Month: March 2026

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Netflix reveals that ‘Bridgerton’ Season 5 will focus on Francesca and Michaela

Hannah Dodd attends the special screening of "Bridgerton" Season 3 - Part Two at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London^ England. London^ United Kingdom - June 12^ 2024

Netflix has officially kicked off production on Bridgerton Season 5, confirming that the story will center on Francesca Bridgerton, played by Hannah Dodd, and her evolving relationship with Michaela Stirling, portrayed by Masali Baduza.

According to the streaming service, the new season follows Francesca as she attempts to move forward two years after the loss of her husband, John Stirling. As Netflix described: “Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons.” However, her plans become complicated when Michaela returns to London, stirring unexpected emotions and forcing Francesca to choose between logic and desire.

The storyline builds directly on events from Season 4, where viewers saw John’s death and the early groundwork laid for Francesca’s connection with Michaela—who was reimagined from Michael in Julia Quinn’s original novels. Their relationship will now take center stage, marking a major shift for the series.

Showrunner Jess Brownell has hinted that this installment will lean heavily into emotional longing, describing it as a season defined by “yearning.” She also emphasized its significance, noting that while queer love stories have been told before, making one the focal point of an entire Bridgerton season is a meaningful step forward.

Since debuting, Bridgerton has followed a rotating format, with each season spotlighting a different sibling’s journey to love—from Daphne and Simon in Season 1 to Anthony and Kate in Season 2, and Colin and Penelope in Season 3. Despite occasional changes to the book order, the long-term goal remains to explore all eight siblings’ stories.

Season 5 will also see the return of familiar faces, including Adjoa Andoh, Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan, Ruth Gemmell, Luke Newton, and Golda Rosheuvel, with narration once again provided by Julie Andrews.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

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Stephen Colbert to co-write new ‘Lord of the Rings’ film

Stephen Colbert attends The Paley Center for Media's 2019 PaleyFest LA CBS’s An Evening with Stephen Colbert at DOLBY Theatre^ Los Angeles^ CA on March 16th^ 2019

Stephen Colbert is stepping into an unexpected new role: co-writer of an upcoming Lord of the Rings movie. The project, announced by Warner Bros., brings together Colbert, his son Peter McGee, and longtime franchise writer Philippa Boyens to craft a story drawn from parts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s original novel that never made it to the screen.

The news was revealed in a playful video featuring director Peter Jackson, who also offered an update on the franchise’s next release, Andy Serkis’ The Hunt for Gollum, currently in development and slated for 2027. Jackson then introduced his “very special partner” for the following installment—Colbert himself, appearing via video call. A lifelong Tolkien enthusiast, Colbert explained that his film will expand on early sections of The Fellowship of the Ring that were left out of the original trilogy.

Working closely with McGee and Boyens over the past two years, Colbert helped shape the concept into a full screenplay. The film, tentatively titled The Lord of the Rings: Shadow(s) of the Past, is designed to connect seamlessly with Jackson’s original trilogy while telling a new, self-contained story.

According to the official description, the narrative is set years after the original saga. It follows Sam, Merry, and Pippin as they revisit the earliest moments of their adventure after Frodo’s passing. At the same time, Sam’s daughter Elanor uncovers a hidden mystery tied to the War of the Ring—one that nearly changed the fate of Middle-earth before the quest even began.

This marks Colbert’s first major step into blockbuster filmmaking, though his connection to the franchise runs deep. He previously made a cameo in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and has frequently celebrated Tolkien’s world on his late-night show, including parody sketches and cast reunions.

The Lord of the Rings film series remains one of the most acclaimed in cinematic history, with Jackson’s original trilogy earning 17 Academy Awards, including 11 for The Return of the King.

