A Connecticut state representative has some sticky fingers.

Democrat Raghib Allie-Brennan was arrested for allegedly stealing from a Target in the town of Bethel, Connecticut, in June. According to the local police department, this is not the politician's first time swiping items off the shelves without paying.

The Bethel Police Department told NBC CT that store employees recognized Allie-Brennan from "prior unreported larcenies." The left-leaning civil servant was taken into custody after authorities reviewed security footage from the alleged incident.

Per the police, Allie-Brennan was caught on camera exiting the establishment with $26.69 worth of merchandise.

"I was in a rush to bring items to my grandmother in the hospital, the store didn't have bags and I was juggling multiple purchases," he claimed in a statement. "While I do not have a record, I take full responsibility for the error and am working through the legal processes to resolve the matter quickly and respectfully."

"I respect the law and Target's right to enforce their loss prevention policy, and I remain committed to serving my community with transparency and integrity," he added.

The former political aide was issued a misdemeanor summons for sixth-degree larceny. During Allie-Brennan's court appearance on Tuesday, July 1, his attorney, Candace Fay, announced her client's submission of an accelerated rehabilitation application, which is a pretrial program made available to first-time offenders. If granted and completed, it can result in the expungement of a criminal record. He's due back in court in August.

Allie-Brennan was elected to Connecticut's 2nd House District in 2018.

Digital entertainment is slowly replacing most traditional avenues for having fun. Though many are lamenting the end of traditional platforms, there are those who have happily accepted the new standard. We know that the shift is complete when Hollywood stars begin talking about their favorite digital entertainment markets.

The fascination with celebrity is not new or exclusive to the digital age. People have always found glamour in power and fame. We now have digital platforms that keep us up-to-date about every aspect of the lives of actors. Funnily enough, it seems that most stars are looking for something fun to do online, just like the rest of us.

Digital entertainment is taking over Hollywood. Not only are we seeing some major stars appear in Netflix-exclusive shows and films, but many of the younger celebrities are very open and honest about their own time spent online. In this article, we would like to explore the digital entertainment trends that are taking over one of America's most glamorous cities.

Gaming on the Internet is Huge

The gaming industry is one of the fastest growing entertainment markets in the world. Video games are more reliant on developing technology than any other form of entertainment. It only makes sense that their popularity would grow in an era when technology is advancing faster than many can keep up. A lot of the games that celebrities seem to love exist online. 

An excellent example would be the growing success of the iGaming industry. iGaming is a hybrid market, bringing casinos and video games together. Though many American celebrities might have to visit the online casino Canada market. After all, Ontario's recent decision to legalize internet-based gambling has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the industry.

Plenty of Hollywood's biggest stars have expressed their love and passion for casinos. It isn't hard to believe that rap legends like 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg spin slots after a long day of touring. The same could be said for film legend Ben Affleck. Affleck has spoken about his love for blackjack and poker numerous times. He has even participated in several poker tournaments. It isn't hard to imagine him logging online to fire off a few rounds of poker.

Film and Television Streaming Services

There seems to be a sort of stigma against the streaming industry in Hollywood. There is a general belief that streaming is "killing the theaters." However, a look at theater attendance in the past two decades will reveal that visitors have been dropping long before Netflix became prominent. Indeed, many of the best actors today have elected to take starring roles in big-time shows on various streaming sites.

However, an actor's connection to the streaming world doesn't end at a professional level. Plenty of actors also follow the latest shows or films that are being streamed to millions of people all over the world. Robert Downey Jr. plays a starring role in many films being shown on Netflix right now. The legendary actor has also expressed his own love for the service, shining a light on the show Stranger Things.

Disney+'s hit show The Mandalorian impressed countless fans of old-school Star Wars with its return to the franchise's western/samurai roots. Taking inspiration from the hit manga Lone Wolf and Cub, the TV series truly brought a breath of fresh air to the saga. But, it isn't just the average Star Wars fans that thinks so. Actors Adam Scott and Jason Sudeikis, plus director Kevin Smith have all expressed love for the show.

