Drake addresses plans for UPD

Posted on 03/02/2026 by admin

Members of the Students’ Association (SA) held an emergency meeting Friday to vote in opposition to a bill that would have removed the requirement of an enhanced permit as a condition for carrying a concealed pistol on South Dakota public higher education campuses. House Bill 1133 was ultimately killed in a 9-6 vote in the House committee on Monday, according to SA Government Affairs Chair Anna Hundt.

**Open Forum**

Monday night’s SA meeting began with an address from interim Police Chief Michael Drake. Drake is currently providing leadership for the University Police Department (UPD) until South Dakota State University (SDSU) hires a new chief.

When asked about the practices and policies he plans to implement at UPD, Drake emphasized a focus on professionalism and serving the “customer base.”

“I want to make sure that UPD, their culture fits with what you folks want, or what your family wants or what the staff wants here,” Drake said.

During his time as chief, Drake also aims to maintain transparency in the department’s communication.

“My communication standard as far as being the chief of police or representing a police agency is to be upfront and honest with folks,” he explained. “Not because we have to meet standards or comply with Title IX, but because you should know what’s going on when something is happening in the halls, or on the side or within our campus community where that impacts you every day.”

Originally from New York state, Drake moved to Brookings in 2022. He shared that his roles with the Brookings Police Department and now UPD have made him feel “rejuvenated.”

The 2026 Hobo Day Grand Pooba, Grace Barnett, also addressed the senate. Barnett has been involved with the Hobo Day Committee for the past three years and is excited to enhance the annual Hobo Gear Prep Night event during Hobo Week.

“We’re looking at doing a fun little twist on that, possibly doing some premade outfits, or possibly having different coordinators on the team compose an outfit that they choose,” Barnett said. Hobo Day is set for October 24, 2026.

**Committee Reports**

An additional 200 journals are now available for free to SDSU students, Chief of Staff Emma Peterson announced. The library committee recently signed an agreement, bringing the total number of accessible journals to 1,300.

Peterson also reported a change in Briggs Library’s Sunday hours. Starting now, the library opens at noon instead of 1 p.m.

Additionally, a new textbook guide has been created for students by the Wintrode Student Success Center.

“There is now a textbook guide since there are so many different ways for students to access their textbooks, whether it’s online or a physical textbook,” Peterson explained.

Copies of the textbook guide will be available in the Students’ Association office, located on Main Street in the Student Union.
https://sdsucollegian.com/32743/featured/drake-addresses-plans-for-upd/

‘American Idol’ Sings With Best Debut In Four Years

Posted on 27/01/2026 by admin

American Idol’s Move to Monday Night Pays Off with Biggest Season Debut in Four Years

American Idol’s shift to a new night appears to have paid off handsomely. The ABC talent contest scored its biggest season debut in four years, drawing 5.9 million total viewers and earning a 0.54 share among adults aged 18-49, according to Nielsen’s live+same day ratings. This marks a significant increase from last year’s 4.49 million viewers and 0.45 share.

This premiere was the show’s strongest since Season 20 in 2022. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, with judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood, American Idol previously aired on Sunday nights but moved to Mondays for this season.

During the ratings reveal, ABC took a subtle jab at NBC’s The Voice. The Disney-owned network highlighted that Idol outperformed The Voice’s premiere in its nine-season run on ABC and “surged past” The Voice’s fall average. However, ABC’s comparison was made against The Voice’s seasonal average rather than its premiere numbers.

Showrunner Megan Michaels Wolflick spoke to Deadline earlier this month about the scheduling strategy, saying, “The beginning of the year is awards season and a lot of these award shows are on Sunday nights. You’re up against the Grammys and the Super Bowl. Let’s see what happens on Monday.”

Clearly, ABC is enjoying a ratings boost for its flagship linear entertainment shows such as American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Highlighting its growing engagement, Idol received more than double the votes during its finale last season compared to previous years.

This season, American Idol is also experimenting with live social media voting for the first time, becoming the first entertainment show to implement this feature.

