“The downside, of course, is the margin stacking that results,” Harrowell said. “AWS is not the cheapest LLM API provider, and their margin is layered on top of Anthropic’s. Microsoft will want to bring it on-platform as soon as they understand it and have the capacity. They seem to be buying capacity in every direction at the moment, with the deal with Nebius possibly reflecting delays in the Maia AI-ASICs.”
This means that delays in Microsoft’s Maia AI-ASICs, which underpin Azure’s AI capacity, may be forcing the company to rely on AWS to run Anthropic’s models.
However, this kind of cooperation between competitors is not unusual for the tech sector, according to Sharath Srinivasamurthy, research vice president at IDC. For instance, Apple sources display panels from Samsung despite being direct competitors in the smartphone market.
A popular League of Legendsesports player, Bwipo, has been suspended by his organization after he said on a Twitch stream that women shouldn’t be playing competitively while menstruating. Bwipo, whose real name is Gabriël Rau, told viewers on a Twitch stream: “I think there’s just not enough support for female pro players… women’s anatomy and their monthly cycles are just extremely different from males, and there’s no proper support system for women to go through what they’re going through.” And before he mentioned women’s anatomies, some viewers were probably thinking that he was going to talk about how there should be more support for women in esports. But then he continued:
“…even men just tilt out of their f—ing minds when they’re playing League of Legends. So, when a woman is on the wrong part of the month and playing competitively, there is a time of the month where you should not be f—ing playing competitive games as a woman, in my opinion.” He justified his statement by saying that it’s based on his experience “living with one for a while.” He claimed the woman he lived with played League of Legends made it “really obvious when she was just getting irritated at every stupid little thing.” Bwipo added: “This is not me trying to be sexist or anything.” His video circulated on Reddit, but it’s no longer available.
In a response to his statement posted on TikTok, the host and co-creator of League Awards, Eefje “sjokz” Depoorter, criticized and opposed his views. “I thought we’re past that,” she said about Bwipo calling a woman’s period the “wrong” time of the month. “That’s such a crazy take,” sjokz continued, talking about how women make Olympic records, climb mountains, work 24-hour shifts, are providers for their children, and care for the elderly, all while bleeding buckets and experiencing pain. “Also the notion that men aren’t emotional in games of League…” she trailed off and made a sound.
Bwipo’s organization, FlyQuest, then posted an announcement on X, acknowledging that he “made sexist comments” and that they were “antithetical” to its core values. “Comments that might discourage even one young woman from pursuing her dream of becoming a pro player harm the future of esports, and we take that very seriously,” it wrote. FlyQuest has decided to suspend “Bwipo from play for the next series in the LTA playoffs,” which he’s currently in. The organization is also donating his prize money from the event to causes that support women in gaming. To note, FlyQuest has an esports team called Red that showcases “women and gender expansive folks in gaming.”
After FlyQuest’s announcement, Bwipo posted an apology on X, admitting wrongdoing. “I’m sorry to those I hurt,” he wrote. “I regret using my platform to fuel vitriol and sexism instead of support.”
The Associated British Foods (LSE: ABF) share price fell 10% in early trading today (10 September) after it released a key trading update, ahead of full-year results later in the year. The FTSE 100 firm owns a motley collection of businesses across retail and grocery.
I view the health of the company as a bellwether for the wider UK economy. So, could it be signalling that tough times are ahead?
Primark
Accounting for 50% of the group’s revenue, Primark is the business that I watch most closely. One of the primary reasons why I bought the stock was a belief that its brand would resonate with consumers in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. However, it would seem that even retailers at the lower end of the price spectrum are not immune to a consumer squeeze.
In H2 that ends in a few days’ time, the retailer is expecting sales growth to be lacklustre at 1%. Like-for-like sales are expected to come in around 2% lower than the same period last year.
However, there were some big disparities across different regions. In Central and Eastern Europe sales are expected to increase 9%, and in the US by 23%. But these account for a tiny fraction of total sales.
The UK is by far the most important region. Here, sales are expected to grow 1% in H2.
Consumer squeeze
It is easy for the retailer to blame macroeconomic factors for stuttering sales. I mean, what retailer out there is not struggling at the moment. But is it the only factor?
Back at H1 results, a sales decrease of 4%, led to Primark’s market share reducing from 6.9% to 6.7%. According to the latest figures from Kantar, it currently stands at 6.8%.
An unusually mild autumn last year was blamed for a poor set of numbers in H1. But with one of the hottest and driest spring and summer on record, I would have expected buoyant consumer shopping. Could it be that the consumer is falling out of love with a brand because of its limited online offering?
Click & Collect has finally reached all its 187 UK stores. But for me it is very difficult to assess the extent of its success in driving footfall into its stores.
Other businesses
One of the attractions of ABF (as it’s known) to me is that even if one part of its business is underperforming others get the opportunity to shine. Unfortunately, it looks as though Primark’s woes could be contagious.
In grocery, the picture looks mixed. Allied Bakeries, which manufactures Kingsmill bread, has been a loss-making business for some time, with the rising prominence of speciality breads. An expected merger with rival Hovis is a sensible move.
