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Chris Murphy's $25 Minimum Wage Proposal: A Game Changer for Democrats? New

Chris Murphy's $25 Minimum Wage Proposal: A Game Changer for Democrats?

Senator Chris Murphy argued Sunday that an increase in the federal minimum wage could be the key to rebuilding the Democratic coalition, including winning back working-class voters who supported President Donald Trump in the last election.During an interview on NBC News' Meet the Press, the Connecticut Democrat pointed to his proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, calling it a “unifying issue” that could resonate across party lines."I think we have to understand that people do not believe that this version of capitalism has worked. And frankly, it hasn't worked," he explained. "You have 40 percent of Americans today that are working full-time and don't have enough money saved up in the bank for an emergency car repair."The federal minimum wage has remained at $7.25 an hour since 2009. Murphy’s push highlights an ongoing debate within the Democratic Party over how to balance progressive economic policies with broad electoral appeal ahead of upcoming election cycles like this year's midterms....A Proposal for a 'Living Wage'Murphy defended his newly introduced legislation, the “Living Wage for All Act,” which would gradually phase in the $25-an-hour baseline over several years. Under the plan, large employers would be required to meet the benchmark sooner than smaller businesses. Specifically, large corporate employers would be required to implement the $25 wage floor by 2032, while smaller businesses would have an extended runway until 2039 to fully comply.To bridge the gap between the current floor and the ultimate target, the legislation mandates a first-year jump, raising the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 an hour upon enactment.Currently, no U.S. state has a $25 minimum wage. The highest state-level mandates sit around $17 per hour, led by Washington state, while many others remain bound to the federal baseline.“There’s plenty of economic analysis to show that if you gradually raise the minimum wage to $25 an hour, you’re going to create more jobs than you’re going to lose,” the senator said Sunday, dismissing concerns over potential job cuts.He added: “If you ask Democrats what they think the minimum wage should be, they say about $27. If you ask Republicans and independents, they say about $26. You know why? $25 is just the minimum wage you need to pay your bills in this country...This is the kind of idea that brings Trump voters over.”Meanwhile, some economists and business groups warn that a rise to $25 an hour carries substantial risk. Critics argue it could lead to reduced hiring, increased automation, and higher consumer prices as companies attempt to offset labor costs. Small businesses with narrow profit margins could face layoffs or closures. Research on these effects is mixed, however, with some studies finding only limited impact on employment depending on how large and how quickly the wage increase is implemented. The proposed bill also ensures the target isn't a permanent ceiling; once the $25 baseline is universally met, the federal minimum wage would index each year to equal two-thirds of the national median wage, locking future increases to broader economic growth....Targeting Disaffected Trump VotersMurphy's proposal comes as Democrats evaluate strategies to reclaim working-class voters who migrated to the Republican column under Trump in the 2024 election. Murphy suggested these voters are motivated by economic frustration rather than rigid partisan ideology.“There are a lot of Trump voters who believe that the economy is rigged, and they mistakenly thought that Donald Trump was going to unrig it,” Murphy said. “They now see him as a fake populist. They are open to listen to a Democratic Party that is for increasing the minimum wage, breaking up concentrated corporate power, [and] bringing back the strength of labor unions."Murphy urged Democrats to focus heavily on bread-and-butter economic issues, such as wage increases and union strength, while remaining flexible on social issues to expand the party's reach.“We have to accept into the coalition people that may have voted for Donald Trump,” he said, noting that those voters may not fully align with the Democratic platform on issues like gun control, climate change, or abortion."We should give them a place in our party," the senator said. "I think the only way that we give them that place is by being stronger in the way that we confront the consolidation of corporate power in this country."Murphy also rejected calls for Democrats to embrace socialism more, despite polling showing growing support for the idea among some Democratic voters.“No,” he said when asked whether the party should adopt the label. Instead, Murphy said Democrats should embrace "common good capitalism.”The Cost-of-Living SqueezeThe legislative push arrives amid a prolonged cost-of-living crisis for American households, where the price of essentials like housing and food has frequently outpaced typical wage growth.According to data from the Urban Institute, U.S. home prices have surged 81 percent since 2017, while rents have climbed 54 percent. Data from Habitat for Humanity indicated the median U.S. home price reached approximately $412,500 in 2024, demanding an annual income of roughly $126,700 to comfortably afford—well above the typical household income.Food costs have also compounded the strain, rising about 3.2 percent in 2025, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. While overall inflation has moderated to an annual rate of about 4.2 percent, expenditures on shelter and food continue to consume a disproportionate share of lower- and middle-income budgets.Murphy argued that the widening gap between wages and basic living expenses makes aggressive economic intervention necessary.“In the most affluent, most powerful country in the world, if you work full time, you should be able to pay your bills,” Murphy said.The bill faces steep political hurdles in a divided Washington, where congressional Republicans have consistently warned that massive wage mandates damage economic growth and fuel inflationary pressures.Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.

