Days Short Recap Friday, July 18, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Rafe let Gabi know that Shawn was starting an investigation into Arianna’s disappearance. He told her that they needed to stay calm. Gabi couldn’t relax knowing that her daughter was missing. She didn’t think that Arianna would come back. Gabi wondered if Holly’s family knew what happened. Rafe told her that Nicole was in France and Maggie was in Bermuda. He didn’t think Holly’s family needed to know. Rafe wanted her to distract herself by working, but she didn’t want to do that. Shawn called Rafe and told him that he went over the CCTV footage, and Arianna and Holly were held at gunpoint. Shawn wanted to know if Arianna and Holly someone who would do that to them. Rafe had a few ideas. Xander told Victoria that he would get to know her again since they would be spending more time together. He said that she was the most important person in the world to him. Xander was getting tired of waiting for Gabi and that’s when she walked in the room. He was upset that she was late. She told him that her daughter was kidnapped. Xander understood how she felt because he’s a parent. He wanted to know why she was at the office. She told him that Rafe wanted her to keep busy.

Tate left a message for Sophia, but she didn’t answer the phone. He wanted to know why she didn’t tell him about the couple in Chicago. Sophia saw the message, but she didn’t answer the phone. Melinda came in the room and noticed something wrong with Sophia. Sophia told her that Tate called, but she didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure she could go through with it. Melinda supported any decision she made about the baby. Sophia didn’t know what to do. She told Melinda that it broke her heart to see her baby when she saw him with Leo and Javi. Melinda told her how she felt when she gave her daughter up. She told her that the feeling wouldn’t last. Sophia wanted to know how long it would take, but Melinda didn’t know. Melinda said that she had time to change her mind about the baby, but she didn’t want to do that. Sophia wasn’t ready for motherhood and wanted her baby to have parents who were ready. Tate gave Doug money and didn’t want the money back. He said that Doug could have asked for the money a while ago, and Holly and Arianna would be okay. Tate wanted Doug to leave town. Doug agreed to leave town. Tate planned to stay to make sure that Doug didn’t screw up the meeting. The loan shark arrived at the pub. Doug told the guy that he would give him the money once he knew Holly and Arianna were okay. Rafe arrived and wanted to talk to Doug. The henchman ran off and Tate left the pub to tell Rafe to stop the guy. He told Rafe that he was the one who kidnapped Holly and Arianna. Rafe and Tate chased the henchman. Rafe, Tate, and Doug met at the station. Rafe blamed Doug for everything that happened. He thought Doug should have said he was being threatened. Doug showed Rafe the picture of Holly and Arianna that the henchman showed him. Shawn questioned the guy about the kidnapping. He said the mask didn’t hide anything because they have footage of him. Shawn warned him that he would go to prison for the rest of his life. He wanted to know where Holly and Arianna were.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, July 17, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Rafe found Gabi panicking because she hadn’t heard from Arianna. She thought Arianna was upset with her for embarrassing her. Gabi told Rafe about the condoms she bought for Arianna. He was surprised to hear that. Leo walked in the room with Tesoro and let them know that he had to go to jury duty. He thought the baby was his chance to get out of jury duty. Leo took the baby along to annoy the people at the courthouse. Rafe was disappointed because he wanted to look after the baby. Gabi knew how much Rafe loved kids and thought he still had time. Arianna adored Rafe. He warned her not to keep sending Arianna messages because she’s a teenager and needed space. Rafe advised her to call the hotel to see if she checked in. Gabi followed his advice and called the hotel. She found out that Arianna and Holly didn’t check into the hotel. Gabi panicked more once she found that out. Rafe tried to calm her down, but it didn’t work. Holly and Arianna woke up in the storage room. They noticed a paper bag with water in it. Arianna wanted to drink it, but Holly warned her that it could be poisoned. She told Holly that they were hostages, and the kidnapper would have killed them if he wanted to do it. Holly believed her grandmother Maggie could have helped. Arianna didn’t think any of their families knew where they were. She hoped Doug came through for them. Arianna was upset with him for getting them involved in his mess. Holly tried to defend Doug to her. She told her that Doug paid them so there was no reason for them to go after them. Her comments didn’t change Arianna’s opinion about Doug. Tate talked to Belle about Johnny’s case. He was surprised that jury selection started. They believed Johnny was innocent. Belle still had to prosecute his case. They changed the conversation and talked about Sophia’s pregnancy. Tate thought she was acting weird. He said she was okay with him going to the lake, but it didn’t matter since Holly didn’t show up. Tate was started to get worried about her.

Doug called Gwen, but she didn’t answer the phone. He planned to break in her place and take the necklace. Before he got a chance to leave, Tate showed up at her apartment and demanded to know where Holly was. He knew Doug was lying. Tate refused to leave until Doug gave him answers. Doug tried to force Tate out of the room. Tate found an envelope with pictures of Holly and Arianna. He accused Doug of stalking them. Doug denied stalking them, but he knew someone was doing it. Holly and Arianna were in trouble, and he blamed himself for what happened. Doug told him what he knew. He warned him not to tell the police or Rafe about what happened. Doug had to get the money to the henchman. Tate had some money to help him. Doug was relieved, but Tate wanted him to get out of town for good. He agreed to leave town and leave Holly and Arianna alone. Amy checked in with Sophia, and she told her that she was in Chicago with a couple who wanted to adopt the baby. Sophia told her that her lawyer found a new couple fast. She didn’t want to waste time talking things over because the baby was due any minute. Amy wasn’t having it, but she got a notification to report to jury duty. She wanted to skip jury duty and meet the family. Sophia thought she could handle it on her own, but Amy wouldn’t hear of it. She wanted to be there for her daughter, but she didn’t want that. Sophia felt like she ruined one adoption and wouldn’t do it again. She hung up the phone. EJ looked through pictures from the shooting and heard a gunshot in his mind. He jumped when he heard it. EJ didn’t understand why he couldn’t remember anything. He went to the courthouse and saw Belle there. She didn’t want to talk to him until he admitted that he didn’t seduce her. He made love to her. She thought he did it because he wanted her to drop the charges against Johnny. He flirted with her, but she wanted to keep things professional. Amy walked in the courthouse and yelled at her husband on the phone. She told him about Sophia’s situation. She saw Leo with a baby and apologized for yelling. He told her that he was fostering a child after he got dropped off at a firehouse. Amy looked at her grandson. EJ and Belle questioned Leo and Amy to see if they would work for the jury. Leo tried to get out of being picked, but EJ and Belle were okay with him being on the jury.

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Days Update Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Alex sits at home with Stephanie, who is working on her laptop. Alex talks about planning to stay at the office but Xander’s daughter Victoria was screaming loudly. Alex notes Stephanie being distracted and comments that he hasn’t seen her so focused on something in awhile, so he asks what’s going on. Stephanie informs him that she’s working on notes for her meeting with EJ tomorrow about being hired to do PR for the hospital. Stephanie explains that she’s lost clients recently and could use the work. Alex reminds Stephanie that she could just quit the PR business and write full time but Stephanie remains unsure. Alex then shows her a cover art for her novel, “One Stormy Night” under the pseudonym of being written by Anastasia Sands and tells her that once it hits the stands, she may never have to work for someone else again.

Xander is in his office with Victoria and talks on the phone until Victoria wakes up crying. Xander decides to take her for a walk.

Rafe is at home when he gets a text from a Kelly Jones that they will see him in twenty. Rafe goes to leave as Gabi comes home and says she has a meeting but forgot her notes. Gabi then asks where Rafe is headed off to.

Chad brings his son Thomas to the park where they run in to Cat. Thomas questions what she is doing there.

EJ has a drink in the living room of the DiMera Mansion until Gwen walks in and talks about how she always couldn’t decide on a room in the mansion. Gwen tells EJ that Kristen was making her up a corner suite, so she’s going to gather her belongings from the Salem Inn and move right in, but EJ says no she won’t. Gwen questions what he means. EJ says she won’t be moving in today because Kristen forgot the entire east wing is scheduled to be painted, so she will have to wait a few days. Gwen decides she will wait until it’s all finished the. EJ sarcastically says they want her to be happy at her stay. Gwen says she plans to be quite comfortable. EJ repeats that it will be a few days. Gwen says she has the luxury of making her decision from the Salem Inn since she has Dimitri’s money.

Cat says she was just taking a stroll before sunset. Chad says they were taking advantage of the weather too. Thomas invites Cat to join them in playing catch but Chad says they only have two gloves, so maybe another time. Thomas then tells Cat that she can use his glove.

Rafe tells Gabi that he has a meeting. Gabi questions who with, then guesses he’s being a secret agent. Gabi says now that Rafe is back in the FBI, it will be like it used to be with him sneaking around. Gabi continues to ask who Rafe is meeting, pointing out that she won’t tell anyone. Rafe tells Gabi that she knows the drill, so she apologizes for pushing. Gabi advises Rafe to be careful. Rafe asks if Arianna made it to the lake safely. Gabi responds that she’s not sure. Rafe questions Gabi not freaking out over not hearing from her. Gabi says she will be if she doesn’t hear from her by tonight, but Arianna must be caught up and forgot to text her. Gabi guesses Arianna is having the time of her life..

Stephanie tells Alex that it’s amazing. Alex explains that it’s a mock up from the art department if she wants to make any change. Stephanie assures that she loves it. They talk about using her Grandmother’s romance novels to come up with the alias of Anastasia Sands. Alex calls it a nice tribute. Stephanie agrees that it’s perfect and says she can’t believe the book she wrote in her spare time for fun is going to be out in the world. Alex says it will be soon as Kate says she’s making it top priority to get it to press, which means she believes strongly that One Stormy Night is going to put their publishing division back on track. Alex tells Stephanie that she’s about to be a published author as they kiss and begin to undress until there’s a knock at the door. Stephanie gets up to answer the door and is surprised to see Kayla, who asks if it’s a bad time.

Cat thanks Thomas and says it’s really sweet of him but she can’t play catch right now because she has some place to be. Chad thinks back to the last time they were together and he saw her phone have a text from a James Smith, asking to meet tomorrow. Cat tells them to have fun and walks away. Thomas tells Chad that Cat is nice and questions why he was trying to get rid of her which Chad denies. Chad says he just wanted a little father-son time which Thomas decides is cool with him as they play catch.

Xander brings Victoria back to the office and says taking a walk wasn’t the answer, so he wonders what the problem is. Victoria continues crying as Xander wonders what else he can do for her. Gabi then arrives and offers to try.

Cat meets Rafe in his office and talk about getting used to their aliases of Kelly Jones and James Smith. Rafe says they will probably be texting each other a lot to meet like this. Cat says she has him saved in her phone as James Smith so no one will ever know which Rafe says is smart. Rafe asks what she’s got. Cat presents him a flash drive with EJ’s financial information. Rafe wants to go over their briefing before they get started. Rafe says the FBI and ISA have set up this new inter-agency task force that they will be working with and the objective is to take down the DiMeras. Cat confirms that Shane said the agency have been trying to do this for years with no success but with the recent Titan takeover, the DiMeras are off their game. Rafe agrees that it’s the best time to strike. Cat says the best way to track illegal activity is to follow the money. They talk about the most recent purchase being EJ buying the hospital. Rafe is sure it was nefarious and questions where EJ got the money, who chipped in, and why. Cat agrees that a failing hospital is hardly a good investment. Rafe adds that it could be years until the miracle drug comes to market. Cat wonders what EJ could be planning in the meantime. Rafe says nothing good, so the sooner they nail him, the better. Cat asks about this being personal for Rafe since he and EJ have history, so she’s curious about what went down to better understand how EJ operates. Rafe tells her to get comfortable because this could take awhile.

EJ comments on Gwen’s necklace and then realizes it’s the necklace stolen from Julie and sold to Melinda Trask. EJ asks if she stole it as well. Gwen informs him that she bought it from a broker with Dimitri’s money, though she wasn’t aware of it’s prominence. EJ assumes she will return it to it’s rightful owner but Gwen says she is the rightful owner now. Gwen declares that she will return it to Julie when Hell freezes over.

Stephanie invites Kayla in and asks what brings her by. Kayla says she did some stress baking with all the hospital business, so she decided to share some of her blueberry pie. Stephanie suggests they all have a slice. Alex decides he’s going to shower at his place and he’ll be right back so he hurries out. Kayla guesses it was a bad time but Stephanie says not at all and that she’s glad she’s there because there’s something important that she wants to talk to her about.

Xander thanks Gabi for her offer but says it’s not like he can’t soothe his own daughter. Gabi argues that she’s not saying he can’t and that sometimes it’s good to let someone else try. Gabi acknowledges that sometimes it seems nothing works and points out that he’s down a parent so Xander allows her to try.

Stephanie explains to Kayla that she didn’t turn down EJ’s offer to hire her for PR at the hospital and mentions that she could use the work. Stephanie adds that she knows what a jerk EJ is, but she wouldn’t be working for him, she’d be working for the hospital and Kayla. Stephanie doesn’t think EJ would bother to sit down with her unless he was prepared to make an offer, so the question is should she accept it. Kayla agrees that she would be a tremendous asset to the hospital and praises her, saying the hospital would be lucky to have her. Stephanie asks if she should take the job then. Kayla responds that she actually thinks she shouldn’t and that she should run the other way.

EJ questions Gwen still having problems with the Hortons. Gwen blames Laura for sending her packing before she was even born and complains that they treated her like rubbish when she first moved to Salem, so she doesn’t have a very high opinion of the Hortons. EJ remarks on there being two sides of every story. Gwen believes EJ should be on her sie after being villified by the Hortons. Chad then arrives with Thomas and greets Gwen.

Rafe informs Cat about EJ replacing him with a lookalike again and reinstating him as police commissioner. Cat doesn’t understand how EJ isn’t behind bars or how he does these terrible things and comes off normal. Rafe calls EJ a sociopath who only cares about himself and says he’ll do anything no matter how wrong it is, to get what he wants. Cat says EJ running the hospital is scary which Rafe says is why they need to stop him now. Cat admits she had zero interest in returning to the ISA but Shane told her how much was at stake. Cat adds that it’s personal for her since the hospital saved her sister’s life so she has no interest in letting someone mess with that place. Rafe is glad she’s on board. Cat says she told Shane that it’s a one and done as she knew they would be investigating EJ but she had no idea the super villain he was. Cat then mentions EJ also being Chad’s brother.

Gwen tells Chad and Thomas that it’s lovely to see them. Chad admits that he wasn’t expecting to see her here. EJ asks what brings Chad by. Chad says Thomas left some of his action figures so EJ says not to let them keep him. Thomas stops to question why Gwen has Julie’s necklace and why she won’t give it back.

Rafe appreciates Cat’s concern for Chad, but says that Chad knows very well about his family’s history and even published an expose’ on the front page of the Spectator, laying it all out. Cat remembers Chad thinking that was the reason EJ got shot and says he cares a great deal about his brother. Rafe says Chad also cares about justice as he’s the good DiMera. Rafe states that when the DiMeras aren’t stabbing each other in the back, they are busy making their legal problems go away, but not Chad. Rafe assures that if they find the goods on EJ, Chad won’t stand in the way or hold it against her. Cat says she’s not concerned about herself but brings up her two younger siblings being through a lot so she worries about anything happening to them because she got roped back in to the ISA. Rafe relates to being the oldest sibling as well and says he’s very protective of them. Cat bets they don’t love him doing this dangerous work. Rafe thinks they know that he chose this career to make the world a safer place. Cat guesses he enjoys the job. Rafe confirms that he does and he doesn’t even know if he would call it a job, but more of a calling and something he feels compelled to do. Rafe figures Cat is the same way.

Gabi gets Victoria to go to sleep. Xander is impressed and questions how she did that. Gabi says she didn’t really do anything as Victoria cried herself tired. Xander feels he couldn’t do anything while she goes out like a light as soon as Gabi picked her up. Gabi tells him not to overthink it. Xander worries that his own daughter forgot who he was. Gabi encourages that she was away from him for a month, so they just need to get reacquainted. Xander hopes she’s right as he didn’t think it would be this difficult.

Stephanie questions Kayla thinking she shouldn’t take a job at her hospital. Kayla argues that it’s not her hospital, it’s EJ’s while Stephanie argues that Kayla is chief of staff so she has a huge say over everything there. Kayla says if EJ’s budget proposal is any indication, he wants to make some big changes. Stephanie asks if she thinks he’s going to try to get her fired. Stephanie says in that case, she will definitely take the job to keep EJ in check. Kayla says she can handle EJ, but a PR person for EJ would be tricky because EJ would want her to make him look good and demand she put a rosy spin on anything he does for the hospital and turn away from anything illegal he does. Kayla brings up all the fires she will have to put out and says she would hate to see Stephanie compromise her morals for a paycheck. Stephanie says she would quit before it came to that and she thinks the hospital is in desperate need of positive press. Kayla admits there’s been a shadow over everything since the financial crisis started. Stephanie feels she can put the focus back on the incredible work the hospital does to make people’s lives better. Alex returns and asks who is ready for some pie. Kayla says she will let them get back to whatever they were doing, but then she comes across Alex’s table with the mock cover of Stephanie’s novel and questions what this is.

Chad tells Thomas that’s a good question and asks Gwen why she isn’t giving the necklace back to Julie. Gwen responds that there’s been a disagreement over who actually owns the necklace. EJ says he’s sure it will be sorted very soon while Chad warns that it better be.

Cat repeats to Rafe that she does really care about the hospital, so she guesses she did feel called to this particular mission but she’s not sure she’s ready for it. Rafe argues that Shane said she was one of the best analysts he ever worked with. Cat says this might cause them to be out in the field and she was not trained for that at all. Rafe is sure she’s more prepared for that than she thinks and assures that he has her back. Rafe offers to show her some basic self defense moves which Cat agrees would be great.

Gabi tells Xander that she’s getting reacquainted with her daughter as well. Xander suggests they can do a little work while Victoria is quiet. Gabi says she has the latest numbers for the Gabi Chic spring collection. Xander points out that it’d be better if they had a marketing reel but Johnny hasn’t gotten around to it. Xander adds that he told Johnny to come back after lunch but he’s nowhere to be found. Gabi mentions hearing that he had a personal emergency. Xander wonders if it has to do with being charged with shooting his own father. Xander adds that he’s behind anyone trying to get rid of EJ but thinks maybe Johnny wasn’t the right choice to handle rehabilitating the company’s image. Gabi points out Xander also being recently charged with attempted murder, so maybe he can cut Johnny some slack. Xander complains that the shareholders won’t cut him slack if the stock price drops so they need that video done. Gabi encourages him to relax. Xander questions Gabi being so calm. Gabi jokes that maybe it’s because he’s stressed enough for the both of them.

Alex tells Kayla that it’s just the cover of a book that Titan is publishing. Kayla calls it fabulous. Alex questions her reading it. Kayla says there was a manuscript going around the hospital so she thinks the entire staff read it and jokes that it should be called One Steamy Night. Alex asks if Kayla liked it though. Kayla confirms she did, calling it engaging and a real page turner. Kayla says she thinks Anastasia Sands and Titan will make a mint. Kayla asks if Stephanie has read it. Stephanie says not exactly so Kayla suggests making sure that Alex gives her a sneak peak as she thinks it will be a best seller. Kayla then says goodnight and tells them to enjoy the pie as she exits, leaving Stephanie horrified that her mom read her novel.

Chad sends Thomas upstairs to get his action figures and then tells Gwen that he had to be nice to her in front of his son, but the way she treated Julie last night made him sick and now he has the displeasure of seeing her again. Gwen calls him rude. Chad wants Gwen gone and tells her to wrap up whatever she’s doing in Salem. Gwen responds that she’s afraid she can’t do that as she has a few loose ends to tie up. Chad doesn’t know or care what that means. Chad warns that he’s watching her and to stay away from his family. Gwen reminds him that she is Thomas’s aunt so she’s part of his family on both sides, because she’s still Dimitri’s wife which makes her a DiMera. Gwen remarks that she’s going to really embrace that and soak it in. Gwen then announces to Chad that she’s moving in to the family home.

Xander remarks that he’s glad his total frustration is bringing out the zen in Gabi. Gabi jokes that she’s sure it won’t be long before she’s flipping out over something. Xander says they know it won’t be a crying baby and thanks Gabi for her help. Gabi acknowledges how many people helped her with Arianna over the years and says co-parenting is hard but worth it. Gabi remembers when Arianna was Victoria’s age and says time just flew by. Gabi talks about how she used to tell herself she’d have another baby and get to do it all over again, but she can’t. Gabi then tells Xander to be grateful for what he has. Xander responds that he’s trying. Gabi asks how hard can it be, pointing out that he has everything he ever wanted. Xander says everything except Sarah.

Rafe and Cat go over EJ’s financial information. Rafe says it definitely raises some flags. Cat talks about EJ not having the funds to purchase the hospital on his own, so he must have had a silent partner. Rafe declares that they have to find out who that silent partner is and why they want to remain silent.

Stephanie freaks out over Kayla reading her novel and says she’s mortified. Alex thinks she’s overreacting and says it doesn’t matter since Kayla doesn’t know that Stephanie wrote the book. Stephanie complains that her parents are the two people in the world that she wouldn’t want to read her book. Stephanie then points out that her parents aren’t here now, so she suggests picking up where they left off as she kisses Alex. Alex hugs her while Stephanie remains looking worried.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kayla went to Stephanie’s apartment to see her. Stephanie let her know that was trying to work for the hospital. She thought EJ wouldn’t want to talk to her if he wasn’t ready to make her an offer. Stephanie asked if Kayla thought she should take it. Kayla said the hospital would be lucky to have her, but she should run the other way. She told Stephanie that the hospital was EJ’s and that he was making big changes. She thought being EJ’s PR would be tricky. Stephanie said she wanted to help the hospital. At Titan, Xander had trouble calming Victoria down. When Gabi came to his office, she offered to help him. Gabi was able to get Victoria to calm down. Xander was afraid that Victoria forgot about him. Gabi said they needed to be reacquainted. She said she had to do that with her daughter. After they talked, they started working. Xander was frustrated with Johnny not showing up when he should. Gabi thought he should give Johnny a break since he knew what it was like to be charged with attempted murder. Xander reminded her that the charges were dropped. She told him everything would be okay.

Cat went to Rafe’s office. She took out the flash drive with EJ’s finances and gave it to Rafe. They talked about how the ISA and FBI were working together to take down the DiMeras. It was the best time to strike. Rafe said he knew EJ didn’t buy the hospital out of the goodness in his heart. He wondered where EJ got the money. Since Versavix wasn’t going to make money for a while, Rafe wondered what EJ’s plan was. Cat wanted to know why it was so personal for Rafe and wondered about their history. Rafe told her what happened between him and EJ. He said EJ was a sociopath and needed to be stopped. Cat didn’t want to do this since the hospital saved her sister’s life. She said she didn’t know that EJ was a bad guy since he was Chad’s brother. Rafe let her know that Chad knows his family’s history. He said Chad was a good DiMera. Rafe said Chad wouldn’t stand in their way. Cat said she wasn’t worried about Chad. She was worried about her siblings getting hurt because of the investigation. Rafe understood how she felt. He said the career was a calling for him. Cat said the hospital was why she wanted to help, but she wasn’t ready for field work. Gwen went to the DiMera mansion and told EJ that she couldn’t pick a room. EJ let her know she wasn’t moving in. He said she had to wait. While they were talking, he noticed that she was wearing Julie’s necklace. He thought she was going to return the necklace, but she said she wasn’t. Gwen said she hated most of the Hortons ever since Laura sent her away. EJ said there were two sides to every story. When Chad and Thomas came in, Thomas asked her why she had Julie’s necklace and why she hasn’t given it back. Gwen said there was a disagreement about the necklace’s owner. When Thomas left, Chad told her he was only nice to her for Thomas’ sake. He said he wanted her to give Julie back the necklace and then leave Salem. Gwen told him that wasn’t happening. She said she was moving into the mansion. Rafe and Cat looked through EJ’s finances and noticed red flags. They realized the only way he could have bought the hospital was with a silent partner.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle and EJ talked about being on opposite sides in court. They were on opposite side, but they wanted Johnny to go free. Belle wanted that, but she planned to do it by the book. She wished that the judge didn’t put her back on the case. Belle wished the ADA was on the case because it would look like favoritism if he was let go. EJ wasn’t worried about it because people knew that she had integrity. He felt like there was enough evidence for reasonable doubt and for the charges to be dropped against Johnny. Belle was shocked that he wanted the charges dropped. She felt like it would look bad if Johnny’s not exonerated in court. Belle felt like he seduced and manipulated her to get her to drop the charges against Johnny. She stormed out of his room. Kristen went to see Brady to let him know that there was a new suspect in EJ’s shooting. She felt like it was good for Rachel. Kristen told him that Chanel was the suspect. Kristen was glad because Rachel wouldn’t have to testify after all. Brady felt that it was a no-win situation for Johnny. Johnny did it or his wife did it. Kristen thought Chanel deserved what was coming to her since she was going to let Johnny take the blame for her crime. Brady thought Kristen would do the same thing Chanel did if she could protect someone she loved. Kristen agreed, but she wouldn’t let the man she loved go to prison for her crime. She was thankful that Rachel wouldn’t have to be involved in the case since EJ wanted her to convince Rachel to lie on the stand. Tate checked his phone as he waited for Holly. He tried to call Holly, but her phone went to voicemail. Brady wanted to go after EJ, but Kristen stopped him. She warned him that EJ was desperate and dangerous. Brady agreed to drop it for now. Tate arrived at the townhouse, and Brady was surprised to see him. Kristen slipped out of the townhouse while Brady and Tate were talking. Tate told Brady that Holly never showed up at the lake. He hadn’t heard from her at all. Tate thought Holly might have changed her mind about them being together. Brady tried to make Tate feel better. Johnny let Philip know that he couldn’t make it to work. Chanel couldn’t believe that he was being so calm about their worlds falling apart. People were going to think one of them shot EJ. Johnny wasn’t worried about it since they were innocent. They had to figure out who shot his father. He didn’t trust the police. Johnny felt like they weren’t interested in finding other suspects. He let Chanel know that he believed in her. Johnny knew she would never allow him to go to prison for her crime. They went through the list of suspects. Ava, Gabi, and Kristen were the people they suspected. Johnny wanted to write their names down. While he looked for something to take notes, he noticed that she used Sweet Bits as collateral for his bond. He didn’t like how she did that because she could lose her business. Chanel wanted him to know that she supported him 100 percent. He wished he didn’t keep things from her like wanting to kill his father.

