From 'Anaconda' to 'Pretty Lethal,' 15 movies to stream right now

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The real March madness? How many new movies that streaming services are throwing at film lovers this week.

Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon's Prime Video and morehave a stacked lineup for those needing some hoops counterprogramming or folks celebrating spring break. There are a bunch of theatrical releases coming home, like Jack Black and Paul Rudd's comedic "Anaconda" redo and aChris PrattAI thriller, but also a slew of original fare, such as Hulu'sBilly Idol documentaryand aVince Vaughn time-travel crime comedy.

Here are 15 new and notable moviesyou can stream right now:

'Anaconda'

A wedding video director (Jack Black) and his best pal, a Hollywood actor (Paul Rudd), head off to the Amazon to remake their favorite movie from their youth, the 1997 Jennifer Lopez B-flick "Anaconda." The large snake they were going to use perishes, and deadly shenanigans ensue when their replacement is a gigantic monster reptile.

Where to watch:Netflix

'Anniversary'

The political thriller stars Phoebe Dynevor as a young woman who starts dating the son (Dylan O'Brien) of a wealthy couple (Kyle Chandler and Diane Lane). The mom recalls her as a former studentespousing a radical totalitarian ideology, and the new girlfriend begins to build a powerful following, tearing apart the family from within.

Where to watch:Hulu

'Ballerina'

In this fab"John Wick" spinoff, dancer/assassin Eve (Ana de Armas) goes rogue from her crime family to track down the cult who murdered her dad. Her path of vengeance includes an amazing flamethrower shootout and a brawl involving dinner plates as she makes new friends and enemies, plus faces off with Wick (Keanu Reeves) himself.

Where to watch:HBO Max

'Bambi: The Reckoning'

The best of the recent rash ofpublic domain indie horror movies("Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey," et al.) is this gory take on the 1923 "Bambi" novel. After its mom is killed by hunters, a deer drinks some toxic water and turns into a mutated monster that terrorizes a human mother (Roxanne McKee) and her son.

Where to watch:Peacock

'Billy Idol Should Be Dead'

The title doesn't lie: The British singer probably should be six feet under after a heroin addiction and hellacious motorcycle accident in the '80s. Thankfully, Idol is still alive and kicking and telling his story, a fascinating journey that took him from a "pretty boy" punk in the '70s to the sneering, fist-pumping rock god of the Reagan era.

Where to watch:Hulu

'Is This Thing On?'

Bradley Cooper's latest directorial effort is a more relatable, downright funnier outing than either "A Star Is Born" or "Maestro," plus unlocks Will Arnett's dramatic chops. He plays a middle-aged man who's split from his ex-athlete wife (Laura Dern) when hestumbles into the world of stand-up comedyand finds a needed outlet for his issues.

Where to watch:Hulu

'Mercy'

The futuristic sci-fi thriller stars starsChris Prattas a LA homicide detective who wakes up strapped to an electric chair and finds himself accused of murdering his wife. Facing an AI judge (Rebecca Ferguson), he has 90 minutes to examine the evidence against him and prove his innocence – or at least cast reasonable doubt – before execution.

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Where to watch:Prime Video

'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice'

In the time-travel action comedy, mob enforcer Mike (James Marsden) is told by his partner Nick (Vince Vaughn) – well, Nick from six months in the future – that he's been framed and their boss wants him dead. To survive the night, Mike has to get help from present-day Nick (also Vaughn) and Alice (Eiza Gonzalez), Nick's wife/Mike's girlfriend.

Where to watch:Hulu

'1000 Women of Horror'

Scary movies aren't just for dudes, y'all! A perfect way to dive into International Women's History Month is to watch this documentary digging into the female pioneers in horror history, celebrating movies like "Jennifer's Body" and "Possession," and chatting with filmmakers such as Mary Harron ("American Psycho").

Where to watch:Shudder

'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man'

Ex-gangsterTommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy)made enemies, lost loved ones and did bad things in six seasons of "Peaky Blinders." Tommy faces ghosts of the past in this new film when he has to help his estranged criminal son (Barry Keoghan) after the kid gets involved in a Nazi plot to crash the British economy.

Where to watch:Netflix

'Pretty Lethal'

This action thriller is on pointe with Maddie Ziegler, Lana Condor, Millicent Simmonds, Iris Apatow and Avantika as ballerinas whose bus breaks down going to a major competition in Budapest. They get captured by Hungarian gangsters and have to fight (and kill) their way out of an inn run by a shady former dance prodigy (Uma Thurman).

