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Justine Bateman Criticizes Supporters of Lindsay Clancy at Courthouse

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Actress Justine Bateman didn’t mince words, calling the courthouse supporters of Lindsay Clancy, a mother accused of murder, ‘broken’.

On Tuesday, the 60-year-old actress addressed the troubling situation by posting heartfelt photos on Instagram, depicting her tender moments with her own children. Her post coincided with a groundswell of backing for Clancy, visible both at the courthouse and across social platforms.

She captioned the post with a message: “In light of the unsettling and grim case, along with motherhood and baby-themed ‘support videos’, consider this an alternative narrative,” she expressed.

“Mothers who genuinely adore their children vastly outnumber the troubling instances we’ve recently witnessed. #ILoveMyKids,” she continued.

Justine Bateman, the sister of fellow actor Jason Bateman, shares two children, Duke and Gianetta, with her husband Mark Fluent. The couple has been together since their marriage in 2001.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Bateman for comment. 

Justine Bateman, 60, blasted killer mom Lindsay Clancy's courthouse supporters as 'broken' in a new Instagram post where she shared two photos of herself cradling her kids

Justine Bateman, 60, blasted killer mom Lindsay Clancy’s courthouse supporters as ‘broken’ in a new Instagram post where she shared two photos of herself cradling her kids

Clancy, 36, killed her children, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, at her home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in 2023; Seen in court on August 20

Clancy, 36, killed her children, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, at her home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in 2023; Seen in court on August 20

The actress is known for her outspoken views.

Last year she accused Meghan Markle and Prince Harry of being ‘disaster tourists’ after they popped up as volunteers during the Los Angeles wildfires.

Bateman rose to fame as a teenager on the sitcom Family Ties, starring as the Keaton daughter Mallory for seven seasons from 1982 until the show ended in 1989.

Her television career also includes her work on Men Behaving Badly, Californication and Desperate Housewives.

Her latest post comes as Clancy’s trial nears its conclusion.  

Clancy, 36, killed her children, Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, at her home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in 2023.

She strangled the children with exercise bands and then allegedly attempted to kill herself, but her efforts failed and left her paralyzed and in a wheelchair for life.

Clancy has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis, and is seeking to be committed to a state mental health facility rather than face a prison sentence.

The actress weighed in on the case writing, 'Considering the very disturbing and macabre case and "support videos" about mothering and babies, here's some counter-programming'

The actress weighed in on the case writing, ‘Considering the very disturbing and macabre case and “support videos” about mothering and babies, here’s some counter-programming’

'Moms who love their kids far outnumber the broken display we've seen lately. #ILoveMyKids,' she wrote in the caption

‘Moms who love their kids far outnumber the broken display we’ve seen lately. #ILoveMyKids,’ she wrote in the caption

Bateman - who's the sister of actor Jason Bateman - shares son Duke and daughter Gianetta with her husband Mark Fluent. The pair have been married since 2001; She is seen in 2018

Bateman – who’s the sister of actor Jason Bateman – shares son Duke and daughter Gianetta with her husband Mark Fluent. The pair have been married since 2001; She is seen in 2018

Clancy has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis; Pictured in court on August 25

Clancy has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis; Pictured in court on August 25

Clancy with her husband Patrick Clancy and two oldest children Cora, five, and Dawson, three

Clancy with her husband Patrick Clancy and two oldest children Cora, five, and Dawson, three

Prosecutors, however, claimed that Clancy carefully planned the January 2023 killings and contrived to get her husband out of the house so she could carry them out. 

On Tuesday, the final witness took the stand as Clancy waits to learn her fate after five weeks of grueling testimony.

FBI forensic psychiatrist Dr Gregory Saathoff testified as the prosecution’s last rebuttal witness in the murder trial.

Judge William Sullivan then called for the jury to be dismissed for the day.

He advised that the evidence will likely conclude on Wednesday, and then he will meet with the attorneys.

Sullivan anticipates closing arguments on Thursday, after which the jury will begin deliberations.

Last week around 400 women gathered in solidarity with Clancy in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and cheered and clapped as a sheriff’s department van carrying the defendant rolled past.

Some had driven overnight from New York City with their young children. Others traveled seven hours from Maine to attend what is being dubbed ‘America’s saddest murder trial.’

