New Photo - Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast.

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 27, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

For *The Vampire Diaries* creatives, casting Enzo was a particularly difficult task. Because originally, the role was going to be very different.

"You were supposed to be the third Salvatore brother," executive producer Julie Plec tells star Michael Malarkey in episode 8 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*. Writer Brett Matthews adds, "That was always the plan, and then it went a different direction, but that's why it was so hard to find the person. We thought it was going to be a Salvatore brother, so we cast a very wide net [and] looked very hard." Ultimately, they scrapped that plan and made it so Enzo didn't share Salvatore blood, but he was a brother figure for Damon (Ian Somerhalder) for many years (and he was sired by Lily Salvatore).

But that wasn't the only plan that changed in the writers' room over the years. In discussing the *Vampire Diaries*' final season, Plec and Matthews recall the final major debate: Which Salvatore were they going to kill in the series finale? "We went back and forth in the writers' room all season long," Plec says. "We finally landed on: We're killing Damon. That's the right thing to do. He is the one with the consequence to pay. Stefan was morally a bit stronger of a character."

The Vampire Diaries

Michael Malarkey as Enzo and Ian Somerhalder as Damon on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Annette Brown/The CW; Bob Mahoney/The CW

Matthews adds, "Damon's a fairly obvious choice," noting that the writers really fell in love with the idea of Damon compelling Stefan (Paul Wesley) to let him die. But when executive producer Kevin Williamson proposed that it should be Stefan that dies, they started to rethink their plan. "It felt like dying for Stefan freed him from a lot of weight, whereas it felt like living for Damon freed him to go and be the man that he was always supposed to be," Plec says.

Of course, both Salvatores were meant to die in the original ending Plec and Williamson came up with during the show's second season. In that ending, "The boys would sacrifice themselves to save Elena so that Elena could go and have a life and be human and live," Plec recalls during the podcast. "To save her, they would die together, and that was always the pitch. And then when Nina [Dobrev] left, it felt like the show can't be as much about protecting Elena's happiness, although that's important to us, but we want to protect the bothers' happiness, we want them to get something out of this. Then it shifted to: We can't kill both of them for her because that feels somehow like nobody got what they wanted. Let's find a different way to give one of these brothers the happiness that they need and the other brother the closure that they need."

(One other way Dobrev leaving changed the plan? Plec says, "I thought that by the time we came back to the end of the series, whenever it was, that Elena would've found her way back to Stefan and Damon would've found a different path.")

For more about the final season, listen to the full podcast episode below:

**To listen, subscribe to *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries* feed via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to EW's YouTube page to catch all the video interviews, and stay tuned to EW.com.**

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* star Ian Somerhaldher reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- EW's Binge Podcast Episodes

Original Article on Source

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 09:12PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

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October 28, 2025

Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a Salvatore brother and Damon's fate in the finale

Listen to the final episode of EW's Binge: Vampire Diaries podcast. Vampire Diaries bosses on casting Enzo as a ...

This Was the Late Prunella Scales' Favorite 'Fawlty Towers' Scene JM McNabOctober 29, 2025 at 2:45 AM 0 Sad news in the world of farcical hotel management: Prunella Scales, who played Sybil Fawlty on Fawlty Towers has passed away at the age of 93.

- - This Was the Late Prunella Scales' Favorite 'Fawlty Towers' Scene

JM McNabOctober 29, 2025 at 2:45 AM

Sad news in the world of farcical hotel management: Prunella Scales, who played Sybil Fawlty on Fawlty Towers has passed away at the age of 93.

In a statement, Scales' co-star, and the co-author of the series, John Cleese called the news "very sad," noting that "Pru was a really wonderful comic actress. I've recently been watching a number of clips of Fawlty Towers whilst researching a book. Scene after scene she was absolutely perfect."

"She was a very sweet lady, who spent a lot of her life apologizing," he added. "I used to tease her about it. I was very, very fond of her."

While Cleese's wildly unhinged Basil Fawlty may have been the loudest part of the show, his comic antics simply wouldn't have worked without the stellar supporting cast, including Scales. Her take on Sybil grounded each episode, fleshing out the routinely fraught marital relationship that was so pivotal to Fawlty Towers.

Thanks to the perspective offered by the show's co-writer Connie Booth, who would point out that "a woman wouldn't say that" in response to some of Cleese's lines for Sybil, the character largely avoided being portrayed as a two-dimensional nagging wife. If anything, we sympathize with Sybil more than any other character because she so frequently had to put up with Basil's nonsense. And she was often the only one capable of correcting his ridiculous mistakes.

Scales' performance also gave us hints about where this woman came from, and how falling in love with a man her parents didn't approve of led her to a not-so-glamorous life in the Torquay service industry.

In the 2009 documentary Fawlty Towers: Re-Opened, Scales revealed that one of her favorite moments from the show was when Sybil actually walked out on Basil. In Season Two's "The Anniversary," Basil arranges for a surprise party for Sybil, inviting some friends to the hotel to celebrate their wedding anniversary. But she mistakenly thinks that he's forgotten all about it and takes off. So Basil enlists Polly to impersonate his wife, and pretend to be sick in bed. When the real Sybil returns and confronts Basil, announcing her intentions to separate, Basil tries to shoo her away, because he would rather torpedo his marriage than suffer any kind of embarrassment.

"I think the scene I look back on with great fondness is when they've had a fight and she's sort of trying to make it up," Scales explained. "And you realize that actually she's emotionally quite dependent on him."

Cleese called the scene an "extraordinarily sad moment where you see Sybil's vulnerability" because "she's trying to establish connection with Basil," and he couldn't care less.

Scales' passing is yet another reason why Cleese's planned reboot should never be spoken about ever again.

