Ali Larter finally lifts the lid on ‘toughest scenes’ to shoot in ‘Landman’ season 2
Ali Larter has finally opened up about the most distressing scene of Landman season 2.
In a talk with PEOPLE magazine, Larter openly talked about the physical demands of portraying Angela, the ex-wife of Tommy Norris (played by Billy Bob Thornton) and Cooper (Jacob Lofland) and Ainsley’s (Michelle Randolph) mother in the neo-Western drama series created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace.
For those unaware, the sophomore season’s episode 9 showed Angela’s daughter Ainsley going to TCU for cheer camp, hinting at what life will look like once she starts college soon after. Angela will struggle to survive in the absence of Ainsley in the house.
Larter gave in to those “ugly sobs” in the scene, as Angela became visibly overcome with emotion in her car after watching Ainsley enter into her dorm.
Alluding to the departure of her character’s daughter, the 49-year-old American actress and former model admitted, “Episode 9 was a really painful episode for me to shoot. I think it was one of the toughest scenes.”
“Angela feels like it’s a loss in her life, with her daughter leaving,” she revealed. “I have a lot of friends that are empty-nesters, and I have seen those ugly sobs.”
The Final Destination star elaborated, “I think that Angela doesn’t really feel like she has a purpose without her daughter. What is her life going to look like, with her growing up?”
Larter “just really wanted [the audience] to feel what she felt” in that particular scene and became successful in achieving that.
“I’ve been hearing from all these mamas about being able to see that [moment], and that it made them emotional. Because that’s the reality of it when you raise these babies, and then they take off and start their life, and who are you? What’s your identity without them?” she said of the fans’ response.
Before concluding, it is important to mention that Landman season 2, which concluded on January 18, 2026, is streaming both seasons on Paramount+.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, right, of Pakistan speaks to Abhishek Sharma of India and Shubman Gill of India during the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Dubai, UAE. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) late on Sunday said Pakistan’s decision to selectively participate in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 was “difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event”, adding that it was awaiting a formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“Tournaments are built on sporting integrity, competitiveness, consistency, and fairness. Selective participation undermines the spirit and sanctity of the competitions,” the ICC said in a statement. It urged the PCB to consider the long-term implications of the decision for cricket in Pakistan and its role in the global game.
“While the ICC respects governments’ roles in matters of national policy, this decision is not in the interest of the global game or the welfare of fans worldwide, including millions in Pakistan,” it added.
The ICC stressed that the successful delivery of the T20 World Cup was a shared responsibility of all member boards and encouraged a mutually acceptable resolution that protected the interests of all stakeholders.
The reaction came hours after Pakistan announced it would take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 but would not play its highly anticipated group match against India on February 15. The announcement, made through the government’s official X account, followed consultations between PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan grants approval to the Pakistan Cricket Team to participate in the ICC World T20 2026; however, the Pakistan Cricket Team shall not take the field in the match scheduled on 15th February 2026 against India,” the statement said.
The announcement did not explain the reasons for skipping the India match and also did not clarify what would happen if Pakistan and India were drawn to play each other in the knockout stage, creating uncertainty for organisers and broadcasters.
Observers said Pakistan’s move appeared to be a calibrated approach, avoiding a full boycott of the tournament while taking a political stance by withdrawing from the India fixture, even at the cost of forfeiting points.
Experts said the decision reflected longstanding tensions between the two neighbours and recent disputes over the organisation of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026.
The event has already faced controversy after Bangladesh was replaced by Scotland. Bangladesh had sought to move its matches from India to Sri Lanka over security concerns, but the ICC rejected the request. Pakistan later expressed solidarity with Bangladesh, and the episode fuelled debate over governance, fairness and security in international cricket.
Pakistan’s campaign will now begin against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the United States on February 10 and Namibia on February 18. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Eight stage.
The India-Pakistan rivalry is cricket’s most commercially significant fixture, and Pakistan’s refusal to play the match could have financial and competitive consequences. Analysts say the ICC may need to revisit points allocation, scheduling or contingency plans if the two teams meet later in the tournament.
India has not played Pakistan in bilateral series since 2012, and the two sides now meet only in multi-nation events. Pakistan last toured India for the 2016 T20 World Cup, while India has not toured Pakistan since 2008.
To manage political sensitivities, the ICC approved a hybrid model for India-Pakistan matches during the 2024–2027 cycle, requiring fixtures involving either country to be held at neutral venues. Under this arrangement, Pakistan’s matches in the 2026 World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has criticised the ICC’s handling of the Bangladesh venue dispute, calling it unfair, and government and PCB sources say Pakistan’s protest over governance issues influenced the decision to skip the India match.
The tournament will feature 20 teams and run from February 7 to March 8. Previous winners include India, England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Australia.
