One of the consistencies of Donald Trump’s politics is that he always believes that he is the smartest person in the room and everyone else is an idiot. Of course, the person who thinks they are the smartest person in the room is usually the village idiot, which nicely sums up the current state of the country.
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Trump has tried to play both sides of the Epstein files. The president publicly claims that he wants the files released, while privately using his power to block their release.
For a while, the trick worked until Trump decided to block the release of the files.
It’s not the Department of Justice blocking the release of the files. It’s Donald Trump.
Trump has the ability to order the full release of the files at any time. Trump could release the files right now if he wanted to.
One of Trump’s favorite ploys is to play the powerless observer when he is faced with a situation that could easily change, but chooses not to do so.
Trump stepped into his powerless observer role when he told House Republicans to vote for the release of the Epstein files.
Trump posted on his social media site:
As I said on Friday night aboard Air Force One to the Fake News Media, House Republicans should vote to release the Epstein files, because we have nothing to hide, and it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics in order to deflect from the Great Success of the Republican Party, including our recent Victory on the Democrat “Shutdown.”
The Republican victory on the shutdown is government funding until the end of January, and jacking up health insurance premiums for 24 million people. If that is what passes for a win in Trump’s party, no one Republicans might be doomed in 2026.
The more personal data about you that’s online, the harder it gets to avoid scams, bad actors, and threats to your private information and identity. Here’s how to remove your data from the internet with Incogni.
Incogni is a trusted service provider that can remove sensitive information from the web. Image source: Incogni
The data broker industry is built around finding and hoarding user data in order to profit from it in some way. They’ll sell personal information like your name, number, email, address, and more to the highest bidder, even if it’s one just trying to spam you with junk.
Though the threat goes much deeper than inconvenient annoyances, as data hoards like these are also a big target for bad actors. A breach can lead to your data ending up in the hands of someone who wants to steal your money and/or identity.
The narrative surrounding the “resilient U.S. consumer,” which has been a major upside surprise in 2025, is now facing significant headwinds, according to the Global Investment Committee (GIC) at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. While consumer spending has maintained a steady nominal growth rate of 5% to 6%, underpinning a bullish outlook for US equities in 2026, the GIC is expressing caution.
Lisa Shalett, chief investment officer and head of the GIC, warned that although the broader macroeconomic picture remains cautiously optimistic, the “K-shaped” economy demands greater scrutiny. Specifically, she wrote on Monday that she sees “genuine cracks for mid- to lower-end consumers,” a cohort critical to aggregate growth. They may only account for 40% of consumption in the economy, she noted, but they make up the bulk of marginal growth in the consumption that drives the national economy. Consumer spending, after all, is roughly two-thirds of national GDP, a relationship that has been challenged in 2025 by the massive surge in data-center spending.
Shalett cited Oxford Economics data in arguing that the marginal propensity to spend an incremental dollar of earnings is more than 6x higher for the lowest-income quintile compared to the wealthiest cohort, making the 2026 outlook “increasingly fragile” without their continued strength. In other words, the economy only really grows at a healthy rate the more money lower- and middle-income people have to spend, and that’s more and more endangered.
The Fragility of Consumption Growth
Consumer spending has sustained a solid three-year trend, Shalet pointed out, driven largely by positive wealth effects benefiting the top two income quintiles, who own 80% of stocks. However, the lower 60% of households by income are now facing rising pressure, potentially altering the outlook for 2026.
She wasn’t alone in voicing concern as two other top Wall Street analysts chimed in on Monday, David Kelly of JPMorgan Asset Management and Torsten Slok of Apollo Global Management. The K-shaped economy—and the crucial issue of affordability—remains a big question mark for the national economy.
Kelly argued in a separate note that while the economy is doing better for everyone, it just doesn’t feel that way. Likening the economy to the hands of a clock, he said the data shows a story of boring, consistent growth, with the wealthy doing better but with the vibes getting rougher.