Where to watch:Prime Video

'Primate'

In this simian spin on the slasher movie, college kid Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) returns home to Hawaii for a visit with family and Ben, a super-smart chimp and her late mom's research project. One rabid mongoose bite later, and Ben is a skull-crushing, face-ripping menace terrorizing Lucy and her friends.

Where to watch:Paramount+

'Sentimental Value'

In Joachim Trier's touching drama (which won the best international feature Oscar),Stellan Skarsgårdstars as an aging filmmaker making a comeback movie inspired by his family. He also has to mend fences with a couple of estranged daughters, a determined stage actress (Renate Reinsve) and a one-time child star (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas).

Where to watch:Hulu

'Wicked: For Good'

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their roles as"wicked" witch Elphabaand popular bestie Glinda with new verve in the musical sequel. Elphaba stands up against the corrupt Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) while the frenemies evolve their relationship and sing a lot in an unexpectedly relevant fantasy flick aboutstanding up for what's right.

Where to watch:Peacock

'Zootopia 2'

The Disney animated comedy sequel catches up with bunny cop Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) and street fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). The unlikely friends and partners haveto save the city of Zootopia againby helping a snake (Ke Huy Quan) on the loose and uncovering a longtime conspiracy against reptiles.

Where to watch:Disney+

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:New movies streaming on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video

byJastin

in

3/28/2026 01:13:00 AM

From 'Anaconda' to 'Pretty Lethal,' 15 movies to stream right now

Love movies? Live for TV? USA TODAY's Watch Party newsletter has all the best recommendations, delivered right to yo...

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Where Is Patrizia Reggiani Now? Inside Her Life 31 Years After Murdering Her Ex-Husband Maurizio Gucci

Patrizia Reggiani married Gucci heir Maurizio Gucci in 1972, though they eventually divorced

NEED TO KNOW

• In 1995, Gucci was killed by a hitman who was hired by Reggiani

• She served 18 years in prison for murder before being released in 2016

Patrizia Reggianiwent from being known as Lady Gucci to "La Vedova Nera" — the Black Widow.

The Italian socialite became one-half of a fashion power couple when she marriedMaurizio Gucci, the heir to the Gucci brand, in 1972. The couple went on to live a lavish, jet-setting lifestyle, complete with homes in New York and Milan and vacations aboard their mega-yacht. They welcomed two daughters together, Alessandra and Allegra.

However, their marriage eventually soured. In 1985, Mauriziowalked out on her, and in 1993, mounting debts forced him to sell Gucci to a Bahrain-based investment firm.

"I was angry with Maurizio about many, many things at that time," Patrizia toldThe Guardianin 2016. "But above all, this. Losing the family business. It was stupid. It was a failure. I was filled with rage, but there was nothing I could do."

But then, on March 27, 1995 — one year after their divorce was finalized —Maurizio was shot dead by a hitmanwhile walking into his Milan office. Two years later, Patrizia was arrested and charged with orchestrating the murder-for-hire — changing her persona from "Lady Gucci" to the "Black Widow."

She was convicted of premeditated murder in 1998 and sentenced to 29 years in prison.

So where is Patrizia Reggiani now? Here's everything to know about her life after serving time in prison for the murder of her ex-husband, Maurizio Gucci.

Who is Patrizia Reggiani?

Patrizia was born on Dec. 2, 1948, in Vignola, Italy. According toTIME, she grew up poor, and her biological father was not in the picture. But when Patrizia was 12, her mother married a wealthy entrepreneur named Ferdinando Reggiani, who adopted Patrizia as his own.

From that point on, Patrizia lived an affluent lifestyle, her stepfather spoiling her with fur coats and luxury cars,The Guardianreported.

She became a socialite in Milan but had difficulty breaking into the most elite circles, according to TIME, until she met Maurizio — the heir to the house of Gucci — at a party in 1970.

How long were Patrizia Reggiani and Maurizio Gucci married?

After a two-year courtship, Patrizia and Maurizio married on Oct. 28, 1972, in Milan. The fashion power couple became fixtures in both Milan and Manhattan's social scene, frequently socializing withJackie Kennedy Onassisand other members of the Kennedy clan.

Their luxurious lifestyle didn't stop there: Patrizia and Maurizio were chauffeured around Manhattan in a vehicle notorious for its vanity plate, which read "Mauizia."