Elon Musk slams Christopher Nolan as Grammys go live
Elon Musk sparked fresh controversy on Sunday after publicly criticising acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan just as the Grammy Awards were getting underway, turning a night meant to celebrate creativity into a flashpoint for online debate.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO weighed in on X while responding to a discussion about Lupita Nyong’o’s rumoured involvement in Nolan’s upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey.
One user argued that casting Nyong’o as Helen of Troy would be disrespectful to Homer’s original description of the legendary figure, who was portrayed in ancient texts as fair-skinned and blonde, with beauty said to have sparked the Trojan War.
Musk jumped into the thread with a blunt comment, writing, “Chris Nolan has lost his integrity.”
Nyong’o’s role in the film has not been officially confirmed.
While reports first linked her to a Nolan project in November 2024, it was only revealed the following month that the director’s next film would be The Odyssey.
The cast already includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Jon Bernthal, Benny Safdie and Elliot Page, with Travis Scott recently announced as the latest addition.
Musk’s comment quickly spread online, drawing reactions from both supporters and critics as users debated artistic interpretation, casting choices and the role of modern filmmakers in adapting ancient works.
The remark also stood out for its timing, landing just as the 68th Annual Grammy Awards went live from Los Angeles.
The 2026 Grammys are being held at the Crypto.com Arena, with Trevor Noah returning as host for what is expected to be his final turn as master of ceremonies.
Kendrick Lamar entered the night leading nominations with nine nods for his work on GNX, while the show is airing live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Performers scheduled for the night include Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyler, The Creator, along with a collaborative performance by Rosé and Bruno Mars.
The ceremony also introduced two new categories: Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover.
As music’s biggest names gathered to honour the year’s achievements, Musk’s swipe at Nolan created a parallel conversation online, blending pop culture, film casting debates and celebrity commentary into a viral moment that competed for attention with the awards themselves.
Buying property from an NRI? Worried about obtaining TAN? Not anymore. To relax the compliance burden, the Budget has proposed that resident individuals and HUFs need not have a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) if they are purchasing a property from a non-resident Indian (NRI). The amendment will take effect from Oct 1, 2026.Under the proposed framework, resident individuals or HUFs can report the tax deducted at source (TDS) by quoting PAN, as is done when the transactions are between two residents. Presently, if a person buys an immovable property from a resident seller, the person is not required to obtain TAN to deduct tax at source. However, where the seller of the immovable property is a non-resident, the buyer is required to obtain TAN to deduct tax at source.Ameet Patel, partner at Manohar Chowdhry & Associates, said this used to be a detailed process. “At present, if a resident were to purchase an immovable property from an NRI, there is no separate relaxation regarding compliance with TDS responsibilities. As a result, in such cases, the buyer needs to obtain a TAN, register on the portal, and then deduct TDS u/s. 195, and pay to the govt. Under section 195, as with all other regular TDS sections, a quarterly e-TDS statement is required. A buyer would need professional help for all this.”Hinesh Doshi, CA, welcomed the move. “There used to be an unnecessary compliance burden due to this. While the process to obtain TAN is simple, people used to obtain TAN for just one transaction. So, this is a good riddance.”
A rookie NYPD officer is being hailed as a hero after saving the life of a 2-year-old boy who was choking just weeks after coming to the rescue of another choking baby.
Officer Freddy Cerpa and his partner, Officer Megan Ficken, responded on Jan. 16 to a 911 call involving an unconscious 2-year-old boy who was choking in the Bronx.
Body camera video captured the tense moments as officers worked to clear the child’s airway.
The boy soon showed signs of life. The child, who had been choking on mucus, was taken to Jacobi Hospital as a precaution and is doing well, police said.
Cerpa said he credits Ficken with the latest rescue.(Handout)
“Just weeks after saving an infant who was choking, Officer Freddy Cerpa once again stepped in to help save the life of a 2-year-old child in distress — a powerful reminder that New York’s Finest are always ready when seconds matter most,” the New York City Police Foundation said in a social media post.
Bodycam video showed officers working to clear the child’s airway. (Handout)
“The first one was definitely surreal,” Cerpa told the outlet of the first rescue. “But in my opinion, this one is all Officer Ficken, and she was there first. I was just glad I was able to assist her.”
Adrien Brody reminisces about sharing screen with Beyoncé in ‘Cadillac Records’
Adrien Brody reminisced about his time with Beyoncé in Cadillac Records.
For those unaware, the 52-year-old American actor appeared opposite Beyoncé’s Etta James in the 2008 American biographical drama film written and directed by Darnell Martin.
The film, which was about the life of the influential Chicago-based record-company executive Leonard Chess (played by Brody) and some of the musicians who recorded for Chess Records, also starred Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Eamonn Walker, Tammy Blanchard, Yasiin Bey, and other top-notch artists.
