Browse

Latest Headlines

Fresh headlines, crisp visuals — faster reading.

Emma Thompson's Heartfelt Tribute to Her Late Mother Phyllida Law New

Emma Thompson's Heartfelt Tribute to Her Late Mother Phyllida Law

Emma Thompson’s mom Phyllida Law has died. She was 94. "It is with great sadness we have to announce that Phyllida Law died supremely peacefully at home, surrounded by all of her family, on Monday 27th July," Law’s manager Jacky Leggo said in a statement to BBC News on Tuesday, August 18. “We had worked together for over fifty years and she was a beautiful person inside and out.” Law was the mother of daughters Emma, 67, and Sophie Thompson, whom she shared with late husband Eric Thompson. (Law and Eric tied the knot in 1957 and the couple were together until his death in 1982 at age 53.) Emma previously shared that she and her mom formed a strong bond after the death of her father. (Emma was 21 at the time of her father’s death.) “Now I think if my father was still alive, it would be very different,” the Love Actually actress told the Hollywood Foreign Press in May 2021. “I mean, we know mum so much better because we spent so much time together, we started going on holidays and traveling together, and we all live on the same street, within three doors of each other.” The Oscar winner continued, “We’re far closer-knit because of that event in our lives, also we’re three actresses who always had to earn our own living, we’ve never been supported by anyone. My mum always worked, I always worked when I was married, and my sister works. So that’s created quite a strong kind of triumvirate. It’s a little alarming, actually.” Both Emma and Sophie, 64, followed in their mother’s footsteps, who was a formidable actress in the 1960s. She appeared in multiple TV series, including Play School, A Picture of Katherine Mansfield, That’s Love, Kingdom and more. Law made her film debut in 1968’s Otley. Law shared the screens with her daughters multiple times. She and Emma appeared in 1992’s Peter’s Friends, 1993’s Much Ado About Nothing and 1997’s The Winter’s Guest. Emma and Law also worked together on 2005’s Nanny McPhee. Emma wrote and starred in the project while Law lent her voice to the character Mrs. Partridge. Meanwhile, Law and Sophie played mother and daughter in 1996’s Emma, which starred Gwyneth Paltrow. Law previously gushed about working with her daughters over the years. "They are both my colleagues in a way,” Law said of her daughters in a 2017 interview with The Telegraph. “They didn't follow in our footsteps, they rushed past us, trampling on us."

Aug 19, 2026
Trump's Tariff Delay Hints at Unexpected Keystone Pipeline Revival New

Trump's Tariff Delay Hints at Unexpected Keystone Pipeline Revival

President Trump announced Tuesday evening that he was delaying the planned implementation of 50% tariffs on most imports from Canada for three days — teasing that Washington and Ottawa may have agreed to resurrect the dormant Keystone XL pipeline project.“I have paused the 50% Tariffs against Canada, that were scheduled to kick in tomorrow morning for a three day period,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, “based on the fact that Canada and the U.S.A., subject to the finalization of documents, have a DEAL!” President Trump speaks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at G7 in France on June 16, 2026. Evelyn Hockstein/Pool Reuters via AP A truck passes over the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York, into Canada on Aug. 18, 2026. AFP via Getty Images“The great Keystone XL Pipeline, long ago killed by Sleepy Joe Biden, may be awoken from the grave!” added the president, who subseuqently posted an AI-generated image of him yanking a pipeline labeled “Keystone” out of the ground next to a cracked tombstone reading: “Buried by Biden.”The announcement came fewer than two hours before the new duties were to take effect and followed all-day conversations between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.The Keystone XL pipeline, initially announced in 2008, would have moved up to 830,000 barrels (35 million gallons) of crude oil approximately 1,200 miles from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska, where it would connect with other pipelines that feed oil refineries on the Gulf Coast.The project stalled during the Obama administration under pressure from environmental activists, but Trump revived it near the end of his first term. In January 2021, however, then-President Joe Biden canceled a crucial border-crossing permit for the pipeline, and the energy firm behind the plan — Calgary-based TC Energy — formally pulled the plug that July. The 50% tariff would apply to some $20 billion worth of Canadian products, about 5% of what the country ships south every year. Wine, hockey sticks, and cement would have been among the affected products, while items such as critical minerals, fish potash and energy products would have been exempt. Canada had threatened to retaliate against any new tariffs with levies of its own, aggravating a trade fight between countries that sold each other $880 billion worth of goods and services last year.In a sign of deepending resentment north of the border, a petition to expel US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, a former Michigan congressman and Trump ally, has collected nearly 218,000 signatures since July 21″We are negotiating,” Carney told reporters Monday, speaking in French. “The negotiations are very intense and delicate. This is not the time to talk about negotiations in public.”Trump announced the tariffs last month, shortly after he was spotted chatting with Carney at the World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, invoked Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.That law, enacted at the height of the Great Depression and widely blamed by economists for making the global crisis worse, authorizes the president to impose tariffs of up to 50% on imports from countries that have discriminated against US businesses.Trump has claimed that Canada discriminates against American exports of cars, alcohol and cheese. Canada and China were the only countries that issued retaliatory tariffs against the US in response to Trump’s so-called “Liberation Day” levies last year. With Post wires