They owned multiple vacation homes, including a ski chalet in St. Moritz, a getaway in Mexico and a farm in Connecticut, according toThe Guardian. Maurizio even purchased a yacht following Allegra's birth, and the family used it to travel to private islands.

"We were a beautiful couple and we had a beautiful life, of course," Patrizia toldThe Guardianin 2016.

But that all changed abruptly in 1985, when Maurizio told Patrizia he was traveling for a business trip — and never returned. Instead, he sent a friend to tell Patrizia that their marriage was over. Their divorce was made official nearly a decade later, in 1994.

The divorce was so lengthy, in part, because Patrizia refused to settle. When Maurizio offered to pay her 2.5 million euros plus 650,000 euros in yearly alimony, Patrizia rejected the deal — referring to the amount as "a mere bowl of lentils,"The Guardianreported.

In their final settlement, Maurizio agreed to pay his ex-wife $1.5 million a year for the rest of her life, among other conditions, according toThe Telegraph.

One of those conditions involved Patrizia losing her most precious asset: The legal right to use the Gucci name. Patrizia's close friend, Pina Auriemma, toldDatelinethat the former Lady Gucci was "more sad and sorry about losing her name" than losing her husband.

At the time of their divorce, Patrizia was also reportedly bitter over Maurizio's business dealings (he lost the family business, selling Gucci to Investcorp in 1993 for $120 million, according toThe Guardian) and his personal life (Maurizio had a new, live-in girlfriend, Paola Franchi).

"Patrizia was stalking us," Franchi toldThe Guardian. "She called many times abusing him and threatening to kill him."

What happened to Maurizio Gucci?

As Maurizio walked into his Milan office building on the morning of March 27, 1995, a well-dressed hired hitman fired two shots — hitting the fashion mogul in the back and shoulder. The gunman then fatally shot Maurizio in the face before fleeing the scene.

"It was clearly a premeditated murder," Italian police Maj. Paolo La Forgia told PEOPLE about Maurizio's death.

Patrizia's actions after his death raised some red flags, including filing a legal claim within three hours of Maurizio's murder to have his girlfriend Franchi removed from the apartment they shared,The Guardianreported.

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"I was very happy because all my problems were gone," Patrizia later said onPeople Magazine Investigates: Crimes of Fashionin 2018.

However, at the time, police had nothing to tie Patrizia to the crime — and the investigation stalled for more than a year.

What was Patrizia Reggiani convicted of?

Patrizia was arrested in January 1997, after an anonymous caller tipped off police that an accomplice had bragged about arranging Maurizio's murder with Pina Auriemma, Patrizia's best friend and psychic.

The tip led authorities to launch a sting operation where Patrizia and her four accomplices — Auriemma, a friend of her's who hired the hitman, the getaway driver and the hitman himself — eventually discussed the crime on wiretapped phones,The Guardianreported.

The trial of Patrizia and her accomplices began in May 1998. Patrizia's lawyers claimed that she was mentally unstable due to a 1992 operation on a brain tumor, according toThe New York Times.

Her lawyers also alleged that it was Auriemma who had hired the hitman and then blackmailed Patrizia into keeping quiet.

In November 1998, after a five-month trial, Patrizia and her four accomplices were found guilty of premeditated murder. Patrizia was sentenced to 29 years in prison.

Where is Patrizia Reggiani now?

Patrizia had her first opportunity to be released from prison in 2011 — but declined, since a condition of her parole was getting a job.

"I've never worked in my life and I don't intend to start now," she reportedly told her lawyer, perThe Guardian.

But by 2014, Patrizia had a change of heart and revealed she was willing to work at Gucci, of all places. That year, she told Italy'sLa Repubblicanewspaper that she was available to work and hoped to return to her ex-husband's former company.

"They need me," she said, perThe Guardian. "I still feel like a Gucci — in fact, the most Gucci of them all."

Patrizia did not end up working at Gucci, however. Instead, in April 2014, she was granted day release from prison and took a parole job as a design consultant for Bozart, a costume jewelry firm based in Milan, according toThe Guardian.

By October 2016, Patrizia had finished her parole on credit for good behavior and was officially free from prison. She had served 18 years of her reduced 26-year sentence and was 67 years old. Upon her release, she went to live in a Milan townhouse with her mother, who later died in 2019.

