have spoken for themselves,” Emily stated on Wednesday. “And here we are.”

In the months since the legal drama concluded, Justin and Emily have been focused on “healing.”

Justin Baldoni Friend Adam Mondschein Details Emotional Cost of Blake Lively Legal Battle for Family

Justin Baldoni’s longtime friend Adam Mondschein is sharing a glimpse into the actor’s mindset after his It Ends With Us legal battle with Blake Lively was settled before trial. “His sentiment, to me, is just relief as a friend, but also needing prayers and love and thoughts to weather the next stage,” Mondschein, 50, exclusively […]

“We are healing, and if you’ve ever been through something traumatic, you know that healing isn’t linear,” Justin said. “It looks different every day, and we have had to rethink for ourselves what is real and what matters and it’s this, it’s our family, it’s our friends, it’s our community [who] have been there for us, it’s our faith.”

He continued, “I think we’re closer and more devoted and steadfast in our faith that we’ve ever been. Also, and this has been on both of our hearts, there were so many of you who, when we didn’t have a voice, were our voice. … So many of you had discernment and you used your intuition and you trusted that, and you have given your time to fight for us. Thank you does not feel like enough, but we’re here in large part because of so many of you and all of our friends and family.”

According to Justin, he and his wife learned one major lesson from the ordeal.

“One thing that we learned is that when God presses the reset button and everything else is stripped away, that’s when love shows up,” he said. “And we feel so loved.”

Justin and Emily closed out their four-minute video, stressing that they will have “more to say” in due course.

“That time will come,” Emily noted. “For now, we are going to focus on continuing the healing and hanging out with our kiddos and enjoying life.”

ABC & SBS’s Antisemitism Coverage Under Fire: Segal’s Scathing Critique at Royal Commission

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Australia’s antisemitism envoy has criticized the ABC for disproportionately highlighting the conflict in Gaza and frequently portraying Israel in an unfavorable manner.

This critique arises as editorial representatives from both the ABC and SBS are participating in a session hosted by the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion in Sydney on Thursday.

During the hearings, Jillian Segal expressed concerns that the Jewish community perceives the national broadcaster’s coverage of the Middle Eastern conflict as biased and inaccurate.

“I am not suggesting they avoid covering significant issues, but it’s important to recognize there are numerous critical topics globally,” Segal explained during the inquiry.

“For instance, there are severe famines and conflicts in Africa that receive little to no coverage,” she added.

Segal also took aim at SBS’ use of statistics from the Gaza Health Ministry, saying the figures on the number of people killed are “grossly inaccurate” and fail to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

Ahead of today’s hearings, both public broadcasters say they have delivered accurate and comprehensive coverage of antisemitism and Jewish Australian perspectives.

The ABC’s editorial director Gavin Fang spoke, to be followed by SBS’ directors of news and Audio Language Content and the ombudsmen from both broadcasters.

”There are complaints that the ABC and the SBS have produced coverage that is inaccurate or unbalanced, both in their selection of stories and focus and in the reportage that they produce,” counsel assisting Richard Lancaster SC earlier told the inquiry.

A public statement from the SBS released today said in part the broadcaster “unequivocally condemns antisemitism and affirms the right of Jewish Australians to live with safety, dignity and a true sense of belonging”.

“Our submission to the Royal Commission highlights the vital role trusted, independent public service media plays in strengthening social cohesion.”

The statement said SBS has invested significantly “in reporting and programming that helps Australians better understand antisemitism and its impacts, with content available in more than 60 languages”.

“Across all our platforms and services, we represent Jewish Australian stories and perspectives in a way that is respectful, accurate and inclusive.”

A public statement released by the ABC today said in part that the broadcaster “rejects claims that its journalism has contributed to antisemitism or social division” and its reporting “has been evidence-based, fair, impartial and consistent with its Charter obligations”.

“A healthy democratic society depends on diverse sources of reliable information and contending opinions. The ABC acknowledges that some content can be challenging, but it does not gratuitously harm or offend, nor does it allow, condone or encourage prejudice.”

Hearings in previous days have focused on the role of social media in spreading online hate, with Meta, TikTok and YouTube all defending their content moderation procedures.

– With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.

