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Max Muncy Weighs In on Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani-Dalton Rushing Trade Conversation

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During a recent episode of Mookie Betts’ “On Base” podcast, Los Angeles Dodgers stars Mookie Betts and Max Muncy shared their thoughts on a heated moment between Shohei Ohtani and Dalton Rushing. The exchange in question took place last month, and the duo didn’t shy away from discussing its impact.

Betts confessed to observing the situation closely, anticipating how it might unfold. He and Muncy humorously recounted their curiosity as they peeked into the clubhouse, eager to witness how things would develop between Ohtani and Rushing after their interaction.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani mid-pitch.

Shohei Ohtani pitches during a Los Angeles Dodgers game. Getty Images

The initial disagreement arose when Ohtani expressed his frustration with Rushing over a passed ball. The tension was evident on the mound, with both players seemingly disagreeing over pitch-calling decisions during the June 25 matchup against the Minnesota Twins.

Muncy considered the incident a valuable learning opportunity for both athletes. He noted that Ohtani can’t always rely on pitching to Will Smith, highlighting the necessity for adapting to different scenarios. Muncy explained that sometimes Ohtani might prefer a pitch choice that’s not ideal, but experience teaches how to navigate those situations.

A baseball catcher in full gear, wearing blue and white, holds his helmet and glove.

Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing looks on during a game. Getty Images

Typically, Ohtani partners with Dodgers catcher Will Smith. However, with Smith sidelined due to a neck injury, Ohtani has needed to work with Rushing in his absence.

Betts then said, “What I really enjoyed was how Rush later on took accountability. He knows that he has a lot on his plate.”

“You’re the catcher for a staff that’s first in baseball in a lot of categories,” Muncy responded with a laugh. “So yeah, that’s a lot on your plate. And he has done an amazing job handling it. Not one of us knew how to handle that situation at that stage.”

It’s interesting to hear Muncy speaking about how he believes Ohtani essentially needs to learn to trust Rushing when it comes to calling pitches.

Regardless, every time Ohtani pitches to Rushing — including the Dodgers’ July 3 game against the San Diego Padres — will be must-see TV.


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Celebrity Exes Reunite at Taylor Swift’s Star-Studded Wedding Party

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Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are preparing for the second day of their wedding festivities at Madison Square Garden. This opulent event is set to attract around 1,000 guests, including a host of their celebrity friends, all gathering to celebrate the couple’s union.

New York City is bustling with the arrival of Hollywood’s elite, famous athletes, actors, and musicians, all eager to partake in this star-studded occasion.

However, the glittering event may not be without its share of drama. Many celebrity exes are expected to cross paths, potentially leading to some uncomfortable encounters.

Jack Antonoff and Lena Dunham, Suki Waterhouse and Bradley Cooper, along with Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding, are among those who could experience some awkward moments at the celebration.

Antonoff, who has collaborated with Swift for years, and Dunham, a close friend of the bride, both made separate entrances at Madison Square Garden for the first day of festivities, so it’s likely they will be in attendance again tonight.

The former couple dated for five years from 2012 to 2018, and Dunham later confessed to cheating on the producer in her memoir Famesick.

Waterhouse and Cooper are both confirmed to be attending the wedding celebration; they were together from 2013 to 2015.

Cooper has since moved on with Gigi Hadid, one of Swift’s oldest friends, which is how he scored an invite to the coveted event. 

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are gearing up for their wedding celebration today at Madison Square Garden, which is expected to bring together roughly 1,000 of their famous friends

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are gearing up for their wedding celebration today at Madison Square Garden, which is expected to bring together roughly 1,000 of their famous friends

Hadid may also have to see one of her exes at the party: Zayn Malik. It’s unclear whether the One Direction singer will attend the wedding celebration; however, he and Swift famously released a song together in 2017, called I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.

Both Goulding and Sheeran were spotted in New York this week, so it’s safe to assume they’ll be there.

The exes have both been a part of the Cruel Summer songstress’ inner circle for years, so it comes as no surprise. 

They were briefly rumored to be in a relationship back in 2013, and were spotted holding hands at the MTV Video Music Awards. 

It’s heavily believed by fans that Sheeran’s song Don’t was written about Goulding leaving him for Niall Horan, however, Goulding has denied this.

‘I did go on a few dates with Niall, but I was never in a relationship with Ed,’ she told Elle UK last year.

‘I have absolutely no idea where that came from and why it was turned into such a big thing.’

Both Sabrina Carpenter and Camila Cabello may have to see their ex Shawn Mendes at the wedding celebration. 

But it appears there may be some tension during the dazzling celebration, as a ton of celebrity exes will be forced to reunite, including Jack Antonoff and Lena Dunham, who dated for five years from 2012 to 2018. Above, together in 2014

But it appears there may be some tension during the dazzling celebration, as a ton of celebrity exes will be forced to reunite, including Jack Antonoff and Lena Dunham, who dated for five years from 2012 to 2018. Above, together in 2014

Suki Waterhouse and Bradley Cooper are both confirmed to be attending the wedding celebration; they were together from 2013 to 2015. Above, in 2014

Suki Waterhouse and Bradley Cooper are both confirmed to be attending the wedding celebration; they were together from 2013 to 2015. Above, in 2014

Cooper has since moved on with Gigi Hadid, one of Swift's oldest friends, which is how he scored an invite to the coveted event

Cooper has since moved on with Gigi Hadid, one of Swift’s oldest friends, which is how he scored an invite to the coveted event

The three were embroiled in an infamous rumored love triangle back in 2023.

Mendes and Carpenter were seen spending a lot of time together in February of that year, however, the singer denied at the time that they were a couple.