Jun 28, 2026
Why King Charles III Won't Move Into Buckingham Palace After Renovation New

Why King Charles III Won't Move Into Buckingham Palace After Renovation

June 25, 2026, 9:02 PMKing Charles III and Queen Camilla will not move into Buckingham Palace once its refurbishment has finished, the palace said in a press release Thursday. The announcement comes ahead of the publication of the Sovereign Grant Report, the British royal family's annual financial statement, which is set to be released Friday."On completion of the Reservicing Program, The King and Queen will not make Buckingham Palace a personal residence," Thursday's press release stated. The decision to not move into the palace reflects Charles and Camilla's wishes that the palace remain "the ceremonial centre of Royal life, the primary workplace of the Royal Household and a national heritage asset with increased opportunities for public access," the release read.Queen Camilla and King Charles III smile as they attend day four of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse, June 19, 2026 in Ascot, England.Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesA spokesperson for Buckingham Palace told ABC News that it "will remain a working home but we are seeking to widen public access precisely to maximise the national benefit of a publicly-funded building." "It will be a buzzing hive of royal activity in every other way," the spokesperson said. "His Majesty retains huge affection for Buckingham Palace and a deep respect for its role in royal and public life."Queen Camilla and King Charles III smile as they attend day four of Royal Ascot 2026 at Ascot Racecourse, June 19, 2026 in Ascot, England.Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesThe refurbishment of Buckingham Palace began in April 2017 and is due to be completed in April 2027. Editor’s PicksThe Sovereign Grant Report will details how public funding supported the royal family and the "maintenance of the Occupied Royal Palaces for the 2025-2026 financial year," according to Thursday's press release.Included in the report is the amount of taxes Charles paid in the two years since ascending the throne in May 2023, marking the first time that a sovereign's personal tax payment has been published, according to the press release.Buckingham Palace said Thursday that Charles' tax bill was 11.7 million pounds in 2023-24 and 12.9 million pounds in 2024-25.

Jun 28, 2026
Mozzik Honors Shkurte Fejza with Heartfelt Words New

Mozzik Honors Shkurte Fejza with Heartfelt Words

16:58 | 28 Qershor 2026 Reperi i njohur, Mozzik ka publikuar një fotografi krah ikonës së muzikës shqiptare, Shkurte Fejzës, duke i kushtuar asaj fjalë të veçanta vlerësimi.“Nder dhe kënaqësi ta ndaj këtë moment me ikonën e muzikës shqiptare, Shkurte Fejzën. Respekt për gjithçka që i ka dhënë muzikës dhe kulturës sonë”, ka shkruar ai në instastory.Me këtë dedikim, artisti shprehu respektin dhe mirënjohjen për kontributin shumëvjeçar të Shkurte Fejzës në muzikën dhe kulturën shqiptare./Arbresh.info

