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Albanese Minutes From $2,500 Fundraiser When Helen Haines News Broke

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled their appearances at a high-priced Labor fundraiser in Sydney on Monday night after independent MP Helen Haines was allegedly attacked outside her electorate office.

Police arrested 43-year-old Brendan Nugent at the Wangaratta scene on Monday afternoon after he allegedly struck 65-year-old Haines twice with his car. The MP was left fighting for her life and reportedly lost a leg in the incident.

Haines was in a critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery in Melbourne overnight. No charges had been filed as counterterrorism authorities continued examining the circumstances of the attack.

Albanese was working from the government’s Bligh Street offices in Sydney ahead of the $2,500-a-head dinner, which was to be hosted by the Prime Minister and senior ministers at the Wentworth Sofitel.

The Labor ministry had been scheduled to meet corporate executives, lobbyists and business leaders at the function, organised by the Labor Business Forum, the ALP’s business networking and fundraising arm.

Businesses pay between $33,000 and $121,000 a year to join the forum, before paying thousands more for exclusive access to senior government figures at private dinners and events. A VIP table for eight guests cost up to $18,000.

The fundraiser was scheduled to begin at 6pm, with MPs expected to arrive between 5pm and 6pm.

Daily Mail understands Albanese and Burke were informed of the incident within half an hour of it occurring.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) arriving the Labor fundraiser on Monday night

Foreign Minister Penny Wong arrives at the Labor fundraiser on Monday night

Julian Hill (left) and Tanya Plibersek (right) riding the escalator into the Wentworth Sofitel

Julian Hill, left, and Tanya Plibersek ride the escalator into the Wentworth Sofitel

Sports and Communications Minister Anika Wells (pictured) was in attendance at the event

Sports and Communications Minister Anika Wells was among those attending the event

Instead of joining the dinner, both ministers stayed in their offices as more information emerged about Haines’ condition and the events surrounding the alleged attack.

Following briefings from the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and ASIO, officials decided that neither Albanese nor Burke would attend the fundraiser.

The Joint Counter Terrorism Team was activated soon afterwards. The alleged offender was understood to have been known to authorities previously.

The incident appeared to affect Albanese deeply. He looked visibly shaken during a 7pm press conference and later spoke about the matter in an interview with the ABC.

Although Albanese and Burke stayed away, several senior ministers proceeded with the fundraiser.

Those attending included Attorney-General Michelle Rowland, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, Sports and Communications Minister Anika Wells, Skills and Training Minister Tim Ayres, Aged Care Minister Sam Rae and Cabinet Secretary Andrew Charlton.

Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino, Assistant Defence Minister Peter Khalil, Environment Minister Murray Watt, Resources Minister Madeleine King and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh were also present.

Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh, Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Matt Thistlethwaite and Assistant Minister for Immigration Julian Hill also attended the dinner.

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles (pictured) arriving to the dinner

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles arrives at the dinner

Environment Minister Murray Watt (pictured) arriving to the Labor Business Network event

Environment Minister Murray Watt (pictured) arriving to the Labor Business Network event 

Albanese (right) and Burke (left) both looked visibly shaken when speaking to media

Albanese (right) and Burke (left) both looked visibly shaken when speaking to media 

Daily Mail understands that many ministers only became aware of the extent of the incident involving Haines after arriving at the venue.

Influential Labor powerbroker and lobbyist Eamonn Fitzpatrick was among those spotted at the event. 

Other attendees included a mix of industry lobbyists, business leaders and corporate representatives. 

Several ministers were seen leaving the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices and crossing the road to the Wentworth shortly before the function began.

Attendees described the mood inside the room as sombre, with many distressed by the news as it started to become public. 

Organisers ultimately cut the evening short, scrapping planned speeches and cancelling a scheduled raffle.

Labor’s fundraiser was planned well in advance, with guests expected to have confirmed their attendance weeks earlier, some as far back as mid-September. 

The Federal Labor Business Forum generated at least $7million for Labor in the last financial year, and has been the party’s largest fundraising tool outside of the Trade Union movement. 

Report Alleges DNA Evidence in Ilhan Omar Marriage Fraud Claim

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A search of Ilhan Omar’s Washington, D.C., home reportedly uncovered DNA evidence and her personal passport as part of a federal investigation into alleged immigration fraud.

