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CONSUMER AUTHORITY RAIDS RICE SELLERS

General 21 September 2025

ARMY AND POLICE CONDUCT A PROGRAMME OF “CLEAN SRI LANKA”

General 21 September 2025

PROCUREMENT ISSUES CAUSING MEDICINE SHORTAGE, SAYS HEALTH MINISTER

General 21 September 2025

WILD ELEPHANT ATTACKS PILGRIM BUS

General 21 September 2025

PRESIDENT TO ATTEND UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

General 21 September 2025

TREE-PLANTING PROGRAMME UNDERTAKEN IN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS

General 21 September 2025

International News

NEW HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB SHOOTING LEAVES 1 DEAD AND SEVERAL WOUNDED

International 21 September 2025

INDIA WARNS NEW US FEE FOR H-1B VISA WILL HAVE 'HUMANITARIAN CONSEQUENCES'

International 21 September 2025

US NEW H-1B VISA FEE WILL NOT APPLY TO EXISTING HOLDERS, WHITE HOUSE SAYS

International 21 September 2025

STARMER SET TO ANNOUNCE UK RECOGNITION OF PALESTINIAN STATE ON SUNDAY

International 21 September 2025

EUROPE AIRPORTS' CHECK-IN SYSTEMS HIT BY CYBERATTACK

International 20 September 2025

US DESTROYS ALLEGED VENEZUELAN DRUG BOAT, KILLING THREE

International 20 September 2025

PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE UNGA VIRTUALLY?

International 20 September 2025

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLACES NEW RESTRICTIONS ON HARVARD, CITING FINANCIAL CONCERNS

International 20 September 2025

POLAND SCRAMBLES AIRCRAFT AFTER RUSSIA LAUNCHES STRIKES ON UKRAINE

International 20 September 2025

PORTUGAL TO RECOGNIZE A PALESTINIAN STATE, GOVERNMENT SAYS

International 20 September 2025

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANS $6.4 BILLION IN WEAPONS SALES TO ISRAEL, SOURCES SAY

International 20 September 2025

OVER 70 DEAD IN DRONE STRIKE ON SUDAN CHURCH

International 20 September 2025

TRUMP SPEAKS WITH CHINA'S XI TO FINALIZE TIKTOK DEAL

International 19 September 2025

ZUBEEN GARG DIES AT 52 AFTER FREAK SCUBA DIVING ACCIDENT IN SINGAPORE

International 19 September 2025

MACRONS TO OFFER 'SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE' TO US COURT TO PROVE BRIGITTE IS A WOMAN, LAWYER SAYS

International 19 September 2025

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General21 September 2025

OVER 13,000 UNPROTECTED CHILDREN IDENTIFIED IN SRI LANKA

A recent survey has identified 13,415 unprotected children across Sri Lanka, according to the Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Western Province, Sanjeewa Dharmaratne.Speaking at a ceremony in Bandaragama yesterday, he said the children were vulnerable because their parents had either gone abroad or abandoned them, and as a result, they were not attending school.He warned that if left unaddressed, these children could become a "scourge on society."The senior police officer added that the police are working to get these children into schools and introduce them to a foster parent system.

General21 September 2025

WOMAN DIES AFTER BEING STRUCK BY VAN

A woman has died after being struck by a van while crossing the road in the Weliveriya police division.According to police, the incident occurred yesterday evening on the New Town Road near the Jayanthi Mawatha junction.A van travelling from Balummahara towards Weliveriya hit the woman as she was crossing the street. She was admitted to Gampaha Hospital but died upon arrival.Weliveriya Police are conducting further investigations.

General21 September 2025

THREE INJURED IN MULTI-VEHICLE COLLISION

Three people have been injured in a multi-vehicle collision involving a bus, a lorry, and a three-wheeler in the Kattankudy area on the Batticaloa-Kalmunai road this morning.The incident occurred at around 4:00 a.m., when a luxury bus travelling from Colombo to Akkaraipattu collided with the back of a lorry that had stopped on the main road.A three-wheeler then struck the bus.The three injured individuals, who are in a serious condition, have been admitted to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.Both the bus and the three-wheeler were severely damaged in the incident. Kattankudy Police are conducting further investigations.

General21 September 2025

OVER 700 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN ISLANDWIDE POLICE OPERATION

A special police operation targeting criminal suspects across the island has led to the arrest of 714 individuals.According to the Police Media Division, 19 of those arrested were allegedly connected directly with criminal activities.The operation also led to the apprehension of 253 warrant-holders and 185 individuals with open warrants.In addition, 38 were arrested over charges of driving under the influence during the operation.

