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I’m married to an NFL player. We have 2 homes, and our 3 kids go to different schools to accommodate his schedule.

Kevin Byard III and his family
Clarke Byard is married to Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III.
  • Clarke Byard is married to Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard III.
  • The couple lives in Tennessee, but moves to Chicago for about six months each year.
  • Their daughter is enrolled in two different schools.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Clarke Byard, cofounder of The Byard Family Legacy Fund. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Kevin was the new kid when we met in 10th grade. I was busy dancing; he was busy joining the football team. Eventually, our circles overlapped, and we started dating.

By 11th grade, however, I dumped him. He wanted to do football camps all summer instead of hanging out with me. But by senior year, we got back together, and the rest is history. We’ve been together for over 15 years and have been married since 2018.

Kevin played college football in Tennessee, and I attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. Being apart during that time was nice — we each had our own space to focus. After college, I had a hard time deciding whether to stay in D.C. or move to Tennessee to be with him. I knew being committed to Kevin would also mean being committed to his football career.

We created a home in Tennessee, where Kevin started his career

Some people in the NFL compare being married to a player to being a military spouse. I don’t think that’s quite right (my grandpa was a military man, and I know we don’t have the same safety concerns), but there are many similarities. I knew I couldn’t get a traditional job, since we’d have to move suddenly if Kevin were traded.

Byard family
Clarke Byard and her husband Kevin rent a house in Chicago to have the family together during the NFL season.

Kevin is now playing his 10th NFL season, and our family life is shaped by his career. We have three kids: Eliana, 6; Kevin IV, 4; and Amari, 2. Kevin is a hands-on dad. He even delivered our second at home when I gave birth much faster than expected. We weren’t planning to name the baby Kevin, but after that, we had to.

Although we were raised in Georgia, Tennessee is our home now. It’s where Kevin attended school and began his professional career. We own a house there, and have a wonderful community that includes a lot of former professional athletes.

We pay full-time tuition to keep our private school spots

When Kevin signed with the Chicago Bears last year, I thought I would stay in Tennessee during the season. I even hired a nanny to help with the kids. But we missed him too much, and he missed us.

Now, we rent a home in Chicago during the NFL season. We pay full-time tuition for Eliana and Kevin at a school in Tennessee. It’s hard to get into, and we don’t want to lose their spots. Eliana is also enrolled at a private school in Chicago when we’re here.

Clarke Byard 's kids in stadium
Clarke Byard’s kids are enrolled in private schools in two states.

I know this setup will get more difficult as the kids get older. It’s already tricky because they miss their friends and extracurriculars in Tennessee. But our friends there are great, and they come to visit us in Chicago.

The NFL wives support and mentor each other

Other wives helped me learn how to navigate being a partner and mother during NFL season. By now, I feel like I know how to handle it. I’ve learned to go along with the chaotic part of our lives, rather than fight against it. I focus on the good things it brings.

I try to pay that guidance forward by mentoring other wives. The kids and I attend every home game. They love running around with the kids of other Bears’ players. Recently, a young wife — who is expecting twins — asked me how I do it. I was like, “Girl, I got you.”

Clarke Byard 's family in stadium
Clarke Byard supports other NFL wives.

I help run our foundation, but mostly I’m OK being home during this phase of my life. I see a lot of the younger wives and girlfriends trying to wear so many hats. I don’t feel pressure to do more things that could take away from time with my kids.

I’m working on outsourcing more

Being on a schedule helps us make the most of Kevin’s limited free time. I recently got one of those digital calendars, and it will send Kevin a notification an hour before the kids’ activities. He tries to make an appearance, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

On weekdays, he gets home at about 6 p.m., and the kids are in bed at 7:30, so we need to make the time count. If he has a Friday off, we’ll have a movie night or go to the pumpkin patch — anything to create those memories.

I’m trying to be better at outsourcing. I just recently hired a babysitter. I’m thinking about an au pair, but I grew up as an only child, and I’m not sure I’m up for having someone else living in the house.

Ultimately, my heart is content when I’m home with my kids, having those experiences while they’re young that I can’t get back.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Only 42 artists have multiple songs that are certified diamond — here they all are

Drake performs in 2022.
Drake performs in 2022.
  • The RIAA gives diamond certifications to songs that have gone platinum 10 times.
  • Over 170 songs have been certified diamond, and 39 artists have multiple songs on the list.
  • Drake has the most with 15, followed by Post Malone with nine. Rihanna has the most among women.

The official diamond award was unveiled by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 1999.

In the years since, it has been bestowed sparingly: if a song has sold at least 10 million equivalent units by combining sales and streaming numbers, and if an artist or label requests certification.

Nearly 200 songs have been certified diamond, and 42 artists have multiple songs on the list. They’re all cataloged below.

Justin Bieber
justin bieber baby music video
Justin Bieber in “Baby.”

Justin Bieber’s “Baby” was only the second song in history to be certified diamond on May 9, 2013.

Bieber received a second diamond certification in 2018 as a featured artist on “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.

His third award was bestowed in 2021 for his smash hit “Sorry.” He earned his fourth in 2023 for “Stay,” a duet with The Kid LAROI.

Eminem
eminem not afraid music video

Eminem’s “Not Afraid” was the third song in history to be certified diamond on June 10, 2014. 

