money matters

Gigi Hadid's birthday outfits cost more than $25k

For Gigi Hadid, it was as if money was no object when it came to her 23rd birthday party.

The model's party outfits were estimated to cost over $25,000.

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For the blowout bash at Brooklyn Heights Social Club in New York City, Gigi donned a custom golden Atelier Versace minidress. Since it was custom, the exact price isn't known. However, Page Six said "similar dresses from the fashion house's made-to-order line start around the five-figure mark and can easily top $30,000 for something heavily embellished."

Gigi's dress was indeed heavily embellished. To top off the birthday outfit, Gigi donned Christian Louboutin's "Spikoo" pumps, which go for $995. She also had a custom bedazzled manicure which cost around $150.

That outfit would have broken the bank for a lot of other people. Gigi, though, donned a second outfit later in the evening, and that, too, came with a hefty price tag.

On April 24, Gigi shared an image of her donning a custom Juicy Couture tracksuit studded with 2,300 Swarovski crystals (to symbolize her 23rd birthday). The hoodie reportedly cost about $1,200, whereas the pants go for $1,075.

"Always knew 23 would feel like this," she captioned a photo of her track suit. "Big love and thanks for all the birthday wishes and to all my earth angels who came to celebrate with me last night !!! @bh.socialclub had the best time."

Just imagine who had to foot the bill for all this!

Jesse Metcalfe read 'John Tucker Must Die' sequel script: 'I loved it'

Could we be getting a John Tucker Must Die sequel?

While speaking exclusively with Wonderwall.com at Jill Zarin's Luxury Luncheon in the Hamptons, Jesse Metcalfe said fans should get ready for the beloved teen comedy to make a return.

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"I would obviously love to do a sequel to John Tucker Must Die," the Hollywood hunk said. "There's a script out there, which I think is pretty good. It's over at Twentieth Century Fox. But I think it could be done really well. I loved it."

"I think that there's an appetite for it," Metcalfe continued of a potential followup to the 2006 hit. "So I don't know why it hasn't gotten done yet, but maybe it will."

In the meantime, the 46-year-old is focused on his skincare line, Nutrl Skin. "I spent two years formulating the product and developing the brand that we launched in April," he said.

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"We've already done two appearances on Good Morning America's 'Deals and Steals.' We're going to be on The View in September, and we're here at the Jill Zarin's celebrity brand event. So things are going pretty well," he continued.

When he decided to make the leap from Hollywood to the beauty industry, Metcalfe made sure he was doing it for the right reasons. "Everyone kept asking me what my skincare routine was on the carpet," the Desperate Housewives alum said.

"I really wanted to start a brand," he added. "I tried my hand at a couple other brands that didn't really work. I tried a Bronco restoration business. I tried a short-lived clothing line where I was making these really high-end cashmere sweaters that really didn't work. But I've always been passionate about skincare. Because I had acne as a teenager, it really did a number on my self-esteem."

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With decades in Tinseltown under his belt, Metcalfe wanted to make a product to address his own needs. "I've been in front of the camera for 26 years. I've tried every product under the sun," he said.

"I wanted to create something that cuts through the noise of a really cluttered skincare market," the Fortress actor explained. "It's really all about marketing and creating a product that was super simple but effective. It's a lab-grade product, but it's incredibly gentle. It's great for all skin types."

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"I put glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid in a lot of the products. I have peptide complexes — one's called Matrixyl 3000, which boosts collagen production by nearly 3,350 percent," he said. "There's an ascorbic acid vitamin c serum which is really great. All of the products are a gel, not a cream. They're very light and absorb into the skin incredibly well. I've been told by a lot of makeup influencers, my girlfriend [singer Helene Immel], some of my girlfriend's friends, that it's a great pre-makeup routine."

Prince Harry 'devastated' by hostile charity takeover

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Prince Harry stepped down from his role as the patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, when Dr. Sophie Chandauka refused to resign from her role as chair after accusing him of bullying her. He's now said to be "utterly devastated" by what he perceives to be a "hostile takeover of his life's work."