Federal authorities also seized Omar’s phone during the raid and have issued more than a dozen grand jury subpoenas, including subpoenas involving some of her relatives.

Now, it’s been revealed that federal agents went further, obtaining the DNA evidence and her passport, Fox News reported. 

Investigators have rejected reports that agents searched through Omar’s trash, although it remains unclear how they obtained the DNA evidence.

A source told The New York Post that the DNA could provide the missing link in allegations that Omar married her brother to help him obtain a green card.

Several sources have claimed that the evidence gives prosecutors grounds to pursue possible federal immigration-fraud charges against Omar.

Omar, 44, has not been charged with a crime. She strongly denies any wrongdoing and maintains that she is the target of a politically motivated witch hunt.

The Daily Mail has contacted a spokesperson for Congresswoman Omar and her attorneys for comment.

The DHS raid of Ilhan Omar's (pictured) Washington home produced DNA evidence in addition to her personal passport as part of their immigration fraud investigation against the 'Squad' member

A raid by the Department of Homeland Security at Ilhan Omar’s Washington home reportedly uncovered DNA evidence, along with her personal passport, during an immigration-fraud investigation involving the “Squad” member.

Agents have denied reports of 'dumpster diving' through Omar's trash as part of the probe but it is unclear how her DNA was obtained

Agents have denied reports that they searched through Omar’s trash, but the source of the DNA evidence remains unclear.

Border Czar Tom Homan has warned that Omar could lose her U.S. citizenship and face deportation if federal investigators find evidence of immigration fraud.

In an interview with Fox News, Homan said investigators had built what he described as a “strong case” against the Somali-born lawmaker.

When asked whether the probe could lead to Omar’s denaturalization and deportation, Homan said that outcome was possible.

“Of course,” he replied, explaining that federal law provides a process for revoking citizenship if someone lied during the naturalization process.

“We’ve done it before, and it is a long, tedious process, but it’s been done before,” Homan said.

“I’ve been involved with those investigations before, and certainly if the evidence points that way, yes, it could happen.”

Homan issued the warning as former President Barack Obama mounted an extraordinary defense of the Somali-born lawmaker, accusing Donald Trump’s administration of using the federal government against one of its strongest political opponents.

The intensifying dispute follows a dramatic FBI search of Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence last Monday. Agents seized her cellphone during the operation as part of an investigation into allegations concerning her family’s immigration documents.

Homeland Security officers stand next to their unmarked vehicles during a search of the Washington residence of Omar

Homeland Security officers stand beside unmarked vehicles during a search of Omar’s Washington residence.

White House border czar Tom Homan warned that Ilhan Omar could face denaturalization and deportation if investigators uncover immigration fraud, claiming the feds have a 'strong case'.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan warned that Ilhan Omar could face denaturalization and deportation if investigators uncover immigration fraud, saying federal authorities have a “strong case.”

Homan indicated that investigators were becoming increasingly confident in the evidence gathered during the probe.

‘I’ve been told we have a strong case,’ he told Fox News on Saturday. ‘We’ll let the evidence see where it leads. She’ll be held to the same standard you and I are held. If she violated law then she’d be held accountable.’

The border czar also suggested that immigration fraud investigations were intended to send a wider warning about the consequences of breaking American immigration laws.

‘Deterrence is a part of what this administration is doing,’ he said, pointing to efforts to review refugee cases and pursue denaturalization proceedings.

But when pressed on whether federal authorities were investigating Omar for other possible offenses beyond immigration fraud, Homan refused to elaborate.

‘I won’t go there,’ he replied.

The border czar’s remarks represent another escalation in a politically charged investigation that has already triggered outrage among Democrats and prompted a rare intervention from Obama.

The former president took to X on Sunday to condemn the investigation, accusing Trump of attempting to intimidate an elected official for exercising her right to criticize the White House.

Trump has long had a bitter feud with Omar, one of his fiercest critics in Congress, repeatedly attacking the Somali-born Democrat over her political views and immigration background

Barack Obama spoke out against Trump following the raid calling the investigation appalling in lengthy rant to X

Barack Obama spoke out against Trump following the raid calling the investigation appalling in lengthy rant to X

‘It is a basic principle of American democracy that the government can’t selectively target individuals simply because of their political beliefs or what they say,’ Obama wrote.

