Author: business

The revolution begins.

As “The Handmaid’s Tale” reaches the penultimate episode of the season (and series), June (Elisabeth Moss) and her team of rebel handmaids have set in motion their plans to take down Gilead and kill the High commanders.

The first step: drug everyone at Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) and Commander Wharton’s (Josh Charles) wedding. After the wedding wraps up, June heads to Commander Bell’s home where she kills him and frees Janine (Madeline Brewer) before heading to the Red Center, where Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) has discovered what the handmaid’s are up to. However, after an emotionally charged confrontation, Aunt Lydia gives up and lets the handmaid’s go so they avenge themselves.

‘The Testaments’: Will ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ return for another season?

According to Hulu, June, in the final season of the Emmy-winning drama series, will fight to take down Gilead with Luke and Moira joining the resistance.

As the Season 23 finale came to a close May 18, the fan vote – the majority of all 26 million of them – revealed 27-year-old Mississippi P.E. teacher Jamal Roberts as the latest winner of “American Idol.”

John Foster and Breanna Nix were the runners-up, with Breanna’s elimination announced halfway through the finale.

With his win, Roberts became the first Black man to earn the title since Season 2’s Ruben Studdard, in 2003. For his winner’s song, Jamal crooned Anthony Hamilton’s “Her Heart” as the Top 14 contestants crowded around him in celebration.

The big reveal came after a slate of performances that paired Top 14 singers with guests from Salt-N-Pepa to Jessica Simpson and Good Charlotte.

Jamal performed with the season’s “artist in residence,” Jelly Roll; John took the stage with judge Luke Bryan, and Breanna sang alongside Brandon Lake.

The judges’ Top 14 saves: Carrie Underwood admits they made ‘concessions’

Jamal had come a long way from being told by Carrie Underwood in his audition that he needed to “loosen up” and find some “swagger.” (Though he ultimately received three votes of confidence that sent him to Hollywood Week.)

When he arrived in Hollywood, he was plagued by doubts around his song choices. But as the weeks went by, he found the confidence Underwood was urging him to dig deep for, delivering a lively rendition of the Isley Brothers’ “Shout, Pts. 1 & 2,” an impressive cover of Jelly Roll’s “Liar” that humbled the original artist himself and captivating version of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Throughout the season, Richie often bestowed the same praise on Jamal about having heaven-sent talent; he particularly loved calling him “divinely guided.”

Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’ finale nerves

More than 20 years after her 2005 win, Carrie Underwood admits Ryan Seacrest’s winner reveal on “American Idol” is uncomfortable.

Entertain This!

Jamal Roberts won’t be teaching much anymore, but students are his ‘inspiration’

Minutes after he was named Season 23’s winner, getting some sleep was top of mind for Jamal.

“That was the first thing” that came to mind when he thought about going home to Meridian, Mississippi, he told USA TODAY on the “Idol” red carpet after the finale taping wrapped.

“I’m going to see my daughter, Gianna,” who’s nine days old, he added. “I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”

After he’s shaken the confetti off his shoulders and hopped on an airplane home, Jamal is all steam ahead when it comes to music. But he won’t leave teaching behind for good, necessarily.

“I wasn’t really doing the teaching thing for the money. It was really the kids, (who are) just my inspiration,” he said. “So even if I could go back every now and then, just show up and be a part of something, I plan to do that.”

Ryan Seacrest made Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood nervous

As Jamal processed his win, Richie was still reeling from the anticipation. He said he’d just wanted Ryan Seacrest to “tear the tape off quickly” when it came to announcing the winner. “I damn near died. Rude, just rude.”

“I’m so happy for Jamal. And there’s no number two guy here,” he added, referring to John Foster as the runner-up. “They equally stood next to each other and represented their lane of music — and killed it. I’m so happy for both of them.”

Underwood also had some nerves around the winner announcement, reminiscent of her own moment she’d experienced two decades ago.

“My heart was pounding when Ryan was looking at the card and doing the pause thing,” she said. “There are a lot of moments that take me back to my time on the show.”

What happened in the previous episode? Top 3 revealed after Disney Night part 2

Will Carrie, Luke and Lionel come back as ‘Idol’ judges in 2026?

“Idol” was confirmed for a 2026 season in early May, but there are several unknowns, including whether the same judges will come back for a second season together.