Though Patrizia has maintained that she was wrongfully convicted, her statements to the press over the years leave cause for confusion.

One such statement came in 2014, when a camera crew from an Italian reality television show stopped Patrizia outside her workplace and asked her why she hired a hitman and didn't shoot Maurizio herself.

"My eyesight is not so good," Patrizia infamously responded, perThe Guardian. "I didn't want to miss."

Did Patrizia Reggiani receive money from Gucci's estate?

An Italian court ruled in February 2017 that, despite being convicted of her husband's murder, Patrizia was still entitled to receive more than $1 million annually from Maurizio's estate,The Telegraphreported.

The appeals court ruled in favor of Patrizia due to an agreement that Maurizio signed in 1993, two years prior to his death. In addition to the annual payments, Patrizia was also entitled to back payments for the 18 years she spent in prison, which totaled more than $20 million.

The payments to Patrizia come from her late ex-husband's estate, which is managed by her daughters.

What did Patrizia Reggiani think ofHouse of Gucci?

Adam DriverandLady Gagabrought the story of Maurizio's murder and Patrizia's arrest to life on the big screen in 2021'sHouse of Gucci. The film received critical praise andaward nominations— but Patrizia was not pleased, particularly with Lady Gaga.

"I'mannoyed by the fact that Lady Gaga is portraying mein the new Ridley Scott film without even having the courtesy or the good sense to come and meet me," Patrizia toldAnsa, the Italian national news agency, ahead of the film's release.

She continued, "It's nothing to do with money because I won't be taking a single cent from the film. It's about common sense and respect."

"I believe that any good actor should first get to know the person that they are meant to be playing," Reggiani said, adding, "I think it is not right that I wasn't contacted. And I say this with all the sympathy and appreciation that I have for her."

Read the original article onPeople

byJastin

in

3/28/2026 01:12:00 AM

Where Is Patrizia Reggiani Now? Inside Her Life 31 Years After Murdering Her Ex-Husband Maurizio Gucci

Patrizia Reggiani married Gucci heir Maurizio Gucci in 1972, though they eventually divorced NEED TO KNOW In...

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Trump says he will pause attacks on Iran's energy plants

By Bhargav Acharya and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was ‌pausing attacks on Iran's energy plants for 10 ‌days at what he cast as the Iranian government's request, and said talks ​with Tehran were going "very well."

"As per Iranian Government request... I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time," ‌Trump said in a ⁠post on Truth Social.

"Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake ⁠News Media, and others, they are going very well," he said.

"I gave them a 10-day period. They asked for seven," ​Trump later ​told Fox News' "The Five" show.

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Trump, ​who has offered shifting goals ‌and timeline for the Iran war, ranging from overthrowing Iran's government to destroying its military and missile capabilities, told Fox News he thinks the U.S. has won the war.

"In a certain sense, we have already won," Trump said.

Trump has said ‌Iran must make a deal or ​face a continued onslaught.

The war began ​on February 28 when ​the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Tehran subsequently ‌responded by launching its own ​attacks on Israel ​and Gulf states with U.S. bases.

Joint U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands. ​The war has ‌also raised oil prices and shaken global markets.

(Reporting by ​Bhargav Acharya, Kanishka Singh and Jasper Ward; Editing by ​David Ljunggren and Bill Berkrot)

byJastin

in

3/28/2026 12:42:00 AM

Trump says he will pause attacks on Iran's energy plants

By Bhargav Acharya and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on T...

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California renames Cesar Chavez Day following sexual abuse allegations

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday to renameCésar Chavez Dayas Farmworkers Day in an effort to reconcile the Latino labor icon's legacy with explosive sexual abuse allegations before the state holiday on March 31.

The state Senate approved the legislation earlier in the day with bipartisan support.

The change comes after allegations became public last week that Chavez hadsexually abused girls and womenduring his days building a major farmworker labor rights movement in the 1960s in California's agricultural heartland. Among those who accused him wasDolores Huerta, who co-led the movement that eventually became the United Farm Workers.

The state's effort to rename the holiday is part of a wave of other moves to alter memorials honoring the man who, in the 1960s and 1970s,helped secure better wagesand working conditions for farmworkers and had beenadmired by many Democratic leaders. The swift and sweeping effort to erase Chavez's name from public life was previously unthinkable, as his status had only grown more iconic since his death in 1993.

Republican Sen. Suzette Valladares said Thursday that her family built a life in California by working the fields and that the movement brought together workers from different backgrounds.