‘But that’s exactly what the Trump Administration is doing to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.’

Obama argued that the investigation appeared to hinge on a disputed question about Omar’s age when her father became a naturalized American citizen.

According to the former president, Omar arrived in the United States aged 12 and automatically acquired citizenship five years later when her father was naturalized.

He claimed investigators were pursuing a theory that she had actually been 18 at the time, potentially undermining her citizenship status.

‘Think about that. The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president,’ Obama wrote.

‘The fact that any president, or any administration, is willing to engage in such transparent efforts to intimidate someone should outrage all Americans, regardless of how they feel about Congresswoman Omar’s political views.’

The investigation has revived longstanding allegations circulated by conservative critics that Omar married her brother to facilitate his immigration to the United States.

The congresswoman has repeatedly rejected those claims as ‘absurd and offensive.’

Her legal team has now demanded the immediate return of property seized during the search, accusing the Justice Department of conducting an unlawful and politically motivated investigation.

Omar’s attorneys insisted there was ‘no legitimate basis for any suggestion that she has violated any law concerning her citizenship status.’

They also accused federal authorities of disregarding longstanding Justice Department practices intended to prevent investigative actions from influencing elections.

‘This vindictive, retributive, and politically motivated criminal investigation into one of the President’s chief congressional critics violates Representative Omar’s constitutional rights and threatens the separation of powers,’ they wrote.

Justice Department spokesperson Emily Covington rejected the accusations, describing the lawyers’ letter as ‘riddled with false allegations and inaccuracies.’

‘Our attorneys and law enforcement partners complied with all court orders and legal obligations, as they always do,’ she said.

Trump previously denied having any involvement in the investigation, telling reporters following the search: ‘I think she’s a terrible person, but that’s really up to the DOJ.’

Florida Substitute Teacher Accused of Kicking Special-Needs Student

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A Florida substitute teacher allegedly kicked a student with disabilities in the leg and later told a witness he had done it to “even the score,” authorities said.

Bryan Schewitz, 60, was arrested Friday following the reported incident at Matanzas High School in Flagler County, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

When a witness asked about a large mark on the student’s leg, Schewitz allegedly replied, “He kicked me and I kicked him. So now we’re square,” investigators said.

Schewitz, a Flagler Beach resident, was charged with child abuse without great bodily harm.

Investigators said the incident began Friday as the student, whose disability has not been identified, experienced behavioral difficulties in class.

A witness told authorities that Schewitz used excessive force while trying to place the student in a chair. The substitute then allegedly directed the child to put his hands on a table and warned, “The gloves are off.”

The witness said Schewitz’s handling of the student made her feel uncomfortable.

Another witness reported seeing Schewitz kick the child and later noticed a large mark on the student’s leg.

The student’s mother later told deputies that skin had been torn from her child’s leg. She also provided photographs of the injury, according to WKMG, which cited the arrest report.

School officials questioned the student, who confirmed that Schewitz had kicked him, authorities said.

Schewitz offered deputies a different version of events, maintaining that any contact had been accidental.

He said the student had arrived late, refused to take a seat and began kicking in his direction before striking Schewitz’s leg.

Schewitz told investigators that he extended his own foot and unintentionally kicked the student.

He also claimed the student had been walking around the classroom and trying to poke other students with a pencil. Schewitz said he guided the child by the shoulder toward an empty chair.

The substitute acknowledged placing the student’s hands on a table and issuing a stern warning that “the gloves were coming off,” investigators said.

Asked about the alleged comment that he and the student were now square, Schewitz first denied making it. He later said he was unsure whether he had used those words.

Despite that uncertainty, Schewitz continued to insist that the kick had been accidental, authorities said.

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly criticized the alleged conduct, saying adults responsible for children — especially students with disabilities — are expected to remain calm and exercise sound judgment.

Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore also said protecting students remains the district’s top priority.

“This kind of behavior will not be tolerated on our campuses,” Moore said.

Schewitz was booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility and released Saturday on $2,500 bond, according to the sheriff’s office.

It was not immediately clear whether Schewitz had been suspended, fired or removed from the school district’s substitute teaching roster.