“The reality of today’s economy is like thirteen minutes past one on an analog clock,” he wrote. “The little hand, representing the fortunes of the top 10%, points sharply upwards and to the right. The big hand, representing the progress of everyone else, is also pointing up, but only mildly so. However, it feels like a twenty past one recession, with the little hand still pointing up but the big hand pointing down.”
Kelly cited the September University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey, in which 45% said that they and their families were worse off than a year ago. “More Americans feel that they are going backwards in economic terms than believe they are moving forward.”
He wrote that JPMorgan believes the expansion is still happening, with real GDP likely growing at roughly a 3.0% annual pace in the third quarter and likely to keep growing in 2026, albeit with growth slowing close to 0% in the fourth quarter. That being said, he highlighted some groups experiencing significant economic stress: federal workers dealing with a “tide of downsizing since the start of the year,” younger Americans facing high housing costs and often significant student debt, and the roughly 24 million Americans on the ACA marketplace facing a doubling of insurance premiums in 2026.
Kelly estimated that 43 million Americans currently have federal student loan debt with an average balance of $39,000, “while the median age of first-time home-buyers is now an astonishing 40. Not coincidently, the median age of first marriage has increased from 22.1 years in 1974 to 29.4 years 50 years later.”
Slok, of Apollo Global Management, wrote in his Daily Spark on Monday that “it is a K-shaped economy for U.S. consumers,” noting that stock holdings and home prices have increased for wealthier Americans, while the cash flow received in fixed income, including private credit, is near the highest levels in decades. This strength in higher-income household balance sheets can be seen in stock prices, he noted, with consumer discretionary stocks outperforming consumer staples in recent months. In other words, the stuff the rich can buy is valued higher by Wall Street than the stuff people need to buy.
3 cracks to watch
According to Shalett, the risk of slowing GDP growth in 2026 hinges on whether the consumer begins to “wilt,” an outcome suggested by recent data. She added that the GIC is monitoring three key factors highlighting stress in the lower-income brackets.
1. Mounting Credit Stress and Delinquencies
Credit stress is beginning to “flash yellow” for this cohort. The overall savings rate has dipped significantly to 4.6%, resting well below the 40-year average of 6.4% and the 80-year average of 8.7%. Simultaneously, delinquencies are surging.
In auto lending, subprime 60-day delinquencies have reached 6.7%, marking the highest level since 1994. Although total household debt grew in line with real disposable income (about 4% in Q3 2025), credit card balances grew at twice that pace, hitting 8%. The latest data shows 30-day past-due credit card payments running at 5.3%, an 11-year high, alongside surging student debt defaults.
2. Affordability Crisis
Mid- to lower-income households are struggling with an “affordability crisis” catalyzed by persistently high price levels and a stable 3% inflation rate that conceals a “whack-a-mole” pattern of price spikes. These spikes have specifically impacted necessities like eggs, coffee, electricity, auto insurance, and health care. Compounding this issue, wage growth—as tracked by the Indeed Wage Tracker—slowed to 2.5% in September, diminishing consumers’ ability to outrun inflation.
3. Deteriorating Labor Sentiment
Employment-opportunity sentiment is weakening. Job openings have fallen to 7.2 million, returning to pre-COVID levels and establishing a 1:1 ratio of openings to job seekers. Furthermore, announced layoffs spiked in October, suggesting the worst year-to-date layoff trend since the Great Financial Crisis.
Consumer sentiment and job anxiety metrics have been particularly troubling. The University of Michigan’s monthly survey for November registered one of the lowest overall consumer confidence readings in the last 73 years, and expectations for employment one year from now saw the lowest reading since 1980. Anxiety linked to GenAI job replacement is clearly a factor, even among high-income workers.
The GIC advises investors that the premise of 2026 being a year where “a rising tide lifts all boats” cannot materialize without strength reaccelerating among the mid- to lower-end U.S. consumers. If the pressure on the lower 60% of households continues to rise, it could lead to slowing retail sales and real disposable income, presenting a material threat to aggregate spending growth.
Wake up from your post-World Series slumber, Los Angeles.
There’s another title contender in town.
