Ariana Biermann’s romantic endeavors are poised to take an intriguing twist.

In Bravo’s newly unveiled mid-season trailer for Season 2 of “Next Gen NYC,” hints have surfaced suggesting a possible connection between Biermann and her controversial co-star Charlie Zakkour. According to an insider spilling details to Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” the duo indeed got together, all while the cameras were capturing the action.

“Ariana and Charlie hooked up,” confirms the source, highlighting that the unfolding drama is just the beginning. “Yes, it happened, and the full story will unveil during the season’s second half.”

Bravo has yet to comment on the revelations reported by Page Six.

In the trailer, Charlie can be heard on a phone call with castmate Shai Fruchter, expressing that “Ariana came over to sesh,” and humorously advising him to “clutch his pearls, bro.”

Elsewhere in the sneak peek, Biermann’s pal Riley Burruss calls Biermann and Zakkour a “new dynamic duo.” Meanwhile, Emira D’Spain shares with the group during a cast trip that Biermann “gave up her first-class seat to sit next to Charlie” while traveling. 

When Ava Dash questions Biermann about her relationship with Zakkour, the daughter of Kim Zolciak denies that any sort of romance is brewing. 

But our source confirms that was not the case as cameras rolled. Biermann’s hookup with Zakkour came after the 24-year-old embraced single life following her split from longtime on-and-off boyfriend Hudson McLeroy. 

With their relationship behind her at the time, the reality star had been open to meeting new people — something viewers have already watched unfold through her flirtations with series newcomer Liam Obergfoll.

Now, fans will see another chapter of Biermann’s dating journey play out, this time involving one of the show’s most polarizing personalities. In addition to facing conflict with nearly every single “Next Gen NYC” star, off the show, Zakkour has been linked to a crypto torture chamber scandal. 

In May 2025 — just before the Season 1 premiere of “Next Gen NYC” — police arrested John Woeltz, a 37-year-old cryptocurrency investor, outside his SoHo apartment and charged him with two counts of assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a firearm, per ABC7NY. 

Sources later told Page Six that Zakkour, 31 — who was not accused of any crimes — would sometimes “crash” at the apartment in question.

Making the situation stickier is the fact that Zakkour had recently built a close friendship with McLeroy, 24, when he engaged in intimate relations with Biermann.

During Season 2, the two developed a solid bromance, with McLeroy making it known to several of the guys in their circle that he hoped no one would pursue Biermann romantically while they figured out the early stages of their breakup.

Obergfoll ultimately ignored that request, and it now appears Zakkour did as well.

It remains unclear how McLeroy reacted after learning about Biermann and Zakkour’s hookup or whether their friendship was affected by the situation. Also uncertain is the current relationship status between Biermann and McLeroy, who attended the “Next Gen NYC” party together on June 14. 

Biermann herself gave an ambiguous answer when asked where she stands with McLeroy during an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” this week. 

“I don’t know the best, like, wording for it. I mean … we are together but we’re still figuring it out,” she said. “I don’t want to have the back and forth again. I just want to make sure that we can both still grow independently.”

She did, however, tell host Andy Cohen that McLeroy and Zakkour are “definitely not” friends anymore. Both Cohen and Biermann agreed that the events leading up to the guys’ friendship fallout should be unpacked at the “Next Gen NYC” Season 2 reunion. 

The twist in Biermann’s love life is especially notable considering the history between Zakkour and McLeroy.

During Season 1, Zakkour stirred controversy when he boldly declared that he wanted to have sex with Biermann, creating immediate tension with McLeroy. At the time, the comments did not sit well with Biermann’s then-boyfriend, and the moment became one of the more memorable points of conflict in the series’ debut installment. 

Although the mid-season trailer for Season 2 only teases the nature of Biermann and Zakkour’s relationship, the insider emphasized to “Virtual Reali-Tea” that viewers will get the full story as the second half of the season unfolds. 