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 09:09PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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byAlex Perish

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October 28, 2025

This Was the Late Prunella Scales’ Favorite ‘Fawlty Towers’ Scene

This Was the Late Prunella Scales' Favorite 'Fawlty Towers' Scene JM McNabOctober 29, 2025 at 2:45 AM 0 ...

Vanna White's Son Nikko Santo Pietro Reveals His Relationship Status After Viral Fame (Exclusive) Stephanie WengerOctober 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM 31 Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Nikko Santo Pietro at 'Watch What Happens Live' Vanna White's son Nikko Santo Pietro is revealing his relationship status to ...

- - Vanna White's Son Nikko Santo Pietro Reveals His Relationship Status After Viral Fame (Exclusive)

Stephanie WengerOctober 28, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty

Nikko Santo Pietro at 'Watch What Happens Live' -

Vanna White's son Nikko Santo Pietro is revealing his relationship status to PEOPLE after experiencing viral fame last year

The Wheel of Fortune co-host also shares that she doesn't "put any pressure on my kids about who they're dating"

Nikko captured social media's attention with a spontaneous Instagram post of him cooking white wine chicken thighs with his mom

He may be the Internet's boyfriend, but Vanna White's son Nikko Santo Pietro isn't single and ready to mingle.

When asked if he was in a relationship, Nikko, 31, tells PEOPLE, "I am seeing someone."

"So we started dating somewhat recently," he adds. "So I would say right now things are moving well into the direction of me having a girlfriend."

The Wheel of Fortune co-host, 68, also reveals the relationship advice she gives Nikko and her daughter, Gigi, 28, both of whom she shares with ex-husband George Santo Pietro.

"I just say be yourself, listen to your heart, don't listen to anybody else," she says. "I think we all know if you really listen to yourself, you know if it's the right person or the wrong person, you just have to stay focused and be happy as long as you're happy and healthy and that person makes you feel good and you feel good."

Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty

From left: Nikko Santo Pietro at Hulu's Get Real House held at Casa Lago on April 22, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

The television personality adds that she doesn't "ever put any pressure on my kids about who they're dating."

"It's their life and it's their personality and their connection," White says. "So, I'm supportive in whatever choices they make."

When asked if his mother's advice has helped him navigate his love life, Nikko admits, "I don't really think about my mother when I'm navigating my love life," to which White agrees, saying, "Good answer."

But, that doesn't mean that the Los Angeles-based real estate agent hasn't learned a thing or two from his mom since catching social media's attention with an Instagram post of him cooking alongside White in December 2024.

"She is always in good grace with the camera and the way that she carries herself," he says. "So the biggest lesson that I've learned is really, number one, be yourself, which means be authentic and speak your truth, and then just be ready for anything."

Mike Pont/Getty

From left: Niko Santo Pietro, Gigi Santo Pietro, Vanna White, and George Santo Pietro in 2017

The attention earned Nikko nearly 24,000 Instagram followers, which he says has "been great" for his business. He now shares real estate content with some cooking videos mixed in.

With the new-found fame, Nikko has experienced "a couple shocking moments."

"I've been recognized multiple times, which is really odd to me just walking into the grocery store and people saying my name and shaking my hand and I'm like, 'That's crazy how big the reach was,' " he says.

— sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Celebrity Wheel of Fortune airs on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Wheel of Fortune airs weeknights (check local listings) and is available to stream the next day on Peacock and Hulu.

on People

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 09:09PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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byAlex Perish

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October 28, 2025

Vanna White’s Son Nikko Santo Pietro Reveals His Relationship Status After Viral Fame (Exclusive)

Vanna White's Son Nikko Santo Pietro Reveals His Relationship Status After Viral Fame (Exclusive) Stephanie Weng...

New Photo - Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened. Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened.

Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened.

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 18, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

Katherine Pierce was a staple of the *Vampire Diaries* universe. But at one point in the series, the writers had to fight to tell more of her story.

"We had to negotiate for the right to let Nina [Dobrev] play Katherine again because the season 2 Katherine [story] had really taken everything out of her and the network was being very protective," executive producer Julie Plec says about the show's fifth season during episode 5 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*. "[The network] and studio were being very protective and they were like, 'You can't do that anymore, you can't have Katherine.'"

On an earlier episode of the podcast, Dobrev spoke about how exhausted she was at the end of season 2, the first season in which she played both Elena and Katherine in the present day. So when it came time to make Katherine human and even introduce a third Petrova doppelgänger, the writers had to get creative. "We had to basically beg the network to let us even write story for Katherine," Plec says, noting that "the triplegänger made the whole thing worth it."

Nina Dobrev as Katherine Pierce on 'The Vampire Diaries'

Nina Dobrev as Katherine Pierce on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Tina Rowden/The CW

Fans will remember that season 5 featured Katherine taking over Elena's body, which meant that for a good chunk of the season, Dobrev only had one character to play. And then, eventually, Katherine met her demise, a decision that also came about following those negotiations. "I literally think we had to say we'll kill her in order to get permission to use her," Plec recalls.

Additionally, during the podcast, Plec discusses the choice to have Bonnie (Kat Graham) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) be the two characters who "die" together at the end of season 5, which led to a discussion about Bamon, the popular ship. "Bonnie and Damon had a thing in the books we had sort of always said, 'We don't buy a romantic connection between Bonnie and Damon because Damon's just done too many terrible things and Bonnie just has more integrity than that,'" Plec says. "But we wanted to service that relationship in the canon a little bit."

For more about season 5—and the series overall—listen to the full episode below:

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- *Vampire Diaries* star Paul Wesley on Stelena's season 2 split: I was 'dealing with my own stuff' on screen

- *Vampire Diaries* creators talk season 1 Katherine twist, the fan response that left them 'aghast'

- EW's Binge Podcast Episodes

Original Article on Source

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:12PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byAlex Perish

in

October 28, 2025

Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

Also, Julie Plec reveals why Bamon never happened. Vampire Diaries boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherin...

