Latest news with #MissCongeniality
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Opinion: A summer of politics awaits
Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer. This season also sees the launch of various political activities among officials and the media. We provide a primer. Media and political pundits love timeline markers. By the end of July, President Donald Trump will be in his second term for over 180 days. When this milepost is reached, who is likely to be viewed as the most effective cabinet member? What metrics may be used to evaluate effectiveness? COWLEY: As a pageant queen, I'm well-qualified to crown the most effective cabinet member, and who wins each category: making headlines, budget impact, ticking off democrats, and delivering on Trump's campaign promises. Nobody comes close to Elon Musk in making headlines, budget impact, and ticking off the Democrats. Yet his reign is ending as he is stepping back from DOGE. First runner-up is Tom Homan, border Czar. Under his leadership, the border is far more secure (points for delivering on promises). His first act was arresting targeted illegal immigrants in Chicago, a sanctuary city where the mayor said he was 'not welcome' (scores a perfect 10 for ticking off Democrats). The tiara and sash go to smooth and steady Kennedy. RFK is delivering big. He removed junk food from SNAP, is phasing out artificial dyes, making school lunch healthy, and he launched an investigation into autism. His remarks aren't firebrand, he's neither clout-chasing nor committing group thread faux pas. He's simply furthering the policy agenda he was put in that role to do. Oh, and Karoline Leavitt wins Miss Congeniality. Not for kindness, but for toughness, for which I award extra points. PIGNANELLI: 'Evaluate what you want - because what gets measured, gets produced.' – James A. Belasco In this hyper-partisan environment, when evaluating public officials I recommend the Time magazine Person of the Year criterion: 'Who most affected the news and our lives, for good or ill.' (Yep, this is a not-so-clever tactic to reduce nasty responses.) With such analysis, Elon Musk will be noted this summer for impacts on society, through reductions in government funding. Although hindered by officials from further narrowing the annual deficit, he initiated a serious endeavor. No one in the executive or legislative branches dared to do what he did. Initially, DOGE was supported by two-thirds of Americans as an important effort to reduce federal expenditures. But through needless insults and false starts, this goodwill was lost. This, too, will be evaluated. The passage (or non-passage) of the 'big beautiful bill', and its impact on Americans will be scrutinized. The state's congressional delegation will defend the legislation, while Utah officials will provide explanations of its effects on local governments. The best leisure activities this summer will likely include water sports, reading fiction, hiking, biking, and not politics. Will Gov. Spencer Cox endure the same evaluations as Trump? What issues will lawmakers be considering in anticipation of special sessions this year? COWLEY: A politician's legacy is evaluated by effectiveness and likability, which can have an inverse correlation. Trump gets a lot accomplished with little tact. To be 'more successful,' Cox advised Trump to 'disagree better.' However, Trump's success is due in part to being a bit unhinged. World leaders and political adversaries fear him because they believe he may actually do what he threatens to do. Cox strives to strike a balance between these legacy-building traits. He's equal parts likable, with his farm kid charm, and is effective, like leading a national effort against social media's impact on children. Expect a special session to address two bills from the governor's veto letter, possibly moving the union referendum election to this November, strengthening Utah Fits All, and launching more arrows at the judiciary. Speaker Schultz is clear - judges must serve justice or be served a legislative pink slip. PIGNANELLI: The Governor will be evaluated by the success of his projects, including housing, energy and civic discourse. Since the session is a distant memory, he can establish his unique metrics for evaluation. We anticipate some novel approaches from the executive branch. There will likely be one special session to correct some technical errors in legislation passed earlier in the year. But this open door will also allow lawmakers to consider passing different versions of bills that were vetoed and could survive gubernatorial critiques. Judicial decisions on private scholarships and other social issues will influence legislative deliberations, which are expected to be reflected later in the year. Expect a busy summer at the Capitol. Are there any worrisome or positive possibilities that may occur this summer that should be on the minds of Utahns? COWLEY: Drought-induced wildfires and arsenic dust storms from a receding Great Salt Lake sound like the plot of a horror movie, but are very real possibilities. On a brighter note, the Fourth of July and Pioneer Day are around the corner, marking the greatest rodeo-filled days of summer, so I and my fellow rodeo fans have that to look forward to. PIGNANELLI: The predictions are for another record-breaking heat wave in the Rocky Mountains. This will foster obvious discussions regarding water and climate change. However, there is a trend in national and local policymakers to confront major issues with greater efficiency and sensitivity. Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer, and professional rodeo athlete. Email: capitolcowgirl@ Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist, and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature. Email: frankp@