Social Media Stars are on Social Media

The term "doomscrolling" has become a sort of buzzword in online culture. Many take this fun phrase a little too seriously. Social media can be a lot of fun. Most people like browsing X or scrolling through TikTok in their spare time. It can be fun seeing different people's takes on entertainment or politics. 

It turns out that there are many Hollywood stars who also think social media is a fun pastime. The star of Keeping Up with the Kardashians is known for many hijinks, such as purchasing Princess Diana's iconic necklace. It seems that when she isn't performing, Kim likes to browse Instagram. She uses the app for personal gain and promotions. But she also spends a lot of her personal time on it. Viewing her profile will reveal personal and family photos, like one might find on any other profile. 

Social media is also the primary source of entertainment for most e-celebs. The internet's rise has given way, not just to new entertainment platforms, but also to new entertainers. E-celebs must be attached to social media platforms in some way. After all, these platforms are their primary source of income. Currently, Mr. Beast dominates YouTube. His recent game show idea might have been controversial, but it also made him a household name. Apart from using X as a promotional tool, Jimmy Donaldson also seems to have a lot of fun interacting with fans, and even haters.

Multiplayer RPGs

The success of the MMORPG genre was one of the first steps towards a truly global and digital video game industry. Today, MMORPGs are not as big as they once were. Yet there are still people playing Star Wars: The Old Republic and World of Warcraft. What you may not know is that if you are one of the people playing these games, you might have played against some pretty well known Hollywood stars.

Obviously, many are excited about the upcoming Superman film. But, just as many were sad to see Henry Cavil depart from the role. Though he took on the Witcher mantle, Cavil has expressed a deeper connection to the character. Not only is the British actor a big fan of the books, but he has also played all of the major games by CD Projekt Red. On top of that, Cavil is also a notorious World of Warcraft player. So, if you've ever formed a party to take on a major boss, you might have been backed by one of the biggest actors in Hollywood right now.

It was 2019 when Mission: Impossible fans received the news that the seventh and eighth films would be shot back-to-back. Two years ago, we saw Dead Reckoning Part One, and in May, after much hype, The Final Reckoning was released in cinemas. Did the latest Mission: Impossible bring "proper" cinema back? Did it deliver the kind of big-screen experience that cinema fans have missed?

In a sense, yes — The Final Reckoning represents a return to the kind of tactile, high-stakes filmmaking that once defined blockbuster cinema. It may not be flawless, but it harks back to a time when spectacle was achieved through craft more than computers and when the cinema experience meant something uniquely physical.

Early reviews

While not as emphatic as the reaction to some Mission: Impossible films, early reviews for The Final Reckoning were mostly positive. The overall critic score on Tomatometer (Rotten Tomatoes) stands at 80%. Critic Sergio Burstein (Los Angeles Times) said it was entertaining and had a particularly memorable action sequence. Leigh Paatsch (Daily Telegraph Australia) wrote that the film was a fitting finale to the series. While Paatsch felt The Final Reckoning was flawed and excessive in some respects, it was also a celebration of Tom Cruise's work ethic and commitment. Like other critics, Paatsch felt the start to the film dragged, and explained that no one attends a M:I film for the plot. In short, it should have "cut to the chase" and reached the action sooner.

Fans' reviews were predictably mixed, as is often the case with series where there are strong feelings. Out of 10,000 verified ratings on Popcornmeter, the film scores an impressive 89% positive. But there were plenty of fans less than impressed. One called the dialogue "unbearable," and the physics weren't rooted in reality. While some may scorn at the idea of going to an action film expecting realism, that review brings up an interesting point: The series is one of the last surviving that doesn't rely heavily on CGI.

Is that, perhaps, hitting the nail on the head? Many film franchises have a nostalgic appeal to fans, but is that appeal beginning to wane as CGI and other "modern" elements of filmmaking become the norm? Does "proper" cinema, to so many of us, feel slightly rougher around the edges — in a very human sense?