Don Mattingly Expresses Interest in Continuing as Phillies Manager Next Season

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Don Mattingly Expresses Interest in Continuing as Phillies Manager Next Season

CINCINNATI — Don Mattingly has shown a keen interest in stepping back into the role of manager for the Philadelphia Phillies next season, should the opportunity arise from the team’s management.

In a conversation with ESPN ahead of a Wednesday night game, which resulted in an 11-5 defeat against the Cincinnati Reds, Mattingly remarked, “I’d certainly be open to it. I took on a two-year commitment with the Phillies when I joined. So it really depends on what direction (president of baseball operations) Dave (Dombrowski) wants to head in.”

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly

Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly Brad Mills-Imagn Images

“Yeah, I think I’d enjoy continuing in the role,” he added.

Mattingly came on board with the Phillies in January, taking the position of bench coach following a similar tenure spanning three years with the Toronto Blue Jays. He assumed the position of interim manager on April 28 following the dismissal of Rob Thomson.

Before Mattingly took charge, Philadelphia had struggled to a 9-19 record under Thomson. Since Mattingly’s leadership, the team has performed impressively, posting a 43-22 record, which stands as the second-best in the major leagues during that timeframe.

The Phillies were 10 ¹/₂ games behind Atlanta in the NL East on May 22, but are just three back of the Braves as well as tied with Miami for the NL’s second wild-card spot.

Preston Mattingly — one of Don Mattingly’s four sons — is the Phillies’ general manager. It is believed to be the first father-son manager-GM duo in baseball history.

Travis Kelce’s Friend Recants After Viral Wedding Snub Accusation

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Travis Kelce’s Friend Recants After Viral Wedding Snub Accusation

Taylor Lewan downplays the significance of being left out of Travis Kelce’s wedding guest list, just hours following a public expression of disappointment toward his decade-long friend for the oversight.

Despite their enduring friendship, Lewan was not among those invited to the high-profile wedding held at Madison Square Garden last Friday. The event witnessed Kelce’s marriage to Taylor Swift in the presence of approximately 1,000 attendees.

The ex-Tennessee Titans player expressed his frustration on Tuesday’s episode of his ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ podcast. He remarked on the guest list with surprise, saying, ‘Seeing certain names… that’s when I felt, okay, something’s off. I noticed George Kittle’s mom and stepmom made the cut! Man, we’ve been tight for over a decade! We frequently exchange texts and calls!

He added, ‘I’ll choose the mature route here, but it’s clear I must be doing something wrong in this friendship. Obviously, I’m missing something.’

During the podcast, when queried about whether Swift might have influenced Kelce’s decision to exclude him, Lewan considered sending a voice message to the Kansas City Chiefs star to inquire directly but ultimately opted against it.

Hours later, the 34-year-old took to social media to play down his comments and claim he was ‘ripping around’ and ‘making a joke about it’ on the podcast.

Taylor Lewan

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

Taylor Lewan insists it’s ‘not that big of a deal’ that he didn’t get invited to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s wedding

Lewan called out Kelce for not inviting him to his wedding on his podcast just hours earlier

Lewan called out Kelce for not inviting him to his wedding on his podcast just hours earlier 

After revealing his family are being contacted by the press over the wedding snub, Lewan said: ‘Here’s the deal, here’s my statement on that. If you’re getting married, you can invite whoever the f*** you want to your wedding. It doesn’t matter who you do and don’t invite.

‘It’s not about you. The boys were having a fun time on a podcast yesterday, ripping around, taking the high road, making a joke about it.

‘At the end of the day, Travis, Taylor, both phenomenal people. I’ve known Travis very well for over 10 years, all good I didn’t get invited.

‘Yeah, next time I see him am I gonna say something about it? Am I gonna give him a hard time and razz him up a little bit? No doubt. But it’s not that big of a deal guys.’

A number of high-profile NFL figures were in attendance at MSG on Friday night, including Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Baker Mayfield.

The guest list was a who’s who of the A-list world, bringing stars from Hollywood, the music industry, fashion and sport together in the Big Apple. Comedy icon Adam Sandler also officiated the wedding.

Nevertheless, Lewan’s ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ podcast co-host Will Compton was also left off the guest list despite enjoying his own long friendship with Kelce. He admitted he too was ‘flabbergasted’ to not receive an invite.

Lewan (left), with Kelce and Swift in 2025, publicly called out Kelce over his decision

Lewan (left), with Kelce and Swift in 2025, publicly called out Kelce over his decision

Join the discussion

Should friends feel hurt if they’re left out of a celebrity wedding with hundreds of guests?