Months later, Mendes was spotted kissing his ex Cabello at Coachella.

Many fans believe Carpenter went on to write her song Taste about the situation, in which she sings: ‘I heard you’re back together and if that’s true / You’ll just have to taste me when he’s kissin’ you / If you want forever, I bet you do / Just know you’ll taste me too.’

It’s unconfirmed if Mendes is attending Swift’s wedding celebration. However, he and the pop star have a long friendship; he opened for her on her 1989 World Tour and the two collaborated on a reimagined version of her song Lover in 2019.

If Swift’s pal Phoebe Bridgers – who previously released a song with the bride, called Nothing New – attends, she will risk crossing paths with her ex Paul Mescal.

Mescal is dating another one of Swift’s close friends, Gracie Abrams, so it’s likely he will be at the wedding celebration.

Selena Gomez – who is confirmed to be attending – might have to take a walk down memory lane if Swift’s pal Taylor Lautner shows up.

Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding were briefly rumored to be in a relationship back in 2013, and were spotted holding hands at the MTV Video Music Awards (above). They were both spotted in New York this week, so it's safe to assume they will be there

Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding were briefly rumored to be in a relationship back in 2013, and were spotted holding hands at the MTV Video Music Awards (above). They were both spotted in New York this week, so it’s safe to assume they will be there

Camila Cabello may have to see her ex Shawn Mendes (above together in 2019) at the wedding celebration. It's unconfirmed if Mendes is attending Swift's wedding celebration, however, he and the pop star have a long friendship

Camila Cabello may have to see her ex Shawn Mendes (above together in 2019) at the wedding celebration. It’s unconfirmed if Mendes is attending Swift’s wedding celebration, however, he and the pop star have a long friendship

If Swift's pal Phoebe Bridgers - who previously released a song with the bride, called Nothing New - goes, she will risk crossing paths with her ex, Paul Mescal. Above, in 2022

If Swift’s pal Phoebe Bridgers – who previously released a song with the bride, called Nothing New – goes, she will risk crossing paths with her ex, Paul Mescal. Above, in 2022

Selena Gomez - who is confirmed to be attending - might have to take a walk down memory lane if Swift's pal Taylor Lautner shows up. Above, together in 2011

Selena Gomez – who is confirmed to be attending – might have to take a walk down memory lane if Swift’s pal Taylor Lautner shows up. Above, together in 2011

Swift and Lautner briefly dated in 2009 and lost touch afterward, but reconnected and rekindled their friendship in 2023.

The singer even invited the Twilight star on stage during her Eras Tour and featured him in the music video for her song I Can See You later that year.

He and Gomez briefly dated in 2009, before he started his relationship with Swift.

Swift and Kelce partied late into the night on Thursday for what was believed to be a rehearsal dinner with 100 of their closest friends, including Hadid, Cooper, Gomez, Antonoff and Dunham, among others.

There are conflicting reports about whether Swift and Kelce have already married, but there are plans for an enormous party with 1,000 guests at Madison Square Garden today. 

Shocking Explosion in Quiet Neighborhood Unveils Sinister Murder Scheme

On November 10, 2012, the serene community of Richmond Hill, Indiana, was abruptly shaken by a vivid and massive blast.

“We thought we were being bombed,” recounted Abby Jackson in Netflix’s Worst Neighbor Ever. “Our entire house seemed to lift off its foundation.”

Panicked, residents fled their homes, grabbing children and pets as fiery chaos unfolded. Amid the commotion, some found themselves trapped under wreckage, desperately crying out for rescue.

The house belonging to Monserrate “Moncy” Shirley and her partner, Mark Leonard, had exploded mysteriously. Fortunately, they were miles away, unaffected by the blast.

Tragically, neighbors Jennifer and Dion Longworth perished in the ensuing inferno, their remains so severely charred that identification required dental records.

What initially appeared to be a natural gas explosion soon exposed a deadly conspiracy. 

Who Are Moncy Shirley and Mark Leonard?  

Moncy and her then-husband lived in the tight-knit community on Fieldfare Way, where residents popped by each other’s homes and watched their children play together. 

The critical-care nurse from Puerto Rico hosted weekly dinners and charmed neighbors with her funny and fearless outlook. 

“The first time I met Moncy, she told me she’d had her boobs done,” neighbor Gloria joked in the docuseries, “and as long as there [were] plastic surgeons on this Earth, there was never a reason to look old.”  

When Moncy got divorced, she jumped into the dating scene, and soon brought home a new boyfriend. 

“Moncy came running out and said, ‘Hey, I want you to meet Mark. He’s an amazing guy and he makes so much money,’” fellow neighbor Abby said in the docuseries. “That was her big thing.” 

But Mark made neighbors uneasy—he wore an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet and seemed to have a negative influence over Moncy. 

“Moncy became a different person,” said Gloria. “She quit waving high, there wasn’t that friendly interaction anymore. It was just all about her and him.”  

The Richmond Hill Fire Reveals a Deadly Insurance Scheme 

“I believe 12 people there were injured,” former Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Mark Hollingsworth said in the docuseries. “Thirty-plus residents’ homes were destroyed, 60 to 80 more homes were damaged.”  

The blast itself was impressive—roughly equivalent to three tons of TNT—and its aftermath exposed clues. 

The home’s water pressure regulator and fireplace shut-off valve had been mysteriously removed, while a microwave containing a metal container was so twisted and jagged that, according to the doc, investigators believed it held a substance that ignited the fire. The appliance manual also revealed a 24-hour delayed-start feature, indicating that someone may have scheduled the explosion. 