"This is not about one person. This is not about one narrative," she said. "It's about honoring generations of sacrifice, of resilience and hope."

Senate President Pro Tempore Monique Limon said honoring farmworkers is especially important in the face of a series of federal raids across the state last year. A worker in her districtdied after being chasedby a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent last summer, Limon said.

"His death is a reminder of how much farmworkers risk every day to put food on our table," she said before the vote. "Our farmworkers remind us that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect."

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California was the first state to designate Chavez's birthday, March 31, as a holiday to honor the civil rights leader nearly 30 years ago. The Legislature then, in 2000, passed a bill to make it an official paid day off for state employees and require that students learn about his legacy and his role in the labor movement in California. The legislation passed Thursday didn't address the curriculum requirement. State leaders said they're in conversation with school officials to adjust lesson plans.

The California bill also passed in the Assembly with bipartisan support on Monday.

"We cannot ignore wrongdoing and we should not continue to celebrate a single person when the movement itself is so much bigger," Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry said before the vote Monday.

Since the allegations came to light, California State University, Fresno, has covered up Chavez's statue on campus, while cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Sacramento have taken steps to erase his name from public landmarks. Some advocated for Huerta's name to replace Chavez's, and several states already said they won't observe the day.

As his birthday approaches, cities across the country have remade or canceled annual celebrations to honor him. In Tucson last weekend, the annual César Chavez and Dolores Huerta March and Rally were scaled back and rebranded. There was no march or car show, and it was billed instead as the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair to focus more broadly on labor rights without mentioning Chavez.

In Grand Junction, Colorado, the organizers of the annual event in Mesa County had already printed flyers and T-shirts, all bearing Chavez's name. There has been a flurry of social media posts in recent days to let people know the event will go on Saturday as the Sí, Se Puede Celebration instead.

In El Paso, Texas, March 31 will be celebrated as the Community and Labor Heritage Day.

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byJastin

in

3/28/2026 12:42:00 AM

California renames Cesar Chavez Day following sexual abuse allegations

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Thursday to renameCésar Chavez Dayas Farmworkers Day in an effort ...

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Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus Show There’s ‘No Shade’ at iHeartRadio Awards

Taylor SwiftandMiley Cyrusshared a sweet moment at theiHeartRadio Music Awards 2026. Cyrus walked up to the stage to accept her Innovator Award, prompting loud cheers. Among the crowd, Swift cheered and clapped for her old friend. This moment comes amid Cyrus's "no shade" at the pop icon at the Hannah Montana anniversary special.

Taylor Swift supports Miley Cyrus at iHeartRadio Awards, joins crowd with nonstop chants

Taylor Swift cheered out loud for Miley Cyrus at the iHeartRadio Music Awards 2026. The "Wrecking Ball" singer hilariously calmed down the chants from the crowd. She began, "I'll take it." Cyrus quipped, "They're going to Luda me!" referring to host Ludacris. The 33-year-old singer added, "Someone tell Luda that this does not count as my 45 seconds. No Luda! Okay!!

Subsequently, she started her real speech, "This week celebrates 20 years of Hannah Montana. It has been a dream come true. My double denim and gold star thank you." Cyrus also joked, "They've been waiting over a decade to leave the house." She continued, "Hannah Montana inspired me so much in my life, in my own career."

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Swift's support for Cyrus comes amid the latter's "no shade" story at the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana. Cyrus revealed that Swift wrote the track "You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home" for the Hannah Montana movie. The 14-time Grammy winner also made a cameo in the film singing, "Crazier," in the barn-party scene. Cyrus added how the soundtrack "stands the test of time," and Swift "ate with that one."

Further, she talked about Swift's casting in the film, joking, "Get the tea kettle." The three-time Grammy winner shared, "So the way that Taylor Swift ended up in the Hannah Montana movie was because this was kind of the beginning of her career, and they were looking for someone that would authentically — no shade, I guess — be performing in a barn." She explained, "We both performed in the barn," referring to her performance of "Hoedown Throwdown." Cyrus concluded, "And so she came into the performance."

The postTaylor Swift & Miley Cyrus Show There's 'No Shade' at iHeartRadio Awardsappeared first onReality Tea.

byJastin

in

3/27/2026 11:12:00 PM

Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus Show There’s ‘No Shade’ at iHeartRadio Awards

Taylor SwiftandMiley Cyrusshared a sweet moment at theiHeartRadio Music Awards 2026. Cyrus walked up to the stage to accept her Innovator ...

