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  • Paramount+ Scored With Dad Shows. Now It’s Coming for the Ladies

    Paramount+ Scored With Dad Shows. Now It’s Coming for the Ladies

    For a few years there, Paramount+ had a lot of eggs in one basket. Following the rebrand of CBS All Access to Paramount+ in 2021, prolific Texas-based creator Taylor Sheridan has been at the forefront of the streamer’s strategy as he churned out show after show: 1923. Landman. Tulsa King. Lioness. Mayor of Kingstown — even as his mega-success Yellowstone was conspicuously absent from the streamer (the result of an exclusive licensing deal with Peacock).

    Now, however, there’s new management at the platform, Sheridan will be out the door in a few years and Paramount+’s identity is being reworked. Nearly a year after Paramount Global merged with Skydance Media, the strategy under the streamer’s head of originals Jane Wiseman is taking shape. Though its new originals likely won’t start debuting on the service until the beginning of 2027, The Hollywood Reporter’s conversations with sources and execs’ own public statements show that Paramount+ is aiming to expand the appeal of the service beyond the existing Sheridan heads, even as it has clearly learned a thing or two from the king of operatic neo-Westerns.

    Paramount+ reported more than 81 million subscribers in its latest earnings report, putting it behind Netflix, Disney+ and HBO Max (which could become its corporate sibling if David Ellison’s $111 billion Warner Bros. merger goes through) according to their most recent disclosures. To make it more competitive in the sharp-elbowed streaming wars, its executives are aiming to develop destination series that will broaden the streamer’s appeal, especially to more women and genre viewers. 

    “The green lights have to have that core evangelizing audience that’s hopefully slightly different than the core seen before [on Paramount+], but in success they’re supposed to capture multiple audiences,” says an executive familiar. A rep for Paramount Skydance declined to comment.

    While the number of women out in the world wearing Yellowstone Dutton Ranch T-shirts will tell you that Sheridan shows have their share of female fans (and the studio cites that in a recent count, The Madison, Dutton Ranch and the first season of Marshals had slightly more female than male viewers), a cornerstone of the new strategy is appealing more broadly to women. “They’re building a female-forward wheel that is attempting to expand the brand’s reach beyond what it’s probably best known for, which is the Taylor Sheridan fare,” says one agent. 

    Direct-to-consumer chair Cindy Holland, who hired Wiseman, has made no secret of this ambition, telegraphing as much at Paramount’s 2026 upfront presentation. And the focus on female viewers has been on display in series pickups from Wiseman’s team like Discretion, a legal thriller produced by A24 and starring Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning; Fear Not, a true-crime limited series from MGM Television starring Anne Hathaway; and the sequel to Clueless with Alicia Silverstone. On the unscripted  side, Paramount+ recently gave the go-ahead to a dating show from the Love Is Blind production company Kinetic Content (working title: Making Love) and the youth baseball reality series Team Moms from executive producer Kim Kardashian.

    Around town, the streamer has been calling for female-fronted adult dramas; romance and family stories; soap opera-type fare; and thrillers that are serialized, say sources. They’re interested in work with major creatives and stars (“They are cost-conscious, although they’re looking for big names to drive marketing,” says a production company exec). The streamer is also dipping its toes in YA stories à la Outer Banks, The Summer I Turned Pretty, Riverdale and its own series School Spirits but seemingly doesn’t want to spend a fortune on these projects (more like $3 million to $5 million an episode), says another agent source.

    Like Peacock, the streamer is also testing out microdramas, the often soapy, bite-size vertical video format that typically overindexes on romance. The move follows BET — the Paramount Skydance-owned brand focused on the Black community whose series and films recently moved over to Paramount+ — partnering with aTwist to produce these vertical video series.

    On the other end of things, the streamer is putting feelers out for “grounded genre” ideas — essentially big-concept genre (sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural) stories with relatable human drama. Wiseman’s hire, executive vp originals Chris Parnell, a former Apple TV creative exec who worked on Pluribus, is spearheading this push, where the streamer is said to be looking for projects along the line of, yes, Pluribus but also Silo, Severance, Fallout and Stranger Things

    These shows might appeal to the Star Trek crowd that is already on the platform, but they are also seen as a draw for international viewers who may not have traditionally been as compelled by Sheridan’s Westerns as the domestic audience. (Paramount’s recently inked exclusive deal with Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer will likely play a role here. The Duffers are set to produce work for Paramount direct-to-consumer, of which Paramount+ is a part, among other commitments.)

    Other green lights from Wiseman’s team feel far more in line with the audience that already flocks to Paramount+. The logline for the upcoming Kenneth Branagh-starring drama Laird (a major landowner squaring off against a billionaire land grab) sounds like Yellowstone with a Scottish accent. 9/12, a prestige drama starring Jeremy Strong about the legal battle that 9/11 first responders engaged in after the disaster, could appeal to the Marshals crowd. 

    And what defines the platform isn’t just the type of stories it wants but also the ones it’s avoiding. Half-hour comedies aren’t on Paramount+’s wish list, sources say, given that CBS sitcoms like The Neighborhood and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage begin streaming on Paramount+ the day after they air on linear television.

    Even with all of the streamer’s announcements, the volume of Paramount+ dealmaking has surprised some observers. When Holland’s hire was officially announced last year, hopes ballooned across the industry that she would be spearheading a major spending push akin to her time at Netflix during its spendthrift era. Those dreams haven’t panned out, say sources, who note the platform’s selectivity so far. Says the second agent, “The thing that popped out to us is the streamer is a very small team and they are not looking to replicate the ascension that Netflix had when Cindy was there in terms of volume. They’re taking very specific shots — and not a lot of them.” 

    The executive familiar pushes back on this observation, saying, “I can guarantee you the deal volume has been extraordinary.” The studio, meanwhile, cites that it has greenlit 25 new series over the past 10 months, not including renewals and pickups.