Last night’s premiere featured notable performances including Jesse Findling, who has a stutter and sang Benson Boone’s “In The Stars,” and Khloe Grace, who performed “Forever 13” — a song written about Aubreigh Wyatt, a 13-year-old girl who tragically died by suicide in 2023. Carrie Underwood was visibly moved to tears by Grace’s performance, underscoring the emotional impact of the moment.

With these developments, American Idol continues to secure its position as a top-rated and culturally relevant talent competition on network television.
https://deadline.com/2026/01/american-idol-ratings-best-debut-4-years-1236699359/

Inside ‘MELANIA’: The unprecedented access behind Melania Trump’s first film

Posted on 22/01/2026 by admin

EXCLUSIVE: First Lady Melania Trump Takes On Every Element of New Film “MELANIA”

From the music and cinematography to the lighting, marketing, and beyond, First Lady Melania Trump has meticulously planned every aspect of her upcoming film, “MELANIA.” Speaking to Fox News Digital, her agent and exclusive senior advisor, Marc Beckman, described her involvement in bringing her vision to life as “unparalleled.”

Set to hit theaters globally on January 30, “MELANIA” is a 104-minute film debuting across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and more.

### Washington Premiere at the Trump-Kennedy Center

The night before the global release, on January 29, premiere events will take place nationwide. Amazon is bringing the film to theaters, hosting premieres in cities including New York, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, Nashville, Orlando, Orange County, San Francisco/Palo Alto, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, Boston, Austin, Houston, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

Fox News Digital has learned that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will attend the prominent Washington premiere event at the newly renamed Trump-Kennedy Center.

### First Lady’s Involvement: A Hands-On Approach

Marc Beckman, who serves as Melania Trump’s agent and exclusive senior advisor, told Fox News Digital that the First Lady has been deeply involved from the beginning.

“The First Lady’s involvement and her participation in this film is unparalleled,” Beckman said. “She is fully committed—from the ideation of the concept itself to the creative direction across all touchpoints.”

Known as a highly visual person with an exceptional sense of style and design, Melania has long had the desire to enter the film industry.

Beckman explained, “From the very start, the First Lady aimed to create a rich, cinematic experience unlike anything created before. This is not a documentary; this is a film. It offers her fans, Americans, and people around the world an unprecedented look into the life of a very private First Lady.”

### What the Film Covers

The film offers audiences insight into Melania Trump’s business endeavors, philanthropic work, and family life as she prepares to serve another term as First Lady of the United States.

Viewers will see intimate moments with her husband, interactions with the U.S. Secret Service, geopolitical events, meetings with world leaders, and a notable emphasis on fashion—a self-described “fashion explosion.”

Beckman emphasized, “Vogue can’t keep up with the First Lady’s fashion. She is undeniably the most fashionable First Lady in history.” The film grants access to unprecedented meetings and moments between a First Lady and President preparing to take office again.

### Behind the Deal: Amazon Wins Bidding War

Beckman led the initial negotiations with major companies such as Amazon, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Paramount, Netflix, and Disney.

“Disney, Netflix, and Paramount all sought exclusive rights for the film,” Beckman said. “Amazon and MGM submitted the highest bid, ultimately securing the license for $40 million—the largest documentary deal in history.”

He added, “The competitive bidding process was intense, but Amazon stood out not only for their financial offer but also because they had the ideal team to help create the high-quality theatrical film the First Lady envisioned.”

Following the film’s theatrical release, Amazon will also produce a docuseries to allow the First Lady to delve deeper into the stories and themes introduced in the film.

### Creative Team and Production Highlights

The film is directed by Brett Ratner, known for directing the “Rush Hour” series. According to Beckman, Ratner has been impressed by Melania Trump’s natural talent and creativity.

“Brett said it’s as if Mrs. Trump has been working in Hollywood her whole life. She helped set the tone—not only on concept but also on lighting and filming,” Beckman said.