Editorial credit: Eugene Powers / Shutterstock.com

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Two men arrested in shooting of U.S. Park Police officer in D.C. ambush

United States Park Police with blue helmet on horseback at the Lincoln Memorial. Washington D.C.^ USA - February 11^ 2026

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), two men have been arrested in the shooting of a U.S. Park Police officer.  The officer was discharged from the hospital and is recovering, after being shot Monday evening in Southeast Washington, D.C., in what officials describe as a targeted ambush.

The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 5000 block of Queens Stroll Place SE, near the Marshall Heights neighborhood. Authorities say the officer, a veteran with the agency, was working undercover in connection with an earlier investigation and was driving an unmarked white Tesla when two suspects approached and opened fire.

Multiple rounds struck the officer in the upper body, including the shoulder. Despite his injuries, he was able to drive a short distance before stopping, where fellow officers provided first aid. He was then airlifted by a Park Police helicopter to a hospital. Officials later confirmed his injuries were not life-threatening, and he was released Tuesday morning.

The D.C. Police Union said in a statement, “we can confirm that a member of US Park Police was shot in the 5000 blk of Queens Stroll Place SE,” adding, “We’re all sending prayers for the officer and @1791FOP at this time.”

FBI Director Kash Patel also shared: “Praying for the Park Police officer shot in Washington, D.C. The FBI is actively supporting the investigation alongside our law enforcement partners and will bring those responsible to justice.”

The MPD said that 21-year-old Darren Foster of Southeast, DC, was located and stopped shortly after the shooting on Monday. On Tuesday, officers located a second suspect, 22-year-old Asheile Foster of Southeast, DC. Both were arrested and charged with assault on a federal police officer with a gun. Investigators believe the suspects may have known they were targeting a law enforcement officer, though that remains under review.

D.C. police interim chief Jeffery Carroll said that “this is an example of unnecessary gun violence in our city. There’s no reason that anybody, a police officer, not a police officer, should be shot just for being out here driving through the neighborhood,” noting the officer appeared to have been deliberately targeted.

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American Dennis Coyle is released by Taliban after being held captive in Afghanistan for over a year

Barbed wire in refugee camp. Migrants behind chain link fence in camp. Group of people behind fence. Concept of prison^ freedom^ barrier^ security and migration. Refugees on their way to EU.

Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have released American academic Dennis Coyle after more than a year in detention, marking the occasion during Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that concludes Ramadan. The decision followed appeals from his family and a ruling by the country’s Supreme Court, which determined his time in custody was sufficient.

Coyle, a 64-year-old researcher from Colorado who had spent years studying Afghan languages, was detained in January 2025 after being taken from his apartment in Kabul.  His detention came despite his long-standing ties to Afghanistan, where he had worked for nearly two decades supporting language research and local communities. His case highlights the continued risks for foreign nationals in the country, even those with deep connections there. While officials claimed he had violated local laws, no specific charges were ever made public. His family said he was held in near-isolation, raising concerns about his well-being.

The Taliban described the release as an act of goodwill, stating it was carried out “based on humanitarian sympathy and goodwill, and believes that such steps can further strengthen the atmosphere of trust between countries,” while also expressing hope for improved dialogue moving forward. Mediation efforts involving the United Arab Emirates and Qatar helped facilitate the process, alongside discussions between U.S. and Taliban representatives in recent weeks.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the development, saying, “President Trump is committed to ending unjust detentions overseas,” and noting that more than 100 Americans have been freed during the current administration. However, he emphasized that additional work remains, calling for the release of other Americans still believed to be held — among them Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan American businessman who disappeared in 2022. U.S. officials and his family believe he was taken by Taliban forces, though Afghan authorities deny this. His brother responded to Coyle’s release by saying, “we hope that our family will soon have the same feeling of relief, when Mahmood is returned home to us.” Another case involves Paul Overby, who vanished in eastern Afghanistan in 2014 while researching a book.