Arianna and Holly were held in a room at gunpoint. A henchman let them know that once a friend gave them the money, they would be let go. If he didn’t pay the money, things would get complicated for them. They wouldn’t die if he didn’t pay. The thugs would ransom them to their families. After the guy left, Arianna and Holly began to panic. They tried to get the door open, but it wouldn’t open. Holly apologized to Arianna for the mess they were in. She helped the guy the thug was talking about. Arianna hooked up with someone like that. After they talked, they realized they were talking about Doug. Holly told her how she knew Doug, but she didn’t sleep with him. She was glad since she’s back with Tate. Arianna wasn’t happy that Doug got them in the mess they’re in now. She felt like a fool for getting involved with him. Arianna thought that Doug was with her because he couldn’t have Holly. They knew Doug didn’t have money but hopefully he could fix things. The girls tried to figure another way out of the room. Holly remembered dropping her ring in the alley. She thought someone would notice and help them. Doug saw the thug at the pub. He grabbed him and demanded that he let the girls go. The guy would do it once Doug gave him the money. Doug said he didn’t have the money. The guy was giving him one more day to get the money. Doug would be responsible for anything happening to them. He didn’t want the cops to be involved. Doug was tempted to take the money out of the register at the pub. He was about to grab it when Tate arrived. Tate wanted to know what happened to Holly. Doug pretended not to know anything about it. He said he hadn’t heard from her.

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Days Update Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

EJ and Belle lay in bed together after having sex which EJ calls a perfect morning. They call it time well spent but Belle says now she has to get back to work. EJ asks her to stay a little while longer so Belle agrees as they continue kissing.

Kristen goes to see Brady and asks about him having good news about Rachel. Brady informs her that according to Belle, there’s a new suspect in EJ’s shooting and it’s Chanel.

Johnny is at home and calls Philip to tell him that he won’t be able to make it back in to work because a personal emergency popped up. Johnny promises to get the statement recorded first thing tomorrow and asks him to let Xander know as well. Johnny thanks him and hangs up. Chanel tells Johnny that she doesn’t know how he acts like everything is normal when their entire world is falling apart.

Tate goes to the lake and texts Holly that he’s still waiting, asking where she is.

The loan shark brings Holly and Arianna to a warehouse. They want to know who he is and why he wants to kill them. He explains that they just need a mutual friend to cough up the money he owes. Holly asks what if the mutual friend doesn’t have the money. He responds that then things are going to get complicated.

Doug III dresses up as room service at the Salem Inn and knocks on Gwen’s door but there’s no answer. He prepares to use a card to sneak in but Gwen arrives and catches him, asking what he thinks he’s doing.

Kristen questions the police thinking Chanel shot EJ and asks if Brady knows what this means. Brady believes it would mean Chanel let Johnny take the fall for a crime that she committed. Kristen points out that it would also mean the charges against Johnny would be dropped and Rachel won’t have to testify. Brady says that Belle couldn’t tell him much but that’s certainly a possibility. Kristen complains that she was convinced Johnny was guilty but she hoped she was wrong. Brady calls it a no-win situation for Johnny either way because if Chanel did this, his world will be turned upside down.

Johnny tells Chanel that he knows things look kind of bleak right now. Chanel panics that it won’t be long before all of Salem thinks she or Johnny shot EJ. Johnny asks who cares what people think and says they both know they are innocent, so all they have to do is prove that which means they need to figure out who shot EJ.

Tate tries calling Holly and leaves a message that he texted her and Arianna but they haven’t been read. Tate says he thinks he’s at the right meeting spot but he doesn’t see them anywhere so he’s going to do another lap around the lake and hope to run in to them. Tate says to call him when she gets this and hopes she’s okay.

Holly asks the loan shark if they are going to die if he doesn’t get his money. He says not necessarily as he knows her family is loaded so they can go to a ransom. Arianna intervenes to say that her family has money too and that if he gives her back her phone, she can call Gabi to work something out. The loan shark says that could get messy so he will just deal with their little friend. He tells them to sit tight and hope that he comes through for them as he exits.

Doug III claims to Gwen that he was just delivering her room service. Gwen says she didn’t order any. Doug III notices Gwen is wearing the necklace. Gwen says she did order breakfast earlier but she already had it. Doug III says he’s sorry to bother her and walks away.

EJ tells Belle that he can’t get enough of her as they kiss in bed. EJ says he’d like to spend the entire day in bed with her but he wants to prepare breakfast for her, so he gets up to head downstairs.

Chanel tells Johnny that she wants to clear their names but thinks they should leave the investigating to the police. Johnny argues that the police didn’t seem interested in any other suspects once they had him, until that video ended up in Belle’s lap. Chanel says she was horrified and swears she does not remember threatening EJ in that way. Johnny says it doesn’t matter what she said, only what she did. Chanel assures that she walked out and drove home. Johnny knows she didn’t shoot his dad and that she wouldn’t do something like that, no matter how angry she was. Johnny adds that he knows if she did, she wouldn’t let him take the fall for it. Chanel thanks him for believing in her as they hug.

Kristen tells Brady that if Chanel was going to let Johnny take the fall then she deserves whatever she gets. Brady feels that’s a little harsh. Brady says if Chanel did it, she did it because of all the pain and suffering EJ inflicted on Johnny over the years. Brady tells Kristen not to pretend she wouldn’t do the same thing in her shoes. Kristen admits she has been driven to that extreme. but says she would never stand back and watch the man she loves get arrested for it. Brady says they don’t know what’s going to happen yet. Kristen guesses they can hope for the best for Rachel. Kristen thanks Brady for keeping her in the loop as she’s been worried about Rachel testifying, especially after her run-in with EJ yesterday. Brady questions what happened. Kristen informs him that EJ wanted her to coach Rachel in to lying on the stand if she had to testify against Johnny but she refused. Brady gets upset and wants to confront EJ, feeling he needs to be put in his place. Kristen stops him and says that EJ is just desperate to save his son and liable to do anything to make that happen which means he’s a very dangerous man, so she will not let Brady confront him because the last thing she wants is to see Brady get hurt.

Doug III watches around the corner as Gwen exits her hotel room and walks away. Doug III notes that she’s still wearing the necklace.

Arianna and Holly try to escape but the door won’t move. They worry about what they are going to do. Holly blames herself for Arianna being in this mess which she questions. Holly explains that she had been involved with a guy who was in debt to some loan sharks. Arianna then reveals that she had been with the same guy, Doug Williams III, leaving them both in disbelief.

Chanel tells Johnny that since EJ most likely will never remember who shot him, they should come up with a list of possible suspects. Johnny says they talked about Gabi and Ava, but EJ seemed to really zero in on Kristen. Chanel says Kristen is certainly capable. Johnny decides they should write it down and goes to get paper, but is shocked to find another paper revealing that Chanel put up Sweet Bits Bakery as collateral for his bail bond and questions why she would do this.

EJ and Belle have breakfast in bed. Belle says it’s perfect as EJ says it’s his goal to satisfy her in every way. Belle is glad to spend time with him since she knows things are going to get chaotic during Johnny’s trial while they are on opposing sides. EJ says the same goal is to prove Johnny’s innocent. Belle reminds him that she believes Johnny is innocent but she still has to do her job and prosecute. Belle hopes that EJ didn’t get her back on the case because he thought she’d give Johnny a pass. EJ assures that he knows she would never do that and that he respects her integrity. Belle doesn’t get why the judge thinks so but decides she’s better off not knowing how EJ got her back on the case. EJ swears he just made a persuasive argument while Belle admits that she wishes he hadn’t.

Brady tells Kristen that he appreciates her concern but he can handle her brother. Kristen says there’s just no reason to get in to it and points out that Rachel might not even have to testify. Brady agrees to let it go for now. Tate comes home and greets them, saying he’s sorry to interrupt but Kristen says she was just leaving. Kristen tells Brady they can pick up later as she exits. Brady questions Tate not spending the day at the lake with Holly. Tate says he thought he would be too. Brady asks why he’s not with Holly. Tate responds that Holly never showed up.

Arianna confirms to Holly that Doug III was the guy that she slept with. Holly explains that Doug III said he had feelings for her while she was with Tate. Holly admits that she thought something might happen between them after but says she’s glad nothing did. Arianna gets upset and argues that it makes her sound like a slut for sleeping with him. Holly clarifies that she just meant because she still had feelings for Tate. Arianna apologizes for lashing out and says she’s not mad at her, but at herself. She blames Doug III for them being trapped her and the reason they might die.

Doug III goes outside the Brady Pub and grabs the loan shark, questioning what is wrong with him and screams that Holly and Arianna have nothing to do with this. He responds that if Doug III wants them to go free, he better back off. Doug III assures he will repay his debt as soon as possible but he has to let them go. The loan shark says he heard that so many times before, so he needed added incentive to do this. Doug III says he tried to get the necklace but it didn’t work. The loan shark says cash will do just fine. Doug III admits he doesn’t have that either so the loan shark says the girls are going to have to pay the price.

Johnny tells Chanel that he can’t let her risk losing her business, arguing that there was no need to do that since EJ could’ve put up the money. Chanel argues that it had to come from her because she needs him to know that she supports him and is here for him. Johnny says he’s really grateful. Chanel tells him that she loves him as they hug.

Belle thinks it would’ve been better for everyone if one of her assistants was put on the case. EJ feels it wouldn’t have been better for Johnny. Belle argues that if Johnny is found innocent, the public might think she went easy on him and it was rigged. EJ doesn’t care as long as Johnny is free. Belle worries about her reputation. EJ apologizes for putting her in a difficult position, but points out that she may not even have to prosecute Johnny with the video of Chanel and no physical evidence against Johnny. EJ feels there’s reasonable doubt and she could consider dropping the charges against Johnny altogether.

Gwen goes to the DiMera Mansion and walks around the living room, asking if anyone is home. Kristen then comes in and they embrace. Kristen calls her the last person she expected to find in her living room. Kristen adds that last she heard, Gwen was in Alamania, staking her claim on Dimitri’s fortune. Gwen confirms it took awhile but as Dimitri’s wife, she is entitled to his inheritance, so she is now filthy rich. They laugh together as Kristen congratulates her. Kristen questions why Gwen would be slumming it in Salem with all that money.

Tate tells Brady that he asked every person at the lake if they had seen Holly or Arianna but none of them have. Brady encourages that they could’ve just been late or stuck in traffic. Tate doesn’t think so and says he waited a really long time. Tate guesses it’s possible he missed them, but that doesn’t explain why Holly hasn’t called or texted him. Brady suggests it could be the signal but Tate says he had no issue. Tate brings up that he and Holly just patched things up, so he wonders if she had a change of heart and decided she wasn’t ready to get back together.

Arianna tells Holly that she feels like a fool while Holly insists that she and Doug III weren’t together. Arianna says she always knew Doug III was holding something back and even asked him if he had a girlfriend. Arianna says now she can’t help but think that he was only with her because he couldn’t be with Holly. Holly hopes they’ll just get their money and let them go, but points out that Doug III doesn’t actually have the money which is why he’s in this position in the first place. Arianna encourages that Doug III will figure something out because if not, they are screwed.

The loan shark warns Doug III that he’s going to have one of his co-workers set the whole thing in motion. Doug III pleads with him not to hurt Holly or Arianna and promises to get him the necklace or the money. He agrees to give Doug III one more day or that’s it with no more chances, adding that if anything happens to the girls, it’s on him. He reminds Doug III not to involve the cops and walks away.

Holly and Arianna try banging on the door and screaming for help to no avail. Arianna cries that it’s hopeless while Holly encourages that someone could still come rescue them. Arianna points out that their phones taken so they can’t be tracked. Holly mentions that she dropped her class ring in the alley. Arianna questions how anyone would know where to look. Holly calls it a start while Arianna says they just have to hope someone realizes they are missing. Holly brings up Tate.

Brady encourages that if Holly was really having second thoughts, she would just talk to Tate about it. Tate agrees since she had been so excited about them spending time together and things were perfectly fine a couple hours ago, so there’s no way she could’ve changed her mind that quickly. Brady asks if he can think of anyone else who would know where Holly is. Tate admits there is someone he could ask.

Johnny still can’t believe Chanel put the Bakery on the line for him when he knows much it means to her. Chanel responds that she would put everything on the line for him. Johnny appreciates that and is grateful but wishes he was more deserving of her love and support. Chanel insists that he is. Johnny feels horrible for keeping this from her and knows he should’ve told her from the start that he went to the DiMera Mansion to shoot EJ. Chanel understands why he kept it from her. Johnny feels he made a mess of everything and talks about how angry he was at EJ which affected her too. Johnny says his anger made Chanel hate EJ and he knows she still does. Chanel says that doesn’t have anything to do with Johnny and is entirely on EJ.

Belle argues that EJ cannot be serious about wanting her to drop the charges against Johnny, insisting that he has to be exonerated in court or this accusation will be hanging over his head for the rest of his life. EJ asks if that’s her real concern. Belle thinks he’s trying to manipulate her in to doing what he wants and that he was just trying to seduce her. EJ argues that she’s jumping to conclusions. Belle remarks that she is not his puppet and will not be doing his bidding. Belle gets upset and storms out, leaving EJ frustrated.

Gwen tells Kristen that Salem has a place in her heart and all her friends and family are here. Kristen understands that Gwen’s family hates her and that she’s probably her only friend. Kristen brings up Leo but Gwen says she will never forgive him for sleeping around with her husband. Kristen asks if that means she’s still married to Dimitri as she assumed he would’ve divorced her after he got out of prison. Gwen says she never heard from him and no one knows where he is which Kristen finds strange. Gwen says she’s still a Von Leuschner and a DiMera which is why she’s here. Gwen tells Kristen that they will have lots of time to catch up as she reveals she wants to move in to the DiMera Mansion.

Chanel asks Johnny if they can stop talking about EJ and who shot him which Johnny agrees to. Chanel asks him to just hold her which he does. Chanel wishes they could stay like this and forget about the rest of the world with no investigation or annoying family.

Doug III pours himself a drink at the Pub and then approaches the cash register but Tate arrives and asks if he’s got a minute. Tate says he wants to talk about Holly so Doug III asks what about her. Tate explains that they were supposed to meet at the lake today but Holly hasn’t returned any of his texts or calls and asks if he knows anything about that. Doug III claims not to and asks why he would. Tate points out that they are friends and he even wanted to be more than friends at point. Doug III assures that Holly is not with him, he hasn’t heard from her, and swears that he has no idea where she is.

Arianna remembers they were supposed to meet Tate hours ago so he has to realize something happened. Holly worries that he might think she ghosted him but hopes not. Arianna encourages that Tate will start asking around and get their families involved so that they will then be found.

Kristen questions Gwen wanting to live in the DiMera Mansion. Gwen points out that she is a DiMera and this is the DiMera family home. Kristen doesn’t know about that. Gwen encourages the idea of them living together. Kristen is unsure because things have been tense lately. Gwen jokes about not being shocked. Kristen knows there’s always drama here but lately it’s not the normal. Kristen says it’s been like a powder keg ready to explode. Belle comes in from downstairs. Kristen says she didn’t know she was there. Belle responds that she’s leaving now. EJ comes in to try to stop Belle but Belle tells him to get out of her way and storms out. Kristen asks EJ if there’s trouble in paradise. EJ is then shocked to see Gwen is there. Gwen and Kristen laugh as Gwen declares it’s going to be so much fun living there.

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Days Update Monday, July 14, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Tate and Holly kiss in the town square and talk about how they can’t wait to do that on the beach with the upcoming senior lake trip. Holly mentions packing sunscreen and a bikini that Tate will have to wait to see. They go over how Holly is driving with Arianna and then Tate will meet them there. Holly asks if Brady is okay with Tate going. Tate confirms that he is since it’s only for a day. Holly asks about Sophia. Tate admits he hasn’t told her yet, but he’s about to.

Sophia is at home, writing a letter for her son to one day read about why she gave him up and how it was the hardest thing she’s ever done.

At the Hernandez house, Gabi checks with Arianna to make sure she packs sunscreen and bug spray for her lake trip. Arianna gets annoyed which amuses Javi, who is taking care of Tesoro. Gabi wants to make sure Arianna has ear plugs and advises her that there is to be no drugs or drinking at the lake. Arianna tells her to back off. Gabi says she has to go get something to give her for the trip anyway and exits the room. Arianna complains to Javi about Gabi being in her face. Javi assures that Gabi just loves her and wants her to be safe. Arianna says she’s just going to the lake, not a war zone. Javi says as a paramedic, he’s gone to his fair share of calls involving teenagers and bodies of water. Arianna says she gets it and promises not to do anything stupid.

Doug III serves Leo breakfast at the Brady Pub and joins him on his break. Doug III asks if Leo knows if Julie ever got her necklace back. Leo responds that he’s sorry to report she did not. Doug III mentions that Julie told him it was on it’s way back to her but guesses it never made it back to Salem after all. Leo informs him that it did along with the woman who bought it. Doug III asks when Julie will get it back but Leo informs him that the woman brought it back just to rub it in Julie’s face.

Sarah can’t believe Xander took their daughter. Maggie says she told him it was a bad idea but he wouldn’t listen. Sarah complains that Xander went in to a rage when she told him they were taking Victoria out of the country so she should’ve known he would come here. Sarah blames herself. Maggie encourages that she has every right to go on a vacation with her child. Sarah says Xander thought her real plan was to run off with Victoria and never come back which Maggie calls absurd. Sarah declares that she’s not going to let Xander control them like this. Maggie asks what she’s going to do. Sarah tells Maggie to stay and get ready for the trip. Maggie advises her to be careful. Sarah tells her not to worry as Xander’s the one who needs to watch out.

Xander brings Victoria to his office and calls Melinda to inform her that Victoria is with him because Sarah was trying to fly her out of the country. Xander complains that Sarah is trying to take his daughter from him and he refuses to let that happen so there will be no more talk of compromise or co-parenting. Xander declares they are going to make sure that he never has to part with his little girl again.

Doug III tells Leo that sucks because he thought Julie would be so happy to get her necklace back and hate him a little less for stealing it. Leo talks about his search for the necklace and wondering who may have bought it, but he never would’ve imagined it would’ve been Gwen. Leo says it now makes perfect sense. Doug III asks if he knows her. Leo confirms they go way back and are ex-BFFs. Doug III encourages him to talk to Gwen about returning the necklace then. Leo says that he tried but Gwen refused and since Julie has no proof of ownership, she can’t do anything about it. Doug III begs Leo to talk to Gwen again since they were close. Leo tells him that Gwen can hold a grudge like nobody’s business and she hates his guts rightfully so. Doug III asks what he did to her. Leo says his break isn’t long enough for that but everyone in town from the Hortons to DiMeras have screwed Gwen over in some way, so she’s using this as revenge on Julie. Leo bets that Gwen is sitting in her hotel room now, thrilled that she’s making Julie and her family so miserable.

Gabi gives Arianna a paper bag and talks about knowing there will be cute boys around. Gabi says she hopes Arianna doesn’t have sex with them, but if she does, she needs to be protected. Javi asks Arianna if she’s ready to go. Arianna responds that she is now.

Holly goes to the Kiriakis Mansion and talks with Maggie about her excitement to go to the lake. Maggie says she’s worked so hard this year and deserves to have fun. Holly thanks her and asks if Maggie is excited for Bermuda. Maggie says she’s getting there. Holly asks if Sarah and Victoria are around to say goodbye but Maggie says they aren’t. Maggie says she will tell them for her but Holly stops her and asks if something is wrong.

Xander finishes a call at the office, saying to get the deal done or he’ll find someone who will. Xander then goes to Victoria and talks about how Titan will one day belong to her. Xander says they have their whole day in front of them and asks what she wants to do. Sarah appears and suggests giving her back to her mother.

Tate shows up and knocks on Sophia’s door. Sophia begins to panic, wondering what he’s doing there as Tate calls out that he’s coming in.

Doug III tells Leo that he should get back to work and asks if he wants a refill. Leo comments that he could use a double shot of espresso. Doug III questions him being tired. Leo explains that he and his boyfriend have been looking after an infant. Leo asks what’s the latest on Doug III’s problem with the loan shark. Doug III admits it’s really bad and he’s working overtime, trying to save his tips but he’s barely made a dent in what he owes. Leo says he’s sorry and that he would help if he could but he doesn’t have it. Doug III says he’s gone above and beyond so he’ll figure it out and adds that he already has an idea.

Gabi asks Arianna to text her when she gets to the lake. Gabi knows she can be extra but says it’s only because she loves her so much. Arianna says she knows and she loves her too. Gabi then gets a work text and steps out to respond. Arianna tells Javi that she will miss him and Tesoro. Arianna wonders if Tesoro will still be there when she gets back. Javi says probably since the mother has 14 days to reclaim him before being put up for adoption. Javi admits he’s getting attached and can’t imagine how hard it was for his mother to say goodbye.

Sophia jumps in bed and gets under the blankets as Tate enters and says he knocked a couple times but she didn’t answer. Sophia claims she just had her ear buds in. Tate notes that she seems a little tense and asks if everything is okay. Sophia says he was just there yesterday so she just wasn’t expecting him back so soon and asks what’s up. Tate says he just wanted to check on her, adding that he called her a few times but she didn’t pick up. Sophia says she’s been sleeping a lot. Tate asks if he can get her anything. Sophia declines and says she just wants to chill. Tate informs her that he is planning on going to the lake later but just for the day. Sophia guesses he’s going to be with Holly.

Holly asks Maggie if everything is okay. Maggie responds that it will be soon and asks if she’s all packed for her trip. Holly confirms that she is and that she just got sunblock and a bathing suit. Maggie points out that she’s going to be gone for a week with a lot of kids and not much supervision, so she wants to make sure she will be responsible. Holly knows how much her overdose scared her and promises to never do anything like that again. Maggie says to call her if she needs anything. Holly says she doesn’t want to bother her while she’s in Bermuda. Maggie assures that she’s no bother while Holly assures that there will be nothing to worry about as she will be very safe. Maggie says that’s all she can hope for and hugs Holly.

Xander tells Sarah that Victoria is sleeping. Sarah argues that Victoria shouldn’t be stuck in an office all day during the summer. Xander argues that he’s just as much of a parent as she is and accuses Sarah of trying to abscond with his little girl. Sarah argues that she was trying to take her on vacation with her mother for a few days. Xander says he knows what her goal is and he’s not going to let her steal his little girl as Victoria then wakes up crying.

Tate admits to Sophia that Holly will be there with Arianna and pretty much their whole graduating class, but apologizes for coming off like he’s rubbing it in. Sophia says it’s okay as she had no expectation of being able to go. Tate feels bad that she missed the party and fireworks last night. Sophia admits it’s been hard missing so much of senior year because of pregnancy but she has no desire to waddle around on the beach. Tate says he’ll be back later and offers to stay but Sophia says he would just sit around and watch her sleep, so she tells him to go and adds that it would be a nice break after losing his Grandfather. Tate points out that the lake is like an hour away and he can come back fast if she goes in to labor. Sophia says he’ll be the first person she calls if she does. Sophia adds that first labors can go on for hours and assures that she’ll be fine. Tate thanks her for being cool about this and says he’ll see her tomorrow as he then exits.