Aug 19, 2026
Janelle Brown Surprises Fans with 'Wonderful' New Romance After Kody Split New

Janelle Brown Surprises Fans with 'Wonderful' New Romance After Kody Split

Sister Wives star Janelle Brown surprised fans by revealing she has a new boyfriend after claiming she was not interested in dating following her divorce from Kody Brown. “Some chapters are meant to unfold quietly before they’re shared,” Janelle, 57, wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, August 18, sharing a photo featuring her new man. The TLC personality explained, “I wasn’t looking. I certainly wasn’t expecting you. And somehow, you turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed.” Janelle confirmed her budding romance has been “pretty wonderful” before officially introducing her boyfriend to the world. “Everyone please meet Pete,” she concluded. Christine Brown was quick to give her stamp of approval for Pete in the comments section, writing, “He’s such an awesome guy!!” She revealed that Pete and Janelle are “so cute together,” telling fans that Janelle’s partner is “a construction worker ����‍♀️ like David!!” (Christine, 54, married David Woolley in October 2023 following her own split from Kody, 57.) As Sister Wives fans know, Janelle and Christine were sister wives after marrying Kody in 1993 and 1994, respectively, becoming his second and third wives. Kody was already married to Meri Brown when the other woman joined the family. In 2010, Kody married fourth wife Robyn Brown in a spiritual ceremony. He legally divorced Meri four years later to legally wed Robyn, 47, and adopt her three children from a prior relationship. Throughout their time as a plural family, Kody became the father of 18 children. He shares one child with Meri, 55, six with Janelle, six with Christine and five with Robyn, including two biological children. (Janelle and Kody’s son Garrison died in March 2024 at the age of 25.) In November 2021, Christine shocked fans when she announced her split from Kody, marking the beginning of the end of the Brown family unit. Janelle announced in December 2022 that she and Kody had been separated for months. Meri, meanwhile, confirmed her split from Kody in January 2023, while Robyn is still married to the patriarch. While both Christine and Meri dipped their toes back into the dating pool following their divorces — Christine considered herself divorced the moment she announced the breakup, while Meri got a spiritual release after the former couple's separation — Janelle wasn’t in a rush to find a new man. “First of all, I’m not interested in dating at all. I’m not even interested. I’m not looking,” Janelle said during a November 2023 episode of Sister Wives. “I don’t even look at guys or men. It’s just blah. It’s too much work. I don’t want to do that.” She explained, “I’m not going to be hanging out where lots of single men are or whatever. Definitely, [I’m] sure as hell not doing that online dating thing. I don’t get the whole swiping thing. I don’t get that.” Two years later, Christine revealed she was hoping Janelle would change her mind and try online dating since it’s how she met her husband, David. “I’m thinking Farmers Only would be the perfect one for Janelle. Perfect. I’ve seen commercials and it’s people that have land,” Christine said during an April 2025 episode of the TLC series. Christine noted that after Janelle moved to North Carolina and bought a farm with her daughter Maddie, it seemed fitting to date a farmer. “Maybe she’d like a landscaper. I’m just saying,” Christine teased. “I could come up with a lot of ideas.”