General21 September 2025

MOTORCYCLE COLLISION CLAIMS ONE LIFE IN PUDUKUDIRIPPPU

A 26-year-old man has died in a collision between two motorcycles in the Pudukuduirippu police division.The incident occurred yesterday evening near the Vellampalam junction on the Mullaitivu-Paranthan road, when a motorbike travelling on the main road struck a second bike entering from a side road.The rider of one of the motorbikes was injured and died upon admission to Moonkilaru Hospital. The rider of the other motorcycle has been arrested. Pudukuduirippu Police are conducting further investigations.

International News

NEW HAMPSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB SHOOTING LEAVES 1 DEAD AND SEVERAL WOUNDED

International 21 September 2025

INDIA WARNS NEW US FEE FOR H-1B VISA WILL HAVE 'HUMANITARIAN CONSEQUENCES'

International 21 September 2025

US NEW H-1B VISA FEE WILL NOT APPLY TO EXISTING HOLDERS, WHITE HOUSE SAYS

International 21 September 2025

STARMER SET TO ANNOUNCE UK RECOGNITION OF PALESTINIAN STATE ON SUNDAY

International 21 September 2025

EUROPE AIRPORTS' CHECK-IN SYSTEMS HIT BY CYBERATTACK

International 20 September 2025

US DESTROYS ALLEGED VENEZUELAN DRUG BOAT, KILLING THREE

International 20 September 2025

PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT TO ADDRESS THE UNGA VIRTUALLY?

International 20 September 2025

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLACES NEW RESTRICTIONS ON HARVARD, CITING FINANCIAL CONCERNS

International 20 September 2025

POLAND SCRAMBLES AIRCRAFT AFTER RUSSIA LAUNCHES STRIKES ON UKRAINE

International 20 September 2025

PORTUGAL TO RECOGNIZE A PALESTINIAN STATE, GOVERNMENT SAYS

International 20 September 2025

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANS $6.4 BILLION IN WEAPONS SALES TO ISRAEL, SOURCES SAY

International 20 September 2025

OVER 70 DEAD IN DRONE STRIKE ON SUDAN CHURCH

International 20 September 2025

TRUMP SPEAKS WITH CHINA'S XI TO FINALIZE TIKTOK DEAL

International 19 September 2025

ZUBEEN GARG DIES AT 52 AFTER FREAK SCUBA DIVING ACCIDENT IN SINGAPORE

International 19 September 2025

MACRONS TO OFFER 'SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE' TO US COURT TO PROVE BRIGITTE IS A WOMAN, LAWYER SAYS

International 19 September 2025

Sports Stories

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SRI LANKA MEN'S RUGBY TEAM FINISHES FOURTH

The Sri Lanka men's rugby team has finished in fourth place at the 2025 Asia Rugby Men's Sevens Series.In a fiercely contested match for third place, the Sri Lankans were narrowly defeated by China with a final score of 22-17.Both teams fought hard until the very end, but China ultimately secured the win.

SRI LANKA'S UNDER-19 WOMEN'S CRICKET TEAM DEFEATS AUSTRALIA

The Sri Lanka Under-19 women's cricket team has recorded a convincing 29-run victory over the Australia Under-19 side in the second T20 match.Played today at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium, the Sri Lankan team batted first, scoring 138 for 9 in their 20 overs.Sanjana Kavindi and Rashmi Nethranjali were the joint top scorers with 24 runs each, while Nethangi Isuranjali contributed a quick 21 runs.In response, the Australian side was restricted to just 109 runs, thanks to a strong bowling performance.Aseni Thalagune and Shashini Gimhani were the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets each.

SRI LANKA WOMEN'S RUGBY TEAM SECURES NINTH PLACE

The Sri Lanka women's rugby team has secured ninth place in the Asia Rugby Women's Sevens Series in China after a victory over Singapore.The Sri Lankan side defeated their opponents by a score of 12-0.

HONG KONG DEFEATS SRI LANKA IN RUGBY SEVENS SEMI-FINAL

The Sri Lanka men's rugby team has been defeated by Hong Kong in the Cup semi-final of the Asia Rugby Men's Sevens Series.Hong Kong secured a decisive victory with a final score of 33-0, which prevented the Sri Lankan team from advancing to the final.

