Public life, culture, and power in the glare of fame
Kohberger has filed a petition arguing his guilty plea was coerced by disinformation and false promises. He claims his innocence and seeks to withdraw the confession tied to the 2022 Moscow killings, citing alleged evidence issues and ineffective counsel. Prosecutors maintain the plea was valid.
Kohberger has filed a petition to challenge his guilty plea in the Idaho quadruple murder case, arguing false promises influenced his plea. The Goncalves family says the move ignores the victims, and Idaho officials say the case remains under review.
Ruby Rippey has published a Vanity Fair essay detailing an affair with California Gov. Gavin Newsom from 2005-2006, challenging his memoir account and recounting her struggles with alcoholism. The piece arrives as Newsom eyes a potential 2028 presidential bid and amid renewed scrutiny of past relationships that reshaped California politics.
OpenAI has hosted a luxury, nature-themed retreat for content creators at Wildflower Farms in upstate New York. Attendees posted glossy content about eco-friendly activities and OpenAI-branded merchandise. Critics call the event greenwashing and point to the environmental impact of AI data centers powering the technology. OpenAI says the trip is educational and part of showcasing practical tools.
Au Vodka, the Swansea-based RTD vodka brand known for its gold bottles, is nearing a sale to Sazerac. Founders Charlie Morgan and Jackson Quinn are expected to net over £100m each. The deal, first reported by Sky News, would deepen Sazerac’s UK footprint and follows Au Vodka’s rapid growth and US expansion.
The Guardian review of Life of M traces how Rachel Cusk’s novel intercuts a star’s ascent with the narrator’s reflections, comparing M to Natalie Portman’s career and examining fame’s impact on authenticity, family, and art. The prose is praised for its precise, sparing style that exposes the performative nature of celebrity.
Princess Diana’s black Christina Stambolian evening dress, worn in 1994 as a public response to Charles’s affair, is returning to Sotheby’s for auction with a conservative estimate around $200,000. The item will tour displays in London, Hong Kong, Geneva and New York ahead of a December sale, with portions of proceeds benefiting NHS Lothian Charity.
Independent reporting indicates Maria Bartiromo remains a Fox figure, while conflicting accounts from her camp and Fox Media highlight ongoing uncertainty. The network has thanked her for past work, but questions about her current role persist as public and legal comments circulate.
Vogue World has highlighted Italian craftsmanship and global creativity in fashion week events. Gigi Hadid opened Milan Fashion Week’s Vogue World, while Burberry showcased wearability in London and Fendi/Dior campaigns drew cinema-inspired attention. The events feature top models, designers, and performances that connect haute couture with mass-market appeal, setting a tone for the season.
President Trump has reiterated a memory of Ground Zero, prompting questions about the timing of his presence at 9/11 events. Multiple outlets are challenging the timeline while he defends the account at ceremonies and on Truth Social.
Emma Bonino, a relentless advocate for abortion rights and humanitarian causes, has died at 78. Her decades-long work spanned Italy and the European Union, from legalizing abortion to shaping EU humanitarian policy. Tributes emphasize her fearless defense of freedom and civil rights.
White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has announced she is cancer-free, six months after revealing an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. She thanked supporters and said she will continue to advance the Trump administration's agenda.