Daily Mirror
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Blue Bloods' Boston Blue confirms major Hollywood star will replace Tom Selleck
Blue Bloods spin-off Boston Blue has confirmed who will be playing the grandfather of Sonequa Martin-Green's Detective Lena Silver. Boston Blue has unveiled its new Frank Reagan, with the Blue Bloods spin-off set to debut in late 2025. While Tom Selleck was a key figure in CBS' Blue Bloods as the Reagan family patriarch Frank Reagan, there's been no word on whether he'll make an appearance in Boston Blue. When Danny Reagan (portrayed by Donnie Wahlberg) joins the Boston PD, he'll be teamed up with Detective Lena Silver (Sonequa Martin-Green), who also hails from a distinguished police family. At the helm of that family is Reverend Peters, described as "a renowned pastor of a historic Baptist church in Boston", who is an "open-minded, welcoming man that is comfortable in all traditions". The actor stepping into the role of Reverend Peters, familiar to film buffs, has now been disclosed. Boston Blue's Reverend Peters will be played by actor Ernie Hudson. He's best known for his roles as Winston Zeddemore in the Ghostbusters series and McDonald in Sandra Bullock's Miss Congeniality. Hudson's other credits include LA's Finest, Quantum Leap, The Family Business, The Crow and The Basketball Diaries. Much like Magnum PI star Tom Selleck's fatherly role as Frank Reagan, Hudson's pastor is anticipated to take on a similar role prior to Blue Bloods' cancellation after 14 seasons. CBS has unveiled more about the Silver family tree, revealing that Reverend Peters is the father of Boston's District Attorney Mae Silver and grandfather to Superintendent Ashley Silver, rookie officer Isaac Silver and Detective Lena Silver. To date, apart from Reverend Peters, the only member of the Silver family who has been cast is The Walking Dead actress Sonequa Martin-Green, who will play Lena. There's no official release date for Boston Blue as yet. However, it's expected to premiere in the autumn of 2025 and when it does, the spin-off will take over the Friday 10pm slot currently occupied by Blue Bloods. Blue Bloods is available to watch on CBS.
International Business Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- International Business Times
Jordon Hudson: Bill Belichick's Girlfriend Has Been Telling People that the Two Are Engaged
Are Jordon Hudson and Bill Belichick getting married? Belichick's 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, has told at least one person that the two are engaged, according to a bombshell report published by The Athletic on Tuesday. The report didn't provide any further detail about a possible wedding. However, it explored the drama surrounding the 73-year-old UNC coach and Hudson, a former cheerleader from Bridgewater State University, who have been the talk fo the town. The report comes after Hudson sparked engagement speculation after was seen wearing a ring on her left ring finger during a luncheon with Belichick at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City last month. Wedding Bells for Hudson "I think it's ironic that a man who really controlled everything — and I mean everything — now is being controlled by some other person," Upton Bell, a former general manager of the Patriots, told the outlet. "You can't just point at the woman here and say, 'She is being controlling.' That only happens if you let yourself be controlled." News of Belichick and Hudson's romance first made headlines last June — five months after he parted ways with the Patriots in January, ending a 24-year run that included six Super Bowl titles. The couple found themselves in the spotlight after Belichick's awkward appearance on CBS Sunday Morning on April 17, where Hudson was seen interrupting him as he was asked how they met. Since then, several reports have surfaced claiming that Hudson is trying to influence Belichick's professional decisions both on and off the field. Belichick was also spotted last week cheering for Hudson as she participated Miss Maine USA beauty pageant. The former cheerleader was the main attraction of the pageant this year following the controversy but failed to win the crown, as she finished in third place. No End to Their Love Hudson and Belichick made a swift exit soon after the results were announced, with the former cheerleader trying to put on a brave face and smile as they drove away from the hotel. However, she couldn't hide the disappointment. Hudson held tightly onto the hand of Belichick as they were quietly led out of the building through a private garage, accompanied by their bodyguard. Hudson came in second in the contest last year. Belichick showed no emotion as they made their way through the underground parking area, while the brunette maintained her poise, striking confident poses and waving at the camera. After the pageant ended, Hudson kept her head down backstage, while their bodyguard fended off reporters eager to ask questions. Belichick was the longtime head coach of the New England Patriots, the NFL team based in Massachusetts. Earlier in the pageant, Hudson missed out on being crowned Miss Congeniality before the semi-finals, but advanced after taking home the style award. Shelby Powell of Bangor took the crown and will go on to represent Maine in the upcoming Miss USA contest.