“Lose Yourself” and “Love the Way You Lie” both received the award in 2018.

Lady Gaga
lady gaga poker face music video

Lady Gaga received two diamond certifications in 2015 for “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face.”

She added a third to her collection in 2023 with “Just Dance.”

Imagine Dragons
imagine dragons thunder music video
“Thunder” was released in 2017.

Imagine Dragons has four diamond-certified songs, the most of any band in history.

“Radioactive” earned the band’s first diamond award on July 6, 2015. It was followed by “Demons” and “Believer” in 2021, and finally “Thunder” in 2022.

Bruno Mars
bruno mars that's what i like music video

Bruno Mars has seven diamond-certified songs: “Uptown Funk,” “Just the Way You Are,” “Grenade,” “That’s What I Like,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “The Lazy Song.”

Katy Perry
katy perry roar music video

Katy Perry earned her first diamond certification for “Roar” on June 22, 2017.

She received two more in 2018 for “Firework” and “Dark Horse.” Her fourth award was bestowed in 2023 for “California Gurls” featuring Snoop Dogg.

Perry added two more in 2024 for “E.T.” and “Teenage Dream,” bringing her grand total to six. She has the second-most diamond songs among women, trailing Rihanna by one.

Perry’s “Teenage Dream” is also the first and only album in history to feature four diamond-certified songs on its tracklist. 

Pharrell
Pharrell Williams Happy music video
“Happy” was released as a single on November 21, 2013.

Pharrell earned a diamond certification in 2018 as a featured artist on Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” which he also cowrote and produced.

His hit single “Happy” received the award in 2020.

Florida Georgia Line
florida georgia line cruise

Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise” was certified diamond on October 10, 2018.

The country duo received a second award in 2020 as a featured artist on Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be.”

Ed Sheeran
ed sheeran perfect music video

Ed Sheeran received three diamond certifications in 2019 for “Shape of You,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Perfect.”

The Weeknd
the weeknd blinding lights

With seven diamond-certified songs to his name, The Weeknd is tied with Bruno Mars and Rihanna for the third-most in history.

The Canadian singer earned his first diamond certification for “The Hills” on June 28, 2019. He received three more in 2022 for “Blinding Lights,” “Starboy,” and “Can’t Feel My Face.”

His fifth certification came in February 2023 for “Earned It,” the lead single from the “Fifty Shades of Grey” film soundtrack.

Finally, “Save Your Tears” and “Die For You” were both certified diamond on June 20, 2024.

Drake
Drake in the "Hotline Bling" music video.
Drake in “Hotline Bling.”

“God’s Plan” became Drake’s first diamond song in 2019.

The rapper received a second diamond certification in 2020 as a featured artist on Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode,” and a third in 2021 as a featured artist on Future’s “Life Is Good.”

He added two more in 2022 for solo hits, “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance.” In 2024, he received three diamond certifications as a featured artist on Chris Brown’s “No Guidance,” Rihanna’s “Work,” and Lil Wayne’s “Love Me.”

In 2025, Drake added seven more diamond songs to his collection: “Best I Ever Had,” “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” “Nonstop,” “Passionfruit,” “Headlines,” “The Motto,” and “Nice for What.”

He holds the all-time record with 15 diamond-certified songs.

Post Malone
congratulations post malone

Post Malone boasts the second-most diamond-certified songs, trailing Drake’s record. He earned his first in 2019 for “Congratulations.”

He received two more awards in 2020 (for “Rockstar” and “Sunflower”) and an additional two in 2022 (for “White Iverson” and “Psycho” featuring Ty Dolla $ign).

He added three more to his collection in 2023 with “Better Now,” “I Fall Apart,” and “Circles.”

Finally, in 2024, Malone’s hit single “Wow.” became his milestone ninth diamond-certified song.

Cardi B
cardi b i like it music video

In 2021, Cardi B became the first female rapper in history to have a diamond-certified single with “Bodak Yellow.”

Later that year, she received a second award as a featured artist on Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” and a third for her single “I Like It.”

Maroon 5
maroon 5 sugar music video

Maroon 5 earned two diamond certifications in 2021 for “Moves Like Jagger” and “Girls Like You.”

The band’s third award was bestowed in 2022 for “Sugar.”

The Chainsmokers
don't let me down music video chainsmokers daya

The Chainsmokers’ hit collaboration with Halsey, “Closer,” was certified diamond on September 17, 2018.

The EDM duo received two more awards in 2022 for “Don’t Let Me Down” featuring Daya and “Something Just Like This” featuring Coldplay.

Twenty One Pilots
stressed out twenty one pilots

Twenty One Pilots received their first diamond award in 2021 for “Stressed Out.”

The following year, they received a second for “Heathens,” the lead single from the soundtrack of the DC Comics film “Suicide Squad.”

The band’s single “Ride” became their third diamond song in 2025.

Swae Lee
swae lee sunflower music video

Swae Lee earned a diamond certification in 2020 for “Sunflower,” a collaboration with Post Malone for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.”

He received a second award in 2022 as a featured artist on French Montana’s “Unforgettable.”

Lee added a third award to his collection in 2025 as one half of the hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, when their hit single “Black Beatles” was certified diamond.