Lewan and Compton have always spoken openly of their admiration and friendship with the Chiefs star and the feelings have always appeared mutual. They have also spent time with Swift since she and Kelce became an item.

But while hosting the latest ‘Bussin’ episode without Compton, Lewan looked visibly surprised at being left off the guest list while discussing the big wedding. While he repeatedly joked about the snub, there was clearly some truth to the feeling behind his words.

‘We are extremely happy for them, clearly it was an extremely intimate wedding,’ he began. ‘An intimate wedding with only their closest friends, only their closest friends and family went to.

‘Going into the weekend I thought “all good, didn’t get an invite”. At the end of the day when it comes to weddings, don’t make it about yourself. I sit back, happy for them, I shot Travis a text saying congratulations, he hit me back pretty quick. Happy for them and their relationship.

‘I hear it’s at MSG. Unique spot to get married. Heard they donated $26m to charity, incredible thing. I see a Pat McAfee post, him and his beautiful wife at the wedding, that’s awesome.

Kelce and Swift transformed Madison Square Garden and invited around 1,000 guests

Kelce and Swift transformed Madison Square Garden and invited around 1,000 guests 

I see Paul Rudd is there. Incredible stuff man, great actor. Abigail Anderson, I was thinking “I don’t know who that is”, turns out one of Taylor Swift’s closest friends from when she was little. That’s so beautiful.’

Eventually though, Lewan started to feel hurt over who made the cut ahead of him.

‘Then I start to see – who is (US women’s soccer player) Alex Morgan? Who is that? And then Saturday afternoon, or in the evening, seems like a lot of people go to this wedding. Baker Mayfield, his wife there. Beaabadoobee (the singer)… gotta go? Benson Boone, yeah gotta have him. Bowen Yang, who is that?

‘Dude when I saw that Dean Blandino got invited, friend of our show. Dean Blandino was there. Now I am starting to think is this a personal shot that Will and I are taking?’

Georgia Educators Advocate for Overhaul of Outdated School Funding Formula

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Georgia Educators Advocate for Overhaul of Outdated School Funding Formula

ATLANTA (WJBF) — Across Georgia, educators are advocating for a significant revision of the public school funding framework, pointing out that the existing decades-old system no longer aligns with the current needs of classrooms.

The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is pressing state authorities to revamp the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula. This formula, which determines the financial allocation to school districts from the state, was implemented in 1985 and remains at the core of the state’s public education funding strategy.

“QBE stands for Quality Basic Education Act, passed in 1985 to fund public education in Georgia,” explained Lisa Morgan, president of the Georgia Association of Educators. “We’re still relying on that same formula 42 years after it was first created.”

The association contends that the current system is outdated and fails to meet the evolving requirements of schools and students. They are urging legislators to ensure funding for areas such as student poverty, mental health services, support for English language learners, transportation, and classroom technology becomes a permanent part of the state’s funding model.

Morgan highlighted that many of these essential expenses receive insufficient funding or are handled through separate grants rather than being integrated into the primary QBE framework.

“Transportation is not fully funded in the QBE formula,” Morgan said. “There are other things that are just not there. Georgia is one of only six states that does not address poverty in the community when we fund our schools.”

Educators also said technology has dramatically changed teaching and learning since the formula was created more than four decades ago.

“There are a lot of things that we need in our public schools now that weren’t around in 1985,” Morgan said. “There was one computer in the school on a cart that was wheeled around. Now we have one-to-one technology where each student has technology.”

The group argues those technology needs should become a permanent part of the state’s education funding formula instead of relying on temporary funding sources.

The Georgia Department of Education notes that recent state budgets have provided additional grant funding to help school districts hire social workers and expand access to student mental health services. However, those investments are made outside the traditional QBE formula.

Advocates said incorporating those priorities into the state’s permanent funding model would provide greater stability and predictability for local school districts.

The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute also points to staffing concerns under the current funding system. According to the organization, the formula funds one school counselor for every 450 students, well above the recommended ratio of one counselor for every 250 students recommended by the American School Counselor Association.

Education advocates argue additional investments would allow schools to better address students’ academic, emotional, and mental health needs.

Lawmakers and education advocacy groups are continuing to gather feedback on potential changes to the QBE formula.