Surveillance video from the night of the explosion, shown in the episode, showed Moncy and Mark playing games at a Lawrenceburg casino before lingering at the bar for hours. According to Hollingsworth, they were “essentially doing nothing.”  

Just as strange, the pair had not booked an overnight hotel room. 

“It’s because they knew they weren’t going to stay there,” said Hollingsworth, “because their house was going to blow up and they would be notified and they’d have to come back to Indianapolis.” 

Investigators then learned about Mark’s brother, Bob Leonard.  

A restaurant employee reported that the night before the explosion, the brothers had stopped by and questioned him about his background working at a gas company. 

“He had no idea that the Leonard brothers were taking this information into account on how to cause the explosion,” said Hollingsworth in the doc. “They were careful about it, not to show their hand.” 

Then, Bob’s DNA was found on Moncy’s front door and a motive emerged.

According to a 2017 Indiana Supreme Court opinion, Mark suggested that he and Moncy burn down her house to collect insurance money, with the help of his brother and friend Gary Thompson.  

Before the explosion, Mark encouraged Moncy to increase her insurance to $300,000, according to the opinion.

After two previous attempts, their plan succeeded, but at an unexpected cost: Dion died in his basement, while Jennifer burned to death in an upstairs bedroom, according to the opinion.   

On Dec. 21, 2012, Moncy, Mark and Bob were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit arson, and multiple counts of arson, according to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. All three pleaded not guilty.  

Gary was arrested two years later, in Jan. 2015, and charged with murder, conspiracy to commit arson and multiple counts of arson, the prosecutor’s office noted. 

Later that year, Moncy testified against the Leonard brothers, in exchange for pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit arson, according to USA Today. She was sentenced to 50 years in prison. 

Bob and Mark were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Mark died in prison in Jan. 2018. 

Meanwhile, Gary was sentenced to 30 years in prison with 10 years suspended.  

The neighborhood was never the same after the explosion—houses were torn down, property was sold, and some moved away, haunted by the memories. Yet, a bond remains between the people of Richmond Hill. 

“It really did show all of us that in the worst-case scenario,” said neighbor Kat Olvey, “you can really expect your people to show up for you.”

Essential Viewing Before Experiencing Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan diving into the world of Greek epic tales with his latest project, “The Odyssey,” is a cinematic event of monumental proportions. Known for his intricate and visionary style, Nolan’s ambitious endeavor requires some preparation for any moviegoer. To embark on this journey well-informed, the Looper video shared above serves as a great resource for understanding the nuances and depth of what’s arguably Nolan’s grandest film to date.

Renowned for his Academy Award-winning films, Nolan’s most acclaimed works, like “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Interstellar,” and “Tenet,” usually explore futuristic themes and advanced technology. In “The Odyssey,” he shifts gears dramatically, venturing into a richly stylized historical setting. The film promises to capture the epic tale of Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon, as he experiences a long and arduous journey from the Trojan wars back to his homeland.

For Nolan, taking on a Greek mythos film marks a significant turn from his recent project, “Oppenheimer,” which itself was a grand feat in Hollywood’s history. From glimpses of the costume design and other elements of “The Odyssey,” it’s clear that Nolan aims to elevate this legendary tale to new heights. Whether or not “The Odyssey” will stand as one of Nolan’s finest works remains to be seen, but it undeniably promises to be a captivating and complex addition to his filmography.

The Odyssey may be fantasy, but Nolan’s putting every bit of his usual effort in it

Announced in December 2024, following his success with “Oppenheimer,” “The Odyssey” has sparked intrigue and speculation. Many are eager to see how Nolan will tackle the ambitious narrative of Homer’s ancient classic. Will this be an opportunity for Nolan to indulge in a fantastical and visually extravagant style, unlike his previous works? Or will he opt for a realistic approach, taking us to a world where mythological creatures like harpies and cyclopses seamlessly blend into a historical narrative?

From everything we’ve seen since the first “Odyssey” trailer showcased Nolan’s massive new movie, both answers are correct. The trailer features gritty martial moments and gut-wrenching emotion, seamlessly connecting to the source material’s monsters and supernatural beats. It all looks amazing, but it’s a very different flavor of amazing than, say, “Dunkirk” or “Inception.” 

There are still many mysteries to “The Odyssey” before it premieres on July 17 – but Looper’s video above will tell you all there is to know about the movie.

James Carville Sounds Alarm: Radical Democratic Socialist Wins Could Topple Two-Party System

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In a recent discussion, seasoned Democratic strategist James Carville, joined by podcast co-host Al Hunt, expressed concern over the increasing influence of extremists within both major political parties. They suggested that this trend might endanger the longstanding bipartisan consensus.

Carville has been a vocal critic of the emergence of democratic socialists who have succeeded in primary elections within traditionally Democratic areas. He even suggested that the Democratic Party consider a division to prevent these figures from gaining significant influence.

Carville identified a key factor in these political shifts: young people’s perception that older generations have failed to provide for their future. Although he acknowledged some economic hardships, he argued that the situation is not as catastrophic as many young people perceive.

On the “Politics War Room” podcast, Carville reaffirmed his belief in the core Democratic principles of pluralism and a regulated economy bolstered by social protections. However, he lamented that these ideals no longer resonate with today’s youth.

“It is indeed a challenging period,” Carville remarked, pointing to the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination as a pivotal upcoming event. He speculated that the party may face fragmentation in response to these tensions.

James Carville seated, wearing a striped polo shirt and glasses, with a "United States Marines" cap on his lap.

James Carville poses for a portrait at the 27th SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 31, 2024 in Savannah, Georgia. Getty Images

While Carville admitted that he is an elderly man, there are still young people who share his vision of Democratic Party politics, and yet, “People always talk about the end of the two-party system. We might seem pretty close to the end of it.”

