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Caregiver Accused of Using Socks and Washcloth to Restrain Resident, Police Report

Featured: Arizona caregiver Mark Sampson. Setting: The Phoenix community where Mark Sampson worked at a group home and is accused of gagging a nonverbal individual with cerebral palsy (KNXV/YouTube).

In a distressing case from Arizona, a caregiver, identified as Mark Sampson, stands accused of using a washcloth and socks to gag a nonverbal man with cerebral palsy at a group home located in Phoenix.

Assistant Attorney General Ryan Dill, representing the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, elaborated during Sampson’s court appearance that the victim’s face bore red marks from the socks tied tightly around his head. “A washcloth had been forcefully placed in the victim’s mouth, causing significant distress,” Dill stated as Sampson faced charges for vulnerable adult abuse under conditions posing risk of serious injury or death.

Local ABC affiliate KNXV captured Dill’s comments on the case. He lamented, “Photographs reveal the victim’s sheer terror,” underscoring what he described as a severe affront to both human dignity and legal standards.

According to details outlined in a probable cause affidavit acquired by local station KNXV, Sampson held the role of certified caregiver at this Phoenix-based facility. The allegations indicate that while on duty on March 19, he gagged the victim by inserting a washcloth into his mouth and securing it with socks. Further compounding the situation, he allegedly covered the victim with blankets thereafter.

According to the affidavit, the victim was unable to remove the gag due to extreme contracture of his arms and hands and had little to no use of his fine motor skills. The man was also unable to call for help because he is nonverbal, KNXV reports.

“The most vulnerable members of society — namely an individual who is afflicted with cerebral palsy — he is non-ambulatory and nonverbal,” Dill said in court. “His arms are contracted in such a way that he can’t even move and he cannot make a noise.”

Staff took the victim to a local hospital after finding him and he was treated for “abrasions around the outside of much of his mouth, and ligature marks on the sides of his neck,” according to the affidavit.

Sampson was arrested and charged on June 24. He has reportedly denied gagging the victim, claiming someone launched the accusations against him in an attempt to get him fired.

“Some sort of setup,” Sampson said in court last week.

He is being held on a $25,000 secured bond.

Christian Mares Faces DUI Charges Following Fatal Geneva Crash, Injuring Son and Causing Randall Road Closure

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GENEVA, Ill. (WLS) — A tragic incident unfolded in the west suburbs on Saturday night as a man faces DUI charges following a catastrophic head-on collision that claimed the life of a woman and left her son with critical injuries, according to police reports.

The collision prompted immediate action from the Geneva police and fire departments, who swiftly arrived on the scene along the 1000-block of South Randall Road just shy of 9:15 p.m.

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Authorities revealed that Christian Mares, a 40-year-old resident of Aurora, was at the helm of a blue 2013 Chevrolet Camaro. Travelling northbound on Randall Road, Mares allegedly crossed the double yellow line, colliding with a southbound red 2019 Nissan Versa.

The devastating impact proved fatal for the 71-year-old driver of the Nissan, a resident of Geneva, who was declared dead at the scene. Her identity has not yet been disclosed by officials.

Meanwhile, the driver’s 26-year-old son, who was also in the vehicle, sustained serious injuries. He was first transported to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and subsequently airlifted to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital in Chicago for advanced care.

Mares was treated for injuries at Delnor Hospital before being taken to the Kane County Jail. He is facing several charges, including Reckless Homicide, Aggravated Driving Under the Influence, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

Investigators shut down Randall between Fargo and Kelsinger for several hours. The roadway reopened just after 3 a.m.

Geneva police, the Kane County Accident Reconstruction Team, the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Kane County Coroner’s Office are investigating.

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Gainesville Woman Arrested for Allegedly Inflicting Harm on Children

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities detained 33-year-old Sasha Jean-Baptiste following accusations of harming two young children, resulting in visible scars.

On July 4, officers from the Gainesville Police Department were called to a home in the Woodland Terrace area. A male witness informed police that Jean-Baptiste had allegedly used physical force on two children, aged 4 and 1, leaving them with lasting scars.