Aug 19, 2026
Gayle King's Discontent Over Norah O'Donnell's Possible CBS Return New

Gayle King's Discontent Over Norah O'Donnell's Possible CBS Return

“CBS Mornings” star Gayle King is “not happy” that Norah O’Donnell could return to co-anchor the struggling show — even as Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss weighs a possible “Morning Joe”-style overhaul of the broadcast, The Post has learned.A source said King was upset over new promos for the show that included O’Donnell, who has been substituting periodically, as Weiss and News President Tom Cibrowski look to replace Tony Dokoupil, who decamped for “CBS Evening News” earlier this year. “Gayle was not happy,” the source said. “She does not want Norah to return to the show.”Gayle King is “not happy” that Norah O’Donnell could return to co-host “CBS Mornings,” sources said. Chad Rachman/New York PostAnother source described King and O’Donnell as cordial colleagues bordering on “frenemies,” and cited the duo’s strained relationship when they co-anchored the network’s morning show from 2012 to 2019.“Gayle is an authentic person. She loves the news,” the person said. “Norah loves the idea of being on the news.”A network source stressed that King is central to “the process of finding a new co-host,” and that “nothing will happen without her blessing.” While O’Donnell isn’t yet a shoe-in for the empty slot, she has been long rumored to be a leading candidate, as first reported by The Post in February. Other contenders include Eva Pilgrim, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and CBS News anchor Kelly O’Grady, Status reported.Aside from naming a third anchor, two sources told The Post that Weiss plans to relaunch “CBS Mornings” and has been mulling modeling the program after MSNow’s “Morning Joe,” which mixes opinion and commentary on current events.Norah O’Donnell is rumored to be a contender to nab the co-host spot at “CBS Mornings.”While no drastic overhaul is expected this fall, Cibrowski and Jon Tower, the interim executive producer of “CBS Mornings,” are hoping to name a permanent co-host as soon as September, along with some programming tweaks to start, according to a source with knowledge.“Tom is telling people that it’s going to be more of a live show with fewer people and Jon is saying he wants it to be more loose like ‘Morning Joe,'” an insider said.The person added that they expect the show to be more “chat-driven in the vein of ‘Morning Joe,'” pointing to Tower’s past working on the Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski-helmed program.Editor-in-chief of CBS News Bari Weiss has resurrected the career of O’Donnell, giving her a correspondent job on “60 Minutes,” a new podcast — and potentially returning to the morning show. Getty ImagesThe person noted that instead of a single news segment with eight to nine short news stories, the hosts will delve into topics more deeply.“The show is f–ked. They need to try something!” the person said, citing the show’s recent historic ratings lows, when it dropped to 1.59 million total viewers the week of July 13.CBS News declined to comment.A network source said a “Morning Joe-style” format has been discussed internally but denied that the revamp will include such a drastic change. CBS brass is eyeing a similar format to “Morning Joe,” which is co-hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. MSNBCThe ambitious O’Donnell — whose career had stalled under the previous CBS News boss — has lately seen her prospects improve under Weiss, who took the helm last October.After being ousted as anchor of “CBS Evening News,” O’Donnell went from being a mere senior correspondent to grabbing a plum correspondent job on “60 Minutes,” a new podcast — and potentially returning to the morning show, which she once co-anchored with King and Charlie Rose.While some insiders griped that O’Donnell won’t move the ratings needle much, the journalist’s political reporting chops and polish could help the last-place “CBS Mornings.”O’Donnell has often joined King and Nate Burleson on “CBS Mornings” as a co-host, sparking rumors of a return. CBSRumors of Weiss’ plans to overhaul the broadcast are sparking anxiety inside the halls of CBS News.“She’s going to turn the morning show into a podcast,” said one miffed insider, who noted that the show lacks an “intellectual” to make sense of the day’s news. The person added that this is not the strength of King and co-host Nate Burleson. Even O’Donnell, who has a strong news reporting background, isn’t known for unspooling her opinions on current events. Another CBS insider noted that it’s possible that Weiss taps others at the network to take part in analysis.