Any legislation to revise Georgia’s school funding system is expected to be considered during the 2027 legislative session, when lawmakers return to the State Capitol in January.

Case Dismissed for Parks Director Who Left Child in Van

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Case Dismissed for Parks Director Who Left Child in Van

Case dismissed after cop

Inset: Zonya Ray from the City of Opa-locka, Florida. Background: News footage of the parking lot where the child was found (WTVJ).

In Florida, a city official saw her legal case thrown out because the police officer who filed the charge failed to attend the court hearing.

Zonya Ray, who serves as the Parks & Recreation Director in Opa-locka, Florida, was cited back in April when she was accused of leaving a 5-year-old unattended in a city-provided van overnight. As reported by local NBC affiliate WTVJ, Ray had driven multiple children to and from their football practice the night of March 10.

At approximately 6 a.m. the following morning, the child was found alone in the van in a parking lot after spending the entire night there. The incident was documented by local news coverage.

Police said Ray acknowledged that she did not check the van to make sure it was unoccupied before she locked it and went home for the night. According to an arrest report obtained by WTVJ and local CBS affiliate WFOR, Ray said she did not realize the 5-year-old had gotten into her van when she left the football practice.

Ray told police that she realized the child might be in the van when she was informed on the morning of March 11 that the child was missing. She then returned to the parking lot. Police said the child was alone in the van, in the parking lot, for more than eight hours.

Police issued Ray a citation for leaving a child unattended in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, on April 30. Instead of being booked into jail, Ray signed paperwork promising to appear in court.

Ray was in court for her hearing on Tuesday, but the Opa-locka police officer who issued the citation was not. WTVJ reported from the courtroom that since the officer failed to show up for court, the case against Ray was dismissed.

WFOR reported on June 4 that Ray was fired from her job as the city’s Parks & Recreation director because of the charge, but her name and photo still appear on the city’s official site.

Family Seeks Answers After Nolan Wells Discovered Deceased Following Horn Island Visit

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Family Seeks Answers After Nolan Wells Discovered Deceased Following Horn Island Visit

Mystery continues to shroud the tragic demise of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who vanished during a Fourth of July boating excursion to Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi.

A student and football player at Southwest Mississippi Community College, Wells was reportedly last seen alive on Horn Island on Independence Day, as confirmed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

“Nolan Wells was on a boat,” Sheriff John Ledbetter mentioned to ABC News. “He departed from a private dock in the Ocean Springs area with his friends heading to Horn Island. They returned without Nolan after he decided to remain on the island.”

After Wells didn’t return home, his mother Christine Wonsley reported him missing at midnight, according to WLOX, sparking a multi-day search effort.

On July 6, around 8:45 a.m., the body of a young man matching Wells’ description was found near the northwest shore of the island, as Sheriff Ledbetter confirmed to The New York Post.

Jackson County coroner Bruce Lynd Jr. later confirmed to CBS News that the remains belonged to Wells, with identification being verified through dental records. An autopsy was conducted on July 7, but results have yet to be disclosed. Oxygen seeks further input from Lynd Jr.

“After an extensive search involving countless volunteers from the United Cajun Navy, first responders, local law enforcement, the United States Coast Guard, and organizations from across the region, our worst fears became reality,” read a statement on Wells’ family’s official GoFundMe, organized by a friend of Wonsley. “While no words can ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, we are deeply grateful for every person who searched, prayed, shared his story, and stood beside our family during these difficult days.”

In a statement of her own, Wonsley shared that she was “absolutely devastated” by her son’s loss.

“My heart is broken for our sweet son who was always willing to cheer and uplift others,” she wrote in part on Facebook. “Nolan was a special soul, God took his time creating our son. I ask that you all please give me and my family privacy as we grieve.”

What Has Happened in the Nolan Wells Case?

On July 7, the sheriff’s office announced they were continuing to “actively investigate the circumstances” surrounding Wells’ death and were “working to establish the facts through eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and other reliable information.”

The department also sought the public’s help in their efforts, asking for anyone who was on Horn Island on July 4 to reach out if they “observed or heard an argument, disturbance, or other unusual activity” while there or took any unedited photos and videos on the island believed to include Wells.

As their press release noted, “Original media often contains critical details that may be essential to the ongoing investigation.”