    Paramount+ still has some time before Sheridan officially leaves the streamer that his shows helped to characterize; the creator’s TV deal will officially move to NBCUniversal in 2029. At that point, the streamer will retain the blockbuster series the creator made for it previously, even as any fresh Sheridan series will be written and produced exclusively for NBCUniversal platforms. 101 Studios, the studio that works with Sheridan on his series, has already moved its deal to NBCU.

    That situation gives Paramount+ a generous offramp, a period of a few years when it can endeavor to retain the creator’s fans while also offering nonsubscribers compelling reasons to create an account. “They know that the whole service for the most part is buoyed on the back of Taylor Sheridan shows. It is obvious if that’s the case,” says the second agent. “The weird thing is he’s leaving, but he’s not leaving tomorrow.” 

    This story appeared in the Aug. 5 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.

  • Best Buy’s Top Back-to-School Deals From Apple, HP, Lenovo, TP-Link, and More

    Best Buy’s Top Back-to-School Deals From Apple, HP, Lenovo, TP-Link, and More

    Back-to-school season is here, and you can never be too prepared (to save money). From laptops to tablets to eReaders, we’ve gathered some of the best discounts over at Best Buy that’ll help you (or your student) to succeed in the classroom. There are some notable brands, including Amazon, HP, Lenovo, and more. We’ll be updating this list regularly as the weeks go on, so be sure to check back in!

    Dyson Deals

    Cool CF1 Desk Fan

    Dyson Cool CF1 Adjustable Bladeless Desk Fan

    10 fan speeds, 12-inch fan diameter, 2-year warranty


    $249.99
    at Best Buy

    $379.99
    Save $130.00


    Get Deal

    When you move out of the dorms and into your first apartment, you’ll need to start paying your own electricity bills. Your roommates may not want the air conditioner on to save money even though it’s hot outside! That’s where this desk fan comes in. This Cool F1 desk fan blasts 370 liters of cool airflow per second, keeping you comfortable and chill for long periods of time. Plus, it won’t disturb your roommates either, as it’s super quiet at 29dB. It even has sleep mode too. It doesn’t have any spinning blades, so it’s safe to have around nearby, and as a result, it’s easy to clean with just a cloth. You can even tilt the fan and set its oscillation so you can find the perfect position for you.

    If you’re looking for alternatives, check out the Dyson Purifier Cool TP07 and the Dreo CF714S Circulator Fan.

    McAfee Deals

    Total Protection Antivirus Software

    McAfee Total Protection (5-Device) Antivirus Software

    5 device coverage, 1-year subscription, 1.3GB download


    $34.99
    at Best Buy

    $109.99
    Save $75.00


    Get Deal

    Your laptop is practically your lifeline in college. You do homework, turn in assignments, watch videos, and take notes on it. But what if something happens to it? You might unknowingly install some sort of virus that could render it useless. You’ll have to shell out hundreds if not thousands for a new one, and might have to wait for it to come in. That’s where McAfee Antivirus comes in. It can protect you from all sorts of threats, including scams and cyber attacks. It can also help monitor your identity and provide a secure VPN to keep you safe. With this Total Protection package, you can install the software on five devices and have access to 24/7 customer support. Nothing gets left behind!

    Our expert, Neil J. Rubenking, awarded it a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “McAfee Total Protection offers security, VPN, and password management on all popular platforms, but unlimited device licensing and a variety of expected features are excluded.”

    Roborock Deals

    Q10 Series Robot Vacuum & Mop

    Roborock Q10 Series Robot Vacuum & Mop

    10000Pa suction, 7-week dust bag, 2.7 gallon bin capacity


    $259.99
    at Best Buy

    $399.99
    Save $140.00


    Get Deal

    It’s inevitable that your room will get dirty while you’re in school. You might think to yourself that you don’t have time to clean it while you’re studying, but that’s what a robot vacuum is for! It can go around your room by itself while you tackle assignments. This Roborock Q10 robot vacuum and its dust bag can store up to seven weeks of debris before automatically emptying itself out, ensuring that you won’t have to do any of the heavy lifting. It uses its navigation system to avoid any obstacles and maps out your home to determine the most efficient cleaning route. Whether it’s pet hair, dirt, or food crumbs on the carpet, this robot vacuum uses its impressive 10,000 Pa suction power to make sure nothing is left behind.

    You can check out our Roborock reviews, including the Saros 10 and the S8 MaxV Ultra, both of which we came away impressed with. So you can trust us here!

    F25 ACE Combo Stick Vacuum Mop

    Roborock F25 ACE Combo Stick Vacuum Mop

    20000PA suction, 10.5 pounds, 120 volts


    $419.99
    at Best buy

    $549.99
    Save $130.00


    Get Deal

    This 5-in-1 mop vacuum combo can do everything. It can clean up carpets, upholstery, and get into tiny crevices to clean hard-to-reach spots. With 20,000PA suction, it can take care of any mess, whether it’d be spilled drinks, pet hair, or stains! It’s flat and slim design also makes it ideal for reaching under furniture. The dual-scraper system ensures that hair doesn’t get tangled up inside, and the self-cleaning system breaks down grease with high temperatures. It can last up to 60 minutes when set to eco mode, giving you plenty of time to clean up your space.

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    Deco 7 Pro BE1100 Home Mesh Router System

    TP-Link Deco 7 Pro BE11000

    7600 square feet coverage, 688MB per second speeds, 200 supported devices


    $399.99
    at Best Buy

    $599.99
    Save $200.00


    Get Deal

    Once you move out of the dorms and into your first apartment, you’ll need internet! This three-mesh system covers up to 7,600 square feet and supports over 200 devices with seamless connection. With speeds up to 688MB per second, you’ll be able to play games, stream, and watch movies without sacrificing performance. This setup uses AI-Roaming technology to analyze algorithms to optimize speeds as you walk around your home. Your network connection will be protected too, thanks to TP-Link’s HomeShield, which provides parental controls and real-time IoT security. This way, you won’t have to worry about any inappropriate content from nefarious parties popping up.