Aug 18, 2026
Eric Bieniemy's Emotional Return After Family Tragedy New

Eric Bieniemy's Emotional Return After Family Tragedy

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy addressed reporters for the first time since his wife, Mia, was allegedly shot by the couple’s son. “First and foremost I want to say this: thank you guys for all the love and support,” he said in a press conference at Chiefs training camp on Tuesday, August 18. “Obviously the unfortunate circumstances which took place [are] very hurtful in a way, but on top of that, I just respect that you guys are respecting our privacy, and hats off to you.” Bieniemy, 57, continued, “I would also like to say thank you to the Hunt family [owners of the Chiefs], the entire Chiefs family, for the outpouring of love and support my family has received through this particular situation. With all that said, we’re back to football and I’m all ears.” The Chiefs coordinator spent two weeks away from the team after Mia, was injured in a shooting at the family’s home in Virginia on July 26. He returned to practice on August 10. Their son, Elijah, was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling. Elijah, 27, was transported to the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center where he remains. Mia, 57, is “on the road to recovery,” Eric told reporters. “She is doing great,” he added, also noting that Mia gave him the OK to return to the team. “She's truly a soldier and a saint, and it's been incredible to watch.” As the Chiefs continue their training camp, the team is now preparing for its second preseason opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whom they will face on Saturday, August 22. Head coach Andy Reid told reporters last week that Eric was hard at work. “It’s good to have EB back,” he said. “He’s ‌back in the fold and I don’t think he missed a step, man. He was out there and getting after it. That’s a positive for the offensive side.” Reid, 68, continued, “I’ve talked to him several times a day, so I knew he was coming back if everything worked out the way he had been. The primary thing is that Mia is stable and in good hands and she’s doing well.” While Eric was away from the team, Reid addressed the situation, expressing his support to Eric and Mia. “Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family,” he said on July 27. “Thoughts and prayers are with them. I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes. Eric will work through it. He’s got a great support group here, as does his family, as needed. We’ll let time take care of it from there.”

Aug 18, 2026
New Epstein Evidence Unsealed: What Secrets Will Be Revealed? New

New Epstein Evidence Unsealed: What Secrets Will Be Revealed?

A large amount of “damning” new evidence against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his imprisoned accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell could soon come to light after a federal judge ordered a trove of case files to be unsealed.Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown, whose reportage is credited with catalyzing the disgraced financier’s downfall, wrote on her Substack Tuesday about Manhattan Federal Court Judge Loretta Preska’s decision to unseal the “voluminous” documents.Heaps of new “damning” Epstein evidence is expected to be released soon, pertaining to accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell’s 2015 defamation suit again Virginia Giuffre. Tribune News Service via Getty ImagesThe documents stem from a 2015 court case in which Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide last year, sued Maxwell for defamation after she accused her of fabricating sex-trafficking allegations against Epstein and others, including former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.Brown wrote she and The Herald fought a nearly decade-long court battle to have the documents released, arguing that they weren’t properly sealed. The case was settled in 2017.Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term after she was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking. SDNY“Judicial records by law are supposed to be open to the public. In this case, the former judge (Robert Sweet, now deceased) issued a blanket sealing on all the documents because they contained “sensitive” and “private” information,” Brown wrote. “Sweet placed a protective order on massive amounts of material, including hearings and judicial decisions made in the case — and voluminous evidence that Virginia presented to show that Epstein and Maxwell were operating an underage sex trafficking operation,” she continued.“This is not the way sealing is supposed to happen, however. Each document that the lawyers want sealed has to be examined, and those requesting it be sealed must provide legal justification to the judge for doing so. This wasn’t done in this case.”Giuffre (center), who took her own life last year, leveled accusations against Epstein and former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (left). SDNYMaxwell, 64, last week attempted to stall the release of the materials but was smacked down by Judge Preska, who said the “Epstein Files Transparency Act superseded any earlier grand jury arguments that Maxwell was using to keep the records from the public,” Brown wrote in the Substack post featured by Mediaite.Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term after she was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking.Epstein killed himself in his jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting a federal sex trafficking trial in Manhattan.