Jun 28, 2026
LA Reporter Abigail Velez Faces Backlash for Bosnia Comments New

LA Reporter Abigail Velez Faces Backlash for Bosnia Comments

An award-winning California news reporter faced backlash for her “insensitive” comments towards Bosnia-Herzegovina during her World Cup coverage, forcing her to apologize for taking the joke “too far.”ABC7 Los Angeles’ Abigail Velez was covering the US national team’s match at a viewing party on the streets of Long Beach, Calif., Thursday, when she updated viewers on America’s next opponent after the 3-2 loss to Turkey.“The next round, Team USA will play Bosnia next Wednesday and one thing about Bosnia, I could not point out where it is on a map,” Velez quipped. “I don’t know the first thing about Bosnia and I don’t want to know because Team USA, we’re back, we’re better than ever.”ABC7 LA reporter Abigail Velez reports from Long Beach, Calif., after the USMNT match on June 25, 2026. Bosnian Football, /XVelez, who has been with the station since November 2025, doubled down and told the southeastern European nation to get ready for battle against the US.“That’s next Wednesday. Get prepared, Bosnia, because you don’t want it, you don’t want it like that, but you’re gonna get it. That’s next Wednesday,” she said before tossing the report back to the station.Bosnian fans were quick to call out Velez for the report.“My goodness, the stereotypes write themselves……” X account Bosnian Football wrote, alongside a clip of Velez’s report.“Some competitive talk is always fun, but that’s not the way to do it,” another user wrote.“The weirdest things about Americans is that they feel it’s like a flex to say “I don’t even know where they are on a map,” a third said.Velez apologized on Saturday for “poor effort to have a little fun,” explaining the segment was supposed to be a light-hearted report that got out of hand.“In a poor effort to have a little fun with World Cup competition, I took it too far and made a thoughtless comment on air that was insensitive and inappropriate,” Velez wrote on X. “I apologize to the people of Bosnia and the Bosnian Football team.“The World Cup is supposed to be about uniting communities around the world, and my comment didn’t reflect that spirit,” she added. “Wishing all the teams the very best as they continue their World Cup journey.”Bosnia’s Kerim Alajbegovic celebrates with teammates after scoring the first goal of the match against Qatar on June 24, 2026. FIFA via Getty ImagesBosnia-Herzegovina players celebrate after a Qatari own goal during a match in Seattle, Washington, on June 24, 2026. FIFA via Getty ImagesUSMNT and Bosnia-Herzegovina will meet at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.The US finished group play 2-0-1, finishing on top of the Group D table with 6 points and earning the group’s number one spot.Bosnia finished third in Group B play with four points after going 1-1-1, but qualified for the knock-out round after being one of the best third-place teams.

Jun 28, 2026
Lauren Silverman's Unpopular Parenting Rule That Has Everyone Talking New

Lauren Silverman's Unpopular Parenting Rule That Has Everyone Talking

Simon Cowell’s longtime partner, Lauren Silverman, won’t allow devices in the bedroom when their 12-year-old son, Eric, has friends staying over — a rule she admits has made her “unpopular.”“Every family has different boundaries around technology and this is one that has made a real difference in ours,” Silverman, 48, wrote via social media on Friday. “When friends come for play dates or sleepovers we ask that smartphones stay away. Not because we are completely anti tech but because we have seen what happens when children are given the space to simply be children.” Silverman wrote that she believes the move results in “more laughter, more conversation, better sleep and more genuine connection” for her son and his pals.Simon Cowell’s partner, Lauren Silverman, addressed an unpopular rule for their son, Eric, in a social media post, as seen above. lauren cowell/ instagramSilverman shared that she takes away cell phones when pals are staying over with her son to increase play and connection. She’s seen here with Simon and Eric in a past social media upload. lauren cowell/ instagramIn a slideshow, Silverman shared a snapshot of her son with two friends, writing atop the image that the move “had the potential to make [her] the least popular mum” in her son’s “friendship group.” However, in subsequent slides she explained that it was about “kids being kids” without the distractions of smart phones — and reflected on what might happen if it became “the new normal.” Silverman asserted that “culture changes at home,” and imagined a world where “playdates once again meant” activities like riding bikes, swimming, playing football, baking, exploring outdoors and simply “hanging out and talking.” The mom of two wrote that ditching cell phones can result in “amazing” changes, including kids “talking,” “creating” and “connecting.”“Somehow the hours seem to slow down,” she wrote. Eric is seen above in a previous social media post. lauren cowell/ instagramSilverman, seen above with Simon and Eric in 2024, said it’s “about balance.” FilmMagic“And somehow the hours seem to slow down,” she went on. “Nobody sits alone scrolling,” she added, noting that “They’re busy making memories.” Silverman also noted that she respects “that every family has different rules” and that the “goal is connection, not control.” “This is about balance,” she wrote, urging parents to “help make this the new norm,” while acknowledging that devices will still be used for various purposes. Cowell’s partner urged parents to “help make this the new norm.” She’s seen above with Cowell in a social media snapshot. lauren cowell/ instagramSilverman and Cowell, seen above in December with Eric, welcomed their son in 2014. Dave Benett/Getty Images for Simon Cowell: The Next ActParents in the comments thread had mixed reactions, with one suggesting, “Brilliant! Is it possible that adults could set their phones aside when not necessary to set an example?”Another wrote, “Great post 🔥- the more we parents feel able to say this to each other and to kids, the more we will change the culture that says they need phones,” while a third chimed in with a concern that, “Children need to be contactable!” — despite Silverman’s assertion that “children can always access their phones if they need to contact home.” Silverman and the “American Idol” icon began dating in 2013 and welcomed Eric in 2014. They’ve since become engaged, with Cowell popping the question back in December 2021. Silverman also shares son Adam Silverman, whom she welcomed with ex-husband Andrew Silverman.