Michael Jackson
michael jackson
Michael Jackson performs in concert circa 1983.

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” were both certified diamond on August 29, 2022, nearly 40 years after their release.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
thrift shop music video macklemore ryan lewis

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis earned their first diamond certification in 2015 for “Thrift Shop” featuring Wanz.

Seven years later, the duo earned a second for “Can’t Hold Us” featuring Ray Dalton.

Halsey
halsey without me video bw

Halsey received her first diamond certification in 2018 as a featured artist on “Closer” by The Chainsmokers.

Her solo smash hit “Without Me” was the milestone 100th song to receive the award on February 1, 2023.

Rihanna
rihanna we found love music video

Rihanna earned her first diamond certification in 2018 as a featured artist on Eminem’s “Love the Way You Lie.”

She received her second in 2023 for “We Found Love,” her smash collaboration with Calvin Harris, and her third in 2024 for “Diamonds.”

On May 31, 2024, Rihanna collected four more diamond plaques for “Needed Me,” “Work,” “Umbrella,” and “Stay,” setting a record for the most among female artists. She now has seven diamond singles, tied for third place among all artists.

Kanye West
kanye west stronger music video

Kanye West, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, received his first diamond certification that same year for “Stronger.”

His second award was bestowed in 2023 for “Ni**as in Paris,” a single from his joint album with Jay-Z, “Watch the Throne.”

XXXTentacion
xxxtentacion

XXXTentacion, who was killed in 2018, earned a posthumous diamond certification in 2021 for his No. 1 song “Sad!”

He received a second award in 2023 for “Fuck Love” featuring Trippie Redd.

Khalid
khalid young dumb and broke music video
Khalid has two diamond songs.

Khalid earned his first diamond certification for “Location” on March 3, 2022. The following year, he received another for “Young Dumb & Broke.”

His third award was bestowed in 2024 for “Lovely,” a duet with Billie Eilish.

Nicki Minaj
nicki minaj bang bang music video
Nicki Minaj in “Bang Bang.”

Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” was certified diamond on November 9, 2021, a decade after the song’s groundbreaking release.

The rapper received two more awards in 2024 for “Bang Bang,” the hit collaboration with Jessie J and Ariana Grande, and “Starships.”

Pitbull
Pitbull Timber music video
Pitbull in “Timber.”

Pitbull received his first diamond certification in 2022 for his hit collaboration with Kesha, “Timber.”

He earned a second award in 2024 for “Give Me Everything,” featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer.

Jay-Z
jay-z empire state of mind music video
Jay-Z in “Empire State of Mind.”

Jay-Z’s hit collaboration with Kanye West, “Ni**as in Paris,” became his first diamond song in 2023.

The Brooklyn rapper received his second diamond award in 2024 for “Empire State of Mind,” his famous duet with Alicia Keys.

Luke Combs
Luke Combs when it rains it pours music video
Luke Combs in “When It Rains It Pours.”

Luke Combs has four diamond songs to his name, the most of any country singer: “Beautiful Crazy,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “Hurricane,” and “She Got the Best of Me.”

Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys No One music video
Alicia Keys in “No One.”

Alicia Keys received two diamond certifications in 2024 for “Empire State of Mind” and “No One.”

Travis Scott
Travis Scott in the "Goosebumps" music video.
Travis Scott in “Goosebumps.”

Travis Scott received his first diamond certification in 2020 for “Sicko Mode.” His second award was bestowed in 2024 for “Goosebumps,” a hit single from his sophomore album.

Billie Eilish
billie eilish bad guy

Billie Eilish’s signature song, “Bad Guy,” was certified diamond on July 31, 2023.

The following year, Eilish received her second award for “Lovely,” a collaboration with Khalid released for the “13 Reasons Why” soundtrack.

J. Cole
j. cole

J. Cole received two diamond certifications in 2024 for “Middle Child” and “No Role Modelz.”

Beyoncé
Beyoncé in the "Single Ladies" music video.
Beyoncé in “Single Ladies.”

Beyoncé received two diamond certifications in 2024 for “Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)” and “Halo,” both singles from her 2008 album “I Am… Sasha Fierce.”

Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande in "7 Rings."
Ariana Grande in “7 Rings.”

Ariana Grande’s hit collaboration with Jessie J and Nicki Minaj, “Bang Bang,” became her first diamond song in 2024.

She received her second award in 2025 for “7 Rings,” a hit single from Grande’s album “Thank U, Next.”

Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne in the "Love Me" music video.
Lil Wayne in “Love Me.”

Lil Wayne received his first diamond certification in 2022 for “Lollipop.”

He earned a second award in 2024 for “Love Me” featuring Drake and Future. The following year, he earned two more as a featured artist on Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” and Drake’s “The Motto.”

Future
Future in Lil Wayne's music video for "Love Me."
Future in “Love Me.”

Future’s hit collaboration with Drake, “Life Is Good,” was certified diamond in 2021.

He received a second diamond certification in 2024 as a featured artist on Lil Wayne’s “Love Me,” also featuring Drake.

Kane Brown
Kane Brown in the "What Ifs" music video.
Kane Brown in “What Ifs.”

Kane Brown’s “Heaven” was certified diamond on December 7, 2023.