The Taliban returned to power in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, and detentions of foreign nationals have remained a point of tension ever since. The U.S. government recently labeled Afghanistan a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” accusing the Taliban of using detainees as leverage in negotiations—an allegation Afghan officials reject, insisting arrests are based solely on legal violations. Efforts to secure releases have been complicated by the lack of formal diplomatic ties, as the United States does not recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s official government. Negotiations are often handled through intermediaries, particularly Qatar. Previous attempts at prisoner exchanges, including proposals involving Guantanamo detainees, have failed to reach agreements.

Editorial credit: Ajdin Kamber / Shutterstock.com

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Fifth and final season of ‘Hacks’ to premiere April 9 on HBO Max

Hannah Einbinder^ Jean Smart at PaleyFEST 2025 - Hacks at the Dolby Theater on March 28^ 2025 in Los Angeles^ CA

The acclaimed comedy series Hacks is preparing for its final act. HBO Max has confirmed that the show’s fifth season — its last — will debut April 9, with the series wrapping up on May 28.

Led by Emmy winners Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, the story picks up after false reports mistakenly declared Deborah Vance dead. Shaken but undeterred, Deborah and Ava head back to Las Vegas, determined to cement Deborah’s legacy in comedy. As the official synopsis states: “In the aftermath of mistaken and unflattering news reports that she passed away, Deborah Vance (Smart) and Ava (Einbinder) return to Las Vegas more determined than ever to secure Deborah’s legacy as a comedian.”

The farewell season will span 10 episodes, released weekly, with two double-episode drops scheduled before the finale. The decision to conclude the series now doesn’t come as a shock — the creative team, including Paul W. Downs, Lucia Aniello, and Jen Statsky, had long envisioned a five-season arc. Downs previously shared that the ending had been mapped out years ago, with the final scene in mind since 2015.

Since its debut in 2021, Hacks has built a strong legacy of its own, earning widespread critical praise and multiple awards, including several Emmy wins for Smart and recognition for its writing, directing, and overall excellence as a comedy series.

Season 5 brings back familiar faces like Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Mark Indelicato, and Rose Abdoo, along with a lineup of guest stars including Tony Goldwyn, Kaitlin Olson, and Christopher McDonald.

See the trailer for Season 5 of “Hacks” – HERE.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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Paramount+ renews ‘Landman’ for Season 3

Paulina Chávez^ Michelle Randolph^ Thornton^ Demi Moore^ Ali Larter^ Lofland at the Landman' Series Premiere at Paramount Theater on November 12^ 2024 in Los Angeles^ CA

The hit Paramount+ series ‘Landman’ is officially returning for a third season on Paramount+, the platform confirmed following the show’s record-setting second season.

Created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, the series has quickly become one of the streamer’s biggest successes. The Season 2 premiere drew more than 9.2 million views within its first two days, marking the most-watched debut for any original series on the platform and a 262% increase compared to the show’s first-season launch.

The drama centers on oil industry fixer Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton. Season 2 intensified the show’s high-stakes storyline set in West Texas’ oil fields. The official description reads: “As oil rises from the earth, so do secrets — and Tommy Norris’ breaking point may be closer than he realizes,” as he deals with pressure from M-Tex Oil, Cami Miller, and personal conflicts that threaten to push him to the edge.

The ensemble cast also includes Demi Moore, Andy Garcia, Ali Larter, Sam Elliott, Jacob Lofland, Michelle Randolph, Paulina Chávez, Kayla Wallace, Mark Collie, James Jordan, and Colm Feore.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

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Supreme Court weighs mail ballot deadlines in case with major election implications

A man puts an absentee mail-in ballot in the mailbox. Circa August^ 2020

The Supreme Court is reviewing a high-stakes case that could reshape how mail-in ballots are handled nationwide, with a decision expected by early summer—just in time to affect the 2026 midterm elections.

At the center of the dispute is a Mississippi law allowing ballots to be counted if they are postmarked by Election Day but arrive up to five days later. Similar policies exist in more than a dozen states and Washington, D.C., while many others have extended deadlines for military and overseas voters.