The Charity Commission for England and Wales found that there was no evidence of "widespread or systemic bullying, harassment, misogyny or misogynoir" at Sentebale despite Candauka accusations.

An insider told DailyMail.com that Harry believes Chandauka "cajoled her way to a position of power and influence" and that he dislikes her so much, he refuses to "even use her honorary title of doctor, such is the depth of their animosity."

Harry and his camp reportedly feel that Chandauka would rather see the non-profit "go down in flames" than abandon her role. "She shopped them all to the Charity Commission when the trustees raised their concerns about the charity's governance," an insider said.

Another source alleged Harry said there is "no way in hell" he would ever work with Sentebale again — "or at least not while Sophie Chandauka and her new stool pigeons [new trustees] were in place."

The duke has also changed his perspective on how to run a charity. If he starts a new one, he "would categorically not do it under the jurisdiction of the Charity Commission for England and Wales, which he has no faith in and would go as far to say that he believes isn't fit for purpose," the source said.

The Duke of Sussex's reps, however, shut down the claims about Harry's mindset and branded them "a distortion of the facts."

"While we don't recognize the source of these quotes, it would be accurate to say that the Duke is, of course, deeply upset by this entire ordeal; though he remains absolutely committed to continuing the work he began 19 years ago — that being to support the children of Lesotho and Botswana living with HIV/AIDS and struggling with mental health issues," Harry's rep said in a statement.

The probe found no "overreach" by either party but criticized both Harry and Chandauka for allowing their grievances with one another "to play out publicly." The duo's "failure to resolve disputes internally severely impacted the charity's reputation and risked undermining public trust in charities more generally," the Commission said.

"Unsurprisingly, the Commission makes no findings of wrongdoing in relation to Sentebale's co-founder and former patron, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex," Harry's rep pointed out in a statement to People.

Epstein's access to 'sacred' royal spaces revealed

Prince Andrew wasn't only pals with Jeffrey Epstein – Wonderwall.com can reveal he also brazenly invited the convicted predator into the most royal circle of all.

On June 22, 2000, the Duke of York, then 40, hosted Epstein and his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, in the sacred space of the Royal Box at Ascot on Ladies' Day.

It was the same day Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother were in attendance at the event – one of the late monarch's most cherished fixtures of the year. 

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We can now reveal a photo capturing the shocking moment of the trio appearing in the private enclosure was later given pride of place in Epstein's New York house of horrors, where underage girls were trafficked and abused.

The image, which sources say was displayed prominently in a hallway of Epstein's labyrinthine $80 million Manhattan townhouse, has become a symbol of the disgraced financier's access to the highest levels of power. 

"This was no accident," said a source with knowledge of the layout of the residence. "That picture was meant to be seen – it was a trophy for Jeffrey. "Being seen in the Royal Box with Andrew, the Queen and her mother there too sent a very loud message about his access to the highest corridors of power on the planet."

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Ascot's Royal Box is strictly invitation-only, typically reserved for close friends and senior guests of the monarch. 

The fact Epstein – a financier already with a questionable reputation at the time – was present has sparked renewed scrutiny of Andrew's judgment and the true depths of their friendship.

At the time, the Duke had already been photographed with Epstein at other royal locations. 

Epstein, who died in a New York jail cell in 2019 aged 66 while awaiting trial for trafficking charges, was invited to Balmoral in 1999 and Windsor Castle in 2001. 

He also attended a shooting weekend at Sandringham that December. 

All are private royal residences, entry to which requires personal invitation from a senior royal.

Sources close to the Royal Household said the Queen, who died in 2022, would have been "horrified" had she known the extent of Epstein's crimes or his presence in her inner sanctum. 

"The Royal Box was always a sacred and safe space for her," one said. "That Andrew brought Epstein there, and on that day of all days, was a total betrayal of the Queen by her son."

While it remains unclear whether Epstein and the Queen were in the same room during the event, the symbolic weight of the setting has left observers appalled. "It was a clear attempt by Epstein to align himself with royalty – to suggest legitimacy, influence, protection," one Palace aide said.