Doug III comes out of the Salem Inn and gets a call from the loan shark, who says he knows why he’s calling. Doug III responds that he doesn’t have his money yet but asks if he would be interested in a necklace worth way more than what he owes. He says that does interest him and asks if he has it on him. Doug III says no but he thinks he can get it soon. He remarks that thinking won’t pay his debt. He tells Doug III to keep him posted and warns him not to take too long because he knows what will happen if he does as they hang up. Doug III walks in to the town square where Arianna finds him and asks if he’s not working today. He says he just dropped off a takeout order at the Salem Inn. She asks who he was on the phone with. He claims it was no one important but she says it seemed serious. Doug III then tells her that there is something he needs to tell her.

Javi puts Tesoro down for a nap while Gabi wishes she could take a nap but says she has a situation at work to deal with in person. Javi hoped she could join he and Leo for lunch. Gabi says she’s starting to hate working at Titan-DiMera as it’s miserable. Gabi asks if Javi wants to quit his paramedic job and come back to Gabi Chic. Javi declines and says he does not miss that place at all. Gabi laments that she’s stuck there for another two years. Javi encourages that if anyone can tough it out, it’s her. Gabi says normally she would agree but this merger is killing her. Javi asks if it’s really that bad. Gabi asks what could be worse than having to answer to Xander Kiriakis.

Xander and Sarah continue to argue over Victoria. Sarah says he sounds like a paranoid lunatic and that this isn’t some elaborate ruse, explaining that Melissa just called Maggie this morning. Xander laughs off believing that. Sarah says that Maggie asked if she and Victoria wanted to go with her last minute, but she said she had to discuss it with Xander first. Xander accuses her of trying to entrap him last night when he was trying to reach an agreement about custody. Xander points out that Sarah was willing to agree to shared custody as long as he confessed to attempted murder. Sarah admits she’s not comfortable with him being alone with Victoria unless he says he’s sorry for nearly beating his brother to death. Xander argues that she just wants to hear him say it out loud, so she can have him arrested. Xander states that Philip said he never laid a hand on him and the charges were dropped but Sarah still wants to say when he gets to see his daughter. Sarah argues that no one believes he didn’t lay a hand on Philip. Sarah says it’s for Victoria’s own safety. Xander says Sarah couldn’t trick him in to confessing, so now she was trying to take Victoria away with Maggie. Xander promises that it will be the worst mistake Sarah makes and that her days of controlling him and their daughter are over. Xander declares that he’s in control now.

Sophia calls Melinda and says normally she would be bummed that Tate was ditching her to go hang out with Holly but the timing is perfect, so now she won’t have to worry about Tate wanting to go with her to Chicago and he won’t have to find out what she really did with their baby.

Sarah asks if Xander’s plan is to keep Victoria holed up here and never let her see her again. Xander responds that he’s not going to let her take her abroad. Sarah questions Xander thinking she’s going to run off with Victoria and says she’ll save him the trouble of bringing up her past. Sarah admits she took Rachel and everyone knows that, so if she ran off with Victoria, he would have a very strong case for full custody so she asks why she would take such a huge risk. Xander argues that Maggie would have the resources to help Sarah disappear with Victoria forever. Sarah states that she doesn’t want to disappear and she wants him a part of Victoria’s life. Xander reminds her that she said she hated him earlier. Sarah admits they both know that’s not true. Sarah pleads with Xander that it’s just for a few days. Xander says nice try and asks if she’s wearing a wire. Sarah cannot believe they went from working on an agreement to this in under 24 hours. Sarah says she just wants to go on a short trip with her mom and her daughter. Xander says he’s sorry but it’s a no, not just because of her lies, but because she’s mentally unstable. Xander says in addition to kidnapping Brady and Rachel’s daughter, she once thought she was a dead heiress and a little girl. Sarah calls that really low and says he knows that she was drugged. Xander says all he knows is that he can’t trust her anymore and now he would like to spend some more time with his daughter alone. Sarah asks if he’s just banning her from going to Bermuda. Xander says he’s not banning her from anything, but Victoria is staying with him unless she plans on removing her by physical force. Xander asks Sarah to see herself out.

Arianna gets a text that her ride is there so she has to go and tells Doug III that she’s going on the senior trip to the lake. Arianna says she’s totally over high school but she’s going with Holly so it will be fun. Doug III asks how long she’ll be gone. Arianna says it will be a week and asks if he’s going to miss her. Doug III says of course. Arianna asks what he was going to tell her. Doug III says it can wait until after her trip and tells her to have fun. He notes he should get back to the Pub and kisses her goodbye as he then walks away. Holly then comes up to Arianna and excitedly hugs her. Arianna says she’s so ready and promises not to be a third wheel when Tate gets there. Holly says he’ll only be there for a day and she texted him that they are on their way. Holly and Arianna head to their ride while the loan shark appears in the town square and follows after them.

Sarah tells Xander that she’s too tired to keep fighting for him but she’s heartbroken for Victoria as this has gotten so ugly. Xander doesn’t like where they are either but she’s had her for weeks, so it’s his turn now. Sarah says they can’t keep doing this and they have to come to an agreement. Xander says it’s clearly not going to happen now so she can go on her little trip and then when she gets back, she can see Victoria. Sarah complains that she’s not going out of town without her daughter. Gabi arrives to see Xander, then says she can come back but Sarah says it’s fine as she was just leaving. Sarah says bye to Victoria and walks out of the office.

Sophia walks through the town square and sees Leo and Javi coming through with her baby.

Arianna and Holly walk to the park until the loan shark appears in a mask with a gun, demanding their phones. He tells them not to talk and that they are going on a little trip as he rushes them off.

Gabi tells Xander that the problem is solved and they are good. Xander thanks her for coming in. Gabi apologizes for interrupting he and Sarah before as she could tell it’s been a hard time for them. Victoria wakes up crying. Gabi comments on remembering those days and that she’s still at the age where she just wants her mother.

Sarah goes home and tells Maggie that she can’t go on their trip without Victoria. Maggie asks if Xander is keeping her. Sarah confirms that he said she’s had her for the last few weeks, so it’s his turn now. Sarah says she could’ve kept arguing but at least Victoria is safe and she is so exhausted. Maggie wonders if there’s anything Justin can do. Sarah admits she called him on the way home and he’s out of town, but he advised against taking legal action because it could end up backfiring. Maggie suggests having a virtual meeting with him later today. Sarah says no and tells Maggie to go on the trip because she knows how much she was looking forward to getting out and she’s sorry for disappointing her. Maggie says they can go to Bermuda anytime but right now, she has to do what’s best for her daughter. Sarah thanks her for understanding and cries that it’s such a mess. Maggie hugs her and tells her it will be alright. Sarah cries that she already misses Victoria even though she just saw her.

Sophia approaches Leo and Javi. She introduces herself and says she’s sorry to just come up but she saw Javi’s picture in the Spectator and that he took in the baby left at the fire house. Javi says the baby is right here and introduces her to Leo, saying they are taking care of him together. Sophia calls that amazing and thanks Javi for his service. Javi and Leo says they have the baby for two weeks until he goes up for adoption. They explain temporarily naming him Tesoro. Sophia says that’s nice and asks how he is doing. Javi says they found the right formula and now he’s thriving. Leo says since the article came out, social services have been getting calls wanting to adopt him which will be tough for them because they have fallen in love with Tesoro. Javi agrees that it will be tough. Javi then notes that it looks like Sophia is going to have a little one of her own soon. Sophia says she’s due any day now and that she has to get to a doctor’s appointment. Sophia gets emotional and says it was nice to meet them as she says bye to Tesoro and rushes off.

The loan shark holds his gun on Arianna and Holly in a back alley as he orders them to get up against the wall.

Tate goes to the park and says they should’ve been here by now as he texts Holly asking where they are.

Doug III resumes working at the Brady Pub when he gets a call from the loan shark. He answers and repeats that it doesn’t haev the money and needs time to get the necklace. He reveals that he took out an insurance policy and texts him a photo of Holly and Arianna. He warns that if Doug III calls the cops, he’ll never see them again. Doug III asks him to let them go but he says not until he brings his money, the necklace, or both and warns Doug III not to keep him or the girls waiting.

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Days Short Recap Monday, July 14, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Sophia read the note she wrote for the baby. While she was reading the note, Tate showed up. Tate noticed that something was off with Sophia. He let her know that he was going to the lake for a day. She asked if he was going to be with Holly. Tate said he was going to be with Holly as well as others. Sophia said it sucked to miss her senior year, but she didn’t want to waddle around on the beach. She told him to leave. When Tate left, Sophia called Melinda and told her the timing couldn’t be more right for them. At the pub, Leo told Doug that Julie never got her necklace back. Doug was upset that Gwen didn’t give back the necklace. Leo told him about his falling out with Gwen and her vendetta against the Hortons. While they were talking, Leo asked Doug about his problems with the loan shark. He told Doug he would help if he could. Doug said he had an idea.

Sarah was upset about Xander taking Victoria. Maggie said it wasn’t her fault. Sarah wanted Maggie to stay and get ready for the trip. Maggie advised her to be careful. At Titan, Xander talked to Melinda about making sure he’s never apart from Victoria. While he was on the phone, Sarah came in his office and told him to give her back her daughter. She yelled at him about keeping Victoria in an office. Xander said she was going to run away with Victoria. Sarah said he was paranoid and crazy. Xander accused her of trying to entrap him. Sarah said no one believed that he didn’t attack Philip. Xander said he didn’t believe that she wasn’t trying to run off with Victoria. He said her days of controlling him were over and let her know that he was in charge. Sarah said she ran off with Rachel and if she did the same with Victoria she would lose her. She asked why she would take the risk of losing Victoria. Xander said Maggie had the resources to make her disappear. Sarah said she wanted Xander in Victoria’s life. Xander thought she was trying to butter him up. He refused to let Sarah take Victoria. Xander called her mentally unstable and reminded her that she thought Rachel was her daughter and how she thought she was an heiress and a little girl. Sarah thought he was low when he said that. Xander said she could do whatever she wanted, but Victoria was staying with him. Sarah said she was tired of arguing with him. She said she was heartbroken for Victoria. Xander said he didn’t like this, but they would work it out later. Gabi showed up and apologized for interrupting. Sarah kissed Victoria before she left. Gabi and Xander talked about business. The loan shark called Doug. He told the loan shark that he didn’t have the money but he had jewelry that was worth more than money. The loan shark said he was interested but warned him to hurry because he didn’t have time. Holly and Arianna left for the trip. The loan shark followed them. When they got to the park, a guy wearing a ski mask was there with a gun. He took their phones and told them to move. Sarah went home and told Maggie that she couldn’t go to Bermuda without Victoria. She told Maggie to go on the trip. Maggie said she wasn’t going. The loan shark took Holly and Arianna to an alley. Holly took off one of her rings and put it behind her back. Arianna said her uncle was in law enforcement. Tate showed up to the park and wondered where Holly and Arianna were. The loan shark took off the mask and called Doug. He let Doug know that he took out an insurance policy. He sent Doug a picture of Holly and Arianna and told him not to go to the police. The loan shark said he wanted the money, necklace, or both if he wanted to see them again.

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Days Update Friday, July 11, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Belle goes to see EJ at the DiMera Mansion and presents him with the memory stick from the camera planted in the living room. EJ asks if it clears Johnny but Belle says not exactly.

At the police station, Paulina tells Jada that she knew Chanel was upset with EJ but not enough to threaten his life. Jada says that’s why she wanted Paulina to see it first. Paulina asks what happens now. Jada responds that she’s sorry but she has no choice but to bring Chanel in for questioning.

In the town square, Johnny tells Chanel that he understands why she’s nervous about EJ representing him. Chanel remains uncertain about Johnny trusting EJ but agrees to go along with it if Johnny thinks EJ is the best choice. Johnny assures that he is, pointing out that he’d be the victim believing he’s innocent. Johnny declares that there is no way that EJ will let him get convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Chanel acknowledges that he’s right and regardless of how she feels about EJ, she knows that EJ loves Johnny and will fight like hell for him, just like her mother would for her.

Paulina tells Jada that before she starts making assumptions about Chanel, she questions the memory stick just showing up now and where it’s been all this time. Jada admits there are concerns but says that’s a question for Belle. Paulina asks what else is on the video. Jada says that’s it so Paulina argues that it proves nothing because she didn’t see a gun. Paulina understands how it looks, but declares that her daughter could not possibly have shot EJ. Jada asks how she could know that. Paulina responds that Chanel was with her most of that night. Jada asks if she knows where Chanel is now because she needs her to come down to the police station. Jada says she’s sorry and understands how upsetting this is for her. Paulina asks Jada to let her be the one to call Chanel and then promises to step back and let Jada do her job.

At the Kiriakis Mansion, Maggie finishes a phone call with her daughter Melissa and tells Sarah that Melissa had a work emergency so she won’t be able to go to Bermuda with her. Sarah is sorry as she knows she was looking forward to that. Maggie says it’s just been too long since she’s spent time with her oldest daughter. Sarah encourages that maybe they can plan it for later in the year. Sarah suggests she could take some time off and go with her, adding they could invite Melanie and Holly for a girls trip. Maggie asks why wait and points out that the trip she was going to take with Melissa was already planned and paid for, so she suggests that she and Sarah take Victoria.

Xander questions Philip suggesting he quit his father’s company when he is the sole heir. Philip points out that if Xander tells anyone that, he will have to correct his story that Xander tried to beat him to death. Philip says he doesn’t like the arrangement any more than Xander does but suggests they try their best to work together unless Xander plans to try to kill him again.

Johnny tells Chanel that he should get back to the office. Chanel suggests they can meet up later and hopefully EJ will have an update on his case by then. Johnny agrees and kisses her. Chanel then gets a call from Paulina and tells her that she needs to come down to the police station and to bring Johnny with her right away.

Maggie tells Sarah that she’s sure they can spare her from the hospital for a few days. Maggie offers to call and book her flight but Sarah reminds her that she can’t take Victoria out of the country without clearing it with Xander first.

Philip comments on it really bugging Xander that Victor loved him while barely tolerating Xander. Philip remarks that Xander must lay in bed, wondering what it must have been like to be loved by Victor. Xander responds that Victor’s dead so that’s all old news. Philip argues that he was in Victor’s heart and the son he actually loved while Xander was just another bastard that Victor was too embarrassed to acknowledge while he was still alive.

Johnny and Chanel go to the police station as Johnny finishes a call to let Philip and Xander know he’ll be in as soon as he can. As they arrive, Paulina is finishing a call as well. Chanel asks her what’s going on. Paulina says that Jada has some questions but she doesn’t want her talking to her without a lawyer present, so she just left a message for Justin. Jada comes over and tells Chanel that she needs her to come with her.

Xander tells Philip to get the hell out of his office. Sarah then walks in and asks what’s going on in here.

Paulina argues that Chanel is not going anywhere without her lawyer present for questioning. Johnny asks what’s going on here. Jada asks if Chanel is willing to answer. Chanel argues that she has nothing to hide. Johnny agrees with Paulina but Chanel says it’s fine and she’ll do anything to help Johnny’s case. Paulina pleads with her but Chanel insists that she’ll be fine and back in a minute, so Jada takes Chanel in to the interrogation room.

Belle and EJ watch the footage from the memory card, showing Chanel threatening EJ. Belle asks if EJ remembers that conversation. EJ says he doesn’t. Belle thought seeing the video would jog his memory. EJ doesn’t remember Chanel saying those things or shooting him, but says the video is pretty damning. Belle doesn’t want to jump to conclusions while EJ argues that Chanel was clearly threatening his life. Belle says that doesn’t mean she shot him and adds that Jada is questioning Chanel as they speak.

Chanel asks Jada what this is about. Jada asks if she’s sure she doesn’t want to wait for her attorney. Chanel assures that she’s ready to answer any questions she has. Jada reveals that a video has surfaced showing Chanel having an intense conversation with EJ right before he was shot. Chanel says she’s never hidden that she and EJ spoke that night and admits the conversation was contentious. Jada informs her that they have her on tape, threatening EJ’s life. Jada says they know Chanel left the mansion after that conversation but questions if she returned later that night to make good on her threat.

Xander tells Sarah that he and Philip were just discussing how best to bring things up to speed in the office. Sarah remarks that it sounded like Xander was ordering Philip out. Philip claims he was just asking too many questions and Xander had enough. Philip decides he will head to the Brady Pub for breakfast and exits the office. Sarah questions why she feels like she walked in on much more than a business meeting. Xander asks what brings her by. Sarah says it’s about Victoria as she hoped they could go with Maggie to Bermuda but Xander says no. Sarah argues that they wouldn’t even be gone for a week and that it would be great for Victoria. Xander argues that Victoria is far too young and he wouldn’t let them leave the country with her. Sarah complains that he’s being unreasonable. Xander argues that Maggie despises him as much as Sarah does and has more than enough resources to help her disappear with Victoria forever. Sarah asks if she’d really be asking his permission to go if she planned to disappear forever. Xander says maybe she needed a cover story and assures she’s not taking Victoria anywhere. Xander warns that if Sarah tries, she’ll be arrested as soon as she enters the airport. Sarah calls him a mean and horrible human. Sarah tells Xander that she hates him and storms out. Xander then rushes out after her.

Belle points out to EJ that they know Johnny was there after Chanel. EJ wonders what if Chanel came back, found Roman’s gun and decided to use it. Belle says it’s possible but there’s no way to prove it. EJ feels it certainly casts reasonable doubt on Johnny’s guilt.

Johnny questions there being a video of Chanel confronting EJ. Paulina confirms she saw it herself. Johnny asks if Chanel really threatened EJ’s life. Paulina says she wouldn’t have believed it if she didn’t see it. Paulina insists that Chanel didn’t mean it but admits it looked pretty bad. Johnny argues that it doesn’t mean Chanel shot EJ as she doesn’t have it in her to hurt anyone.

Chanel sits with Jada in the interrogation room and questions her thinking that she shot EJ. Jada says she’s just asking questions. Chanel argues that Jada knows her. Jada says she does but she’s not asking as a friend, but as the police commissioner. Chanel tells Jada that she did not go back to EJ’s house and shoot him and she definitely did not threaten him. Jada asks what she meant by “I’m not going to let you live long enough to hurt Johnny or anyone else I care about ever again.” Chanel claims she never said that. Jada informs her that she saw the video. Chanel admits she was really angry about how much suffering EJ has caused Johnny and she was devastated at EJ causing them to lose their chance to adopt, but she does not remember threatening his life. Chanel says even if she said those words, she did not follow through on it and that’s the truth. Jada guesses they have reached an impasse then. Chanel asks if Jada is going to arrest her.

Johnny’s had enough and wants to go in to the interrogation room but Paulina stops him and says he can’t go barging in. Johnny argues that he has to do something and can’t just sit around and let his wife go down for a crime she didn’t commit. Johnny declares that he would confess to shooting EJ before he lets that happen. Paulina argues that he can’t be serious. Johnny says he’s the one who showed up with Roman’s gun and intended to shoot EJ. Johnny asks what kind of person does that to their own family. Johnny points out that he stood in front of his own father and told him he wanted him dead, so maybe he deserves this. Paulina realizes that Johnny really didn’t shoot EJ. Johnny says he didn’t, but neither did Chanel.

Sarah joins Philip at the Pub and tells him that she needs his help to take down Xander.

Xander storms in to the Kiriakis Mansion, asking Maggie where the hell Sarah is. Maggie asks what has gotten in to him. Xander responds that he knows what they are up to and he’s here to put a stop to it. Maggie says she has no idea what he’s talking about. Xander accuses her of trying to run off with his daughter and says he won’t let that happen. Xander declares that Victoria is coming home with him now.

Belle tells EJ that they will just have to wait and see if Jada can get any answers out of Chanel. Belle asks how EJ is feeling about it. EJ says he wished for anything to prove Johnny didn’t shoot him, but not this. Belle says it would be terrible for both of them but would get Johnny off the hook. EJ worries about what it would do to Johnny’s marriage to learn that his wife tried to murder his father. EJ questions how they would ever survive that.

Paulina tells Johnny that she’s grateful that Chanel has a husband that loves her so much that he would confess to attempted murder to protect her. Johnny points out that Paulina did it for her while Paulina points out how that turned out. Paulina declares that she can’t let him do this. Johnny says he and Chanel are just getting back on track after overcoming way too much in their marriage to let his father’s shooting tear them apart. Johnny declares that they need to find out who did shoot EJ for all their sakes.

Jada informs Chanel that she is not arresting her at this time, but the video moves her up on the suspect list. Chanel complains about how many times she’s going to be accused of crimes she did not commit. Jada argues that this is not like what happened on the roof in England or when her sister sabotaged Chanel’s bakery. Chanel asks how it’s different. Jada says she will make sure that Chanel is treated fairly throughout her investigation and there will be no jumping to conclusions. Jada advises Chanel to talk to Justin as soon as possible and not to leave the city as Chanel then exits.

Philip asks how he’s supposed to help Sarah take down Xander. Sarah tells him to admit that Xander attacked him. Philip reiterates that it wasn’t him but Sarah doesn’t believe him. Sarah knows he’s worried that if he tells the truth, Xander might tell the world about he and Vivian’s fraud to take Titan. Sarah asks what if she gave him an out.

Maggie tells Xander that he sounds like a crazy person. Xander argues that he’s protecting his rights as a father and asks Maggie to get the nanny to pack Victoria’s things. Maggie refuses so Xander asks if she really wants to pick this fight with him. Maggie wants him to come to his senses and stop imagining issues where there are none. Xander questions if she’s not trying to take his daughter out of the country then. Maggie responds that she only asked Sarah and Victoria to come with her on the trip because Melissa backed out at the last minute. Xander calls that convenient. Maggie tells him to get out. Xander says he’ll go after he collects his daughter and walks out of the room, leaving Maggie frustrated.

Belle tells EJ that as district attorney, her responsibility is to the people of Salem and the truth, so it’s important she keeps an open mind about the investigation and Chanel. Belle remembers Johnny and Chanel going through a hard time when trying to adopt Tate and Sophia’s baby. EJ points out that they blamed him for preventing that from happening. Belle asks if that’s enough for Chanel to want him dead. EJ acknowledges that she seemed awfully angry in the video and remarks that people commit all kinds of desperate acts when they feel backed in to a corner.

Chanel comes out of the interrogation room and hugs Johnny, who asks if she’s okay. Chanel cries that she doesn’t know. Johnny asks what happened in there. Chanel explains that there’s apparently some video from a hidden camera where she’s saying all sorts of crazy threatening things to EJ. Chanel adds that she doesn’t remember saying any of it. Paulina states that she saw the video. Chanel argues that she didn’t really threaten EJ like that. Johnny guesses she could’ve just forgot in the heat of the moment. Chanel assures that she didn’t shoot EJ. Paulina and Johnny say they both know she didn’t. Jada comes out of the interrogation room, so Johnny demands to see the video but Jada says she can’t do that.

Xander informs Maggie that the nanny is packing Victoria’s things and getting her ready to go. Maggie tells him that he’s making a mistake. Xander responds that the only mistake he made was thinking a woman like Maggie could look at him like a son and accuses her of conspiring to steal his daughter. Maggie responds that no one is stealing his child and argues that it’s not about her. Maggie says he and Sarah need to work this out for Victoria’s sake because if he keeps escalating this war, Victoria is the one who will get hurt. Xander argues that he’s protecting Victoria since they can’t come to terms on shared custody, it’s up to the most stable parent to step up. Maggie questions that being him. Xander says he’s the CEO of a multi million dollar company, sets his own hours, and has more than enough resources to keep Victoria safe and happy. Xander says she can tell Sarah that she will regret fighting him on this. Maggie asks what that’s supposed to mean. Xander warns that they will both find out.

Sarah asks Philip what if she talks to Stephanie, Alex, and Maggie as the only three people who know what he did and make them swear to never tell a soul about the forged letter. Philip thought they already agreed to that. Sarah calls that tenuous at best and asks what if she could guarantee that if Xander comes forward to claim he’s a pretender to the Kiriakis throne, they will call him a liar. Philip questions if she believes she can convince them to do that. Sarah assures that if Philip tells the truth about what Xander did to him, they will not support him and if Xander goes to prison, Philip will become the sole CEO like he always wanted.

Maggie tells Xander that Victor would be turning over in his grave if he knew that Xander was ripping his namesake out of this house. Xander complains that all he hears about is what Victor would want and argues that she has no idea since he’s Victor’s flesh and blood, not her or Sarah. Xander asks if Victor would want him to make peace with liars who wanna steal what is his. Maggie shouts that she was Victor’s wife so she knew him better than anyone and he wouldn’t want this. Xander argues that she’s really trying to say Victor wouldn’t want him. Maggie says it always goes back to that and that Xander is feeling unloved and wanted. Maggie asks if he’s going to burn everything down because Victor didn’t claim him before he died. Xander responds that he has to do what’s right for him. Maggie asks if that’s going back to who he he was before Salem and if he’s going to be a monster that tears Victoria away from her mother without letting her say goodbye. Xander responds that he is the monster that Victor made him. Maggie shouts that she’s calling the police. Xander tells her to go ahead, pointing out that Victoria is his daughter too, so he has every right to be with her just as much as Sarah does. Xander then walks out of the room.