Practical filmmaking

Director Christopher McQuarrie has been praised for his commitment to what's sometimes termed "practical filmmaking" — that is, genuine physical action sequences. Cruise performs his stunts. Or did. The Final Reckoning has been confirmed as Cruise's last in the role he started in 1996.

The Mission: Impossible series has been based on questionable physics ever since the 1960s television series, but does it matter? In a review for the very first film, The New York Times writer Stephen Holden wrote that "basic credibility" hardly mattered, as long as suspense was felt. That perspective seems key to understanding the franchise's enduring appeal: It isn't about plausibility — it's about immersion.

Others complained of The Final Reckoning's plot holes and a poor script, but the general reaction was that McQuarrie and Cruise delivered a satisfying goodbye. As one viewer suggested, perhaps "deep analysis" isn't necessary for a Mission: Impossible film. Most agree that the series is meant to be about a fun big-screen night out — in other words, a cinema equivalent to a Vegas experience — and in that respect, it delivered.

And crucially, it did so without leaning heavily on the CGI-heavy, green-screened formula of most contemporary action films. That choice — to keep action real, physical and filmed on location — is what elevates The Final Reckoning above much of its genre, and what brings it closer to what many view as "proper" cinema.

A few thoughts from the director

Around the time of the previous film, Dead Reckoning, McQuarrie sparked a debate around "fan service" and fandom. The director said callbacks, inside jokes and familiar tropes were the enemy of filmmaking. He said he doesn't "count on it" and the effect of such films is that they ask the viewer to leave the current narrative, remember another one and then return to the current film.

But the new film was "ironic," according to The Hollywood Reporter, for being plot-heavy and trying to summarize the entire franchise in one viewing (admittedly a three-hour viewing).

Writer James Hibberd, in reviewing McQuarrie's comments, noted that Marvel is often guilty of stuffing references to prior films that require knowledge of prequels and connected Universe storylines. The Final Reckoning won't be remembered for such things. It'll be remembered for its action sequences, a five-minute standing ovation at Cannes, and, in many eyes, a welcome return to physical filmmaking.

So, was it a return to proper cinema?

In some ways, yes — not because it reinvents the genre or rewrites cinematic history but because it honors an older tradition of how films are made. The Final Reckoning returns to the idea that the big screen should thrill us not through pixels but through presence: real stunts, real locations, real risks. In an age where blockbusters often resemble extended cutscenes, that alone feels like a cinematic mission worth accepting.

President Donald Trump's administration is potentially taking steps to lift a full ban on asbestos — the cancer-causing mineral linked to tens of thousands of deaths each year.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the ban put in place by former President Joe Biden. During a federal appeals court hearing on Monday, June 23, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency is re-examining the rule.

According to a court declaration obtained by the Associated Press, the EPA argues that Biden's ban may have gone "beyond what is necessary to eliminate the unreasonable risk and whether alternative measures — such as requiring permanent workplace protection measures — would eliminate the unreasonable risk."

Asbestos, which can cause mesothelioma and other cancers, has been mostly phased out in the U.S. Still, in 2024, the Biden administration implemented a complete ban on asbestos. At the time, the EPA reportedly called the move a historic step forward in the fight against cancer.

Zeldin's remarks sparked backlash online, with many users on X expressing their shock over the potential unbanning.

Did the #MAGA cult vote for this? #Asbestos pic.twitter.com/5INX34OcMt

— Carolyn from Maryland (@carolyn_from) June 19, 2025

Mmmm more yummy asbestos for me https://t.co/j1ENBMEpHJ pic.twitter.com/e9wYKTaawq

— DJ Spit @ Too Many Games (@djspitrapper) June 19, 2025

In a court filing, the EPA said it will review the ban over the next 30 months as it considers reversing the decision.

