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Novel York City played host to a surprise Valentine’s Day wedding as “Stranger Things” star Maya Hawke and musician Christian Lee Hutson tied the knot. The ceremony, brimming with Hollywood talent, was confirmed by photos published by People magazine on February 17, 2026.

Hawke, 27, known for her role as Robin Buckley in the hit Netflix series which ran between 2019 and 2025 and Hutson, 35, exchanged vows in a private ceremony attended by a star-studded guest list. The couple’s union marks a significant moment for both, blending the worlds of acting and music.

Among those celebrating the couple were Hawke’s renowned parents, actors Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, as well as several of her “Stranger Things” co-stars. People reported that Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery were all in attendance, solidifying the close bonds forged on the popular display.

Hawke donned a white dress for the occasion, while Hutson opted for a traditional tuxedo. The couple’s connection reportedly began “years ago” while working on music together, according to People. Hawke herself opened up about the benefits of dating friends in a 2024 interview on the “Zach Sang Show,” stating, “recommend highly enough dating your friends. It’s the best. They know you…not just a piece of paper for them to project their image of perfect girlfriend onto.”

Hutson, a former member of The Driftwood Singers, launched his solo career in 2014 and has since released five studio albums, including “Paradise Pop. 10” in 2024. Hawke confirmed her collaboration with Hutson on the album in a July 2024 Instagram post, praising him as a “poet musical genius” and expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to write with him.

The couple’s engagement was first revealed in an interview with SoCal Sound Session in 2025, with Hawke later photographed sporting a diamond ring on her wedding finger just two months later, as reported by People.

Hutson’s musical journey began with The Driftwood Singers, where he spent three years before establishing himself as a solo artist. He has released six extended plays in addition to his five studio albums, demonstrating a consistent dedication to his craft. His most recent album, “Paradise Pop. 10,” released in 2024, showcases his evolving musical style.

Representatives for both Hawke and Hutson have been contacted for comment by CNN, though a response was not immediately available.

As the couple begins their married life, fans and industry peers alike are celebrating their union. The blend of Hawke’s acting success and Hutson’s musical talent promises a dynamic future for the pair. It remains to be seen how their creative collaborations will continue to unfold, but their shared passion for the arts suggests a promising path forward.

Share your congratulations and thoughts on this exciting news in the comments below!

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has launched investigations into three Michigan school districts – Detroit Public Schools Community District, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and the Lansing School District – to determine whether they have included content related to sexual orientation and gender ideology (SOGI) in classes for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The investigations, announced Wednesday, February 18, 2026, will also examine whether parents were properly notified of their right to opt their children out of such instruction, and whether access to single-sex spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms is limited based on biological sex.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated the department is “fiercely committed to ending the growing trend of local school authorities embedding sexuality and gender ideology in every aspect of public education.” The investigations come amid a national debate over parental rights and the curriculum taught in public schools, particularly concerning discussions of gender identity and sexual orientation. The department is examining whether the districts are adhering to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor (606 U.S. 522, 2025), which affirmed parental rights regarding the upbringing of their children.

Scope of the Investigations

The Justice Department’s inquiry will focus on whether SOGI-related content is present in the curriculum of the three Michigan school districts. If such content is found, the investigations will assess whether the districts provided parents with adequate notice and the opportunity to excuse their children from participating. This aspect of the investigation centers on the assertion of parental rights to direct the religious upbringing of their children, as outlined in Supreme Court precedent. The department will also evaluate policies regarding access to single-sex intimate spaces, ensuring they are based on biological sex, as mandated by Title IX.

According to a press release from the Justice Department, the Michigan school districts are recipients of taxpayer funding. The investigations will determine if these districts are in compliance with federal regulations. The Civil Rights Division emphasized that it has not yet reached any conclusions regarding the subject matter of the investigations.

Concerns Over Parental Rights and Title IX

The investigations reflect a broader national conversation about the role of schools in addressing issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Advocates for parental rights argue that schools should not introduce these topics without explicit parental consent, while proponents of inclusive education contend that such discussions are essential for creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students. The Justice Department’s actions align with a growing movement to strengthen parental involvement in education and to enforce existing laws regarding sex-based discrimination.