Many of its brand continue to perform well, though. This includes Twinings Tea and Ovaltine, in response to marketing and product innovation.
Bottom line
I continue to believe that the UK is heading for a recession. Indeed, I would not be surprised if we are not already in one.
The consumer has long tapped out and that has undoubtedly hurt ABF sales. I own the stock and will not sell because it is a well-run, conservatively managed business. But I am certainly not in a rush to buy more any time soon, either.
The female-led Bachelor spinoff, The Bachelorette, first premiered in 2003 with lead Trista Rehn. Now that season 29 of The Bachelor concluded in March 2025, it’s time to take a look at who will be stepping into the lead role for season 22 for the ladies.
Who Was the Last Bachelorette?
Jenn Tran, the first Asian-American lead, headed Season 21 of The Bachelorette last year, which ended in September 2024 with a shocking twist. Tran was faced with a difficult decision between two final men, Marcus Shoberg and Devin Strader. Although Tran ultimately chose Strader, it was revealed during the live finale that Strader ended the engagement over the phone.
During After the Final Rose, Tran broke down in tears as she opened up about the truth of their relationship.
“It’s been a really hard couple of months. We had left Hawaii engaged, very very happy. It was the happiest day of my life,” she shared. “As soon as we had left Hawaii, things were just different. It kind of felt like he was pulling away, all the promises he had made to me of wanting to move somewhere together and have this future planned out. The efforts were inconsistent. He wasn’t calling as much, texting as much. I was confused.”
She tearfully explained that he eventually called to break off their engagement. “He had basically said that he didn’t love me anymore and didn’t feel the same way and felt like something had been off,” she said. “He regretted getting engaged and I didn’t know.”
(Disney/Ramona Rosales)
Who Is the Next Bachelorette?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the reality dating series will not premiere in 2025, following Grant Ellis‘ Season 29 of The Bachelor. Typically, an eliminated contestant from The Bachelor goes on to lead the next season of The Bachelorette. The series also took a brief hiatus in 2006 and 2007 before returning with Season 4 in 2008.
The next Bachelorette will be The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul.
When Does ‘The Bachelorette’ Season 22 Premiere?
The next season of The Bachelorette won’t air until 2026.
Who Did Grant Ellis Pick on ‘The Bachelor’ Season 29?
Ellis ultimately chose Juliana Pasquarosa, a 28-year-old from Waltham, Massachusetts, and the two got engaged but ultimately split.
On January 28, 2025, the day after TheBachelor Season 29 premiere, Pasquarosa took to Instagram to share an emotional post. She posted a video introducing her closest loved ones and captioned it: “I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of beginning to watch this all back, but I can anticipate that it’s going to be a wild ride. I couldn’t have done any of this without the immense amount of love and support these amazing humans have given me.”
This Welsh town is the perfect place for an autumn getaway (Image: North Wales Live/David Powell)
As autumn slowly makes its arrival, those planning to have a seasonal getaway may want to look towards Wales. With autumn’s fresh air, the crackling leaves beneath your feet, Wales’s stunning landscapes transform into a brilliant tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. The country is home to countless autumnal destinations where you can marvel at spectacular foliage, enjoy steaming hot chocolates in welcoming cafés, and explore independent shops for seasonal delights.
One picturesque town is Betws-y-Coed, with its distinctive alpine atmosphere and delightful stone structures and bridges. Regarded as the entrance to Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), its name translates to “prayerhouse-in-the-woods” and is believed to originate from the 14th-century St. Michael’s Church, where ancient yew trees have flourished for over 500 years.
This town is best visited in autumn for dazzling colours (Image: Joe Daniel Price)
For generations, St. Michael’s Church served as Betws-y-Coed’s vital centre until the village expanded, and, in 1873, St. Mary’s Church arrived with its impressive scale to assume control. Both churches and the railway station, constructed in 1869, were crafted by Owen Gethin Jones – quite the regional icon.
The introduction of roads and railways proved transformative for Betws, attracting artists, poets, and writers to the region, captivated by the invigorating air and woodland vistas. It wasn’t long before Betws-y-Coed established itself as Britain’s inaugural artists’ colony, where imagination flourished.
By the Victorian era, this quaint village had transformed into a posh tourist hotspot for affluent visitors seeking wellness and relaxation.
Hotels began to emerge, offering horse-drawn tours to showcase the stunning beauty of Betws. Fast forward to the 1930s, steam trains started transporting factory workers from Lancashire to Betws-y-Coed for a much-needed break from urban life.
The Trefriw Spa became a major attraction, drawing in crowds of visitors. Paddle steamers even moored at Trefriw Quay, adding to the village’s allure, until the outbreak of World War II tragically brought everything to a standstill in 1939.
Today, Betws is at the epicentre of all the action in Eryri, with a plethora of nearby activities such as waterfall walks, canyoning, hiking, and ziplining.