Chrysotile asbestos is found in products like brake blocks, sheet gaskets and asbestos diaphragms. It was banned under the Toxic Substances Control Act, which was expanded in 2016.

At the time of the ban, eight U.S. facilities in the chlor-alkali industry still used asbestos diaphragms to manufacture chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Those facilities were given at least five years to phase out asbestos.

While some leaders have spoken out about the investigation, the American Chemistry Council said it supports the EPA's action, emphasizing the importance of "a risk-based approach consistent with the best available science."

CNBC anchor Joe Kernen compared New York City mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani to a Batman villain. After the progressive politician's massive win over Andrew Cuomo in the primaries, the journalist referenced the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises to express his fears over Mamdani potentially running Manhattan.

"If you've seen what Batman is up against in Gotham and what the guy running for mayor is up against, that's what it reminds me of," the media personality said of the situation during a recent broadcast. "They're taking Wallstreeters and making them walk out onto the ice in the East River, in hope and then they fall through. There is a class warfare that's going on."

Kernen cited the 33-year-old's leftist policies and compared them to the action movie villain Bane's seizure of Gotham City. In the flick, the character says, "We take Gotham from the corrupt! The rich! The oppressors of generations who have kept you down with myths of opportunity. And we give it to you, the people."

While the comic book supervillain keeps control over the city, Jonathan Crane, a.k.a. the Scarecrow (Cillian Murphy), presents each of the community's wealthy residents with a choice to die or walk out onto the ice of Gotham Harbor in exile.

Despite the fearmongering from the reporter, Mamdani has vowed to impose higher taxes on the wealthy in order to freeze rent prices. The member of the New York State Assembly has also promised to start government-run grocery stores, free bus rides and childcare.

"I think there's a question of how we return back to what made so many of us proud to be Democrats," the mayoral hopeful — who is a self-described Democratic Socialist — explained in a recent interview. "I think it's that focus on an economic agenda, on ensuring that people can do more than just struggle."

In a year where fashion returned to detail, minimalism met drama and red carpets finally remembered romance, bridal jewelry followed suit. And not just any bridal jewelry — bridal sets.

From awards season to private ceremonies in Tuscany, we saw more A-listers embrace complete bridal ring sets that not only symbolize the moment but also tell the whole story, from "Yes" to "I do."

Whether you're deep into wedding planning or just daydreaming (no shame), we've rounded up the best bridal sets of 2025 — spotted on celebs, styled to perfection and available to shop right now (yes, even online).

What Makes a Bridal Set "A-List Worthy"?

It's not just about a huge center stone, though those still turn heads. The most beautiful bridal ring sets combine contemplative design with wearability for the long haul and beyond (think: future anniversary vibes). 

Imagine: A statement-making engagement ring selection with a beautifully sculpted wedding band that perfectly complements without competing.

You'll see themes like:

–Lab-grown brilliance
-Modern vintage mashups
-Unconventional stones in classic settings
-Stackable designs are built for layering over time

And, yes, the celebrities are absolutely paying attention.

Zendaya's Oval-Cut Stack: A Modern Classic

Zendaya's rumored engagement ring appearance this year had people zooming in — and for good reason. An oval-cut diamond, possibly bezel-set, paired with a slim band created a clean, layered look that sparked major buzz.

Why it made the list:

-It's proof that a lab-grown diamond bridal set can be both glamorous and grounded, even if unconfirmed in this case
-The modern stackable look allows room to evolve — add anniversary bands, eternity rings or colored stones later
-Oval cuts are versatile and flattering on nearly every hand shape

Hailey Bieber's Soft Glam Stack

Hailey kept things quiet this year, but the glimpse of her custom bridal ring set told the story. Rose gold, pave bands and a hidden halo made for a soft glam moment that felt personal yet totally camera-ready.