The case stems from a lower court ruling—issued by judges appointed during Trump’s presidency—that struck down Mississippi’s law, finding it conflicted with federal election statutes. If the Supreme Court agrees, it could force multiple states to quickly revise long-standing voting procedures, raising concerns among election officials about confusion and potential voter disenfranchisement so close to a national election.

During oral arguments, several conservative justices expressed doubts about these grace periods. Justice Samuel Alito raised concerns about situations where late-arriving ballots dramatically shift election outcomes, suggesting it could create an “appearance” of fraud. Justice Brett Kavanaugh echoed that sentiment, warning that delayed results might undermine public trust if early leads are overturned days later.

The challenge, backed by the Republican National Committee and supported by allies of Donald Trump, argues that federal law establishes a single Election Day—meaning ballots must be both cast and received by that date. Trump has long criticized mail voting, claiming it invites fraud despite a lack of evidence supporting widespread abuse.

Opposing attorneys, including Mississippi’s solicitor general, countered that no proven cases link fraud to ballots arriving after Election Day. They argue states have long had the authority to manage election logistics, including accommodating mail delays—especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas.

Liberal justices appeared more supportive of that view. Sonia Sotomayor emphasized that decisions about election procedures should be left to lawmakers rather than courts, while Ketanji Brown Jackson noted that Congress could clarify the issue if needed. Elena Kagan also questioned whether restricting late ballots could jeopardize other widely used practices like early voting.

Beyond domestic voters, the outcome could also affect military personnel and Americans living abroad, whose ballots are often counted after Election Day due to logistical delays. With the court appearing divided, the final ruling could hinge on a narrow majority—and carry significant consequences for how votes are cast and counted across the country.

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Details emerge as investigation continues after plane crash at LaGuardia that killed 2, injured dozens

Air Canada Express plane seen at the tarmac of LaGuardia International Airport. LaGuardia Airport^ New York^ USA - August 8^ 2025

Officials are continuing the investigation into the collision at LaGuardia Airport in New York on Monday that left two pilots dead and dozens injured after an Air Canada regional jet struck a fire truck on the runway shortly after landing.

The aircraft, Air Canada Express Flight 8646 operated by Jazz Aviation, had just arrived from Montreal around 11:47 p.m. Sunday when it collided with a Port Authority rescue and firefighting vehicle on Runway 4. The truck had been responding to a separate, unrelated incident at the time.

The plane, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, suffered major front-end damage. At least 41 people—including passengers, crew, and emergency personnel—were taken to nearby hospitals. While 32 have since been released, officials said several individuals sustained “serious injuries.” Two Port Authority officers in the fire truck suffered broken bones but were reported in stable condition.

Preliminary flight data indicates the jet was traveling between 93 and 105 mph at the moment of impact. All passengers have been accounted for, including an unaccompanied minor who was safely reunited with family.

Audio recordings from the control tower suggest the fire truck had been cleared to cross the runway before controllers urgently instructed it to stop multiple times just seconds before the crash. In the aftermath, a voice on the recording can be heard saying they “messed up.” Investigators are also examining whether air traffic controllers may have been distracted during the critical moments leading up to the collision.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop shortly after midnight, and the airport remained closed into Monday afternoon. Roads and access points around LaGuardia were also shut down as emergency crews responded.

The National Transportation Safety Board has launched a full investigation, focusing on factors such as aircraft speed, air traffic control procedures, and runway coordination. Canadian officials are assisting, while U.S. authorities are leading the inquiry. The FBI briefly responded but confirmed the incident was not related to terrorism or criminal activity.

Officials, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, expressed condolences, with Carney calling the “deeply saddening.” Airlines have since issued travel waivers as disruptions continue, and authorities warn of ongoing delays in and around the airport area. As of press time, LaGuardia airport was reopened.