Betws-y-Coed is a small village in the heart of the Eryri national park (Image: Getty Images)
Gwydir Forest Park practically envelops Betws-y-Coed, offering a magical blend of tranquil mountain lakes, woodland paths and frothing waterfalls cascading through the untamed Welsh landscape.
Several trails are located in this area, so download the handy AllTrails app to find your preferred route and enjoy the dazzling foliage as you trek along.
Embark on the two-mile-long Swallow Falls walk to see the cascading falls. This often muddy trail meanders through woodland to a viewpoint over the waterfall – you get a fantastic view from this side of the river, so don’t forget your camera.
Here, you can jump on the UK’s only alpine coaster for an unforgettable woodland adventure, whizzing through the trees at 25mph. The rugged glacial valleys and craggy canyons around Betws-y-Coed are perfect for outdoor adventures in invigorating waters.
Canyoning and gorge walking are essential activities for those seeking a thrill. With an activity provider like Seren Ventures, you can navigate through river-filled canyons, rappel down cliffs, and even zipline across rivers.
If you don’t fancy an epic hike to a waterfall spot, there is a beautiful waterfall near Betws-y-Coed that doesn’t require a three-hour trek to reach it. (Image: Portia Jones)
Betws-y-Coed, with its delightful Victorian architecture, is also home to Swallow Falls at Ty’n Llwyn – often touted as North Wales’ most stunning location, with a backdrop that could easily be mistaken for a film set.
But it’s not just the scenery that’s captivating; the falls are steeped in local folklore, adding an extra layer of charm to this already enchanting place.
Here, the River Conwy meets three tributaries – the Llugwy, Lledr, and Machno – flowing in from the west, creating a dramatic mix of waterfalls, rapids, and deep, mysterious pools. The natural beauty is absolutely mesmerising.
Rhaeadr Ewynnol (Swallow Falls) are just a 15-minute drive from Betws, and you can park at the Ty’n Llwyn car park in Gwydir Forest Park, which is a starting point for a walking trail to the falls.
Alternatively, parking is available in the nearby lay-by on the A5. You can also take the regular Snowdon Sherpa S1 (Betws-y-Coed to Caernarfon) and T10 (Betws-y-Coed to Bangor) bus services.
It’s one of the most accessible and beautiful falls in Wales and is well worth a visit this autumn (Image: Portia Jones)
Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a coin or card-operated turnstile granting access to the viewing area for the falls. For a mere £2 per person, you can gain entry to these viewing areas, conveniently located just a short stroll from the turnstiles.
The thunderous sound of the white water cascading over the rocks will likely reach your ears before the sight of the falls comes into view, piercing the tranquillity of the surrounding woodland.
The falls can be admired from timber boardwalks and a footbridge, with platform access nestled within a gently steep gorge. There’s no need for an arduous hike; simply amble to the platforms and begin capturing some stunning #fall photos.
Comprising multiple cascades that total approximately 42 m (138 ft) in height, the falls tumble over a stepped rocky platform, earning them the title of the highest continuous waterfall in Wales.
This autumn, don’t miss out on visiting one of the most accessible and picturesque falls in Wales.
It’s super dreamy in the autumn (Image: North Wales Live/David Powell)
After all that waterfall admiration, have you worked up an appetite? Make your way to the recently revamped Swallow Falls Hotel, conveniently situated just across the road.
This delightful old inn has been a welcoming haven for travellers and locals alike for over 150 years. Now, following a lavish multi-million-pound refurbishment, it’s looking more appealing than ever.
Expect cosy pub ambience, comfortable rooms, and relaxed dining options available throughout the day. It’s the ideal place to recharge with a pint and a hearty pub lunch.
Back in the village, there are plenty of dining and drinking establishments to choose from. For authentic quality pizza, Hangin’ Pizzeria comes highly recommended for traditional Italian pizzas topped with imaginative ingredients.
Dog-friendly Y Stablau provides a delightful venue for local ales, generously sized dishes crafted with Welsh produce, and a selection of bespoke cocktails. It proves ideal for relaxing after an extensive day of hiking or canyoning.
Upmarket B&B Olif features an onsite tapas bar that combines Spanish tapas with traditional Welsh cuisine to deliver an outstanding menu of small plates packed with locally sourced Welsh produce.
The beloved Alpine Coffee Shop remains a favoured destination for coffee and homemade cakes in a charming atmosphere. Added bonus: they even offer a “sausages for dogs,” loyalty card so your pooch can enjoy a cheeky treat.
Revamped Swallow Falls Inn at Betws-y-Coed (Image: Swallow Falls Inn)
Should you fancy a brief drive (approximately 20 minutes from Betws-y-Coed), The Old Stag in Llangernyw proves essential. This traditional country pub offers a genuinely welcoming atmosphere and nestles beneath a 4,500 year old yew tree.
Constructed in 1640 as a farm, it now houses quirky artefacts from centuries past. Nothing beats settling into one of its comfortable seats beside a crackling fire with a delicious Welsh ale.
There’s simply too much to experience in lovely Betws-y-Coed to squeeze into just one day, so why not remain for a while?