Want To Retire Early? These Are the 10 Fastest and Slowest States for Retirement Vance CariagaOctober 28, 2025 at 10:55 PM 0 Rudy Balasko / Shutterstock.

- - Want To Retire Early? These Are the 10 Fastest and Slowest States for Retirement

Vance CariagaOctober 28, 2025 at 10:55 PM

Rudy Balasko / Shutterstock.com

Research from Mass Mutual found that the typical American retires at age 62, which means most people spend about 40 years working before they finally retire.

But a lot depends on how much you have saved for retirement — and your location. You can reach retirement much quicker in some states than in others, according to a recent study from John Stevenson, a Nevada-based financial and retirement advisor.

Explore More: Savings Needed To Be Rich in America's Most Popular Retirement Destinations

Read Next: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K Per Month From Home

One thing the study found is that if you want to retire comfortably, without having to stress over money in your golden years, you might need to build a nest egg of $800,000 or more. If you live where expenses are especially high, you should aim to save more than $1 million.

Unfortunately, most people don't get anywhere near that goal. According to Federal Reserve data, the average retirement savings for Americans ages 65 to 74 was $200,000 as of 2022, the most recent year data are available.

For their study, John Stevenson's researchers looked at average incomes and expenses for each state to determine how many years it would take to reach the ideal retirement savings goal.

The number of years ranged from less than 30 to more than 70. This basically means that if you earn an average salary in some states, you'll either need to retire very late in life, move elsewhere, or depend on more than just your savings to retire comfortably. In the case of Hawaii, expenses are so high that it's not possible to reach the ideal retirement goal on an average salary, according to the study.

Here's a look at the 10 fastest and slowest states for retirement.

Also find out how much a comfortable retirement costs in each state in 2025.

Trending Now: Suze Orman's Secret to a Wealthy Retirement--Have You Made This Money Move?

Fastest States for RetirementIllinois -

Years to retire: 26

Retirement goal: $873,646

Average wages: $69,020 per year

Average annual living expenses: $34,893

Minnesota -

Years to retire: 26

Retirement goal: $870,642

Average wages: $68,880

Average annual expenses: $35,911

Check Out: How Long $2 Million in Retirement Will Last in Every State

Georgia -

Years to retire: 27

Retirement goal: $813,559

Average wages: $64,210

Average annual expenses: $34,180

Michigan -

Years to retire: 29

Retirement goal: $825,577

Average wages: $63,120

Average annual expenses: $34,540

Virginia -

Years to retire: 29

Retirement goal: $948,755

Average wages: $72,060

Average annual expenses: $39,406

Texas -

Years to retire: 29

Retirement goal: $830,083

Average wages: $63,660

Average annual expenses: $35,094

Kansas -

Years to retire: 29

Retirement goal: $741,455

Average wages: $58,230

Average annual expenses: $33,031

Missouri -

Years to retire: 30

Retirement goal: $776,005

Average wages: $59,630

Average annual expenses: $33,594

Maryland -

Years to retire: 31

Retirement goal: $924,720

Average wages: $76,130

Average annual expenses: $45,944

Colorado -

Years to retire: 31

Retirement goal: $981,803

Average wages: $71,960

Average annual expenses: $40,652

Slowest States for RetirementHawaii -

Years to retire: N/A (not able to retire solely on average wages)

Retirement goal: $2,212,084

Average wages: $68,280

Average annual expenses: $76,828

California -

Years to retire: 71

Retirement goal: $1,612,716

Average wages: $79,900

Average annual expenses: $57,195

Massachusetts -

Years to retire: 71

Retirement goal: $1,645,764

Average wages: $83,050

Average annual expenses: $59,797

Alaska -

Years to retire: 56

Retirement goal: $1,292,753

Average wages: $72,810

Average annual expenses: $49,887

Vermont -

Years to retire: 55

Retirement goal: $1,153,051

Average wages: $66,330

Average annual expenses: $45,500

Maine -

Years to retire: 54

Retirement goal: $1,144,038

Average wages: $63,760

Average annual expenses: $42,393

Arizona -

Years to retire: 48

Retirement goal: $1,133,522

Average wages: $65,740

Average annual expenses: $42,083

Nevada -

Years to retire: 47

Retirement goal: $942,746

Average wages: $60,310

Average annual expenses: $40,354

Idaho -

Years to retire: 47

Retirement goal: $971,288

Average wages: $58,440

Average annual expenses: $37,706

Montana -

Years to retire: 46

Retirement goal: $851,114

Average wages: $58,160

Average annual expenses: $39,468

byAlex Perish

in

October 28, 2025

Want To Retire Early? These Are the 10 Fastest and Slowest States for Retirement

Want To Retire Early? These Are the 10 Fastest and Slowest States for Retirement Vance CariagaOctober 28, 2025 at 10...

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi flames NCAA's approval of betting on pro sports Field Level MediaOctober 29, 2025 at 12:45 AM 0 Sports fans bet and watch the first games of the NCAA basketball tournament in the FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in East Rutherford.

- - Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi flames NCAA's approval of betting on pro sports

Field Level MediaOctober 29, 2025 at 12:45 AM

Sports fans bet and watch the first games of the NCAA basketball tournament in the FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racetrack on Thursday, March 21, 2019, in East Rutherford. Meadowlands March Madness Gambling (Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com)

Betting on pro sports was illegal for college athletes, but that's set to change thanks to the NCAA approval of the proposal taking effect Nov. 1.

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi finds fault with the decision, which will not impact the standing ban on college athletes betting on college sports.

"It's absolutely one of the stupidest decisions I've ever seen," Narduzzi said. "First of all, it's a habit. It's no different than smoking, drinking, doing drugs, it's a bad habit. I don't think anyone here encourages you guys to go out drinking and getting smashed on a Friday night or Saturday night, or at a ballgame."