UNC Settles Trump Administration Probes Into Alleged Campus Antisemitism and Race-Based Admissions

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The Trump administration has reached a settlement with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill that will end 18 active federal investigations, along with a separate Justice Department compliance review into alleged antisemitism and race discrimination on campus.

The voluntary agreement does not require UNC to pay a fine, and the university neither admits wrongdoing nor accepts liability. The deal remains in effect through the end of 2028 and allows UNC to continue receiving federal funding.

As part of the settlement, UNC will create an internal “Merit & Civil Rights Administrator” role and add a “Title VI Coordinator” to its compliance office. The positions will handle complaints involving antisemitism and discrimination based on race.

UNC said Elizabeth Hall, the university’s associate vice chancellor for university compliance, will hold both positions while continuing her current responsibilities. Hall will serve as the university’s liaison with the Justice Department and oversee its required reports.

A line of students walk on the campus of the University of North Carolina

The Trump administration reached a settlement with UNC that will close 18 active Education Department investigations and a separate Justice Department compliance review. (Eros Hoagland/Getty Images)

“This announcement reinforces our commitment to the fair and equal treatment of everyone at Carolina,” UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts said in a statement. “For at least a decade, through different presidential administrations, U.S. universities have faced heightened public scrutiny across a range of issues. We’re proud to resolve those issues at Carolina in a way that protects our mission and affirms the civil rights of everyone in our community.”

The settlement also directs UNC to provide required antisemitism training for students, faculty members and staff.

The university must additionally ban face coverings used to hide a person’s identity, with certain exceptions. Under the agreement, student organizations “shall be subject to discipline for antisemitic discriminatory conduct.”

President Donald Trump and administration officials have characterized pro-Palestinian demonstrations as antisemitic. Protesters, including some Jewish organizations, dispute that claim, arguing that criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is not inherently antisemitic and that support for Palestinian rights does not amount to backing extremism.

The agreement also requires UNC to adopt what the Justice Department described as a “color-blind admissions system.” The university may not use race or adjust its admissions procedures to influence the racial makeup of its student body. It may, however, consider how an applicant personally overcame hardship and evaluate elements of family background, including poverty, as long as those factors are applied consistently.

Students walk on University of North Carolina campus

The agreement requires UNC to provide mandatory antisemitism training to students, faculty and staff. (Jonathan Drake/Reuters)

UNC must also enforce race-neutral rules for student benefits, scholarships, financial aid and university programs, according to the settlement.

The administration has maintained that policies giving preference to particular racial groups violate federal anti-discrimination requirements.

Under the deal, UNC will submit any complaints involving antisemitism or race discrimination to the Justice Department and the Education Department every quarter.

The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights will close its 18 open investigations into UNC. Separately, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will end an 18-month compliance review that began in April 2025.

“Title VI requires that all students — regardless of their ancestry or race — receive equal treatment under the law at federally funded colleges and universities,” Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement.

Harmeet Dhillon

UNC will prohibit face masks used to conceal an individual’s identity as part of the settlement. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

“Higher ed policies and practices that tolerate antisemitism or favor certain racial groups over others, frustrate our color-blind justice system. The Civil Rights Division commends UNC for its cooperation in meeting its obligations under federal law without the need for litigation; we hope other institutions will take note and do the same,” she added.

In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down race-based admissions programs at UNC and Harvard, effectively ending affirmative action in college admissions.

The administration has launched investigations into universities nationwide and threatened to withdraw federal funding over issues including pro-Palestinian campus protests, diversity programs and transgender policies.

The federal government has also settled with some other schools, including Columbia University, which last year agreed to pay more than $200 million to resolve federal probes, and Brown University, which agreed to provide $50 million over 10 years to Rhode Island workforce-development organizations as part of its settlement.

Harvard, which has been a primary target of the administration’s threats, has not yet made a deal.

Pauline Hanson Accuses Anthony Albanese of ‘Spreading Hate’ Before Helen Haines Attack

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One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has criticised Anthony Albanese, urging the Prime Minister to moderate his language and abandon Labor’s alleged “dirt files” after the Daily Mail reported that his office had circulated material targeting Helen Haines last month.