“There’s certainly no place for anything you would think of as traditional John McCain, Mitt Romney Republicans, because they got nowhere to go,” he said. “So I don’t know where this is going, but it’s hard for me to see that the two parties are going to dominate American politics in the future as they have in the past.”

Zohran Mamdani and Darializa Avila Chevalier raise their clasped hands in celebration.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, celebrates with Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier during an election night watch party Tuesday, June 23, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Seth Wenig

While Carville and his co-host both noted their differences with some more progressive Democrats like Pramila Jayapal and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Carville warned that the new wave of democratic socialists are a bridge too far.

“This new crop that’s coming in, this is entirely different. This is not the same thing. I think people might be voting for it and hadn’t thought about it. I don’t know what they’re doing, but I got to tell you,” he said. “This is the new trend and it’s a very disturbing trend and it like people are just looking for a quick solution to just do anything that they can to stop the pain they’re going through and I got news for you, there are no quick solutions.”

What You Should Know About Changes to Virginia’s Marijuana and Hemp Regulations

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — After a series of political negotiations, vetoes, and compromises, Virginia has charted a course for the legal sale of recreational marijuana. The newly signed state budget lays the groundwork for a regulated cannabis marketplace.

Key details you should know:

Virginia has scheduled the start of regulated retail marijuana sales for July 1, 2027, as per House Bill 30. The Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is currently involved in formulating the necessary regulations and setting up a process for businesses eager to enter the marijuana retail industry.

This bill, House Bill 30, will also transition the duties related to regulated hemp products from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to the CCA, expected by August 2026. Hemp Product Rental Facility Registrations will continue to be valid until their respective expiration dates.

Retailers registered to sell hemp products and industrial hemp growers will be receiving communications from VDACS, outlining how these imminent legislative and administrative shifts will impact their operations.

The legislation eliminates the “25:1 ratio” that allowed a hemp product to exceed two milligrams of total THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) if the product contained 25 parts CBD (cannabidiol) for every one-part THC. Beginning August 15, a product with more than two milligrams of total THC per package cannot be produced or sold as a hemp product in Virginia.

Senate Bill 543 gives the CCA new authority to enforce Virginia’s cannabis laws, such as taking enforcement action against unlicensed cannabis and hemp businesses and issue notices of violation, cease and desist orders and civil penalties.

US Military Sends Emergency Aid to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes

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On Friday, the U.S. military advanced its relief mission in Venezuela, completing the deployment of 10 U.S. Marine Corps Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs). These vehicles are crucial in aiding the communities affected by last week’s devastating earthquakes and delivering necessary humanitarian aid.

The final batch of MTVRs arrived via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster cargo plane, playing a vital role in assisting both the disaster victims and the personnel engaged in relief operations.

According to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), these MTVR crews will be pivotal in managing the logistics required to bring the much-needed relief supplies to affected local communities promptly.

Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) on Marine Corps Base Hawaii

In a related training exercise, a U.S. Navy sailor from Assault Craft Unit 5 was captured directing the MTVRs during an offload at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This took place back on June 18, 2026, as part of preparations for RIMPAC 2026. The same type of vehicles is now deployed in Venezuela, proving their versatility and importance in disaster response following the country’s recent seismic events. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Warr)

The Marine Corps highlights that over 1,000 MTVRs are in active duty across Iraq and Afghanistan. These vehicles have seen extensive use in both contingency and humanitarian missions, reflecting their robustness and adaptability to various operational needs.

At Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves the capital of Caracas, the U.S. military’s Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center (HACC) was working with local authorities, the State Department and other agencies on the ground to support disaster relief assistance.

Relief workers in Venezuela

Rescuers work at the site of a collapsed building complex in the aftermath of earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela, Friday. (Reuters/Ricardo Arduengo)

Marine, Navy and Army vertical-lift and rotary-wing aircraft were also conducting airlift and transport flights, including delivering pre-packaged, self-contained meals for earthquake survivors and displaced citizens, SOUTHCOM said in an update Friday.

Air Force plane at Maiquetia airport

A U.S. Air Force plane at Maiquetia airport in Vargas, La Guaira state, Venezuela, July 1 after the June 24 twin earthquakes. The U.S. military continues humanitarian relief efforts with the delivery of equipment and aid. (AFP via Getty Images)

The USS Fort Lauderdale remains at the Port of La Guaira, supporting communications efforts and serving as a distribution point.

The Trump administration has moved in to support the South American nation after 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes last week, mobilizing $150 million in humanitarian relief.

V-22 Osprey aircraft in Venezuela

A U.S. military V-22 Osprey aircraft lands in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, Venezuela, June 27, 2026, as part of rescue operations after earthquakes. (Federico Parra/AFP via Getty Images)

The administration has also assembled a Disaster Assistance Response Team composed of more than 250 people, including three specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue teams.

The death toll from the natural disaster stands at nearly 2,000 and continues to rise.

The Irresistible Offer Travis Kelce Made to Taylor Swift

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The heartfelt yearning for love has underscored Taylor Swift’s music from the very beginning, echoing through her initial single and resonating in countless tracks that followed.

Swift’s search for the ideal partner has woven itself into the fabric of her journey to pop megastardom. It’s a narrative that leaves many pondering what lyrical themes she might explore should she eventually wed Travis Kelce. Could the everyday challenges of marriage, such as debating over household chores like dishwasher duties, inspire her future music?

This quest for a fulfilling partnership has been a recurring motif since 2006, when Swift debuted with “Tim McGraw,” a song asking whether a special person would still hold onto the memory of their shared favorite tune.