The photograph has resurfaced amid growing pressure on U.S. authorities to release sealed records from Epstein's grand jury proceedings. 

This week, the House Oversight Committee issued subpoenas for documents relating to the investigation, including files involving Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and others.

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Andrew has faced years of scandal over his association with Epstein, including allegations by one of Epstein's victims, Virginia Giuffre, that he also abused her when she was 17. 

He has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and settled a civil lawsuit brought by Giuffre in 2022 for a reported $16 million without admitting liability.

Andrew's military titles and patronages have been stripped from him and he has long ceased all official royal duties in the wake of his Epstein scandal.

A source told us, "Despite his denials, his close ties to Epstein remain one of the most damaging episodes in modern royal history."

EPA cuts thousands of homes' access to solar power

Donald Trump and his administration continue to undermine the clean energy movement.

The Environmental Protection Agency has ended a $7 billion grant program intended to establish residential solar projects for more than 900,000 lower-income households across America.

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Funding for the environmental effort was established during Joe Biden's presidency under his Solar for All program. Grants for rooftop solar and community solar gardens were given to 60 people, states, tribes and regions.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed the funds — $20 billion in "green bank" money for development projects to up renewable and clean energy, plus $7 billion for the solar program — were cut in Trump's One Big, Beautiful Bill, which passed last month.

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"The bottom line is this: EPA no longer has the statutory authority to administer the program or the appropriated funds to keep this boondoggle alive,″ Zeldin said in a statement shared to social media. "Today, the Trump EPA is announcing that we are ending Solar for All for good, saving U.S. taxpayers ANOTHER $7 BILLION!"

Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders slammed the move by right-wingers. "At a time when working families are getting crushed by skyrocketing energy costs and the planet is literally burning, sabotaging this program isn't just wrong — it's absolutely insane. We will fight back to preserve this enormously important program," he said in a statement.

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Zeldin previously called the "green bank" funds "a clear cut case of waste and abuse" and a "gold bar" scheme. The Trump EPA has argued that they have the authority to rescind the money that the agency already obligated.

King Charles makes a baby cry

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A baby was brought to tears when King Charles III went to greet the infant while visiting the RAF (Royal Air Force) base Lossiemouth in Scotland. A photographer took a snap of the monarch cooing over the crying child while greeting military families.

At one point, Charles could be seen leaning in toward the child and apparently cracking a joke, prompting the baby's parents to burst into laughter. The BFBS Forces News X account shared the moment on the social media platform.

"Well, there was one person who wasn't pleased to see the King Visit RAF Lossiemouth!" the British Forces Broadcasting Service X account captioned the clip.

Aside from the funny interaction, Charles was able to celebrate military families in the region.

"Today, we also recognize the vital role played by your families and friends, some of whom I am delighted to see can join us today," the king said in a speech at the gathering. "Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which this squadron's success is built."

"On behalf of the nation, I can only offer all the families my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make and the strength you provide," he told the troops.

Bondi announces $50M reward for Venezuelan president

Pam Bondi wants Nicolás Maduro arrested.

The attorney general announced that the Department of Justice and the State Department are offering a $50 million reward to anyone who can help track down the Venezuelan president after the DEA obtained 30 tons of cocaine allegedly connected to him.

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"Maduro uses foreign terrorist organizations like [Tren de Aragua], Sinaloa and Cartel of the Suns to bring deadly drugs and violence into our country," Bondi claimed in a video shared to X. "To date, the DEA has seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, with nearly seven tons linked to Maduro himself, which represents a primary source of income for the deadly cartels based in Venezuela and Mexico."

The right-winger alleged the former union leader's scheme includes drugs "often laced with fentanyl" and has caused "the loss and destruction of countless American lives."

"The DOJ has seized over $700 million of Maduro-linked assets including two private jets, nine vehicles and more. Yet Maduro's reign of terror continues," Bondi said. "He is one of the largest narco traffickers in the world and a threat to our national security. Under President [Donald] Trump's leadership, Maduro will not escape justice, and he will be held accountable for his despicable crimes."