The independent member for Indi, in northern Victoria, remains in a critical condition after allegedly being struck twice by a Toyota LandCruiser driven by 43-year-old Brendan Nugent. It is alleged that Nugent first pinned Haines against her vehicle before reversing and hitting her again.

Following the incident, which has stunned the nation, Mr Albanese appealed for a cooler political climate. He praised Ms Haines’ character and integrity while warning against baseless claims about politicians’ motives.

The attack has prompted a rare display of unity across federal Parliament, but Senator Hanson broke ranks on Tuesday, accusing the Prime Minister and political leaders more broadly of contributing to a culture of hostility.

Her comments followed a report by Daily Mail political editor Peter van Onselen, who said Albanese’s office had recently circulated a briefing document to journalists questioning Haines’ integrity. The material was reportedly linked to her criticism of a $6 million government grant for a golf course in Marrickville, in Sydney’s inner west, which is located in the Prime Minister’s electorate.

Although Hanson said she remained deeply shocked and upset by what happened to Haines, she also used the moment to call for the Prime Minister to take responsibility for lowering the temperature of political debate.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has called on Anthony Albanese to tone down the political rhetoric following the alleged attack on Helen Haines

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has urged Anthony Albanese to soften the political rhetoric after the alleged attack on Helen Haines

It comes after the Prime Minister (pictured on Tuesday) called for a lowering of the political temperature

The comments came after the Prime Minister, pictured on Tuesday, appealed for a less hostile political climate

“The dirt file Labor keeps on politicians who challenge the Albanese government and question what it is doing is wrong,” the senator told News24.

“For him to stand up today and describe her as such a wonderful person, well, Prime Minister, you need to look at your own actions and tone it down.

“I’m telling the Prime Minister: you tone it down.

“Put an end to the dirt files being used against parliamentarians, including my party, which I have to deal with constantly.

“It starts at the top. You need to tone it down yourself.”

Senator Hanson also raised concerns about the safety of elected representatives, saying she and colleagues had recently received hate mail and death threats.

“Given what is happening in our country, I blame our leaders, whether they are state premiers or the Prime Minister,” she said.

She also condemned protest activity and threatening slogans displayed at demonstrations, including regular marches in London.

Independent MP for Indi Helen Haines remains in a critical condition after she lost a leg

Independent Indi MP Helen Haines remains in a critical condition after losing a leg

Helen Haines was airlifted to Melbourne after she was allegedly struck by a car outside her office on Monday

Helen Haines was flown to Melbourne after allegedly being struck by a vehicle outside her office on Monday

“The division and hatred being carried through our streets by radicals, and by some university students, is deeply concerning,” Hanson said.

Hanson paid tribute to Haines, describing the independent MP as “a beautiful woman.”

‘We may have differences with politics, but for this to happen to her and be in a critical condition, I’m really quite upset by this,’ she said.

‘My thoughts are with the community, with the family, and with the staff.

‘So many Australians are just upset to hear this has happened to Helen.’

READ MORE: How Anthony Albanese’s office shopped around a baseless ‘dirt sheet’ about Helen Haines just weeks ago

Neighbours’ chilling encounter with Helen Haines attack suspect

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Who Is Billy Evans, Elizabeth Holmes’ Partner? What to Know

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Contains spoilers for “You Can See Everything”

“You Can See Everything” seemed destined to place two forces in opposition: Nathan Fielder’s famously dry, reality-bending style and Elizabeth Holmes’ deeply disputed version of the Theranos scandal. Yet one of the documentary’s biggest surprises is the unsettling presence of Billy Evans, Holmes’ partner and the father of her children, whose behavior often comes across as controlling and calculated.

Fielder follows Holmes during the final 34 days before she begins her prison sentence, giving her space to explain how she believes Theranos unraveled. At the time, Holmes was living with Evans in a modest rental home in Del Mar, California. The couple met in 2017. As the documentary notes, Evans was raised in an affluent family: His parents, William and Anne Evans, founded the Evans Hotel Group, which operates three luxury hotels across California.

Evans studied economics at M.I.T. and now serves as CEO of Haemanthus, a diagnostics startup developing technology designed to examine biological samples and identify signs of disease. The company’s mission inevitably invites comparisons to Theranos, although Evans has repeatedly maintained that Haemanthus is not attempting to become “Theranos 2.0.”