The witness claimed he noticed numerous injuries on the children while they were in the care of Jean-Baptiste. He mentioned that Jean-Baptiste had exhibited increased emotional volatility and aggression towards the children. Additionally, he reported hearing loud thuds coming from the bedroom when the children were alone with Jean-Baptiste, expressing concern that she might have been throwing the children against the wall in anger.

Police observations revealed that the 4-year-old had a long, narrow scar across his upper back, accompanied by a scab on his lower back and scabs on his forearm. The 1-year-old was found with three scars on her face, according to reports.

Post Miranda, Jean-Baptiste reportedly said she is not excessively physical with the children, and she only spanks them when absolutely necessary; she said she raises her voice, but she never goes beyond “popping” the children, and she demonstrated this by hitting her own arm forcefully. 

When asked about the children’s injuries, Jean-Baptiste reportedly said the older child is “very active and clumsy,” and when he runs around, he frequently runs into objects; she said she is working on that problem. She said the younger child’s scars are from bug bites that she scratched. When she was asked why the children are only injured when they are alone with her, she reportedly said they “run into everything.”

A female witness who lives in the home reportedly said the older child is very coordinated and has excellent gross motor skills for a child his age. She said the child plays without falling or running into things in all parts of the house except Jean-Baptiste’s room, and she said the children play in their own bedroom without getting injured; she said the new injuries are always noticed after the children have been alone with Jean-Baptiste. She added that she hears loud noises when the children are in Jean-Baptiste’s room, and it sounds like something is hitting the walls, followed by a child’s scream; she said that after she hears that, Jean-Baptiste says the children have injured themselves. She said Jean-Baptiste and the male witness argue “constantly” about her use of too much force on the children, but Jean-Baptiste never answers the criticisms, and she added that the male witness has started staying home more to make sure the children aren’t alone with Jean-Baptiste.

A second female witness concurred that the older child is athletic and very capable for his age, and she said neither child is clumsy. She described the children as “acrobatic, adventurous, and strong.”

A second male witness reportedly agreed that the children “are athletic and have great coordination.”

Jean-Baptiste has been charged with two counts of child abuse without great bodily harm. She has no local criminal history, and Judge Jonathan Ramsey set bail at $20,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Mallory McMorrow Halts Michigan Senate Campaign Following Dramatic Polling Drop

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WASHINGTON — Michigan state Senator Mallory McMorrow has withdrawn from the Senate race, leaving the Democratic contest to Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Haley Stevens, both vying for the pivotal seat.

McMorrow, whose poll numbers have significantly declined in recent weeks amid criticism for her past comments about rural Americans, pledged her support to the Democratic candidate who ultimately takes on Republican Mike Rogers in the upcoming November election.

Reflecting on her unexpected political journey, McMorrow shared in a video message, “Getting into politics was never part of my plan. After the 2016 election, I felt adrift. I turned to my phone and typed these five words into the search bar: ‘How to run for office.’”

She continued with passion, “I discovered that real change in this country usually comes from ordinary individuals driven by love and a willingness to fight for what they cherish. I deeply love this country. I deeply love Michigan.”

Last year, The Post highlighted how, following the 2016 election, McMorrow supported a tweet suggesting that the narrative needed flipping: “All of this talk about coastal elites needing to understand more of America has it backwards.”

“It is much of white working class America that needs to reach outside its comfort zone and meet people not like them,” then-reporter Patrick Thornton contended in the Twitter thread. “Many rural Americans have isolated themselves from the rest of the country. They live in very unrepresentative areas.”

She quote-tweeted that post, adding, “I’m from rural New Jersey, this rings 100%. Empathy should go both ways, but Trump’s base fears what they’ve never seen.”

She later admitted that it was not an “eloquent” tweet on her part.

McMorrow had been seen as a rising star within the Democratic Party among progressive circles, having garnered national attention for high-profile fights over abortion and other issues in the Michigan state legislature.

In 2022, she went viral for tearing into a GOP colleague who suggested in a fundraising blast that she was grooming, pointing to her stance on LGBTQ issues.