Athletes and members of athletic staff received the OK to place bets on professional sports earlier this month. The councils for Division II and Division III athletes followed suit, adopting the same policy last week.

The news was overshadowed by the federal charges levied Oct. 23 against NBA head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and others in a complex gambling ring that allegedly involved the use of inside information to benefit an organized crime circuit that include members of the mafia.

"I'm not a gambler. So I just don't understand it," Narduzzi said. "I'm not addicted to anything. I just don't think it's a great thing to teach our young people how to do. It's hard enough in the compliance office of trying to get your guys not to gamble -- you can gamble at a boxing match, you can gamble on horse races because it's not an NCAA sport, but who's really gambling on horse races, really, unless you go to the track? You can go to the casino and play craps or whatever you'd want to play.

"But now, it's a thing on your phone. You can pick it up, get on an app, and it's like ... what are we doing? Once you do it once and you win, you want to do it again. It becomes an addiction. I just think it's not good."

At Big East Media Days last week, NCAA president Charlie Baker said integrity would remain a strength of the institution.

"We run the largest integrity program in the world on sports betting across all the various games," Baker said.

In 2023, Ohio State's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention and Recovery launched the Collegiate Problem Gambling Workgroup to develop and rapidly expand virtually non-existent campus tools for identifying and addressing problem gambling. Resources have not advanced nationwide as problem gambling and addiction increases.

An estimated 1 in 10 college students has experienced what could be defined as pathological or problem gambling, which typically leads to financial stress. the National Council on Problem Gambling estimated 6% of all current college students has a gambling problem, or double the national average for adults.

CPGW executive director Jim Lange said the heightened financial stress becomes a "barrier to completing a college degree" and can be a risk factor for "suicidal ideation."

--Field Level Media

Original Article on Source

Source: "AOL Sports"

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:27PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byAlex Perish

in

October 28, 2025

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi flames NCAA's approval of betting on pro sports

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi flames NCAA's approval of betting on pro sports Field Level MediaOctober 29, 2025 at 12:...

Rookie QB Tyler Shough to take over as Saints' starter, per reports Michael MiddlehurstSchwartz, USA TODAY October 29, 2025 at 12:52 AM 0 The New Orleans Saints are ready to get an extended look at their rookie quarterback.

- - Rookie QB Tyler Shough to take over as Saints' starter, per reports

Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY October 29, 2025 at 12:52 AM

The New Orleans Saints are ready to get an extended look at their rookie quarterback.

Tyler Shough will take over for Spencer Rattler as the team's starter, NFL Media's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday.

Rattler, who beat out Shough for the starting role in training camp, was benched at halftime of Sunday's 23-3 loss to the Buccaneers, which dropped the Saints to 1-7 on the season. The move brought an end to a tumultuous two-game stretch for the second-year signal-caller, who had six turnovers and took seven sacks in that span.

First-year coach Kellen Moore held off on naming a starter in the immediate aftermath of the game.

"We're just not executing and playing at a high enough standard, and we've got to find a way to move the football consistently, protect the football and score points," Moore said. "And so, this is a pure full offensive evaluation point. ... I think we just got to evaluate this whole thing in the next 48 hours, find the solutions that give us the best chance to win."

makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" data-src=https://ift.tt/fIw4b0Y class=caas-img data-headline="Best images of the 2025 NFL season" data-caption="

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

">Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa's effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

" src=https://ift.tt/fIw4b0Y class=caas-img>

1 / 4Best images of the 2025 NFL season

A second-round pick out of Louisville, Shough became the first quarterback to be selected by the Saints in the first two rounds of the common draft since Archie Manning in 1971. For the first half of his rookie season, however, he waited behind Rattler, who showed some promise despite running his record to 1-13. On Sunday, Shough stepped in and completed 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards with one interception.

"Tyler went in there and looked the part," Moore said Sunday. "He made some plays. The one interception was unfortunate. Gave us a chance to convert there, and so we'll obviously make that evaluation here quickly and make some decisions moving forward. But this had more to do with the whole offense just not playing well enough and hopefully trying to generate some form of a spark there."

The Saints play at the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tyler Shough to start for Saints, Spencer Rattler benched

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Source: ShowBiz MAG

Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:27PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

#ShowBiz#Sports#Celebrities#Lifestyle

byAlex Perish

in

October 28, 2025

Rookie QB Tyler Shough to take over as Saints' starter, per reports

Rookie QB Tyler Shough to take over as Saints' starter, per reports Michael MiddlehurstSchwartz, USA TODAY Octob...

Affidavit: Former NFL star Adrian Peterson was asleep in SUV before DWI arrest in Texas JUAN A. LOZANO October 29, 2025 at 1:08 AM 0 1 / 2Adrian Peterson ArrestFILE Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stands on the field before an NFL football game between the Vikings and the Chica...

- - Affidavit: Former NFL star Adrian Peterson was asleep in SUV before DWI arrest in Texas

JUAN A. LOZANO October 29, 2025 at 1:08 AM

1 / 2Adrian Peterson ArrestFILE - Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson stands on the field before an NFL football game between the Vikings and the Chicago Bears, Nov. 27, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn, File)

SUGAR LAND, Texas (AP) — Former NFL running back Adrian Peterson was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon after police found him asleep behind the wheel of his SUV at a suburban Houston gas station, according to court records.

Police in Sugar Land found Peterson around 9 a.m. on Sunday asleep as his vehicle was running and parked near a gas pump, according to a probable cause affidavit. No one else was in the vehicle.

"I interviewed Mr. Peterson, and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person. I also observed Mr. Peterson had blood shot glossy eyes and slurred speech," according to the affidavit. "I asked Mr. Peterson where he was coming from, and he stated a poker game in Houston."