People have strong reactions to Billy Evans in You Can See Everything

Many viewers likely expected “You Can See Everything” to center on Holmes’ unusual life before prison. Instead, Evans commands attention in several scenes, including one in which he takes a bowl of eggs away from Holmes because he believes she is whisking them incorrectly. Moments like that, along with other interactions throughout the film, have left audiences visibly uncomfortable.

At one point, Nathan Fielder questions him about creating an AI facsimile of Holmes that people could do anything they want with. He doesn’t even seem bothered that people could create pornography with such materials, something that rubbed X user @aGuyOnMyPhone the wrong way: “I still can’t get over Nathan Fielder asking Billy Evans if he’s worried that he’s facilitating the creation of ai porn of the mother of his children for a quick buck, to which Billy can only limply provide tired platitudes about the ai revolution.”

One standout scene sees Evans get into a heated argument with the secret star of “You Can See Everything,” Amanda Seyfried. She portrayed Holmes on “The Dropout” and returns to play her here in a reenactment for a moment there’s no footage of. Evans clearly didn’t appreciate Seyfried’s portrayal, leading to a full-on shouting match between the two, leading them to argue about Charlie Kirk. For many, like @torcheeks, it was pure cinema: “Amanda Seyfried wine drunk arguing with Billy Evans about Charlie Kirk while Nathan Fielder sits quietly and observes you couldn’t script this.”

Billy Evans wanted You Can See Everything to tell Elizabeth Holmes’ story

Choosing Nathan Fielder to document the weeks before a prison sentence may sound like an unlikely decision. Holmes explains that Evans introduced her to Fielder by showing her a clip from his work, apparently the “Nathan for You” segment featuring a gas-station owner recounting that he drinks his grandson’s urine when frightened.

The documentary never fully settles why Fielder was considered the right person for the project. Fielder suggests that his lack of scientific expertise meant he would not be able to challenge Holmes on the technical claims behind Theranos. But he is highly attuned to performance, social behavior and the idea of “kayfabe”—the deliberate blurring of reality and fiction. That understanding becomes the film’s most compelling asset.

During an appearance on the “All-In” podcast, Evans said the documentary was intended to let Holmes present her own account. He argued that “The Dropout” had not captured every aspect of what really happened, creating an opportunity for audiences to reconsider the story: “The whole idea was here she is, see her, and make up your own mind … It’s not to re-litigate the case.” Evans had not watched the finished film when that episode was recorded, though he acknowledged in the trailer that Holmes “looks insane.”

Whether the project achieved its stated goal is debatable. Holmes is once again a major topic of conversation, and Evans has emerged as a memorable new figure in the Theranos narrative. Still, “You Can See Everything” offers few definitive conclusions. Instead, it leaves viewers with even more questions—perhaps exactly the outcome Evans hoped to create.

MAGA Influencer Sobs After Ejection From Texas Paxton Event

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A prominent MAGA influencer broke down in tears after saying she was removed from a campaign rally for Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate seeking the Texas Senate nomination, despite years of publicly supporting Donald Trump and the GOP.

The TikTok creator, who uses the name Thelma Louise online, appeared shocked as she was escorted from Sunday’s event in San Antonio. In video of the incident, she repeatedly questioned why she had been asked to leave, emphasizing her loyalty to the Republican Party.

“I cannot believe this,” Louise said while recording the confrontation. She later told followers she had driven for two hours to attend the rally, only to be turned away.

The circumstances surrounding her removal remain unclear. Louise said she had not done anything wrong and claimed that Paxton’s campaign had given her no explanation for the decision.

Louise has more than 204,000 TikTok followers and has developed a substantial online following by promoting Trump, the MAGA movement and other Republican figures.

Her posts frequently praise conservative politics. In one video, she celebrated the “baddest queens” working to “flip it red,” while another expressed her support for fellow conservative influencer Nick Shirley.

She also shared footage from September’s Republican midterm convention in Dallas, portraying herself as an enthusiastic member of the party she says she joined wholeheartedly after leaving the Democrats two years ago.

That enthusiasm was on display before Sunday’s rally. In an earlier video filmed during her journey to the event, Louise announced her arrival in Texas and told her followers, “Of course I had to drive down.”