Editorial credit: Lester Balajadia / Shutterstock.com

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‘Project Hail Mary’ tops the box office with record-breaking $80.6M opening weekend

Ryan Gosling attends premiere of 'Project Hail Mary' at Lincoln Center in New York^ NY on March 18^ 2026.

Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, soared to the top of the North American box office with an impressive debut of about $80.5–$80.6 million. The sci-fi adventure not only claimed the No. 1 spot by a wide margin, but also delivered the biggest opening of the year so far.

The film’s launch marks a milestone for Amazon MGM Studios, setting a new record for the company and surpassing the previous high set by Creed III. It also outpaced earlier 2026 releases, including Scream 7. Strong reviews and enthusiastic audience reactions helped push ticket sales beyond early projections, with the movie earning a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an “A” grade from CinemaScore audiences.

Adapted from Andy Weir’s bestselling novel, the big-budget film—directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller—follows a scientist on a high-stakes mission to prevent humanity’s extinction. With a production cost around $200 million, its long-term performance will be key to turning a profit. Internationally, the movie added $60.4 million from 82 markets, bringing its global total to roughly $140.9 million.

“We believe deeply in the Hail Mary, and it’s clear audiences do as well,” says Amazon MGM’s distribution chief Kevin Wilson. “What we’re seeing in theaters — the energy, the exit scores, the word of mouth — is everything we believed this film would deliver.”

Far behind in second place, Hoppers brought in $18 million, followed by Dhurandhar The Revenge with $9.6 million. Ready or Not: Here I Come and Reminders of Him rounded out the top five with $9.1 million and $8 million, respectively.

The rest of the top 10 included Scream 7 ($4.3 million), GOAT ($3.5 million), Undertone ($3 million), Wuthering Heights ($475,000), and Avatar: Fire and Ash ($280,000).

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Megan Thee Stallion to star in Broadway musical ‘Moulin Rouge!’

Megan Thee Stallion at the Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words Premiere at the TCL Chinese Theater IMAX on October 30^ 2024 in Los Angeles^ CA

Grammy-winning rap star Megan Thee Stallion is adding Broadway to her résumé. Megan will make her stage debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, stepping into the role of nightclub owner Harold Zidler for a limited engagement from March 24 through May 17 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

A social media post announcing the news reads: “Thee hottest news on Broadway❣🎩”. Megan said in a statement: “Stepping onto the Broadway stage and joining the Moulin Rouge! The Musical team is an absolute honor. I’ve always believed in pushing myself creatively and theater is definitely a new opportunity that I’m excited to embrace. Broadway demands a different level of discipline, preparation and storytelling, but I’m up for the challenge and can’t wait for the Hotties to see a new side of me.”

Based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, the jukebox musical blends contemporary hits into a love story set in Paris’ Montmartre district.  Megan Thee Stallion’s casting marks the first time a female-identifying performer has played Zidler in any production of the show worldwide. The part was originated on Broadway by Tony winner Danny Burstein, with later turns by Boy George, Tituss Burgess, Wayne Brady and Bob the Drag Queen.

Producer Carmen Pavlovic said in a statement: “Welcoming Megan Thee Stallion into the ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ community is a thrilling moment for us. Megan is a true global superstar. She is one of the most influential artists of her generation and her impact on music and culture is undeniable. This historic casting is a major part of our closing celebrations: our farewell gift to Broadway audiences and one of our biggest announcements in the history of Moulin Rouge! The Musical. We want our show to go out with a spectacular bang, and Megan is the force of nature to lead us there. And yes, there will be a hint of music from her own iconic catalogue. It’s an unmissable moment for both Megan’s fans and ours.”

Since opening in 2019, Moulin Rouge! The Musical has become one of Broadway’s longer-running hits. The show is set to close July 26 after more than seven years and over 2,200 performances, ending its run on a high note with one of hip-hop’s biggest names leading the curtain call.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com