Peterson told an officer he didn't know where he was and had been trying to get to his home in nearby Missouri City. Peterson told the officer he had consumed two to three shots of a Vodka mix several hours earlier, according to the affidavit.

"I asked Mr. Peterson from a scale of 0 being completely sober to 10 being intoxicated to the point of blacking out where he would rate himself. Mr. Peterson stated he was a 2," according to the affidavit.

The officer conducted a field sobriety test on Peterson, who had to use his arms to keep his balance and swayed, according to the affidavit.

During a search of Peterson's SUV, the officer found a Glock handgun in the glove compartment.

It's the second DWI arrest in seven months for the 2012 NFL MVP and three-time league rushing champion.

Peterson was released from the Fort Bend County Jail on Monday after posting bonds totaling $3,000.

Court records did not list an attorney who could speak on Peterson's behalf.

The 40-year-old Peterson was a high school football star in East Texas and has lived in the Houston area. He played at Oklahoma before spending the first 10 years of his NFL career with Minnesota, which drafted him No. 7 overall in 2007.

Peterson was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in Minneapolis in April after appearing at an NFL draft party for Vikings fans.

Peterson is one of nine running backs to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. He had 2,097 yards for the Vikings in his MVP season of 2012 and finished with 14,918 yards and 120 touchdowns over 15 seasons. He played for six teams during his final five seasons.

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Affidavit: Former NFL star Adrian Peterson was asleep in SUV before DWI arrest in Texas

Affidavit: Former NFL star Adrian Peterson was asleep in SUV before DWI arrest in Texas JUAN A. LOZANO October 29, 2...

Saints reportedly name Tyler Shough the team's starter, sending Spencer Rattler to bench after 17 start Chris Cwik October 28, 2025 at 10:49 PM 0 At 17, it's time for the New Orleans Saints to start playing for the future.

- - Saints reportedly name Tyler Shough the team's starter, sending Spencer Rattler to bench after 1-7 start

Chris Cwik October 28, 2025 at 10:49 PM

At 1-7, it's time for the New Orleans Saints to start playing for the future. The team reportedly took a step in that direction Tuesday, naming rookie Tyler Shough as its new starting quarterback.

Spencer Rattler will head to the bench after opening the 2025 season as the team's starter, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Rattler, 25, had moments of effectiveness in his eight starts, but couldn't put enough points on the board to make the Saints competitive. Through eight games, the team ranks 29th in points scored. Rattler's numbers improved vastly compared to last season, but still weren't good enough to lead New Orleans to wins.

[Get more Saints news: New Orleans team feed]

A former fifth-round pick, Rattler completed 68 percent of his passes with eight touchdowns and five interceptions in eight starts this season. While those numbers appear solid on the surface, Rattler ranked 27th among quarterbacks in yards per attempt, which limited his the team's offense from making explosive plays.

Shough, whom the Saints selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, will hope to change that now that he's reportedly got the starting job. While Week 9's game against the Los Angeles Rams will mark Shough's first NFL start, he's made two other appearances with the Saints this season.

Shough made his NFL debut in Week 3, coming on in relief of Rattler during a blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Shough also appeared in Week 8's 23-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which proved to be a harbinger of Tuesday's reported change. Shough entered Week 8 with the team down just 17-3, an early sign that the Rattler era could be over.

While Shough is a rookie, he's actually older than Rattler. The 26-year-old Shough spent seven seasons in college, making him an unusual prospect. He put up strong numbers in 12 games with Louisville last season, but did so at an age much older than most college players. For context, Shough was in the same recruiting class as Trevor Lawrence, who is already in his fifth NFL season.

Concerns over Shough's age will be cast aside quickly if he can play. With Tuesday's reported promotion, the Saints are hoping they have that answer before the start of the 2026 NFL season. Barring a massive turnaround, New Orleans should get a high pick in next spring's draft, which is expected to have a number of enticing quarterback prospects.

Original Article on Source

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:27PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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Saints reportedly name Tyler Shough the team's starter, sending Spencer Rattler to bench after 1-7 start

Saints reportedly name Tyler Shough the team's starter, sending Spencer Rattler to bench after 17 start Chris Cw...

Do These 4 Things Before You Book Your Next Trip Laura BogartOctober 29, 2025 at 1:00 AM 0 Hispanolistic / iStock.com The holidays are quickly approaching, meaning it might be time to plan a vacation to see some loved ones two states over — or maybe even the other side of the country.

- - Do These 4 Things Before You Book Your Next Trip

Laura BogartOctober 29, 2025 at 1:00 AM

Hispanolistic / iStock.com

The holidays are quickly approaching, meaning it might be time to plan a vacation to see some loved ones two states over — or maybe even the other side of the country. Regardless of where you want to go, you want to be smart about booking your trip and saving money.

Find Out: Here's the Toll Pass You'll Need To Travel in All 50 States

For You: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000

Traveling can be exciting, but skipping key steps before booking can lead to unnecessary stress, overspending or missed opportunities. Whether you're traveling solo, with family or for business, taking a few proactive measures can make all the difference.

To save yourself money, time and hassle, here are four essential things to do before you book your next trip.

Trending Now: Suze Orman's Secret to a Wealthy Retirement--Have You Made This Money Move?

Start Planning Early To Budget Effectively

While your excitement to hit the road is palpable, you'd still do better to plan your trip several weeks (if not months) in advance. Even if you want to create some room for flexibility, having a set itinerary can help you create a budget that allows you to prioritize certain experiences over others.

For instance, if you're a theater fan eager to cram a show a day into your week-long trip to New York City, you'll need to budget accordingly. Perhaps that means spending a little more money on a hotel near the theater district to save on cab fares, while forgoing meals out. Or if you're a hardcore foodie making your first trip to Italy, you might go for a cheaper hotel so you have extra dough left over to get that pizza you've been dreaming of.