The Supreme Court case Mahmoud v. Taylor, decided in 2025, is central to the Justice Department’s argument. The court’s ruling affirmed the rights of parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children, a principle the department argues extends to shielding them from ideological instruction that conflicts with family beliefs. The application of Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities, is also a key component of the investigations, particularly concerning access to single-sex spaces.

The investigations are not limited to curriculum content. They also encompass the practical implications of SOGI-related policies, such as access to bathrooms and locker rooms. This aspect of the inquiry has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, who argue that restricting access based on biological sex is discriminatory and harmful to transgender and non-binary students.

What’s Next

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will continue to gather information from the Detroit Public Schools Community District, Godfrey-Lee Public Schools, and the Lansing School District. The timeline for the completion of the investigations remains unclear. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for school districts across the country, potentially shaping the way they address issues of sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. The department has stated it will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigations, which could include requiring changes to district policies or pursuing legal action.

This is a developing story. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others.

Looking for something to watch tonight? Several channels are offering a variety of programming this evening, February 19, 2026. Among the options is the thrilling adventure film, Jurassic World, providing a cinematic escape for viewers. This guide offers a preview of what’s on tap for tonight’s television lineup, helping you plan your evening entertainment.

The evening’s programming includes a mix of films and series, catering to diverse tastes. Even as specific schedules vary by region and provider, Jurassic World stands out as a popular choice for action and adventure fans. Beyond blockbuster films, viewers can too catch up on the latest developments in the world of Italian television dramas, such as Io sono Farah, which continues to captivate audiences with its twists and turns.

Io sono Farah: Upcoming Drama and Alliances

For fans of the Turkish drama Io sono Farah, the week ahead promises heightened tension and unexpected alliances. Recent developments in the series, as reported on February 19, 2026, reveal a shifting power dynamic between key characters. According to Zazoom.it, Mahmud is attempting to forge an alliance with Tahir, seeking to strengthen his position amidst ongoing conflicts. This move comes as a surprise, given the previous animosity between the two characters.

The attempt at an alliance, still, is fraught with danger. Zazoom.it details how Behnam, alerted by Farah, interrupts a meeting between Mahmud and Tahir, resulting in a violent confrontation. Mahmud’s actions are further complicated by his announcement of an arranged marriage for Merjan, a decision that sparks opposition from Akbar and threats towards Farah, referencing the tragic fate of her father.

Wedding Plans Disrupted and a Dangerous Escape

Earlier in the week, from February 16th to 20th, the planned wedding between Behnam and Farah faced significant obstacles. As Spettegolando.it reports, Rahsan intervened during the ceremony, requesting a period of reflection due to Farah’s recent kidnapping by Tahir. This led Mahmud to impose a temporary separation, infuriating Behnam and raising suspicions about the true motives of those involved.

Meanwhile, Tahir found himself in a perilous situation, detained in Iran and facing potential torture at the hands of an individual sent by Behnam. However, a dramatic turn of events saw Tahir successfully escape from Iranian custody, even managing to liberate a child held hostage, as reported by Il Messaggero. Mahmud also began to suspect Farah of collaborating with Tahir, leading him to grant her more freedom under surveillance, believing he could better control her movements.

Other Developments in Io sono Farah

The drama continues to unfold with Mehmet, distraught and intoxicated, appearing at Bade’s home in search of his brother, Orhan. He seeks assistance from Vera or Perihan, but Bade has already revealed Mehmet’s rediscovered family connection. Alfemminile.com highlights that Mahmud believes Farah and Tahir have a plan to access the contents of a safe, adding another layer of intrigue to the storyline.

As the week progresses, the complex web of relationships and secrets within Io sono Farah continues to unravel, promising viewers a captivating and suspenseful viewing experience. The evolving dynamics between Mahmud, Tahir and Farah will undoubtedly shape the future of the series.

Looking ahead, the potential alliance between Mahmud and Tahir remains a key focal point, with the outcome likely to have significant repercussions for all involved. Viewers can expect further twists and turns as the characters navigate treacherous alliances and hidden agendas. Stay tuned for further updates on the unfolding drama of Io sono Farah.

What are your thoughts on the latest developments in Io sono Farah? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below!