Aug 18, 2026
Hayden Panettiere's Tragic Final Moments: What the Police Report Reveals New

Hayden Panettiere's Tragic Final Moments: What the Police Report Reveals

A new police report shines a new light on who discovered Hayden Panettiere during the final moments of her life. According to a Greenville City Police Department incident report obtained by Us, officials spoke with Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, on the day of her passing. “After EMS officially declared Hayden deceased, I escorted Zach and Brian out of the apartment,” the police report stated about the events that took place on Sunday, August 16. “I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden. Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased.” While speaking to an officer on the scene, Zach said the actress “was his brother’s girlfriend.” According to the report, Brian provided a “bag of medication” that Panettiere was “currently on,” per the redacted report. The police report indicated that police executed a search warrant and there is CCTV footage of all three individuals coming and going from the apartment. The report also confirmed that multiple medics performed life-saving measures on the unresponsive actress for “an extended amount of time” before she was pronounced dead. News broke on Sunday that Panettiere had died at the age of 36. Her official cause of death has yet to be revealed. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” Panettiere’s father, Skip, said in a statement to Us. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.” Before the incident report was released, one neighbor described seeing two men outside of the apartment on Sunday sitting on the floor in the hallway and looking “in complete shock.” “Their heads [were] down and hats on. They were not talking,” the resident exclusively told Us. “I have no idea what role they played, if any. The authorities were there. There were one or two officers guarding the apartment door.” (Nobody has been charged with a crime in regards to Panettiere’s death.) Authorities in South Carolina confirmed to Us on Monday, August 17 that police responded to reports of an “unresponsive female” at a residence, later identified as Panettiere. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office also revealed to Us on Monday that an autopsy report has been completed and no signs of trauma were discovered that could have contributed to the actress’ death. “On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1:51 PM, a 911 call was received regarding a reported cardiac arrest,” the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said in a statement. “First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest. EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.” As fans wait for more details about what led to Panettiere’s death, a source who recently spoke with the Nashville actress told Us that friends were “worried” about the actress after she reconnected with her abusive ex. “Hayden seemed to be doing well [recently], but there was still concern among her friends and inner circle, especially because she started spending time with Brian again,” a source explained to Us. “That relationship and association had led her down a dark path in the past, so her friends and inner circle were worried for her. There were concerns and her friends really hoped she was doing OK.” If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Aug 18, 2026
California Teacher's Bold Outfit Sparks Heated Debate on TikTok New

California Teacher's Bold Outfit Sparks Heated Debate on TikTok

She’s a model teacher.A California teach-fluencer was slammed online for her playful TikTok videos displaying her classroom style. The Los Angeles woman, who goes by “HeyMissTeacher” on social media, racked up over a million views on a recent TikTok video where she flaunted her colorful outfit of the day.Set to Lady Gaga’s “Papparazzi”, the clip shows the teacher dancing in an empty classroom while wearing a babydoll dress printed with various foods, purple leggings, and knee-high leather boots. The woman’s food-print dress and brightly colored leggings were called distracting by some commenters. TikTok/@heymissteacherThe teacher’s look stirred up controversy, with some calling it inappropriate and distracting. “This is what “professionalism” looks like now. The adults in charge of forming young minds treating the classroom like a personal content studio,” an X account wrote in a repost of the video. “Then parents wonder why kids come home with zero respect for authority, zero attention span, and completely inverted priorities.”“Schools need to start enforcing proper dress codes on teachers once again. They don’t allow students to wear clothes that are considered distracting, so why are teachers allowed to do so?” another commenter wrote in response. “A classroom is not a place for a teacher’s self expression, it is a place for a teacher to teach, and if they cant figure that out then they shouldn’t be a teacher,” a third commenter chimed in. Some commenters suggested schools implement dress codes for teachers. TikTok/@heymissteacherOther commenters came to the woman’s defense, and were confused why the outfit sparked debate.“I don’t get why she’s getting hate? She’s covered, nothing inappropriate, she’s fun and being herself. She’s giving Magic School Bus vibes. My daughter would dig her 100%,” one commenter wrote.“I’m failing to see whats inappropriate about this? Her skirt is barely above her knees and she’s wearing leggings? Her dress has food on it?” another commenter wrote. “Your students are gonna want to be you when they grow up,” a third commenter said. Others jumped to the teacher’s defense, finding the look harmless. TikTok/@heymissteacherIt wasn’t the first time the teacher courted controversy for outfit choices. In a video posted August 5, she wore a crop top t-shirt and jean shorts to a professional development day at the school. “I remember when teachers were professional,” one commenter wrote. In a comment under the video, the teacher clarified that the clip was filmed while she was setting up her classroom before the school year began.“It says I don’t meet the kids till next week though. It should be clear I’m not wearing this while actually teaching. I’m just setting up my classroom,” the teacher said.The teacher wore a crop top during a professional development day, but emphasized that no students were present. TikTok/@heymissteacherThe teacher, who is missing one eye and wears a prosthetic eyeball with a star-shaped iris, further defended herself in a video posted Monday, explaining why she’s proud of not being a “normal” teacher. “I’m not normal, I was never meant to be normal. I lost my eyeball when I was five years old. I have to wear a prosthetic eye, and my prosthetic eye is fun and beautiful and amazing,” the woman said.The woman says she’s proud to not be a “normal” teacher. TikTok/@heymissteacherIn response to comments that her outfits are distracting, the woman said her bold looks actually prepare her students for the real world. “If anything, I’m preparing my students for encountering people who look unique, and who are expressive, and not having that impede their ability to learn and grow. By, the way, I teach high schoolers. I don’t know why you’re acting like I teach kindergarteners and I’m wearing a sparkling disco ball.”“Students who are happy and full of joy will learn better. Promise you that,” the teacher continued.Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!