Thelma Louise broke down in tears after claiming she was ousted from a campaign rally for Texas Senate hopeful Ken Paxton (source: Thelma Louise/Instagram)

Thelma Louise cried after claiming she was removed from a campaign rally for Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton (source: Thelma Louise/Instagram)

Paxton, the Texas attorney general and a prominent conservative figure, has been seeking the Republican nomination for the US Senate, putting his campaign at the centre of a closely watched contest within the state’s GOP

Paxton, Texas’ attorney general and a leading conservative figure, is competing for the Republican nomination for the US Senate, placing his campaign at the heart of a closely watched Texas GOP primary

The positive tone quickly changed. In a later post, Louise uploaded footage of herself being escorted out, alongside text stating: “I was asked to leave… I’m a REPUBLICAN that has done nothing but support my party.”

She expressed similar disbelief in the caption, writing: “I can’t believe I was treated like this… They were even told not to allow me back inside.”

As she left the venue, Louise asked someone off-camera whether there was a campaign representative or another official she could speak with about the decision.

“And there’s no one I can talk to about this?” she asked.

“I’m sorry. No, ma’am,” the person responded.

Outside the venue, Louise described her version of events. She said someone had approached her and told her that Paxton’s campaign manager wanted her to leave.

“Someone just came up to me and said that Ken Paxton’s campaign manager wanted me to leave,” she said in the video.

“I did nothing wrong, I drove two hours to get here,” Louise added. “And this is how I get treated?”

Louise later addressed the confrontation again, pointing out that she had previously received press credentials to attend the Texas Youth Summit, where Paxton made an appearance, as well as the Republican midterm convention. (Thelma Louise/Instagram)

Louise revisited the confrontation in a later post, noting that she had previously received press credentials for the Texas Youth Summit, which Paxton attended, as well as the Republican midterm convention. (Thelma Louise/Instagram)

Join the discussion

What does this incident say about unity and inclusion within today’s Republican Party?

In a follow-up video, Louise appeared dumbfounded as she reflected on what she described as the ‘disrespect that I was just given’.

She explained that she had left the Democratic Party two years earlier and had volunteered for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, presenting her political journey as evidence of her commitment to the Republican cause.

For someone who says she had devoted years to supporting the movement, the experience appeared to leave a particularly bitter aftertaste.

‘This I will never forget,’ she declared.

Louise subsequently addressed the controversy again, pointing out that she had previously received press credentials to attend the Texas Youth Summit, where Paxton appeared, as well as the Republican midterm convention.

She appeared frustrated that, despite those previous experiences, she had still not been told why she was removed from Sunday’s rally.

The absence of an explanation has left the circumstances surrounding the incident unclear.

However the incident prompted social media users to speculate about whether her race played a role in her removal. 

Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross commented, ‘Being MAGA while Black chapter 293.’ However, no explanation from Paxton’s campaign has been provided.

The controversy comes as Paxton, the Texas attorney general and a prominent conservative figure, has been seeking the Republican nomination for the US Senate, putting his campaign at the center of a closely watched contest within the state’s GOP.

A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs poll showed Talarico leading Paxton by 48% to 46%. Libertarian candidate Ted Brown had 3% support, while another 3% of voters were undecided.

Talarico, a state representative from Austin, could become the first Democrat elected to statewide office in Texas in more than 30 years if he wins. His narrow lead appears to reflect support from independents and a fair share of Republicans considering voting against Paxton.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Ken Paxton for comment.  

DA: Transgender NYT Executive Killed by In-Laws During Child Visit

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Prosecutors say Jonathan McKinsey, a New York Times executive, was fatally shot by his elderly in-laws in a California parking lot while he was arriving for a supervised visit with his children.

McKinsey, 40, was allegedly killed on September 26 at Dublin Sports Ground in Dublin, California. Witnesses told authorities that Shouyong Zhang and Shili Chen, both 77, took turns firing at him.

At the couple’s plea hearing on Monday, prosecutors said McKinsey had been at the sports facility to see his children under court-ordered supervision.

According to KTVU, Zhang and Chen each entered a not-guilty plea to charges of first-degree murder.