While the Michigan Senate race initially started off as a three-way battle between McMorrow, Stevens, and El-Sayed, the state senator saw a dramatic collapse in polling over recent weeks.

Moderates in her coalition seemingly drifted to Stevens and progressives to El-Sayed, while her lane seemingly got narrower and narrower over time.

El-Sayed is currently leading the pack with 35% support, followed by Stevens at 29.7% and McMorrow at 7.7%, per the latest RealClearPolitics polling aggregate.

El-Sayed’s lead has given Democratic leadership some heartburn due to the competitive nature of that contest. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has made it clear he is backing Stevens.

Democrats currently control the Michigan Senate seat and need to flip four other seats to take back control of the upper chamber. If they lose Michigan, retaking the Senate, which is already widely seen as an uphill battle for them, will become significantly harder.

Both Stevens and El-Sayed have a 0.5 percentage point edge over Rogers in the latest RCP polling aggregate.

“Mallory McMorrow has been an important voice, both in this race and in the State Senate, for policies that benefit Michigan’s children and families, and I look forward to working with her in the future to build a stronger Michigan for everyone,” Stevens said in a statement about McMorrow’s announcement.

El-Sayed gave an olive branch to McMorrow’s supporters in response.

“I welcome her supporters to our movement to stand up against money in politics, to put money back in pockets, and pass Medicare for All. We cannot allow the establishment to decide our nominee for us,” he said.

Transform Your Arms: Top Home Exercises Beating Gym Classes for Over-60s

You can effectively tone your arms from the comfort of your home by incorporating these exercises into your routine.

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As we grow older, the infamous “arm jiggle” commonly makes its debut. It often becomes evident to those aged 60 and above, as the arms are typically among the first areas where people notice changes. The skin tends to soften, and lifting your arms can often lead to a noticeable “wave,” notes Gerard Washack, the owner of Fit in 42 La Quinta. Washack, who has accumulated over 10,000 hours of hands-on training with clients in their 40s through 70s, explains this phenomenon.

Washack points out, “With age, skin loses its elasticity. As muscles begin to shrink, skin lacks firmness and starts appearing looser. This results in the characteristic soft look, the waving skin when you wave, and a loose sensation at the back of the arms. It’s not solely due to fat; it’s a result of loose skin hanging over diminished muscle. The solution to both issues is straightforward: rebuild the muscle.”

Why do standard gym workouts and classes often fall short for older individuals seeking arm transformation? They seldom effectively address changes needed in the arms.

Washack elaborates, “Many exercise regimens aimed at older adults hardly focus on the arms. Most classes prioritize cardiovascular activities, and machine circuits frequently overlook direct arm exercises. When arms are targeted, exercises like cable bicep curls or tricep pushdowns are often performed with weights that are too light to adequately challenge the muscles.”

Below, he outlines five exercises that can help firm and define your arms—all from the comfort of home.

Tricep Kickbacks

  1. Begin by standing tall, holding a dumbbell or water bottle in each hand.
  2. Hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back flat and your core engaged.
  3. Keep your upper arms parallel to the ground as you extend the weights behind you.
  4. Squeeze your triceps at the top of the movement.
  5. Use control as you return to the start position.

5 Standing Arm Exercises That Smooth Jiggle Faster Than Weights After 45 (No Equipment)

Overhead Tricep Extensions

  1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell with both hands.
  2. Lift the weight overhead.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your ears as you slowly lower the dumbbell toward the back of your head, feeling the stretch in your triceps.
  4. Use control to press the weight back overhead.

These 2 Exercises Build Arm Strength Faster Than Traditional Workouts After 40

Bicep Curls

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with a supinated grip.
  2. Bend your elbows to curl the weights up toward your shoulders.
  3. Squeeze your biceps at the top.
  4. Use control to lower.

7 Moves to Build Strong Arms in 30 Days After 45

Chair Dips

  1. Begin sitting at the edge of a sturdy chair.
  2. Place your hands on the edge of the seat and lift your tailbone off the chair.
  3. Walk your feet away until your knees, hips, and torso form 90-degree angles.
  4. Activate your core and keep your shoulders relaxed as you bend your elbows and lower your body just below the seat.
  5. Press back up until your arms are straight, engaging your triceps as you do so.