Aug 18, 2026
Hilary Duff's Emotional Tribute to Hayden Panettiere After Heartbreaking Loss New

Hilary Duff's Emotional Tribute to Hayden Panettiere After Heartbreaking Loss

Hilary Duff is paying tribute to fellow child star Hayden Panettiere after the actress’ death at age 36. “Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news,” Duff, 38, wrote in a statement shared via Instagram on Tuesday, August 18. “We lost touch through the years, but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile.” The “Wake Up” singer continued, “I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating ... so young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it.” Duff had her breakout moment when she played the titular character in Disney Channel’s Lizzie McGuire at age 13, while Panettiere had childhood roles in the soap operas One Life to Live and Guiding Light and the movie Remember the Titans. “I so deeply wish this wasn't the end for you,” Duff concluded in her message to Panettiere. “Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. Rest easy.” Hayden’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed on Sunday, August 16, that the Heroes alum had died. She was 36. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” he said in a statement to Us. “We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss.” The Greenville Police Department and Greenville County Coroner’s Office confirmed that officers responded to reports of an “unresponsive female” at a South Carolina residence, later identified as Hayden, and a possible “drug overdose.” First responders and EMS found a woman in cardiac arrest at the scene and performed “advanced cardiac life support measures,” but she was pronounced dead that afternoon. An investigation is ongoing. Authorities noted that there have not been “any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances.” An autopsy found that “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death,” the coroner’s office confirmed. The cause and manner of Panettiere’s death “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.” Earlier this week, Spy Kids star Alexa PenaVega — another former child actress and friend of Panettiere’s — paid tribute to the Nashville alum and reflected on the struggles of fame at a young age. “Hayden, Michelle [Trachtenberg], Daveigh [Chase] ... my heart is heavy today,” PenaVega, 37, wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 17. “These aren't just names from my childhood. They're girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard. We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or support they deserved.” Trachtenberg, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2005 film Ice Princess, died at age 39 in February 2025. Chase — who voiced Lilo in the 2002 movie Lilo & Stitch — died at age 35 in June. “Today, I'm grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can't see,” PenaVega concluded. “Hug your people close today.”

Aug 18, 2026
Why Dan Hunt Was Left Off the Guest List at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Wedding New

Why Dan Hunt Was Left Off the Guest List at Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Wedding