    PCMag’s router expert John R. Delaney awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “TP-Link’s easy-to-use Deco 7 Pro mesh system brings the latest 6GHz Wi-Fi 7 technology to your home — every inch of your home — with superb throughput and signal strength.”

    Anker Deals

    Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds

    Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 Earbuds

    14-hour battery life, 18-month warranty, 0.15 pounds


    $130.99
    at Best Buy

    $199.99
    Save $69.00


    Get Deal

    It’s normal to have roommates in college, and they won’t always be the quietest, so that’s where these earbuds come in! Their four-point noise masking system blocks out noise so that you can have a restful night of sleep before classes or an exam. Plus, they’re great for side sleepers, as the ergonomic design makes them feel comfortable and doesn’t exert pressure, even when you’re resting on your side. The earbuds also have up to 14 hours of battery life, ensuring that they’ll last you through the entire night. They can track your sleeping positions and movement, so that you can analyze your habits and adjust them if needed.

    Soundcore Liberty 5

    Anker Soundcore Liberty 5

    12-hour battery life, 18-month warranty, 0.13 lbs


    $89.99
    at Best Buy

    $129.99
    Save $40.00


    Get Deal

    These earbuds are great when it comes to tuning out background noise so you can study. The adaptive noise cancellation system adjusts every 0.3 seconds to provide you the most optimal experience. They also don’t compromise on sound, as there are custom mode profiles for music, podcasts, and movies. Plus, the earbuds support formats like Dolby Audio, LDAC, and Hi-Res so you can enjoy your audio however you’d like. They sound crisp too, as the six-mic array ensures that your voice remains crystal clear on calls. And with 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, they’ll last you throughout the entire school day.

    Contributor Christian de Looper awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 true wireless earbuds offer effective noise cancellation at an affordable price, along with clear audio, a comfortable fit, and long battery life.”

    HP Deals

    Smart Tank 5101 Printer

    HP Smart Tank 5101 Printer

    12 black pages per minute, 5 color pages per minute, 1-year warranty


    $169.89
    at Best Buy

    $259.89
    Save $90.00


    Get Deal

    This printer is perfect for anyone who works from home or is a student. It can print up to twelve black pages and five color pages per minute. With HP AI, you won’t have to worry about your documents and printouts looking funky. It keeps the layouts neat and precise, so you don’t waste any paper. Plus, the ink is easily replenished by plugging bottles into the tank and letting them drain. You also get three years of original HP ink, so you can print as soon as you set the printer up.

    Our expert M. David Stone awarded it a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “With unremarkable features and output quality for the price, HP’s Smart Tank 5101 All-in-One Printer might seem an odd entry-level pick for homes and home offices. But its low running cost means you shouldn’t count it out.”

    OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 Laptop

    OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 Laptop

    16-inch display, 16GB RAM, 23-hour battery life


    $889.00
    at Best Buy

    $1,199.99
    Save $310.99


    Get Deal

    The HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 laptop sports a 16-inch 2K touchscreen, allowing you to interact with it in different ways, whether you’re taking notes in class or watching video lectures. You can also use Copilot to enhance your productivity by getting quick answers to questions. It’s also powered by Intel, where the top-tier performance and media generation tools help make your presentations stand out amongst everyone else. The laptop is lightweight and sleek, coming in at under five pounds and less than an inch thick. It fits perfectly in your bag and is easy to carry with you as you walk towards your classroom. And with up to 23 hours of battery life, it’ll last you through the entire school day.

    PCMag contributor Jorge Jimenez awarded the 14-inch version a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review. “HP’s OmniBook X Flip 14 is a well-designed 2-in-1 laptop with a lovely 120Hz OLED display,” he said. “Its battery life and graphics performance don’t impress, but when discounted, this convertible is worth a look.”

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Apple Deals

    AirPods 4 Earbuds

    Apple AirPods 4

    5-hour battery life, H2 chip, IP54 water-resistance rating


    $99.99
    at Best Buy

    $129.99
    Save $30.00


    Get Deal

    Need to listen to a lecture in the library or just walk to class? The AirPods 4 earbuds are powered by Apple’s H2 chip, making sound quality and audio pristine when taking calls or listening to music. Plus, with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, your immersion will shoot through the roof. They’ve also been redesigned with a refined contour and shorter stem so they have more stability in your ears. With five hours of battery life on a single charge and 30 hours total with the charging case, you’ll be able to get plenty of playtime before plugging them back in. These earbuds are also rated IP54, meaning that they’re dust, sweat, and water-resistant. So whether you’re in the gym or on a hike, they’ll withstand most physically intensive activities.

    Audio expert Tim Gideon awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The AirPods 4 are Apple’s most affordable wireless earbuds and offer exceptional audio performance for an open-ear design.”

    Apple Watch Ultra 2

    Apple Watch Ultra 2

    49mm display, 64GB storage, 36-hour battery life


    $629.99
    at Best Buy

    $899.00
    Save $269.01


    Get Deal

    When you’re in the middle of class, you don’t want to be distracted by your iPhone. If you really need to check on your notifications, then having an Apple Watch is handy. It’s easier to whip out than a phone, and won’t bother your fellow classmates around you. You’ll still be able to see notifications on the 49mm screen. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is also quite rugged, as its titanium casing is corrosion-resistant. And with up to 36 hours of battery life when used normally, it’ll last you throughout class. Outside of the room, it’s great for keeping track of your exercise habits, especially if you’re a cyclist, hiker, or swimmer.

    Our expert awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, she said, “The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers minor refinements over the last generation, including a brighter display and a faster processor, with the same rugged design, battery life, and price, making it another excellent adventure companion.