NEW ZEALAND TEAM ARRIVES FOR INDOOR CRICKET WORLD CUP

The New Zealand team has arrived in Sri Lanka to participate in the 12th Indoor Cricket World Cup.The 71-member squad, comprising both male and female players, landed at Katunayake Airport this morning, September 21, becoming the first foreign team to arrive for the tournament.This marks the first time in 21 years that Sri Lanka is hosting the competition.The matches will be played from September 26 to October 4 at the Indoor Cricket Stadium in Thalawathugoda.A total of 31 teams from nine countries, including Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa, and India, are set to compete in four different categories: Open Men's, Open Women's, Under-19 Men's, and Under-19 Women's.

BLOOMFIELD AND CCC TO BATTLE IN UNDER-23 FINAL

Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club and Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) have qualified for the final of the Sri Lanka Under-23 Inter-Club Two-Day Cricket Tournament.In the first semi-final, Bloomfield secured a first-innings victory over Negombo Cricket Club at the NCC grounds.The win was set up by a stellar performance from Nisala Aberathna, who took five wickets for just 24 runs.Meanwhile, CCC defeated Nugegoda Sports Club on a first-innings lead in the second semi-final held at the SSC grounds.Both matches saw a number of overs lost due to rain and wet outfields.The final between CCC and Bloomfield is scheduled to take place on September 23 and 24 at the SSC grounds.

MATT BEARD: FORMER LIVERPOOL WOMEN MANAGER DIES AGED 47

Former Liverpool Women manager Matt Beard has died aged 47.Beard managed Liverpool between 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2025. He also had spells at Chelsea Women, Millwall Lionesses, West Ham Women and most recently a short spell at Burnley Women.Liverpool confirmed the news on X, writing: "Liverpool Football Club is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of former LFC Women manager Matt Beard."The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt's family and friends at this devastating time."Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club."Beard coached Liverpool to back-to-back Women's Super League titles in 2013 and 2014. During his second spell in charge, he helped them win promotion back to the WSL before leading them to a seventh-placed finish on their return to the top flight.His former club Millwall, with whom he started his managerial career, also paid tribute on X, stating: "Everybody at the club is deeply saddened by the passing of former Lionesses manager, Matt Beard."We send all our love and support to his family, friends and colleagues across the many clubs he managed at this very difficult time."Liverpool are set to take on Aston Villa in the Women's Super League on Sunday.The WSL released a statement which read: "Everyone at WSL Football extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones of Matt Beard following news of his passing."Matt played an instrumental role in the growth of women's football and will be missed by everyone associated with the game. Rest in peace, Matt."The FA wrote: "We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Matt Beard. Matt was a key figure in growing the women's game and will be missed by all."Our thoughts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time."Source - Sky sports

BANGLADESH DEFEATS SRI LANKA IN ASIA CUP SUPER FOUR STAGE

The Bangladesh cricket team has defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Super Four match of the Asia Cup.The defeat marks Sri Lanka’s first loss in the tournament so far.Chasing a target of 169 runs, Bangladesh reached their goal in 19.5 overs.A crucial knock from Saif Hassan, who scored 61, and Towhid Hridoy, who added 58, anchored the winning innings.For Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each.After winning the toss and choosing to field first, Bangladesh restricted Sri Lanka to 168 for seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs.Dasun Shanaka was the standout performer with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 64 from just 37 balls.Kusal Mendis contributed 34 runs.Mustafizur Rahman was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh with three wickets.

Business Stories

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SRI LANKA PLANS TO ELIMINATE CARD PAYMENT SURCHARGES

Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy is taking steps to remove extra fees on debit and credit card transactions. The ministry has held initial talks with the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to evaluate the proposal’s financial impact. Meanwhile, discussions also explored ways to offset losses consumers currently face when using cards. Furthermore, the ministry stated that Sri Lanka’s shift towards a cashless society will see all transactions gradually move to QR code-based mobile payments in the future.