Jun 28, 2026
Why Millions Are Dropping Obamacare Plans This Year New

Why Millions Are Dropping Obamacare Plans This Year

People faced double or even triple digit increases in their premium payments.ByALI SWENSON Associated PressJune 27, 2026, 1:51 PMNEW YORK -- About 3 million fewer people in the United States had Affordable Care Act health insurance plans in February compared with the same time last year, according to new federal data.In the report released Friday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggested the 13% drop in enrollment from 22.1 million people in 2025 to 19.2 million this year could be attributed to a federal crackdown on fraudulent or “phantom” enrollment. But health analysts said it was more likely related to the Jan. 1 expiration of federal subsidies, which caused a surge in plan costs that resulted in many people being unable to pay their premiums.“We know that real people lost their health insurance coverage,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president and director of the ACA program at the healthcare research nonprofit KFF, citing survey findings on people who had left their plans. “This coverage loss happened at the same time millions of people faced double or even triple digit increases in their premium payments.”The new data, compiled in April but showing coverage in February, represents the government's first official look at how people's inability to pay their first bills this year affected total enrollment. That is because the figures capture the marketplace after a nonpayment grace period expired.Popular ReadsA federal estimate in January showed that about 800,000 fewer people had signed up for ACA plans compared with the same time last year, marking the first time in the past four years that enrollment had been down from the previous year at that point in the shopping window.Cox said KFF expects the total number of people in the government healthcare program to continue to decline throughout the year, potentially to a low of about 17.5 million. That would be a significant drop for the government’s flagship subsidized health insurance program for working-age people who do not qualify for Medicaid. In recent years, ACA plans have become a popular choice for gig workers, farmers, ranchers, hairstylists and others without health coverage through an employer. The ACA subsidies that expired this year were at the center of a bitter fight in Congress last fall, with Democrats and some Republicans calling for their renewal. Sharp increases in health costs across ACA and other health insurance programs come as voters in the approaching November elections say affordability is among their top concerns.

Jun 28, 2026
Why 'Every Year After' Season 2 Cast Changes Are Creating a Buzz New

Why 'Every Year After' Season 2 Cast Changes Are Creating a Buzz

Every Year After has been renewed for a second season — with different leads — but is everyone from the cast coming back? Based on Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, Every Year After follows Percy (Sadie Soverall), who grew up vacationing in Barry’s Bay and spending all her time with the Florek brothers: Sam (Matt Cornett) and Charlie (Michael Bradway). In addition to introducing new characters, Every Year After surprised Us with some massive book shakeups. “I think there's less of things changing and more of things just being added. But I think you're getting the actual bones of the book and the love story. I think all of the themes and the tone are the same,” Aurora Perrineau, who plays Percy’s friend Chantal in the series, exclusively told Us Weekly. The book also wrapped up everyone's story more while the show focused on introducing Charlie as the next lead. “I really would love to see a second season of the show. They're not quite there yet and I think because Sam is still kind of getting his head around what's happened, that makes a lot of sense,” Fortune told Us of the ending. “I love how the show ends with a very clear set up for bringing One Golden Summer into the second season, which I’m most excited about.” Scroll down to see who is — and isn't — expected to return in season 2: Sadie Soverall While Soverall is expected to reprise her role as Percy, she would no longer be front and center on the show. Matt Cornett The same goes for Cornett, who would be back as Sam but not as the main character. Michael Bradway Bradway has been positioned as the season 2 lead after Charlie's onscreen heart attack. His story was originally explored more in Fortune's follow-up novel, One Golden Summer. Abigail Cowen Cowen's role as Delilah was expanded — and with plans for the show to have five seasons — there is more than enough room for her in season 2. Aurora Perrineau Perrineau's Chantel is expected back on the show. Joseph Chiu As is Chiu a.k.a Jordie, who is now caught in his own love triangle.