Belle tells EJ that she has to get back to work to check in with Jada and reminds EJ that he has a hospital to run. EJ suggests she could help him with that and says that he’s been putting together a comprehensive plan on improving the hospital’s bedside manner. EJ jokes that he can take Belle upstairs and show her as they kiss. Belle gives in and they head upstairs together.

Philip admits that Sarah’s plan is tempting so Sarah asks what the problem is. Philip worries that there’s too many variables as Alex and Stephanie could still change their mind or Vivian could still out him. Sarah asks who would believe Vivian and argues that the forgery was vetted by experts. Philip brings up that Vivian somehow proved to Xander that it was forged so who knows what proof she has and worries that it would be gone over by a different team of experts. Sarah says she gets that he’s afraid. Philip feels he’s being realistic. Sarah argues that they could make this work and he could make Xander pay for what he did to him. Philip asks if that’s really what this is about. Sarah responds that he deserves justice and admits if it works, she would get Xander out of her and her daughter’s life for good. Sarah declares that all Philip has to do is tell the truth. Philip responds that he’s sorry but he can’t help her.

Johnny, Chanel, and Paulina sit together with coffee in the town square. Chanel questions Johnny not going back to work. Johnny says not until he knows she’s okay and that Philip and Xander can wait. Paulina agrees and says Chanel always comes first. Paulina gets a text from Justin, saying he’s out of town for the week but will check in this afternoon. Chanel says maybe she won’t need him since Jada did let her go. Paulina says it’s always a good idea to have legal representation. Chanel asks if she should be worried. Johnny encourages that Chanel is innocent and Jada will see that. Chanel hopes to God he’s right.

Sarah goes home and asks Maggie where Victoria is. Maggie responds that she’s not there. Sarah questions what is going on and where she is. Maggie then reveals that Xander took her.

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Days Short Recap Friday, July 11, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

EJ and Belle watched the footage from the memory stick. They saw Chanel threatening EJ. The footage didn’t clear Johnny of the shooting. EJ said he didn’t remember talking to her or the shooting. He thought the evidence looked bad. Belle didn’t think it meant anything, but Jada was questioning Chanel. EJ wished he had a way to get Johnny off the hook, but he didn’t want to do it that way. He wondered what would happen to Johnny’s marriage. EJ didn’t think things looked good for Chanel. Jada talked to Paulina about the next steps with Chanel. She told Paulina that she was bringing Chanel in for questioning. Paulina felt like the timing that Belle received the memory stick was convenient. She wanted to know what else was on the stick. Jada told her that it was just Chanel. Paulina believed that Chanel was innocent. She said that she was with Chanel for most of the night. Paulina wanted to be the one to tell Chanel what happened. After that, she would step back from the investigation. Johnny tried to make Chanel feel better about EJ representing him. His father wouldn’t let him get convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. Chanel agreed with him. Johnny was about to go to the office when Paulina called Chanel. She wanted them to go the police station. Later, Johnny and Chanel arrived at the station. Paulina saw them and told Chanel that Jada had questions for her. She wanted Chanel to have a lawyer present. Chanel was stunned by what happened. She agreed to talk to Jada without a lawyer present. Chanel didn’t have anything to hide. Johnny and Paulina begged her to reconsider talking without a lawyer. Chanel didn’t want to get a lawyer so Jada took her to the interrogation room to question her. Chanel admitted that she went to the mansion to yell at EJ. Jada told her that they had her on tape threatening EJ. Chanel was shocked by that and said that she didn’t shoot EJ. She said she didn’t threaten him either. Jada read the transcript of the threat which confused Chanel. She denied saying what was in the transcripts. Chanel was upset, but she didn’t remember threatening him. If she did threaten him, she didn’t go through with shooting him. Jada wasn’t going to arrest Chanel, but she moved up on the suspect list. She planned to be fair with the investigation. Jada allowed Chanel to leave, but she didn’t want her leaving town. Johnny told Paulina that Chanel didn’t mean to threaten EJ even if she did it. His wife would never hurt anyone. He was going to interrupt the interrogation and tell Jada that he shot EJ so he could save his wife. Paulina realized that Johnny didn’t do it, but Chanel didn’t either. They had to find out who really shot EJ. After her interrogation, Chanel told Johnny and Paulina that she didn’t remember threatening EJ. Paulina told her that she saw the footage. Johnny thought she might have forgot.

Xander and Philip argued about their destructive secrets when Sarah walked in the room. She wanted to know what was going on between them. They didn’t tell her anything. Philip told her that he was asking Xander too many questions, and Xander got annoyed. He said that he was going to get some food. Sarah asked Xander if she could take Victoria to Bermuda for a girls’ weekend with her family. Xander wouldn’t let her do it. He thought Victoria was too young to go to Bermuda. The trip was just for Sarah. He refused to let them leave the country with his daughter. Maggie had the money to make them disappear forever. If she tried to take her, he would have her arrested. Sarah thought he was a mean person. She told him that she hated him and stormed out of the office. Xander followed her out. Sarah found Philip at the pub and asked for his help. She wanted him to help her take down Xander. Sarah wanted him to admit that Xander attacked him. Philip didn’t want to admit to it. Sarah knew he was worried about his inheritance. She had an out for him. Sarah would go to Stephanie, Alex and her mother and ask them to keep quiet about his forged letter. Even if Xander said anything, they would support him. If Xander went to prison, Philip would be the only CEO. Xander barged into the Kiriakis mansion and demanded to know where his daughter was, He let Maggie know that he wouldn’t let them steal his daughter. Xander was going to take her with him. Maggie refused to let him take Victoria. She wanted to get out. He planned to leave after he got his daughter. She tried to stop him, but he told her that the nanny was packing Victoria’s things. Maggie told him that no one was stealing his child. She said he would make things worse and would hurt Victoria. Maggie felt like Victor would be disgusted with him if he could see him. Xander said he was the monster his father made him. Maggie wanted to call the police, but Xander called her bluff.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, July 10, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gwen woke up alone in her bed. She thought about what happened with Xander the night before. Things got hot and heavy with Xander, but he couldn’t go through with having sex with her. Someone knocked on her door, and she was very annoyed by it. JJ was the person at the door. They argued over who destroyed the family. He didn’t want to get into that. JJ wanted to talk to her about the necklace. Gwen was upset and told him that the necklace belonged to her fair and square. He said it was stolen, and he had a right to take it back. Gwen blocked him from leaving and told him that he didn’t have proof the necklace belonged to Julie first. She snatched the necklace and said that Julie could sue her if she wanted it so badly. Gwen wanted JJ to leave. JJ knew Gwen wanted to make the Hortons suffer because their father made a life with his mother instead of her mother. Gwen reminded him that they had everything, and she had nothing. She said that Jack didn’t have room for another daughter by the time she came around. JJ wanted her to get over it. He advised her to wallow or change her life for the better. Gwen told him that her life was perfect because she’s rich and young. She didn’t need anything else. JJ told her that she needed family. Chanel was getting ready to set up a Sweet Bits stand when Paulina arrived. She wanted to talk to Chanel. She told Chanel that she didn’t have a choice when she had Johnny arrested. Paulina didn’t have the luxury not to do the right thing. She hoped that she was wrong about Johnny. Hurting Chanel was the last thing Paulina wanted to do. She couldn’t give him special treatment. Paulina hoped Chanel understood that. Chanel finally accepted that Paulina thought she did the right thing. She didn’t know what to do for Johnny. Paulina advised her to keep the faith. She hugged Chanel, but she pulled back. Chanel told her that EJ said she couldn’t talk about the case. Paulina understood, but she warned her to be careful when it concerned EJ. He always had a trick up his sleeve. Xander and Philip argued at the office about trying to help the company when Johnny arrived. Philip said that they would support Johnny. He said that he wanted Johnny there to do a video statement together. Philip thought it would show that there wasn’t any dissension in the ranks. Xander wasn’t thrilled with the idea. Philip told him that they had to address the situation directly. Johnny agreed with Philip. Things at the company were bad ever since Xander was accused of attacking Philip. A joint statement would squash the problems. Xander agreed to do it. He thought it would be hard to pretend to like Philip.

EJ was on the phone with Rita when Tony walked in the room. He wanted to know what EJ was up to. EJ told him that he was running errands at the hospital, but Tony didn’t believe him. Tony talked to him about the Kiriakises taking DiMera Enterprises from them. He didn’t want to wait for Xander and Philip to implode. Tony wanted to find someone in the company to turn on them. EJ wanted to know why he wanted them company back since he wasn’t going to run it. Tony didn’t respond to that. He wanted the company back so a DiMera could run it again. Tony didn’t know who could run it since everyone messed it up when they ran it. EJ suggested that Johnny run the company. Tony loved Johnny, but he didn’t think he had enough experience to run the company. He mentioned that Johnny would be stuck in court. Tony wondered what would happen if Johnny got convicted. EJ was sure that Johnny would beat the charges. Tony thought EJ was going to fix the evidence to help Johnny. He warned EJ not to interfere with Johnny’s case. EJ thanked him and brushed of his warning. Belle and Jada reviewed the evidence in the case. They found out that Roman’s gun was the attempted murder weapon. The evidence didn’t help Johnny look innocent. Jada couldn’t believe the judge didn’t recuse Belle from the case. Belle promised to give Johnny a fair trial. Jada hoped the memory card would have the shooting on it. Belle didn’t think it would help. They thought it might give them an idea who else wanted to shoot EJ. The forensics team finished with the memory card. Jada and Belle watched the memory card and were shocked by what they saw. They wondered what they would do now. Jada called Paulina so she could watch the new evidence. Belle called EJ to tell him about the footage they saw. She wanted him to see it for himself. Paulina arrived at the station and saw the footage. She was shocked when she saw Chanel arguing with EJ. The footage concluded with her telling him that he wouldn’t stop unless someone made him. She wasn’t going to let him live long enough to hurt anyone else.

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Days Update Thursday, July 10, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Gwen wakes up in bed with a smile but is disappointed when she turns over and sees the other side of the bed is empty.

Xander goes to the Titan office with a headache and is shocked to find Philip, who happily greets him. Xander questions what the hell he’s doing in his office.

Johnny gets ready for work while Chanel points out that he barely touched his breakfast. Johnny admits he’s a little nervous about going back to work. Chanel knows it will be tough but good for him like a distraction and something to focus on instead of everything else going on. Johnny agrees as Chanel kisses him.

In the living room of the DiMera Mansion, EJ calls Rita to confirm their package was delivered. EJ tells Rita that he knew he could count on her as Tony walks in and questions what exactly Rita did for him this time.

Belle joins Jada in the interrogation room. Jada informs Belle that she hasn’t seen the footage on the memory card yet but the ballistics report on the gun just came in, so there is no doubt now that Roman’s gun was the gun used to shoot EJ.

Xander demands an answer as to what Philip is doing in his office. Philip responds that he works here. Xander says he works for the company but part of their terms was that he would stay out of his way. Philip thought they established that the only way to pull Titan back from the brink is that they come together as brothers. Xander responds that they may be blood but he will never be his brother. Philip is sorry that he feels that way but says it doesn’t change the fact that are each other’s best hope and suggests working on their relationship. Xander responds that it’s hard for him to have a relationship with him when every time he sees him, he wants to wring his neck. Philip reveals that’s why he has signed Xander up for an anger management class. Xander asks what makes him think that he needs anger management classes as he grabs Philip, who says he’s kind of making the case for him.

Gwen gets up from bed and flashes back to the night before with Xander, revealing they almost hooked up but Xander stopped and told her that he couldn’t do this and left the room. JJ then shows up at Gwen’s door.

Chanel tells Johnny that she can’t imagine being in his shoes. Johnny says everything that is happening was brought on by himself. Chanel encourages to be kinder on himself and says all that matters is that he did not go through with shooting EJ. Johnny thanks her and says he’ll see her later and he loves her very much. Chanel says she loves him too and that she’s always got his back. Johnny then leaves for work.

EJ tells Tony that Rita is an employee of the family, so he was just having her run errands. Tony talks about why Stefano admired Rita. EJ calls him paranoid and claims he was just having Rita handle business for the hospital. EJ says if he asked Rita, she wouldn’t say a word which is why they value her like Stefano did.

Belle worries that it’s one more strike against Johnny. Jada states that all it proves was that Roman’s gun was used. Belle points out that Johnny already admitted to stealing it to confront EJ that night, so this does not make Johnny look innocent. Jada calls it crazy that the judge unrecused her from the case when Johnny is Belle’s nephew. Belle says she loves Johnny and talks about people having vendettas against DiMeras, while she will at least run the case with integrity and Johnny will get a fair trial. Belle insists on doing this by the book no matter what happens. Jada notes it won’t be easy. Belle agrees but says despite the evidence, her gut is telling her that he’s innocent. Jada hopes the footage will show someone else shooting EJ. Belle then reveals that she knows it won’t.

JJ walks in to Gwen’s room and says she just missed their dad as Jack and Jennifer were just in Salem until a few days ago. JJ asks if Gwen waited until they left town to show her face again. Gwen argues that Jack hasn’t ever given a damn about her so she doesn’t schedule her life around him. JJ disagrees and says that Jack wanted a relationship and she could’ve had one with him but she spat in his face. JJ adds that she screwed up their relationship when she decided to go after his sister. Gwen complains that it always comes back to Abigail. JJ tells Gwen that he will never forgive her for what she did to Abigail. Gwen asks why the hell he is in her room then.

Paulina finds Chanel in the town square and tells her not to walk away from her. Chanel accuses Paulina of railroading her husband and says they have nothing to say to each other. Paulina disagrees and declares they are going to hash this out right now.

Jada asks if there’s something Belle is not telling her. Belle reveals that EJ had a memory of finding the camera in the living room. Jada questions EJ knowing the whole time and asks why Belle didn’t say anything until now. Belle says it didn’t seem relevant at the time because EJ also remembered taking the memory stick out of the camera before he was shot. Belle adds that when EJ got home, the camera and memory card was missing, so he has no idea that Rafe is the one who planted it and initially accused her of planting it since she was wearing a wire that night. Jada concludes that the memory card won’t have the shooting on it, but it might include the events leading up to it and give them a clearer picture of who else might have wanted EJ dead.

EJ tells Tony that Rita has always be devoted to their family. Tony guesses he was just being paranoid. Tony questions EJ being complacent that DiMera is under the control of the Kiriakis brothers. EJ tells him to blame Kristen for ousting him. Tony argues that it’s not about blame but about making things right. Tony complains that when Philip was in the hospital and Xander was arrested, it was their time to strike but they squandered it. EJ tells Tony that he is content running the hospital for now. EJ argues that no one was stopping Tony from making a play for DiMera on his own. Tony says he hears now that Xander and Philip have mended faces. EJ bets they will be at each others’ throats in no time.

Philip stretches in the office which annoys Xander. Xander accuses Philip of trying to bait him in to losing it. Philip says it’s part of his physical therapy after his brutal beating. Johnny arrives at the office. Xander admits he’s surprised he came to work today. Johnny says he can’t hide from the world forever. Philip comments to Xander on working through being accused of a crime and tells Johnny that he has their unwavering support. Johnny calls that a relief and admits he was fearing the worst when he heard they wanted to see him. Xander says he didn’t ask to see him but Philip explains that they want a video statement from them to assure they are back in business as a united front with no dissension in the ranks. Xander tells him to forget it as it’s not happening and calls it the most ridiculous idea he’s ever heard.

Gwen argues that JJ didn’t come all this way to tell her to keep Abigail’s name out of her mouth. JJ admits that he didn’t and picks up the necklace from her nightstand and says he’s here about that. Gwen complains that Chad and Julie sent him. JJ says Julie is the owner of the necklace. Gwen says not anymore as she bought it fair and square. JJ tells Gwen that she’s been had then because what she bought was stolen property and he’s within his rights to return it to it’s proper owner which Gwen disagrees with.

Tony hopes EJ is right that things between Xander and Philip is only temporary but he’s not going to wait around for their relationship to deteriorate again. Tony suggests trying to find a disgruntled Titan employee to sabotage their CEOs. EJ questions the point since Tony is enjoying retirement with Anna and not planning on running the company. Tony thinks it’s vital that they get the company back in the family with one of them at the helm. EJ says not to look to him. Tony mocks him being too focused on the hospital while Kristen’s reign was a disaster. EJ brings up one other option. Tony says he hasn’t had any luck trying to contact Stefan. EJ then reveals he’s talking about Johnny.

Xander refuses to send out a video. Philip feels they need to do something because the stock price plummeted after Xander’s arrest. Xander questions drawing more attention to all the chaos. Philip feels the only way through is to address all the craziness directly. Xander asks Johnny to back him up but Johnny says that what Philip is suggesting could work. Johnny says his background comes from entertainment and not the corporate world but he’s seen many people save careers with a well written statement. Xander thinks there’s plenty of results that show the opposite. Philip talks about the shareholders being in a panic since Xander was accused of attacking him and says that them releasing a statement together would quell all that. Xander reluctantly agrees to do it, so Johnny asks when they want to do it. Philip suggests right now.

Chanel tells Paulina that she doesn’t have time for this as she has a business to run. Paulina argues that she’s trying to do her job too and wishes she didn’t have to have Johnny arrested, but points out the optics. Chanel questions Paulina just being worried about how it would look for her. Paulina says it’s how it would look for Johnny, them, the police department and the whole city hall. Chanel complains that Paulina believes Johnny is guilty as sin. Paulina admits that she does, but she’s praying to God that she’s wrong.

Belle knows the footage is a gamechanger for the case but feels it’s all convenient and they will have trouble using it in court without knowing who dropped it off, questioning it showing up after Johnny’s arrest. Jada says someone wanted to get it in Belle’s hands and get her attention.

Gwen demands the necklace back. JJ says it belongs to his family. Gwen stands in his way and argues that it’s her necklace. JJ repeats that it’s stolen property. Gwen argues that he has no proof. JJ brings up the police report. Gwen asks if Julie has proof that it belonged to her first. Gwen then grabs the necklace back from JJ and declares that if Julie wants it back so badly, she can sue her for it but that will take a really long time. JJ says if that’s the way she wants to play it, she’s just making it harder and more expensive on herself. Gwen calls it so much more enjoyable and tells JJ to get the hell out of her room if there’s nothing else.

Paulina tells Chanel that she’s hoping her gut is wrong. Chanel doesn’t believe her and argues that Paulina hates nothing more than admitting she’s wrong. Chanel argues that there must be something she could do to protect Johnny. Paulina wishes she could but says they have to let it play out in court and she can’t give any suspect special treatment. Paulina asks if Chanel understands that. Chanel admits she believes Paulina is doing what she believes is right. Chanel cries that she’s trying to be strong for Johnny but she’s about to break as she can’t lose him. Paulina encourages her to keep the faith. Paulina adds that there’s a chance that new evidence will be found, an alibi, or a new suspect. Paulina tells Chanel that if she runs out of strength, she can grab onto hers as they hug.

Johnny hands Xander and Philip a script for them to read from for their video statement. Xander argues that nobody talks like that. Johnny says they can take the bullet points and make it their own. Johnny adds that what’s key is that they both come off relaxed and like they like each other. Philip comments on that being easy for them.

Tony questions EJ wanting Johnny to run DiMera Enterprises. EJ asks why that’s such an absurd idea. Tony says he’s as big a fan of Johnny as anyone but points out his minimal business experience. EJ says they will guide him. Tony argues that Johnny doesn’t need a mentor even if he wasn’t being convicted of attempted murder. EJ states that Johnny is innocent while Tony argues that Johnny will be spending more time in court than running the company, especially if he’s convicted. EJ shouts that he knows for sure Johnny is going to beat this and that is never going to happen. Tony questions how he knows for sure. EJ points out that the case is young so there’s plenty of time for new evidence. Tony guesses that EJ has already arranged for that to happen.

Jada and Belle talk about getting the memory card back and there being no fingerprints on it, so whoever sent it wants to remain anonymous. Jada asks Belle if she’s ready to find out what is on it. Belle says she’s as ready as she’ll ever be.

JJ tells Gwen that this is pathetic and he knows exactly what it’s about. JJ believes Gwen wants to torture the Hortons because Jack started a family with Jennifer instead of her mother and that’s why she hated Abigail so much. Gwen complains that they had everything and that she needed a father too, pointing out that she had nobody after her mother died. Gwen talks about what it was like to grow up in a group home with no friends or family. Gwen says by the time she found Jack, he had no more love to give to her because he had his kids and grandkids. Gwen adds that even if Jack wanted a relationship with her, there was no room for her to be his daughter. Gwen asks if JJ has anything else to say to her. JJ responds that he actually does and tells Gwen to get over it.

EJ claims to have no idea what Tony is talking about. Tony talks about EJ being both Johnny’s attorney and alleged victim, so he advises EJ not interfere with the case at all. Tony warns that EJ can’t game the system when the stakes are this high. EJ thanks him for his concern but says that he just meant that he knows in his heart that Johnny did not shoot him and he’s confident that new evidence will arise. Tony hopes EJ is right. EJ assures that he is and tells Tony to let him focus on Johnny’s case while Tony can try to get the company back like Stefano would have wanted, not just for them but for all of Stefano’s grandchildren too. Tony says that includes the family that Johnny and Chanel will have as he exits the room. EJ remarks to himself that’s if they make it that far.

Xander calls Philip insufferable. Philip asks him to fake it. Xander says he’s pretended to like him for months. They argue until Philip decides they are not filming the video now, worrying that if it’s not perfect then it could damage Titan even further. Xander agrees and says he has a massive headache so he suggests they try again after lunch. Johnny suggests they rehearse a few times because right now, it feels like they want to kill each other. Johnny then exits the room.

Chanel tells Paulina that she shouldn’t be talking to her about the case as EJ asked her not to. Paulina questions her listening to EJ instead of her own mother. Chanel acknowledges that EJ is the expert here and claims to have Johnny’s best interests at heart. Paulina understands and warns her to be careful around EJ. Chanel assures that she’s not blind to who EJ is but she wants Johnny to have the best representation possible and right now, that’s EJ. Paulina worries that EJ always has some trick up his sleeve, so she doesn’t want this to backfire on Johnny or Chanel.

Belle and Jada are shocked by what they see on the memory card. Belle asks what to do now. Jada responds that they have to do their jobs and notify the mayor. Jada then calls Paulina and asks her to get to the police station as there’s some new evidence that she needs to see for herself. Paulina responds that she’s on her way. Chanel asks if everything is okay. Paulina admits that she doesn’t know.

JJ tells Gwen again to get over it. JJ points out that Abigail is dead while Gwen is very much alive, so she can continue being jealous of a dead woman or she can use the opportunity to change her life for the better. Gwen laughs off that her life is fine, pointing out that she’s healthy, young, and now filthy rich thanks to her gay husband. Gwen asks what more she could ask for. JJ says a family that cares and loves her in good times and bad. JJ points out that’s what all this has been about. JJ can’t say if they will ever get along but says she’s wrong about Jack as there is room in his heart for another daughter, now more than ever. JJ adds that considering how things went down last time, it would have to be Gwen who extends the olive branch. Gwen asks how to do that. JJ is sure she’ll think of something and tells Gwen that he’ll see her around as he exits the room.

Philip brings Xander a cup of herbal tea. Xander remarks that he’s not being subtle if he’s trying to poison him. Philip notes Xander being on edge and asks what kind of trouble he got in to last night. Xander tells him to knock off trying to be nice to him. Philip questions Xander not liking him to be mean or nice and asks what he should be. Xander tells him to be invisible. Xander says they will get the video done and stabilize the company, but he’s not sure how much longer he can work with someone who makes his skin crawl. Philip responds that Xander could quit.

EJ gets a call from Belle and says he thought she’d be too swamped to call him. Belle says that she is but something came up at work that concerns him. Belle informs EJ that they recovered the memory card from the night he was shot and she thinks he needs to see it for himself, which makes EJ smile.

Johnny joins Chanel in the town square and tells her that his work day is going well and he’s just taking lunch while Xander and Philip get their act together. Johnny asks how Chanel’s day is going. Chanel says that Paulina was there and they kind of made up, so she hopes that’s not weird for him. Johnny says not at all and that Chanel has been his rock through all of this, so he wants her to have the support she needs. Chanel calls it interesting that no one will fight for them as hard as their parents will. Johnny asks if that means she’s come to terms with EJ representing him. Chanel says he knows that she doesn’t like it, but since he thinks it’s best, she will back him up because they are in this together. Chanel acknowledges believing that EJ will do whatever it takes to prove Johnny is innocent.