The Southern District of New York charged Maduro in March 2020 with narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices. At the time, the former star of The Apprentice offered a $15 million reward for this capture.

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Former President Joe Biden's administration upped the reward to $25 million in January before Trump was sworn in again later that month.

King Charles says goodbye to companion of 14 years

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King Charles III and his staff are giving a heartfelt goodbye to royal horse Tyrone, who is retiring from his role with the royal family.

"After 14 years of noble service with the Royal Mews, we are celebrating Tyrone and wishing him a happy retirement," the royal family said on their official X account.

The palace went on to describe Tyrone as a "gentle and dependable giant."

Over his 14 years of service, Tyrone pulled royal carriages in royal weddings (he towed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day in 2018), state visits and other major events including Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee and King Charles' coronation. He worked for the royal family for the last time when French President Emmanuel Macron made a state visit to the U.K. in July.

The horse is expected to join his father, 26-year-old Storm, and his older sister, 20-year-old Meg, in retirement. All three animals will reside at the Horse Trust sanctuary in Buckinghamshire, England, which is home to 120 horses, ponies and mules.

"All three horse were very dear to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II," the royal family shared. "Tyrone will be missed by everyone at the Royal Mews, but it's wonderful that he'll be reunited with his father and sister. Thank you, Tyrone!"

While some commenters were excited about the horse's retirement, others pointed out how there are more serious issues in the U.K. that the king could be focusing on.

"A lovely homage to the old ways, Tyrone has seen it all," one X user commented.

"How lovely! Happy retirement, Tyrone! It's so wonderful that your Dad is still around too," another wrote.

One critic deadpanned, "A tweet about a horse."

Another critic joked, "Tyrone the horse retires after 14 years of real work — making him the only Royal who's actually earned a pension."

Waterproof LED Strip Wholesale – A Bright Investment for Indoor and Outdoor Projects

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In the world of modern lighting, LED strip lights have become a staple for their efficiency, flexibility and design appeal. Among these, waterproof LED strip lights stand out for their durability and ability to function in challenging environments. Whether it's for outdoor installations, damp interiors or commercial use, sourcing from a trusted waterproof LED strip wholesale provider is crucial to ensure quality, safety and long-term performance.

Why Waterproof LED Strip Lights?

Waterproof LED strips are specially designed to withstand moisture, humidity and in some cases, direct water exposure. They are typically rated with IP65, IP67 or IP68 protection standards, making them suitable for a variety of indoor and outdoor lighting applications.

Some common use cases include:

● Garden and Landscape Lighting

● Pool and Fountain Edging

● Bathroom and Kitchen Accents

● Outdoor Signage and Architectural Highlights

● Marine and Automotive Applications

In such settings, regular LED strips would fail over time due to water damage or corrosion. That's why choosing waterproof variants — and more importantly, choosing a reliable wholesale partner — is essential.

Benefits of Buying Waterproof LED Strips Wholesale

Purchasing waterproof LED strip lights in bulk offers several advantages, particularly for contractors, resellers and lighting solution providers:

1. Cost Efficiency

Buying in wholesale quantities significantly reduces per-unit costs, helping improve profit margins or reduce overall project expenses.

2. Consistency in Quality

A good wholesale supplier ensures consistency in color temperature, brightness and build quality across batches — critical for large-scale installations.

3. Availability of Variants

Wholesale suppliers often carry a wider variety of specifications — different IP ratings, voltage options, brightness levels and color temperatures — allowing you to cater to diverse project needs.

4. Customization and Branding

OEM/ODM services are often available when ordering in bulk, enabling customized products, packaging and even private labeling.

Key Features to Look For in Waterproof LED Strip Lights

When selecting a wholesale supplier, consider these important product attributes:

● IP Rating: Determines the level of waterproofing. IP65 is splash-resistant, IP67 is immersion-resistant and IP68 can be used underwater.