Why it works:

-Matching metal tones keeps the set cohesive and photo-friendly
-Hidden halo = brilliance without overstatement
-An ideal style for anyone who leans toward "elevated minimalism"

Timothée Chalamet's Partner's Vintage-Inspired Duo

In one of the most unexpected but loved private ceremonies of the year, the surprise wasn't the couple — it was the ring. A three-stone bridal set with vintage flair, yellow gold and a center diamond flanked by sapphires was seen — possibly lab-grown, but never confirmed.

Why we love it:

-It redefines celebrity engagement rings in 2025 with a mix of old and new
–Lab-created stones can offer the same brilliance while keeping the piece ethical and sustainable
-The band was curved to match the setting, not an afterthought

Where to Find These Looks Without the A-List Budget

Here's where the glam meets reality: You don't need a celebrity stylist to wear something just as striking. Today, you can shop bridal sets online with full customization, certified stones and even lab-grown options that align with your values (and budget).

At Rosec Jewels, for example, we're seeing real brides opt for:

-Matching lab-grown diamond bridal sets with hidden halos
-Vintage-inspired sets with Moissanite or lab-created diamonds
-Minimalist bridal sets in white gold or platinum

Top Styles That Are Trending (and Still in Stock)

Looking to build your A-list moment? These affordable bridal ring sets are among our current bestsellers:

Emerald-Cut Lab-Grown Diamond Set

-Clean lines, strong presence
-Pairs beautifully with contour bands

Three-Stone Moissanite Bridal Ring Set

-Maximum sparkle, minimal maintenance
-Under $1,000 but still looks red carpet ready

Vintage Halo Set with Milgrain Details

-Inspired by 1920s deco but reimagined for modern brides
-One of our most pinned styles this year

Colored Gemstone Sets (Think Ruby or Emerald)

-Non-traditional, yes — but 100% memorable
-Popular for second weddings or alternative brides

How to Choose Your Bridal Set Like a Stylist

Below, what we heard from celebrity stylists, jewelers and real brides:

–First up, the shape: We're really seeing a moment for oval and emerald cuts. They elongate the finger, and they feel eternal.
–Consider a stackable option: More brides are looking to build up their bands over time. Pick a version with a margin for expansion.
–Find the balance: Your engagement ring and wedding band don't have to match perfectly, but they should feel like they belong together. Think of it as two parts of the same story — not identical, but connected.
–Consider certification: Whether you're buying a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, ensure that you get the necessary certification as proof.

Final Word: You Don't Need a Stylist — Just a Good Eye

Bridal jewelry has today become personal. Whether you decide to go for classic, bold, minimal or completely unique, there's a bridal set out there that'll feel like yours. And guess what? You don't need to know a celebrity stylist. You just need to trust your taste — and start looking in the right places.

And if you're ready to start that search, Rosec Jewels lab-grown diamond ring collections include everything from subtle sparkle to statement-making designs. Our team curates only the best lab-created diamonds, with craftsmanship and customization built in.

Because when the ring fits the moment, the memory lasts forever.

A high-ranking official from the federal agency that oversees personnel for President Donald Trump's administration has reportedly spoken out against the U.S. airstrikes on Iran, calling the move "pointless."

Andrew Kloster, a general counsel member at the Office of Personnel Management, criticized the strike in a series of now-deleted posts on X, according to the New York Post. His message directly contradicts President Trump's claim that the mission targeting Iran's nuclear facilities was a success.

Andrew Kloster's Now-Deleted Posts

"I apologize and will never again doubt the power of the deep state," Kloster wrote following the attack on Saturday, June 21. When another X user suggested, "Iran's nuclear sites being crushed seems a long-term benefit for the US," Kloster responded candidly, "I think it was just kind of pointless."

He also reportedly reposted a message from Vish Burra, the former director of operations for ex-Rep. George Santos. In the post, Burra described the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict as a "tribal squabble" following Tehran's violation of the ceasefire.