Whether the hookup develops into something more serious — or creates lasting fallout within the tight-knit friend group — remains to be seen.

Biermann has already navigated the ups and downs of moving on from a years-long relationship while testing the waters with Obergfoll. Adding Zakkour to the mix is likely to send shockwaves through the cast, particularly given his friendship with McLeroy and the complicated history they all share.

If the trailer is any indication, emotions will run high as the truth comes to light, setting the stage for one of the season’s most talked-about storylines. 

“Next Gen NYC” airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo with new episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock. 

As President Donald Trump takes center stage at the revamped White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Friday, he might touch on a medley of timely topics—from Nancy Pelosi’s stock dealings to Chris Christie’s size, and possibly some sharp jabs directed at CNN.

While the contents of Trump’s speech remain under wraps, the Daily Mail has uncovered insights about the original remarks cut short in April, when a lone gunman interrupted by breaching a Secret Service checkpoint.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who was tapped to contribute to Trump’s potential quips, admitted he had crafted a collection of “bangers” specifically for the event.

Intent on sharing the unused material, Hinchcliffe later asked an eager audience at the Kennedy Center if they wished to hear the President’s prepared zingers.

The crowd in Washington, DC, responded with enthusiasm. Hinchcliffe then introduced fellow comedian and acclaimed impressionist Adam Ray to deliver the lines in a pitch-perfect Trump impersonation.

Congressman Eric Swalwell was a target after resigning in disgrace just days earlier, and California Governor Gavin Newsom was also mocked for lackluster leadership of the Golden State, sources who attended Hinchcliffe’s appearance told the Daily Mail.

Hinchcliffe told Joe Rogan the revamped presidential repertoire will include ‘some new stuff.’

The Kennedy Center audience offered Hinchcliffe valuable feedback, sources told the Daily Mail, but they expect his contributions to be polished up to match current events or discarded entirely for new material.

Mutual friends familiar with his prepared jokes told Hinchcliffe the President was ‘very pumped’ by the jokes he submitted and was preparing to roast the press in dramatic fashion. 

‘I was all set to really rip it,’ Trump said to reporters after the dinner was canceled. ‘I said to my people, “This would be the most inappropriate speech ever made,” if I said what [was prepared] so I’ll have to save it.’

At the time, Trump teased that he could be ‘very nice’ and ‘very boring’ at the rescheduled dinner, but few expect the President to hold back.

Hinchcliffe’s submissions are some of several writers Trump considers for his speeches, a source familiar with the process told CNN, including other comedians.

Trump’s speechwriter team led by Ross Worthington compiles a number of jokes and other ideas to run by the President. Worthington has been spotted on Air Force One in recent days, presumably working with Trump to fine-tune the speech.

The use of comedians to draft the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner speech is not unusual for presidents. President Barack Obama consulted comics such as Judd Apatow, Jon Lovett, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele for his speeches.

Hinchcliffe made his name writing the Comedy Central roasts before stepping out to deliver the insults himself on Netflix’s Tom Brady and Kevin Hart specials. He also hosts the live podcast Kill Tony, where he turns on performers and audience alike, playing the heel who enjoys being hated.

His loyalty to Trump survived the moment that nearly swallowed him. Opening the President’s Madison Square Garden rally in October 2024, Hinchcliffe told the crowd there was ‘literally a floating island of garbage’ in the ocean, then named Puerto Rico. 

The line drew condemnation from Democrats and Republicans and dominated the closing week of the campaign.

Hinchcliffe feared he had cost Trump the White House, and has since described his relief when Trump won anyway. He remains a supporter, even as fellow comics and podcasters have turned on parts of the administration’s record.

On one point, he says, they all still agree. Trump is funny.

‘All the best comedians talk about how he might be the funniest human being on planet Earth,’ Hinchcliffe said in December.

Friday’s dinner is at the Waldorf Astoria on Pennsylvania Avenue, the Old Post Office building that housed the Trump International Hotel until the family sold the lease in 2022. The President is unlikely to let that pass without comment.