Chatting with PEOPLE magazine, Brody opened up about working with the 44-year-old American singer-songwriter and actress by saying, “Beyoncé is wonderful, and she brought so much to that movie.”
The Oscar-winning star went on to rave about the Cowboy Carter hitmaker, “She was a wonderful scene partner, and she was so dedicated and really worked very hard.”
“I also am a fan,” he admitted.
Notably, Beyoncé, the Grammy Award winner, also sang some of the late Polish-American music executive’s hit songs, such as All I Could Do Was Cry, I’d Rather Go Blind, and At Last in Cadillac Records.
“They were these deeply emotional moments, and she sang so beautifully. And as she’s singing, I kept thinking, ‘This is the last time Beyoncé will sing to me and look in my eyes,’” Brody shared, reflecting on shooting emotional scenes as Beyoncé performed the James tunes for the movie.
“It was so beautiful [to see her] pouring out these beautiful renditions of Etta James’ work. It was very moving, and I loved it,” he remarked.
Jason Segel breaks silence on working with his ‘idol’ Michael J. Fox in ‘Shrinking’
Jason Segel recently got candid and revealed who he has been idolizing throughout his career.
While chatting with Screen Rant, the 46-year-old American actor and screenwriter opened up about working with his “idol,” Michael J. Fox, in the third season of Shrinking, which was released on January 28, 2026.
Fox is making a guest appearance as Gerry in the comedy-drama television series, while Segel, who created the series along with Bill Lawrence and Bret Goldstein, is playing Jimmy Laird.
The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star told the outlet that the 64-year-old Canadian-American actor and activist’s acting and his work ethics are his biggest inspirations.
Articulating his thoughts on sharing the screen with Fox in Shrinking season 3, whom he has been admiring since the early days of his career, Segel said, “When we heard that Michael J. Fox was going to appear on this show, I think we all felt really honored. He’s an idol of mine.”
“There was a period when me and my crew — it’s 20 years ago now for me — but when I was doing a TV show and trying to make movies at the same time, and it’s scary and exhausting, and we would literally say to each other, ‘Hey, Michael J. Fox did it.’ We would say it all the time,” he recalled.
After years of loving the Teen Wolf star, Segel “got to tell him” on the set of Shrinking how important he was for him on the set of Shrinking.
“I got to say like, ‘Hey, I want you to know, in a period when I was trying to figure out what I could do with this job, you were like our true north.’ It was really cool to get to say that to him,” The Discovery star shared.
Chicago health officials are warning residents to be alert for symptoms of meningococcal disease after several recent infections were reported in adults across the city.
Seven cases of Neisseria meningitidis infections have been identified since mid-January, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.
Two people have died as a result of the infection, the department said.
Health officials have traced close contacts for all confirmed cases and provided preventive antibiotics to those who may have been exposed.
Meningococcal disease is caused by Neisseria meningitidis, a type of bacteria that can infect the bloodstream or the lining of the brain and spinal cord, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Chicago health officials are warning residents to watch for symptoms of meningococcal disease after seven infections were reported in the state.(iStock)
Transmission occurs through saliva and mucus during close or prolonged contact, such as sharing drinks, kissing, or being exposed to coughs and sneezes.
While cases remain relatively rare, meningococcal disease continues to pose a serious public health risk nationwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 503 confirmed and probable cases in the U.S. in 2024, based on preliminary data.
Infection is passed from person to person through saliva and mucus, usually during prolonged close contact.(iStock)
Symptoms of meningococcal disease can include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, a stiff neck, and a skin rash that may appear as dark spots or bruising, per Cleveland Clinic.
Other signs may include confusion, irritability, difficulty walking, joint or muscle pain, and loss of appetite.
Meningococcal disease is treated with antibiotics, and doctors often begin immediate treatment if the illness is suspected because it can progress rapidly, Cleveland Clinic stated.
Patients with severe cases may also need additional treatments such as IV fluids, oxygen, blood pressure medications, or surgery to treat damaged tissue.
Anyone who develops symptoms or believes they may have been exposed is urged to seek medical care promptly. Health experts stress that early treatment is critical.
Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez ‘still make time to hang out’ for THIS bombshell reason
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck are reportedly taking time out for each other even after their divorce.
Radar Online reported that the former high-profile Hollywood couple keep hanging out after their divorce in 2024, which was finalized in January 2025.
On December 21, 2024, Lopez and Affleck, along with his son 13-year-old son, Samuel, were spotted at the Brentwood Country Mart in Los Angeles, checking shops ahead of having a meal together at the Farmshop market.
An insider told the outlet, “Ben and Jen may have had their differences romantically, but as far as blended families go, they’re a perfect fit, and it’s a big reason why they still make time to hang out and keep the friendly dynamic going.”