S&P WARNS OF 'HOLDOUT' CREDITORS AS SRILANKAN AIRLINES BOND RESTRUCTURING DRAGS ON

S&P Global Ratings has warned that the ongoing restructuring of government-guaranteed SriLankan Airlines bonds could face complications from "holdout creditors."The warning comes despite S&P's recent upgrade of Sri Lanka's foreign currency sovereign credit rating to CCC+ with a stable outlook on September 19.The upgrade was a direct result of Sri Lanka's progress in restructuring its remaining commercial debt, following a successful exchange of most of its Eurobonds in December 2024.However, negotiations on the SriLankan Airlines debt began earlier this year, with an offer from the airline and government that was rejected by a committee of bondholders in early August.The bonds have been trading above their original value, at around 105 cents to the dollar, which reflects investor confidence in receiving full payment.Bondholders have already taken an activist stance, demanding full payment and reportedly threatening to liquidate the airline through legal action.The bonds' sovereign guarantee also lacks a collective action clause, which typically aggregates them with other restructured bonds.Despite the potential for complications, S&P stated that it believes the situation is "unlikely to disrupt or unwind" the broader debt restructuring process.The ratings agency highlighted that the country’s creditworthiness is supported by a strong economic recovery, rapid fiscal reforms, and an accumulation of foreign exchange reserves, all of which are supported by an ongoing IMF programme.

SRI LANKA REVISES 2025 TOURIST ARRIVAL TARGET TO 2.6 MILLION

Sri Lanka has revised its tourist arrival forecast for 2025, aiming for a minimum of 2.6 million visitors, down from the initial target of 3 million.The announcement was made by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Buddhika Hewawasam at the "Connect and Conversations" forum held in Colombo yesterday.Despite the adjustment, Hewawasam expressed confidence, stating that achieving the revised target would still be a "historical high" for the nation, signifying a strong recovery in the tourism sector.As of September 17, Sri Lanka has welcomed approximately 1.66 million tourists.The cumulative earnings from the industry for the first eight months of the year are estimated at US$ 3.4 billion.Hewawasam did not provide an update on the government's original earnings forecast of US$ 5 billion.In his address, the SLTDA Chairman also highlighted a strategic shift towards regional collaboration, emphasising untapped opportunities for tourism partnerships within South Asia.He stated, “We see a future built on partnership, not just competition,” citing the potential for Sri Lanka and the Maldives to complement each other as an example.

TRUMP ADDS $100,000 FEE FOR SKILLED WORKER VISA APPLICANTS

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will add a $100,000 (£74,000) fee for applicants to the H-1B visa programme for skilled foreign workers.The proclamation mentions "abuse" of the programme and will restrict entry unless payment is made.Critics have long argued that H-1Bs undercut the American workforce, while supporters - including billionaire Elon Musk - argue it allows the US to attract top talent from around the world.In another order, Trump set up a new "gold card" to fast-track visas for certain immigrants in exchange for fees starting at £1m.Joining Trump in the Oval Office on Friday was US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick."A hundred thousand dollars a year for H1-B visas, and all of the big companies are on board," he said. "We've spoken to them."If you're going to train somebody, you're going to train one of the recent graduates from one of the great universities across our land. Train Americans. Stop bringing in people to take our jobs."Since 2004, the number of H-1B applications has been capped at 85,000 per year.TRUMP ADDS $100,000 FEE FOR SKILLED WORKER VISA APPLICANTSUntil now, H-1B visas have carried various administrative fees totalling around $1,500.Data from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows that applications for H-1B visas for the next fiscal year fell to about 359,000 - a four-year low.The greatest beneficiary of the programme the previous fiscal year was Amazon, followed by tech giants Tata, Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Google, according to government statistics.Tahmina Watson, a founding attorney at Watson Immigration Law, told the BBC that the ruling could be a "nail in the coffin" for many of her clients that are mostly small businesses and start-ups."Almost everyone's going to be priced out. This $100,000 as an entry point is going to have a devastating impact," she added, noting that many small or medium-sized companies "will tell you they actually can't find workers to do the job"."When employers sponsor foreign talent, more often than not, they're doing that because they have not been able to fulfil those positions," Ms Watson added.Jorge Lopez, the chair of the immigration and global mobility practice group at Littler Mendelson PC, said a $100,000 fee "will put the brakes on American competitiveness in the tech sector and all industries".Some companies might consider setting up operations outside the US, though doing so can be challenging in practice, he added.The debate over H-1Bs had previously caused splits within Trump's team and supporters, pitting those in favour of the visas against critics such as former strategist Steve Bannon.Trump told reporters at the White House in January that he understands "both sides of the argument" on H-1Bs.The year before - while seeking to attract support from the tech industry while on the campaign trail - Trump vowed to make the process of attracting talent easier, going as far as to propose green cards for college graduates."You need a pool of people to work for companies," he told the All-In Podcast. "You have to be able to recruit these people and keep these people."Early in his first term in 2017, Trump signed an executive order that increased scrutiny of H-1B applications, seeking to improve fraud detection.Rejections rose to an all-time high of 24% in the 2018 fiscal year, compared to between 5% and 8% under Barack Obama and then between 2% and 4% under Joe Biden.At the time, tech companies pushed back, harshly criticising the Trump administration's H-1B order.The potential for additional restrictions to the H-1B programme has caused considerable concern in countries such as India - which is by far the largest source country for such visa applications.Source - BBC