Paulina joins Jada and Belle in the interrogation room, asking them to show her the video footage of the night EJ was shot. Jada starts to warn her but Paulina says she doesn’t have all day so Jada plays the video. Paulina is shocked to see the video showing Chanel confronting EJ the night he was shot and going off on him, warning him that Johnny would never forgive him. Paulina remembers Chanel saying she laid in to EJ that night. They continue watching the video where Chanel warned EJ that she wouldn’t let him live long enough to hurt Johnny or anyone else she cares about ever again, leaving Paulina in disbelief.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Belle talked to Marlena about Johnny’s case. She told her important evidence came up. Belle said if Johnny was innocent it might lead to the real shooter. She said the last thing she wanted to do was prosecute Johnny. Marlena wondered how it would go. Belle said she and EJ wanted Johnny to be found not guilty. She hoped the case didn’t go to trial. Marlena admitted to Belle that she hadn’t been sleeping because her grief hasn’t stopped even though everyone has moved on. Belle said she wasn’t alone because she was there. When Marlena tried standing up and was unsteady, Belle asked if there was something going on that she wasn’t telling her. Gwen ripped into Leo for what he did to her. While she was talking, Leo noticed the necklace she was wearing. He tried to talk her into giving Julie back the necklace, but she didn’t want to listen to him after what he did to her. Gwen said she hated him and threatened to make him pay for betraying her. Leo apologized to her and said he paid for what he did. Gwen enjoyed the idea of Dimitri breaking up with him. She said Dimitri refused to divorce her which was okay with her because she got his money. Leo said he didn’t need money because he had love in his life. Javi didn’t understand what was going on. Gwen told Javi that he didn’t know what he got himself into. When Gwen left, Javi asked Leo what she was talking about. Leo told him what happened. Javi tried to process what Leo did. Leo said he wouldn’t forgive himself for what he did to Gwen. He thought Gwen was right about him needing to pay for what he did, even if he lost Javi. Javi told him that people did things they regretted. While they were talking, Javi said he could see them as a family, but Leo didn’t think he would make a good father after having horrible parents.

At the Bistro, Xander was drinking and thinking about spending time with Sarah and Victoria. Gwen showed up. She offered Xander her condolences over what happened with Sarah. Xander was shocked that she did that. Gwen said she wasn’t their biggest supporter, but they were married with a child. She said their love drove her crazy when they were together. Gwen thought her insecurity drove him away and pushed her to work with Kristen to kidnap Sarah. She said she didn’t think she could stand up against his love for Sarah. Gwen asked what would have happened if she told him the truth. She asked if he ever wondered about that to which he said he didn’t. Gwen said she thought about it all the time. Xander noticed the necklace around her neck. He thought she should have it since she was rich. They made a toast to her getting over on Dimitri and to the fact that they both had money. After they finished drinking, they went to the town square. Gwen told him he was the one who got away. Xander asked if there was another chance for them. Gwen kissed him. Sarah looked at pictures of her and Xander. Bonnie walked in and told her that looking at pictures wouldn’t help. She asked Sarah if she wanted to talk. Sarah told her what happened with Xander. Bonnie thought she should celebrate Xander being out of her life. Sarah was surprised by her reaction. Bonnie said she started to like Xander but that changed after what he did to Philip. Sarah said she still loved Xander even though she wished she didn’t. Bonnie talked about her first husband even though he beat her and was a drunk. She said he apologized for his actions but did them again until Mimi killed him. Sarah said she didn’t want to raise her daughter around violence. She told Bonnie that she didn’t think Xander would hurt Victoria. Bonnie said he only hurt other people. Sarah said she and Xander had to work together to raise Victoria, but she didn’t think that would work after what happened. Bonnie advised her to fight fire with fire. She told Sarah that Xander was going to fight dirty. Sarah asked how she could fight dirty. Bonnie gave her suggestions to try.

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Days Update Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Belle goes home and is surprised to see Marlena, questioning why she’s up late. Marlena responds that she was waiting for her.

Arianna walks towards the Brady Pub but stops when she sees Roman putting the “closed” sign on the door.

Xander has a drink at the Bistro as he flashes back to being with Sarah on the 4th of July last year.

Sarah sits at home, having the same flashback to last year’s 4th of July.

Leo guesses Gwen didn’t come to work things out. Gwen says it might be hard for him to believe, but her world does not revolve around him. Gwen adds that she came to take care of some business. Leo then notices the necklace and points out that it belongs to Julie. Gwen says not anymore and it now belongs to her. Leo calls it stolen property. Gwen says that possession is 9/10 of the law and she paid a lot of money for it, so she’s not giving it back. Leo questions Gwen being able to live with herself, knowing she has a stolen family heirloom. Gwen tells Leo not to lecture her after he posed as her best friend and stole something far more important. Javi interrupts to question what she is talking about. Gwen tells Leo that she hates him with every fiber of her being and declares that she will make him very sorry for what he’s done. Leo says he can’t begin to tell her how much he deeply regrets what he did and says he has paid dearly for it which Gwen questions. Leo says maybe the news didn’t make it to where ever she has been for the past year and a half as he informs her that Dimitri dumped him for a paramour he met in prison and did it through a letter as Javi watches on. Gwen laughs off the idea of caring that Dimitri dumped him and brings up that Dimitri never gave her divorce papers, so she’s loving still being his wife legally since she has full control over Dimitri’s vast fortune. Gwen asks if he’s jealous. Leo responds that some things are more important than money. Gwen asks if he read that in a self help book. Leo says he’s being serious. Gwen says she doesn’t know when he’s being serious, funny, or ironic because he’s a lying, swindling backstabber. Gwen tells Javi that he has no idea what he’s gotten himself in to and warns that he will soon enough as she walks away. Javi turns to Leo and asks if he wants to tell him what the hell that was all about.

Belle questions Marlena waiting up for her and says she texted Brady that something came up with work. Marlena asks if it had to do with Johnny’s case.

Arianna sneaks in to the Brady Pub but Roman catches her and asks where exactly she’s going. Arianna claims she was going upstairs to say hi to Kate but Roman says she’s already gone to bed. Arianna says in that case, she should just go. Roman stops her and thinks she didn’t really come to see Kate, but to see Doug Williams III.

Doug III sits in his room, counting his money but worries that it’s not going to cut it. He looks over at the note left for him that said “it’d be a shame if something happened to those pretty faces”

Sarah looks at old photos of her and Xander on her phone until Bonnie walks in and greets her. Bonnie offers her a drink but Sarah declines. Bonnie notes that Sarah put her phone away quickly when she came in, so she asks what she was looking at. Sarah says it was just some photos. Bonnie hopes they weren’t photos of her and Xander because that’s not going to help, but guesses that it was. Bonnie asks if Sarah is not having a very good 4th and if she wants to talk about it. Sarah informs her that she ran in to Xander in the town square and it turned out they can’t even be civil with each other on a national holiday. Bonnie swears that time heals all wounds, but for now she says good riddance to Xander.

Xander orders another drink as Gwen arrives and comments on him looking miserable. Xander is shocked to see Gwen as she sits at his table.

Belle tells Marlena that without going in to detail, an important piece of evidence turned up in Johnny’s case. Marlena asks if it’s good for Johnny. Belle says they have to wait until it’s evaluated in the morning, but confirms that it could be an important clue as to who really did shoot EJ.

Arianna knows Roman thinks she’s involved with Doug III since Rafe gave an earful but insists that he’s wrong and assures that there’s nothing going on between them so he has no need to worry. Arianna says she’ll be back to say hi tomorrow and tells Roman that she loves him as she quickly exits the Pub.

Sarah tells Bonnie that she’s a little bit surprised that she’s happy to be rid of Xander as she thought she found her way back in to his corner. Bonnie says she did until she found out what he did to Philip and calls the thought horrific. Bonnie recalls when Sarah persuaded her to lie about Rex being the father of her baby because she was horrified that Xander would do what he just did.

Gwen tells Xander that she heard about Sarah. Xander guesses bad news traveled across the pond. Gwen gives her condolences which Xander notes almost sounded sincere. Gwen admits she wasn’t always the biggest fan of he and Sarah being together. Gwen says they had their ups and downs and weathered some storms, but they are married now with a daughter so she thought this time it would stick. Xander responds that he did too.

Javi questions Leo following Gwen to Iceland just to have sex with her husband behind her back, which Leo confirms is what happened. Javi knew Leo had done things he’s not proud of but he didn’t think Leo could be disloyal to his best friend. Leo asks if Javi is now thinking he doesn’t know him as well as he thought he did. Javi confirms that’s exactly what he’s thinking.

Arianna sneaks in through Doug III’s window and explains that Roman caught her coming up the stairs. Doug III questions why she came. Arianna responds that she had to see him, but questions if he really thought she would hook up with him after he basically threw her out of the Pub yesterday. Doug III tries to tell her it’s not what she thinks. Arianna says she’d love to know what he thinks and goes over how he first gave her his key, then took it back and shoved her out the door. Arianna calls it the definition of mixed signals and asks what the hell is going on with him.

Belle tells Marlena that the last thing she wants is to be prosecuting Johnny. Marlena questions how this is going to go. Belle acknowledges that EJ is a formidable opponent and he’s defending his son, so she knows he will go for the jugular. Belle adds that at the end of the day, she and EJ want the same outcome for Johnny to be found not guilty. Belle hopes it won’t even go to trial and they can put all of this behind them.

Leo swears to Javi that he regrets the way he treated Gwen as she was his BFF and he adored her. Leo praises Gwen and says she was so good to him, but he threw away their beautiful friendship for a man, who then threw him away the first chance he got. Leo acknowledges that after how he treated Gwen, he probably deserved karmic retribution. Javi points out that Gwen seems to think he deserved more. Leo says maybe she’s right and maybe that includes losing Javi because he doesn’t deserve him.

Sarah appreciates Bonnie trying to make her feel better by taking her side. Bonnie guesses she still loves Xander. Sarah wishes she didn’t but says the heart wants what it wants. Bonnie relates to that with her first husband. Bonnie says she did everything to make that work, including having three kids. Bonnie talks about how he would get drunk and beat her, then promise to change and she always believed him. Bonnie says it may have gone on forever if her daughter Mimi hadn’t killed him. Bonnie talks about Mimi being so traumatized from the violence. Bonnie adds that she’s not saying Victoria would have violence in her genes as she doesn’t believe anyone is born that way. Bonnie tells Sarah that she does not want to raise her daughter in that kind of environment with someone who can inflict that kind of pain.

Gwen imagines it must be quite difficult for Xander as she knows how much he loved Sarah. Gwen admits the power of that love drove her up the walls when she and Xander were together. Gwen adds that if she hadn’t been so insecure about Xander’s love for her, maybe she wouldn’t have gone along with Kristen revealing the truth about Sarah not leaving Xander willingly and that she was just stuck on that island. Gwen admits she was afraid to take that gamble as she thought as long as Sarah was around, Xander would never love her as much. Gwen remarks that she has a toxic relationship with the truth, noting that toxicity has served her well at times but not other times. Gwen thinks about if she told him the truth and asks if Xander ever thinks what if. Xander says he never does. Gwen says that she does in a constant loop in regards to them.

Doug III tells Arianna that he’s so sorry about yesterday as he just had something to take care of that couldn’t wait. Arianna says she is his friend and wants to know what happened. Doug III then informs her that he had to meet this guy who he owes a lot of money to.

Javi tells Leo that it’s not like he hasn’t made plenty of mistakes as he’s not a saint. Leo argues that Javi is a firefighter, while all he does is set his house and heart on fire. Javi states that everyone has regrets and secrets. Leo asks if he does. Javi confirms that he does as there are some things he wishes he could do differently, while some things he would never change.

Belle is sorry that Marlena waited up for her and suggests she go to bed as she looks exhausted. Marlena admits it wasn’t just about waiting up for her and that she is tired but wonders if she got overstimulated by going to see the fireworks with Brady and Rachel because she tried to go to sleep, but couldn’t. Belle notes that’s not the first time. Belle tells Marlena that her room is right down the hall, so she can hear her pacing at night. Marlena is sorry to keep her up while Belle is sorry that she’s having trouble sleeping. Marlena states that in the last year, when she couldn’t sleep it wasn’t a problem because if she was alone in bed, she knew at some point that John would be coming home but now they know he’s not coming home. Marlena talks about the rush of phone calls, messages, and flowers pouring in and then everyone has to go back to their own life while she’s left alone to grieve. Belle argues that she’s not alone and promises that she’s not going anywhere. Belle tells Marlena that she loves her. Marlena responds that she loves her so much.

Sarah tells Bonnie that she is so sorry for what she went through. Sarah says her situation with Xander is very different as Xander has never laid a finger on her or Victoria and he never would. Bonnie argues that Xander reserves that for people who cross him or get in his way. Bonnie says she’s not telling Sarah how to live her life, but she honestly believes that Victoria and Sarah are better off now that Xander is gone.

Xander comments on Gwen’s necklace. Gwen calls it quite expensive and says she decided to treat herself. Xander guesses she cracked open the piggy bank of Dimitri which Gwen confirms. Gwen declares that it’s now all her money and says she earned it because Dimitri thought he played her for a fool. Gwen asks who is the fool now which Xander toasts to. Gwen brings up Theresa’s scam and says now that Xander has come in to his own inheritance, he could buy and sell the whole town. Xander confirms that his motel days are over. Gwen relates to how free it was to go get a room at the Salem Inn and not have to worry about bills. They laugh about their old dealings at the Salem Inn. Gwen offers to buy them another round of drinks and then he can walk to her room. Xander points out that the gentleman always buys.

Arianna questions who Doug III owes money to. He says it’s not important and tells Arianna that she shouldn’t be around him because it’s not safe. Arianna says she’s a big girl and can take care of herself. She remarks that she likes bad boys. Arianna that points out that they are already up here, so she kisses him.

Marlena decides she will try to get some sleep. Belle thinks that’s a good idea. Marlena stumbles when she gets up so Belle asks if she’s okay. Marlena claims she’s fine but Belle asks what is going on and if there’s something she’s not telling her.

Leo and Javi watch over Tesoro sleeping in his crib. Leo talks about Tesoro having his heart. Javi jokes about Gwen saying Leo had been domesticated and comments on them being a family. Javi says he could imagine it someday. Leo admits he sees the appeal of the white picket fence and kids. Leo doesn’t think that’s in the cards for him but Javi disagrees based on how he’s seen Leo with Tesoro. Javi calls him a natural. Leo argues that he’s just a decent babysitter and talks about not learning from his parents, so if he had a kid, the wisest thing for him to do would be to drop it off at the safe haven like Tesoro’s mother did.

Sarah tells Bonnie that regardless of her feelings for Xander, they still have to figure out a custody arrangement for Victoria. Bonnie guesses that’s not going so well. Sarah says they started to talk about it and thought they were getting somewhere, but then Xander blew up at her, so she doesn’t know what’s going to happen. Bonnie questions what she means. Bonnie warns Sarah that Xander is going to fight dirty, so she needs to fight fire with fire and hit him where it hurts. Sarah questions how to do that.

Xander and Gwen drunkenly walk through the town square as Xander tells her a story that makes her laugh. Gwen calls Xander the one who got away. Xander comments on her holding onto him tightly now. Gwen apologizes and guesses she can’t handle her drinks like she used to. Xander says he remembers fondly that Gwen could drink a sailor under the table. Gwen says he’s looking at the more refined Gwen and jokes about being a cheaper date. Xander asks if Gwen is thinking there might be a chance for them now that he and Sarah have broken up. Gwen stutters a bit and then asks if there is. Gwen then kisses Xander.

Marlena tells Belle that she’s fine and mentions having a checkup with Sarah a few days ago which showed all her tests were completely normal. Belle suggests Marlena try sleeping on the couch since she had trouble sleeping in the bed. Marlena calls that a good idea. Belle decides she will sit with her until she falls asleep which Marlena admits she would like.

Javi thinks any child would be lucky to have Leo as a dad. Leo jokes about Tesoro waking up at 2 AM. Javi says that gives them a few hours to make fireworks of their own if he’s up for it. Leo assures that he is up for it as they kiss.

Arianna asks Doug III if he still thinks she should stay away from him as they continue kissing.

Bonnie says if Sarah is asking her how to fight dirty, she’s come to the right place. Bonnie suggests she could bankrupt Xander’s company, hire a hooker to have an affair with him, or just pin the crime that they already know he committed by getting Philip to admit Xander assaulted him, then Xander will go to jail and her problems vanish. Sarah points out that would present an entirely different problem since Xander refuses to admit what he did, so she questions how she would get him to confess.

Xander tells Gwen that he should go. Gwen suggests he should go up to her room. Gwen then pulls Xander with her in to the Salem Inn, surprising Javi and Leo who watch from nearby.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, July 8, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gwen arrived at the Horton house showing off Alice’s necklace. She let Julie know that it belonged to her family now. Gwen cut her vacation short so she could surprise her with the necklace. Chad wondered how Gwen got her hands on the necklace. Gwen explained how she ended up with the necklace. She offered her condolences to Julie. Julie asked her for the necklace back, but Gwen refused to give it back to her. Julie was upset that she wouldn’t give the necklace back. Gwen read about it being stolen in the newspaper. She reminded Juile that the Hortons weren’t nice to her over the years so she was going to enjoy not giving her the necklace. Julie wanted to know how much Gwen wanted for the necklace. She didn’t want money because she had money. Gwen wanted to rub Julie’s nose in the fact that she had the necklace. She also wanted to tie up some loose ends in Salem. Chad wanted her out of the house. Before Gwen left, she wanted to know if her father was there. She heard about the Abby imposter. Gwen felt like Jack didn’t deserve it. Gwen was ready to go. Julie warned her that she would get the necklace back one way or another. Julie called Hope and told her about Gwen having the necklace. Hope didn’t know that Gwen had it. Julie talked to Chad about what Gwen did. They wanted to talk to JJ about it. Leo was trying to get Tesoro to stop crying, but he couldn’t do it. Gabi tried to help stop the baby from crying. Arianna was annoyed so she wandered out. Leo thought something was wrong with the baby. He panicked and took him to the hospital. Kayla and Javi were talking about the baby when Leo showed up at the hospital. Kayla checked the baby out, and he had a stomachache. Kayla was going to give him a new formula, but she realized that she couldn’t do it because of the budget cuts EJ made. Javi saw Leo and the baby at the hospital and got worried. They talked about Kayla’s diagnosis and left to get the new formula for the baby. While they were walking, Leo and Javi talked about how well fostering Tesoro was for them. They also talked about how their days went. Leo didn’t think Johnny shot EJ and planned on investigating it more. Javi told him that he had a good heart. Gwen overheard that and disagreed with him. She said hello to Leo.

Sami called Rafe while he was at the station. He confirmed that he was looking after Arianna. She had a surprise for him. Rafe came home while Gabi and Arianna were talking. He wondered if she had plans for the holiday. She didn’t have any plans. Rafe mentioned that he knew she was hanging out with Doug. Arianna denied hanging out with him, but Rafe said that Roman saw them together. Arianna finally admitted that she was hanging out with Doug. Gabi was shocked by that since Doug was a lot older than her, and he stole Julie’s necklace. Rafe warned her to be careful hanging out with him. Arianna left to hang out with Holly and Tate. She didn’t like that she was being stalked. Arianna felt like she was old enough to hang out with anyone she wanted. Rafe apologized and she forgave him. She walked out of the house. Gabi wondered why Rafe was at the station. He said that it looked like someone found the memory card. Rafe said no one watched it yet. He hoped that it would clear Johnny. Gabi didn’t want to testify in the case. Arianna left a message for Holly when a creepy man followed her. The man got closer, but he ran when Kayla appeared. Leo thought that Gwen was back for him. She let him know that she wasn’t there for him. Gwen wanted to take care of some business. Leo recognized the necklace she was wearing. Gwen told him that it belonged to her.

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Days Short Recap Monday, July 7, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Sophia put her pregnancy pad on when Tate knocked on her door. She wondered why he was there. He said he was there to get her in the spirit of the 4th and wanted to check on her. When he tried to touch her stomach, she flinched. Tate apologized to her. Sophia said she was sick of people touching her stomach. When Sophia said she was okay, Tate left to see the fireworks. Sophia called Melinda to tell her that her temporary solution was working. Melinda said that after the weekend, they should be good to go. Sophia was relieved. Melinda told her she made the right decision. She told Sophia about the adoption plan. Sophia wondered if she had time to write a letter. Melinda said she should send it to the firehouse. She said they would go to Chicago after the weekend and everything would be fine. Xander and Sarah ran into each other in the town square. They talked about Victoria and how she has been behaving lately. Sarah thought it might have been because he hasn’t been around much. They agreed to talk over dinner.

Xander and Sarah went to the Bistro to talk. Sarah showed Xander pictures of Victoria. They agreed they couldn’t go on like this. Xander suggested they do a 50/50 arrangement, but Sarah didn’t know if she wanted to leave Victoria alone with him. Sarah said she knew he wouldn’t hurt Victoria, but she was worried about Victoria learning the wrong things about dealing with anger. She wanted him to apologize for what he did to Philip and promise he would never do it again. Xander refused to apologize and accused her of setting him up to get in trouble. Sarah said she wouldn’t tell anyone, but Xander didn’t believe her. He warned her that they would have to do this the hard way. They ended up arguing over who was looking out for Victor’s best interest. Sarah walked out on him. Melinda showed up. Xander told her it was time to resort to the measures they talked about. Julie talked to Hope about the necklace. She told Hope that she was happy that she would have the necklace back. Hope didn’t tell Julie who had the necklace. Someone showed up at the Horton House. It turned out to be Gwen holding the necklace.

 

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Days Update Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Stephanie and Alex sit in the park together, watching the fireworks as they kiss.

At the hospital, Javi is pacing until he gets to ask Kayla how his firefighter partner is doing. She informs him that he suffered from heat exhaustion but will be okay which relieves Javi. Kayla says when they finish his IV, he can go back on duty. Javi wishes he didn’t have to but they can’t afford to be a man down on the 4th of July. Javi complains that the fireworks kept the baby up. Kayla asks how the baby is doing. Javi responds that he’s a perfect little angel.

Leo tries to stop the baby from crying at home. Gabi tries to advise him as Arianna comes in, covering her ears from the crying. Leo hands the baby to Gabi as he worries that something is really wrong with Tesoro.

At the Horton house, the doorbell rings so Chad goes to answer it. Julie calls it kind of late for anyone to be showing up. Chad calls out that she’s not going to believe this. Chad opens the door further, revealing Gwen Rizczech has returned! Gwen walks in and wishes them a Happy Independence Day, while she is wearing Alice’s stolen necklace, leaving Julie shocked. Julie questions how Gwen got her hands on Alice’s necklace. Gwen explains that she got the rest of Dimitri’s inheritance from when she married him and that’s how she got the necklace. Julie argues that Hope told her the necklace would arrive tomorrow and she didn’t say anything about her. Gwen explains that she swore them to secrecy as she was on holiday when Hope and Bo tracked her down. Gwen says she agreed to cut her holiday short if she could come surprise Julie, so she hopped on an early flight and here she is.

Alex and Stephanie finish watching the fireworks. Alex calls it much better than last year since he didn’t have her last year. Stephanie suggests finishing their food before it gets cold but Alex says he has a better idea. Alex turns on music on his phone and asks Stephanie to dance. Stephanie notes him being in a romantic mood tonight.

Rafe goes to the police station and gets a call from Sami. Rafe says he has been looking after Arianna like she asked. Rafe adds that he was not aware of that but he will take care of it as he hangs up.

Gabi complains about what she did with Arianna not working on Tesoro. Arianna offers to try and takes the baby. Leo appreciates them trying to help as he has no idea what else to do. Gabi acknowledges that babies can be a handful. Leo decides he’s taking him to the hospital. Gabi thinks he might be overreacting but Leo says he won’t know for sure unless he gets him checked out.

Kayla informs Javi that the new hospital management has decreed that they have to supply their own coffee, but she plans on having a talk with EJ about the budget. Kayla tells Javi that she has him covered as she thinks he will need the coffee for a long night.

Chad doesn’t understand how Alice’s necklace made it from Salem to Europe. Gwen explains that she bought it from a broker who had acquired it from Melinda Trask. Julie points out that it was stolen from this room by her late husband’s no good grandson. Gwen recalls hearing something about that and about Doug’s passing. Gwen says she was very sorry to hear about that as Doug was a very good man and always very kind and respectful towards her. Julie thanks her and says she’s always pleased to hear happy memories about Doug. Julie adds that she appreciates Gwen coming all this way to return a Horton family heirloom and says she will take it back now, but Gwen says she’s misunderstood. Gwen declares that she has no intention of giving the necklace to anyone as she sees it as hers to keep.