● Voltage & Wattage: Common options include 12V and 24V. Choose based on your power requirements.

● Brightness & Color Options: Ensure the strips offer adequate lumens and come in desired color formats (e.g., white, warm white, RGB, RGBW).

● Material Quality: Look for silicone or PU coating for long-lasting waterproof protection.

● Durability & Lifespan: Verify lifespan ratings (typically 30,000–50,000 hours) and heat dissipation capabilities.

Why Choose DekingLED for Waterproof LED Strip Wholesale

If you're in search of a dependable waterproof LED strip wholesale supplier, DekingLED offers a combination of product quality, technical expertise and customer support that's hard to beat.

Here's what makes them stand out:

● Wide Range of Products: From IP65-coated RGB strips to IP68-rated underwater solutions, their catalog is extensive and tailored for various applications.

● Strict Quality Control: All products are manufactured with premium components and tested for waterproofing, brightness and electrical safety.

● Global Supply Chain: Efficient logistics and worldwide delivery ensure timely fulfillment of large orders.

● OEM/ODM Capabilities: Whether you need customized lengths, connectors or branded packaging, DekingLED delivers.

● Experienced Support: Their technical team assists with installation queries, compatibility concerns and troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth experience from order to deployment.

Common Applications for Waterproof LED Strips

1. Outdoor Decks and Patios

○ Create a cozy ambiance or highlight steps and edges.

2. Bathrooms and Kitchens

○ Add accent lighting under cabinets, around mirrors or along backsplashes.

3. Swimming Pools and Fountains

○ Waterproof strips can be submerged or placed around water features for stunning visual effects.

4. Commercial Signage

○ Highlight logos, billboards and store fronts — rain or shine.

5. RV, Boat and Vehicle Lighting

○ Durable enough for off-road or marine environments.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Buying Wholesale

● Ignoring IP Ratings: Not all waterproof strips are the same. Choose the right IP rating for your specific environment.

● Underestimating Power Needs: Always match the LED strip's voltage to the correct power supply.

● Overlooking After-Sales Support: Work with suppliers who offer warranties and technical support.

Conclusion

Waterproof LED strip lights are more than just lighting — they are a key component in creating safe, attractive and functional spaces in moisture-prone environments. For bulk buyers, finding the right wholesale partner is as important as choosing the right product.

By partnering with a trusted waterproof LED strip wholesale supplier like DekingLED, you get more than just LEDs — you get peace of mind, product consistency and a partner invested in your success.

'The Office' spinoff debuts first trailer, new details

Audiences are getting a first look at the upcoming spinoff of The Office.

In Peacock's The Paper — which debuts on September 4 — the same film crew who documented the hijinks at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company follows staffers at a small-town newspaper as an outsider takes over to breathe new life into the publication.  

In the trailer for the highly anticipated show, Domhnall Gleeson's character, Ned Sampson, is hired as the lead editor for the Midwest outlet.

"Have you read this paper? How do you think it compares to any other paper?" Chelsea Frei's character asks Sampson.

"It s****. But we are going to make it better," the new guy in town replies.

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Gleeson's alter ego tells the unmotivated writers in the office, "My name is Ned Sampson. I am your new editor-in-chief. I hope it's not too disruptive to have me come in and sort of shake everything up."

In a hilarious moment, The White Lotus alum Sabrina Impacciatore's character tells her new boss, "Oh, no, no, no. Don't be so self-defecating!"

In a callback to the original NBC comedy, Oscar Nuñez — who's back as Oscar Martinez — sees the cameras following him around during his workday and attempts to make their footage of him unusable. "Not again!" Martinez yells as he gets up and walks away from the crew. "I'm not approving any of this. I will make this unusable — f***! Use that!"

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The Paper is brought to life by creators Greg Daniels and Michael Koman. Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein, Ben Silverman and Banijay Americas are executive producing.

Besides the aforementioned actors, Melvin GreggGbemisola IkumeloAlex EdelmanRamona Young and Tim Key will also star in the series.