SRI LANKA'S TEA PRODUCTION FALLS IN AUGUST, BUT YEAR-TO-DATE FIGURES REMAIN POSITIVE

Sri Lanka's tea production fell by 7.8% year-on-year in August 2025, but the overall year-to-date figures show a positive growth.Data from the Tea Board reveals that 19.68 million kgs of tea were produced in August, a drop of 1.66 million kgs compared to the same period in 2024. The decline was seen across most tea elevations, though the green tea segment recorded a marginal growth.Despite the monthly dip, on a cumulative basis, Sri Lanka produced 176.82 million kilogrammes of tea from January to August 2025. This is an increase of 4.34 million kgs compared to the same period in 2024, with all elevations posting an increase over the corresponding period last year.

SRI LANKA'S CONSTRUCTION SECTOR RECORDS ROBUST GROWTH

Sri Lanka's local construction sector has grown by a robust 8.5% in the three months ending in June 2025, a sign that the sector has entered a sustained growth path.The growth extends a near 02 year run of recovery which began in the final quarter of 2023.The sector had suffered a six-quarter decline since the second quarter of 2022 due to the unprecedented economic crisis. This brought both public and private projects to a standstill, caused by a lack of materials, soaring inflation, and a shortage of workers.

FRANCE DISCUSSES RESUMING STALLED PROJECTS IN SRI LANKA

Talks are underway between the new Sri Lankan government and the French aid agency, Agence Française de Développement (AFD), to resume stalled projects and begin new ones.The head of AFD's Europe, Middle East and Asia department, Cyrille Bellier, told reporters in Paris that the discussions are focusing on re-engaging on projects that the government considers a priority. He added that the talks would also determine new areas for future cooperation.The discussions follow a debt restructuring agreement signed in August between the two countries. Sri Lanka had bilateral loans from France amounting to $ 426 million, of which $ 138 million were in arrears as of March 2025.AFD has an active portfolio of projects in Sri Lanka, including in rural dairy, air quality management, and renewable energy. France also co-chaired Sri Lanka's debt restructuring efforts through the Paris Club.

NEW CONCESSIONAL LOAN SCHEME FOR WESTERN PROVINCE ENTREPRENEURS

A new concessional loan scheme for micro and small-scale entrepreneurs in the Western Province has been planned, according to the Provincial Chief Secretary, K. G. P. Pushpakumara.He revealed the initiative during a district coordination meeting, stating that the loan will have a 3% interest rate, a maximum amount of 3 million rupees, and a repayment period of seven years on a diminishing balance basis. More information on the scheme will be available through the Divisional Secretariats.Meanwhile, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said that a project to expand and develop the High-Level Road will be initiated next year.

Entertainment Stories

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'SECRETS' LYRICS: MILEY CYRUS DROPS NEW SONG FOR HER DAD

Miley Cyrus has dropped her new song “Secrets” as a deluxe track for her Something Beautiful album!The Grammy-winning singer wrote the song with Fleetwood Mac artists Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood. She says that the “song is for my dad.”“This song was written as a peace offering for someone I had lost for a time but always loved. In my experience, forgiveness and freedom are one and the same,” Miley wrote on Instagram.Miley had a falling out with her dad Billy Ray Cyrus for years, but they’ve worked their way back to a healthy relationship.“I wrote this song about my dad, because I wanted him to tell me, even though they were secrets, even though I didn’t really wanna know, I wanted to be the one he felt safe enough to tell me the things that were damning and damaging to the family,” Miley said on the Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky podcast. “But I wanted him to think that, as a middle child, I’m old enough that I could take some of that you know. And I always wanted my family to feel like I was the safe place, that I always had the white flag when they came to talk to me.”The song starts, “Secrets, I wanna keep your secrets / Like sunlight in the shadows / Like footsteps in the grass / I won’t ever break my promise / Like a songbird in the silence / Like stones against the glass.”Miley sings in the chorus, “Hero / Can I be your hero? / Call off all your forces / A white flag in the war.”Source: Just Jared