Planning months in advance also gives you the freedom to search for more cost-effective options, such as group tour packages that include travel costs, meals and lodging in their total price. Before booking, outline a travel budget that includes more than just flights and hotels. Consider:

Transportation (rental cars, taxis, public transit)

Food and dining

Activities and excursions

Travel insurance

Currency exchange fees

Trending Now: 10 Vacations That Need To Be on Every Middle-Class Retiree's Bucket List

Don't Be Afraid To Drive

You don't need to go globe-trotting to have a great time. Road trips are a classic American pleasure — and when you compare the expense of flying with the costs associated with driving, you might just find that putting pedal to the metal will accelerate your savings.

Before you go and book those flight tickets, use an online trip calculator like Travelmath to determine whether you'll actually save more money by driving. Many common driving apps like Google Maps and Waze will help you navigate to gas stations while you're on the road, or you could download an app like GasBuddy, which finds the cheapest gas stations on your route.

A road trip also allows you to add extra adventures to your trip, like stopping by key landmarks or treasures you can only find off the beaten path — almost like two vacations in one.

Book Your Hotel Strategically

Finding the right hotel can make or break the quality of your trip. Whether you're the kind of person who prefers a rustic cabin resort or wants to enjoy more luxurious accommodations, you definitely want to keep your bill as low as it can go.

According to Kayak, that could mean booking your domestic hotel stay on a Sunday. It makes sense: Weekend vacationers have already checked out, and the business travelers aren't likely on the road during weekends, meaning you're likely to get a cheaper rate if you book on Sunday. Kayak also advises you to avoid Friday check-ins, since they're generally the most expensive days.

Simply put, choose flexible bookings when possible. Also, many platforms now offer free cancellation or "book now, pay later" options.

Plan Out Your Meals

Traveling can give you the chance to sink your teeth into experiences you'd never have at home, including select culinary delights. It's all too tempting to spend big on a meal out every night, but if you don't want to get indigestion from your credit card statement, you'd be wise to figure out your meals in advance.

No matter where you go (unless you travel to the tip of Antarctica, probably), there's likely a grocery store nearby where you can stock up on snacks and other treats to keep you full throughout the day. This isn't to say that you can't splurge on local fine dining — you should just plan around it. If you anticipate having one pricier meal a day, then you should minimize your food costs until then.

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Do These 4 Things Before You Book Your Next Trip

Do These 4 Things Before You Book Your Next Trip Laura BogartOctober 29, 2025 at 1:00 AM 0 Hispanolistic / iStock.co...

UPS profit tops forecasts as turnaround effort delivers early results By Abhinav Parmar and Lisa BaertleinOctober 28, 2025 at 11:39 PM 0 A United Parcel Service (UPS) vehicle reverses into a facility in Queens, New York City, U.S., May 9, 2022.

- - UPS profit tops forecasts as turnaround effort delivers early results

By Abhinav Parmar and Lisa BaertleinOctober 28, 2025 at 11:39 PM

A United Parcel Service (UPS) vehicle reverses into a facility in Queens, New York City, U.S., May 9, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly

By Abhinav Parmar and Lisa Baertlein

(Reuters) -United Parcel Service posted better-than-expected quarterly results on Tuesday, in an early sign that its overhaul, which has included cutting 48,000 jobs this year, is making headway after several quarters of weak demand.

Shares in the world's biggest parcel delivery firm surged nearly 13% in early trading, with rival FedEx also gaining almost 3%. UPS shares had been down about 28% since the start of the year.

The results signal progress in UPS' efforts to rebuild profitability and stabilize volumes after a bruising year where President Donald Trump's erratic tariff policy and the end of U.S. duty-free, "de minimis" treatment on low-value e-commerce shipments pummeled delivery volume.

"In 2025, we're witnessing the most profound shift in trade policy in a century," CEO Carol Tome said on a call to discuss the third-quarter results.

UPS' self-imposed reduction in deliveries for Amazon.com, its largest customer, has intensified that pressure.

To shelter profits, the Atlanta-based company has reduced employee rolls by 48,000 versus a year ago, slightly more than expected, and has closed a total of 93 facilities so far this year.

The small package delivery business that UPS dominates posted a 9.8% increase in revenue per piece and a rise of 10 basis points in operating profit in the third quarter, despite a 12.3% drop in average daily volume.

"The cash flow pressures we saw in the second quarter eased during the third quarter," CEO Tome said.

The company also projected revenue of $24 billion for the crucial fourth quarter, when holiday deliveries and related returns can double daily delivery volumes. Analysts on average were expecting quarterly revenue of $23.8 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Early indications from retail customers suggest they expect a good peak with a "considerable surge" in volume, Tome said. Nevertheless, UPS expects average daily volume to be down on a year-over-year basis for the holiday peak season that stretches from late November into January due to the reduction in Amazon deliveries.

UPS retail customers include Walmart, Target, Macy's and many others. It also has a significant returns business.

The results released on Tuesday quelled fears that the company's dividend could be cut if expense cuts lagged falling volumes. Unlike UPS, rival FedEx does not have a unionized workforce to grapple with as it slashes overhead.

Evercore ISI analyst Jonathan Chappell said expectations were "very low" ahead of the report. The return of fourth-quarter revenue guidance, and one that topped Wall Street expectations, could prompt investors who had bet against the stock to buy back shares, he said.

CLOSING FACILITIES, CUTTING JOBS TO SAVE $3.5 BILLION

UPS has been shuttering hundreds of facilities, slashing thousands of jobs and offering buyouts to its union drivers as part of its largest-ever overhaul, which aims to reduce costs by $3.5 billion in 2025.

UPS reported an adjusted profit of $1.74 per share for the three months ended September 30, beating analysts' average expectations of $1.30.