The room will be far smaller than April’s. The WHCA has cut the guest list sharply for what it has billed as a more intimate evening under significantly enhanced security.

Also being honored: the Secret Service officer shot in the chest at the checkpoint, saved by his ballistic vest, and the Hilton staff who emptied the ballroom.

‘President Donald J. Trump is a once-in-a-generation badass. An armed assassin storms a Secret Service checkpoint after multiple assassination attempts, and what does President Trump do? He reschedules, keeps his word, and will deliver the speech anyway,’ former White House Director of Digital Content Billy McLaughlin told the Daily Mail. ‘That’s the kind of resolve Americans expect from their Commander in Chief.’

Recently unveiled arrest documents reveal how a network of alleged accomplices purportedly aided a fugitive in hiding both a murder victim’s body and evading law enforcement officers.

These individuals are claimed to have assisted Isabelle Rose Johnson, a 38-year-old individual whom deputies have described as a “master manipulator,” in avoiding capture. Johnson has evaded authorities for several weeks.

Hailing from Florida, Johnson faces charges related to the death of Jason Coulthart, 43. His remains were discovered in a shallow grave on a Florida property on June 25, following his last sighting on May 24.

In one of the arrest reports from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, a witness detailed to investigators how Johnson allegedly murdered Coulthart and disposed of his body.

The report alleges Johnson’s reported roommate, Bobbie Gean Wagstaff, 31, helped her dig a hole to bury Coulthart’s body.

A witness in the same report said, “She killed the victim by placing a zip tie around his neck.” The same witness went on to say, “She covered the body with cement so that the dog would not dig it up again.”

Johnson’s possible motive for the alleged murder? The report says the witness told investigators “he was aware of her ‘getting rid’ of a boy because he was ‘aggravating and irritating her.'”

This witness also said that “the ‘boy’ was also threatening to interfere with Isabelle’s custody of her children.”

Wagstaff is charged with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder and possession of methamphetamine.

In another report, husband and wife Martin and Sandra Leaverton, of Fort Walton Beach, allegedly admitted driving Johnson multiple times after Coulthart’s body was discovered and helping move her between homes while she was wanted by authorities.

Investigators say the couple tried to help Johnson leave the state and retrieved her backpacks after she fled from deputies, giving her rides to locations where she could avoid capture.

“Martin Leaverton agreed to call associates and attempt to arrange safe passage and a place to stay for Johnson outside of Florida,” the report said.

Deputies say the Leavertons provided “rides, supplies, and false information to law enforcement about her location.”

Authorities charged the Leavertons with accessory after the fact to first-degree murder.

In another report, more alleged helpers were arrested for assisting Johnson.

Michael White and Kathleen Morris of Santa Rosa, Florida allegedly helped Johnson evade law enforcement after the murder by giving her a place to stay.

After initially denying Johnson had ever been at their home, investigators say the pair later admitted they sheltered her at two properties and provided supplies while she was on the run.

The report also includes a string of text messages between Morris, White and another suspect, aforementioned Leaverton, that investigators say show them coordinating Johnson’s whereabouts, discussing her backpacks and referencing efforts to help her.

In one alleged text exchange, Morris texted Leaverton, “Why is Harley on our couch?” before following up with, “More importantly, when are you coming to get her?”

“Harley” is one of the aliases that Johnson has been using, according to the sheriff’s office, along with “Jessica Elaine Bowman” and “Denise.”

Morris later allegedly texted White, “WTF is going on Michael?! Why did Marty leave his young female friend here??? And when is he coming back to get her??????”

Prosecutors also point to messages they say show Morris offering assistance. After Leaverton replied, “I’m headed there now,” Morris allegedly responded, “We talked — anything I can do to help I will. Don’t forget the backpacks please.”

The couple is charged with accessory to a capital felony after the fact and obstruction.