The country singer received a second award in 2025 for “What Ifs,” a duet with Lauren Alaina.

Chris Brown
chris brown no guidance
Chris Brown in the music video for “No Guidance.”

Chris Brown’s collaboration with Drake, “No Guidance,” was certified diamond on November 12, 2024.

Brown received a second award in 2025 for “Look at Me Now,” featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes.

The Black Eyed Peas
Fergie in the music video for "Boom Boom Pow" by The Black Eyed Peas.
Fergie in “Boom Boom Pow.”

The Black Eyed Peas earned their first diamond certification in 2018 for “I Gotta Feeling,” which became just the 18th song in history to receive the award.

Seven years later, the group earned a second for “Boom Boom Pow.”

Panic! At the Disco
Brendon Urie in the "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" music video.
“I Write Sins Not Tragedies” was released in 2006.

Panic! At the Disco’s two biggest hits, “High Hopes” and “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” were both certified diamond on October 2, 2025.

Bryson Tiller
Bryson Tiller performs in 2016.
Bryson Tiller performs in 2016.

Bryson Tiller collected his first two diamond awards on October 2, 2025, for “Exchange” and “Don’t.”

Train
Pat Monahan of Train performs in 2008.
Pat Monahan of Train performs in 2008.

Train’s first diamond award was bestowed for “Hey, Soul Sister” in 2021.

“Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” became the band’s second diamond song in 2025.

Read the original article on Business Insider

10 of the best and 10 of the worst Netflix shows that came out this year, so far

Composite of scene from "Untamed" and scene from "Four Seasons"
Netflix has had many successful originals this year, but a few weren’t total home runs for critics.
  • This year, Netflix dropped a new slate of comedies, dramas, docuseries, and animated shows.
  • “Long Story Short” and “Death by Lightning” are among the streamer’s most praised hits.
  • However, critics agreed that shows like “Miss Governor” and “With Love, Meghan” failed to impress.

Netflix debuted dozens of new original series in 2025.

The streaming platform — which has more than 300 million subscribers — creates, produces, and exclusively distributes a wide range of TV shows, from sitcoms and docuseries to compelling dramas.

Here are 10 of the best and 10 of the worst shows Netflix premiered in 2025, according to critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

The animated series “Long Story Short” earned perfect scores across the board.
Scene from "Long Story Short"

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

Summary: Three Jewish siblings, Avi (Ben Feldman), Shira (Abbi Jacobson), and Yoshi (Max Greenfield), navigate adulthood as they look back on their upbringing.

The show, made by “BoJack Horseman” creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg, was hailed as inventive and remarkably heartfelt.

“‘Long Story Short’ is a bitingly funny and thoughtful animated comedy that further proves the brilliance of creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg,” Allyson Johnson wrote for InBetweenDrafts.

Critics said “Forever” captured the magic of Judy Blume’s novel.
Scene from Forever

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Summary: Two childhood friends, Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), reunite as teenagers and experience the highs and lows of first love.

Critics agreed that “Forever” was a thoughtful adaptation of Judy Blume’s beloved novel.

“Watching this show, with strong performances, a solid soundtrack and romantic undertones, feels like curling up under a warm blanket on a rainy day,” Amber Dowling wrote in a review for The Globe and Mail.

“Devil May Cry” was praised for its wild, bombastic flair.
Scene from Devil May Cry

Rotten Tomatoes score: 96%

Summary: Based on the video-game franchise of the same name, this animated series follows demon hunter Dante (voiced by Johnny Yong Bosch) as he seeks vengeance for his family.

The high-octane series, which was created in the style of Netflix’s “Castlevania” adaptation, was praised both by fans of the original video-game series and newcomers.

“Having zero knowledge of ‘Devil May Cry,’ I had a great time with Netflix’s new anime of the video game franchise without feeling like I was missing out on key information,” Lyra Hale wrote for Fangirlish.

“Death by Lightning” was anchored by phenomenal acting.
Scene from Death by Lightning

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

Summary: This historical drama traces the lives of President James Garfield (Michael Shannon) and Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen), the man who shot him.

The series, which was helmed by “Game of Thrones” creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, was praised as their next big hit.

“Perhaps fittingly for a show about a bunch of forgotten names, ‘Death by Lightning’ is a delightful showcase for undersung character actors,” Inkoo Kang wrote for The New Yorker.

“House of Guinness” was applauded as a thrilling saga.
Scene from House of Guinness

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Summary: In 1860s Ireland, the four grown children of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness — played by Anthony Boyle, Louis Partridge, Emily Fairn, and Fionn O’Shea — jockey for wealth and control after their father suddenly dies, leaving the famed brewery in their hands.

Filled with intrigue and riveting power plays, critics said “House of Guinness” was easy to recommend.

“‘House of Guinness’ is full of intense confrontations and unexpected complications — and anyone who enjoyed ‘Peaky Blinders’, or ‘Succession’, or ‘The Gilded Age’, should find ‘House of Guinness’ very satisfying to watch,” David Bianculli said in a review for NPR.

The likable dramedy “Boots” was filled with heart.
Scene from "Boots"
“Boots” is based on a memoir.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Summary: In the early 1990s, Cameron Cope (Miles Heizer) comes to terms with his sexuality after he and his best friend, Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), are recruited for the Marine Corps.