“Even information that may seem insignificant could prove valuable to investigators,” they added. “We encourage anyone with firsthand knowledge to come forward.”

The sheriff’s department also noted that their “thoughts, prayers, and condolences remain with Nolan Wells’ family during this difficult time.”

“We respectfully ask the public to extend compassion and privacy to his loved ones,” their statement read, “as investigators continue working diligently to determine exactly what occurred.”

In an interview published the same day, Ledbetter told ABC News that investigators do not currently suspect foul play.

“There is no information that we have right now,” he said, “that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred.”

Amid the investigation, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump has announced that he’s been retained by Wells’ family.

“His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth,” Crump wrote on X. “We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.”

Top 5 Emmy 2026 Nomination Snubs That Shocked the Industry

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Top 5 Emmy 2026 Nomination Snubs That Shocked the Industry

Joyce Byers in the Abyss in

Netflix

The nominations for the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have been announced, celebrating a triumphant day for some of television’s most lauded programs. Shows such as “The Pitt” and “Widow’s Bay” dominated with numerous nods, while streaming services like Apple TV and HBO also reaped a hefty share of nominations. For many in the industry, this lineup hints that certain series, especially “The Pitt,” might achieve significant victories during the upcoming ceremony in September. Nonetheless, with every announcement of nominations, there are inevitable disappointments and notable omissions that stir controversy.

Among the letdowns this year, a particularly glaring issue is the lack of representation for potential nominees of color at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards. For dedicated TV enthusiasts and casual viewers alike, certain exclusions in the 2026 nominations resonated more sharply. The top five unsatisfactory omissions point to broader trends than just specific productions being sidelined. They highlight shifts in the types of shows that Emmy voters are now favoring for the top accolades. Additionally, these snubs reveal the difficulties some programs face in niche categories where only a small number of nominees can make the cut.

Even amidst the excitement for those who soared with nominations, several egregious oversights at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards have prompted deep analysis. Let us delve into the snubs that left both fans and industry experts in disbelief.

Stranger Things was not nominated for outstanding drama series

Dustin looking up at danger in

Netflix

It’s not always the artistic quality that leads to shocking snubs during award seasons. Consider the final season of “Stranger Things.” Its concluding episodes sparked a highly mixed reception. Rather than being captivated by the storylines, audiences frequently focused on the noticeable flaws in writing or the cumbersome exposition in Season 5. This criticism was further fueled by subsequent releases, like a documentary on the series, which only intensified the debate surrounding its finale. Without context, it wouldn’t be surprising that this season didn’t secure an Emmy nomination.

What makes this snub unexpected, however, is that every prior season of “Stranger Things” did receive a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. Notably, both the third and fourth seasons were solely recognized in this category, unlike the first two, which also garnered acting and writing nominations. The affection for “Stranger Things” seemed to dwindle among Emmy voters this time around, deviating from previous patterns.

Between “The Boys,” “Euphoria,” and especially “Stranger Things,” the outstanding drama series category this year wasn’t interested in divisive final seasons of shows that stirred up lots of discourse. Netflix and the “Stranger Things” crew can console themselves with all the merchandising money the show made, but still, the Emmys ignoring “Stranger Things” after previously going nuts for it was a bit shocking, even given the final season’s quality.

Death by Lightning was excluded in limited or anthology series

James A. Garfield emerging triumphant in

Netflix

As late as 2014, it sure looked like the TV miniseries was on its last legs. Then Peak TV kicked into overdrive and new streamers needed star-studded programming fast. Suddenly, this format was hot again and omnipresent. In the last two years, the miniseries has simmered down again in popularity as streamers return their focus to shows with longer, multiple seasons (like “The Pitt”). However, there are still enough of these shows that some great programs can get lost in the outstanding limited or anthology series Emmy category. Case in point: the exclusion this year of “Death by Lightning.”

This entertaining and well-crafted program spent four episodes chronicling James A. Garfield’s (Michael Shannon) unexpected ascendency to the U.S. Presidency as well as the scheming machinations of Charles J. Guiteau (Matthew Macfayden), who eventually assassinates Garfield. The show’s sharp writing (courtesy of Mike Makowsky) made sequences depicting events like voting at the Republican National Convention enthralling. All the performances were sublime too, including Shannon in one of his most empathetic on-screen roles as Garfield. Alas, these qualities weren’t enough to get the show a well-deserved nod for outstanding limited or anthology series.