Fast forward two decades, and the former 16-year-old country newcomer has evolved into a 36-year-old pop icon.

With an engagement ring gracing her hand and a relationship with an NFL star, it seems she might have found the ‘happily ever after’ she has long been chasing.

Her search for love has been famously fraught with setbacks – John Mayer, Jake Gyllenhaal, Harry Styles, Matty Healy and Tom Hiddleston are just a few of her exes. The breakups must of course have been painful, but artistically she turned each and every one into gold. The history of her music follows the history of her relationships with remarkable precision.

Her extraordinary candor – some have complained it is over-sharing – about even her most disastrous romances has provided the foundation on which she has built her extraordinary success.

In September 2023, it was reported that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were occasionally 'quietly hanging out' but 'not officially dating.' Above, with his mother Donna Kelce that month

In September 2023, it was reported that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were occasionally ‘quietly hanging out’ but ‘not officially dating.’ Above, with his mother Donna Kelce that month

Soon after going public, the couple enjoyed a dinner date in New York at Waverly Inn in October 2023

Soon after going public, the couple enjoyed a dinner date in New York at Waverly Inn in October 2023

Then along came Travis Kelce, the big bruiser football star from Cleveland, Ohio.

In many ways he’s the polar opposite of Joe Alwyn, the soft-featured, ex-public schoolboy thespian from England who preceded Kelce in Swift’s affections. That six-and-a-half-year union ended in April 2023, just five months before Kelce and Swift started seeing each other.

Was that the intention, some asked? Had Swift, on the rebound, just gone for a man who wouldn’t possibly remind her of the actor back in London? Indeed, who wouldn’t remind her of any of her failed relationships?

However, given Swift’s long trail of failed love affairs and Kelce’s own rocky romantic history, many wondered how long it would last.

Kelce – only two months older than Swift – was a Rolls Royce-driving sports star nearing the end of his football career who was no slouch when it came to commercializing his fame (he’d even starred in a tacky E! dating show, Catching Kelce).

Inevitably, some wondered if he might be using the world’s highest-grossing female performer to turbocharge his celebrity just when he needed to find a new career path.

His love life provided little encouragement to Swift fans hoping that he was the man with whom their idol would finally settle down. In 2016, he started seeing Maya Benberry, one of the contestants on Catching Kelce, but they broke up soon after filming ended. Benberry later told the Daily Mail that he had been cheating on her.

‘Taylor seems like such a fun girl with a beautiful spirit, so I wish her the best of luck, but I wouldn’t be a girls’ girl if I didn’t advise her to be smart,’ she said. ‘I’m sure by now she has mastered the ability to see who is really there for her – and who is just using her… Only time will tell, but like the saying always goes, once a cheater always a cheater.’

In October 2023, they were seen kissing and cuddling at a Saturday Night Live afterparty

In October 2023, they were seen kissing and cuddling at a Saturday Night Live afterparty

Swift and Donna at an October 2023 game

Swift and Donna at an October 2023 game

Swift with Brittany Mahomes at an October 2023 Chiefs game

Sources close to Kelce countered they only dated for a few months, and he was never unfaithful.

The sportsman started seeing sports broadcaster Kayla Nicole in 2017 and they had an on-off relationship that lasted until 2022. There were rumors of Kelce’s infidelity, but he vehemently denied them – as he did reports that they finally broke up because he was ‘cheap’ and insisted she pay ‘half of everything.’

Access Hollywood presenter Zuri Hall was spotted with Kelce’s family at several Chiefs games in 2023 but speculation that there was something between her and Kelce was never confirmed.

And there was one other detail that might have made Swifties pause before investing in a wedding photo album. In an interview with AfterBuzz TV in 2016, Kelce was asked to play the game ‘kiss, marry, kill,’ choosing between Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift. He chose to ‘kiss’ Swift and ‘marry’ Perry.

Any misgivings among her more protective fans about his intentions were hardly eased when it emerged how the tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs had homed in on Taylor like a guided missile.

In July 2023, Kelce attended her Eras Tour concert in Kansas City and tried to give her a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it. Anxious to save her voice for performances, Swift doesn’t do meet-and-greets where he might have been able to meet her and so he never passed on his token of affection.

He admitted this on a podcast show he co-hosts with his brother, Jason, (Kelce said he felt ‘a little butthurt’ he was thwarted) and invited Swift to watch the Chiefs play at Arrowhead Stadium, the team’s home turf.

She heard about his comments, later telling Time magazine his suggestion was ‘metal as hell,’ and they began communicating.

By September, when she first saw him on the field and stood beside his mother, it was reported that the pair were occasionally ‘quietly hanging out’ but ‘not officially dating.’

Kelce and Swift were pictured together in December 2023

Kelce and Swift were pictured together in December 2023

Swift celebrated with Kelce on January 28, 2024, when the Chiefs beat the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game

Swift celebrated with Kelce on January 28, 2024, when the Chiefs beat the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game

Although her spokespeople urged caution, saying that Swift was ‘very focused on her work right now and hanging out with girlfriends,’ she later revealed that ‘by the time I went to that first game, we were a couple.’

‘Travis has been into Taylor for a while and definitely has a crush on her,’ a source told Entertainment Tonight. ‘He is a simple guy that is very funny, charismatic, chill and loves playing football.’

While her relationship with Joe Alwyn had been so private, the one with Kelce couldn’t have been more public. She became a regular at NFL games, shouting on Kelce and his team from the stands.

If her fans had doubts about Kelce, evidence of his old-school charm started to win them over.

He would open Taylor’s car door for her, hold her hand supportively as they faced the flashing lights of paparazzi on date nights and became her loudest champion. According to insiders, it was this ‘chivalry’ that attracted her.