After all, you’ll require time to discover everything this stunning village provides, and believe me, it’s worthwhile. For a charming, rustic experience, consider the Tŷ Gwyn Hotel, a centuries-old coaching inn complete with beamed ceilings and stunning bedrooms.
If you’re after tranquillity, Pengwern Country House is just a mile out of town. Constructed from beautiful Welsh stone and slate, it offers breathtaking views over the lush Lledr Valley.
For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, Pont-y-Pair Inn is the place to be. This family-run traditional inn boasts 10 luxury en-suite bedrooms and is surrounded by an abundance of hiking and biking trails.
The inn hosts a variety of entertaining events, ranging from karaoke to live music, providing the perfect end to a day filled with autumn adventures.
After going through a period where he struggled to get projects off the ground, Guillermo del Toro has seen a resurgence in recent years, especially since his big Academy Award wins for his 2017 film The Shape of Water. Following a phenomenal run that includes Nightmare Alley (which recently was announced to be getting a Criterion Collection entry), and the stop-motion animated project Pinocchio, the director’s next big feature is an adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The film has already begun to make the festival rounds, first premiering at the Venice International Film Festival as well as the Toronto International Film Festival.
Guillermo del Toro spoke to attendees at a panel following a screening of Frankenstein, where the director reflected on his career up to this point. Del Toro said the release of the film “sort of closes a huge episode in my life,” which is unsurprising considering he’s long proclaimed the movie to be a passion project. With it complete, del Toro is looking forward to the future, with one project in particular, titled Fury, discussed at the panel.
PerThe Hollywood Reporter, Fury is set to reunite del Toro with Oscar Isaac, who stars in Frankenstein as the titular character, alongside Jacob Elordi, who plays the monster. The director briefly spoke about the themes and tone of the project, saying that “It’s going back to the thriller aspects of Nightmare Alley. It’s very cruel, very violent.” The article also mentions that del Toro has an ambitious stop-motion movie in development, which is unsurprising considering the success of Pinocchio, which won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
‘Fury’ Will be Guillermo Del Toro’s Next Project
Jacob Elordi in Frankenstein (2025)Netflix
Nightmare Alley is del Toro’s take on the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsay Gresham, which was previously made into a film in 1947, directed by Edmund Goulding. Del Toro’s iteration of the story is a neo-noir psychological thriller with an ensemble cast, led by Bradley Cooper as Stanton Carlisle. The movie feels like an interesting departure from the larger-than-life works that the filmmaker worked on previously, telling a darker and more intimate tale driven by the worst and most basic instincts of its characters. The fact that del Toro harkens back to Nightmare Alley when describing Fury means he may be scaling back after what was undoubtedly a large-scale undertaking in adapting Frankenstein.
With Frankenstein set to be released by Netflix under their first-look deal with del Toro, it seems likely that Fury will also be released on the streaming service. A limited theatrical run for Frankenstein may also suggest the same for future projects helmed by the director. Thankfully, del Toro’s past Netflix films (as well as several other titles from the streaming service) have found homes on physical media through boutique Blu-ray brands like the Criterion Collection.
Warning: This article includes MAJOR SPOILERS for The Girlfriend!
Prime Video’s The Girlfriend is a wildly Oedipal thriller that plummets towards a dramatic ending that breaks down Cherry’s secrets and one shocking death. The story features three main characters: Laura (Robin Wright), Cherry (Olivia Cooke), and Daniel (Laurie Davidson). Daniel, a wealthy cad, becomes a customer at Cherry’s real estate company, hoping to meet her.
After Daniel and Cherry start dating, she tries to hide her poor background. She leans into the lie about her upbringing when meeting Daniel’s parents. Unfortunately, Daniel’s mom, Laura, is possessive of her son, whom she treats more like a boyfriend than a son. Though she tries to be open to Cherry, she quickly becomes jealous, as shown in The Girlfriend‘s trailer. Her jealousy leads her to uncover Cherry’s lies.
After a rock-climbing accident leaves Daniel in the hospital, Laura lies to Cherry, saying her son died. Additionally, she also lies to Daniel, convincing him that Cherry abandoned him because of his accident. When the truth is uncovered, this leads to a dramatic ending, which pits Laura and Cherry against each other in a competition over who is more unhinged.
How Laura Dies In The Girlfriend
Laura smiles while looking at someone in The Girlfriend
The dialogue in the cryptic first scene of The Girlfriend leads to the belief that Laura will kill Cherry at the end of the show. However, the finale flips this dynamic. Laura does plan to kill her son’s girlfriend. First, she tries to stab Cherry, and then she attempts to drown her. Laura ends up dying, though, not Cherry.
The interesting part is that it doesn’t occur at the hands of the expected individual. Instead, in true Oedipus Rex style, Daniel unknowingly kills one of his parents. Except, in a twist from the fable, he kills the mother whom he adores more than anything. In a drugged haze, Daniel stumbles to the basement to see Laura drowning Cherry.