Alex thanks Stephanie for convincing Kate to take the Titan job offer. Stephanie calls it a team effort. Alex says he was panicking about Titan-DiMera sinking. Stephanie assures that Kate will be great and bring in a lot of money for the company. Alex assures her book will be a roaring success. Stephanie can’t believe she outed herself as the author of One Stormy Night. Alex encourages that it wasn’t that big of a deal and that Kate would’ve found out eventually as she’s way too savvy to be kept in the dark on that. Stephanie worries that the more people who know means the more who could find out. Stephanie can’t imagine her family knowing that she wrote something so erotic. Alex thinks when they officially attach a pen name, she’ll feel a lot less anxious about it. Stephanie says she hasn’t really had time to think about it and asks if Alex has any ideas. Alex jokes about how they come up with stripper names.

Leo brings Tesoro to the hospital and asks Kayla if something’s wrong with him. After checking him out, Kayla concludes that he’s fine and just having tummy troubles. Leo worries about whether he fed him too much or not enough. Kayla suggests he could just be sensitive to the formula and offers some samples of another brand. Leo jokes that Tesoro just have expensive taste like him. Kayla admits to being surprised to see Leo like this. Leo acknowledges that he’s known to be selfish but says the baby makes it impossible not to care about him, adding that he has captured the hearts of everyone at the Hernandez house.

Arianna tells Gabi that she still finds it hard to believe that anyone trusted Leo to take care of baby. Gabi says it’s crazy but he actually seems pretty good with the kid, even if taking him to the hospital was an overreaction, it at least shows he cares. Arianna jokes that it’s even harder to believe that Leo cares about someone other than himself. Arianna says that she doesn’t know what Javi sees in Leo. Gabi talks about how she tried to talk Javi out of letting Leo move in, but blames Rafe’s heart for allowing it. Arianna guesses that’s why Rafe helped them foster the baby. Arianna wonders why Tesoro’s mom gave him up. Gabi says it could be for any number of reasons. Gabi remembers when she was pregnant with Arianna and how she was young and scared. Gabi says she would give anything to be able to have another baby, she admits she had her doubts about if she’d be a good mom. Rafe comes home and says he’d say she turned out to be a great one as Gabi hugs him.

Julie questions Gwen saying she’s going to keep the necklace. Gwen says she told Hope that she would bring it back to Salem which she has done, but she didn’t say anything about giving it up. Chad points out that now she knows it’s stolen. Gwen says her broker didn’t say anything about that and she only knows what she paid for it which was quite a lot. Julie talks about how Gwen just happened to buy a necklace that happened to belong to Alice Horton. Julie doesn’t think it’s a coincidence. Gwen admits she might have read in the Spectator that it was stolen and remarks that the paper has really gone downhill since she sold Chad her half. Chad questions Gwen buying the necklace just so Julie couldn’t have it and asks if she’s really that petty. Gwen asks if he’s really that surprised, arguing that the Hortons haven’t been that nice to her over the years. Gwen admits it might be petty but calls it satisfying and fun. Julie says Gwen has had her cheap thrill and asks how much she wants for the necklace.

Stephanie tells Alex that maybe she could come up with a name from her Grandma’s old romance novels as she had a whole collection in her house. Stephanie recalls Jack being inspired to write a romance novel of his own, but he never got it off the ground. Alex remembers Kate mentioning that Jack tried to take credit for her manuscript. Alex bets Stephanie is happy she didn’t write about her own life. Stephanie asks who says she didn’t and tells him that she couldn’t make all of it up, so some details are autobiographical. Alex questions which details. Stephanie jokes that he would like to know.

Kayla informs Leo that they are no longer allowed to give out free samples of baby formula and blames EJ’s budget cuts. Leo guesses EJ buying the hospital didn’t solve the problems after all. Kayla thinks it made things worse. Leo comments on all the Spectator stories about EJ’s shooting. Javi then comes over and is shocked to see them, questioning what Leo is doing there and if everything is okay with Tesoro.

Rafe comments that Arianna is living proof of Gabi being a great mother. Rafe is surprised that Arianna doesn’t have big plans for the 4th. Arianna says she and Holly talked about meeting up earlier, but Holly ran in to Tate and she’s not looking to be a third wheel. Arianna adds that she thinks Sophia probably just wants to sleep until the baby is born. Rafe questions if no cute boys have asked her out. Arianna claims that she’s not looking to date anyone right now. Rafe asks if she’s sure about that. Arianna questions what he means. Rafe explains that he hears Arianna has been spending a lot of time with a certain someone. Gabi questions who, so Rafe reveals it’s Douglas Williams III.

Gwen asks what makes Julie think the necklace is for sale. Julie argues that she knows Gwen and that she never passes up an opportunity to get rich quick. Gwen responds that she is filthy rich. Gwen remarks that her Horton fortune would barely make a difference to her net worth. Chad questions if she flew all this way to spite them. Gwen confirms she did and mocks their faces, saying it was worth every penny and jet lag. Chad complains about her but Gwen says not to write her off yet and admits she might have other reasons to visit. Gwen says she was looking for the right time to tie up some loose ends and when Bo and Hope showed up, she decided now was the time.

Kayla tells Javi about her recommendation of baby formula. Javi tells Leo that he’s at the end of his shift so he will go home with him and thanks Kayla. Kayla tells them to enjoy the baby and says he’s lucky to have them looking out for him. Leo responds that they are the lucky ones. Kayla tells Tesoro to feel better and says goodbye as Javi and Leo exit with the baby.

Arianna claims not to know who Doug III is. Rafe says he has a witness at the Pub who said otherwise. Arianna asks if she’s a perp. Gabi questions someone seeing them at the Pub. Rafe reveals that Roman said they’ve been spending a lot of time together and that she was making googly eyes at Doug III. Arianna denies that and says they were just talking and she was being friendly. Gabi points out that she said she didn’t know who he was. Arianna claims she forgot his last name. Gabi brings up that Doug III is a bit older. Arianna says not really. Gabi realizes he’s the one who stole Julie’s necklace and questions what is going on with them. Arianna claims it’s nothing and that they were both just new in town. Arianna admits he’s cute while Rafe advises her to be careful because he understands Doug III might be bad news. Arianna responds that she sort of figured that out for herself. Gabi questions what that means. Arianna explains that Doug III is flaky and one minute wants to hang out then one minute wants nothing to do with her which she calls annoying. Arianna tells them not to freak out because Doug III is totally not interested anymore.

Alex demands Stephanie tell him which parts of her novel are true and tries to guess which chapter. Stephanie suggests they play the “never have I ever” game where they have to take a drink if it’s something they have done. Alex calls it the type of game girls play at a slumber party. Alex starts by saying he’s never wrote about his own life in a romance novel. Stephanie argues that he can’t say something so obvious as the point is to learn something new. Alex calls that an excuse, so Stephanie drinks. Stephanie then says she has never gone skinny dipping, causing Alex to take a drink. Stephanie says she knew it and tells Alex to come up with something good. Alex states that he has never told Stephanie that he loves her.

Leo and Javi walk through the town square with Tesoro. Leo hopes the new formula does the trick as he was starting to worry that it was him. Javi encourages that Leo is great with Tesoro. Leo admits maybe he’s getting used to the whole parenting thing. Leo says when Javi first brought the baby home, he couldn’t wait to pass him off to someone else but now he can’t imagine letting him go even though it’s only been a day. Javi comments that babies have a way of stealing hearts.

Chad is sure that Gwen has plenty of other people to terrorize and annoy, so he says not to let them keep her. Gwen asks if Jack is in town. Julie tells her that she missed him a few days ago. Chad says that’s a good thing as he’s been through enough. Gwen mentions hearing about the Abigail impostor. Gwen says even though she and Jack are not on speaking terms, he didn’t deserve that. Julie says at least they agree on something. Gwen decides she will get checked in to her hotel room and says it was lovely seeing them again. Julie stops Gwen and warns that this isn’t over as she’s getting the necklace back one way or another. Gwen asks if she’s going to murder her for it. Julie calls that an idea and warns that Gwen hasn’t seen nothing yet. Gwen mocks her as she walks out of the house while Chad comforts Julie.

Arianna decides she will go hang out with Holly and Tate after all. Gabi thought she didn’t want to be a third wheel. Arianna complains that it doesn’t sound so bad compared to finding out her privacy has been violated. Arianna remarks that she’ll walk slow so they can watch her from the bushes. Gabi tells her not to be mad at Rafe and argues that he was just looking out for her. Arianna shouts that she doesn’t need anyone looking out for her in a creepy stalker way. Arianna declares that she’s 18 which means she can take care of herself and hang out with whoever she wants. Gabi tells her to calm down and says they understand she’s an adult but they still want her to be safe. Rafe apologizes for busting her and says he just worries about her. Arianna says she forgives him this time. Gabi tells Arianna not to be home late as she exits. Gabi then questions Rafe still talking to Sami. Rafe asks if he has to remind her that he’s an adult too. Gabi asks about his other ex and hopes that he and Jada didn’t get in to it at the police station. Rafe says they mostly kept it civil. Gabi asks why Jada called him to the station. Rafe responds that it hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it looks like someone may have turned in the memory card from his camera.

Stephanie guesses she doesn’t have to drink since she’s never said that before either. Alex responds that he’s serious and tells Stephanie that he loves her. Alex adds that he’s never in his life felt like this about any woman before. Alex calls her the first woman he’s ever felt deeply for right away and the first woman that made him truly want to settle down and try something real. Alex thinks part of him knew to wait to say it until he meant it. Alex repeats that he loves her and says he probably should’ve said it a lot sooner but he thinks a big part of him was afraid because things ended so bad between them and it was his fault. Alex says that broke his heart and he didn’t want to risk that happening again. Stephanie asks why he’s saying it now. Alex asks how he could not while looking at her. Alex praises Stephanie and declares that he’s felt this way for far too long not to say it out loud. Stephanie responds that she loves him too as they kiss.

Arianna walks past the Brady Pub and texts Holly that if anyone asks, she’s with her tonight. The loan shark that Doug III has been dealing with then comes around the corner behind her.

Julie finishes a call with Hope and explains to Chad that Hope kept Gwen’s return secret because she knew it was the only way to get Gwen to come back to Salem, but she had no idea Gwen planned to keep the necklace. Julie declares that Gwen is not going to get away with it. Chad agrees and says they will wait until JJ gets off his shift, so they can fill him in and see if he has any ideas on how to get the necklace back from the law enforcement side. Julie brings up everything they went through to try to prove ownership when Melinda had the necklace. Chad points out all the witnesses who saw the necklace come from the time capsule including Jennifer, Lucas, Steven, and Ciara. Julie prays that’s the way it turns out as she hates the idea of Gwen lording the necklace over the Horton family. Julie wishes she didn’t care so much, but she does.

Leo and Javi eat together in the town square. Leo says he’s glad Javi and his partner are okay. Javi is glad no one else got hurt and asks about Leo’s day at the Spectator. Leo says it’s been crazy trying to get the scoop on Johnny’s arrest. Leo says that Johnny swears he didn’t do it and he’s inclined to believe him because he knows Johnny is a good kid, so he thinks there’s more to the story. Javi credits that to Leo’s big heart until Gwen appears, shocking Leo. Gwen remarks that even if Leo had a heart, it wouldn’t be any bigger than a cockroach.

Alex and Stephanie continue kissing in the park. Alex asks if they should go home. Stephanie suggests one more round of “never have I ever” and then remarks that she’s never made love in the park, so she thinks it would be the first time for both of them. Alex asks what if they get caught. Stephanie says no one is around and it’s late so no one will be out jogging. Alex decides he likes this game as they continue kissing and get down on their picnic blanket.

Gabi asks Rafe how the police found the memory card and if they caught the person who took it. Rafe explains that it was sent anonymously to Belle. Gabi asks if they know what’s on it and if it shows EJ’s shooting. Rafe says no one has watched it yet because Jada wants to run it through forensics and that’s all been delayed because of the holiday. Rafe hopes to God that it shows who shot EJ and proves that Johnny is innocent. Gabi hopes so too because if she has to testify against EJ’s son, then who knows what EJ will do.

The loan shark begins to approach Arianna but Kayla arrives and greets her which stops him. Kayla hugs Arianna and advises her to be safe tonight because of so many people ending up in the hospital on the 4th of July. Arianna assures that she will be perfectly safe.

Julie apologizes to Chad, feeling she must be coming off like a crazy old woman obsessing over a piece of jewelry. Chad stops her and says he understands it’s far more than that and that the necklace is linked to Alice and rediscovered on the day of Doug’s funeral so it means much more. Julie says the moment they found it, they thought it was a gift from Doug and then his lying grandson stole it. Chad asks if they get the necklace back, if it will soften her resentment towards Doug III or if she will be able to mend that relationship. Julie admits she doesn’t know.

Javi questions Gwen calling Leo “Matty”. Leo responds that his real name is Matthew Cooper and he’ll explain later. Gwen informs Javi that she is Leo’s ex best friend. Leo introduces Javi. Gwen calls it heartwarming to see Leo all domesticated and guesses he’s been quite busy since she’s been away. Leo says it certainly has been awhile. Leo guesses she didn’t come to work things out. Gwen says it might be hard for him to believe, but her world does not revolve around him. Gwen adds that she came to take care of some business. Leo then notices the necklace and points out that it belongs to Julie. Gwen says not anymore and it now belongs to her.

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Days Nitpicks & Flubs For The Week Of June 30, 2025

Nitpicks & Flubs

 

by Michele & Cheryl

Monday

-Unless we missed something, how did Paulina know that Gabi was the one who heard Johnny threatening EJ? She talked to Belle about it as if she knew for a fact that Gabi was the witness.

-Did Arianna forget about her uncle? She talked about Johnny being a good guy like he wasn’t her uncle. Arianna acted as if he was just a guy she knew and not her uncle.

-Chanel was crying without any tears.

-Paulina didn’t want to look biased in Johnny’s case, but she ordered the arresting officer to let Chanel talk to Johnny before he was taken to his cell.

Tuesday

-Arianna acted as if she didn’t know the menu for the pub. The pub is her family’s place so you would think that she would know the menu.

-Who told Kristen that Johnny was arrested? The only person who would have told her (EJ) was with Johnny at the police station.

-Rachel was having nightmares so why would Brady and Kristen let her watch a horror movie.

Wednesday

-Nicole didn’t stay in Salem very long. She was there for Holly’s graduation, but she didn’t stay in town that long.

-Sophia gave birth to her baby, but she looked like she was ready to go out. Her hair was perfectly styled, and she still had her makeup applied. Most likely women who give birth don’t look like they’re ready to go out.

-It was practically pitch black when Doug was with the henchman, but it was lighter outside when Doug was at the town square.

-Sophia managed to give birth and clean up the mess before her parents got home.

-Sophia took her baby out in a brownish wrap, but Javi found him in a blue blanket.

Thursday

-Javi and Leo were talking about the baby as if he were staying at Rafe’s place for one night.

Friday

-Kristen was talking to Marlena and Brady while Marlena was shown.

-Kristen’s cup was up when she attempted to drink out of it.

 

 

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

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Days Best Lines For The Week Of June 30, 2025

Days of Our Lives Best Lines

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Best Lines by Michele and Cheryl

Johnny: I do need some kind of representation.
Chanel: Ok, and there are plenty of lawyers here in town to choose from.
EJ: Johnny needs the best possible defense. We can’t leave his fate in the hands of some local Salem huckster.
Chanel: Ok, buy you are also the victim, and not to mention his father. Isn’t that a conflict of interest?
EJ: Judge Grafton ruled otherwise. Now, until you get your law degree, you can bloody well keep your opinions to yourself, Chanel.

Chanel: The way I see it. Johnny made deal with the devil.
EJ: Oh, if you really believed that you’d still be in there trying to talk him out of it.

Chanel: He made his decision, Ok? And I stand by him. And I’ll admit that having a shark who’s willing to lie and manipulate and do whatever else it takes to get my husband exonerated, well, it may be an advantage worth having.
EJ: Well, my dear, you’re making me blush.

Javier: No luck with the necklace, huh?
Leo: None. It’s like trying to find a straight guy at a Kylie Minogue concert. Unless he’s wearing cargo short and is very deep in the closet.

(to Xander when he walked into the mansion with a stuffed dog for Victoria):
Maggie Well I would say look what the cat dragged in but that would be inappropriate.

Leo (to Sophia’s baby): Please kiddo come on. You have got to sleep sometime. Look at this. Do you think all of this happens by accident? Guncle Leo needs his beauty rest please I am desperate here.

(the baby stops crying)
Leo: Okay. It’s good to know that begging works.

Maggie: Full custody? Well I knew you were ruthless and cruel, but I never pegged you for being delusional. No judge on Earth would give you full custody.
Xander: Are you sure about that?
Maggie: Oh would you like for me to recite your rap sheet?
Xander: Heck go ahead. I’ll raise you Sarah’s. Remember she lied to me about Victoria’s paternity.
Maggie: She was trying to protect her.
Xander: Oh just like she lied to protect Philip’s fraud. You know your daughter loves to cast herself as the patron said of Salem, but she has absolutely no problem lying, cheating, and stealing to get what she wants.

 

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Days Opinions For The Week Of June 30, 2025

Opinion Article

 

by Michele & Cheryl

As Days fans know, one of the main stories for the week was Johnny’s arrest. Jada had a cop show up at the town square to arrest Johnny. He was arrested in front of Sweet Bits. The idea of getting arrested in public is very embarrassing. Paulina was worried about looking biased in his case so she wanted to make sure everything was done by the book. The story might be what helps us see what the new writers could do after Ron Carlivati was let go from the show. It has the potential of being a great story. We’re trying to be optimistic about it. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a court case on the show. It’s a story that has the potential of being an umbrella storyline. We like that a lot of characters are involved in the storyline. It gives other people a chance to be involved in the story. The storyline involves EJ, Johnny, Belle, Chanel, Jada, Rafe, Gabi, Rachel, Paulina, Marlena, and Roman for now. EJ ripped into Belle because he thought she played a role in Johnny’s arrest. He demanded that she stay on the case. Belle tried to explain what happened, but he didn’t want to hear it. Chanel went off when she found out that Paulina was responsible for Johnny’s arrest. Rafe and Jada had an argument because she betrayed his trust by arresting Johnny. We are always here for drama so we enjoyed watching the arguing that happened after Johnny’s arrest. Marlena and Roman need a storyline again so their involvement was a breath of fresh air. She needed a storyline outside of John’s death and this storyline could be what the doctor ordered. We can’t wait to see what happens during the courtroom scenes. Hopefully something juicy will come out during Johnny’s trial.

Speaking of Johnny’s case, did anyone else think that Gabi was being more self-centered than usual? She didn’t want Johnny to have a trial because she didn’t want to feel EJ’s wrath. What type of woman is she? She should have been concerned with Johnny going to jail because he’s Arianna’s uncle, but she didn’t want to deal with EJ. Gabi always acts like she’s that b*tch so she didn’t have a reason to be afraid of what EJ would do to her if she testified against Johnny. It would be a shock to see her care about someone other than herself.

While we’re on the subject of Johnny’s arrest, he brought it on himself. He wanted anyone with ears to know that he didn’t care what happened to his father. People kept trying to get him to make up with his father, but he didn’t want to hear what they had to say. He had himself to blame for why he was at the police station. Johnny shouldn’t have brought a gun to the DiMera mansion, and he wouldn’t be blamed for shooting EJ. Johnny only had himself to blame for why he was accused of shooting EJ. He decided to act innocent once he was accused of the shooting. Johnny wished EJ would die so why should anyone feel sorry for him now that he’s the prime suspect in the case? We want to see what’s going to happen to him now that he’s in jail. He will wish he had forgiven EJ sooner and didn’t threaten him with the gun.

Why are the writers treating Julie like the villain when Doug was the one who stole from her family? Everyone seems to forget that Doug is a thief who had no problem grinning in Julie’s face after what he did. Steve was the latest one to jump on the “Doug is a saint band wagon.” We watched Steve and Julie’s scenes in disbelief. Julie shouldn’t have had to defend her anger towards Doug. He betrayed her while she was grieving the loss of her Doug. She has every right to be upset with Doug after the stunt he pulled. We really wish the writers would stop trying so hard to make Doug a good guy. He isn’t a good character just because everyone suddenly wants to defend him.

We were appalled when we saw Sophia deliver her own baby. She abandoned her baby because she wanted a life of her own. We understand that it’s her choice what she wants to do with her baby, but she abandoned her child because she needed a life of her own. It’s crazy that she thought that was the right decision to make. The writers wanted Sophia to look like the selfish one which was why Tate was thinking about their child’s future, but she didn’t. She wanted to put herself first. Tate didn’t want to be a father either so why does he get to be the one thinking about the baby. She had to be the one who didn’t want to think about the baby. Right the writers wanted Tate to have his happily ever after with Holly while making Sophia the villain. We do applaud Sophia for leaving her baby at the firehouse instead of in a box. Sophia didn’t score any brownie points when she allowed Melinda to talk her into deceiving everyone by wearing padding to pretend to be pregnant. Did the writers want to write a story that could happen in real life? We read about mothers who abandoned their kids, but we haven’t seen anything like that on daytime. They should get a round of applause for writing a story that’s different from the others. It might hit home for people who dealt with mothers abandoning their children, but it’s different from other stories.

 

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

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Days Update Monday, July 7, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Sophia is at home wearing her fake baby bump when Tate shows up at her door. Sophia asks what he’s doing there.

Sarah and Holly walk through the town square together. Sarah comments on being glad Holly could come out with her tonight while Holly agrees they were overdue for a girls night. Sarah thinks she might have ulterior motives for coming out with her tonight, noting her perfume. Sarah admits that she thought they might run in to Tate and reveals they are back together and taking it one step at a time. Cat and Felicity sit together at a table nearby in the town square. Felicity talks about missing her boyfriend Todd while Cat jokes about it only being a week. Xander walks up with the stuffed animal dog that he intended to give Victoria before finding out she’s afraid of dogs. Xander then presents the dog to Felicity and says it’s for her.

At the Horton house, Julie asks if Chad is sure he doesn’t want to accompany her and his kids to the Salem pops concert. Chad reveals that he doesn’t like classical music much. Julie feels he’s missing out and offers to introduce him to some masterpieces, promising it will delight him and elevate his soul. Chad agrees to let her which excites Julie. Julie suggests starting with Beethoven and moving to Chopin. Chad says he’s impressed by her knowledge of classical music and hopes it rubs off on his kids. Chad tells her that he’s going to the Bakery to get some sweet treats for the kids. Chad tells Julie that he loves her and exits. As Chad leaves the house, someone appears to be watching from the bushes. Julie talks to Hope on the phone and tells her that she’s eternally grateful for Hope helping track down their Grandmother’s necklace. Hope tells Julie that it should be arriving tomorrow. Julie is dying to know where the necklace turned up and says she’s never been very patient. Julie guesses all will be revealed in the second act, so she’ll just have to wait.

Xander tells Felicity that the toy dog is a peace offering and apologizes for taking so long to apologize. Cat says they understand he was detained. Xander tells Felicity how sorry he is that he blamed her for Sarah’s allergic reaction. Felicity says he was a jerk while Xander praises her customer service and baking. Xander apologizes for assuming something so horrible and says she didn’t deserve it. Felicity understands that he was scared, but tells him that she’s too old for the stuffed animal dog. Xander says of course and he doesn’t know what he was thinking. Cat calls it a very kind gesture even if overdue as they may have thought he was all talk. Xander says most of the time, he is a man of action. Sarah and Holly talk about Holly getting accepting to school in Paris but Holly says she hasn’t made a decision yet because of her and Tate. Holly says long distance would be rough and she doesn’t know what’s going on with Nicole and Eric. Holly then sees Xander nearby and tries to rush Sarah off in to shopping but Sarah turns and sees him with Cat and Felicity. Sarah thanks Holly, but says she can’t avoid Xander forever as sooner or later she will have to face him.

Tate tells Sophia that her mom said he could come up and he hopes that’s okay. Sophia is just surprised that he’s not hanging with his family. Tate says he was but he wanted to stop by and check on her. Tate brought her some glowsticks since she couldn’t go see fireworks and thought she should have some way to get in the spirit. Sophia calls it sweet and thanks him. Tate asks how she’s feeling. Sophia says just pregnant. Tate goes to feel the baby but Sophia backs away.

Cat tells Felicity that it’s time to go. Felicity gives Xander a glowstick and wishes him a happy 4th of July as she and Cat exit. Xander gets up and runs in to Sarah, who comments that he can’t seem to get rid of the toy dog. Xander explains how he tried to give it to Felicity but she’s too old for stuffed animals. Sarah is sure Cat appreciated the gesture and admits that she does too which surprises Xander as he didn’t think it was possible for her to appreciate anything he does now. Sarah acknowledges him being kind and empathetic. Xander knows it’s rare and says he did feel bad about how he treated Felicity and made a foolish assumption. Xander admits he’s been an ass in a lot of ways.