The investigation is ongoing.

David and Larry Ellison are no strangers to playing the long game, and their media juggernaut, Paramount Skydance, is girding up for just that as it embarks on an ambitious $80 billion chase to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, according to exclusive insights from On The Money.

Their path, however, is riddled with challenges, not least of which is a massive lawsuit filed by 12 state attorneys general aiming to put the brakes on this colossal merger. In addition to this, a federal judge in San Francisco has thrown a wrench into the works by issuing a temporary restraining order. This order has been extended, meaning Paramount Skydance is prevented from finalizing the deal for at least another month.

Inside sources close to the Ellisons speculate that the drama is far from over. A likely scenario is that the court could stall the proceedings indefinitely by issuing a preliminary injunction, potentially ushering in a protracted legal battle. Despite compelling evidence suggesting the merger does not breach antitrust laws, Paramount Skydance could face a loss. This possible outcome has the Ellisons considering escalating the matter all the way to the Supreme Court.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges. The Ellisons are likely to face fierce opposition, with the attorneys general leading the charge against them. The lawsuit’s impact is already taking a toll on Warner Bros. Discovery’s shareholders, with the company’s stock trading below the proposed deal price and poised to dip further should the court enforce an injunction.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the first time the Ellison duo has squared off against adversity—and emerged victorious. Their acquisition of Paramount from the clutches of the Redstone family was a tough battle. Initially, they lost a heated bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix, only to stage a remarkable comeback, ultimately outbidding the streaming powerhouse.

Their deal received the greenlight from the merger-friendly Trump administration, but the Ellisons knew a cabal of Dem AGs were waiting in the wings to scuttle their efforts, which means they and their savvy GC, Makan Delrahim, have been war-gaming this for some time.

“There’s no f–king way we give up,” said one person in the Paramount orbit. “The Ellisons don’t quit.”

To be clear, they believe the injunction is all but certain for several reasons, including the judge’s public statement when issuing the TRO, in which she cited an anticipated 27% market share of the wide-distribution theatrical release market. “On this combined firm market share alone, the Court is persuaded that it can presume the proposed merger is likely to violate antitrust laws,” she wrote.

The other reason: The judge, Araceli Martinez-Olguin, is a liberal activist appointee of the notoriously merger-unfriendly Biden administration. Throw in the connection to Donald Trump, who is friends with Larry Ellison, and you can see why they’re preparing to play the long game.

So what does the “long game” actually mean? Well, if there is a preliminary injunction, you can’t close the deal until the trial is over. That would mean paying $650 million a quarter to satisfy a “ticking fee” arrangement the Ellisons agreed to as part of their deal.

They have the money, of course; Larry is worth $167 billion even with the recent slide in Oracle shares. They also have been lawyering up for a long legal battle, that LightShed partners analyst Rich Greenfield won’t be settled until sometime in 2027.

They could walk away, but Greenfield doubts they will, and his comments align with what On The Money is getting from inside Team Ellison. To walk away would mean paying a $7 billion breakup fee and leaving the Ellisons with their partners at RedBird Capital with a smallish media company, devoid of the scale that Warner brings in terms of cable properties, streaming and of course, a world-class studio that killed it in the past year.

That said, it’s this Biden judge who will likely rule on the deal’s alleged merits and she’s cut from the same leftist-activist cloth as the state AGs bringing the case led by the hyper-ambitious California AG Rob Bonta. One interesting layer is that the European Union–not exactly a bastion of unfettered markets– just approved the merger. That puts Bonta & Co to the left of some of the most leftist regulators on the planet.

It is Bonta who is trying to contort an antitrust case arguing that two separate companies that were already engaged in downsizing because of the wonky economics of big media will actually be stronger if they remain separate. Yes, that two weaker, smaller players will be better for jobs in Hollywood and provide competition that will lead to lower prices for  consumers. 

