Culture, Style & Media News Today — September 29, 2026

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a beloved television personality, as Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Belding on the hit 90s sitcom "Saved by the Bell," has passed away at the age of 75. Haskins' iconic role as the lovable but exasperated school administrator remains a nostalgic staple for many who grew up watching the show. His death serves as a reminder that time keeps moving, and with it, the cultural landscape continues to shift.

As we reflect on the changing tides of culture and society, Jon Stewart is using his platform to speak out against politics as usual, specifically taking aim at a recent meeting between former President Trump and China's President. Meanwhile, in the world of arts and theater, a new Broadway play is garnering attention for its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of Black girlhood. And in a push for accountability, a former "South Park" writer has launched a website to shed light on a high-profile sexual assault case at Cornell University. These disparate stories all speak to a larger conversation about the power of media and culture to shape our understanding of the world and spark meaningful change.

Today's signal:
• Dennis Haskins, Actor Who Played Principal Belding on ‘Saved by the Bell,’ Dead at 75 (rollingstone.com)
• Jon Stewart Takes Aim at Trump’s Meeting With Chinese President: ‘How Does America Even Stay on the Map?’ (variety.com)
• Jon Stewart Takes Aim at Trump’s Meeting With China’s President: ‘How Does America Even Stay on the Map?’ (variety.com)
• Dennis Haskins, ‘Saved by the Bell’ Star, Dies at 75 (variety.com)
• ‘School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play’ Broadway Review: An Exceptional Portrait of Black Girlhood (variety.com)
• Former ‘South Park’ Writer Launches Site to Expose Information About Cornell University Sexual Assault Case: ‘There Will Be Accountability’ (variety.com)