The company reported consolidated revenue of $21.4 billion, above expectations of $20.8 billion.

It reported an adjusted consolidated operating margin of 10%, up from 8.8% in the second quarter. That margin was 6.4%, down from 7% in the second quarter, in the domestic segment, its largest.

UPS expects adjusted operating margin for the fourth quarter to be between 11% and 11.5%.

(Reporting by Abhinav Parmar in Bengaluru and Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles; additional reporting by Shivansh Tiwary; Editing by Joe Bavier and Paul Simao)

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Source: "AOL Money"

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:18PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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UPS profit tops forecasts as turnaround effort delivers early results

UPS profit tops forecasts as turnaround effort delivers early results By Abhinav Parmar and Lisa BaertleinOctober 28...

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 20, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

The* Vampire Diaries* creators have talked a lot about the importance of a great villain for the series, and in its later seasons, there was one villain that stood out among the rest: Kai Parker (Chris Wood). Introduced in season 6, the sociopathic siphoner quickly became a favorite in the *TVD* fandom, and for Ian Somerhalder, whose Damon Salvatore was the series' first villain, Kai marked a significant shift for the show.

In episode 6 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*, Somerhalder recalls his hesitation about Damon becoming a good — or at least better — guy in the show's third season. "I was so upset about the trajectory of Damon," Somerhalder says. "So much so that at one point I was sitting across from [executive producer] Julie [Plec] in her office in Atlanta almost in tears so angry about this."

The Vampire Diaries

Plec, along with her co-creator Kevin Williamson, explained that Damon couldn't be what they called a "one trick pony," that he was going to be the villain at times and the hero at others. But that's precisely why Somerhalder says he was jealous of what Chris Wood got to do as Kai in season 6. "That's why I was always so in love with what Chris Wood was doing on screen, because up until that moment, there was never a character in the show, other than Stefan in the Ripper age, that actually had the ability to not be so serious, to do horrific things but do it with a smile," Somerhalder says.

As far as Wood's inspiration for Kai, Wood, who's also on the podcast, says, "We talked about Ted Bundy if he was really funny. It was the worst person in the world who's also like maybe a good hang if you can get him to shut up for a second. That was sort of what I was always going for."

For more listen to the full podcast episode, featuring Somerhalder, Wood and executive producer Julie Plec, below:

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- *Vampire Diaries* star Paul Wesley on Stelena's season 2 split: I was 'dealing with my own stuff' on screen

- EW's Binge Podcast Episodes

Original Article on Source

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:12PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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byAlex Perish

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Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai Vampire Diaries ...

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

By Samantha Highfill

Sam Highfill author photo

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she's worked for more than 12 years covering television.

EW's editorial guidelines

August 25, 2021 9:00 a.m. ET

Over the course of its eight seasons, *The Vampire Diaries*' mythology changed every now and then to fit a certain story. But in its seventh season, the show delivered its biggest change from its established mythology when, suddenly, Caroline (Candice King) became pregnant via a magical transfer. Even though she was a vampire, she was somehow carrying Alaric (Matthew Davis) and Jo's (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe) twins.

The twist was something the writers thought up as a way to soften the tragedy at the end of season 6 when Kai (Chris Wood) killed Jo and her unborn children—on her wedding day, no less. "We had always left that [story thread] hanging on instinct," writer Neil Reynolds says during episode 7 of *EW's Binge: The Vampire Diaries*.

Executive producer Julie Plec adds, "Because of the tragedy of the twins and Jo dying and looking for story for Alaric for the season, we had separately come up with the story of the woman who knocks on his door and is like, 'I think I'm pregnant with your babies.'" But the writers weren't sure if that twist was *too* crazy, so they didn't originally plan to go there. Until star Candice King called to let them know she was pregnant. "I was very nervous to make that call," King says on the podcast.

The Vampire Diaries

Candice King on 'The Vampire Diaries'. Bob Mahoney/The CW

Ultimately, the writers decided to work in King's pregnancy and use the aforementioned story, only instead of a random woman showing up pregnant, Caroline would carry Ric's kids. Plec remembers warning CW president Mark Pedowitz about "the most bananas thing" she was ever going to pitch him at the time, but surprisingly, he wasn't fazed. And thus Caroline's pregnancy became part of the series and will always go down as one of the show's most unexpected turns.

For more about season 7, listen to the full episode of the podcast below:

**Related content:**

- *Vampire Diaries* star Ian Somerhalder reveals why he was jealous of Chris Wood's Kai

- *Vampire Diaries* boss reveals the real reason they killed Katherine in season 5

- *Vampire Diaries* bosses on the 'controversial' sire bond and the role Pedro Pascal auditioned for

- *Vampire Diaries* boss Julie Plec explains why Klaroline could never happen today

- EW's Binge Podcast Episodes

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Source: ShowBiz MAG

Published: October 28, 2025 at 07:12PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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October 28, 2025

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist

Vampire Diaries writers and Candice King discuss the 'most bananas' season 7 twist Vampire Diari...

Charles Howell III among 29 LIV players at Hong Kong Open with Masters spot to the winner DOUG FERGUSONOctober 28, 2025 at 9:16 PM 0 1 / 3Golf NotesFILE Charles Howell III hits off the second tee during the second round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament, July 1, 2022, at TPC Deere Run in Sil...

- - Charles Howell III among 29 LIV players at Hong Kong Open with Masters spot to the winner

DOUG FERGUSONOctober 28, 2025 at 9:16 PM

1 / 3Golf NotesFILE -Charles Howell III hits off the second tee during the second round of the John Deere Classic golf tournament, July 1, 2022, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)

This wasn't quite a tradition unlike any other, but Charles Howell III rarely got through the early part of the year on the PGA Tour without being asked about the Masters. He grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and no other tournament meant more to him.