For anyone else who was too busy following the Dodgers last month to notice what was going on at SoFi Stadium, the Rams are for real.
They are first-place real. They could be Super Bowl real.
You could feel it in the stands, which literally shook on Sunday when Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers missed a 61-yard field-goal attempt to seal the Rams’ 21-19 victory.
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Gary Klein breaks down what went right for the Rams in a 21-19 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
You could feel it in the interview room afterward, the walls penetrated by the bass of the funk music playing in the adjacent dressing quarters.
The Rams are only 10 games into a 17-game season so they still have plenty of time to mess this up, but this is what the start of a championship run feels like. This is what the start of a championship run sounds like.
What was especially awesome about their latest triumph was how un-awesome their quarterback played.
Matthew Stafford passed for only 130 yards, completing 15 of 28 passes. A Rams offense that scored 34 or more points in each of their last three games was limited to just three scores.
“I don’t think anybody’s discouraged by what we did on offense today, but it was definitely not to our standard,” said receiver Davante Adams, whose only catch was a one-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.
For Stafford, the game wasn’t about what he did as much as it was about what he didn’t do. He didn’t throw any passes that were intercepted. He didn’t make any critical mistakes.
If only for a game, the former gunslinger was more of a game manager.
“That’s probably age and growth,” Stafford said.
Stafford knew he could rely on running back Kyren Williams, who rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown. Stafford knew he could count on a defense that has allowed just 17 points per game.
“You gotta feel the way the game’s going sometimes and be that version of yourself, whatever you need for your team to win,” Stafford said. “I felt there were times I was able to do that today.”
The late-career shift in mentality by the 37-year-old Stafford could be a key for the Rams, who don’t need him to win every game for them.
They have an alternate offensive option in the explosive Williams, who had two runs of 30 or more yards against the Seahawks. They have a fearsome defensive front that enhances the secondary’s playmaking abilities.
The Rams’ pass rushers didn’t sack Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold but no matter.
Rams running back Kyren Williams carries the ball during a 21-19 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
“That’s why I say stats are for losers,” McVay said. “They affected and influenced the game in a huge way. Obviously, Sam is a great quarterback, but he was getting off his spot. I thought a lot of the pressure that we did get is what led to some of the decisions where our guys ended up making some great plays.”
The Rams intercepted four passes. The Seahawks’ only touchdown came on a one-yard run by Kenneth Walker III with 2 minutes 23 seconds left.
Adams said of the team’s defensive backs: “The way they prepped all week, you could feel it. I mean, it was picks left and right in practice, the attention to detail, the communication, all of it.”
Adams pointed to how safety Quentin Lake was knocked out of the game because of an elbow injury.
“To still uphold that standard in the secondary,” Adams said. “That’s why I love this team, to be honest with you. That’s what it’s about. It’s the next-man mentality. We had that on offense all year too.”
This is what winning teams do. This is what the Dodgers do. This is what Super Bowl champions do.
Claims can arise in seconds; in that moment, how you handle your two-wheeler insurance determines whether repairs are smooth and cashless or mired in delays. Focus on the essentials: understand the difference between third-party and own-damage cover, inform the insurer promptly, document the scene thoroughly, and opt for a network garage to keep the claim on track.
Know Your Cover Before you Need it
Understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t, so there are no surprises at claim time.
Third Party is not the Whole Story
Plenty of riders buy third-party bike insurance simply because it’s mandatory. It protects you against legal liability towards another person or property, but it doesn’t pay to fix your own bike. If you want your own damages covered after a crash, vandalism, or a storm, you’ll need a comprehensive plan. Treat a third-party as your legal base, and build the rest for the way you ride.
Add-Ons that Genuinely Help
Strengthen your policy with practical add-ons. Roadside assistance offers towing after a breakdown and on-site help for a discharged battery or emergency fuel. A zero-depreciation cover reduces deductions on parts, beneficial for newer bikes. Engine and electrical protection can be crucial during waterlogging and the monsoon. The right combination turns a basic policy into dependable cover when things go wrong.