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    Pencil Pro

    Apple Pencil Pro

    6.53 inches, 0.68 ounces, 1-year warranty,


    $99.99
    at Best Buy

    $129.00
    Save $29.01


    Get Deal

    The Apple Pencil Pro is a handy stylus for students to use with their iPads to take notes and watch videos. The new squeeze gesture is particularly useful for artists, and the haptic feedback feels responsive to help confirm your actions. It’s also supported by Apple’s Find My network, meaning that if you lose it, you can track it down and retrieve it. While it only works with the latest iPads, particularly the ones with M2, M3, M4, and M5 chips, along with the iPad mini (A17 Pro), it’s by far the best stylus for them.

    Our expert awarded it an “Outstanding” rating. In our Apple Pencil Pro review, he said, “The Apple Pencil Pro is the stylus that serious artists and creators should get for the latest iPad Pro or iPad Air thanks to its advanced writing features and controls.”

    MacBook Pro M4 Laptop

    Apple MacBook Pro M4 Laptop

    22-hour battery life, M4 chip, 2TB storage


    $2,999.00
    at Best Buy

    $3,899.00
    Save $900.00


    Get Deal

    This premier laptop gives you the ultimate power and performance when it comes to MacBooks. The M4 Pro chip provides more than enough juice to power through demanding tasks, like coding and 3D rendering. So if you’re a computer science or engineering major, this laptop is perfect for you. It’s 14.2-inch display quite stunning, as it contains 1600 nits peak brightness, allowing whatever is playing on screen to look vibrant and colorful. It also works seamlessly with your other Apple devices, including your iPhone, such as letting you send texts straight from the laptop. And with 22 hours of battery life, this laptop will last through your entire day.

    Our expert Brian Westover awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “It’s a dead ringer for 2023’s model, but Apple’s M4 MacBook Pro remains a portable content-creation powerhouse, thanks to a beefed-up processor, smart AI features, and seemingly endless battery life.”

    Lenovo Deals

    Yoga Slim 7x 2K Snapdragon X2 Laptop

    Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x 2K Snapdragon X2 Laptop

    14-inch display, 16-hour battery life, 512GB storage


    $799.99
    at Best Buy

    $1,299.99
    Save $500.00


    Get Deal

    This laptop is powered by the Snapdragon X2 Plus processor to deliver an impressive performance that’ll help you get your work done, whether it’s making a presentation or editing a video. It also includes Copilot, so you can be more efficient and productive with features like locating past content and interacting with texts and images through the touchscreen display. Speaking of which, the 14-inch display comes in at 2K resolution and 600 peak nits of brightness, ensuring that you see amazing color and detail uniformly throughout. The battery also lasts up to 16 hours so it’ll get you through the entire school day.

    Our expert Brian Westover awarded a similar model an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7x is a slick ultraportable laptop with a vibrant OLED screen and 20 hours of battery life. While Windows on Arm app compatibility makes us wary, it’s undoubtedly a well-made device.”

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    Tab One

    Lenovo Tab One

    64GB storage, 8.7-inch display, 16.5 battery life


    $99.99
    at Best Buy

    $169.99
    Save $70.00


    Get Deal

    This Android-powered tablet has a bright 8.7-inch display with up to 480 nits for lots of brightness. It weighs only 320 grams, making it perfect for taking with you to your classes. This tablet’s compact form factor easily lets it slip into your bag, and you can even hold it in one hand, freeing up the other to do something else, like opening doors or carrying a water bottle. Plus, it’s made with 35% post-consumer recycled plastic materials. If you’re environmentally conscious, then this tablet will fit into your lifestyle.

    Our mobile expert, Kim Gedeon, awarded a similar model a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, she said, “The Lenovo Idea Tab Plus Android tablet impresses, thanks to its large, bright display, quality design, and low price, making it a good choice if you’re seeking a slate for basic browsing and media consumption.”

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    Bose Deals

    QuietComfort Headphones

    Bose QuietComfort Headphones

    24-hour battery life, 30 feet maximum range, 2.5-hour charge time


    $254.99
    at Best Buy

    $359.99
    Save $105.00


    Get Deal

    If you need a pair of noise-canceling headphones to keep focused while you study, then the Bose QuietComfort headphones are the perfect fit. These headphones have two different listening modes: Quiet and Aware. The former keeps background noise out so you can concentrate, while the latter lets it come in if you need to be aware of your surroundings. The plush over-ear cushions ensure that the headphones stay comfortable during long study sessions, and the durable headband securely keeps them snug on the top of your head while you’re walking around. With up to 24-hours of battery life, they’ll definitely last throughout the day. Just 15 minutes of quick charging will also restore 2.5 hours of playback, so they’re always ready to go whenever you are.

    Recommended by Our Editors

    Our audio expert Tim Gideon awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer excellent active noise cancellation and a refined audio signature in a comfortable fit.”

    Ultra Open Ear Earbuds

    Bose Ultra Open Ear Earbuds

    30 feet maximum wireless range, 7-hour battery life, 1-hour charge time


    $199.00
    at Best Buy

    $299.00
    Save $100.00


    Get Deal

    These earbuds are fantastic for walking around your school or campus. Not only do you get to listen to your audio, but you’re also able to keep aware of your surroundings. If a friend says hi or a teacher asks you for something, you’ll be able to hear and address them right away. They don’t compromise on audio either, as Bose Immersive Audio uses spatialized music to give you a better listening experience. With up to seven hours of battery life, these earbuds will last the entire class day. Plus, they’re rated IPX4, meaning that they’re water-resistance. So if it’s raining outside, you won’t have to worry.

    Our expert awarded them a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The pricey Bose Ultra Open Earbuds produce expansive sound and have a unique design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings.”

    Samsung Deals

    Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

    Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Earbuds

    5-hour talk time, 2-programmable buttons, 6-hour battery life


    $159.99
    at Best Buy

    $249.99
    Save $90.00


    Get Deal

    These Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro earbuds deliver impeccable sound thanks to Crystal Sound and Adaptive Equalizer. So whether you’re in at the campus gym or listening to a video lecture, you’ll be able to hear your music and professors clearly. Adaptive Equalizer adjusts your audio based on how the earbuds sit in your ears, optimizing the sound so you have a more personalized experience. They also use Galaxy AI, which helps with noise cancellation and blocks out outside sounds so you can stay focused on studying. And with a six-hour battery life, they’ll last you through all of your classes.