Perhaps the program’s November 2025 airdate ensured it was out of people’s minds by the time summer 2026 Emmy voting rolled around. Whatever led to its exclusion, “Death by Lightning” getting snubbed is another insult to James A. Garfield.

No room for Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice in outstanding television movie

Alice, Mike, and one of the Nick's going for an elevator ride in "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice" (2026)

Hulu

Typically, a movie heading to a streaming platform indicates that it must be of inferior quality, but the snappy time travel comedy “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” was fun enough to make one lament that it was dumped on Hulu. This high-concept feature involving gangsters, two Vince Vaughns, and James Marsden’s comic timing was a solid outing from writer-director BenDavid Grabinski. Given how lackluster many TV movies are, one could imagine “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” easily scoring an outstanding television movie Emmy nomination.

Unfortunately, the film — complete with witty dialogue referencing questionable things we ignored in “Gilmore Girls” – was not on the wavelength of Emmy voters. Even more bafflingly, it got knocked out of this category by two worse-reviewed Amazon streaming films. One was the John Cena/Idris Elba actioner “Heads of State,” while the other was “Jack Ryan: Ghost War.” It’s so bizarre fathoming how these two even got in, regardless of whether they beat out “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” for a nomination or not.

Perhaps this outcome reinforces that “Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice” was always an odd fit for a TV movie. Perhaps the extension of pre-existing TV shows like “Shadow War” struck Emmy voters as natural TV movies. Meanwhile, this movie may have seemed so much like a theatrical release that it didn’t even cross the minds of Emmy voters for this category. 

Long Story Short fell short for outstanding animated program

The three leads of

Netflix

Some of the best cartoons of all time have effortlessly scored Emmy nominations in the outstanding animated program category, including “The Simpsons,” “BoJack Horseman,” and “Scavengers Reign,” as well as some less-than-stellar productions like “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness.” This year’s eclectic nominees for outstanding animated program were certainly a fascinating collection, with everything from surprise nominee “Smiling Friends” to “Star Wars: Visions” representing various genres and animation styles. The category has come a long way from the days of acclaimed “Simpsons” episodes sharing space with “Garfield” TV specials and programs based on the California Raisins.

Unfortunately, one major, acclaimed 2025 animated program got left out in the cold. Despite series creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg’s prior show, “BoJack Horseman,” getting nominated twice in this category, “Long Story Short” was snubbed for an outstanding animated program nod. This is despite the show garnering praise for its wit and audacious storytelling, including touching a subject no other cartoon (except “South Park”) dared to. Unfortunately, all the 2026 Emmy nominees for outstanding animated program were shows with multiple seasons under their respective belts. 

A newcomer like “Long Story Short,” despite getting some of Netflix’s best reviews for 2025 (for animated or live-action programming), couldn’t hope to compete with these heavyweights. Hopefully subsequent “Long Story Short” seasons will land some Emmy nods and maybe even the win that eluded “BoJack Horseman” in this category.

Wonder Man’s Ben Kingsley got no love

Trevor Slattery in his Mandarin get-up in

Marvel Television

“Wonder Man” was not only Marvel’s least traditional show, but featured a beautiful bromance anchored by great performances from Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Ben Kingsley. Reprising his Marvel Cinematic Universe role of Trevor Slattery, first established in “Iron Man 3,” Kingsley wasn’t just funny (though his killer line deliveries cannot be under-praised) but also provided engaging moments of warmth and tremendously compelling chemistry with Abdul-Mateen II. The latter actually scored a welcome and richly deserved Emmy nomination for his “Wonder Man” performance in the outstanding lead actor in a comedy series category.

Unfortunately, Kingsley got no such Emmy nomination in the outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series category. What’s bizarre about this development is that (in addition to other awards feats like winning an Oscar) Kingsley’s already been nominated for four prior Emmy awards. This ceremony is clearly both aware of him and open to acknowledging his work. As late as 2016, Kingsley’s TV work was being recognized at ceremonies like the Screen Actors Guild Awards (for the miniseries “Tut”). 

His outstanding “Wonder Man” performance not getting similar recognition at the Emmys is dumbfounding. Perhaps the competition  in the outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series category was just too stiff this year. Whatever the reason, Kingsley’s incredible presence in “Wonder Man” was more than worthy of some Emmy consideration.