The hearing also brought new claims about the troubled family relationship. Chen’s attorney, Curtis Briggs, alleged outside court that McKinsey had previously threatened to hire a hitman to “get rid of” his mother-in-law.

Briggs said the couple bought guns in March 2026 because they feared their son-in-law, arguing that the firearms were obtained for protection rather than as part of a planned attack.

The defense lawyer maintained that Chen and Zhang had not plotted McKinsey’s death, but became increasingly frightened as the family conflict intensified.

Court documents also contain allegations that McKinsey had threatened to kill his wife and her parents. The documents say he gave his children a book about a young girl whose mother had died.

“During our marriage, the children and I learned to avoid provoking Jonathan lest he became angry. In my experience, appearing agreeable or happy around him was sometimes a means of avoiding his anger,” McKinsey’s wife, Candice Jang, wrote in an August custody filing obtained by The California Post.

McKinsey and Jang married in 2010, but she filed for divorce in 2025. That year, Jang also sought a restraining order against him, while McKinsey filed for one against her in response.


Crystal Lake Season 2: Will Peacock Renew the Horror Series?

The first season of Crystal Lake is over—but does that mean the Friday the 13th prequel is truly finished?

Peacock introduced the series as a limited run. However, its finale leaves plenty of room for the story to continue, suggesting that Crystal Lake may not be done with its bloodshed yet.

Linda Cardellini stars as Pamela Voorhees in the series, which lays the groundwork for the iconic ‘80s horror franchise while delving into Pam’s grief and the troubled history of her son, Jason Voorhees. Season 1 ends at a major crossroads for the Voorhees family, potentially setting up another chapter.

If you want to revisit Jason’s movie killing spree, take a look at our guide explaining how to watch all the Friday the 13th films in order.

So, has Peacock renewed Crystal Lake for Season 2? Could more episodes of the horror series be on the way? Here’s the latest information.

Will There Be a Crystal Lake Season 2?

As of October 19, Peacock has not officially renewed Crystal Lake for a second season. Even so, there are reasons for fans to remain optimistic.

Creator Brad Caleb Kane told Deadline that he already has plans and ideas for a potential second season. He also hinted that future episodes could move beyond the Voorhees family and adopt a more “Twin Peaks-y” tone, giving greater attention to Crystal Lake’s eccentric residents, including Crazy Ralph (Nick Cordileone), Officer Dorf (Cameron Scoggins) and Trudy (Bernadette Quigley).

“Obviously, it’s not just Pam’s story,” he said. “It’s Crystal Lake, so you have all of the peripheral characters who are interesting to me.”

Kane stressed, however, that Pamela and Jason would continue to serve as the central figures in the story.

He also indicated that, if the show continues for long enough, it could eventually lead into the events of the original Friday the 13th movie. That said, he made clear that Season 2 would not reach that point.

“There’s more story to tell, for the residents of Crystal Lake and to the extent that Linda wants to continue the journey with us, with Pam. So, we’ll see,” he said.

The Season 1 finale leaves that door wide open. After Pamela, Jason and the people threatening their family face off, the episode moves ahead several weeks before ending with campers in the woods trading stories about Jason. The return of the familiar Friday the 13th musical cue offers franchise fans a final reminder that Jason Voorhees’ legend is only beginning.

Crystal Lake

Photo: Matt Infante/PEACOCK

How Many Episodes Are in Crystal Lake?

The first season runs for eight episodes. For a detailed breakdown of the ending, read our Crystal Lake Episode 8 recap.

Where to Stream Crystal Lake:

All eight episodes of Crystal Lake are streaming exclusively on Peacock. While viewers wait for an official decision on the show’s future, they can return to Season 1 and revisit the origins of Pamela Voorhees and her son.

Peacock offers two subscription options: Premium with ads and Premium Plus without ads. Peacock Premium costs $12.99 per month, while Premium Plus is priced at $19.99 per month.

Subscribers can reduce the overall cost with Peacock’s annual plans, which provide 12 months for the price of 10. The yearly plans cost $129.99 with ads and $199.99 without ads.

Peacock Premium Plus can also be purchased through Prime Video, where it comes with a seven-day free trial that is not available when subscribing directly through Peacock.

Crystal Lake Season 1 is now streaming on Peacock.