In post-production, Melania was actively involved in editing, color correction, and hand-selecting the soundtrack. She also contributed heavily to marketing, collaborating with Ratner and Amazon to produce the film trailer, commercials, and ad campaigns.

The film’s photography is by renowned fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, famous for her work with Chanel, Dior, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. The First Lady and von Unwerth share a strong bond, partly rooted in their mutual passion for foster care advocacy, which strengthens their professional collaboration.

### Global Release and Marketing Campaign

“MELANIA” will launch simultaneously in the United States and 30 other countries, including Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Israel, Mexico, Hungary, Slovenia, and more.

“Each country will have its own ad campaign in the local language,” Beckman said. One notable campaign in Florence, Italy, features movie images projected on the iconic Duomo cathedral.

### Premiere Events and Exclusive Details

For the January 29 premieres, Melania Trump personally planned every detail—from guest gifts and seating arrangements to menus and collectible packaging designs like popcorn tubs.

Beckman summarized, “It’s all her vision and creativity.”

The exclusive trailer released in December 2025 opens with the First Lady walking into the U.S. Capitol rotunda before her husband’s second inauguration, dressed in her iconic inauguration outfit, saying, “Here we go again.”

The trailer shows powerful images from the inauguration, moments with Barron Trump and Melania’s father, to iconic symbols like Air Force One and the presidential seal, accompanied by the famous MGM lion roar.

### More From Melania: Bestselling Memoir and Collector’s Edition

The film follows the success of Melania Trump’s memoir, titled *Melania*, released one year prior. The book offers an intimate portrait featuring personal stories and family photos not previously shared. Since release, it has remained at the top of The New York Times bestseller list.

### Conclusion

With “MELANIA,” First Lady Melania Trump brings a unique, artistic, and intimate cinematic experience to theaters worldwide, combining personal storytelling, style, and unprecedented access. Fans and audiences globally will soon be able to see this exclusive look at the life of one of America’s most private and stylish First Ladies.

—

*Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as “MELANIA” premieres in theaters near you.*
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-melania-unprecedented-access-behind-melania-trumps-first-film

John Legend sets date for intimate Virginia Beach show featuring life stories

Posted on 20/01/2026 by admin

The sweet singing sensation, 13-time Grammy winner, and contender for the title of most-famous baritone in the world—the one and only John Legend—is coming to Virginia Beach!

Legend will take the stage at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts on April 9, where he plans to belt out fan favorites and share stories from his life. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with his soulful voice and captivating presence.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday and will be available at the theater’s box office or online at Ticketmaster.com. Current and new members of the Sandler Center Cyber Club will receive an exclusive code to purchase presale tickets, available from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday.

John Legend is a proud member of the exclusive EGOT club, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. He has also served as a coach on NBC’s reality competition TV show, “The Voice.”

During the concert, Legend is expected to perform hits such as “All of Me,” his 2013 chart-topper that spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Ordinary People,” which remained on the charts for 20 weeks in 2005.

For more details, visit sandlercenter.org. Don’t miss this chance to see a true music icon live in concert!
https://www.pilotonline.com/2026/01/20/john-legend-sets-date-for-intimate-virginia-beach-show-featuring-life-stories/

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell Reunite for Horror Comedy

Posted on 20/01/2026 by admin

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell are reuniting to chase and run away from a monster in an exciting new project. The longtime friends and former Nickelodeon co-stars will topline and produce *Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein*, a horror comedy set to begin production this summer.

The movie is co-produced by Thompson’s Artists for Artists company and Range Media Partners, with Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Pete Micelli from Range handling sales. Jonah Feingold, known for *31 Candles* and *At Midnight*, is writing the script. The story pays homage to the classic *Abbott and Costello Meet* films.

Thompson and Mitchell will serve as producers alongside Artists for Artists co-founder John Ryan Jr., Kavanaugh-Jones, and Carter Swan. Will Hariton, Azim Spicer, and Monica Weber are set to executive produce.

The duo’s last project together was the 2023 release *Good Burger 2* on Paramount+, and they announced this new film at the end of Tuesday’s *Good Sports* on Prime Video. Mitchell filled in for regular host Kevin Hart during the announcement.