Based on the memoir “The Pink Marine” by Greg Cope White, “Boots” had a personal touch that wowed reviewers.

“‘Boots’ doesn’t just entertain — it opens a door. It reminds [us] that sometimes the loudest battles happen in silence. That surviving the system doesn’t mean it didn’t leave marks,” Denise Zubizarreta wrote for Latina Media Co. “It asks what happens when obedience and identity collide — and who do we become when the marching stops?”

The gritty crime thriller “Dept. Q” kept critics coming back for more.
Scene from Dept. Q

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Summary: In this British crime thriller, detective Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) returns to work after a tragic shooting.

Critics said that “Dept. Q” set itself apart from other crime thrillers thanks to its unique tone and masterclass acting.

“The vibes are creepy and gritty, the characters are gruff and direct, the puzzle is properly intriguing, and the English are frequently mocked,” Wenlei Ma wrote in her review for The Nightly.

“Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” has been described as a video-game adaptation that packs a punch.
"Splinter Cell: Deathwatch"
“Splinter Cell: Deathwatch” is based on a video-game series.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

Summary: Based on Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell video-game series, this animated show follows legendary spy Sam Fisher (Liev Schreiber) as he helps field operative Zinnia McKenna (Kirby) unravel a vast conspiracy.

Critics said that fans of the original “Splinter Cell” franchise would appreciate nods to its source material.

“Starring sardonic, neck-snapping super spy Sam Fisher, the show puts a fresh spin on the games’ formula while retaining the appeal of the beloved stealth-action franchise,” Matt Cabral wrote in a review for Common Sense Media.

The dark drama “Untamed” had gorgeous backdrops.
Man in park in show "Untamed"

Rotten Tomatoes score: 83%

Summary: Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a federal agent for the National Park Service Investigative Services Branch, takes on a harrowing murder case in Yosemite.

Although a few critics said that “Untamed” lacked substance at times, they said it had style in spades.

“If you’re willing to turn your brain off and go along for the ride, ‘Untamed’ is likely to serve as a welcome distraction,” Tyler Doupe wrote for Dread Central.

Critics called “Running Point” a bingeable, if slightly shallow, comedy.
Kate Hudson in "Running Point."
Kate Hudson in “Running Point.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

Summary: When a scandal forces her eldest brother into early retirement, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) steps up as the new manager for the Los Angeles Waves, one of the biggest teams in the NBA.

The humor was hit-or-miss with critics, but it was hard for them to resist the charm of Hudson as the show’s star.

“‘Running Point’ is far from perfect, but it still has Hudson and she’s sinking three pointers every time,” Randy Myers wrote in a review for San Jose Mercury News.

Though not perfect, “The Four Seasons” was buoyed by the star power of its cast.
Tina Fey and Will Forte in "The Four Seasons."
Tina Fey and Will Forte in “The Four Seasons.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

Summary: Three sets of married couples navigate the shifting relationships in their friend group as one of them abruptly divorces their spouse.

The plot may have meandered at times, but critics said that the show’s acting performances — from stars like Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell — kept them glued to their seats.

“No matter the plot, Tina Fey knows how to bring in heavy hitters, which could be the saving grace for all of these friends and the show itself,” Megan Lachinski wrote for Next Best Picture.

The voice actors of “Haunted Hotel” helped the show stand out.
Scene from Haunted Hotel

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

Summary: Katherine (Eliza Coupe) raises her two kids — Esther (Natalie Palamides) and Ben (Skyler Gisondo) — in a haunted hotel, with the help of her recently deceased brother (Forte).

Critics said that, despite treading familiar territory, “Haunted Hotel” was somewhat elevated by its steady stream of jokes and stand-out acting performances

“You get stand-up comedians that really get to show their stuff. And Will Forte, I think, really does a great job in this series,” Walter Chaw said in NPR’s “Pop Culture Happy Hour.” “But I can’t overcome this feeling of familiarity.”

“Leanne” benefited from its titular star.
Kristen Johnston and Leanne Morgan in Leanne.
Kristen Johnston and Leanne Morgan in “Leanne.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 71%

Summary: Leanne (Leanne Morgan) picks up the pieces of her life after her husband of 33 years leaves her for another woman.

Critics said the sitcom worked best when it let Morgan, a popular stand-up comedian, take the spotlight.

“Like Reba McEntire’s venture, ‘Leanne’ relies heavily on its star and the one-liners she’s good at dishing out,” Bruce R. Miller wrote for the Sioux City Journal.

Critics were ultimately let down by the gambling drama “Bet.”
Miku Martineau as Yumeko holding cards in Bet
Miku Martineau in “Bet.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

Summary: Adapted from a Japanese manga, this story follows Yumeko (Miku Martineau) as she transfers to St. Dominic’s, an elite boarding school where the social order is dictated by the school’s underground gambling ring.

“Bet” takes enough big swings to keep viewers engaged, but critics said it ultimately didn’t live up to its potential.

“This teen psychological thriller could say some interesting things about class, wealth, and power, but it doesn’t quite get there,” Danae Stahlnecker wrote in a review for Common Sense Media.