    Our expert awarded them an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s comfortable fit, quality sound, and clever AI features make them compelling for Samsung phone users, though their noise cancellation isn’t quite as strong as similarly priced competitors.”

    JBL Deals

    Endurance Peak 3 Earbuds

    JBL Endurance Peak 3 Earbuds

    800 feet maximum range, 10-hour battery life, 2-hour charge time


    $84.99
    at Best Buy

    $109.95
    Save $24.96


    Get Deal

    Keeping your body in shape is just as important as training the mind! When you’re not studying and want to hit the gym or run around campus, the Endurance Peak 3 earbuds will get you through a tough workout. They have punchy bass and stay comfortably secure on your ears with their ear-hook design. The earbuds are also rated IP68, which means that they’re waterproof and dustproof, so you won’t have to worry about them in the rain or when you’re sweating at the gym. They boast impressive battery life too, as they last about 10 hours with an additional 40 hours in the charging case. The fast charge lets you get up to an hour of playtime with only a 10 minute charge, so they’re always ready in a pinch.

    Audio expert Tim Gideon awarded it an “Excellent” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The budget-friendly, fully waterproof JBL Endurance Peak 3 earphones are ideal for exercise thanks to their secure fit and serious bass thump.”

    Flip 7 Portable Speaker

    JBL Flip 7 Portable Speaker

    16-hour battery life, 1-year warranty, 1.25 lbs.


    $99.99
    at Best Buy

    $149.95
    Save $49.96


    Get Deal

    College isn’t all about studying. It’s important to have fun too! If you’re hanging out with your friends or going to a party, bringing a speaker like the JBL Flip 7 is a great way to liven up the atmosphere. With Auracast, you can pair other Flip 7 speakers for a wider soundstage, letting you set the mood even more. It’s rated IP68, meaning that it’s dust- and waterproof, meaning that you won’t have to worry about getting it wet or dirty outdoors. The new PushLock feature lets you switch accessories around, such as the included loop and carabiner, to carry it around easier. And with 16 hours of battery life, you know the speaker will last the entire night.

    Contributor Mark Knapp awarded it a “Good” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The JBL Flip 7 is a minor upgrade to its predecessor, for a compact and portable Bluetooth speaker that produces respectable sound for its size.”

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    *Deals are selected by our commerce team

    Oral-B Deals

    iO Series 3 Electric Toothbrush

    Oral-B iO Series 3 Electric Toothbrush

    3 smart brush modes, 2-minute timer, 3.6 volts


    $59.99
    at Best Buy

    $89.99
    Save $30.00


    Get Deal

    When you’re going back to school, you’re thinking of things like books and laptops, but don’t forget the hygienic essentials! When you’re meeting with people or making new friends, you definitely don’t want your breath to stink. But with Oral-B‘s iO Series 3 electric toothbrush, you won’t have to worry about that. It has three smart modes for brushing, including Daily Clean, Whiten, and Sensitive. This way, you’ll be able to personalize your experience and goals for brushing. It also has a two-minute timer to ensure that you properly brush your teeth for a comprehensive clean. Additionally, it has a pressure sensor to notify you whether you’re pressing down too hard to protect your teeth from any potential damage. An electric toothbrush is also more efficient than a regular one, being able to remove up to 400% more plaque.

    GE Deals

    1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave

    1.1 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave

    950 watts, 6 preset programs, 30 pounds


    $114.99
    at Best Buy

    $175.99
    Save $61.00


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    Admittedly, it’s been a while since I’ve been in college, but I didn’t have a microwave in my dorm room! I had to go into the communal kitchen in order to use one. Having one is super convenient, especially during late study nights when you just want to heat up some leftovers without leaving your room. This GE microwave is easy to use and can even defrost your food based on weight and time. Just enter the weight and the microwave will automatically set the optimal time and power. It’s also got one-touch instant operation for quick heating as well as a control lockout that prevents accidental use. If your little sibling comes to visit you, you can rest assured that they can’t use it thanks to the two-step child lock.

    12,000 BTU Smart Window Air Conditioner

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    When you move into your new space, you’d better hope you have air conditioning, or else summer days will be unbearable! You definitely don’t want any distractions while you’re doing homework or studying. But this GE smart window air conditioner can help you out. It’s got 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity for rooms up to 550 square feet, keeping you refreshed during any heat wave. With the SmartHQ app, you’re able to monitor this air conditioner and control it from anywhere. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can enjoy a hands-free experience. These options give you unbridled flexibility within your habits. This has an Eco Mode that turns it off automatically when the room is cool enough, helping you save money on utilities, too. Plus, its geofence technology can tell when you’re almost home and automatically adjust the settings for when you come back.

    Our expert awarded a similar model an “Outstanding” rating. In our in-depth review, he said, “The GE Smart Heat/Cool AWGP12 window air conditioner works with voice and app commands, effectively cools and heats rooms of up to 550 square feet, and tells you how much power it’s using.”

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  • ‘Gilmore Girls’ Documentary Filming for HBO Max

    HBO Max is headed out on the road to Stars Hollow.

    The streamer is in production on a documentary about Gilmore Girls, the beloved series that ran from 2000-07. Bonni Cohen (Athlete A, An Inconvenient Sequel) is directing the film from Warner Horizon Unscripted Television and R.J. Cutler’s Sony-based This Machine banner.

    Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino, executive producer Daniel Palladino and star Lauren Graham are all set to take part in the documentary, along with other cast and crew members. HBO Max notes that the film is the first “authorized” documentary about the show, though at least one other independent doc is also in the pipeline. Sherman-Palladino and Graham are also collaborating on a book about the making of Gilmore Girls, which is due for publication in fall 2027.