‘They have a lot of fun together and she loves how chivalrous he is,’ a source told Entertainment Tonight. ‘Taylor feels at ease with Travis and they are already very comfortable around each other.’

Kelce once booked an entire restaurant so he could throw a post-game party for her, his teammates and his family. The pair were seen dancing together and, said a witness, were ‘very affectionate with one another but kept things fun and lighthearted.’

When the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, Kelce and Swift kissed during the celebrations

Swift was in the stands of the 2024 Super Bowl with some of her famous friends at the time, such as rapper Ice Spice and actress Blake Lively

Swift was in the stands of the 2024 Super Bowl with some of her famous friends at the time, such as rapper Ice Spice and actress Blake Lively

Swift and Kelce partied at XS Nightclub after the Super Bowl win in February 2024

Swift and Kelce partied at XS Nightclub after the Super Bowl win in February 2024

In retrospect, the couple’s determination to say little about their relationship pretty much from the start strongly suggested that they were taking it seriously.

But while the ‘sources’ in the Swift camp weren’t exactly describing the couple’s romance by reciting pages from the Kama Sutra, it wasn’t like the Joe Alwyn years. Their romance wasn’t a closed book.

Swift turned up to watch the Chiefs play the New York Jets in early October 2023 with an impressive celebrity entourage that included Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds – of whom, sadly, more later – and Hugh Jackman.

She became so much a fixture at Kelce’s games – flinging her arms around him and embracing him on the field after major Chiefs wins – that questions were often asked when she wasn’t there.

As months passed, it became clear that, for all the cynicism engendered by her past love life, this relationship was going somewhere.

In October 2023, they were seen kissing and cuddling at a Saturday Night Live afterparty, and – shock, horror – photographed holding hands.

Days later, the news broke that Kelce had bought a secluded $6 million home in Kansas City just so the couple could have more privacy.

Kelce’s friends said they’d been surprised by the match given she was ‘unlike anyone’ he had previously dated. Even as early as November that year, they were talking about how they believed they were ‘in love.’ That month, Kelce gushed in a magazine interview that ‘being around her, seeing how smart Taylor is, has been f**king mind-blowing.’

Meanwhile, people close to the singer kept repeating that the footballer was a ‘gentleman’ and that’s why Swift had fallen for him so hard. The inference that the other men in her life hadn’t been gentlemen was largely ignored – perhaps it was felt that they’d suffered enough already from her songs about them.

Critics felt – with some justification – that sometimes, the gooey love affair was a little overpowering. ‘I love you so much it’s not even funny,’ Kelce could be heard saying as they embraced after a game in January 2024. ‘I’ve never been so proud of anyone in my life, ever,’ Swift replied.

The following month, she broke off from her Eras tour in Japan and flew thousands of miles back to watch him play at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. By March, they were reportedly in ‘nesting’ mode and ‘enjoying movie nights in her home theater, catching up on films and shows they’ve missed’ in Los Angeles.

However, they continued to go out and be seen together – such as at the Coachella music festival – rather than hiding away at home, which insiders said Swift found enervating and liberating.

However, they continued to go out and be seen together – such as at the Coachella music festival in April 2024

However, they continued to go out and be seen together – such as at the Coachella music festival in April 2024

In June 2024, he joined her on-stage at London’s Wembley Stadium during her Eras Tour, during which Kelce wore a top hat and tails

Kelce was also experiencing something he’d never felt before, said sources. ‘Travis has never felt more supported by a significant other ever,’ said one. They ‘seem a good fit,’ said his father, Ed, although he acknowledged the relationship would face ‘some challenges.’

In June 2024, the excitement around the romance reached a boiling point when he joined her on-stage at London’s Wembley Stadium during her Eras Tour, during which Kelce wore a top hat and tails.

It didn’t deter the doom-mongers. Rumors that the relationship was on the rocks were fueled later in 2024 when Swift missed two Chiefs games but they were back together for Thanksgiving when the Swift family hosted the Kelces in Nashville, silencing the pessimists.

‘Everything this man touches turns to happiness and fun and magic,’ Swift gushed as she collected the Video of the Year Award at the 2024 VMAs.

That same month, sources said the couple both saw marriage as ‘something they want sooner rather than later’ but they still took their time – only announcing their engagement in August 2025.

It came in the form of a joint Instagram statement saying: ‘Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married’ that made light of their obvious differences and set a record for the social media platform. It was accompanied by a lavish photo of Kelce getting down on his knees before Swift in a sylvan bower groaning with flowers.

By then, sources were saying the couple had slightly tired of the megawatt attention and craved a more ‘normal’ life.

‘They like to cuddle on the couch and watch movies, play board games, spend time with family, cook dinner together and just hang out,’ said a source.

In case anyone thought it was just cuddling and Clue, insiders have made clear that the couple has an active sex life.

At the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships, the pair cuddled in matching attire

Swift and Kelce on an NYC date in September 2024

Swift and Kelce on an NYC date in September 2024 

Kelce threw Swift a surprise party in December 2024

Kelce threw Swift a surprise party in December 2024 

Swift and Kelce on a date night in NYC in December 2024

Swift and Kelce on a date night in NYC in December 2024

‘They get their own workouts in together just as other young couples in love do,’ a source told the Daily Mail, adding that both of them enjoyed lazy late mornings in bed so much that neither felt the need to go to the gym that day.

‘She finds him the most romantic man she has ever been with, and he is all about making her comfortable,’ the source added.

So who were the men who failed to match up to the romantic footballer? She was 16 when her first self-titled album came out and when – speaking on the Ellen DeGeneres Show – she admitted going through her first big breakup. It was with Joe Jonas, one of the boy band the Jonas Brothers, and, she said, it ended in a phone call that lasted all of 27 seconds.