Now the big change is the calendar and the scenery. Plus, there's no guarantee anyone at the Hong Kong Open this week will even ask Howell about what's at stake.

Winning the Hong Kong Open comes with an invitation to the Masters (and the British Open). Howell is part of a field with a heavy influx of LIV Golf players, particularly those who are not already secure for Augusta National or Royal Birkdale.

What stands out about Howell is he has not played anywhere but LIV Golf since he joined the Saudi-funded league in July 2022 after playing the John Deere Classic, the last of his 607 starts on the PGA Tour as a professional.

Two other chances remain for LIV players after this week, the Australian Open the first week of December and the South African Open the last week in February.

The Hong Kong Open has 33 players who competed on LIV this year, 29 of them the entire season. The field includes everyone from Talor Gooch and Paul Casey to Graeme McDowell and Harold Varner III. Gooch has not played outside of LIV Golf in three years.

Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel are the only players already in the field for the Masters as past champions.

The Spanish Open and Japan Open in recent weeks were the first of the six national opens Augusta National identified for awarding spots. There might be another reason Howell chose Hong Kong to play.

After some two decades of mainly playing at home, Howell took his wife and two children on a five-week tour of Asia. He played PGA Tour events in South Korea, Japan and Shanghai and explored Hong Kong and Thailand.

Howell once recalled being in Hong Kong as 20,000 people involved in pro-democracy protests were in the streets. The trip ended with his kids seeing elephants in Thailand. He called that a "once-in-a-lifetime" trip to for his family.

A show of appreciation

The letter from Michael Brennan was among 30 in front of the committee at the Bank of Utah Championship that decides on unrestricted sponsor exemptions.

Brennan had asked for one a year ago for Black Desert and was turned down, having only turned pro that summer and registered four top 10s on the PGA Tour Americas. It went to Max McGreevy. He stood out this year for obvious reasons. Brennan had won three times on the PGA Tour Americas to easily get to the Korn Ferry Tour, the next level.

It was clear even before Brennan won that this exemption was going to someone who appreciated it.

Brennan twice went into the tournament office to meet the staff and thank them for the invitation. He went back a second day in case he missed anyone. And this was before he took a three-shot lead into the final round and converted it into a four-shot win in his first PGA Tour start as a pro.

"He came into the office several times, as did his mom and dad," said John Coolbaugh, the tournament director. "Just to say, 'Thank you.' We were more than happy to help with his launching point."

This was quite the launch.

Brennan, 23, now bypasses the Korn Ferry Tour and has a PGA Tour card through 2027. And with his fourth win in a span of 77 days, Brennan moves to No. 43 in the world ranking. If he can stay in the top 50 by the end of the year, he'll be in the Masters.

Billy Ho on the rebound

Billy Horschel missed five months recovery from surgery on his right hip, returning to a missed cut at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth (as defending champion) and then finishing 19 shots behind in Japan.

In the opening round of the Bank of Utah Championship, he had all sorts of problems in the lava rock and rang up a quadruple-bogey 8. He also had a double bogey Friday and was 3-over par through 22 holes.

And then he shot 32 on the back Friday to make the cut, had a 66-66 weekend and closed with five birdies in his last six holes to tie for 11th.

"Nice to see my game starting to show life," Horschel said in a social media post. "Still work to do but we are getting closer."

After being 4 over thru 11 holes and 3 over thru 22 holes, not a bad week after all of that. Nice to see my game starting to show life. Still work to do but we are getting closer.

PGA Tour Champions

The PGA Tour Champions is adding two tournaments, in Portugal and Pennsylvania, to a 2026 schedule that will have 28 events with a total prize fund that tops $69 million.

There's also a few tweaks along the way.

The Mitsubishi Electric Classic at the TPC Sugarloaf outside Atlanta will use the Stableford scoring system instead of stroke play. The Stifel Classic in St. Louis will replace Richmond, Virginia, as the opening Charles Schwab Cup playoff event.

Ernie Els will be the tournament host of the Portugal Invitational, which will be a week after the Senior British Open. The Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic in Allentown, Pennsylvania, will be the first week in October.

The five majors start with the Senior PGA championship, which goes to Concession Golf Club in Florida for the next three years. That will be played April 16-19, one week after the Masters. The Regions Tradition is two weeks later, but no longer the same week as the PGA Championship as it was this year.

The final three majors — the U.S. Senior Open at Scioto in Ohio, the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone and the Senior British Open at Gleneagles — will be in a four-week span starting July 1.

Divots

Phil Mickelson has a presence under the PGA Tour umbrella again, at least by name. Under a four-year extension for ATB Financial as title sponsor of a PGA Tour Americas event, the ATB Classic will rotate between Mickelson National in Calgary and Blackhawk in Edmonton. ... Rory McIlroy plans to start 2026 at the Dubai Invitational on the European Tour. He was runner-up in the event when it was last held in 2024. ... ... Michael Brennan was the 15th player to get his first PGA Tour victory this year. ... The indoor TGL league in Florida will have Tuesday matches the week of The American Express and Farmers Insurance Open next January.

Stat of the week

Rico Hoey played 19 consecutive par 5s with birdie or better from the fourth hole of the first round in Japan through the ninth hole of the final round in Utah. It's the longest such streak on the PGA Tour since ShotLink began in 2003.

Final word

"It's a brotherhood out here. It's not even that — it's the wives and everyone that gets along. It's great now to know that I will see them again." — Jordan Gumberg after holing out from 58 yards for eagle on his final hole to retain his European Tour card for 2026.

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Published: October 28, 2025 at 05:27PM on Source: ShowBiz MAG

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byAlex Perish

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October 28, 2025

Charles Howell III among 29 LIV players at Hong Kong Open with Masters spot to the winner

Charles Howell III among 29 LIV players at Hong Kong Open with Masters spot to the winner DOUG FERGUSONOctober 28, 2...

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