JADEN SMITH MAKES HISTORY, BECOMES FIRST EVER MEN'S CREATIVE DIRECTOR FOR CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Jaden Smith is taking a new role in the fashion world!The 27-year-old rapper has been appointed the first Men’s Creative Director for shoe and accessory brand Christian Louboutin.As part of his role, Jaden will “oversee the creation of four collections annually across men’s shoes, leather goods, and accessories, while shaping a distinctive visual and emotional universe that extends beyond product design to encompass campaigns, events, and immersive experiences.”His first collection will debut during Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 Fashion Week in January, and it will go on sale in store in May 2026.“When I first met Jaden, I saw in him a natural fit for the Maison, his world is rich and multidimensional, his style and cultural sensibility are inspiring and his curiosity and openness are remarkable,” Christian Louboutin shared in a statement. “I felt that with his creative direction our men’s collection would evolve in an exciting and dynamic way. He feels like the perfect addition to our creative team and I am truly looking forward to having fun working with him on our men’s collections.”The designer of the iconic red sole shoe and Jaden first met in 2019.“Merging my vision with Christian’s comes quite naturally because we see the world in a very similar way. There’s a shared respect for creative freedom, and I think that’s why it works,” Jaden shared. “I want to continue the story, honoring the past while shaping the future through my own perspective. It isn’t just a title — it’s a creative home. Christian has given me a place to explore, to learn, and to create freely. His legacy is built on hard work and joy, and I want to carry that forward.”Jaden also noted the big honor that has been placed upon him and the pressure that comes with it.“This is the one of the biggest honors of my life, and I feel a lot of pressure to be able to live up to everything that Christian has done for the house, and also stepping into such a serious role,” he told WWD. “When he reached out to me, I was just blown away, because of how similar we are and how much we like to do things in a similar manner.”“I can’t wait to show the world what we’ve been working on,” he continued. “I think that the universe of Christian Louboutin men’s has so much potential.”Jaden is no stranger to the fashion world, and has often been a staple in the front row at Louis Vuitton fashion shows, and has attended many other shows, including Kenzo, Diesel and more. He has also attended fashion’s biggest night – the Met Gala – several times!Source: Just Jared

NETFLIX SENDING GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S ‘FRANKENSTEIN’ TO IMAX FOR LIMITED SCREENINGS

Imax CEO Rich Gelfond said the big screen exhibitor will be showing Guillermo Del Toro’s Frankenstein for a limited run at a small number of locations.He didn’t give a number but Deadline hears it will be a quite limited footprint of about 10 screenings.“It really is a theatrical movie,” Gelfond said at the Axios Media Live conference in New York. “You know, Frankenstein and Imax is great synergy. He’s big. Imax is big, loud,” he joked. He said it will debut on Imax in “a couple of weeks.”The new adaptation of the classic Mary Shelley novel starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac premiered at Venice last month, see Deadline review. Netflix is planning a limited theatrical release on October 17 with the streaming debut on November 7.The giant streamer, which just had a massive theatrical hit with KPop Demons Hunters, generally shies away from theatrical to the dismay of theater owners. In a high-profile agreement, its adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ Narnia by Greta Gerwig an exclusive two-week Imax global run in fall of 2026, in 90 countries across 1,000 auditoriums, in advance of the pic’s streaming debut.Source: Deadline

LEONARDO DICAPRIO ON WHY HIS NEW FILM ADDRESSES 'DIVISIVENESS IN OUR CULTURE'