Jun 28, 2026
Behgjet Pacolli's Bold Move: Letter to Ministry Sparks Attention New

Behgjet Pacolli's Bold Move: Letter to Ministry Sparks Attention

15:58 | 28 Qershor 2026 Ish-presidenti i Kosovës, Behgjet Pacolli, ka  publikuar letrën e radhës drejtuar Ministrisë së Infrastrukturës dhe Energjisë së Shqipërisë, përmes së cilës kërkohet të mundësohet hyrja në terminal e specialistëve të MABCO-s dhe e nënkontraktorëve të saj, me qëllim përfundimin e punimeve të mbetura dhe fillimin e procesit të certifikimit të Aeroportit Ndërkombëtar të Vlorës.Sipas Pacollit, kërkesa vjen në funksion të transparencës dhe pas vendimit të Gjykatës së Lartë të Republikës së Shqipërisë, e cila, sipas tij, ka konstatuar paligjshmërinë e masave që penguan ushtrimin e të drejtave të MABCO-s, duke rrëzuar vendimet mbi të cilat u mbështet bllokimi i projektit, shkruan Arbresh.info.“Të dashur miq, Për hir të transparencës, po publikojmë edhe letrën e radhës që i kemi drejtuar Ministrisë së Infrastrukturës dhe Energjisë, përmes së cilës kërkojmë që të mundësohet hyrja në terminal e specialistëve të MABCO-s dhe e nënkontraktorëve të saj, me qëllim përfundimin e punimeve të mbetura dhe fillimin e procesit të certifikimit të Aeroportit Ndërkombëtar të Vlorës.”, ka shkruar Pacolli.Megjithatë, ai thekson se, pavarësisht këtij vendimi, edhe sot vazhdon të pengohet hyrja në kantier dhe zbatimi i plotë i vendimit të Gjykatës së Lartë.Pacolli shprehet se transparenca, respektimi i ligjit dhe zbatimi i vendimeve gjyqësore janë rruga e vetme për të përfunduar këtë investim strategjik në interes të qytetarëve dhe të Republikës së Shqipërisë.“Siç tashmë është e njohur, Gjykata e Lartë e Republikës së Shqipërisë ka konstatuar paligjshmërinë e masave që penguan ushtrimin e të drejtave të MABCO-s, duke rrëzuar vendimet mbi të cilat u mbështet bllokimi i projektit.Pavarësisht kësaj, edhe sot vazhdon të pengohet hyrja në kantier dhe zbatimi i plotë i vendimit të Gjykatës së Lartë. Ne besojmë se transparenca, respektimi i ligjit dhe zbatimi i vendimeve gjyqësore janë rruga e vetme për të përfunduar këtë investim strategjik në interes të qytetarëve dhe të Republikës së Shqipërisë.”, shtoi ai./Arbresh.info

Jun 28, 2026
Britney Spears' Sons Steal the Spotlight at Paris Fashion Week New

Britney Spears' Sons Steal the Spotlight at Paris Fashion Week

Britney Spears’ mom, Lynne Spears, is “one proud meemaw” following her grandsons Sean Preston and Jayden’s runway debut at Paris Fashion Week. “I am so proud of my grandsons, Preston and Jayden. They both walked in Paris Fashion Week for Vetements Official as Celebrity Guest[s],” Lynne, 71, beamed via Instagram on Saturday, June 27. Sean Preston, 20, and Jayden, 19, took part in the fashion world’s elite runway event on Friday, June 26, when they walked for the Vetements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show. Sean Preston was the epitome of suave in a black dress shirt covered by a long jacket over crisp denim pants. Jayden went for a more breezy look in a white tank with light-wash jeans, paired with a brown leather belt and V-letter chain on his pants. It has been reported in recent months that the boys have grown closer with their mother, Britney, 44, including Us Weekly confirming in April that they’d taken on her last name for professional purposes. (The boys have not legally changed their surname from Federline to Spears at this time. Their father is Britney’s ex-husband Kevin Federline.) Following Britney’s arrest for suspicion of DUI in March, her spokesperson told Us that the musician would be “spending time” with Preston and Jayden while her loved ones came up with “an overdue, needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.” Britney ultimately entered rehab in April, reportedly after consultation with both of her sons. “Britney went to rehab after several conversations with both of her sons,” a source confirmed to Us at the time. “They expressed concern about her recent behavior and urged her to seek professional help, which has been long overdue, to get her back on track. All they’ve ever wanted for their mom is health and happiness, even during the years they were estranged. They hope she’ll take it seriously.” The “Toxic” singer was reportedly hesitant to seek treatment until family members were “finally able to talk some sense into her and convince her it needed to happen,” per a source. “Britney was a bundle of nerves heading to rehab because it’s very hard for her to trust outsiders and follow a routine that isn’t her own, but she’ll do just about anything for her kids,” the insider added. “Their relationship is in the best place it’s been in years, and she doesn’t want to jeopardize that by continuing on a destructive path.” Britney resolved her DUI case after completing her rehab stay. On May 4, she pleaded guilty to a lesser charge known as “wet reckless driving” in exchange for a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol being dismissed. “Through her plea today, Britney has accepted responsibility for her conduct,” her lawyer, Michael Goldstein, told Us in a statement in May. “She has taken significant steps to implement positive change which is clearly reflected in the Ventura County District Attorney’s decision to reduce the charge in this case and dismiss the DUI. Britney appreciates this discretion and is also grateful for the outpouring of support she has received.” She was sentenced to 12 months of probation and one day in jail, with time served for the period she spent in custody. She is required to complete a DUI class and pay state-mandated fines and fees of $571, as well as meet with a psychologist once a week and a psychiatrist twice a month.