It’s an absurd argument, of course. Warner Bros.’ flailing pre-bidding war stock price signaled difficult days ahead and there’s never been more competition for consumer entertainment eyeballs given the likes of YouTube, not to mention streaming in general.

Facts like those, unfortunately, are beside the point in this California court. Like the judge in the case (who was confirmed by the Senate on a party-line vote because of her leftist politics) Bonta no doubt looks forward to spending the coming months concocting fluffy legal motions, and likely claiming that Donald Trump will be in control of the combined company’s footprint, which will include both CBS and CNN.

So expect the long game to drag well into next year – and a SCOTUS ruling to finally close this deal.

Being a busy mother of two, spare moments are likely a rarity for Amal Clooney. Balancing her personal life with her high-profile career demands a strategic approach to both diet and fitness.

At 48, the international human rights attorney has streamlined her health regimen to be both practical and effective, making it easier to maintain amid a packed schedule.

Reportedly, Amal kicks off her mornings with a nourishing bowl of Miyeokguk. This traditional Korean soup, comprising edible brown seaweed, sesame oil, and garlic, provides a nutritious start to the day.

When lunchtime rolls around, Amal, who boasts Lebanese and British roots, opts for meals rich in lean proteins. She and her husband, George Clooney, employ a private chef to prepare their daily dining experiences.

A glimpse into their midday feasts was once shared by Vogue’s Nathan Heller, who wrote about being ushered into their kitchen, where an enticing spread awaited, prepared by their culinary expert.

‘There is a salad, spaghetti with turkey meatballs, and chicken breast with lemon sauce. We help ourselves and take a seat at a small table nearby.’

She allows herself the odd treat at dinner, apparently enjoying pizza night once a week with her family, with her favourite being a margherita with a side of rocket salad. 

Amal’s husband George Clooney previously gave an insight into meal times in an interview alongside their private chef, Viviana Frizzi, who hails from Lake Como and has worked for the family since 2013.

‘She can make anything, including handmade gnocchi with pesto that would make you cry,’ George said.

‘Vivi cooks almost every night for us now because we have the twins. Going out isn’t as easy or as interesting as it used to be. 

‘Besides all of our friends would rather eat her food than hit up a local restaurant in Como or in London.

‘Honestly, Amal and I are such poor chefs that any lesson from Vivi in the kitchen would be like teaching a whale to fly.’

When it comes to exercising Amal likes to keep fit by playing tennis, and gives George a good run for his money. 

George previously revealed: ‘Amal is a really good athlete. When I was younger, I won some tennis tournaments. 

‘I played a lot of sports – I still play a lot of sports, and I can actually play [well]. And Amal just beats the hell out of me.’

Amal is also rumoured to go on walks for an hour every day, lift weights for 20 minutes and do Pilates. 

While Amal has managed to find balance in all aspects of life, she recently confessed that fame had left her feeling self-conscious about her career.

Speaking at a Cartier Dialogues event in Bangkok, Amal reflected on how her life changed after tying the knot with George, 65, in 2014.

Before meeting the actor, Amal had built a successful international legal career away from the spotlight, a separation she says became far harder to maintain once she became one half of one of the world’s most famous couples.

‘It was a weird phenomenon. I used to have my work life and my personal life, and they could look quite different, and I was able to not have them mix… and then I got married and that changed quite a lot,’ she said.

As the spotlight on the couple intensified – particularly after they welcomed twins Alexander and Ella, now nine, in 2017 – Amal said she initially felt overly conscious of how she was perceived in her professional life.

She admitted she worried about a ‘one-dimensional’ view of her public image.

‘And at first I was kind of conscious of that one-dimensional view where I felt like, well, I can’t be seen wearing this dress or doing this because I’m in front of a judge on Monday and I don’t want the judge to… but you know it just doesn’t matter as much as living your life,’ she added.

‘Ultimately if you’re good at what you do, that is going to shine through or not.’

Despite the pressures of public attention, Amal said she refused to let it dictate her choices or hold her back.