One pregnant mother who attended with a friend and their three small children told The Daily Mail: ‘The healthcare failed her, and that’s just tragic.’

‘We’re both mothers and both experienced postpartum anxiety and depression,’ she said. 

Last week around 400 women gathered in solidarity with Clancy in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and cheered and clapped as a sheriff's department van carrying the defendant rolled past

Last week around 400 women gathered in solidarity with Clancy in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and cheered and clapped as a sheriff’s department van carrying the defendant rolled past

‘It’s scary to speak out. You don’t want to get judged and you don’t want somebody to take your child.’ 

Several women said they felt they could have been Clancy. Many had struggled with postpartum depression or anxiety and said the mother-of-three’s experience of reaching out for help only to feel unsupported was painfully familiar.

The obsession with criminal trials is not new, but it is a growing phenomenon. In recent years, other high-profile trials have drawn devotees to social media and courthouses.

Last year, in nearby Canton, when Karen Read went on trial for a second time over the death of her boyfriend, Boston officer John O’Keefe, she came to symbolize a revolt against police corruption.

When Bryan Kohberger was sentenced last summer, another group of women who travel to trials together camped outside the courthouse from 9pm the night before.

And during the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial, fans dressed as pirates outside the Virginia courthouse.

ICE Issues Detainer for Undocumented Immigrant with Extensive Criminal Record Following Alleged Homicide Motivated by Jealousy

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In a chilling reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration and crime, federal authorities have urged Miami-area law enforcement to comply with a detainer request for William Serrano Domenech. The illegal immigrant, already notorious for his criminal record, is now facing charges of murder after allegedly shooting a man in a fit of jealousy.

William Serrano Domenech, aged 49, currently resides in a Miami-Dade County jail. He stands accused of the August 17 killing of Raul Aballe, aged 42, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.

“His criminal record is extensive, with convictions in Florida and Michigan for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Moreover, he has faced previous arrests in New Mexico and Tennessee for aggravated assault, theft, and resisting arrest,” stated Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin in a press release to News Media. Mullin criticized the current administration by saying, “This dangerous criminal should have never been in our country. If he hadn’t been released from ICE custody in 2023 by the Biden Administration, Raul Aballe might still be alive today.”

William Serrano Domenech and an ICE badge

The DHS identifies 49-year-old William Serrano Domenech, an illegal immigrant from Cuba, as the suspect in a deadly altercation in Miami. The incident resulted in murder charges against Domenech after an argument escalated fatally, according to official reports.

According to authorities, Domenech, a Cuban national, was spending time with a witness on the night of the incident when Raul Aballe unexpectedly arrived. Tensions flared, leading to a heated argument between the two. The confrontation rapidly deteriorated into violence as Domenech reportedly began to physically assault Aballe, first with punches and slaps.

Domenech allegedly pulled a gun out of a fanny pack and opened fire, striking Aballe in the stomach. Aballe was taken to a hospital where he later died.

Domenech allegedly fled the scene, but he was arrested the next day. He allegedly admitted to the killing and said he was jealous of Aballe’s relationship with the witness, according to authorities.

The witness reportedly told investigators that Aballe was not armed and didn’t initiate the fight.

Domenech is charged with second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer with Miami-Dade authorities the day after Domenech’s arrest.

His criminal history spans at least four states for a litany of offenses, DHS said. That includes a conviction for a weapons offense and arrests on charges of vehicle theft, burglary, driving without a license, and driving with a suspended license in Florida, as well as prior arrests on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, and bribery of a witness in New Mexico.

In addition, Domenech has prior arrests for unlawful possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, and theft in Tennessee, and convictions for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute an unknown quantity of marijuana, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and felon in possession of a firearm in Michigan, authorities said.

Domenech allegedly told authorities he entered the United States through Florida in 1995. A deportation order was issued by a judge in 2002.

However, when ICE took him into custody in 2023, he was released back onto the streets by the Biden administration, DHS said.

“ICE has lodged a detainer and will work with our partners in Florida to ensure that this killer is never again allowed back onto our streets,” Mullin said.