“Kel and I have always loved finding new ways to work together, and this project felt like the perfect mix of nostalgia, comedy, and something completely unexpected,” Thompson said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring a fresh take on a classic monster story and have some fun doing it.”

Added Mitchell, “Coming back together always feels natural, and this lets us tap into everything people love about our dynamic while trying something totally new. It’s funny, it’s scary, and it’s a great ride.”

In *Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein*, Mitchell and Thompson play delivery drivers whose routine drop-off takes a terrifying turn when they arrive at a creepy, out-of-place castle. There, they accidentally awaken Frankenstein’s monster, turning an ordinary night into a fight for survival.

Both Thompson and Ryan Jr. are represented by Range Media Partners. Fans can look forward to more updates as production on this fresh, nostalgic horror comedy gets underway.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/kenan-thompson-kel-mitchell-horror-comedy-movie-1236479462/

Happy Patel Box Office collection day 4: Vir Das’s comedy drama lags BEHIND Pulkit Samrat’s Rahu Ketu, earns Rs…

Posted on 19/01/2026 by admin

**Happy Patel Box Office Collection Day 4: A Detailed Report**

*Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos* has garnered significant attention following its first full working week after its release on January 16, 2026. The spy comedy, directed by Vir Das and Kavi Shastri, has caught the eye not only due to its star-studded cast and Aamir Khan’s support but also because of its real-time domestic box office performance. Both audiences and industry experts have taken note of the film’s journey at the box office.

### Box Office Performance Overview

The movie started with a slow opening day, garnering only ₹1.25 crore in net sales in India. This modest figure reflected the audience’s cautious curiosity rather than an immediate commercial hit.

On Saturday, the second day, there was a slight rise with collections of approximately ₹1.6 crore net in India. This indicated minimal change as the film was gradually reaching its weekend crowd.

Surprisingly, Sunday — typically a strong day for new releases — turned out to be less favorable, with the film earning around ₹1.5 crore net. By the end of the first three days, *Happy Patel*’s total domestic net stood at approximately ₹4.35 crore.

Monday, the first weekday after the weekend, is usually a critical test of a film’s staying power in theatres. According to the latest reports from box office tracker Sacnilk, *Happy Patel* is expected to add a little over ₹1 crore to its Monday tally. This brings the estimated four-day domestic net collection to about ₹4.75 crore. Unfortunately, this figure is significantly lower than the typical weekend-to-weekday ratio seen in successful films.

### About *Happy Patel*: Story and Cast

The film revolves around Happy Patel, a detective who is enthusiastic but somewhat clumsy. His mission leads him into a series of funny and unusual situations, blending comedic elements with the intrigue of a spy thriller.

The cast includes notable actors such as Mithila Palkar, Mona Singh, and Imran Khan, who play important roles and add depth to the story, making it more engaging for the audience.

—

*Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos* continues to hold attention as it navigates the challenge of sustaining box office momentum in its initial week. Fans and industry watchers alike will be curious to see how the film performs in the coming days.
https://www.bollywoodlife.com/news-gossip/happy-patel-box-office-collection-day-4-vir-das-aamir-khan-imran-khan-film-earns-4-crore-3310660/

Timothy Busfield’s Lawyers Claim Parents of Alleged Sex Abuse Victims Have ‘History of Fraud’

Posted on 17/01/2026 by admin

While requesting Timothy Busfield’s release as he awaits trial for child sex abuse allegations, the director-actor’s lawyers argued that the parents of his underage accusers are motivated by money and revenge, citing their “extraordinarily checkered” pasts.

The West Wing alum, 68, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse in New Mexico on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after surrendering to Albuquerque police. The warrant for his arrest alleged that he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with 11-year-old twin boys who were child actors on the set of the FOX series *The Cleaning Lady*, where Busfield served as a director.

Busfield, who is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, has denied all child sex abuse crimes and said in a video obtained by TMZ that he plans to “confront these lies” and “fight.”