Dan Hunt didn’t make the cut to the royal wedding.The FC Dallas president and Chiefs co-owner revealed to CBS this week that he did not get invited to the wedding of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift on July 3 at Madison Square Garden.“Apparently, I don’t sing well enough get invited,” he joked to the outlet before adding that was one of the biggest questions he has received from media throughout the summer. Hunt has not spoken with Kelce since the wedding, but his brother and Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt was at the big bash that included more than 1,000 guests.“My brother was there and I talked to him and he said, ‘Look it was really special and it was really unique.’ And we were all so happy for him,” Hunt said.Although he wasn’t invited, Hunt is extending invites to the couple to come to an FC Dallas match in Frisco, Texas.It’s a work in progress, but Hunt predicts it would come after the NFL chapter closes for Kelce, who is entering his 14th year in the league.“I’m working on it. We’ll have to see,” he said. “It’ll probably be after Travis retiring, but they’re always welcome down here. She does have a busy schedule, though. You know how it goes as a star, but a match and coming to TOCA Social would be fun.”In a year that has seen soccer surge in the U.S. following the FIFA World Cup, timing is everything to keep the momentum going. FC Dallas President Dan Hunt speaks during a FC Dallas 2026 Season-Opening Press Conference at Toyota Stadium on Feb. 17, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. Getty ImagesHunt believes a personality like Kelce’s could only build on the atmosphere in Dallas. “Travis is one of the most fun individuals I’ve ever been around in my life,” he said. “I can only imagine what it would be like to have him here doing it. Maybe it’ll come true. Who knows?”FC Dallas sits in fifth in MLS’ Western Conference with 30 points and an 8-6-5 record.Swift and Kelce have kept their wedding under wraps since the July spectacle, as guests were under a strict no-phone policy and there was a high level of security at The Garden. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are seen in New York City on Saturday, May 16, 2026. GC ImagesHowever, the Chiefs tight end recently lent some insight while at training camp, saying the wedding “was the best night of my life.”“I appreciate everybody who came out and celebrated and had fun with us,” he added.The upcoming NFL season looks like it may be Kelce’s last as rumors swirled around his decision since February considering his busy offseason and thriving “New Heights” podcast with older brother Jason.The three-time Super Bowl champ will aim to go out on a high note after the Chiefs missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 10 years.

Aug 18, 2026
Why This CEO's Bold Move to Texas is Sparking Conversations

Why This CEO's Bold Move to Texas is Sparking Conversations

“Doing business in the state of California sucks,” Hil Davis, a California businessman, bluntly told Fox News Digital.That frustration ultimately drove Davis, CEO of Digital Brands Group, more than 1,300 miles to Texas.The apparel and e-commerce company relocated its headquarters to Round Rock, just north of Austin, leasing roughly 70,000 square feet of warehouse and office space as it expands its collegiate sports apparel business.Davis said the sprawling Texas facility costs roughly the same as the company’s former space in Vernon, California, about five miles south of Los Angeles.And rent was only part of the equation.Davis pointed to California’s high cost of living, long employee commutes and the rising cost of doing business, including defending against lawsuits.Hil Davis speaks onstage during BeautyKind Unites: Concert for Causes at AT&T Stadium on March 25, 2017, in Texas. Rick Kern“You start to add all those things up,” he said. “It doesn’t work. It doesn’t make sense. It’s too hard.”The relocation comes as California wrestles with a much bigger question about whether the state’s costs, taxes and regulations are driving away the businesses and wealthy residents it relies on.That debate has intensified around a proposed one-time tax of up to 5% on Californians worth more than $1 billion.Supporters say the billionaire tax could raise billions for health care and other public programs by asking the state’s wealthiest residents to pay more. Opponents warn it could instead send major taxpayers packing — and take future tax revenue with them.California is already seeing taxpayers and their income move elsewhere. Los Angeles County led the nation in taxpayer losses in the latest IRS data, with a net 17,496 tax filers leaving for other states and taking nearly $1.9 billion in income with them.The losses extended beyond Los Angeles. Orange County recorded a net loss of 11,618 tax filers, followed by San Diego County with 9,401, Riverside County with 8,968 and San Bernardino County with 8,462.Those departures can carry fiscal consequences. When taxpayers move, the income they take with them can shrink the state and local tax base that helps fund schools, public safety and infrastructure.Davis does not predict a sudden stampede out of California. He expects a slow drip.“I don’t know if there’ll be, like, an explosion,” he said. “I just think it’ll be a constant leak.”Davis thinks things are adding up that are causing businesses to leave California, like high costs and taxes. Bloomberg via Getty ImagesCalifornia still has powerful anchors. Silicon Valley remains a magnet for technology talent and capital, while Los Angeles has a deep bench of creative workers. Davis acknowledged those industry “centers of gravity” are difficult to replicate elsewhere.Digital Brands Group will keep some production operations in Los Angeles after moving its headquarters to Texas.But Round Rock offered Davis a different equation with lower operating costs, a central shipping location for a company serving universities across the country and access to Austin’s creative workforce. He said permitting for the new facility also moved quickly.Governor Gavin Newsom attends an event at the Bridge Yard Facility in Oakland, California, on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. Anadolu via Getty ImagesEmployees now have their own choice to make. Some are eager to follow the company to Texas, Davis said. Others have deep roots in California and may stay behind.Digital Brands Group has already made its choice. And as California debates how to tax its wealthiest residents, Davis says the real story is still unfolding, one company at a time.