NJ Diner Shocked by Offensive Birthday Message in Dessert

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A New Jersey musician expressed her shock and disappointment after an upscale dining experience took an unexpected turn. The singer-songwriter, who uses a wheelchair, was appalled when her birthday dessert was delivered with an insensitive message at a stylish restaurant.

Antonia Sinbaldi celebrated her 29th birthday in June with loved ones at Blu on the Hudson in Weehawken, NJ. As part of the festivities, she ordered an Apple Tart Tatin for a sweet ending to her meal.

However, the celebratory mood soured when the dessert arrived with “Happy Wheel Chair Birthday” scrawled in sauce on the plate.

Sinbaldi documented the incident with a video during her outing, capturing the moment she received the puff pastry dessert, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled in salted caramel, along with the hurtful message.

On Instagram, she voiced her concerns, questioning, “Not to complain about a fairly new restaurant in my town, but why would you make my dessert say this?” She added that the message was more upsetting to her friend accompanying her. “I would never expect that in my town,” she noted, reflecting on the incident.

Sinbaldi has used a motorized wheelchair and has needed a ventilator after she suffered a cervical spinal injury when a drunk driver struck the car she was in at the age of 2.

She was baffled by the message, and her body reacted faster than her brain.

“Body started shaking, body started spasming. My body reacted faster than my mouth or my mind,” she told WNBC on Tuesday.

After the initial shock, Sinbaldi’s party confronted the management of the Weehawken establishment — which opened in 2023 — and questioned the message.

The party was offered complimentary drinks, she claimed.

“It offended me. This whole thing doesn’t sound real,” Sinbaldi told the outlet.

The restaurant said the message was a misunderstanding between staffers after the order was placed, indicating the birthday dessert was for Sinbaldi, the diner with the wheelchair.

“We sincerely apologize to the guest and to everyone who was hurt or offended by this incident which took place on June 20, 2026. Treating every guest with dignity, respect, and care is fundamental to who we are as a company,” the restaurant said in a statement to WCBS.

“Our standard operating procedure is to use table and seat numbers on tickets to identify where each dish should be delivered. In this instance, the word ‘wheelchair’ was used as a reference to identify where a birthday dessert with a candle should be delivered,” the management said. “Unfortunately, that notation was misunderstood and was written on the plate itself. There was absolutely no malicious or disrespectful intent behind the notation. However, we fully understand how seeing that word written on a plate could be deeply hurtful and upsetting.”

Sinbaldi didn’t fully agree with the restaurant’s sentiment, calling it a “bs response.”

“My chair is not my identity, Sinbaldi wrote on Instagram. “Like I said, my body was reacting faster than my mind so I couldn’t leave that fast.”

Sinbaldi, an advocate for disability rights, asked for people to learn from the birthday mishap.

“Don’t bring my disability [up] in every sentence, is what people, they should know,” she told the outlet.

Dolly Parton’s Secret Last Days Leave Miley Cyrus Stunned

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Just four days prior to the heartbreaking news of her passing at 80 on Tuesday, the beloved country music icon Dolly Parton offered fans a final glimpse into her world beyond the glitter and glamour.

In an intimate exchange with People magazine, Parton candidly revealed the toll that recent events had taken on her. Having lost her husband Carl Dean in March of the previous year at 82, she found herself navigating the depths of sorrow following nearly six decades of marriage.

“I am dealing with some health issues that I just didn’t pay attention to when I was watching over Carl,” she confided to People last Friday, shedding light on the challenges she faced.

Her heartache deepened in July this year with the loss of her older brother, Coy “Denver” Parton, which added to her emotional burden.

As she briefly touched upon the trials of the past year, those close to her noted an increase in her reclusiveness and a growing tendency to keep her health struggles under wraps in recent months.

Insiders say Parton had all but retreated behind the gates of her sprawling Tennessee compound, allowing the details of her worsening sickness only to be known by an exceptionally tight circle of friends and family.

Indeed, she even went as far as to dismiss concerns about her health during the People magazine interview last week. ‘It’s not like I haven’t been through hard times with my health,’ she said. ‘I’m still healin’, I’m still workin’.’

But now, insiders have told the Daily Mail for the first time just how sick Parton had been in her final months.

‘Her health problems were much worse than she was willing to tell fans, obviously, and she was bad off for many months,’ one source said. ‘She didn’t want the world to know that she was very sick.’