Star-Studded Lineup: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS Headline World Cup Final Halftime Show

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Star-Studded Lineup: Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, and BTS Headline World Cup Final Halftime Show

NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Bieber is set to infuse his signature style into the World Cup’s highly anticipated halftime show. This event, comparable in grandeur to the Super Bowl’s halftime spectacle, will also feature prominent performers such as Madonna, Shakira, and BTS, as announced by FIFA on Wednesday.

The lineup of performers doesn’t end there. Nigerian afrobeats sensation Burna Boy, celebrated Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the enchanting PS22 Chorus, an elementary school choir from Staten Island, New York, will also grace the stage, with the latter group sharing the spotlight with Coldplay.

The much-anticipated 11-minute musical performance is being orchestrated by Chris Martin of Coldplay and is slated to occur during the World Cup final near New York on July 19. Beyond entertainment, the event is aligned with a noble cause, as it aims to bolster the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This initiative is ambitiously working towards raising $100 million to enable children’s education and soccer opportunities worldwide.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Bieber remarked, “The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can. I’m grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it’s already helping expand access to education for children around the world.”

Among all the performances, Burna Boy’s participation holds particular significance. He is a vital contributor to this year’s official World Cup anthem, “Dai Dai,” which is led by Shakira. Merging the vibrant sounds of afrobeats and Latin rhythms, this pop anthem presents a global, multilingual appeal. In one of the verses, Shakira energetically acknowledges some of the world’s renowned soccer teams: “Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Colombia,” she chants enthusiastically, followed by “Mexico, Japan, Korea, Netherlands.”

“The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together,” Burna Boy said in a statement. “To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.”

And while the Super Bowl is famed for its halftime show, such performances are not commonplace in soccer, with events like the Champions League final featuring a pre-match concert.

This year’s World Cup halftime performance will also feature some characters from “Sesame Street,” as well as Muppets like Kermit and Miss Piggy.

Kingsport Hosts 21st Annual Legislative BBQ: Highlights from Wednesday’s Event

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Kingsport Hosts 21st Annual Legislative BBQ: Highlights from Wednesday’s Event

In Kingsport, Tennessee, residents had the chance to receive a firsthand update on this year’s legislative session during a special event on Wednesday evening. Prominent lawmakers gathered to share insights and engage with the community in a casual setting.

The 21st annual Legislative BBQ kicked off at 5:30 p.m. at Cleeks Farm, creating a welcoming environment for people across the Tri-Cities area to connect with their elected representatives amidst the laid-back ambiance of a cookout.

Among the speakers were influential figures including State Senator Bobby Harshbarger, State Representatives John Crawford, Timothy Hill, and Bud Hulsey, as well as Comptroller Jason Mumpower. Members of the Tennessee Chamber were also present, contributing to the dialogue and discussion.

“This event mirrors the experience of a favorite summer barbecue with friends,” noted Nicole Austin, Chief Public Affairs Officer at the Kingsport Chamber. “Over the decades, it has become a cherished community tradition.”

Harshbarger spoke with News Channel 11 about some of his plans moving into next year’s session.

He said this past session was busy and he’s going to take time to put together his agenda.

“In all full transparency, I really don’t have any agenda items, per se,” Harshbarger said. “For me personally, you know, I did take a pretty heavy lift this last session dealing with insurance companies, vertical integration. So this year, I might try to look at something a little bit, take a little bit less bite out of the apple.”

Harshbarger added that the upcoming session will include a lot of change.

“In the Senate, we will have new leadership. So we’ll have a new lieutenant governor that could equal new chairmen, that could equal new committees. So it will be exciting. And on top of that, we’ll have a new governor, whoever that might be. So there’ll be a lot of change, new commissioners, new department heads. So time will tell the closer we get to the second week in January,” Harshbarger told News Channel 11.

Harshbarger added that there two things he is looking to accomplish this session.

“One thing that I’ve been personally looking at is regional airport development, specifically with our smaller airport, such as Tri-Cities, Chattanooga, Jackson Airport. So that’s something I want to try my best to increase traffic so we increase tourism. We increase economic development that way,” Harshbarger told News Channel 11.

The 115th General Assembly convenes on Jan. 12.

Todd Meade and Tyler Hughes of the Empty Bottle String Band were entertainment for the event.
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