Aug 18, 2026
Charles Esten’s Heartfelt Tribute After Hayden Panettiere’s Tragic Passing

Charles Esten’s Heartfelt Tribute After Hayden Panettiere’s Tragic Passing

Charles Esten is breaking his silence after his former Nashville costar Hayden Panettiere died at the age of 36 just days after she reportedly attended one of his shows. "Patty [Hanson, his wife] and I are stunned and saddened at the loss of our dear and beautiful friend Hayden," Esten, 60, wrote via Instagram on Monday, August 17. Esten starred alongside Panettiere in the hit ABC series, which aired from 2012 until 2016 and concluded with its final two seasons on CMT from 2016 until 2018. Panettiere starred as rising country music star Juliette Barnes, while Esten portrayed songwriter Deacon Claybourne. "I will never forget the first time I met her," Esten continued. "In a sound stage office in Hollywood, I was finishing up my very first Nashville audition. I had read two Deacon scenes before pulling out my guitar and singing two songs. I said my goodbyes and, hoping I’d done well, went to open the door to leave. Instead of swinging all the way out, the door bumped into somebody. Kinda hard." He went on, "To my complete surprise, It was Hayden Panettiere, who — in full Juliette Barnes mode — had been listening with her ear to the door. Instead of looking even a little bit caught, her face instantly bloomed into the most beautiful smile. Eyes twinkling, she clapped her hands and said, 'That was so good!!'" Esten recalled the way Panettiere supported him in that potentially embarrassing moment. "I can promise you that in that moment, there was nothing in the world I needed to hear more than that. I told her that, along with my Heroes-watching family, I was already a big fan of hers, and that I was grateful for the very kind words. It was her turn to go in, so as I went to leave, I said a jokingly cocky, 'See you on the set!'” He added, "I was, of course, many auditions away from landing that incredible role. But when I finally did, and showed up in Nashville to start work, she walked right up to me, pointed in my face, and with that magical grin said, 'See you on the set!'” Esten recalled that he and the late became "fast friends," often "having fun and laughing a whole lot" in between shooting emotionally charged Nashville scenes. "She was, of course, extraordinarily talented, infusing her larger-than-life character with all the heart, charisma, humor, whip-smart intelligence, and flat-out magic that were, alongside whatever troubles and pain she carried, a part of her own personal palette," he noted. "What a great gift it was to act with her, sing with her, and to just be her friend. She was always extremely kind to my family, especially my wife, Patty, who I’m certain she liked even more than me." "Together, we are heartbroken that she is gone, and praying for her family, and for all those who, like us, will miss and mourn her so dearly," he concluded. "God bless you, Hayden. Rest In Peace and Light" Us previously reported that Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, from a suspected overdose. A resident of the building exclusively told Us that a neighbor shared with them that one of Panettiere’s friends was playing at The Foundry on Friday, August 14. The music venue is attached to the apartment building, which was why Panettiere was at the complex. The resident said she was staying at an Airbnb in the complex, and “there was more than one person staying” in the unit. Esten was booked to perform two nights at the venue as part of his Carolina Tour. Panettiere died one day after his last show at The Foundry. Authorities in South Carolina confirmed to Us on Monday, August 17, that police responded to reports of an “unresponsive female” at a residence, later identified at Panettiere. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office also confirmed to Us on Monday that an official autopsy had been completed, and there were no signs of trauma that may have contributed to Panettiere’s death. “On August 16, 2026, at approximately 1:51 PM, a 911 call was received regarding a reported cardiac arrest,” a statement from the Greenville County Coroner’s Office read. “First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest. EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM.” Esten and Panettiere grew close while working on Nashville, and they remained friends for years after the show wrapped. Back in 2018, Esten exclusively spoke to Us about his bond with the Ice Princess star, recalling that they'd been "buddies ever since" they started working together.

Aug 18, 2026