Choose the Right Insured Declared Value (IDV)
Your IDV sets the benchmark for payouts in total loss or theft. Set it too low to trim the premium, and you risk an inadequate claim settlement; set it too high, and you may overpay. Reassess it at every renewal so it reflects your bike’s current market value.
Immediate Steps After an Incident
Prioritise safety, document the scene with photos, notify your insurer immediately, and use roadside assistance to reach a network garage.
Intimation Early, not After the Repair
A common mistake is rushing to fix the bike and informing the insurer later. That can trigger disputes, because surveyors haven’t seen the damage. Inform the insurer promptly, ask for the claim number, and follow the guidance you’re given before authorising work.
Build a Robust Evidence Record
Document the incident methodically. Capture clear photographs, close-ups of the damage, wide shots of the surroundings, and the road surface. Record the exact time and location. This disciplined evidence trail supports your account, speeds assessment, and strengthens the credibility of your accident claim.
File a Police Report When it’s Needed
If there’s an injury, significant damage, theft, or a hit-and-run, a police report can be essential. It also helps to be cautious about moving the vehicle until you’ve checked what your insurer wants you to do.
Paperwork Pitfalls that Slow Everything Down
Missing KYC, incomplete bills, and delayed estimates stall approvals and drag out claim settlement.
Basics that Should Live on Your Phone
Keep digital copies handy: policy schedule, driving licence, registration certificate, and pollution certificate. Add the insurer’s helpline and your policy number to your contacts. When you’re shaken after an incident, having these ready makes life easier.
Estimates, Invoices, and The Survey
Collect a written estimate before work starts and the final bill after. Share both with the insurer. If you replace parts, keep the job card and photos of the damaged bits. And remember: the survey usually needs to happen before major repairs start.
KYC and Bank Details
KYC can be requested during a claim, and payouts by transfer are standard. Have identity and address proofs available, along with the correct bank details, to prevent last-minute delays.
Habits that Silently Impair Your Claim Settlement
Minor lapses or non-network repairs quietly reduce claim value and delay approvals.
Present a Clear, Consistent Account
Provide a precise timeline (date, time, location) and a straightforward description of the incident. Include relevant facts, such as riding through standing water or noticing a warning light, and keep your version consistent across all claim communications. Honesty and clarity speed up assessment.
Riding Without Valid Documents
If your licence, registration, or pollution certificate isn’t in order, you risk breaching policy conditions. Likewise, intoxication or unauthorised racing can sink a claim outright. Keep your house in order; it’s a small effort that protects you when it matters.
A Rider’s Practical Checklist
A checklist to look:
Save the insurer’s helpline and your policy e-copy.
Prefer a network garage and wait for survey instructions.
Keep estimates, invoices, and job cards organised.
Revisit IDV and add-ons at renewal so the policy reflects your reality.
Activate roadside assistance if you tour, commute long distances, or just like a safety net.
Final thoughts
A claim is stressful enough; it should not be made worse through the process. Almost all problems come from the same few mistakes. Treat your two-wheeler insurance like your helmet, part of an essential kit that requires your attention. Choose the right base, and only include what you will need to carry with you, and follow the process in a calm and caring way. As a result, accident claims stop being a risk and become the service you are paying for.
Typically, penny shares carry a higher level of risk than larger peers. That’s why I need to conduct more in-depth research when seeking smart options. On this occasion, I thought I’d ask the AI chatbot ChatGPT what it believed was a good pick right now, with a surprising result.
A contrarian pick
ChatGPT picked Enwell Energy (LSE:ENW). It’s an oil and gas exploration company that operates exclusively in Ukraine. The stock is down 10% over the past year.
It generates revenue in the same manner as many companies in the energy sector. After it finds a new site and makes it commercially viable, the sale of natural gas provides revenue for the business.
However, a big problem is that Ukrainian authorities have suspended some of the company’s licences. These were suspended a year ago, and although Enwell is pursuing legal challenges, there doesn’t seem to have been much progress so far.