“We haven’t started talks with the show on my return, so we’ll hear what the direction is,” Bryan said, adding, “Me and Ryan and Lionel have been here for eight years.”

“I feel like there’s a lot of contemplating and things like that to do, but I had a lot of fun,” Underwood said about a possible second season at the judges’ table. “You never know where the good Lord’s going to take me, but I’m glad I’m here.”

Executive Producer Megan Michaels Wolflick revealed that work on Season 24 began in April, with thousands of submissions already in.

“We never have them all locked in; we never know,” she said of the judging panel. “Right now, it’s exciting. We have a whole new season; it’s like a whole new canvas, blank, and we begin to paint with it.

“All I can say is I think we have some momentum from this season that will hopefully lead us to this next chapter.”

What happened in ‘American Idol’ Season 23?

The finale arrived more than two months after Season 23 premiered, kicking off a slate of pre-recorded auditions in Nashville, New York and Los Angeles that sent 144 contestants to Hollywood Week.

Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and first-time judge Carrie Underwood were then tasked with whittling the pool down to the Top 24 before “Idol” fans took the baton and used their votes to determine who would make it through each week of the ABC competition show.

The final five contestants left standing were Slater Nalley, Breanna Nix, John Foster, Jamal Roberts and Thunderstorm Artis.

Last season’s winner was platinum ticket winner Abi Carter, who has since released her debut album, “Ghosts in the Backyard.”

Constructor: Max Schlenker

Editor: Anna Gundlach

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

• TRENT (19A: Nine Inch Nails singer Reznor) Nine Inch Nails is a rock band formed in Cleveland, Ohio in 1988. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (which is located in Cleveland) in 2020. This much I knew, but I didn’t know the names of the band’s members. Today I learned that Nine Inch Nails is comprised of TRENT Reznor and Atticus Ross. The band has had a number of other members and touring musicians over the years.

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

• OH SO (1A: Too, too) OH SO is making back-to-back puzzle appearances. We saw it yesterday clued as [Very].
• SYRIA (16A: Country where Aleppo peppers come from) Aleppo peppers are mildly spicy peppers grown in SYRIA and Turkey. The peppers are named after the city of Aleppo, SYRIA.
• RERUN (29A: Any episode of “30 Rock,” now) The sitcom 30 Rock, which was created by Tina Fey, originally aired from 2006 to 2013. The series centers on the behind-the-scenes happenings of a fictional live sketch comedy show. Its name is a reference to 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City, where Saturday Night Live is written, produced, and performed.
• EWAN (38A: Obi-Wan Kenobi portrayer McGregor) Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi Master in the Star Wars franchise.  In the original Star Wars trilogy (Episodes IV, V and VI – 1977, 1980, 1983) Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by Alec Guinness. In the prequel Star Wars trilogy (Episodes I, II, and III – 1999, 2002, 2005), a younger Obi-Wan Kenobi is portrayed by EWAN McGregor. 
• MOSQUE (40A: Place of worship such as Masjid al-Haram) Also known as the Great MOSQUE of Mecca, Masjid al-Haram is located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is the destination for Hajj, an annual Islamic pilgrimage. At the center of the MOSQUE is the Kaaba, a building that is considered Islam’s most sacred site. When Muslims pray, they face the direction of the Kaaba.
• NOBLE GAS (42A: Krypton, xenon or argon) There are six naturally-occurring NOBLE GASes: krypton, xenon, argon, neon, helium, and radon. Under standard conditions, a NOBLE GAS is odorless, colorless, and has very low chemical reactivity. Hooray for science in the crossword!
• USTED (59A: “Como esta ___?”) “Como esta USTED?” means “How are you?” in Spanish. Thanks for checking in, puzzle, I’m doing well.
• OCT (62A: Indigenous Peoples’ Day day (Abbr.))  Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates and honors the history and cultures of indigenous peoples. In the United States it is observed each year on the second Monday of October, which this year will be October 13. 
• PET (65A: Guinea pig or potbellied pig) Although I have had several guinea pigs as PETs, I have never had a PET potbellied pig. My current PET, my cat Willow, is an expert at sleeping and looking adorable while doing so.