Cynics might say it cannot have been much of a relationship if it was so swiftly wrapped up but the split inspired at least a couple of soulful tracks – Last Kiss (which lasted presumably rather less than 27 seconds) and Forever & Always – on her album Speak Now.

And so, it set a template for what was to follow: romance – messy breakup – retaliatory action in the recording studio – hit record.

One might have expected men to run a mile rather than start a relationship with Swift and risk getting monstered in her songs when it all went badly. And yet they couldn’t seem to hold themselves back.

Relationships came thick and fast. She dated Twilight actor Taylor Lautner for just a few months in the autumn of 2009, and it was widely believed that Swift ended it. She certainly appeared to admit as much in her song of that year, Back To December, in which she gave a rare and somewhat clinical apology.

Celebrity boyfriend number three – guitarist John Mayer – gave fans some anxiety from the start given that he was not only 13 years older than her – he was 32, she was 19 – but had a bad reputation with women. The relationship started in late 2009 and predictably ended badly (though not, of course, for Taylor Swift record sales).

Dear John, a track on the Speak Now album, left no doubt which boyfriend she was excoriating, accusing him of exploiting her inexperience. (Mayer complained he had been unfairly ‘humiliated’ but inevitably got little sympathy from Swifties, even if others would later wonder whether it was indeed entirely fair for her to name and shame people so bluntly).

Swift’s next relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal was another that fizzled out within a few months from autumn of 2010 into the following year. The song of the fling? That was All Too Well from her fourth album, Red, which made clear they actually didn’t fare too well.

Seemingly in an ode to Travis Kelce, Swift wore a T charm on her leg at the 2025 Grammy Awards

Seemingly in an ode to Travis Kelce, Swift wore a T charm on her leg at the 2025 Grammy Awards 

They announced their engagement in August 2025 on Instagram: ‘Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married’

They announced their engagement in August 2025 on Instagram: ‘Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married’

'They like to cuddle on the couch and watch movies, play board games, spend time with family, cook dinner together and just hang out,' said a source

‘They like to cuddle on the couch and watch movies, play board games, spend time with family, cook dinner together and just hang out,’ said a source

Kelce posted a series of photos with Swift in July last year

Kelce posted a series of photos with Swift in July last year

Again, she described her ‘innocence’ – the actor is nine years older than her – and admitted that he’d told her that he found the age gap difficult to surmount. (Gyllenhaal also reportedly found it hard to cope with the intense scrutiny they faced as a couple).

But with lines like ‘And Hey, you call me up again just to break me like a promise/So casually cruel in the name of being honest/ I’m a crumpled up piece of paper lying here,’ the actor predictably joined John Mayer as the target of Swiftie ire.

And that only increased in 2021 when Swift released a longer version of All Too Well that was even more withering about him.

Vindictive or just standing up for all the other women who’ve been mistreated by men? The debate over whether Swift should have toned it down over men who were not difficult to identify and couldn’t so easily hit back has raged for years.

In 2021, Swift finally switched places in the age imbalance, dating 18-year-old Conor Kennedy, grandson of Robert F Kennedy. The relationship was over so soon – it’s been described as a footnote in the Swift romantic history – that she didn’t even have enough time to spawn a song about him. Cruel but he probably got off lightly.

The same couldn’t be said of Harry Styles, another boy band boyfriend (in his case, the British act One Direction).

He and Swift started seeing each other in late 2012 and, in terms of pop superstardom, they were well matched. The relationship made it until early 2013, finishing during a holiday in the Caribbean.

'They get their own workouts in together just as other young couples in love do,' a source told the Daily Mail

‘They get their own workouts in together just as other young couples in love do,’ a source told the Daily Mail

In a revealing appearance – her first – on Kelce’s podcast last year, Swift reflected on the ‘wild romantic gesture’ that sparked the romance

In a revealing appearance – her first – on Kelce’s podcast last year, Swift reflected on the ‘wild romantic gesture’ that sparked the romance

Kelce and Swift at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2026

Kelce and Swift at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2026 

If this wasn’t the love affair that finally worked out for Swift, it certainly proved fruitful musically. A good chunk of her acclaimed 2014 album 1989 appears to be about her British lover. That includes the song Style, for obvious reasons; Out Of The Woods which tackles the strains of a relationship lived under such intense scrutiny; and Clean, its title a reference to how Swift thought she’d finally gotten over her addiction to him and he was no longer ‘all over me like a wine-stained dress I can’t wear anymore.’

If he did leave a legacy, however, it may have been to instill in Swift an attraction towards British men. Next up was Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris. They managed to stay together for some 15 months in 2015 and 2016, which was something of a record for her.

When it was over, there was no obvious retaliatory Swift song although the fact that they became embroiled in a public row over songwriting credits – she helped write his 2016 hit This Is What You Came For – prompted speculation that this was another of her relationships that didn’t exactly end amicably.

Just weeks after they broke up, she was photographed in Rhode Island with British actor Tom Hiddleston. Like Styles, he was another star at the height of his fame – in this case playing Norse god Loki in the Marvel movies. After it emerged that the photographer who snapped them in Rhode Island had been in place before they arrived, some speculated that the relationship was a publicity stunt, and such cruel thoughts were rekindled after they were photographed meeting her parents.

It was over in September 2016 after just three months. In a magazine interview, Hiddleston insisted the relationship had been entirely genuine but cynics, who remain unconvinced, have noted that the tryst produced no Swift song that might have confirmed its authenticity.