Daniel’s protective instincts kick in, and he’s forced to choose one of the women. Rather than standing by his mother, he’s her undoing. He separates the women by pushing Laura underwater. In the midst of checking on Cherry, Daniel doesn’t realize that he’s held Laura’s head underwater for too long, killing her.
Ultimately, the way Laura dies is tragic for a few reasons. Daniel will have to live with the guilt of having murdered his mother, who engaged in emotional incest with him. He’s also stuck with Cherry, whom he’ll undoubtedly grow to resent. Additionally, no matter who Daniel had chosen, he would be stuck with a manipulative and dangerous woman.
Cherry’s Secret Past In The Girlfriend Explained
Leading up to the ending of The Girlfriend, the show reveals that Cherry played a part in her father’s injury, which we’ll dissect in the next section. However, the most disturbing reveal comes in the final moments of the show. When Daniel finds his mother’s phone, he sees the video Laura recorded of her conversation with Cherry’s mother.
In the audio, Cherry’s mom mentions that the attack on Cherry’s dad wasn’t an isolated event. Instead, she reveals that Cherry did worse than “glassing her face” when dealing with kids in school who took her toys and the boy who stood her up at the college dance. It’s implied that she might have killed the latter.
Finally, Cherry’s mom warns that Daniel needs to be careful with Cherry because, eventually, she’ll find a way to “get rid of him” when he doesn’t give her what she wants. This aligns with her behavior towards Laura, who Cherry’s friendly towards until Laura stops acting the way she wants.
What Really Happened To Cherry’s Father
When Cherry goes to visit her father, he has a very dramatic reaction to her presence, so she leaves. This is the first hint that she was responsible for his condition. Later, it comes out that Cherry went after her father to confront him about leaving her and her mom. Ultimately, she pushes him, causing him to fall.
Based on the way she addresses the incident in the final episode, it seems like Cherry did this on purpose out of anger, rather than acting on impulse and feeling bad about it. This shows that her previous drastic steps, like hitting her head with a glass and vandalizing the art, weren’t done from a place of emotion. Instead, it was likely a calculated move.
Is Cherry After Daniel’s Money?
Daniel and Cherry kiss in The Girlfriend
The Girlfriend bounces back and forth between Cherry’s and Laura’s perspectives, with each painting the story in a drastically different way. Laura’s perspective shows Cherry to be a woman who is only with Daniel to get his money.
In the book by Michelle Frances, there’s a much stronger argument for this being the truth. However, that really doesn’t seem to be the case in the Prime Video original show.
Cherry isn’t against using Daniel’s money for things, but she doesn’t do that often. Even when she takes the extra money from the flight, she buys clothes specifically meant to impress Daniel’s family so that she’ll fit in with them. It’s less about herself and more about making a good impression on the family of the man she loves.
More frequently, she puts herself into debt to impress Daniel, without ever telling him how much she spent. She’s trying to succeed on her own merits at work, despite her upbringing putting her at a disadvantage. Plus, she’s apprehensive about dating Daniel because he’s rich and “a wanker.” As such, it’s more likely that she chose Daniel based on personality.
Is Laura In Love With Her Son?
Daniel (Laurie Davidson) and Laura (Robin Wright) touch foreheads and close eyes while she puts her arms around his neck in The GirlfriendCourtesy of Prime
While Laura spends the series convinced that Cherry is after Daniel’s money, Cherry spends the series confident that Laura is essentially in love with her son. It’s easy to dismiss the former, but the latter is unfortunately not entirely baseless. Though she might not be in love with him, per se, Laura engages in emotional incest with her son.
She expects him to fulfill her emotional needs in the way a partner would. He’s not allowed to put his own desires ahead of his mom’s, even though he’s an adult. What’s more, they become so enmeshed that he lies about Laura’s bad behavior to protect her reputation, and he feels guilty when she’s upset.
She’s also very touchy-feely with her son, to the point where I said “yikes” multiple times throughout The Girlfriend. At one point, they even kiss on the lips. For these reasons, and even more, this story is simultaneously Oedipal, which is when a son is in love with his mother, and Jocastal, which is when the roles are reversed.
Howard & Laura’s Open Relationship Explained
Howard (Waleed Zuaiter) comforts Laura (Robin Wright) as she cries in The GirlfriendCourtesy of Prime
Throughout The Girlfriend, Howard tries desperately to please his wife, Laura. At first, this means opening up their marriage. He finds a girlfriend named Mariane, thinking that’s what his wife wants. Then, when she approaches him about closing the marriage, he agrees and breaks up with Marianne.
Unfortunately, nothing Howard does ever seems to be good enough for Laura. She continually puts all her time and attention into her son at the sacrifice of her husband. The only person, aside from her son, who actually seems to bring her joy is her ex-girlfriend, Lilith.
However, it’s unclear whether she’s truly happy with Lilith or if she finds comfort in Lilith because the ex-girlfriend enables her toxic relationship with her son. There may be some of both going on, as there is genuine chemistry between the women. Either way, it’s understandable why Howard is so quick to side with Cherry, who validates his feelings, and Daniel.