Tate apologizes to Sophia as he thought it would be okay since he felt the baby kick the other day. Sophia guesses she’s just sick of people trying to touch her stomach all the time. Sophia thanks him for the glowsticks and jokes that she’s feeling more patriotic already. Sophia guesses he has plans for tonight. Tate says he’ll just be watching fireworks with his family and invites her to come but she says she’s pretty tired. Tate decides he should let her get some rest. Sophia assures that she’ll be fine.

Cat and Felicity walk through the town square and run in to Chad. Felicity tells Chad that she finished baking his cupcakes. Chad says he can’t wait to see them so she goes to get them. Cat tells Chad that he just made Felicity’s day. Sarah offers to take Xander’s stuffed animal dog to the hospital to give to the kids. Xander asks about Victoria being afraid of dogs suddenly. Sarah says she’s petrified and has been more fragile and clingy lately. Xander wonders if that has to do with her dad not being around much anymore. Sarah admits it’s really not fair to Victoria, so they have to figure something out as far as their daughter is concerned. Xander agrees and asks if they would be capable of having a semi-civil conversation over dinner. Sarah thinks if they put their minds to it and asks when he’s free. Xander suggests now. Sarah says she would love to get dinner but she doesn’t want to ditch Holly. Xander says he saw Holly and Tate talking earlier so he doesn’t think she’ll mind. Sarah agrees to go set Holly free then. Chad and Cat sit on the bench nearby as Chad asks if she has any plans for the 4th. Cat says she’ll just be watching the fireworks with Felicity while Chad says that Julie took the kids to see the Salem pops so he’s just waiting for the cupcake afterparty. Chad says they have to find somewhere to go to take Felicity to dinner. Cat hopes this time that she won’t have to rush out before the meal. Chad talks about being glad Felicity is okay after her fall which Cat says she won’t want to talk about. Cat and Chad joke together.

Holly and Tate walk by the Brady Pub. Tate says he’s sorry that Sarah ditched her while Holly says they had time to talk earlier. Tate jokes about if they were talking about him. Tate asks if she’s hungry and says he’s craving some fries from the Pub. Holly agrees and they head inside.

Sophia sits in her room and looks up an article in the Spectator about a newborn being left in the safe haven at the fire station.

Xander and Sarah go to the Bistro for dinner. They talk about Victoria. Sarah shows him pictures on her phone that Maggie sent of Victoria. Xander tells her that they can’t go on like this. Sarah remarks that she can’t live with him and can’t live without him which Xander says sums it up. Sarah asks what they are going to do about it. Xander says they are living apart and both want to spend time with their daughter, they can come to an informal arrangement to each have part of the time. Xander explains that the nanny can drop her off and they would never even have to see each other. Sarah questions Victoria being alone with him half the time. Xander says the nanny would be there but he thinks he’s capable of taking care of their daughter. Sarah says her concern is what else he’s capable of. Sarah knows he would never lay a finger on their child, but notes that Victoria is going to spend 50% of her formative years with him, learning the difference between right and wrong and how to deal with anger. Xander adds in being honest and not betraying people’s trust. Sarah tells Xander that she needs him to unequivocally apologize for what he did to Philip and promise that he will never do anything like that again.

Tate and Holly sit together at the Brady Pub. Tate talks about running in to each other twice in the same day and believing in fate. Holly talks about how it did work out well. Holly says she would feel bad as she thought Sarah wanted nothing to do with Xander but she basically ran straight to him. Tate guesses it’s his lucky day.

Melinda calls Sophia and tells her that their plan is still a go, so she just wanted to check in and see how she’s doing. Sophia says she’s just getting used to the new body changes but she’s glad she got to go over it with the doctor this morning. Sophia thanks her again. Melinda says she knows what she’s going through and asks about their temporary solution. Sophia confirms it looks super real. Sophia mentions that Tate just stopped by and had no idea. Sophia adds that she kind of freaked out but made up a story about being tired of people touching her stomach which Tate bought. Sophia says she’s just going to try to avoid Tate until they can get the adoption over with. Melinda says it shouldn’t be too long as she’s ironing out a few details, but after the weekend, they should be good to go. Sophia says she can’t thank her enough and worries about if Tate and her mom found out what she did and that the baby was still in Salem. Melinda assures that they won’t, noting that the safe haven program is completely anonymous. Melinda encourages that Sophia made a smart decision and the right decision for everyone involved.

Chad tells Cat that she has to pick the restaurant. Cat says she will let Felicity weigh in. Felicity comes back and apologizes to Chad as she shows a note revealing that Chanel accidentally took his cupcakes. Chad realizes that he and Chanel have the same initials so she probably thought they were for her. Felicity says she will make him new cupcakes. Chad says he’ll just come back tomorrow as he doesn’t want her to miss the fireworks but Felicity insists and says to give her one hour. Chad tells Cat that it looks like he has an hour to kill and invites her for a drink which she accepts.

Someone remains watching from the bushes as Julie returns home and calls out to Chad’s daughter Charlotte to be careful.

Sophia tells Melinda that she keeps telling herself over and over that she did the right thing for her and Tate and for the baby as well. Melinda says it’s okay if she’s having second thoughts. Sophia assures that she’s not, but she wants to make sure that her son will be okay and feels loved. Melinda says right now he’s in foster care and in 14 days, he’ll be up for adoption. Melinda mentions that the article in the Spectator will help in connecting him to a loving family. Sophia wonders if she still has time to write him a letter for when he grows up, so he doesn’t feel so abandoned for no reason. Melinda agrees he could do that and assures that the fire station would know how to get it to him. Melinda asks if there’s anything else she can do. Sophia says no and she’s done so much already. Melinda tells her that they can leave for Chicago after the weekend and when they get back, she won’t have to worry about Tate or the adoption anymore. Sophia is still trying to figure out how to get away without Tate wanting to tag along. Melinda is sure she’ll come up with something.

Holly tells Tate that she’s excited he can come see her during lake week and asks if Sophia is okay with it. Tate admits he didn’t tell Sophia since she can’t come and he didn’t want to make her feel bad. Holly understands but says everyone in their class is coming, so she’s sure she already knows. Tate agrees that he should probably give her a heads up so she knows where they will be. Tate adds that first labors usually take forever and if anything happens, he can come back in time. Holly agrees but hopes nothing does happen and they get to spend time alone together. Tate asks about Arianna. Holly is sure she’ll find other people to hang out with as she’s never had trouble making friends which means they will get plenty of alone time.

Cat and Chad sit together in the town square having drinks. Cat questions Chad hating classical music so much that he skipped the concert. Chad says he would fall asleep while Cat says the concert would be loud and bombastic. Chad jokes about her being a band geek. Cat jokes that her brother Aaron would also fall asleep during concerts. Cat helps Chad with his bracelet while she receives a text message from a James Smith, asking to meet tomorrow. Felicity returns with Chad’s cupcakes. Chad thanks her and says he should get going. Chad wishes them a happy 4th and walks away. Chad stops and looks back at them before exiting the town square.

Xander tells Sarah that he’s not sure what he did to Philip. Sarah asks if they can please not play this game, arguing that they both know what he did so she asks him to stop insulting her by pretending he didn’t. Xander looks around for a recording device, accusing her of setting him up. Sarah says he can’t be serious and that she did not bug the table. Sarah tells Xander that she just needs to know that he has some remorse for what he did and swears not to tell anyone. Xander wishes he could believe her, but after all the lies. Sarah asks if he has any idea how insane it is to insinuate that she’s the one that can’t be trusted. Sarah complains that she’s so sick of him acting like lying is the worst thing either of them have done. Xander responds that as far as he’s concerned, it is. Xander guesses they will have to do this the hard way then. Sarah questions what that means. Sarah argues that she’s just trying to look out for the best interest of their daughter. Xander says he is too but Sarah says he’s only looking out for himself and being paranoid. Sarah decides they aren’t going to get anything done here today, so she will go home to their daughter. Xander warns her to enjoy her time with Victoria as it might be her last. Sarah asks if that’s a threat. Xander says he’s just stating a fact. Sarah then walks out of the Bistro as Melinda arrives. Melinda remarks to Xander that it looks like they were creating their own fireworks. Xander says she’s just who he needed to see as he tried to follow her advice, but it clearly didn’t work so they need to find something that will. Melinda asks what he means. Xander responds that it’s time for them to resort to those other measures they talked about.

Tate and Holly exit the Pub and stop outside to watch the fireworks as they kiss.

Sophia looks out her window and watches the fireworks as she wishes herself a happy Independence Day.

Cat reveals to Felicity that she knows Felicity used an old note from Chanel and didn’t really have to remake Chad’s cupcakes, which Felicity admits as it gave Cat and Chad time alone.

Chad goes home to Julie with the cupcakes. Julie informs him that the kids are already asleep and questions what took so long. Chad tells her there was a mixup at the Bakery. The doorbell rings so Chad goes to answer it. Julie calls it kind of late for anyone to be showing up. Chad calls out that she’s not going to believe who is here. Chad opens the door further, revealing Gwen Rizczech has returned! Gwen walks in and wishes them a Happy Independence Day, while she is wearing Alice’s stolen necklace, leaving Julie shocked.

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Days Update Friday, July 4, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Stephanie and Alex sit together at home. Stephanie says since they both have the day off, they should do something fun and suggests swimming in the lake or a barbecue. Alex suggests a picnic in the park to watch the fireworks. Stephanie says that sounds perfect and suggests getting food from the Pub, so she can check on Roman as she’s sure he is upset about Johnny’s arrest.

Kate goes to the Brady Pub where Roman greets her and asks how Philip is. Kate responds that Philip is thrilled to be out of the hospital and asks how Roman is doing. Roman claims he’s fine but Kate says they both know he’s not telling the truth because he was tossing and turning all night. Kate says she couldn’t sleep knowing that he’s upset. Kate tells Roman to be honest with as she asks if he’s still blaming himself for Johnny’s predicament.

Brady and Kristen talk about not wanting to put Rachel through this. Marlena comes in and asks where Rachel is. Brady says she’s at a 4th of July parade with her friend. Kristen explains that they are strategizing how to approach Rachel having to give her statement to the police. Brady adds that Rachel will probably also have to testify in court. Brady says they would love to get Marlena’s advice on this. Marlena advises them to keep it simple for Rachel and tell her to just tell the truth. Kristen remarks that she thinks they all know Johnny did shoot EJ.

Chanel finishes a call with Lani at home as Abe arrives and asks if it’s a bad time, feeling he should’ve called earlier. Chanel says it’s never a bad time for him and invites him in. Abe thought she might could use an ear. Chanel admits she could use a hug so Abe hugs her.

Paulina goes to the interrogation room where Belle is and comments on her not being the only one working on the 4th of July. Belle talks about it being pretty busy lately. Paulina responds that things are about to get a lot busier for Belle because she just got word from the judge that Belle has been unrecused from Johnny’s case. Belle asks how that happened. Paulina responds two words: EJ DiMera.

Johnny joins EJ in the living room of the DiMera Mansion and says he got EJ’s message that he wanted to go over the case. EJ informs him that he got some new evidence during discovery. Johnny notes that he doesn’t look too happy and asks if it’s worse than he thought. EJ admits it’s not great and tells Johnny to have a seat.

Marlena tells Kristen that Johnny said he’s innocent and she believes him. Kristen questions why Roman covered for him then and why Johnny didn’t come forward sooner. Brady figures that Johnny probably thought people wouldn’t believe him. Kristen questions why they would believe Johnny just handed the gun over to EJ when he was telling people all around town that he wanted him dead. Brady says those were just words and they know how terribly upset Johnny was when he found out what EJ did to Sami and how he was conceived. Brady declares that doesn’t make Johnny a murderer and he doesn’t think Johnny has it in him. Kristen argues that she’s sure people thought that about Will when he shot EJ and remarks that they have a lot in common until Marlena stands up and yells at Kristen to stop it.

Chanel tells Abe that she’s grateful he’s here but she hopes that Paulina didn’t send him to plead her case because she is not ready to forgive her. Abe says it’s not about that but he does feel Paulina was in a no-win situation where no matter what she did, half the town was going to disagree with her. Chanel doesn’t care about half the town and argues that Paulina threw an innocent man in jail without even questioning him. Chanel feels that Paulina did her family dirty and now Johnny could go to prison for a very long time. Abe points out that if Chanel believes he’s innocent, she should have faith that the jury will do right by him. Chanel wants to believe that but doesn’t know if she does.

Belle tells Paulina that she didn’t realize she was being put back on the case. Paulina explains that apparently the judge is insisting as he feels an assistant can handle it. She adds that he approved EJ despite being Johnny’s father. Belle points out that EJ argued that Johnny had the right to pick anyone he wants to defend him. Paulina guesses that EJ was also able to get her back on the case and get it ahead of other cases. Belle acknowledges that EJ is a pretty good lawyer. Paulina remarks that EJ doesn’t mind using the DiMera money and power to get what he wants. Belle assures that she will handle her job with integrity, regardless of Johnny being her nephew. Paulina responds that it’s not her relationship with Johnny that has her concerned. Paulina says it’s no secret that EJ has a way of corrupting people, so she hopes that Belle doesn’t fall prey to that.

EJ reveals to Johnny that Rachel overheard them arguing and saw him with the gun. Johnny had no idea and says no wonder she’s been acting so strangely towards him. EJ explains that Kristen convinced Rachel to keep quiet for the family. Johnny asks how the police know then. EJ informs him that Roman told the police everything when he handed over his gun last night. Johnny asks who told Roman. EJ calls it a long story and says Rachel’s testimony will be crucial. EJ says he’s been racking his brain trying to remember things from that night and asks if Johnny is sure that he didn’t see anyone else when he left that night. Johnny says no and brings up Gabi being there since she heard his voice and that Gabi said she saw Ava. EJ adds that they know for sure that Kristen was also there that night.

Stephanie informs Alex that EJ reached out to her about doing some PR work and she’s actually considering it. Alex asks if she’s serious, reminding her that EJ had her kidnapped and locked in a morgue. Stephanie acknowledges the horrific things EJ has done but says she didn’t turn EJ down, because it would be helping the hospital and her mom. Alex doesn’t think it’s worth working for that jackass and calls EJ a dirty son of a bitch. Stephanie says she’s not afraid of EJ and repeats that helping the hospital would also be helping her mom. Stephanie says she has a meeting with EJ next week, so she will see what his offer is and make her decision. Alex suggests Stephanie could just quit the PR business altogether and focus on her new career as a famous author.

Roman asks Kate how he could not blame himself for what Johnny is going through when he provided him with the means and motive to shoot his own father. Kate points out that Roman didn’t do it intentionally and that Johnny says he didn’t shoot his father. Roman believes Johnny is innocent but feels he didn’t do him any favors by wiping the gun clean and made it feel like he was covering for a guilty man. Kate says he was protecting his grandson while Roman worries that he only made things worse. Kate encourages that he had good intentions and goes over how Roman took his gun to the police station and told the whole story. Roman hopes Kate understands why he had to tell the police that Kate has a gun and that she said she wanted EJ dead too. Kate doesn’t love that she’s a murder suspect but understands and agrees it was the right thing to do to avoid concealing the truth. Roman adds that he told the police that he also had reason to want EJ dead. Kate states that half the town does. Roman worries that the police only have their eyes on Johnny now. Kate doesn’t want Roman to worry because they know EJ will fight for his son and make sure that Johnny goes free. Roman hopes she is right.

Belle understands Paulina’s concerns but promises not to fall prey to being corrupted by EJ or anyone else. Paulina thanks her for reassuring her and apologizes for shortchanging her when she knows it’s a very difficult situation for her. Belle says it is for her too and they are both just doing their jobs, for better or worse.

Kristen apologizes to Marlena for going on like that about her grandson and upsetting her. Marlena decides she needs some air and tells Brady to text her when Kristen is gone as she then walks out. Brady questions Kristen, who says she won’t put her head in the sand. Kristen argues that Rachel saw Johnny pointing a gun at his father and then heard a gunshot, which means her testimony will send Johnny to prison for a very long time and they will have to help her deal with that.

EJ tells Johnny that Kristen claims she was showering and drying her hair when she heard the gunshot which he calls a lame alibi as he vividly remembers Kristen threatening him earlier that night. Johnny reminds EJ that Kristen was the first person taken in to custody while EJ was still in a coma, but the bullet didn’t match her mother’s gun. EJ points out that now they know she could’ve used Roman’s. Johnny agrees that it’s definitely possible but they have no proof. EJ says not yet, but he’s sure if they pursue that angle, new information would come to light that could certainly benefit them. Johnny asks if he’s not going to do anything crazy like suddenly remember Kristen shot him. EJ responds that his memory is coming back to him in bits and pieces, so who knows what he will eventually remember about that night.

Stephanie asks Alex why she would give up her PR business when she’s spent years building it from the ground up. Alex questions if it’s her passion. Stephanie says to a certain extent yes as she likes doing it. Alex points out that she’s spent the last ten years, staying up very late at night, secretly writing a novel. Stephanie calls it a fun hobby and doesn’t know why he’s giving the hard sell when she already agreed to publish One Stormy Night. Alex admits that Titan is struggling and he thinks her book is exactly what they need to turn everything around for all of them and he also wouldn’t mind having a blockbuster franchise on their hands. Stephanie questions him wanting it for him but Alex clarifies it’s for them. Stephanie admits pursuing writing full time is tempting and that she would have a great editor and publisher as they kiss.

Roman wishes he didn’t have to bring Rachel in to all of this but Kate assures that he did the right thing because too many people knew the truth. Roman thanks Kate as her support means everything to him. Roman adds that he’s going to want to be in the court room when Johnny’s trial starts, so he asks Kate to keep an eye on the Pub more often. Kate assures that he can count on her. Roman thanks her and hugs her.

Brady tells Kristen that she is getting ahead of herself. Kristen feels that she’s planning ahead because they need to be prepared to help their daughter. Brady agrees but says if Rachel picks up that they are all freaked out, it will make things worse. Kristen cries about feeling helpless since Rachel is already traumatized and hates that she can’t do anything about it. Brady says he does too.

Johnny warns EJ that if he lies and says Kristen shot him, it could seriously backfire. EJ asks what if she seriously did and asks who else it could be. Johnny suggests maybe it’s someone they haven’t considered yet. EJ is sorry to say that he gave plenty of people reason to want him dead. Johnny still can’t believe that EJ thought he shot him all this time and still insisted on protecting him. Johnny tells EJ how much he truly appreciates his support. EJ tells him he’s got it 100%. EJ wishes that Chanel understood he only wants what’s best for him and that he would give his life for him instead of thinking he’s terrible father and person. EJ warns Johnny that Chanel is trying to turn him against him. Johnny knows Chanel is being particular hard on him lately, but says she’s just trying to protect him. Johnny encourages him to give Chanel time and she will come around.

Chanel tells Abe that even if Johnny is acquitted, she worries that EJ is going to use being his lawyer to worm his way back in to Johnny’s life and that’s the last thing they need right now. Paulina then shows up at the door. Chanel says they were just speaking of the last thing she needs and tells Paulina that she has nothing to say to her, but Paulina says she has something to say to her. Paulina comes in and says she didn’t realize Abe would be there. Abe says he just wanted to check on Chanel. Paulina asks if he put in a good word for her. Chanel responds that he tried but it didn’t do any good because she’s still mad as hell at her. Chanel complains that Paulina railroaded her husband without even giving him the benefit of the doubt. Paulina argues that she saw the evidence and there was no way that Johnny wasn’t going to be charged. Chanel argues that Johnny is innocent and asks if Paulina doesn’t believe that. Paulina says that she does but she honestly doesn’t know at this point. Chanel demands Paulina get out of her house. Paulina refuses, reminding her that she bought and paid for the house. Chanel says she and Johnny will just move then. Abe suggests they table this for now and give Chanel some space. Paulina tells Chanel that she’s trying to do right by her and Johnny and she will be praying for them both as she then exits with Abe.

EJ hopes Johnny is right that Chanel will eventually come around. Johnny points out that she already agreed that EJ representing him is a good idea. Johnny asks EJ again not to do anything crazy, feeling they can win the case on merit. EJ appreciates his optimism but worries that right now it’s his word against a stack of circumstantial evidence and people have been convicted on less. EJ states that he just needs to find a way to turn the tide but promises nothing crazy. Johnny declares that if anyone can turn it around for him, it’s EJ. Johnny tells EJ that he’s really grateful that he believes in him as they hug.

Kristen doesn’t think she could get through this without him. Brady reminds her that it’s important for them to put their differences aside and present a united front so Rachel knows they are there for her. Brady says he knows they talked about Rachel staying here for a couple more days, but suggests Rachel stay throughout the trial to keep her away from EJ. Kristen says she would normally object to being away from her daughter for that long, but she agrees with the stipulation that she can come visit any time she wants. Kristen knows that will be a problem for Marlena. Brady says he’ll be fine with it but tells her to stay clear of Marlena because he doesn’t want to make her tough time worse.

Marlena walks through the town square and runs in to Belle, who invites her to join her for coffee. Marlena worries that caffeine would get her too worked up because Kristen is at the house. Marlena tells Belle that Kristen is trying to suggest that Johnny isn’t innocent. Belle stops her and says she can’t discuss the case because she’s been unrecused from the case and she doesn’t want to hear anything that will affect how she approaches the trial. Marlena thought it would be a conflict of interest. Belle thought so too but says the judge changed his mind. Belle declares that she’s not happy about it because now she has to prosecute her nephew while going toe to toe with her boyfriend.

Alex and Stephanie go to the Brady Pub, talking about what food to get for their picnic. They then see Kate working at the counter. Alex thought she would’ve ditched the apron by this point, reminding her that she’s starting at Titan next week. Kate informs Alex that she’s actually not going to be able to take the job. Alex thought she was all on board to run Titan publishing. Kate says that was before everything with Johnny and now Roman will be consumed by Johnny’s trial, so she can’t leave Roman hanging here at the Pub. Alex asks if Roman told her not to take the job. Kate says he doesn’t know about it. Alex argues that she can’t pass on this opportunity to keep waiting tables. Kate responds that she’s doing it for her husband. Alex points out that Roman doesn’t know the opportunity she is passing up. Alex tells Kate that he and Titan need her as she knows the publishing world and is an amazing editor. Stephanie agrees with Alex and then lets it slip that the notes she gave her were so insightful. Kate is shocked as she questions if that means Stephanie is the author of One Stormy Night.

Johnny goes home to Chanel and asks her what’s wrong as she’s wiping tears from her eyes. Chanel informs him that Paulina was just there and they got in to it again. Johnny says he’s so sorry and that the last thing he wants to do is come between them. Chanel says it’s not his fault, it’s Paulina’s. Chanel asks how everything went with EJ. Johnny says it was pretty good and that EJ seems to have a good handle on the case. Chanel asks about on a personal level and tells him to be honest with her. Johnny admits that he and EJ are continuing to repair their relationship. Johnny takes it that she’s not happy about that. Chanel says he knows damn well she’s not.

Marlena questions Belle calling EJ her boyfriend. Belle asks if that’s surprising to her. Marlena guesses she just hadn’t heard her refer to him that way. Belle know she doesn’t like it but says that Marlena told her she should make that decision not based on how anyone else feels but on who she want to be with, so she did. Marlena acknowledges that she did say that but says it will be interesting since Belle is now prosecuting her boyfriend’s son and her nephew. Marlena questions how she plans to manage that. Belle responds that she plans to do her job without fear or favor. Marlena asks what if Johnny is convicted. Belle guesses then she won’t have to worry about EJ being her boyfriend anymore.

Kristen goes home to the living room and guesses EJ is working on the case. EJ tells Kristen that they need to talk. Kristen says she’s so sorry that the police found out what Rachel saw and explains that Rachel was having nightmares and talking in her sleep while at Marlena’s house, so Marlena got her to confess what she had seen then somehow she opened up to anyone who would listen. EJ doesn’t give a damn since Kristen assured him that Rachel wouldn’t testify against Johnny. EJ points out that he held up his end of the bargain with her mother and wants to know if Kristen will do the same.

Stephanie cannot believe she let it slip that she is the author. Alex says it’s okay and feels Kate probably would’ve found out at some point, if she’s up to taking the job. Stephanie tells Kate that she only agreed to let Alex publish her novel because she was confident that Kate would help make her work better. Alex agrees that she would because she’s an amazing editor. Alex reminds Kate that she would be helping Philip’s company out of the hole. Stephanie encourages Kate to do it for herself because she can tell from her notes that she’s passionate about it. Roman comes back over and asks what all this is. Kate informs him that Alex offered her a job at Titan and announces that she has decided to take it.

Paulina and Abe walk through the town square. Paulina questions how she is supposed to give her 4th of July speech while her daughter is so mad at her. Abe says that Chanel needs someone to blame for Johnny’s situation and that is unfortunately her. Paulina guesses she just has to ride it out but she’s grateful that Abe is here for them as they hug.