One Battle After Another, the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn, has been 20 years in the making, according to its filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson.DiCaprio stars as Bob, a paranoid ex-revolutionary living off-grid, who reunites with former accomplices as he's forced to confront an old nemesis after his daughter goes missing.Director Anderson came up with the idea for the film, which also stars Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall, more than two decades ago, loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon's 1990 novel Vineland.DiCaprio, who won an Oscar in 2016 for survival epic The Revenant, told the BBC the film reflects what he sees as the growing polarisation in society."It holds a mirror up to society and talks about the divisiveness in our culture and the fact that there's so much polarity."The Wolf of Wall Street actor explained that while he doesn't feel like there's a central message to the film, "there's an interesting undercurrent about extremism"."It's political without making it feel like medicine," he adds.The Usual Suspects actor del Toro plays martial arts instructor Sergio, who comes to Bob's help when he's under threat.He explains that the film "says something about its time" but "it's also entertaining, fun and has a lot of heart".Del Toro was most excited about having been able to work with DiCaprio, who he has "admired and wanted to work with for many years"."Leo and I are from the same class if Hollywood was a university - I've met him many times and then finally we got a chance to work together."It's a dream come true and he's very funny in real life and in the movie."One Battle After Another is part political satire, part black comedy and part action blockbuster, and DiCaprio says overall the film "finds the humanity in all the central characters"."It's about the people in the film and the characters - I'm a flawed protagonist - you can relate to them and their struggles and that's not an easy thing to do."The Titanic star previously told Entertainment Tonight his character is the opposite of Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible as Bob "does everything wrong and doesn't land or stick any of his stunts".'Surefire Oscar frontrunner'The film has been warmly received by critics with most of them awarding it five stars.The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey hailed it as a "ferocious American masterpiece" that is "swaggering, funny and a timely action epic".In a five-star review, The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw said the film's themes of "dissent, discontent and the lonely heroism of not fitting in" is made more interesting as "these ideas are very unfashionable in the US right now".The Telegraph's Robbie Collin also gave a five-star review, and praised the acting."Penn is a knockout tragicomic villain: it's his best performance in years," he wrote.He added that DiCaprio "astounds – frazzled and absurd yet also sweet and even noble, he evokes Jack Nicholson in his prime".The Times's Kevin Maher awarded the film four-stars, calling it a "career high" for Shutter Island actor DiCaprio, adding the film is "a surefire Oscar frontrunner".Maher said Anderson, operating with an alleged budget of $175m, was working on "his most ambitious canvas" and concluded the film has an "easy best picture Oscar nomination in the bag".DiCaprio said that Anderson has "done a lot of films but in this one, he really went for it".Anderson also directed 2017's Phantom Thread and 2007's There Will Be Blood, both of which won Oscars.Praising the filmmaker, DiCaprio called him "a visionary and seminal director".Source: BBC

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY EXPLAINS WHY HE TURNED DOWN $14.5 MILLION PAYDAY

Matthew McConaughey is looking back at turning down a huge paycheck.During a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, the 55-year-old Oscar-winning actor revealed that he once walked away from a $14.5 million payday because he wanted to reinvent himself in the acting world.Matthew said that back in the mid-2000s, he decided to stop doing rom-coms so that he could take on more serious acting roles.After retreating to his ranch in Texas with wife Camila Alves McConaughey, Matthew recalled that no roles came his way for months until he was offered an action comedy movie.“$8 million offer. I read it. I said, ‘No, thank you, that’s the stuff I’m not doing,’” he recalled. “They come back with a $10 million offer, ‘I’m not reading that again, no thank you.’ They come back with a $12 million offer, ‘Guys, tell them I said no thanks.’”“They come back with a $14.5 million offer. I said, ‘Let me read that again,’” Matthew said with a laugh. “I read it again, it’s the same words that were in the $8 million offer I said no to but it was better written.”“It was funnier, I could see myself in it, I could make this work,” he admitted. “Anyway, I ultimately said, ‘No.’”“I think that me saying no to that $14.5 million offer — a year into me leaving and saying ‘no more rom-coms’ — I think me doing that sent the message through Hollywood, ‘Oh, McConaughey is not bluffing,’” Matthew explained. “Something about that was like ‘Oh he didn’t just recede, he’s got a plan but he’s stepped out of Hollywood. He’s turned down 14.5? Oh, he’s not for rent.’”“Which is interesting, maybe a little more attractive. ‘Oh you know who might be a novel, great idea for this drama, Lincoln Lawyer,’” he added, referencing his 2011 crime thriller The Lincoln Lawyer.Matthew then went on to star in more challenging and serious projects like Killer Joe, Mud, Dallas Buyers Club, True Detective, and Interstellar.“Would those have come if I’d have never stepped out? No. No. They wouldn’t have,” he admitted.Later in the podcast, Matthew said that despite the pressures of not taking any roles during his 20-month acting hiatus, he knew that he couldn’t go back to starring in rom-coms.“I was getting quantity, but I wasn’t getting the quality,” Matthew explained, adding that he needed to have “some resistance” to do “something that scares me.’”Source: Just Jared