The Significance Of The Song “Everybody Supports Women” In The Girlfriend
Robin Wright & Olivia Cooke in The Girlfriend
The song “Everybody Supports Women” by Sophia Isella is played multiple times in The Girlfriend, which is especially notable since the bingeable show is only six episodes long. Ultimately, the lyrics directly connect to the central conflict of the raunchy thriller.
As much as this is about the terrible relationship between a girlfriend and a mom, it quickly becomes more akin to a love triangle, due to the Oedipal undertones. While they genuinely love Daniel, the competition quickly turns into a battle between two women who hate each other, despite seemingly supporting other women in their general lives.
As Isella’s song says, “Everybody supports women until a woman’s doing better than you.” Cherry hates Laura for being richer and having Daniel’s admiration. Laura hates Cherry for being prettier and having Daniel’s love. It ends up being a battle over who can manipulate Daniel more effectively.
How The Girlfriend’s Ending Sets Up Season 2
Daniel (Laurie Davidson) sits in between Laura (Robin Wright) and Cherry (Olivia Cooke), holding Laura’s hand and putting his arm around Cherry, in The GirlfriendCourtesy of Prime
The Girlfriend doesn’t necessarily need a second season, as it feels complete as is. Daniel discovers he’s trapped in a marriage with a woman who is both dangerous and unhinged without an easy out. However, one aspect of the ending does set up a storyline for a possible second season.
In the final scene, Cherry is extremely pregnant, looking like she’s about to give birth any day. Now that Daniel knows about Cherry’s secret past and her manipulative behavior, The Girlfriend season 2 could delve into how Daniel copes with the information now that they’re going to be parents.
Additionally, Cherry and Daniel’s child could cause conflict that leads to Cherry going after her husband in The Girlfriend‘s second season. She could become increasingly hostile and controlling as he tries to leave with their child.
Two long-awaited reports about the disaster-relief charity FireAid’s distribution of funds have been released to government officials and the public.
The 501(c)(3) organization, founded by Clippers executives, had been under scrutiny from Republican politicians (including President Trump, who called FireAid a “total disaster”) and some residents of fire-ravaged areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. They questioned the priorities and effectiveness of grants given out after FireAid raised an estimated $100 million through its flagship benefit concerts in January.
In response, FireAid commissioned two reports — one a long-planned six-month status update on the specifics of its fundraising, grant making and local impacts, and the other an independent review by law firm Latham & Watkins. Both documents, reviewed by The Times, have been sent to local and national officials and the Department of Justice.
“The law firm conducted an independent review of the charity, and shared conclusive findings affirming that FireAid has acted in accordance with mission, has strong accountability measures and aid is reaching affected communities,” the FireAid organization said in a statement about the review findings.
Scrutiny of FireAid‘s handling of charitable funds was escalated in July when California Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) said, in a letter calling for an investigation, that “tens of thousands of people in Southern California lost so much in the wildfires, including their homes and loved ones. Americans generously opened their wallets to help the people impacted by the wildfires. Every penny should go towards helping those people rebuild their lives. I am urging the Attorney General to open an investigation into the matter immediately so the people of Southern California can receive much-needed relief.”
In response to those concerns, FireAid commissioned an independent review from Latham & Watkins, which said in its report, “Recently, media reports and public inquiries have raised concerns regarding the distribution of the charitable donations raised. … Based on the investigation conducted to date, we have not identified evidence of any misrepresentations in the solicitation of charitable funds, improper selection of grantees, improper distribution of funds, improper use or misappropriation of funds, fraudulent intent, or deviation from FireAid’s stated mission.”
“Rather, our findings indicate that FireAid understood its purpose as a charity concert to raise money for fire victims, communicating consistently how charitable donations would be used across its website, public statements, and sponsorship materials,” it continued. “FireAid put in place a comprehensive, multi-level grantmaking and evaluation process to ensure the effective distribution of funds. The overarching goal was to swiftly allocate funds to organizations that were capable of providing services to the community as fast as possible. Consistent with the ideology of disaster philanthropy, FireAid’s approach aimed to balance the need for formal processes and controls with the urgency of disaster response.”
The Pacific Palisades Community Council, a group whose early concerns about FireAid prompted wider calls for investigation, said in a letter published alongside the review findings: “Like many in the community, we were seeking clarity at a time when communication was scattered, and emotions were running high. Since that time, we have received an official statement from FireAid, as well as dozens of testimonies and direct information from organizations on the ground. These updates have painted a much fuller and clearer picture of how FireAid resources are being put to work — quickly, carefully, and with real local impact.”
“After calling for scrutiny of fund disbursements and accountability, we realize that misinformation online has increased, particularly around the use of FireAid funds,” the council’s letter continued. “It’s understandable, as disaster leaves people in a state of loss, anger and uncertainty. As a community organization, PPCC believes it has a responsibility to counter false or incomplete narratives with emerging facts. That includes recognizing when the people who could help actually did.”
Olivia Rodrigo performs during the FireAid benefit concert Jan. 30 at Intuit Dome in Inglewood.