In a new opposition court filing submitted on Friday, Jan. 16, Busfield’s lawyers opposed the state’s motion for pretrial detention by, in part, taking aim at the parents of the accusers, Angele LaSalle and Ronald Rodis, citing their “disturbing” histories of alleged fraud, scamming, and more. The filing also claims LaSalle was previously heard stating that she “would ‘get her revenge against Tim Busfield.’”

The filing, obtained by PEOPLE on Saturday, Jan. 17, argues that “the State offers no reliable proof, only allegations advanced by witnesses with documented histories of fraud and financial exploitation, contradicted by a comprehensive studio investigation, and refuted by witnesses and objective risk assessments.”

The state’s case against Busfield, the actor’s lawyers argue in the filing, “rests almost entirely on the accounts” of the “two stage parents,” who “are not neutral observers.”

“Their allegations emerged only after the loss of the twins’ role and only after consultation with civil counsel, creating an obvious financial and retaliatory motive,” the filing states, referring to the child actors’ alleged 2024 recasting in *The Cleaning Lady*, which ran from January 2022 until June 2025. “That motive must be evaluated against the couple’s well-documented history of fraud and dishonesty,” it adds.

### Allegations Against the Accusers’ Parents

First taking aim at the twins’ father, Rodis, the filing claims that his alleged past conduct points to “his willingness to manipulate narratives when money is at stake,” and argues that Rodis is “leveraging a crisis to generate personal financial gain.”

The filing states that Rodis “is a former attorney who was convicted of federal conspiracy and wire fraud and was later disbarred following that prosecution for a multi-million-dollar scheme in which he used his law license to deceive vulnerable victims for profit.” Rodis previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after the scheme, which “defrauded more than 1,500 homeowners of approximately $6 million,” was brought to light, according to the filing.

Additionally, testimony from a director of photography on *The Cleaning Lady* set described Rodis as “pushy and manipulative” and said that he would “frequently encourage and tell the children to hug people on set, including Mr. Busfield.”

The accusers’ mother, LaSalle, has an “equally disturbing history,” the filing states, citing that she “has had multiple civil judgments entered against her for fraudulent and dishonest behavior.” She was sued for “various claims including fraud, conversion, and fraudulent transfer,” including allegedly unlawfully repossessing a Bentley car after selling it and writing bad checks to Las Vegas casinos, according to the filing.

“The fact of the matter is that the parents driving the allegations against Mr. Busfield have an extraordinarily checkered past that casts enormous doubt on the truthfulness of their statements,” the filing states.

Busfield’s lawyers also argue that the parents are motivated by revenge, in addition to money.

PEOPLE was unable to reach attorneys for Rodis and LaSalle.

### Background and Investigations

An investigation into Busfield previously began on Nov. 1, 2024, after a doctor at the University of New Mexico Hospital alerted police about alleged sexual abuse.

According to the filing, a separate, independent investigation conducted by Warner Bros. Television Studios in 2025 “found not only that allegations against Mr. Busfield were unfounded, but also that Angele LaSalle, after hearing that her children might not be returning for a fourth season, stated to the show’s lead actor that she would ‘get her revenge against Tim Busfield.’”

In a statement to PEOPLE, a Warner Bros. representative said, “The health and safety of our cast and crew is always our top priority, especially the safety of minors on our productions. We take all allegations of misconduct very seriously and have systems in place to promptly and thoroughly investigate, and when needed, take appropriate action. [We] have been and will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.”
https://people.com/timothy-busfield-lawyers-claim-parents-of-alleged-sex-abuse-victims-have-history-of-fraud-11887859

Chase Infiniti Is a Work of Art in a Mirrored Louis Vuitton Bustier at the 2026 Golden Globes

Posted on 11/01/2026 by admin

Chase Infiniti Makes Stunning Golden Globes Debut in Custom Louis Vuitton

Chase Infiniti made a memorable entrance at the Golden Globes in a custom Louis Vuitton ensemble. The actress, known for her role in One Battle After Another, is nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

For her first-ever Golden Globes appearance, the 25-year-old nominee wore a sculpted Louis Vuitton bustier adorned with mirrored appliqué that flared elegantly around her hips. Complementing the striking top was a long black velvet skirt that extended into a graceful train behind her. Infiniti accessorized the look with sparkling chandelier earrings, a diamond bracelet, and matching rings, keeping her hair down and flowing naturally.