• HOLI (2D: Colorful Hindu festival) HOLI, also known as the “festival of spring” and the “festival of colors,” is a Hindu festival celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The date of HOLI varies with the lunar calendar. This year HOLI was celebrated on March 13 and 14.
• A STRANGE LOOP (9D: Winner of Best Musical at the 75th Tony Awards and the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama) A STRANGE LOOP is a one-act musical about a Black, queer writer (named Usher) writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer. The musical was written by Michael R. Jackson. 
• GYROS (10D: Sandwiches sometimes served with dolmas) In Greek cuisine, GYROS are pita-wrapped sandwiches containing meat and vegetables, and topped with tzatziki – a yogurt, cucumber sauce. They may be served with dolmas, leaf-wrapped dishes that are a traditional part of Middle Eastern cuisine.
• ARES (11D: War god in “Xena: Warrior Princess”) The TV show Xena: Warrior Princess originally aired from 1995 to 2001. It was a spin-off of the TV series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. On that show, Xena was a recurring character who was originally going to die in her third appearance. The character became so popular, that instead of being killed off, Xena got her own show. Lucy Lawless portrayed Xena, and Kevin Smith portrayed ARES, who was a recurring character on the show.
• CECE (54D: Gospel singer Winans) CECE Winans has won 17 Grammy Awards, the most for any female gospel singer. She has also been honored with seven NAACP Image Awards.
• A few other clues I especially enjoyed:
  • LION’S DEN (20A: Extremely hostile place, idiomatically)
  • CRUD (61A: “Dagnabbit!”)
  • LUMP (51D: Oatmeal imperfection)

Navarro, who comprised the Grammy-nominated rock band alongside singer Perry Farrell, bassist Eric Avery, and drummer Stephen Perkins, opened up about the future of the band after an explosive onstage altercation between him and Farrell derailed the group in September 2024.

The band’s infamous Boston concert, part of a long-awaited reunion tour, came to a shocking halt when Farrell punched Navarro, according to concert footage shared by fans at the time. Farrell was restrained by crew members and a man who appeared to be Avery as he threw punches and was pulled away from Navarro.

“I have to say that’s my least favorite gig, without throwing animosity around and without naming names and pointing fingers,” Navarro told Guitar Player in an interview published May 17, adding that the situation is “still very tender and unresolved.”

The Who drummer, reinstated into the iconic rock band after being fired in April 2025, revealed he was let go a second time in a May 18 Instagram post. This social media announcement came just before The Who revealed Starkey’s departure in its own post.

“I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors,” Starkey, 59, wrote. “This would be a lie.”

The Who shared in its May 18 announcement that musician Scott Devours, who previously worked with lead singer Roger Daltrey, would replace Starkey while he pursues other projects.

“The Who are heading for retirement, whereas Zak is 20yrs younger and has a great future with his new band and other exciting projects,” Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend wrote. “He needs to devote all his energy into making it all a success. We both wish him all the luck in the world.”

The “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star, 61, reveals in her new documentary “My Mom Jayne” that her biological father is actually Italian singer Nelson Sardelli, not Mickey Hargitay, the man who raised her.

According to Vanity Fair, Hargitay says in the movie, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival on May 17, that it was “like the floor fell out from underneath me” when she saw a photo of Sardelli in her 20s and instantly knew he was her biological dad.

Mariska Hargitay’s mother, the late actress Jayne Mansfield, became romantically involved with Sardelli in 1963, amid her divorce from Mickey Hargitay. Mansfield and Hargitay reconciled toward the end of 1963, and Mariska Hargitay was born in January 1964.

Mariska Hargitay turns to true mystery: Her mother, Jayne Mansfield

Speaking to Vanity Fair, Hargitay said she “went full Olivia Benson,” referring to her “Law & Order” character, when she was 30 and introduced herself to Sardelli after going to see him perform in Atlantic City. She recalled telling him, “I don’t want anything, I don’t need anything from you … I have a dad.’” She said, however, that she would go on to develop a bond with Sardelli, who appears on camera in the film.

The Boss reinforced his remarks about President Donald Trump at the E Street Band’s May 17 show at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England − a line of criticism that previously prompted Trump to call Springsteen a “dried out prune.”

“My home America, the America I’ve written about that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration,” said Springsteen to cheers as he took the stage, echoing what he said at the tour’s opening show on May 14 at the same venue. “This is ‘Land of Hope and Dreams.’ “

“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American spirit to rise with us, raise your voices and stand with us against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,” said Springsteen, according to a livestream of the show.

Trump calls Bruce Springsteen a ‘jerk’: The president slapped back after the musician voiced criticism at concert