(Jordan Strauss / Invision / Associated Press)
FireAid’s internal six-month progress report, a copy of which The Times received, noted 75,020 donors to FireAid, with $99,330,741 in cash raised and $8,390,463 in in-kind donations. Those funds were used toward two rounds of 127 and 70 grants to organizations totaling $74,675,000 (a third round of grant applications is underway and will be distributed later this year), the report indicated.
The first round of grants delivered $7.6 million to disaster relief groups, $6.7 million to frontline workers and small businesses, $4.8 million to housing and health groups and $3.3 million to musician and artist organizations, among other sub-categories like food access, reservation of recreational spaces, benefits navigation and schools, according to the progress report.
A second round spent $14.7 million on wildfire recovery efforts and $5.9 million for wildfire victim relief, among other efforts.
The document also clarifies the exact sources of the funds raised during the benefit. Tickets and suites at the Forum and Intuit Dome — the sites of the concerts — raised just over $14 million, while $44.5 million came from corporate sponsors, $9.9 million from institutional and philanthropic donors, and $14 million from live-broadcast and individual donations. Ballmer and his wife, Connie, provided $14 million in matching donations.
FireAid also clarified that “a stipulation of the FireAid funds communicated to each grantee that not a single dollar was allowed to be spent on administrative costs to ensure maximum benefit.”
Flea, left, and Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at FireAid at the Forum.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision / Associated Press)
“With all concert operational costs being privately funded, with additional pro bono and in-kind support,100% of the monies raised are being directed to frontline organizations helping survivors recover and rebuild,” the report said.
The Latham & Watkins report spoke directly to concerns over the strategy that, rather than making direct cash grants to affected residents, the funds went to a range of established local nonprofit groups.
“With respect to concerns that individuals did not receive funds directly, FireAid’s corporate formation documents and website explicitly state the purpose of the funds,” they said. “While FireAid itself is not making direct payments to victims, FireAid has disbursed grants to several nonprofit organizations that have provided direct relief — across a broad spectrum of services — to survivors of the fires and their communities. … FireAid’s determination to distribute aid to the verified nonprofit organizations identified through its vetting process, rather than disbursing money directly to individuals, is an approach that FireAid consistently communicated to both the public and donors.”
“Latham has not identified any evidence that funds were given to organizations that were not providing relevant aid nor that funds were being used improperly,” they said. “Though critics have expressed belief that certain organizations were inappropriate grantees, recipients of FireAid funds appear to have used those funds in ways that are consistent with their intended and communicated use.”
A final year-end report is scheduled for Dec. 31 and final audit for, accounting firm KPMG early next year.
Spotify has announced that it is rolling out its long-awaited lossless audio feature for premium subscribers in 50 markets worldwide. With the new feature, subscribers can stream tracks in up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC (or CD-quality audio) on “nearly every song available on Spotify,” says a Spotify press release on the matter.
Lossless audio will roll out gradually across the 50 qualifying markets through October. Premium users in Australia, Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, the US, and the UK have already started to get access.
Related
Spotify’s high fidelity listening feature has been a long time coming. It was first announced in Feb. 2021 at the company’s Stream On event and promoted by Billie Eilish and Finneas. Originally, the plan was to roll out high fidelity audio “in select markets later [that] year” according to the original 2021 announcement, but it never materialized. In early 2022, Spotify posted a status update to its community board, stating that HiFi was now on hold. “We know that HiFi quality audio is important to you,” the statement reads. “We feel the same, and we’re excited to deliver a Spotify HiFi experience to Premium users in the future. But we don’t have timing details to share yet. We will of course update you here when we can.”
At the time, many onlookers believed this higher quality listening experience was an opportunity for Spotify to raise prices, which would, in turn, amount to greater profits for the streaming service and more royalties for artists and songwriters. In 2015, Tidal launched a HiFi audio plan for $19.99 a month. In 2019, Amazon did the same by launching Amazon Music HD, a new HiFi tier that offered 50 million songs in 16 bit, 44.1kHz and “millions” more in Ultra HD (24-bit and up to 192 kHz) for an additional cost of $5 per month for existing Amazon Music subscribers.
But the hope for a new, higher-priced tier came to a halt in May 2021 when Apple Music entered the high fidelity race by announcing its “Spatial Audio” tier with Dolby Atmos at no additional cost to its users. Later that day, Amazon Music announced that its HD tier would now also be free for all users.
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In 2023, Bloomberg reported that a so-called “Supremium” tier was in the works at Spotify. The tier was intended to be a higher-priced upgrade from its premium offering, likely including special features like lossless audio. To date, it has not come to fruition.
The announcement of its integration of lossless audio comes just weeks after Spotify announced its Mix With Spotify feature, allowing premium users to create DJ-level mixes and transitions between songs in a playlist. The company also recently added the ability to direct message (DM) other account holders.