“WWE Unreal” ran out of mileage early on.
Wrestler walking in blue-lit room from "WWE" documentary

Rotten Tomatoes score: 67%

Summary: This docuseries takes viewers behind the scenes of professional wrestling in the WWE, with appearances from John Cena, Cody Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and more.

Though some reviewers found “WWE Unreal” to be an accessible entry into the world of wrestling, others felt like its material was a little thin.

“While the series offers plenty of technical, surface-level insights, there aren’t any revelations in ‘WWE: Unreal’ that can’t be found in the average wrestler’s backstage vlog,” Lauren Coates wrote for Nerdspin.

“Bad Thoughts” was simply too outrageous for critics.
Bad Thoughts. Tom Segura in season 1 of Bad Thoughts. Cr.
Tom Segura in “Bad Thoughts.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 54%

Summary: Stand-up comedian Tom Segura brings outlandish ideas from the stage to the screen in this series of vignettes and sketches inspired by his comedy.

“Bad Thoughts” completely divided critics, with many turned off by Segura’s puerile sense of humor.

“‘Bad Thoughts’ isn’t just a bad show—it’s a patience test,” Abhishek Srivastava wrote in a review for The Times of India. “It’s crude, juvenile, and completely unhinged.”

Tyler Perry’s “Miss Governor” was dismissed as superficial.
Terri J. Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson in  Miss Governor.
Terri J. Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson in “Miss Governor.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 50%

Summary: Mississippi politician Antoinette Dunkerson (Terri J. Vaughn) adjusts to life in the public eye after she becomes the state’s first Black lieutenant governor.

The series, which was originally titled “She’s the People,” pulled in some negative reviews for its approach to politics.

“Despite some interesting elements and the steadying presence of Vaughn, the sillier elements of Tyler Perry’s [show] overwhelm what could have been a funny story about messy families and racial politics,” Joel Keller wrote for Decider.

“Ransom Canyon” proved too hokey for most critics.
Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly in "Ransom Canyon."
Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly in “Ransom Canyon.”

Rotten Tomatoes score: 45%

Summary: In this Western romance, Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) falls for longtime family friend Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly) while he still reels from a heartbreaking loss.

Critics couldn’t help but draw comparisons between “Ransom Canyon” and better melodramas.

“‘Ransom Canyon’ has almost as much ‘Friday Night Lights‘ in its DNA as ‘Yellowstone,'” Chris Vognar wrote in his review for the Boston Globe. “But where those shows were light on their feet, this one is merely lightweight. In the parlance of the region, it’s all hat, no cattle.”

“Billionaires’ Bunker” was a resounding flop.
Scene from Bllionares Bunker

Rotten Tomatoes score: 33%

Summary: As a nuclear war looms, a group of billionaires seeks shelter in a bunker, where close quarters stoke the flames of resentment between the two rich families.

Despite an interesting premise, the Spanish-language show was written off as completely forgettable.

“‘Billionaires’ Bunker’ is marketed as a survival dystopia, but it ends up playing as a glossy soap opera with a bargain-bin apocalypse,” Juan Pablo Russo wrote for EscribiendoCine.

Lifestyle reality show “With Love, Meghan” fell flat for many critics.
A photo of Meghan Markle in a kitchen.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 27%

Summary: Former royal Meghan Markle shares her favorite recipes and lifestyle tips while welcoming famous guests into her California home.

Despite already premiering two seasons (and having a holiday special slated for December), “With Love, Meghan” hasn’t been a hit with most critics, who found the show to feel shallow and unrelatable.

“‘With Love, Meghan’ is a dusting of flower sprinkles that can’t hide the blandness of the cookie—a polite but distant dispatch from a rented kitchen down the road in lieu of truly welcoming us into her life,” critic Judy Berman wrote for Time.

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My twins have done everything together since birth. Now that they’re older, I’m helping them recognize their individuality.

The author's twin sons.
The author said her twins have been nearly inseparable since birth, so she is encouraging their individuality as they age.
  • I’ve heard about the special bond that twins share, and I was excited to witness it with my sons.
  • I realized they have shared nearly every experience, often making choices based on togetherness.
  • Now I’m encouraging my sons to embrace individuality as they grow older.

I was always fascinated by twins when I was younger, even though I didn’t grow up around any. So when I had twin boys — especially in a family where no one, not even in the extended circle, had ever had twins — it felt like something magical was happening.

I had heard about the special bonds that twins share, and I was excited to witness that up close. I thought it would be like watching a fascinating story unfold.

My sons are 13 now, but they have been mostly inseparable since birth. When they were babies, they hit milestones within days of each other. Through the years, they’ve shared rhythms, reactions, and inside jokes that didn’t need explaining. They understood one another in a way that didn’t always require words.

They’ve enjoyed the same toys, the same games, and sometimes they even share the same expressions. I remember once, when they were around 5, they were sitting at a small table eating dinner, dressed in matching T-shirts, moving almost in sync. My cousin walked in, paused, and said, “It looks like he’s eating in front of a mirror.” And she was right. Their resemblance went beyond their looks; there was something deeply intertwined about the way they existed in the world.

Their bond is something I have cherished and been amazed by, and I still am. But they’re growing up, and I know they need to honor their individuality as well.