New York Post
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Jordon Hudson sports sour look on her face after failing to win Miss Maine USA pageant in front of Bill Belichick
PORTLAND, Me. — Miss Congeniality, Jordon Hudson is not. Bill Belichick's girlfriend fell short yet again in the Miss Maine beauty pageant, placing second runner-up — and she couldn't hide her disappointment. Hudson, 24, made it to the top ten in the contest Sunday after earning the style award, but didn't have quite the stuff the strut all the way to the crown. Jordon Hudson was named second runner up in the Miss Maine USA pageant Sunday. She previously called out her detractors during the question-and-answer phase of the pageant. 'I hope anyone watching finds the strength to push through whatever they're going through… hate never wins,' she said. And the notoriously hard-nosed former cheerleader notably missed out on the Miss Congeniality title during that round. Hudson couldn't hide her disappointment as she lost the pageant. The comes after scrutiny of her relationship with the 73-year-old NFL coaching legend become a subject of national scrutiny following her terse interjections into a CBS News interview with Belichick. 'We're not talking about that,' Hudson told the interviewer when he asked Belichick about how he met his lithe lover. Hudson sported a subtle downcast expression through her beaming smile she was named second-runner up — one position worse than her performance in the pageant last year. Shelby Powell, of Bangor, won the contest and will represent Maine at the Miss USA contest. Hudson's famously grouchy boyfriend and her father sat together in the front row throughout the pageant, and were seen chatting amiably between rounds.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jordon Hudson is Bill Belichick's girlfriend and 'creative muse.' She also wants to be Miss Maine USA.
When Jordon Hudson takes the stage to compete for the title of Miss Maine USA this weekend, she'll be introducing herself to a new audience. Representing her hometown of Hancock, Maine, Hudson is competing in three phases of preliminary competition on May 10 — interview, swimsuit and evening gown — to move on to the finals on May 11. Should she win the crown, she'd serve her title before competing in the Miss USA pageant. Hudson's pageant aspirations may be lesser known compared to her high-profile relationship with former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick. The 24-year-old has been a constant presence and 'creative muse' for the 73-year-old UNC football coach. She's been by his side since taking their relationship public, including in photos on her Instagram account, the NFL Honors, a Dunkin' Donuts commercial and most recently, his CBS Sunday Morning interview. Before that viral moment, she took to her Instagram on April 9 to announce that she'd compete for the title. So with companionship, confidence and the world curious about her every move, why, exactly, is Hudson competing in a pageant? Pageants have long been known as a starting point for women with big dreams, including stars like Diane Sawyer and Halle Berry. They've been parodied in classic films like Drop Dead Gorgeous and Miss Congeniality, and contested by some as an antiquated sign of eras past. But when you're someone like Hudson, whose name is already splashed across every publication at the grocery store checkout, the reason to participate feels a bit more mysterious. "I think motivations vary so much from person to person," Julia Van Steenberghe, who won Miss Maine USA in 2020, told Yahoo Entertainment. "For some, the platform of pageantry can be an extension of what they're already doing. Even with a public profile, the stage offers a different kind of personal challenge — one rooted in discipline, purpose and impact. For many, it's not about fame at all.' During her reign as Miss Maine USA, Van Steenberghe worked to raise awareness about food insecurity in Maine, fundraised and volunteered with organizations like Good Shepherd Food Bank and Best Buddies. Van Steenberghe, 26, said she was attracted to the pageant world for its ability to open doors to the entertainment, modeling and related industries. However, her main motivation was the potential to "become comfortable in any room or setting I entered." Today, she's the director of student success and recruitment at the Maine Business School. She still has one foot in the pageant world, consulting for pageant contestants and professionals on public speaking, personal brand and presentation. 