Previous Appearance at Critics Choice Awards

Infiniti kicked off awards season the previous week at the Critics Choice Awards, where she wore a custom butter-yellow two-piece outfit by Louis Vuitton. Her fashion choices have been praised for their elegance and originality.

Reflecting on Oscar Buzz and Newfound Fame

As one of ELLE’s 2025 Women in Hollywood, Infiniti opened up in her cover story interview about the buzz surrounding her Oscar-worthy role as Willa in One Battle After Another. “I’m just grateful that people are loving the film, and loving [my character] Willa,” she shared. “And of course, it’s something I never could have imagined. I’m just so grateful to have been a part of the film, in any shape or form. That’s kind of it. I just really can’t believe anything. Again, pinch-me moments. I’m like, ‘What is my life?’”

She also spoke candidly about adjusting to newfound fame, especially on social media. “The biggest shift that I’ve had to adjust to is pretty much just online, social media-wise,” Infiniti said. “I don’t get recognized that often in public; normally the giveaway is my hair. Because the way that Willa wears her hair is a style that I wear my hair in very often, so normally I get recognized when my hair’s like that, and I can kind of be hidden with my hair braided or with my hair in twists.”

During her work on Presumed Innocent and Paul’s movie, Infiniti expressed gratitude for the incredible support system around her. “I’ve been so fortunate that I’ve had wonderful guides and mentors in the industry,” she explained. “Whether it be Ruth Negga, Teyana Taylor, or Regina Hall. I’m so grateful to have three incredible mentors in my life, three incredible Black women in Hollywood, who are so incredibly successful in many ways—in career, in life, in love. I’ve gotten so much advice from them about working in the industry and being a Black woman in the industry.”

She added, “Also, I have a wonderful team that is so supportive, so they guide me a lot of the way through this. Because it is so new, and it’s crazy, especially at a scope like this, and truly being thrust into it.”

https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a69948474/chase-infiniti-red-carpet-photos-golden-globes-2026/

Lele Pons joins the beloved Jim Henson characters for a new holiday special

Posted on 10/12/2025 by admin

Let’s get ready to rock! Fraggle Rock, that is. The beloved Jim Henson characters are back with a new holiday special, and Miami’s own Lele Pons is joining in on the fun!

Lele Pons and Fraggle Rock share a playful exchange:
Lele Pons: “So you are a.”
Fraggle Rock: “Fraggle!”
Lele Pons: “Fraggle.”
Fraggle Rock: “Fraggle.”
Lele Pons: “Fraggle.”
Fraggle Rock: “Fraaaagle.”
Lele Pons: “Fraggle.”
Fraggle Rock: “Yeah!”
Lele Pons: “I like saying that. It’s fun to say.”

Fraggle. Fraggle. Fraggle. Lele’s right—that is fun to say!

The social media superstar and singer lends her voice and her wisdom to Gobo in *The First Snow of Fraggle Rock*. She’s helping him find inspiration for his annual holiday song.

Deco caught up with Lele earlier to talk about the special and ask her what signature Miami things she’d think would be fun to introduce to the Fraggle Rock world.

Lele shared, “LIV and jet-skis and boats. That’d be sick. Or a Bad Bunny concert. That’s super insane. They’d be like, ‘Why is everybody acting so weird? What is that drink that they’re drinking?’ Nothing! It’s just water.”

We do love water, among other things, here in South Florida!

*The First Snow of Fraggle Rock* is now streaming on Apple TV+.

Copyright.
https://wsvn.com/entertainment/deco-drive/lele-pons-joins-the-beloved-jim-henson-characters-for-a-new-holiday-special/

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