Regarding the reasoning behind Enwell’s selection, ChatGPT noted that the group has initiated arbitration regarding the suspended assets. It’s seeking reinstatement, along with monetary damages. If the arbitration is successful, it will materially change Enwell’s cash-flow outlook and valuation. The AI bot feels it’s a classic small-cap, high-upside catalyst, which is why it was picked.
Struggling to get onboard
I’m really not sure about this penny share pick. For a start, oil and gas exploration companies are notoriously volatile. They often rely on heavy debt and funding to explore projects, with the hope of hitting it big on a particular one. For Enwell, the Q2 figures reported zero production from the summer. It simply doesn’t have a business unless it can either find new sites outside of Ukraine or resolve the situation in the country.
Furthermore, penny shares are already high-risk investments without adding one that operates in an active war zone. Although we all hope for peace in Ukraine, putting a date on it is impossible. So I struggle to see how any resolution regarding getting new licenses is going to be a priority. Even if they do acquire them, can the company really maximise potential when there’s a threat of enemy troops nearby?
Of course, I could be missing the point here. It had cash resources of $99.9m as of the end of September. Therefore, it can continue to operate even without generating a profit for some time. Further, I’m looking for small-cap stocks with huge potential. Therefore, it’s likely that if Enwell’s issues are suddenly resolved, the share price would skyrocket on optimism.
Ultimately, Enwell is too high-risk for me to consider investing. For others with a larger tolerance, it could be something to look at. But I think it highlights how AI can sometimes miss the mark when it comes to risk management, by not looking at the bigger picture.
Mackenzie McKee just got done with a 10k race at the St Pete Run Fest, and things could not get any better for her than having the girls and receiving a tremendous amount of moral support for her incredible postpartum fitness struggle and the lovely moments with her family.
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The reality show personality and fitness expert were very keen to make a public announcement on social media regarding her participation in St Pete Run Fest and her future races. Mackenzie McKee characterized the whole event very lively and fun, as her daughters were there with her. Her post was a mixture of maternal pride and joy.
One comment immediately highlighted the impressive physical recovery of McKee: “Girl, you are so amazing to me. JUST had twins and already doing 10K?! You are a powerhouse! I love it!’ The comment not only demonstrates McKee’s dedication to her fitness empire BodyByMac but also signals her ability to be a mother while practicing sports.
Another topic to be discussed among the followers was the family resemblance. One user said, “Omg Jaxie looks just like you,” referring to the closeness between McKee and her first baby. The comment fits with the fact that McKee’s kids have not only become familiar but have also been considered by the most devoted followers throughout the years. She recently celebrated her son Gannon’s 14th birthday.
Reality star Jamie Otis, with a few words, spilled her admiration and said, “You are so Inspiring.” The support from another public figure is a sign that McKee is a positive influence in her professional circle.
However, it was the unveiling of McKee’s newborn twins that stole the show. One spectator could only comment, “OMG! They are adorable- one bald and the other with a full head of hair. You’re so happy.” The remark about the twins’ contrasting appearances made other onlookers question if they were identical or not.
Another user even went as far as to say, “I thought they were identical, but I guess they aren’t,” wanting to know how close the twins are biologically. Though McKee is very candid about her family, she has always kept the question of whether her twins are fraternal or identical a secret.
The emotional comments referring to McKee’s deceased mother were rampant in the comment section. Many people shared the same sentiments as “Mama Angie in heaven is super happy” and “This is wonderful. Just remember that your mom is watching over you and is proud.” The acknowledgments showcase the bittersweetness of McKee’s motherhood journey after losing her mother to cancer in 2019.
A very profound comment drew a parallel between the women of the past, the present, and the future: “Yes, generations of boss women!! The blue sculpture in the sky in St. Pete is by another kick-ass lady, my cousin Janet Echelman. Last stream of conscious thought, those onesies are so cute and cool if that’s possible! Where did you get them?” The comment did not only recognize McKee as a great mother but also put her in the spotlight of being surrounded by other powerful women from the community.