Chanel tells Johnny that she’s sorry if it came out harsh as she does want him to have the best possible defense which is why she understands if he needs to work with EJ, but she’s worried that he will forget about all the bad stuff EJ has done. Johnny assures he won’t forget and asks how he could. Johnny tells Chanel that he’s fighting for their life right now and he needs his dad’s help, so he needs her to be okay with that. Chanel guesses she will have to be, but asks him to promise to keep his guard up around EJ. Johnny promises to do so as he hugs her.

Marlena goes home and apologizes to Brady for walking out, saying she just doesn’t have the reserve to deal with Kristen right now. Brady understands and is sorry that she upset her. Brady invites Marlena to join them for fireworks tonight, noting that Tate and Rachel would love to see her but he’d understand if she’s not up for it. Marlena agrees that it sounds really nice and they could all use some cheering up right now.

Kristen tells EJ that the last thing she wants is for Rachel to testify in court, but she can’t keep that promise now that the police know. EJ instructs Kristen to coach Rachel to change the facts of her story. Kristen questions him wanting her to have Rachel lie under oath. EJ suggests putting Rachel’s active imagination to use, warning that it would be better for everyone. Kristen asks if that’s a threat. EJ calls it a strong recommendation. Kristen swears that if he hurts Rachel or her mother, he will live to regret it. EJ says that definitely is a threat. EJ then warns Kristen that if his son goes to prison, that might just have devastating consequences for her and the people she loves.

Belle returns to the interrogation room and finds an envelope with her name on it. She opens it and finds the memory card, causing her to flash back to EJ telling her about the memory card from the camera planted in the DiMera Mansion and that he didn’t know what happened to it.

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Days Update Thursday, July 3, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Sarah is at the Brady Pub when Brady arrives with Rachel, who excitedly rushes up to hug Sarah and wish her a happy 4th of July. Sarah says she’s glad Rachel is feeling better and calls Rachel her favorite patient which surprises Rachel because she says that Kristen called her an acquired taste. Sarah encourages that everyone will realize how special Rachel is. Rachel then asks where Xander is and if they are going to watch the fireworks together. Sarah responds that Xander is busy and has his hands full.

Xander goes to the Kiriakis Mansion with a stuffed animal dog for Victoria which Maggie says is a problem because Victoria is afraid of dogs. Xander argues that it would be easier to keep track of these things if they still lived under the same roof. Maggie remarks that it’s not her fault that they aren’t. Xander says it’s Sarah’s fault and asks where Victoria is because he’s dying to see her. Maggie responds that she’s sorry but she can’t let him do that.

Holly walks through the town square and gets a text from Tate, asking if she wants to meet for coffee. Holly accepts and then Tate appears, suggesting right here and right now.

Leo sings to Sophia’s baby, trying to get him to stop crying and complains that he has to sleep sometime. As the baby falls asleep, Javi comes home. Leo tells Javi that he just got him down. Javi shows Leo the diapers and baby items he bought. Leo comments that it looks like he bought out the whole store and questions how long the baby is staying with them again.

Sophia has a nightmare about the moments just after she gave birth and then wakes up in a panic.

Javi assures Leo that the baby is only staying until social services finds them a home. Leo wonders when he will get to sleep again. Javi promises he will tonight. Leo admits he kind of liked being up early, comforting the baby. Leo can’t believe the baby was abandoned and wonders what happened to the mother. Javi says the point of the drop off is to give them a safe place. Leo talks about how it must have been a tough decision and the mother must have felt so scared and alone.

Sophia talks to her mom on the phone and says she’s fine and just tired. Sophia says she just needs some more sleep and claims that her baby is still kicking a lot. Sophia says she will see her when she gets home and hangs up. Sophia then gets a call and says she doesn’t know what to do next. Sophia says to tell her where to meet and she’ll be there.

Tate tells Holly that he’s really glad they got to talk last night. Holly wishes she didn’t wait so long to tell him how she feels. Tate blames himself and says he knows they can’t pretend things didn’t happen but asks if she thinks they can start over and get back together.

Rachel asks Brady if she can help Roman make their breakfast today. Brady approves so Rachel goes to ask Roman. Sarah comments on Rachel seeming like she’s feeling better. Brady says for the most part, so Sarah questions if something is going on with Rachel. Sarah says if Rachel is in trouble, she wants to help as she adores her. Brady agrees to tell her if she promises that it goes no further than between the two of them.

Xander questions Maggie turning him away again. Maggie informs him that Victoria is napping and she has no intention of waking her up. Xander says he will wait here until she wakes up then. Maggie says fine and goes to leave but Xander stops her and says they need to get a few things straight.

Brady informs Sarah that Rachel saw Johnny threaten EJ with a gun and was pretty traumatized by the whole thing. Sarah says no wonder she’s been feeling so sick. Brady wonders what else Rachel witnessed in that house of horrors. Sarah calls it so sad as kids need a sense of safety, peace, and stability. Brady guesses they aren’t just talking about Rachel anymore.

Maggie tells Xander that they have nothing to say to each other. Xander says he can think of a few things, starting with the hospital board vote. Maggie says she doesn’t have time for this. Xander remarks that he would’ve thought she would be loyal to Victor’s company but instead, she turned her back on him and his legacy. Xander tells Maggie to just admit that even if it meant handing the hospital to EJ, she just couldn’t bring herself to vote because that’s how much she hates him now.

Holly tells Tate that a lot has changed since they broke up and she’s probably going to be in France in two months. Holly says she’s heard a lot of negative things about long distance relationships and asks if he seriously thinks they can make it work starting from scratch. Tate says he’s willing to try and that she’s so worth it. Tate decides maybe they are getting ahead of themselves and suggests taking it one step at a time. Tate starts by asking Holly on a date. She says she’d love that and they hold hands. Sophia enters the town square and sees them, then quickly rushes back out.

Leo asks Javi if social services won’t have a problem with Rafe being the foster parent on record but them doing the heavy lifting since Rafe goes back and forth to Chicago. Javi says they seemed fine with it and asks if Leo has a problem with it, since he didn’t sign up for an infant when he moved in with him. Leo calls the baby a bit of a surprise but says he’s actually pretty good with babies. Leo tells Javi about how he delivered Nicole’s baby and his experience with newborns. Javi assures that this is temporary but he feels responsible since he found the baby and just wants to give him a good start in life. Leo then remarks that he wonders if this is a good start.

Sophia meets Melinda Trask in the park. Sophia thanks her and says this means a lot to her as she cries that she had no one else to turn to. Melinda hugs her and says she’s got her. Melinda cannot believe Sophia went through that ordeal all by herself and asks if she’s okay physically. Sophia says she thinks so. Melinda is thankful that she and the baby are both okay. Melinda reminds Sophia that anything she tells her is confidential so she can’t tell her mother, Tate, or anybody. Melinda adds that she can’t help her unless she tells her everything, so she tells Sophia to start at the beginning.

Javi tells Leo that he thinks they can give the baby a great start in life. Leo says maybe Javi and Rafe can. Javi acknowledges Leo’s checkered past. Leo argues that Javi comes from a big, vibrant, loyal family while he didn’t have any of that growing up so he doesn’t want to pass on his unresolved childhood trauma onto the baby. Javi assures that he won’t do that and compliments seeing him with the baby last night and this morning. Leo admits that he has a soft spot for babies. Leo figures they won’t have enough time to pass anything onto the baby anyways, assuming the baby will only be with them for a couple weeks at most. Javi says probably. Leo asks what he means by that.

Brady guesses Sarah is worried about Victoria. Sarah responds that she’s second guessing every decision she’s made since Victoria was born. Sarah brings up the reason she tried to pass Victoria off as Rex’s baby at first and worries about what kind of life she will lead with Xander as her father. Brady says he’s no great fan of Xander but he would never hurt Victoria as he loves her more than anything in the world. Sarah says that’s what terrifies her, because Xander can’t seem to keep his anger in control so it’s usually the people he loves most that end up getting hurt.

Maggie tells Xander that she doesn’t hate him, she hates his actions. Maggie acknowledges that he is Victoria’s father and Victor’s son. Maggie says because she loved Victor so much, she would never fully give up on Xander. Maggie warns Xander to never question her loyalty to Victor and says the future of Titan was exactly what was on her mind last week as she reveals that she voted for Xander, calling him a jackass in the process.

Holly asks what Tate had in mind for their first date. Tate suggests dinner and a movie which Holly says sounds perfect. Tate suggests tomorrow but Holly says she can’t tomorrow or the next few days because it’s senior lake week. Holly invites Tate to come, noting that she’s going with Arianna but he could join them. Tate responds that he doesn’t think that’s a good idea.

Leo asks if Javi thinks it will take more than a few weeks to find a foster family. Javi says he agreed to more than a few weeks if it takes that long. Leo understands they are all just trying to do right by the baby. Javi hopes that someone is doing right by the baby’s mother too.

Sophia explains to Melinda that she went in to labor last night and she didn’t have time to call for help because it was all happening so fast, so she gave birth alone in her room. Melinda questions how. Sophia responds that she watched a YouTube video that showed her how to tie the umbilical cord and everything. Melinda doesn’t know whether to be impressed or terrified, but says she is relieved that nothing happened to her or the baby. Sophia cries that she keeps imagining someone picking up the baby at the fire station. Melinda asks if she’s sure this is what she wants, reminding her that the law says she can change her mind. Sophia assures that she did the right thing, believing that if Tate saw his son, he would’ve changed his mind and wanted to keep him. Sophia adds that her mom never would’ve let her give him up for adoption, so she did the right thing. Melinda says they have to get her to a doctor after she just gave birth but Sophia says no.

Xander questions Maggie voting for him to run the hospital. Maggie explains that a great deal of her work is tied to his company and it’s her granddaughter’s birth right, so she wasn’t going to leave it in shambles. Xander appreciates her being loyal and apologizes for misjudging her. Maggie says that doesn’t change things between them because he’s the same man that beat his brother within an inch of his life. Xander says that’s not the story Philip is telling. Maggie argues that the only silver lining of Philip covering for him is that they’ll both be around to fix the damage done to Titan. Xander says they’ve already agreed to work together. Maggie says that’s good and suggests he and Sarah do the same because they can’t be at each other’s throat all the time when Victoria needs a stable home life. Xander says that’s what he intends to give her, once he’s been granted full custody. Maggie knew he was ruthless and cruel but calls him delusional because no judge on Earth would give him full custody. Xander asks if she’s sure about that. Maggie brings up his rap sheet. Xander brings up Sarah lying to him about Victoria’s paternity. Maggie says she was trying to protect her. Xander adds that Sarah lied about Philip’s fraud too. Xander argues that Sarah likes to paint herself as the patron saint of Salem but she has no problem lying, cheating, and stealing to get what she wants. Maggie calls that rich coming from him. Xander responds that he’s many things, but he’s not a hypocrite as he knows who he is. Xander warns that if Sarah wants a war, he will give her one.

Brady tells Sarah that Philip went on record and said Xander was not the one who attacked him. Sarah questions if he really believes that. Brady thinks the more important question is if Sarah believes him. Brady knows it’s messy and talks about he and Kristen having some of the ugliest battles in history but they found a path to move forward and be a team for Rachel’s sake. Sarah doesn’t know if she and Xander will ever reach that level of civil. Brady warns that it won’t be them who pays the price for that.

Holly tells Tate that she feels bad as she realizes Tate can’t leave town that close to Sophia’s due date. Tate says he would feel bad ditching her while she waits around to give birth. Holly apologizes for being insensitive. Tate says it’s okay and he knows Sophia doesn’t want him in the delivery room but he feels like he should be at the hospital when the baby is born, especially if they match with adoptive parents by then as it could be his only chance to meet and hold the baby.

Sophia argues that she can’t go to the hospital because Tate and her mom will find out she already had the baby and that’s going to be a disaster. Melinda says they will go to a clinic outside of town, no arguments because she needs to get checked out. Sophia asks what she’s going to tell Tate and her mom about the baby. Melinda tells her to leave that to her as she has a plan.

Sarah doesn’t know if it’s possible for her and Xander to be civil even for Victoria’s sake as they can’t stand to be in the same room as each other and are worlds apart when it comes to their moral code. Brady says he and Kristen are the same way and their love for Rachel is all they have in common and that’s enough. Brady says if he could do it over again, he’d work on an arrangement for the both of them sooner and always put Rachel first.

Maggie questions Xander thinking all out war is what’s best for Victoria. Xander argues that it was Sarah who made it that way. Maggie suggests coming up with a compromise but Xander isn’t sure that’s possible. Maggie says they better make it possible for Victoria’s sake.

Melinda tells Sophia that she will take her to a clinic that’s an hour away. Sophia worries that her mom will still know because she is on her insurance and she will ask questions. Melinda says they won’t go through her insurance then and she will cover whatever the cost is. Sophia thanks her but questions why she is helping her. Melinda responds that she was her as they walk away together.

Leo tells Javi that this is the quietest it’s been all night. Leo admits he’s exhausted but the good kind because he likes being around babies. Javi says he does too. Leo tells Javi that he’s so proud of what he does and how he rescued the baby. Javi says he deserves a new life. Leo agrees that he will be off to a great start with all the love in the house.

Rachel rejoins Brady and Sarah’s table and then goes to ask Roman for more syrup. Sarah thanks Brady for letting her open up to him and being caring and wise as it’s nice to hear from somebody who has been in her shoes. Brady says that’s what friends are for. Rachel then returns with more syrup for her pancakes. Rachel tells them about playing Starving Shark on Roman’s phone. Sarah tells her that when she was her age, her favorite game was Ms. Pac-Man and explains how you had to go to the arcade to play. Rachel says that sounds awful but Brady says it was a cool way to make friends. Sarah says that one year, Xander bought an arcade machine for their game room. Rachel wants to see it sometime. Sarah tells her that she and Brady can visit her at the hospital any time, even if she’s not sick because she’s her friend.

Maggie tells Xander that when Sarah found out, he had switched babies, she thought that was the end of them but somehow they found their way back to each other because Sarah loves him more than she’s ever loved anyone else and she knows he loves her. Maggie declares that if the love they share is truly real, then he couldn’t possibly take Sarah’s daughter away from her. Victoria then wakes up crying, so Maggie says it sounds like Victoria is ready to see her dad. Xander thanks her and exits the room.

Leo and Javi watch over the baby. Leo says they can’t keep calling him “kid” while Javi points out that it’s not like he came with a birth certificate. Javi suggests calling him Tesoro which means treasure in Spanish since that’s what he is. Leo agrees that it’s perfect.

Holly tells Tate that she hates he has to miss out on all these huge moments with their class, especially since it’s their last summer before college. Tate brings up that all the books he’s read says first labors take hours and the lake is only an hour away. Tate adds that Sophia has his number if she needs him. Holly asks if that means he will come with them. Tate says not for a week but maybe for a day at least. Tate then remarks that he’s sure Sophia will be fine until he gets back in to town…

Sarah walks through the town square and runs in to Xander. Xander explains that he was bringing the toy dog to Victoria but he apparently missed the memo that she’s terrified of dogs. Xander adds that outside of that, he had a lovely visit. Sarah says she’s glad and she doesn’t think her fear of dogs will last. Xander guesses he should go shop for a teddy bear or something instead. Xander declares that it’s anything for his daughter as she’s all that matters which Sarah agrees with.

Holly goes home to the Kiriakis Mansion where Maggie notes her good mood and guesses it has something to do with Tate. Holly confirms that she and Tate decided to get back together. Maggie says she’s happy for her but wants her to be prepared. Maggie brings up Tate and Sophia having a baby soon and giving it up which she’s sure will be an emotional experience for them. Holly says that’s what they want to do and they both agreed it’s what is best for them and the baby. Maggie feels they will also experience sadness and may need to lean on each other. Holly questions what she is getting at. Maggie wants her to understand that having a baby together bonds two people in a way that she’s not sure will ever be completely broken.

Javi thanks Leo for being on board with fostering Tesoro. Leo states that Tesoro is important to Javi, so he’s important to him. Tesoro wakes up crying so Leo guesses he needs a diaper change. Javi admits he hasn’t spent much time with kids as Leo takes Tesoro to change him. Javi then looks on his phone at a photo of himself holding the baby.

Brady and Rachel go home where Tate asks if they are going to crash out before the 4th of July parade. Brady suggests Rachel get some rest. Rachel agrees to a short nap and says they better wake her up in time for the parade. Brady tells Tate that the big day is approaching and asks how he is feeling. Tate admits it doesn’t really feel real yet and that he is scared, sort of sad, and also excited so he’s all over the place. Brady tells him to imagine how Sophia feels. Tate says that’s why he feels so guilty because he and Holly are getting back together, but he’s worried about how Sophia will take the news.

Sophia goes home and looks in the mirror, telling herself that she can do this as she reveals a fake baby bump to pretend to still be pregnant.

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Days Short Recap Friday, July 4, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kate told Roman that Philip was discharged from the hospital, but she was concerned about how he was doing. She thought Philip blamed himself for what happened to Johnny. Roman said he was why Johnny knew what EJ did to Sami which gave him a motive to shoot EJ. Kate said Johnny was innocent. Roman said he didn’t do Johnny any favors by covering for him. They talked about what happened the night EJ was shot and how a lot of people wanted EJ dead. Roman thought EJ would fight for Johnny. He told Kate that he wished Rachel didn’t have to be involved. Kate said a lot of people knew the truth about her too. Roman thanked her for her support and asked if she could watch the pub since he had to go to court. Kate said she would do it. Marlena walked in on Brady and Kristen talking about Rachel testifying in court. Brady asked Marlena how to get Rachel ready to testify. Marlena told him that Rachel needed to tell the truth. Kristen said they all knew that Johnny shot EJ. Marlena said that Johnny was innocent. Kristen pointed out the things that made Johnny guilty. Marlena wanted her to stop pointing out how Johnny shot EJ. Kristen apologized for her behavior. Marlena wanted to get air and told Brady to text her when Kristen was gone. When Marlena left, Brady and Kristen argued over Johnny being innocent or guilty. Brady said Rachel needed to know that they were both there for her. He said he wanted Rachel to stay with him until the trial was over to keep her from EJ. Kristen agreed to it, but she wanted visitation. Brady wanted her to stay away from Marlena. At the police station, Paulina told that she got news from the judge that she was put back on Johnny’s case because of EJ. Belle was shocked that the judge didn’t care that she was Johnny’s aunt. Paulina said the judge was letting EJ defend Johnny. She told Belle that EJ had the case bumped up over other cases. Belle said she would handle the case with integrity. Paulina said she wasn’t concerned about Belle’s relationship with Johnny. She was worried about Belle being corrupted by EJ. Later on, Marlena ran into Belle. Marlena told Belle about Kristen and how she accused Johnny of shooting EJ. Belle said she couldn’t talk about it because she was on Johnny’s case. She said she had to prosecute her nephew and go against her boyfriend. Marlena wondered when Belle considered EJ her boyfriend. Belle said she knew she didn’t like it, but she took her advice and decided to be with EJ. Marlena said the case was going to be complicated and wondered how she would handle it. Belle said she would do her job. Marlena asked what would happen if Johnny got convicted. Belle said EJ wouldn’t be her boyfriend anymore.

Abe went to see Chanel. She told Abe that she wasn’t ready to forgive her mother. Abe said Paulina was in an impossible situation. Chanel didn’t care since her mother sent an innocent man to jail and he could possibly go to prison. Abe said she should have faith in the jury to do the right thing. Chanel said he didn’t think that would happen. She said she was afraid EJ was going to use this situation to get back in Johnny’s life. Paulina showed up to see Chanel, but she didn’t want to see her. Paulina said she had something to tell her. Chanel yelled at Paulina for what she did to Johnny and asked if she thought he was guilty. Paulina said she didn’t know what to believe. A furious Chanel wanted Paulina to leave, but she reminded Chanel that she paid for the place. Abe suggested that they leave Chanel alone. Johnny went to the DiMera mansion to talk about the case. EJ said he didn’t have good news. He told Johnny that Rachel saw him pointing a gun at him. Johnny said he felt terrible for Rachel. EJ said the police hadn’t questioned Rachel yet, but her testimony was important. He said he didn’t remember what happened. They talked about everyone who was at the mansion the night EJ was shot. EJ said Kristen’s excuse of being the shower was lame and that she could have taken Roman’s gun and shot him. He said new information could come out that could help. Johnny said he hoped he wasn’t doing something crazy like remembering Kristen shooting him. EJ said his memory was coming back in pieces so he didn’t know what he would remember. Johnny said if EJ lied about what happened it could backfire. EJ said he gave a lot of people reasons to shoot him. Johnny couldn’t believe EJ wanted to protect him when he thought he shot him. EJ said he wished Chanel understood that he wanted what was best for him. Johnny suggested him give Chanel time to come around. While they were talking, EJ said the case was stacked against him so he had to find a way to change it. Johnny didn’t want him to do anything crazy and thanked him for his help. After Johnny left, Kristen showed up and apologized for Rachel talking. She said Rachel had a nightmare while she was staying with Marlena. EJ said he didn’t care how it came out. He said he held up his end of the bargain about her mother and wondered if she was going to do the same. When Johnny went home, Chanel told him that she got into a fight with her mother. Johnny said he didn’t want to come between them. Chanel said it was her mother’s fault. She asked how things went with EJ. Johnny said EJ had a handle on the case. Chanel asked how things were personally. Johnny said they were repairing their relationship, but Chanel was upset about it. Chanel said she was concerned that he would forget about what EJ has done. Johnny said he wouldn’t forget, but his father was fighting for his life. He said he needed his father’s help. Kristen told EJ that she didn’t want Rachel to testify. EJ told her to coach Rachel to adjust the facts of the story and put her imagination to good use. Kristen warned him that he would regret it if he hurt Rachel or her mother. EJ reminded her that she threatened him. He said if Johnny goes to prison there would be consequences for her and the people she loves. At the police station, Belle was shocked to find an envelope on her desk. When she opened it, it was a SD card. She flashed back to EJ telling her that he remembered someone planting a video in the room on the night he was shot.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, July 3, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Brady and Sarah talked at the pub. She wanted to know what was going on with him and Rachel. He wanted her to promise not to repeat what he was about to tell her. Brady told her that Rachel saw Johnny threaten EJ. Sarah felt like kids need to feel secure and safe. Brady knew she wasn’t just talking about Rachel. Sarah second guessed the decisions she made when it concerned Victoria. Brady assured her that Xander wouldn’t hurt his daughter. She felt like the people he loved the most usually get hurt. Brady advised her to put her animosity for Xander aside the same way he did with Kristen. Sarah wasn’t sure she could do that. Brady warned her not to make the same mistakes he made. Xander snuck in the Kiriakis mansion to give Victoria a stuffed dog. Maggie caught him in the mansion. She told him that Victoria was deathly afraid of dogs. He wanted to see Victoria, but Maggie wouldn’t let him see her because she was asleep. Xander wanted to wait. She was about to leave, but he wanted to get some things straight. He called her out for turning her back on Titan and Victor’s legacy with the vote at the hospital. She said she hated what he did and not him. Maggie loved Victor too much to truly give up on him. She didn’t want him to question her loyalty to Victor. Xander didn’t know what that meant. Maggie told him that she voted for him. He apologized for what he said to her. She said that nothing changed between them because he beat Philip up. Xander denied attacking him. Maggie felt like Victoria needed a stable life. Xander felt like Victoria would have stability when he got full custody. Maggie laughed at him and said no judge would do that. Xander reminded her about the lies that Sarah told. Maggie warned him to come up with a compromise with Sarah. She told him that if Xander loved Sarah, he wouldn’t take Victoria from her mother. Sophia dreamed about her baby. She talked to her mother on the phone and assured that she was fine. After she got off the phone with her mother, she called Melinda.

Tate found Holly at the town square. He asked her out on a date. They talked about getting back together. She let him know that she was probably going to Paris in a few months. He wanted to try and suggested they take it one day at a time. They held hands, and Sophia saw them. They planned their date, but Holly told him that she was going to be gone a few nights with Ari on Senior Lake Week. She didn’t want him to go with her this close to Sophia’s delivery. He didn’t want to miss the moment of seeing his child being born. Tate realized that first births take long so he could go with Holly since he would have his phone with him. Sophia met with Melinda at the park Melinda assured her that what told her would be confidential. Melinda told her that she needed to know everything if she was going to help her. Sophia admitted that she gave birth while watching YouTube. Melinda wanted to know if she was sure she wanted to leave the baby at the firehouse. Sophia started crying and told her that she was sure she wanted to leave the baby at the fire station. Melinda wanted to take her to the doctor to get checked out. Sophia didn’t like the idea of Tate and her mother finding out what happened. Melinda wanted to take her to a clinic out of town. She had a plan for what would happen next. Sophia wondered why she was helping her. Melinda told her that she was in her position. Sarah and Xander ran into each other at the town square. She noticed the stuffed dog he had, and he told her about the visit he had with Victoria. They realized that it would be better to think about Victoria’s happiness. Sophia was alone in her room and lifted her shirt. She revealed a pregnancy pad under her shirt.

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