'I work with clients across all divisions and systems, from teens to women in their 40s competing for the first time, and their motivations are so diverse,' said Van Steenberghe. 'Some want visibility, sure, but others are looking to build confidence, make new connections or simply prove to themselves that they can do something outside their comfort zone.' Hannah Trottier-Braun, 24, is competing alongside Hudson in this weekend's competition. While the potential to travel to compete in the Miss USA pageant is an exciting prize, she sees the competition as the ultimate opportunity. "You get to do all of these things that you may not have had the ability to do if you weren't Miss Maine USA," Trottier-Braun, who is representing Lewiston, Maine, and is graduating from law school later this month, told Yahoo. Winners get to collaborate with a model placement group, work with photographers on photo shoots, make connections through networking and attend galas and charitable events. "Also, you get a bunch of advocacy opportunities. You get to work with all these different organizations that are working to better society, which is inspiring. And it's really fun to be able to have the opportunity to be a leader on that level," she said. Isabelle St. Cyr, 24, is representing Monson, Maine, in the pageant this weekend. A farmer who makes most of her income selling duck eggs, she's the first openly transgender woman to compete in Miss Maine USA. When it comes to each contestant's goals for entering the competition, St. Cyr told Yahoo it's different for everyone. "Everyone has their own reasons for doing pageants. I think that every competitor has something about it that is their favorite — some people do it for the runway because they're trying to make it in the world of modeling. Then some people may have a social platform or are more into politics and want to represent what they believe in onstage. I think that we all have very different motivations going into it." Whatever drives them, St. Cyr says the world of pageants has evolved significantly, noting that the Miss Universe organization, which includes Miss USA, lifted its ban on transgender contestants in 2012. Additional revisions have been made to the Miss Universe system in recent years, including changes to age restrictions and allowing married women to participate. "They were known for vanity way back in the day," said St. Cyr of pageants. "But [now], they're known for inspiring confidence and breaking boundaries and learning how to represent yourself. I love how that's changed." Representative for the Clemente Organization, which produces the Miss Maine USA competition, didn't respond to Yahoo's requests for comment. Hudson isn't the first contestant with a sizable online following who competes in pageants. Hannah Neeleman, a Utah social media influencer whose 10 million Instagram followers know her as Ballerina Farm, was 20 weeks pregnant with her eighth child, Flora Jo, when she won the title of Mrs. American in 2023, a competition specifically for married women. In February 2024, she competed in the Mrs. World pageant, just two weeks after giving birth to her daughter. As for Hudson's motivations, she took to Instagram in January to celebrate pageants, comparing 'Beauty Queens' to 'Contemporary Suffragettes.' 'A little known fact is that pageantry in the USA was birthed in 1921, in the wake of the Women's Suffrage Movement; with the title sashes emulating those of the great women warriors who fought for our Rights as Women,' Hudson wrote. 'Like feminism, pageantry is malleable & looks a lot different now than it did 104 years ago, however, the essence and mission to perpetuate Women's Rights and Empowerment is never-changing.' She continued, 'Sure, both 'feminism' & 'pageantry' have flaws and connotative aspects (as does every other 'industry'), but we are all dedicated to finding the solutions to all of these issues. Let it not be mistaken that our intentions are anything aside from deep and pure.' It's also possible that, like Belichick, she may just like to win. "Maybe she's just trying to come back to get a title," said St. Cyr. "Because last year she got first runner-up."