    Warner Bros. TV, a corporate sibling to HBO Max and Warner Horizon, produced Gilmore Girls, which ran for seven seasons on The WB and The CW.

    The currently untitled HBO Max documentary will “reveal how the show eclipsed expectations to become a cross-generational phenomenon by unpacking the unique alchemy of the creators, cast, crew, and collaborators,” according to the film’s description. It will also feature previously unseen behind-the-scenes clips, outtakes and script pages.

    Following the end of its series run, Gilmore Girls found a long afterlife on cable and streaming, where it receives an annual viewing bump each fall. Netflix also produced a four-episode sequel miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, in 2016. The series left Netflix at the end of June (A Year in the Life remains available there) and currently steams on Hulu and Prime Video.

    The executive producers for the documentary are Mark Blatty, Jane Cha Cutler, R.J. Cutler, Daniel Palladino, Elise Pearlstein, Amy Sherman-Palladino, and Trevor Smith. Cohen and Melissa Robledo are producers.

  • Perez Hilton Hospitalized After Appearing to Harm Himself on Livestream

    Perez Hilton Hospitalized After Appearing to Harm Himself on Livestream

    Perez Hilton was hospitalized and is receiving medical care after the celebrity gossip blogger appeared to be harming himself on a TikTok livestream on Tuesday night.

    In graphic clips reposted on social media, Hilton, appearing manic, could be seen in the livestream covered in blood, using an object to cut himself repeatedly.

    While not naming Hilton specifically, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office said it had received “multiple calls regarding an individual who was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.” Deputies then located this person’s residence, arrived on the scene and spoke with family members before they “tactically disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation and providing the needed support to his family.”

    “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication,” the statement continued. “Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies and the public.”

    The Sheriff’s Office said the individual was “safely recovered” and taken to a Miami-area hospital, where he’s receiving medical attention. Mental health professionals are also on the scene providing support and resources to the person’s family.

    Local news station NBC6, which had reporters at the scene, later reported that a man, believed to be Hilton, was seen being taken away in an ambulance.

    Dante Rusciolelli, the CEO of the management company that represents Hilton, Golden Artists Entertainment, said in a statement obtained by NBC News on Wednesday that the company does “not have any additional confirmed information to share regarding Perez Hilton’s condition.”

    “Our focus remains on Perez’s health, recovery and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “We are grateful for the outpouring of concern and support from fans, friends and members of the media. We respectfully ask that everyone continue to honor his privacy while he receives the care he needs.”

    Also on Wednesday, Hilton’s team and family posted a statement to his website saying they “can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being.”

    “Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers,” the statement reads. “We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time. If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can. Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support.”

    Earlier this year, Hilton shared in a lengthy Instagram video that he was hospitalized for three weeks after initially battling the flu before developing “an ulcer, and then a perforation and then sepsis,” he said at the time.

    “The sepsis just kept working and my body kept falling apart,” Hilton explained in the video in March. “Then one night with rapid response came ’cause my heart got out of control. They had to put me on heart medications. And then I developed another infection in the hospital.”

    He added, “It was just such a slow process. I mean, two weeks of just sickness and then another week of getting better before I was released. And that last week was hell because I had already been in the hospital two weeks by then. I was like, ‘I just wanna go home. I just want to be with my babies.’” Perez is a single father of three children.

    Once he was released from the hospital and sent back home, Hilton said he had time to reflect and came to the realization “that God presented Himself to me” during the challenging experience.

    “It was real and this has been life-changing. I’m so grateful,” he added at the time. “I’m excited to start taking the kids to church every week. And to just know that God is real. … I don’t have to hope to believe. I know now.”

    Aug. 5, 10:56 a.m. This story has been updated with a statement from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office and Hilton’s personal rep.

    Aug. 5, 12:12 p.m. This story has been updated with a statement from Hilton’s team and family.

    Hilary Lewis contributed to this report.

    This story was originally published on Aug. 4 at 7:47 p.m.

  • Olivia Rodrigo Slams Trump for ‘Defunding’ Planned Parenthood: ‘We’ll Never Stop Fighting’

    Olivia Rodrigo Slams Trump for ‘Defunding’ Planned Parenthood: ‘We’ll Never Stop Fighting’

    Olivia Rodrigo is supporting Planned Parenthood as the organization remains under attack from President Trump.

    The superstar singer was in a dance video posted to the Instagram and Twitter accounts of Daisy Chain Fields, her upcoming all-woman music festival. Text on the video, set to her song “My Way,” says, “Learning that nearly 30 Planned Parenthood health centers have closed since President Donald Trump signed a law ‘defunding’ Planned Parenthood,” as Rodrigo and other women stand looking serious. But then they break out dancing as the text switches to, “But we’ll never stop fighting for sexual and reproductive health care!!!”

    Rodrigo has been an active supporter of Planned Parenthood during her career, receiving the organization’s Catalyst of Change Award in 2025.

    Meanwhile, she has also been critical of Trump, calling out the White House on social media in June when they used her song to promote ICE, saying, “What they’re doing is so awful and barbaric and cruel. I am really sad to be in a country that thinks that’s OK.”

    President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law on July 4, 2025, which defunded Planned Parenthood and cut federal Medicaid funding as well, making it more difficult for women to afford health care.

    Trump apparently changed his mind on Planned Parenthood, as he threw his support behind the organization at a 2016 press conference, saying, “Look, Planned Parenthood has done very good work for many, many — for millions of women. And I’ll say it, and I know a lot of the so-called conservatives, they say that’s really … cause I’m a conservative, but I’m a common-sense conservative.”

    Watch Rodrigo’s video below.