‘I wouldn’t allow that factor to stop me from doing things that were important for my family or for my relationship.

‘It was easier when I could decide what kind of exposure I got. It was something new to navigate.’

MISSISSIPPI – A wave of threats targeting individuals connected to the final moments of Nolan Wells’ life has prompted the FBI to launch a full-scale investigation, according to a leading state law enforcement official. The Mississippi teen’s disappearance and untimely death have drawn widespread attention and concern.

Eighteen-year-old Wells mysteriously vanished on July 4th during a boating excursion with friends to Horn Island, situated off the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Authorities dedicated two intense days to search operations before a ranger from the National Park Service discovered Wells’ body on the remote island’s northwestern edge on July 6th.

Sean Tindell, Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, announced on Wednesday that the FBI is focusing on threats made against government officials, individuals who were with Wells shortly before his disappearance, and their families. Tindell discussed the developments while speaking with Magnolia Tribune’s Founder and CEO Russ Latino during an episode of “The Sit Down” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

“State law enforcement and the FBI will undoubtedly scrutinize these threats,” emphasized Tindell. “Threatening public officials, potential witnesses, and those involved in this investigation, including the family, constitutes a criminal offense, and authorities intend to address it with utmost seriousness.”

Tindell said “false information” shared about Wells’ death has incited “rage and emotion” that has led to a higher level of calls coming into his office, some of which are “direct threats.” Tindell said he believes Wells’ mother, Christine Wonsley, has also received threats.

“I can tell you, the FBI has reached out. They’re working in any capacity. They’ve offered a hand, in this case, to do anything that that’s needed from their end. But they’re also taking a serious look, at some of these threats that have come across, to public officials, to witnesses to the family, to anybody involved in this case,” Tindell said.

The warning from one of Mississippi’s top public safety officials comes as national attention on the case has reached a fever pitch, with Rep. André Carson, D-Ind., accusing officials in Mississippi of not being transparent.

“Not only are [Nolan Wells’ family] suffering the unimaginable grief of losing a child, they’re not getting the truth, transparency, or accountability. Mississippi officials retained some of Nolan’s body parts, so yesterday’s independent autopsy leaves more questions unanswered,” Carson said.

➡️ X: @asabes10

As the speculation has grown, Mississippi’s top elected officials have begun pushing back publicly.

Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves told News Media in a statement that attorney Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are responsible for inciting the threats.

“Ben Crump and Al Sharpton are to blame for the threats. They are stoking division for personal gain. It’s sad to see, but not unexpected. This is how they’ve built their careers,” Reeves said. “Jackson County law enforcement, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the State Medical Examiner are conducting a thorough investigation. I’m confident they will follow the facts of the case, wherever that leads them. The state’s top prosecutor is also drawing a hard line.”

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told News Media in a statement that her office will hold accountable anyone who threatens law enforcement working the case.

“I am proud of the professionalism with which our law enforcement, district attorney, and other local leaders are approaching this tragic case. During an open investigation, it is vital to the cause of justice that everyone respect the integrity of the process. Efforts to intimidate, disrupt, or interfere with the work of our law enforcement and prosecutors and threats to their well-being will be taken seriously and we will hold those who make them accountable. A bright young life has been lost and we extend our prayers to his family,” Fitch said.

During Wednesday’s news conference, Crump revealed that an area of “red discoloration” was found on Wells’ head, but said Dr. Roger Mitchell, who performed the autopsy, couldn’t come to a conclusion on a cause or manner of death “pending further investigation.” An official autopsy into Wells’ death hasn’t been completed, but the revelation from Crump fueled even more speculation.

Wells’ friends returned to the mainland that July afternoon without him, but Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter previously said investigators believe Wells chose to stay on the island. It wasn’t until later that night that his mother learned he was missing from one of Wells’ friends and reported it to authorities.

News Media has reached out to Crump, Sharpton and the FBI for comment.