HALSEY SAYS SHE'S 'NOT ALLOWED' TO MAKE AN ALBUM RIGHT NOW

Halsey is speaking out about where her music career currently stands.The 30-year-old The Great Impersonator star spoke out during a conversation with Zane Lowe about the commercial performance of her 2024 studio album, and where things stand with her label today.“I can’t make an album right now. I’m not allowed to,” she explained, addressing the performance of her latest album.Halsey is speaking out about where her music career currently stands.The 30-year-old The Great Impersonator star spoke out during a conversation with Zane Lowe about the commercial performance of her 2024 studio album, and where things stand with her label today.“I can’t make an album right now. I’m not allowed to,” she explained, addressing the performance of her latest album.“But it’s a failure…in the context of the kind of success that I’ve had previously. And that’s the hardest part, I think, of having been a pop star once. I’m not one anymore, but I’m being compared to numbers and to other people that I don’t consider lateral to me. But if my record comes out and sells 100,000 copies first week with no radio play, no real support, and the comparison is, well, why isn’t she doing Taylor Swift numbers? Are you f–king kidding me?” Halsey said.“I made an experimental concept album about how I almost f–king died. I’m not gonna do those numbers, but I’m doing pretty damn good. Those are strong numbers. It’s still in the top 10 of female artists’ first weeks. But it’s not good enough because it’s not the pop star I once was. To the other types of artists who are making the type of music that I am making, I’m f–king killing it. But that’s not what I’m up against,” she continued, adding, “And because of that, I’m at the bottom of a category that I’m not in anymore, when I should be at the top of a category that I’m in now.” Watch her explain above at the 51:26 mark.Source: Just Jared

JUSTIN BALDONI ADDS DIDDY LAWYER TO LEGAL TEAM IN 'IT ENDS WITH US' LAWSUIT WITH BLAKE LIVELY

Justin Baldoni is adding a new member of his legal team.The 41-year-old actor and director has been embroiled in a well-publicized lawsuit with Blake Lively for nearly the past year, and he has reportedly hired Alexandra A.E. Shapiro, who is a high-profile attorney having represented Sean “Diddy” Combs, according to People.Per the outlet, Alexandra filed a notice of appearance last week, noting formally that she has joined Justin‘s legal team, alongside Bryan Freedman and more.Alexandra started her career under Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as one of her first clerks on the Supreme Court, and has gone on to open her own firm in NYC. She has taken part in several high-profile cases, most recently Diddy‘s sex trafficking trial.The new addition to Justin‘s legal team comes after the most recent news of a judge deciding that Taylor Swift will not be deposed in the case.Source: Just Jared

IPHONE 17 SALE IN INDIA BEGINS TODAY

Apple iPhone 17 series has officially launched in India, and it's finally going on sale today, September 19, 2025.Today, buyers will finally be able to get their hands on the latest iPhones that include four new models: the iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.Buyers can visit the newest Apple Stores in India, which are open in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune.However, buyers can also order the model online to avoid the long queue outside the mentioned stores. Therefore, know how much the iPhone 17 series will cost and what launch offers buyers can expect during the purchase.The ongoing recovery is helping to create new jobs and is seen as a major factor in the country's wider economic revival.iPhone 17 series price in IndiaiPhone 17 price:256GB: ?82,900512GB: ?1,02,900iPhone Air:256GB: ?1,19,900512GB: ?1,39,9001TB: ?1,59,900iPhone 17 Pro256GB: ?1,34,900512GB: ?1,54,9001TB: ?1,74,900iPhone 17 Pro Max256GB: ?1,49,900512GB: ?1,69,9001TB: ?1,89,9002TB: ?2,29,900iPhone 17 series sale offersSeveral retailers across India have announced some exciting first sale offers for the iPhone 17 series.Reliance Digital has announced bank offers, exchange bonuses, and no-cost EMI options.If you buy the iPhone 17 from Reliance Digital, you can avail Rs. 6000 discount, and Rs. 4000 on iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro models.Croma is offering an instant discount of ?6,000 on iPhone 17 and up to ?12,000 exchange bonus.Buyers can also take advantage of EMI for 6 months, on both online and offline purchases.In addition, buyers can also avail up to 20 percent off on several Apple accessories.Lastly, Vijay Sales is offering Rs. 60000 off on the standard iPhone 17 model, and Rs. 4000 off on the 2TB iPhone 17 Pro models.Lastly, buyers can also exchange their old device for the new iPhone 17 series, bringing the price significantly down.Source: Hindustan Times