We unintentionally encouraged their sameness

In many ways, my husband and I made it easier for our boys to stay as one unit for a long time. When they were younger, I admit I leaned into the twin aesthetic, opting for matching outfits, the same shoes, the same everything. Part of it was practical. No decisions. No comparisons. I didn’t have to decide who looked better in what. It was adorable, and it symbolized the bond I loved watching grow between them.

The same thing happened with activities. If one joined swimming, the other joined, too. If one tried taekwondo, so did the other. It made logistics easier, and the boys seemed happiest together, so we never questioned it.

But then, as they grew, small moments began making me pause.

The author's twin sons pose at a mountain vista.
The author realized that dressing her twins alike wasn’t helping them be individuals.

Closeness began to shape their choices

A few years ago, one of them fell ill on the day of a birthday party they had both been invited to. The other one had been looking forward to the celebration all week — talking about it, planning his outfit, picking the gift. But the moment he realized his brother couldn’t go, he simply said, “Then I won’t go either.” No hesitation. No discussion.

Later, when their teachers asked students to start thinking about possible subject interests for their board years, I saw the same pattern repeat. Instead of exploring what each of them genuinely liked, their first instinct was to check what the other had chosen.

Their choices weren’t just about preference — they were about togetherness.

That’s when it clicked for me: Their bond was beautiful, but it was also shaping their identities. Maybe a little too much.

We’ve been gently making space

I didn’t want to break their bond. I didn’t want to push them apart. I wanted to make room within it so they could grow without losing each other. So we began with small shifts.

When I liked a clothing style, I began buying it in two different colors instead of identical outfits. I let them choose who got what. They never argued; one picked one color, the other picked the other. No competition, no issues. Just a quiet, natural separation of preferences.

We also talked — casually, not forcefully — about how liking different things or choosing different subjects wasn’t the same as leaving someone behind. That individuality wouldn’t weaken their connection, but it could enrich their own experiences.

And when sports trials came around at school, we encouraged them to try what they were drawn to, not just what they could do together. One made the football team. The other was selected for basketball.

It made our routines harder: two practice schedules, two drop-offs, and keeping track of two sets of gear. But supporting individuality isn’t something only children learn. Parents have to learn it, too.

They can have it all

Their bond is something rare. I’m grateful for it every day. I don’t want to undo it, and I don’t think I could even if I tried.

I just hope they grow up knowing that you can love someone deeply and still be your own person. You don’t have to mirror someone to stay close to them, and it’s important to step out of a fixed comfort zone.

One day, their worlds will naturally expand with new schools, new friends, and new experiences. And when that happens, I want them to move forward knowing they will never have to choose between being together and being individuals. They can have both.

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Former Fed official Adriana Kugler’s stock trades trigger ethics referral to inspector general

Adriana Kugler
Former Federal Reserve Board Gov. Adriana Kugler
  • Former Federal Reserve governor Adriana Kugler stepped down in August.
  • A new financial disclosure reveals trades in companies such as Apple and Cava.
  • The Office of Government Ethics declined to certify the filing and has referred it for further review.

A newly public financial disclosure filing has put a spotlight on the stock trades of one of the Federal Reserve’s recently departed governors.

Adriana Kugler — who stepped down from her post as the Fed’s governor in August after being appointed in 2023 — filed a financial disclosure form that ethics officials declined to certify and referred to the central bank’s inspector general’s office for review.

The report, which Kugler filed with the US Office of Government Ethics in September, lists trades that she or her spouse repeatedly made in individual company stocks — including Apple, Cava Group, Southwest Airlines, and Caterpillar — that are restricted under ethics rules announced by the Fed in 2021, following trading controversies involving senior policymakers.

These types of ethics reports are a standard requirement for senior officials and are normally certified by agency ethics officers. In Kugler’s case, however, Sean Croston, the deputy associate general counsel, and designated agency ethics official at the Federal Reserve Board, said “matters related to this disclosure were referred earlier this year by the Board’s Ethics Office to the independent Office of Inspector General,” in a comment on Kugler’s public financial disclosure report on October 10, explaining why the OGE had declined certification.

In an earlier report filed in September 2024, Kugler disclosed individual stock trades, and stated they were made by her husband, Ignacio Donoso, an immigration attorney and founder and managing partner of Donoso & Partners in Bethesda, Maryland.

In Kugler’s latest report, she said the trades occurred without her knowledge and, in a 2024 disclosure, reported and divested the holdings at the direction of ethics officials.

Kugler and Donoso did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for a comment.

Her 2025 filing lists individual stock sales of Apple, Southwest Airlines, Caterpillar, and CAVA Group, as well as other purchases made across 2024.

Several of Kugler’s 2024 trades appear to fall under restrictions in Fed ethics policy, which bars officials from trading individual stocks and making trades during “blackout periods,” when Fed officials are barred from trading before major monetary policy decisions are made.

Kugler’s disclosures were referred to the Office of the Inspector General in January of 2025, a Fed official told Business Insider, after additional compliance concerns came to light during ethics training sessions held last fall after Kugler’s 2024 disclosure.

In July 2025, Kugler discussed with officials — including Fed Chair Jerome Powell — the possibility of a waiver from the Fed’s pre-clearance and blackout-period trading restrictions to adjust her portfolio, according to the Fed official. Kugler ultimately did not attend the meeting, which occurred on July 28 and 29, citing personal reasons, the official said. On August 1, she announced her resignation from the Fed, effective August 8.