Can we please ignore this god-forsaken region of Earth and their tribal squabbles? https://t.co/zltF93kyID

— VISH BURRA 🏴‍☠️ (@VishBurra) June 24, 2025

President Donald Trump's Agenda

Kloster's posts have since been deleted, but the controversy surrounding his message hasn't gone away. His public criticism comes as a surprise given his senior role, especially considering the administration's ongoing efforts to enforce Trump's "Schedule F" — aimed at ensuring federal employees align with the president's agenda.

Back in April, Trump emphasized that government workers must "be held to the highest standards of conduct and performance," adding that anyone who fails to support his policies or engages in corrupt behavior "should no longer have a job."

Kloster isn't the only one who has been wary of Trump's attack on Iran. His comments align with other Americans who worry that the United States' involvement could lead to a prolonged conflict in the Middle East.

However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has asked the country to "trust in Trump," claiming that he will secure "peace through strength." Following the United States' direct involvement, Trump brokered a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. The agreement was later broken by both parties, prompting condemnation from the president.

Oil prices rose on Wednesday, June 25, following the ceasefire between Iran and Israel. After taking a sharp drop earlier this week, prices climbed roughly 2% as markets regained confidence amid easing tensions. 

Brent crude futures, the global benchmark, rose $1.22, or 1.8%, to $68.36 a barrel by 12:50 p.m. EDT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased $1.25, or 1.9%, to $65.62. The latest rise may reflect investors' optimism that the ceasefire could bring some stability between the two foreign adversaries. 

Peace Deal Lowers Fears

On Tuesday, June 24, President Donald Trump announced the peace agreement between the nations, but Brent still settled at its lowest level since early June, while WTI dropped to its lowest since June 5. Prices had been rising following Israel's June 13 airstrikes on Iranian military leaders and nuclear facilities. After a U.S. follow-up strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, crude prices rose to a five-month high.

"While concerns regarding Middle Eastern supply have diminished for now, they have not entirely disappeared, and there remains a stronger demand for immediate supply," ING analysts noted in a client report. 

Beyond looking at oil prices, U.S. gasoline stocks also saw some fluctuation. Inventories fell by 2.1 million barrels, way more than the expected 381,000-barrel increase.

Forecasts for Oil Prices

"We are looking at big draws across the board," Phil Flynn, senior analyst with the Price Futures Group said. "This type of report can refocus on U.S. supply and demand, and less on geopolitics."

Adding to the mix, new U.S. economic data released on Tuesday, June 24, showed weaker-than-expected consumer confidence, hinting at a possible slowdown in the country's economy. Because of this, many now expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates later this year, which could affect oil demand and prices.

Looking ahead, oil prices are expected to stay between $65 and $70 a barrel, according to market analyst Tina Teng, as traders wait for more economic updates and the Fed's next decision.

The tension between former "first buddy" Elon Musk and Donald Trump continues to escalate, as the Tesla CEO is now making damaging accusations against a top White House aide. In his most recent outburst, Musk slammed Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor, whom the tech tycoon branded a "snake."

According to the New York Post, Gor was frequently mentioned in articles explaining Trump and Musk's abrupt falling out. The outlet reported Gor was the brains behind Trump's "revenge tour" against the father of 14, who accused the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office of sabotaging his NASA nomination.

He's a snake

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 19, 2025

According to The Post, Gor has claimed he is from Malta, but the country has no record of his birth: "No acts are registered with the provided details," the nation shared.

Igor Sushko — a Ukraine-born American race-car driver and political activist — claimed on X that people familiar with Gor in Malta often refer to him as "the Russian boy."

In response to Suhsko's thread, Musk alleged, "Gor is breaking the law."

"Sergio Gor" claims to have been born in Malta but the Maltese government has no such birth record.
People who knew him in Malta called him "the Russian boy."https://t.co/IYo8QLKL0E

— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) June 20, 2025

Musk later corrected Gor's name to "Goryachev" — a reference to rumors online that Gor is actually a Russian spy named Sergey Goryachev. The conspiracy theory has been proven to be false, as the real Goryachev has been identified.

*Goryachev

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 20, 2025