4 Moves That Build Arms Faster Than Bicep Curls After 40, According to US Army Coach

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Hammer Curls

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Keep your arms completely extended at your sides and relax your shoulders.
  3. With your palms facing inward, curl the weights up toward your shoulders.
  4. Use control to lower.

Delta Flight Encounters Fireworks Strike During Chicago Landing on Fourth of July: FAA Launches Investigation

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Meanwhile, a separate incident during the Independence Day celebrations adds to aviation safety concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Delta Air Lines flight experienced an unexpected encounter with a firework while making its descent into Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4th.

According to an FAA statement, Delta Flight 1076, arriving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was struck by a fireworks mortar. Despite this unnerving incident, the aircraft landed safely at Midway around 8:30 p.m. local time on that Saturday evening, with no harm reported to passengers or crew.

The timeline provided by Delta Air Lines confirmed the flight’s departure from Atlanta at 7:51 p.m. ET and a smooth arrival at Chicago Midway at 8:33 p.m. CT. This timely coordination ensured any potential disruptions were quickly mitigated.

Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 departing from an airport in a file photo.

Accompanying this news, an image of a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319—similar to Delta Flight 1076 involved in the firework incident—is provided, capturing the type of aircraft affected on that day. This Airbus model’s robust design likely contributed to the safe outcome of the July 4th incident. (Image Source: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Airbus A319 was carrying 52 passengers and six crew members. No injuries were reported, Delta said.

“The flight safely landed and taxied to the gate,” a Delta spokesperson said.

The crew did not declare an emergency, and the aircraft landed without incident, according to the airline. Delta said mechanics inspected the aircraft after it arrived at the gate and found no damage.

Welcome sign at Chicago Midway International Airport

A sign welcomes travelers to Chicago Midway International Airport in a file photo. Federal officials said Delta Flight 1076 was struck by a fireworks mortar while descending into the airport on July 4. (Getty Images)

Chicago police told CBS Chicago the firework caused minor paint damage to the aircraft and that the plane was undergoing additional inspections to determine whether it sustained further damage. Delta, however, told News Media that mechanics found no damage during its post-flight inspection.

The FAA said it will investigate the incident.

Aerial view of Chicago Midway International Airport

An aerial view of Chicago Midway International Airport in a file photo. Federal officials said Delta Flight 1076 was struck by a fireworks mortar while descending into the airport on July 4. (Getty Images)

It remains unclear where the fireworks were launched from or whether authorities have identified those responsible. News Media has reached out to the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Chicago Police Department for additional information.

Delta said it will fully cooperate with the FAA and other authorities as they review what happened.

Tragic Fireworks Mishap Claims Life on July 4th: A Shocking Incident Unfolds

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Tragedy struck in California as a woman lost her life, and four others, including a minor, sustained injuries due to illegal Fourth of July fireworks set off by residents.

On Saturday evening around 8:30 p.m., the Chino Police Department responded to an alert regarding a car engulfed in flames.

Upon arrival, officers encountered multiple individuals with severe injuries alongside a burning vehicle.

Investigators have deduced that a significant amount of fireworks were ignited, resulting in an explosive incident.

Emergency services transported three adults and one child to nearby medical facilities, where a woman in her 20s unfortunately succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

The other two adults were expected to survive, and the juvenile victim has been released to a parent or guardian. 

Nardio Del Rosario said his grandchildren were among those injured in the explosion.

‘They were having a party, and I’m sure they were popping off fireworks,’ he told KTLA. ‘But what happened from there, we really don’t know yet.’

Bystanders are seen running away after a vehicle caught fire after fireworks exploded in Chino, California on Saturday night

Bystanders are seen running away after a vehicle caught fire after fireworks exploded in Chino, California on Saturday night

Officers with the Chino Police Department in California said they were initially dispatched on a call about a vehicle fire at around 8.30pm. The burnt-out vehicle is pictured

Officers with the Chino Police Department in California said they were initially dispatched on a call about a vehicle fire at around 8.30pm. The burnt-out vehicle is pictured

Other witnesses described a chaotic scene as people ran from the area following the blast.