An active lifestyle family representation was commented by another follower who remarked, “In this age, you are teaching your kids the right way. Taking them on fishing, biking, or running trips.” This comment shines a light on McKee’s resolve to create a legacy of the kids growing up through the lens of sports and outdoor activities.
Moreover, McKee’s current boyfriend received accolades by the public when a user wrote, “I love your beautiful family. You are such a wonderful mom! Khesanio is a great dad!” The reference to her partner Khesanio Tennant is a positive affirmation of support for their relationship and co-parenting. McKee has also announced island wedding plans with her fiancé.
Another user was blunt when remarking about her previous marriage, “I am glad ur ex is out he sucked the process of everything. Now he gets to watch all ur happiness ur worked so hard to create and build.” This candid observation indicates that the followers have seen McKee’s maturation journey through relationship changes.
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The whole community of McKee’s followers, who are not only admiring her professionally but also supporting her motherhood side, is being reminded once again of her connection with them through her recent accomplishment in running and the family pictures she posted. She also recently shared a heartfelt message for Jamaica. The active lifestyle McKee is leading with three kids (one of them being newborn twins) makes her a champion not only in the sport but also in the life of a mother, thus, being a role model for many similar mothers making their way through hard times. The St Pete Run Fest seems to have become more than just a race; it was a family avenue, a personal win, and the extension of McKee’s victorious return story after overcoming life’s different trials.
This story is part of Image’s November Kinship issue, celebrating L.A.’s generous spirit and the artistic collaborations that happen among family and friends.
My best friend’s husband is verbally abusive toward her. They have been together for over 10 years, and over the last year in particular, his behavior has escalated. I’m concerned for my friend’s safety. I have spoken up because I have witnessed him scream at her, but he claims mental health issues, and she says he can’t help it. How can I help my beloved friend?
The depth of your care and concern for your chosen family is palpable, and powerful. As someone who has been on both sides of this equation, the most compassionate parts of my heart are right there with you. It hurts, deeply, to sense that a loved one is hurting. It’s even more devastating to witness that hurt being caused by the person who once made a commitment to cherish and protect them in all circumstances, for always. That kind of betrayal isn’t simple to process, let alone live with and through — and the way out can seem almost impossible.
The solution may not be straightforward, but there are lenses through which you can frame this situation that can provide both focus and clarity for you. What you can do is devote your attention to what you value the most — the well-being of your loved one, the well-being of the friendship you treasure and the unwavering belief that your friend deserves to be loved well. You may not be able to control the behavior of your friend, or of her husband. We can’t change or fix others, or will them to act in the way that we think is best — even if we might technically be “right” in our logic around the situation. Allowing someone else the agency of their own experience is one of the most loving things one human can do for another.
There are many reasons why people choose to stay with abusive partners. Maybe it’s a question of sunk cost — too much invested over too long to make giving up now seem like a viable option. Maybe it’s material considerations — the threat of losing a place to live, or a visa or a financial agreement needed to survive. Maybe it’s because they love their abuser, and feel responsible for their well-being, want to help them and will feel guilty if they don’t. Maybe they are afraid of the abuser, of what might happen if they leave, of what might happen if they stay. Maybe it’s because the abusive or neglectful patterns exemplified by their original caregivers or family dynamic conditioned them to have difficulty knowing what love actually looks, sounds, feels like. (Science has shown us that childhood abuse biologically reformulates brain composition around the structures responsible for fear, stress, cognitive function, memory and, by extension, decision-making around healthy partnerships.)
We might not know why she’s choosing to stay at the moment, but in every case, empathy through understanding will equip you with what you need to move forward in the wisest and most loving way possible. Those in abusive relationships don’t need to be shamed or guilted through incredulous judgments (“I can’t believe you would stay with her”) and statements that question their ability to decide what’s best for their life (“You need to break up with them”). Abuse thrives in secrecy and isolation. Allowing your opinion to drive a significant wedge between the two of you would only make her husband’s life easier, as abusers often seek to separate their victims from those they love. Without a support system, there’s no accountability for the abuser’s actions, and there’s no safety net to catch the person being abused if and when they do decide to take the leap and leave. However painful, it’s important that you have witnessed your friend’s husband’s abusive actions, and that you are still in your friend’s life.