Kugler also disclosed she received nearly $50,000 in pro bono legal work from Arnold & Porter in her filing.

She returned to her role at Georgetown University on August 11, where she is a professor at the McCourt School of Public Policy and Economics, according to her biography on Georgetown’s website.

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My parents treated me like a child even after I moved out. I had to redefine my relationship with them.

Family standing by Rainbow Room sign
The author says redefining her relationship with her parents really helped.
  • After college, my parents and I continued to relate in the same way we had when I was young.
  • The mismatch pushed me to change my relationship with my parents.
  • We became best friends in the process.

Nobody warned me about the awkward phase with parents. For me, it was the period right after college that included landing my first important, non-internship job, taking control of my finances, and eventually moving out. I was a full-fledged adult — by society’s standards.

At work, I fit the bill. I was patient, poised, and responsible, always communicating respectfully, pulling my own weight, and holding myself accountable for mistakes. I went above and beyond, taking pride in being a team player. To my colleagues and friends, I was a mature, high-achieving adult.

But with my parents, nothing carried over. The characteristics I championed at work became null the minute I logged off. I cut corners on helping out, had a perpetually short temper, and wore my moods on my sleeve, all while relying on my parents for more than I’d like to admit.

My professional self didn’t recognize the person I was with my parents. It felt jarring. My at-home persona was stunting my independence, and I knew I had to bridge the gap.

It wasn’t until I forged a new relationship with my parents that I became a truly independent adult. What started as a selfish venture to fill my real-adult shoes came with an unexpected perk: It created two of the deepest friendships of my life.

We were stuck in familiarity

Like most parents and children, we breezed from phase to phase without stopping to readjust. Looking back, it makes sense that our relationship didn’t automatically change after college. We didn’t have the foundation for anything different.

With my childhood hierarchy still in place, our decades-old dynamic was in full swing. I asked for gas money, my mom yelled about dishes, and my dad stirred the pot. It was the same parent-child relationship we always had, except this time, we were adults.

Familuy at college football game
The author says her parents treated her as a child even after she moved out.

Aside from keeping us all on edge, the dynamic hindered me in a practical sense. As much as I tried to have my own life, I leaned on my parents whenever possible — eating their food, traveling on family miles, and sharing a car insurance plan — little luxuries that seemed harmless until they made me feel incompetent.

The first step in upgrading our relationship was taking over the routine aspects of my life, then moving on to larger things like finding an apartment and filing my own taxes. These tweaks gave me respect from my parents and the confidence to hold my own. As I became more capable, my parents treated me like an adult. The playing field was finally level, and it was exactly what we needed to start fresh.

It took teamwork

My parents were instantly on board with transitioning to a new, more adult relationship, but we didn’t realize how hard it would be.

It wasn’t just learning to communicate as equals or better handle conflict, but unlearning years of deeply embedded habits. Breaking patterns was just as hard as forming new ones, if not harder. The way we responded to each other seemed hard-coded into our subconscious brains.

To diffuse my reactive tendencies, I imagined my parents as colleagues. It forced me to pause before responding, question my reflexes, and proceed with understanding. I also started filtering frustrations. If speaking up would help our relationship, I shared. Otherwise, as long as holding something in didn’t hinder anyone’s growth, well-being, or quality of life, I left it alone.

Family posing for photo

My parents began using “I statements” to convey feelings without sounding accusative and fueling defensiveness. They also swapped giving orders for asking for help when needed. Over time, we learned from each other; our shouting arguments morphed into civil conversations.

We made a habit of checking in mid-discussion, asking if our responses were helpful, and acknowledging slip-ups (and occasionally laughing them off). Every conflict became an opportunity to practice our new skills and ultimately rewire our minds.

Equally valuable was setting boundaries. Finances were easy, since we agreed that everything would be separate. Emotional boundaries proved challenging yet rewarding; they meant granting each other privacy, trusting respective choices, and offering advice only when solicited.

I didn’t know what to expect with the new dynamic, however, I hoped for harmony and independence. It brought both, but most surprising was how our relationship blossomed into a friendship I never deemed possible between parents and children.

My parents are my best friends

Nowadays, my parents are two of my best friends, and I’m one of theirs. We talk daily, travel together, and plan visits once a month because we want to, not because we have to. We stay tuned to the little things and give whenever we can. Laughs are loud, apologies are quick, and conversations are rich and honest.

Daughter and dad brushing teeth
The author is very close with her parents.

By consistently choosing grace over irritation, curiosity over judgment, and patience over pride, we’re no longer tied to our traditional parent-child identities, but are free to share, grow, and change — as adults. These skills carry over into every area of our lives.

Even better, sharing goes both ways. I’ve learned more about my parents in the past two years than in the previous two decades. They finally show me the raw, uncurated versions of themselves and open up about their dreams and struggles. It’s pushed me into a new realm of maturity.

In becoming their equal, I learned what it means to be a real adult. Moving out, getting a job, and becoming financially self-sufficient were pieces of the puzzle, but I would never be fully independent without redefining my relationship with my parents. The process was just as integral to adulthood as all the classic milestones.

True independence is worth the hassle.

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