Gabriel Gilmore, for example, told ABC 7 how he was inside his mother’s house when he heard the blast and rushed outside to see what had happened. 

‘It clearly looked like there was a bunch of illegal fireworks in the trunk,’ he said. 

‘I don’t know how the trunk got lit up, but obviously, you could see from the video that the hatch was busted open and that was where the point of the explosion was.’ 

As part of the investigation, police detained Derion Tradon James Jr, a 28-year-old Hesperia resident, who was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter.

He is now being held on a $50,000 bail and is due to make his first court appearance on Thursday, KTLA reports. 

Meanwhile, officers and fire personnel remained at the scene on Sunday to ensure the scene was safe and to evaluate any remaining fireworks, debris and related hazards, the Victor Valley News Group reports. 

The Chino Police Department is leading the investigation into the explosion, and is working in conjunction with the Chino Valley Fire District. 

Anyone with any further information about the incident is asked to call Detective Gregory at (909) 334 – 3136. 

Multiple people had gathered in the neighborhood for a Fourth of July party, where it is believed they set off fireworks

Multiple people had gathered in the neighborhood for a Fourth of July party, where it is believed they set off fireworks

The Chino Police Department is leading the investigation into the explosion, and is working in conjunction with the Chino Valley Fire District. Debris is pictured scattered across the scene on Sunday morning

The Chino Police Department is leading the investigation into the explosion, and is working in conjunction with the Chino Valley Fire District. Debris is pictured scattered across the scene on Sunday morning

But the explosion in Chino was just one of several fireworks-related fires across the Los Angeles area over the weekend.

In Wilmington, another man was hospitalized in critical condition after a fire burned multiple cars in a parking lot, the LA Fire Department reported.

The blaze began at an apartment building on Pacific Coast Highway around 8.38pm on Friday, and when firefighters arrived at the scene they found ‘what appeared to be potentially dangerous explosives/fireworks’ nearby.

An LAPD Bomb Squad assessment later determined that the explosive material found next to the vehicles involved was ‘commercial-grade fireworks.’

As the fire blazed, a nearby hotel and a two-story single-family home were evacuated, displacing 10 adults and two children.

More than 70 firefighters also responded to a fire at a commercial building in Los Angeles’ Harbor Gateway neighbor just before 10pm on Saturday.

They were able to get the blaze under control shortly after 1am on Sunday, and authorities say no injuries were reported.

Other blazes were reported in Mission Hills, where firefighters put out a fire that burned down several cypress trees, torched two vehicles and raged close to homes, and in La Habra, where a two-alarm fire broke out in a commercial building on Saturday night.

No injuries were reported in either of those incidents, and the cause of the fire in La Habra remains under investigation.

World Cup Showdown: Severe Weather Threatens Mexico vs England Match with Just Hours to Go

With all the chatter about the elements swirling around us, perhaps it’s time we shift our gaze to the game itself.

Indeed, it’s quite effortless to lose ourselves in weather alerts, but diving into the pre-match excitement is equally compelling. After all, the anticipation is palpable.

Who knows, the match might kick off exactly as planned, giving fans the spectacle they’ve been eagerly waiting for.

If the game commences without a hitch, England will face a formidable Mexican challenge on the storied Azteca pitch, characterized by 11 players clad in vibrant green jerseys ready to show their prowess.

The buzz leading up to this clash has centered on England’s impending test against far superior opponents. Transitioning from a recent lackluster showing against the lower-ranked DR Congo, England is now poised to confront one of the most formidable teams in current international football.

Mexico have won all of their matches at this tournament, playing ferocious, open, and expansive football. Oh yeah, and they are rock solid at the back, having yet to concede.

They will have roughly 80,000 fans behind them, going absolutely crazy from the off. And then there is the altitude; we can’t forget about that.