At the same time, your well-being also matters. It’s emotionally and psychologically draining to be present for a situation like this, particularly over an extended period of time. Exhaustion, frustration, sadness, anger, the impulse to judge and even emptiness are normal. There exist ways you can continue to support your friend while still maintaining boundaries. If you find every conversation between the two of you has devolved into talking about the difficulties of her relationship (again, I’ve been on both sides of this equation), you can lovingly encourage her to try a different perspective: “I care about what you’re going through. I also think it’s important to make time for your own joy. I know our friendship brings out the best parts of both of us, and I want to enjoy those versions, too. Can we go see the movie we’ve been talking about this weekend, and sneak in wine and dumplings from our favorite spot?” It may sound trite, but this can save a life.
What you can do is focus on what you can control — which is you, your well-being, your response to the situation, and your commitment to your love for your best friend. And, as this would deeply touch the heart of your beloved friend, you could consider honoring the love that she has for this person. No one says you have to love him or even like him. You’re more than allowed to believe him abominable, and maybe do some witchcraft so his hairline starts receding at an unprecedented rate. (Do this with energetic caution, for karma reasons.) But honoring the love that exists in your friend’s heart will in turn help her feel loved by you. That being said, a responsibility toward pragmatic reality must be respected, and there are times when empathy and emotional support are not enough — especially because you have already seen his abusive behavior firsthand. If you believe your friend’s safety or life are ever in danger, it is important to seek help through organizations and communities led by trained professionals. (See resources at the bottom of this page.)
My physical life wasn’t in danger, but I was being emotionally and psychologically abused. And June was there for me. She gracefully and genuinely shared my happiness, albeit cautiously (which was her right), when he apologized and showed up at my door with white roses. She also breathed with me as I sobbed over his most soul-annihilating betrayal. She had the good sense to know that I deserved better, and she had her opinions (which was also her right). In between all of that , she also took the time to care for herself, for her creative and artistic practices and for her other relationships.
Many of my beloved friends abandoned me during this time. They thought I was weak. They thought I was guilty of the highest heresy in the all-powerful Church of Fourth-Wave Feminism — choosing a straight man over your femme friends. I could feel their disgust and their self-righteous cancellation in every one of the innumerable wounds I already had. This dogmatic punishment did not, as they had hoped, correct my perceived cardinal aberrances, forcing me to see the error of my idiotically and embarrassingly heterosexual ways and come crawling back to them like the exemplary queer prodigal daughter they wanted me to be.
Those people weren’t wrong — I did deserve better. He was a loser who needed sobriety badly, and I enabled his addiction behaviors; it was exhausting and infuriating for them to deal with it all. But they had the audacity to profess that they loved me while never caring enough to look beyond their own egos to even try to understand why my brain didn’t yet have the programming to make loving choices for myself.
June never enabled my worst decisions, but she did give me the space to make them myself. She never judged me because she had empathy for why I made them. She knew I was smart enough to know that what was happening was wrong but that I just needed some time to learn to love myself — which was what I was always going to do. She never abandoned me, even in all my delusion. And when I finally found the courage to leave, she was there. Almost 15 years later, she’s still here. Lovers have come and gone, as they always do — as they always do — but the love between me and my sister has only grown.
Every bleeding lovergirl with a heart that’s survived infinite violent blows deserves to be loved and understood by a June. Can you find it in your heart to be your best friend’s June?
If you or someone you love is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or go to thehotline.org.
This 4-ingredient churro fudge is pure magic! It’s buttery, cinnamonsugary bliss that tastes like a churro and fudge had a baby. It’s easy to make and even easier to gift (if you can resist eating it all first!).
Sweet Reasons to Love It
Crazy Easy: Just four ingredients and a few minutes of prep, no candy thermometer, no fuss, just pure sweet satisfaction.