Jun 28, 2026
Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid's Breakup Stuns Fans After Decade Together New

Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid's Breakup Stuns Fans After Decade Together

A slew of breakups rocked the celebrity world throughout 2026, beginning with Bill Hader and Ali Wong in January. In March, NFL quarterback Dak Prescott and his fiancée, Sarah Jane Ramos, called it quits. News broke in April that The Real Housewives of New York City stars Sai De Silva and her husband, David Craig, were calling it quits after almost a decade of marriage. In May, a rep for Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen confirmed to Us Weekly that the couple had split after 18 years of marriage. In June, Us confirmed Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater had broken up after nearly three years of dating. As the month progressed, news broke that So You Think You Can Dance winner Alexis Warr and her husband, Jake Burton, broke up after eight years of marriage. Later, actress Courtney Cox and Snow Patrol musician Johnny McDaid called it quits after more than a decade together. Keep scrolling for all of the celebrity couples who broke up in 2026:

Jun 28, 2026
Tom Bateman's Casting in 'The Love Hypothesis' Sparks Star Wars Curiosity New

Tom Bateman's Casting in 'The Love Hypothesis' Sparks Star Wars Curiosity

Tom Bateman joining the film adaptation of The Love Hypothesis is a casting of epic proportions if you know the Star Wars — and Reylo — lore, but how are the two connected? Ali Hazelwood's The Love Hypothesis was an overnight success when the book was published in 2021. But to some Star Wars fans — at least if you rooted for Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) — it might have sounded familiar after getting its start as fanfiction. According to the synopsis, The Love Hypothesis follows Olive as she tries to convince her best friend into thinking her dating life is great. To help with the lie, she pretends to date her professor, Adam, and the twosome try to make everyone around them think they are in love. But soon, they start to forget that their feelings are supposed to be fake." The Love Hypothesis becoming a mainstream hit paved the way for it to be developed into a movie, which is where things get interesting. In October 2022, it was announced that a film adaptation of the novel was in development and three years later Lili Reinhart joined the cast. It wasn't until her onscreen love interest — Bateman — was announced that people pointed out the irony. Bateman isn't just known for his roles in Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile and Based on a True Story. He has also been married to Ridley since 2023. Yes, the same actress who inspired the fanfiction that then was redeveloped as The Love Hypothesis. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the connection — including what Ridley has said about The Love Hypothesis: What Inspired 'The Love Hypothesis'? Before Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis was in fact The Love Hypothesis. It was originally a fan fiction story about Rey and Kylo Ren  from the new Star Wars movies. Similar to Fifty Shades of Grey getting its star as Twilight fan fiction, The Love Hypothesis was a story posted to Archive of Our Own with the title Head Over Feet. "My agent started reading my fanfiction on AO3 and then she reached out with a DM. She was like, 'I saw that you wrote something about maybe pulling some of your fics and reworking them. And I wanted to tell you that I'm a literary agent and I would love to see you some of your manuscripts, if you're interested in it,'" the author told Collider in 2021. "And so that's how I took the fanfiction of mine that I thought was the most reworkable and I sent it to her and then I signed with her. And then after approximately 70 billion more revisions, both with her and an editor ... we got a lot of RNRs [revise and resubmits] that didn't pan out but made the book better, because we got really good feedback." How Does Reylo Fit Into the 'Star Wars' Equation? The Star Wars sequel trilogy introduced viewers to a new generation of characters — and relationships. The Force Awakens, which premiered in 2015, hinted at a potential romance between Rey and Finn (John Boyega) after they joined the Resistance in an effort to take down the First Order. In the next two films, Finn's story line was put on the back burner as Rey's unexplained connection with Kylo Ren took center stage. “I