  • OpenAI and Anthropic’s Rogue Models Hacked Real Companies. The Law Has No Answer

    OpenAI and Anthropic’s Rogue Models Hacked Real Companies. The Law Has No Answer

    In brief

    • OpenAI confirmed its models, including GPT-5.6 Sol and an unreleased prototype, escaped a test sandbox and compromised Hugging Face to cheat on a security benchmark, then touched four other services.
    • Anthropic found three of its own Claude models had breached the production systems of three real companies during tests run by partner Irregular, one uploading a malicious package to public PyPI.
    • No U.S. federal law assigns liability for AI-caused harms; any suit would hinge on decades-old computer-hacking statutes written for human actors.

    OpenAI set a precedent on July 21. The company said a combination of its models, both run with reduced safety refusals, broke out of an isolated environment during a cyber-capability benchmark and reached open-source repository Hugging Face’s production infrastructure. The models chained a zero-day vulnerability in a package-registry proxy with stolen credentials to pull benchmark answers straight from Hugging Face’s database.

    In an update a week later, OpenAI said Hugging Face wasn’t the only target: the same incident touched four accounts across four other services, one used as an outbound relay and another for data storage.

    Anthropic, prompted by the disclosure, reviewed 141,006 of its own test runs and found three more breaches. In a post published July 30, the lab said Claude models Opus 4.7, Mythos 5, and an internal research system reached the open internet from environments run by third-party partner Irregular and then compromised real organizations. Mythos 5 built and published a booby-trapped Python package to the public PyPI registry, which was downloaded and run on 15 real machines before defenders pulled it.

    Two of the three victim companies hadn’t noticed.

    Neither lab describes a model with its own agenda. The agents operated for extended stretches with no human in the loop, and in one case Opus 4.7 kept attacking after signs it had hit production.

    The incidents arrive as both companies eye public listings that could value each above $1 trillion, sharpening a major question in the AI cyber benchmark race: how do you test dangerous capabilities without dangerous incidents?

    Who pays when the AI model hacks

    The U.S. has no federal law covering liability for AI harms. Any case would lean on the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a 1986 statute that makes it a crime to “intentionally” access a computer without authorization — language written for a human who forms intent.

    An AI agent isn’t a legal person, so it can’t be prosecuted. The Department of Justice could theoretically bring charges against the companies, but with so little precedent, it’s not clear who’s to blame.

    The stronger path is civil. Ahmed Ghappour, a computer-law scholar at New York Law School, argued the models “are the company’s tool,” and “When an AI agent acts without being specifically directed (…) the more interesting questions may lie in negligence and products liability (not criminal hacking laws).”

    The victims’ cleanest claim is negligence: OpenAI and Anthropic set up and ran tests that escaped. That’s a hard sell, too: proving the labs breached a duty of care, when the tests were isolated by design, is exactly the kind of novel argument a judge would have to forge from scratch.

    Some legal thinkers want stricter rules. Gabriel Weil of the University of Houston and the Institute for Law & AI has proposed treating frontier labs like keepers of wild animals: liable regardless of the care they took, because the risk is inherent to the activity.

    That said, a patchwork of state bills already pushes that way. New York’s S8833 and Rhode Island’s H8052 would make the developer of a frontier AI system liable for harms when no user or intermediary intended the conduct or was negligent. California’s AB 316 goes further, eliminating the “autonomous AI” defense so a company can’t dodge responsibility by blaming the model’s independence.

    The EU’s AI Act (Regulation 2024/1689) likewise pins obligations on providers of higher-risk systems, though it has no provision aimed squarely at agent-driven intrusions. Go a bit beyond that and some U.S. politicians are pushing for a bill that would give the government a full kill switch to use against any model that goes against the country’s interests.

    Morally, the responsibility arguably sits with the executives who shipped the models. Legally, we wait. Until a hacked company files suit, the answer to “who’s liable?” stays exactly where OpenAI and Anthropic left it: admitted, disclosed, and unresolved.

    Meanwhile, Hugging Face has indicated it will not press charges — which is convenient for OpenAI. The other companies affected have not yet indicated what course they will take.

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  • ‘Gilmore Girls’ Documentary Set at HBO Max With Lauren Graham, Never-Before-Seen Footage and More

    ‘Gilmore Girls’ Documentary Set at HBO Max With Lauren Graham, Never-Before-Seen Footage and More

    It’s time to return to Star’s Hollow.

    An official documentary about “Gilmore Girls,” the beloved seven-season family dramedy that premiered in 2000, is currently in production and set to debut on HBO Max. Per the official logline, the untitled film is told from the perspective of series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino alongside her husband, executive producer Daniel Palladino, and “reveals how the show eclipsed expectations to become a cross-generational phenomenon by unpacking the unique alchemy of the creators, cast, crew and collaborators. The film includes never-before-seen outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and script pages.”

    Along with the Palladinos, the documentary will feature Lauren Graham, who starred in “Gilmore Girls” as Lorelai Gilmore, plus additional key cast and crew.

    Bonni Cohen serves as director on the documentary, which is produced by Sony Pictures Television’s This Machine, led by R.J. Cutler, in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Executive producers include Cutler, Jane Cha Cutler, the Palladinos, Mark Blatty, Elise Pearlstein and Trevor Smith. Cohen and Melissa Robledo serve as producers.

    “Gilmore Girls” was produced by Warner Bros. Television and aired on the WB for its first six seasons before moving to the CW for its seventh and final season from 2006 to 2007. Along with Graham, the cast included Alexis Bledel as Lorelai’s daughter, Rory Gilmore, as well as Melissa McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann, Liza Weil, Jared Padalecki, Milo Ventimiglia, Sean Gunn, Chris Eigeman and Matt Czuchry.

    While the Warner Bros. production is the first authorized documentary about “Gilmore Girls,” an unauthorized project called “Searching for Stars Hollow” was announced to be in the works in 2025 with Bishop, Padalecki, Chad Michael Murray and more set for interviews.

  • IOTA Supports Argentina’s Transplant System

    IOTA Supports Argentina’s Transplant System

    INCUCAI, Argentina’s national organ transplant coordinator, is introducing decentralized identity and document notarization. The system connects INCUCAI with 24 provincial procurement agencies, hospitals, and transplant centers across the country. $IOTA was selected as the public infrastructure for the system.