Then came that ill-fated relationship with Alwyn, which lasted from 2017 to 2023 and was conducted so privately (a magazine described Alwyn as a ‘notoriously low-key actor’ that inevitably many of her fans assumed this was ‘the one’).

Under the pseudonym William Bowery, he co-wrote ten of the songs on her pandemic-era albums. Some of the lyrics – admittedly written in lockdown – described cozy domesticity and the joys of a quiet life. Insiders said the couple barely ever ventured outside Swift’s homes in Nashville and Rhode Island. They would later admit that Swift found it a little stifling.

‘I was like if this guy isn’t crazy, um, which is a big if, this is sort of what I’ve been writing songs about wanting to happen to me since I was a teenager,’ Swift said

‘I was like if this guy isn’t crazy, um, which is a big if, this is sort of what I’ve been writing songs about wanting to happen to me since I was a teenager,’ Swift said 

Kelce has called himself 'the luckiest guy in the world'

Kelce has called himself ‘the luckiest guy in the world’

Not so, of course, with Kelce, with whom she could live a more public existence she found liberating. Insiders say he has proved the pillar of strength during crises that the other men in life failed to be.

He was there when Swift had to contend with her father’s heart surgery in July 2025 and during the tension that reportedly ruined her close friendship with Blake Lively after Swift was dragged into the actress’s epic legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her co-star in the movie It Ends With Us. The friendship really imploded, it seems, when court filings revealed that Lively had exploited it in the struggle, and private text messages between the two were made public, embarrassing Taylor.

As a show business outsider, perhaps not so tolerant of the precious egos of the industry’s stars, Kelce was reportedly angered by Lively’s machinations and urged Swift to confront her friend over her behavior. He, at least, may not be too dismayed if reports are correct that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, are off their wedding guest list.

In a revealing appearance – her first – on Kelce’s podcast last year, Swift reflected on the ‘wild romantic gesture’ that sparked the romance in the first place when Kelce announced on the very same platform that he wanted to date her.

‘I was like, if this guy isn’t crazy, um, which is a big if, this is sort of what I’ve been writing songs about wanting to happen to me since I was a teenager,’ she said. ‘It was wild, but it worked. I’m glad it worked.’

To which – chivalrous as ever – he swiftly added: ‘I’m the luckiest guy in the world.’

Mike McDaniel’s Bold Move: Chargers’ QB Justin Herbert Embraces Shotgun Shift

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Mike McDaniel, the new offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, has promptly set about refining the mechanics of star quarterback Justin Herbert.

An article by ESPN’s Kris Rhim, published on July 2, highlights that McDaniel has altered Herbert’s stance when operating from the shotgun formation.

Los Angeles Chargers player Justin Herbert in uniform at minicamp.

Justin Herbert looks on during a Los Angeles Chargers practice. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Historically, Herbert positioned his dominant right foot forward in the shotgun. However, McDaniel has shifted this strategy by having Herbert put his non-dominant left foot slightly in front, introducing a nuanced change.

McDaniel believes this adjustment delivers a “millisecond competitive advantage,” due to improved footwork speed, particularly in short pass situations and run-pass options where rapid execution is crucial.

Los Angeles Chargers player at a press conference.

Mike McDaniel speaks to the media after being named the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator. Getty Images

This modification is a technique McDaniel has successfully applied with several NFL quarterbacks, likely including Tua Tagovailoa during his four-season tenure with the Miami Dolphins.

McDaniel also seems to believe this will take pressure off Herbert having to rely on his big throwing arm to complete passes, and instead rely on proper mechanics to get the ball where it needs to go in timely fashion.

This isn’t the first time that Herbert has changed his shotgun stance, as he had a balanced stance during his time playing at the University of Oregon.

And Herbert doesn’t seem to think this shift will make a huge difference, as he was quoted in the article as saying, “I don’t think it’s too much of a difference.”

One would imagine this is the first of several changes McDaniel will institute in Los Angeles, not only with Herbert but with the Chargers’ entire offense. The 43-year-old coordinator earned a reputation for his unique and creative schemes in Miami, especially when the team was an offensive juggernaut during his first several seasons.

While Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh will have to sign off on any cheeky changes McDaniel wants to make, the team’s offense under Herbert will be thrilling to watch next season, if only to see whether McDaniel’s changes produce success.

Heavy police presence follows major shooting at Michigan mall

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A tragic shooting incident inside Dearborn, Michigan’s Fairlane Town Center mall claimed the lives of at least two individuals on Friday afternoon.

According to FOX 2 Detroit, two people were reported dead, and a bystander was injured amid the chaos.

Reports indicate that one victim sustained a head wound, while another was struck in the abdomen.

Authorities have yet to disclose details about any suspects or the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

MULTIPLE PEOPLE WOUNDED IN SHOOTING AT SOUTH CAROLINA’S LARGEST MALL; AUTHORITIES DETAIN SUSPECTS

Authorities responded to a shooting Friday afternoon at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

Authorities responded to a shooting Friday afternoon at Fairlane Town Center in Dearborn, Michigan. (WJBK)

The Dearborn Police Department issued an urgent warning to the public on social media, instructing all residents and visitors to avoid the area while officers work to secure the active scene.

“We are asking residents and visitors to avoid the area while officers secure the scene and investigators conduct their work,” the department said.

Police said additional information will be released as it becomes available.

USPS WORKER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGED MASS SHOOTING THREAT AGAINST TEXAS PRIDE EVENT, FBI SAYS

Dearborn police are investigating a shooting at Fairlane Town Center.

Dearborn police are investigating a shooting at Fairlane Town Center. (WJBK)

Michigan State Police confirmed to News Media it is assisting with the investigation.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.