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Broadway star Christopher Jackson botches 'Star-Spangled Banner' in Mets' season opener

Paul Skenes was not the only one who had a rough startin the New York Mets' and Pittsburgh Pirates' season opener on Thursday at Citi Field. Award-winning actor and singer Christopher Jackson forgot the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner" when singing the national anthem before the game.

While he got off to a fine start, Jackson paused before repeating the lyrics, "What so proudly we hailed," from earlier in the verse. The broadcast cameras panned to veterans and players who winced after Jackson's blunder. Jackson picked up the lyrics at "were so gallantly streaming" and finished the national anthem despite his mistake.

After the performance,Jackson told TMZthat he has performed the national anthem at games before without issue, but it can be a "challenging experience."

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"Today it was for about five seconds ... and one line got away from me," he said. "I'm human. But I won't hesitate to step up to a mic and pay tribute to those that we honor with the anthem. Grateful to the Mets and MLB for allowing me to be a small part of the day."

Jackson has starred on Broadway and played George Washington in the original cast of "Hamilton," a role that won him a Tony award.

The Mets started the season 1-0with an 11-7 victory over the Pirates that saw the home team chase Skenesafter just two outs and five runs allowed.

byJastin

in

3/27/2026 11:12:00 PM

Broadway star Christopher Jackson botches 'Star-Spangled Banner' in Mets' season opener

Paul Skenes was not the only one who had a rough startin the New York Mets' and Pittsburgh Pirates' season o...

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In London's pubs, love gets a PowerPoint makeover

By Natasha Montague

People attend "Date My Mate", a live dating night where friends pitch their single friends in London

LONDON, March 27 (Reuters) - Fed up of swiping left or right on dating apps, young London singles are returning to a classic British way of meeting people--the pub--with a ‌modern twist: a PowerPoint presentation by a close friend pitching them as dating material.

Putting together a ‌slide deck is second nature for many younger millennials and older Gen Zers. Now, they're using that skill to enhance their mates' love ​lives, just as dating apps are losing their appeal.

"I hate the swiping," said Annie, 27, adding she was keen to see if her friend's two-minute pitch at a 'Date my Mate' event could land her a boyfriend--or at least a first date.

Organisers said all 150 tickets for the event, held at a north London pub, were sold in less ‌than five minutes. And they're planning to ⁠roll out more, aiming for one a week across the country.

DATING APPS LOSE SHINE

Dating apps are fading in popularity in the UK, with usage across the 10 biggest platforms ⁠falling 16% between 2023 and 2024, according to Global Dating Insights. Polling shows nearly half of users have had negative experiences on apps like Tinder and Hinge.

At the event, friends crowded around tables with glasses of wine, wearing "Date" or "Mate" stickers, ​as ​presenters clicked through slides of flattering holiday snaps and fun ​facts.

"A bit more about Lauren. She's 30. ‌She's a structural engineer, so even though she will stop walls from falling down, she'll always be there to support you," said one friend.

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"Interesting fact, she's just about to submit her sexy fantasy romance book to publishers."

Having seen similar events in Australia and the U.S. on social media, Emily Churchill, head of marketing at wine company Nice who helped arrange the event, said she knew she had to bring the concept to London.

"It's just so ‌much fun," she said, adding it gave coupled-up friends a ​way to help their single mates find love and escape "horrible dating ​stories."

'VINTAGE' WAY OF MEETING PEOPLE

Those hunting for a ​match said it was easier for a friend to sell their best qualities--and poke ‌fun at their flaws--with humour and honesty.

"It's quite ​retro. It's a vintage way ​of meeting people," said Jonny, 28, a journalist, joking about how he tried to steer his own presentation.

His friend Patrick said the preparation involved "hundreds of photos over WhatsApp, hundreds, and him being incredibly specific ​about the ones that make him ‌look good."

Laughing about whether the friendship would survive the pitch, Patrick said he was confident the ​slides were good enough to lead to a wedding some day.

(Reporting by Natasha Montague and Will ​Russell, Writing by Sarah Young; Editing by Bernadette Baum)

byJastin

in

3/27/2026 09:12:00 PM

In London's pubs, love gets a PowerPoint makeover

By Natasha Montague People attend "Date My Mate", a live dating night where friends pitch their...

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