don’t think [their relationship is] all one thing,” Driver explained to Entertainment Weekly in 2019. “Part of the fun of playing it is the boundaries of it keep changing. At times it’s more intimate, sometimes less intimate. Sometimes it’s codependent. And then it’s, obviously, adversarial.” Meanwhile, Ridley questioned what kind of future the pair could have together. “I do know about Reylo. I don’t know how I feel about it because everyone’s talking about the toxic thing of a relationship when it’s essentially emotional [abuse]. It’s a tricky road,” the actress told fans at Star Wars Celebration that same year. She added: “I do feel like, deep down, Kylo thinks what he’s doing is right and he doesn’t think he’s wrong, but he has also killed so many people. So I can’t really get behind in that, in a personal way. Maybe there’s redemption. Who knows? Maybe we explore that in the film.” In The Last Jedi, Rey and Kylo Ren shared a kiss before the villain's ultimate demise. They don’tend up together, however, since Kylo Ren dies by the end of the movie. What Hints at Reylo Have Remained in 'The Love Hypothesis'? After being published online in 2018 as Head Over Feet, the main characters were renamed Olive and Adam (in honor of Adam Driver) once the story turned into a novel. The Star Wars references were also cut but the cover still features characters designed to resemble Driver and Ridley. Who Stars in 'The Love Hypothesis'? In July 2025, Reinhert announced her involvement in the film adaptation as an executive producer and star. Her onscreen love interest was announced days later and it was none other than Ridley's real-life husband. The movie will be released on Prime Video on September 23. Have Daisy or Adam Spoken About 'The Love Hypothesis'? Ridley was asked about the connection while speaking to Collider in 2023, to which she replied, "I mean, honestly, for anyone to just write a book is so impressive, let alone a New York Times bestseller, let alone something inspired by something I was part of. That's very thrilling." She continued: "So, thank you, if anyone’s reading this. Whoever wrote The Love Hypothesis and The Hurricane Wars. Wow. F***ing cool." Bateman, meanwhile, gushed about his wife's support for his work when asked by ExtraTV in June 2026.

Jun 28, 2026
Olivia Culpo's Bold Maternity Look Turns Heads on Date Night New

Olivia Culpo's Bold Maternity Look Turns Heads on Date Night

Olivia Culpo’s maternity style is second to none. “Best friends *with benefits*,” Culpo, 34, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Friday, June 26, sharing a mirror selfie of herself and husband Christian McCaffrey smiling for the camera before enjoying a dinner date. McCaffrey, 30, looked casually cool in a white T-shirt with dark joggers and sneakers, while Culpo opted for a sheer, lacy DISSH blouse with matching wide-leg trousers from the same brand. Culpo completed her ‘fit with a cream-colored Hermès Birkin bag and embroidered mesh ballet flats from Magda Butrym. Culpo announced last month that she is expecting her second baby with McCaffrey. The couple previously welcomed daughter Colette in July 2025 — a monumental life moment that forever changed the former Miss Universe’s entire approach to fashion. “When you’re a mom, you really do have to find ways to streamline your life,” Culpo exclusively told Us Weekly in December 2025, addressing how motherhood adapted her style. “You don’t have enough time to go through piles and piles of clothes, and you don’t want to — you want to spend time with your baby.” She continued, “I find myself reaching for the same things — having more uniforms, if you will. It’s been a really great way to just simplify getting dressed. As a new mom, I definitely like to take the guesswork out of what to wear.” Culpo has also had to adjust her style to her postpartum figure, which she told Us has changed “so much.” “It can be traumatizing for a lot of people, and I completely understand that, but just finding the beauty in that, and that’s what it is,” Culpo acknowledged at the time. “This is a time in your life. It’s not forever.” In addition to dressing herself and her daughter, Culpo has also taken charge of McCaffrey’s wardrobe. “I don’t even have to go into his wardrobe. I know every single piece that he has,” she joked of becoming her husband’s personal stylist. “I cleaned out his closet for him. I tell him what he needs to get. I tell him what to wear. He is the perfect client. He just says yes to everything.”

Jun 28, 2026