“They get together fairly frequently, any chance they get, really, and that’s something Jen and Ben both enjoy very much,” the source noted.
Lopez and Affleck dated each other from 2002 to 2004 but they rekindled their romance in 2021 and after a year of their reunion, the pair tied the knot in July 2022. However, their marriage lasted just for two years and eventually decided to part ways before turning into enemies of one another.
Per the insider, “Jen and Ben still have a ton of love and respect for each other.”
“Their friendship is very much intact, and you only have to look at them when they’re together to see that the vibe is totally chill. There’s very little awkwardness between them.”
Notably, the former couple are still disappointed that their marriage “didn’t work out, especially as they went into it with such high hopes.”
Affleck and Lopez “truly believed it would be their happily ever after, but alas, things weren’t meant to be.”
It is pertinent to mention that “it’s not totally impossible to imagine them together again. They’re both impossible romantics who would be lying if they didn’t admit to quite often wondering what might have been,” noted the source.
US President Donald Trump gestures as he attends a roundtable discussion on the day he announced an aid package for farmers, at the White House in Washington, DC. — Reuters
Trump says deal possible as Iran warns of regional war.
Khamenei warns US attack would trigger regional conflict.
Iran frees protester on bail amid rising US tensions.
US President Donald Trump on on Sunday said he was hopeful of agreeing a deal with Iran after the country’s supreme leader warned that any US attack on the Islamic republic would trigger a regional war.
Following the Iranian authorities’ deadly response to anti-government protests that peaked last month, Trump has threatened military action and ordered the dispatch of an aircraft carrier group to the Middle East.
Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday likened the recent protests to a “coup”, warning that a US attack would trigger a broad conflict.
“The Americans should know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war,” he said, telling Iranians they “should not be scared” of Trump’s rhetoric.
“They (rioters) attacked the police, government centres, IRGC centres, banks, and mosques, and burned the Koran[…] It was like a coup,” Khamenei said, adding that “the coup was suppressed”.
Asked about the Iranian leader’s warning, Trump told reporters on Sunday: “Of course he is going to say that.
“Hopefully we’ll make a deal. If we don’t make a deal, then we’ll find out whether or not he was right,” he said.
Iranian authorities nonetheless ordered the release of detained 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani on bail, his lawyer said on Sunday, after Washington warned he was on death row and threatened an attack if any anti-government demonstrators were executed.
He was arrested in January for what Iran’s judiciary said were charges of propaganda against Iran’s Islamic system and acting against national security.
Washington had warned he was due to be executed, though Tehran said he had never been sentenced to death and that the charges against him did not carry the death penalty.
As tensions heightened between Iran and the US, Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday said he was concerned about “miscalculations” but said he believed Trump was “wise enough to make the correct decision”.
He said Iran has lost trust in the United States as a negotiating partner, adding that some countries in the region were acting as intermediaries to rebuild trust.
“So I see the possibility of another talk if the US negotiation team follows what President Trump said: to come to a fair and equitable deal to ensure that there is no nuclear weapons,” he said in an interview with CNN.
‘Terrorist’ designations
Tehran has acknowledged thousands of deaths during the protests, and on Sunday the presidency published a list of 2,986 names out of the 3,117 that authorities said were killed in the unrest.
Of the total, 131 have yet to be identified but their details will be released soon, it said in a statement.
Authorities insist most were members of the security forces and innocent bystanders, attributing the violence to “terrorist acts”.
However, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has confirmed 6,713 deaths, mostly protesters.
The response prompted the European Union to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, with Iranian lawmakers retaliating on Sunday by slapping the same designation on European armies.
Lawmakers wore the green uniform of the Guards in a display of solidarity at the legislative session, where they chanted “Death to America”, “Death to Israel” and “Shame on you, Europe”, state television footage showed.
It remained unclear what immediate impact the decision would have.
The step matched similar classifications enacted by the United States, Canada and Australia.
Threats and dialogue
Firouzeh, a 43-year-old homemaker who declined to give her full name, said the recent tensions had left her “very worried and scared”.
“Lately, all I do is watch the news until I fall asleep. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night to check the updates,” she said.
IRGC official Ahmad Vahidi was quoted by the Mehr news agency as saying “enemies” sought to create a “war atmosphere”.
But Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said on Saturday: “Contrary to the hype of the contrived media war, structural arrangements for negotiations are progressing.”
Trump also confirmed that dialogue was taking place, but without withdrawing his earlier threats, adding “we’ll see what happens”.
The US president previously said he believed Iran would make a deal over its nuclear and missile programmes rather than face military action.
Tehran, meanwhile, has said it is ready for nuclear talks if its missile and defence capabilities are not on the agenda.