It’s going to be one hell of a test for Thomas Tuchel’s men.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 30: Julian Quinones #16 of Mexico celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

*** BESTPIX *** ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 1: Harry Kane of England celebrates with team mates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Under Investigation for Alleged Hit-and-Run Incident

Paul Pelosi, the husband of prominent U.S. Representative Nancy Pelosi, is under scrutiny following a reported hit-and-run incident in Northern California.

According to information from the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, as relayed to NBC News, a vehicle sustained damage in Yountville, California. A witness stated that the driver involved in the crash initially paused after hitting the parked car but then left the scene.

“The witness was able to indicate the direction that the suspect vehicle took after the incident,” the press release indicated. “Shortly thereafter, deputies noticed a [California Highway Patrol] vehicle stationed behind a brown convertible, which was partially obstructing the road.”

Upon investigation, officers identified the driver as Paul Pelosi, age 86. The sheriff mentioned that the vehicle exhibited “considerable damage” to its front right portion, which aligned with the description of the recent accident, the sheriff remarked.

Jill Biden Says Husband Joe Biden Reconciled With Nancy Pelosi at Tatiana Schlossberg's Funeral

In other news, Jill Biden shared insights on how her husband, Joe Biden, along with longtime associate Nancy Pelosi, settled their differences regarding the 2024 election during Tatiana Schlossberg’s funeral. The former First Lady, aged 74, communicated in a Wall Street Journal interview on Tuesday, June 2, that the former president, now 82, extended a handshake to Pelosi at the event […]

“Pelosi admitted to hitting something, but said he did not know what he had hit, so he kept driving,” the press release said. “He drove until his car became disabled and was no longer able to continue driving.”

A preliminary alcohol test found no alcohol in Paul’s system after the Friday, July 3, incident and Paul was not arrested. The sheriff’s Office is referring the case to the Napa District Attorney’s Office for review and prosecution.

A spokesperson for the Pelosi family spoke out about the incident in a statement.

“Mr. Paul Pelosi has personally apologized to the owner of the vehicle and assured them that he would take responsibility for the damage to their vehicle,” a statement read to NBC News. “Speaker Pelosi will not be commenting further on this private matter.”

democrats responds to swalwell allegations

Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries and more prominent Democrats are reacting to claims Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women. “This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said in a statement in response to the allegations. “As I discussed with […]

Us Weekly reached out to the Napa County Sheriff’s Office and a spokesperson for the Pelosi family for comment.

Years prior to his recent alleged incident, Paul was previously arrested in 2022. At the time, Paul crashed his car into another vehicle on Highway 29, the California Highway Patrol’s Napa office claimed. Paul pleaded guilty to DUI at the time. He was sentenced to five days in jail and three years of probation, KTVU reported.

Paul and Nancy, also 86, have been married since 1963. The couple share daughters Jacqueline Pelosi, Christine Pelosi, Nancy Corinne Prowda, Alexandra Pelosi and son Paul Pelosi Jr.

Nancy served as the 52nd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 to 2023. She is currently serving as a U.S. Representative for the 11th Congressional District of California.

Mexico vs England: World Cup Last 16 Match Faces Storm Threat Just Hours Before Kick-Off

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Shall we turn our attention to the match?

While it’s tempting to focus on the ever-changing weather (pun intended), it’s important to dive into the pre-match anticipation.

After all, there’s always a chance the game could start as scheduled.

Should that happen, the England team will face a formidable challenge from a Mexican squad ready to make their mark on the Azteca field.

In recent days, much of the discourse has centered around the significant leap in competition for England, moving from a struggle against the lower-ranked DR Congo to opposing one of the most formidable teams globally.

Mexico have won all of their matches at this tournament, playing ferocious, open, and expansive football. Oh yeah, and they are rock solid at the back, having yet to concede.

They will have roughly 80,000 fans behind them, going absolutely crazy from the off. And then there is the altitude; we can’t forget about that.

It’s going to be one hell of a test for Thomas Tuchel’s men.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 30: Julian Quinones #16 of Mexico celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador at Mexico City Stadium on June 30, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

*** BESTPIX *** ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 1: Harry Kane of England celebrates with team mates after winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between England and Congo DR at Atlanta Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)