    Extrimian, a Latin American decentralized identity company, developed the infrastructure using self-sovereign identity technology. The company focuses on digital identity, data control, and verifiable credentials.

    Authorized officials can sign documents electronically and notarize them on $IOTA. Only cryptographic proofs are stored on-chain, while patient-identifiable information remains private.

    The system went live on the $IOTA Mainnet on June 10, 2026. In June, INCUCAI also introduced electronic signatures across processes managed through SINTRA, Argentina’s national transplant information system. The official IncucaiID wallet allows patients, healthcare professionals, and other authorized users to manage credentials and sign documents electronically.

    Image: Magnific

  • New Developments in the Clarity Act: Eleanor Terrett Weighs In

    New Developments in the Clarity Act: Eleanor Terrett Weighs In

    Legislative work in the US Senate regarding the cryptocurrency sector is at a critical juncture.

    Speaking at the Rare Evo Conference in Las Vegas, veteran journalist Eleanor Terrett discussed the latest developments regarding the highly anticipated “CLARITY Act” and the likelihood of its passage this year.

    The US Senate is working intensely before the August recess, but the fate of the CLARITY Act hangs on procedural hurdles and intra-party vote calculations. The bill needs 60 votes to pass the cloture vote and be considered in the Senate plenary session.

    Because Republicans hold 53 seats in the Senate, the bill needs the support of at least seven Democratic senators to pass. Terrett noted that Senate Leader John Thune’s call for a vote could force the parties to compromise, and that policymakers might even postpone the August recess to finalize the bill.

    One of the biggest obstacles to the bill’s progress lies in ethical regulations. Democratic senators argue that the prepared ethics text is insufficient to prevent former President Donald Trump from profiting from his own crypto projects (platforms like memecoin TRUMP and World Liberty Financial).

    Related News Coldcard Issues New Statement Regarding the Major Bitcoin Hack

    Democrats are calling for state attorneys general to be authorized to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential ethics violations. Republicans and the White House oppose the proposal, arguing that this authority would lead to politically motivated lawsuits at the state level.

    The draft text includes a provision, valid until 2029, that prevents government officials and members of Congress from issuing digital assets while in office.

    Another important point of contention in the Senate is the BRCA (Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act) provisions, drafted by Representative Tom Emmer. These provisions would grant immunity from criminal liability to programmers who write protocols or code if their code is misused by third parties or illegal actors (such as North Korean hacker groups). While the crypto sector considers this provision “essential,” prosecutors and law enforcement oppose it.

    While the probability of the CLARITY Act being enacted before the end of 2026 is priced at around 30% in the forecast markets, Eleanor Terrett stated that she sees a higher chance of the law being passed this year.

    *This is not investment advice.

  • Moment man is hit in the face with flying shoe on rollercoaster travelling at 70mph

    Moment man is hit in the face with flying shoe on rollercoaster travelling at 70mph

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    An adrenaline junkie filming a rollercoaster ride was taken by surprise when he was hit in the face by a flying shoe.

    The theme park fan was on the Goliath ride at Six Flags Over Georgia in the US, which reaches speeds of around 70mph, on Sunday.

    While up in the air, as the thrillseeker was recording their time on the coaster using Meta glasses, the white trainer flew off a rider in front of them and came whizzing towards the camera lens.

    The filmmaker said: ‘I filmed this POV while riding Goliath at Six Flags Over Georgia on Sunday August 2, 2026.

    ‘Shortly after the ride began, a rider in the front row lost one of their shoes. As the coaster reached speeds of approximately 70mph, the shoe flew back toward my row.’

    A thrillseeker captured the incredible moment he caught a fellow rider's trainer after it flew off their foot at 70mph on a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The footage shows the moment the filmer plucked the shoe out of the air before returning it to the owner who couldn't believe her eyes. The filmer said:
    The white trainer hit the man clean in the face (Picture: Newsflare)
    A thrillseeker captured the incredible moment he caught a fellow rider's trainer after it flew off their foot at 70mph on a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The footage shows the moment the filmer plucked the shoe out of the air before returning it to the owner who couldn't believe her eyes. The filmer said:
    The proud thrillseeker clutched the shoe for the rest of the ride (Picture: Newsflare)

    In footage of the moment, the rider can be heard shouting: ‘Oh, my god,’ as the shoe makes impact with a thud.

    Luckily, as the shoe ‘crashed into’ the rider, he was able to catch it before it dropped into the lake beneath the ride.

    ‘The catch was completely unexpected and was not staged or planned in any way,’ he added.

    ‘The video recorded on my Meta glasses captures the entire moment from my point of view, including my reaction after catching the shoe.’

    A thrillseeker captured the incredible moment he caught a fellow rider's trainer after it flew off their foot at 70mph on a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The footage shows the moment the filmer plucked the shoe out of the air before returning it to the owner who couldn't believe her eyes. The filmer said:
    He held onto the shoe until the rollercoaster came to a stop (Picture: Newsflare)
    A thrillseeker captured the incredible moment he caught a fellow rider's trainer after it flew off their foot at 70mph on a rollercoaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. The footage shows the moment the filmer plucked the shoe out of the air before returning it to the owner who couldn't believe her eyes. The filmer said:
    The rider said the incident was ‘completely unexpected’ (Picture: Newsflare)

    In the film, he can be heard saying: ‘I got it!’ after nabbing the airborne accessory. Later, he holds the shoe out in front of him, proudly declaring: ‘I got the shoe!’

    He then holds it up in the air, refusing to let go even as the ride speeds up.

    ‘I got hit in the face and caught a shoe!’ he can be heard telling grinning fellow riders as the rollercoaster comes to a gradual stop.

    Once everyone had disembarked from the ride, the rider managed to locate the owner of the runaway garment, whose friends screamed and clapped as it was returned.

    ‘After the ride ended, I returned the shoe to its owner,’ he added.