Churro-Inspired Flavor: Every bite delivers that warm cinnamon sugar magic you love, but in creamy, melt in your mouth fudge form.
Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): Cut it into bite sized squares for party trays, holiday gifts, or a late night treat.
Butter is Better
I chose butter over vanilla because, honestly, white chocolate and sweetened condensed milk already bring plenty of vanilla flavor to the party. The butter, though, adds that cozy, rich depth and helps everything melt together like a dream. The result? Churro fudge that’s smoother, creamier, and just flat out better than the rest.
Ingredients for Churro Fudge
White Chocolate: Avoid baking chips or anything labeled “vanilla flavored,” they won’t melt as well. Choose real white chocolate with at least 30% cocoa butter (look for an ivory or pale yellow color). Brands like Guittard, Ghirardelli, Lindt, or Callebaut work great, or chop up quality bars instead of using chips.
Sweetened condensed milk or its coconut version will both work beautifully in this recipe.
Cinnamon Sugar: Store-bought is fine, but it’s easy to make your own. Mix ½ cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon.
Sweetness Level: For less sweetness, use less cinnamon sugar inside or on top. Note that it will lessen the classic churro flavor.
How to Make 4 Ingredient Churro Fudge
Making this churro fudge could not be easier! Just melt, mix, and chill, no fancy steps needed. Here’s how to bring this sweet treat together in minutes. Love fudge? Make my 2Ingredient, Grinch, or my super popular Fantasy fudge next!
Heat: Spray an 8 x 8-inch pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an extra 1-2 inches on all sides. Set aside. Add the white chocolate, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to a medium saucepan and heat over medium low heat. Stir until fully melted and smooth, about 4 minutes.
Add Cinnamon Sugar: Remove from the heat, then stir in 4 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar into the fudge mixture.
Add to Baking Pan: Pour the fudge into the baking pan and smooth the top.
Chill: Spoon the remaining 3 tbsp of cinnamon sugar over the top, then swirl it into the churro fudge with a knife. Cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Chocolate Tip: The chocolate might look melted, but don’t rush it. Keep stirring until it’s silky and glossy for perfectly rich, creamy churro fudge.
Lightly spray an 8 x 8-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and line the pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-2 inch overhang on either side. Set aside.
Add 3 cups high-quality white chocolate chips, 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons salted butter to a medium saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until fully melted and very smooth, about 4 minutes.
Remove from the heat and stir 4 tablespoons of the 7 tablespoons cinnamon sugar into the fudge mixture.
Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared baking pan and smooth over the top. Spoon the remaining 3 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar evenly over the top, then swirl it into the fudge with a knife.
Cover the pan with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
Kathy Hilton’s husband Rick reported three burglars inside his home
Photo Credit: Mark Von Holden/Bravo
TMZ first reported the news of the burglaries, which happened on Saturday, November 15, the second day of BravoCon. Around 2 pm, Sutton’s dogwalker called 911 to report that her kitchen window had been broken. The cops showed up and took a report. It’s unclear if they stole anything.
A few hours later, Kathy’s husband, Rick Hilton, called 911 and reported three burglars inside their home. By the time the police showed up, the intruders had escaped. Similar to the incident at Sutton’s house, the cops took a report, but there’s no word on whether or not anything was actually stolen.
Regardless of whether anything was lost, break-ins are an all too familiar situation for the RHOBH cast. Kathy’s sister, Kyle Richards, has been targeted by thieves in the past. Just last year, her daughter Farrah Aldjufrie lost nearly $1 million worth of possessions after a home invasion.
Of course, Dorit Kemsley also came face-to-face with robbers. We saw the aftermath of that traumatic experience play out in Season 12 of RHOBH. Meanwhile, Lisa Rinna said she was robbed three times in six weeks.
It’s unknown if the latest robbers specifically targeted the RHOBH cast members, knowing they were away at BravoCon. Still, it’s a terrifying thing to come home to after spending the weekend in Las Vegas, and a disturbing trend for the Housewives.