One of Hollywood’s most notorious figures is now seven years sober, and as the centerpiece of a publicity blitz surrounding his new memoir (The Book of Sheen, out this week), Charlie Sheen at 60 consents to an exhaustive interview for a two-part documentary from director Andrew Renzi. He reflects on his meteoric rise, his personal lows (drug and alcohol abuse, a careless predilection for sex workers, getting fired from Two and a Half Men) and how he somehow survived it all. Among the colorful personalities also weighing in: ex-wives Denise Richards and Brooke Mueller, Men costar Jon Cryer, former Hollywood Madam Heidi Fleiss and even his former drug dealer. Expect eyes to open and jaws to drop.
They left TV and Masterpiece nearly a decade ago, but the Crawleys of Downton Abbey and their devoted staff of servants have never entirely gone away. With a third and final film in the beloved period franchise opening this weekend, the stars gather at London’s posh Savoy Hotel to reminisce about Downton Abbey‘s past and present, sharing the fondest of memories. You know this is why you’ve been saving that bottle of bubbly.
Christopher Raphael / Prime Video
The Girlfriend
What could be more welcome at midweek than a streaming guilty pleasure? This sleek, sexy melodrama depicts a battle of wills between two femmes fatales: Laura, an icily controlling and fabulously wealthy mother (House of Cards‘ stunning Robin Wright) and the working-class looker named, of all things, Cherry (House of the Dragon‘s scintillating Olivia Cooke), who has captured the fancy of Laura’s adored doctor son Daniel (Laurie Davidson). “This one is … different,” Daniel tells his extremely clingy mom before she meets Cherry, sparking an almost immediate mutual distrust. The story unfolds from both Laura’s and Cherry’s alternating perspectives, showing events from different angles that leave you wondering what really happened. One thing’s for certain: It’s not going to end well. All six episodes are available for a juicy binge-watch.
Tom Parry / BBC Studios
Big Cats 24/7
Using thermal cameras and drone technology, nature filmmakers take an around-the-clock immersive approach to capturing life among the big cats of Botswana — lions, leopards and cheetahs, oh my — in the second season of the enthralling docuseries. The first two episodes of the four-part series focus on the females of the species, tending to their lion, leopard and cheetah cubs and protecting them from intruders and other predators.
Apple TV+
Platonic
Three is becoming a crowd when Will’s (Seth Rogen) friskiness in the guest house becomes a concern for his best bud Sylvia (Rose Byrne) and too-accommodating husband Charlie (Luke Macfarlane), whose time in therapy has made him more assertive about demanding change. While Will goes home-hunting, he also makes time to help Sylvia with the holiday retirement party she’s planning for Charlie’s law firm, no one expecting the bombshell that’s about to drop. Guest stars include The Office‘s Paul Lieberstein as Charlie’s therapist, whose very name is a joke, and Saturday Night Live alum Aidy Bryant as Sylvia’s potential new client.
Family Law (8/7c, The CW): AI is on the docket when Abby (Jewel Staite) represents a mother in mourning who wants to delete an AI replica of her late daughter that her ex made, while Daniel (Zach Smadu) tries to convince the court that his client is in a real relationship with an AI doll.
The Harlem Globetrotters: Secrets of the City (8/7c, AspireTV): A travel series follows the famed basketball team on a world tour with stops including Cairo, London, Stuttgart and Sydney.
Gordon Ramsay’s Secret Service (9/8c, Fox): Following a recap episode of MasterChef: Dynamic Duos (8/7c) in advance of next week’s season finale, Gordon Ramsay closes out the first season of Secret Service by infiltrating an historic Rhode Island burger joint that has seen better days.
Sacred Planet with Gulnaz Khan (10/9c, PBS): Environmental journalist Gulnaz Khan travels to sacred sites around the world to reflect on our ever-changing planet. First stop: the mountain range of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia, where the Indigenous Arhuasco people maintain a spiritual connection to their ancestral lands.
The Hospital (11/10c, BET): Comedian Kevin Fredericks leads an improv troupe in a sketch comedy (airing back-to-back episodes) set at a dysfunctional hospital that makes Denis Medical look normal.
ON THE STREAM:
The Hardacres (streaming on BritBox): A rags-to-riches period family drama from the U.K. follows the fortunes of a working-class Yorkshire clan from the fish docks who unexpectedly come into money and take over a country estate to the chagrin of their new neighbors.
Eli’s Places (streaming on ESPN+): Eli Manning travels to Stanford to discuss the impact of Name, Image and Likeness rulings with former Colts QB Andrew Luck, who’s now General Manager of his alma mater Cardinal team. While there, Manning helps walk-on long snapper Alejandro Chavez negotiate his first endorsement deal.
Helluva Boss (streaming on Prime Video): Plucked from YouTube, the irreverent adult animated comedy about an assassination bureau from Hell presents its first two seasons, fully uncensored for the first time, along with an original episode.
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![Cherry’s Secrets & [SPOILER]’s Death Revealed](https://i3.wp.com/static0.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/grlf_s1_fg_103_00053314_still036_crop_3000.jpg?w=1600&h=900&fit=crop&w=768&resize=768,0&ssl=1 "Cherry’s Secrets & [SPOILER]’s Death Revealed")