Insiders tell the Daily Mail that Dolly Parton concealed just how sick she had become in her final months; Above, in 2005

Insiders tell the Daily Mail that Dolly Parton concealed just how sick she had become in her final months; Above, in 2005

'She publicly tried to blame her illness on how she let herself go after Carl [Dean] passed last year,' a source told the Daily Mail

‘She publicly tried to blame her illness on how she let herself go after Carl [Dean] passed last year,’ a source told the Daily Mail

‘Dolly only confided in a very small, intimate circle what she was going through,’ said another insider.

‘She publicly tried to blame her illness on how she let herself go after Carl passed last year. It’s true his death took its toll severely on Dolly, but she’s been sick and receiving treatments for months.’

Parton was admitted to a Nashville hospital on Friday and, late on Tuesday, her team confirmed that she had succumbed after a ‘brief battle’ with cancer.

Indomitably glamorous, the country superstar never wanted her adoring fans to see her fade.

‘When Dolly told People [magazine] she was still working and healing, she knew her life was almost over,’ one source said.

‘She tried to reassure her legions of fans that she wasn’t critically ill. But she knew her time was almost up. She was being her brave Dolly self, not wanting to let her fans down.’

Back in May, Parton had been forced to cancel an upcoming Las Vegas residency and took to Instagram to explain – in full make-up and with her hair coiffed to perfection.

‘The good news is, I’m responding really well to meds and treatments, and I’m improving every day,’ she said.

But it wasn’t the full story.

‘When she made her recent video telling fans she was receiving treatment but trying to reassure them she was OK, she looked just like the usual Dolly everyone loved,’ a source said.

‘And, underneath one of her famous wigs and after hours preparing her in makeup, she did indeed look camera-ready.’

But Parton had all but retreated behind the gates of her sprawling Tennessee compound, allowing the details of her worsening sickness only to be known by an exceptionally tight circle

But Parton had all but retreated behind the gates of her sprawling Tennessee compound, allowing the details of her worsening sickness only to be known by an exceptionally tight circle

'She tried to reassure her legions of fans that she wasn't critically ill. But she knew her time was almost up,' an insider said

‘She tried to reassure her legions of fans that she wasn’t critically ill. But she knew her time was almost up,’ an insider said

‘It was tough for Dolly not to play the sick card when she knew she didn’t have long to go. But she was an actress as well as a singer, and she pulled it off incredibly, fooling almost everyone. She didn’t want her fans to worry. She wanted them to see the Dolly they’ve loved for decades.’

Right to the very end, she remained determined to protect that polished image.

‘Dolly occasionally popped up on social media and looked OK as she downplayed her illness, but she was not OK,’ another source said.

‘She relied heavily on filters, makeup and lighting to look good. It was a top priority for her.’

But as her health declined rapidly, she withdrew further into herself.

‘She really didn’t leave her home in Tennessee for the past year. She stayed inside,’ an insider said.

‘The house is massive, and there are vast grounds, so she didn’t need to leave. Six months ago, I was told that she was not taking on any new projects, that she had to focus on her health, and was not able to travel or have visitors. But no one would say what she had. There were whispers it was cancer, but no one would confirm it.’

Publicly, Parton had attributed various recent missed appearances to a handful of manageable ailments, including digestive problems and kidney stones.

‘We knew it was much more serious than that,’ a source said. ‘But it was “shhhh, don’t ask” from her circle.’

In her final weeks, it is understood that Parton was largely confined to her bed.

‘Her last few days were spent in bed. She was not doing well,’ a source said. ‘She had lost all her hair, which she didn’t have much of anyway as she relied on wigs most of her life. And she was very thin. She was skinny.’

It is said that family were by her side.

The warning signs had been mounting in recent the months. Before the Caesars Palace residency cancellation in May, Parton had missed a concert celebrating her 80th birthday at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry music venue.

A scheduled appearance at Dollywood, her Tennessee amusement park, was also pulled.

On June 24, she made her final public appearance, surprising fans for a ribbon-cutting at the newly opened Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop. The Cornersville truck stop features a restaurant and sells Parton-themed merch and cups of ‘Ambition Coffee’, inspired by her iconic ‘9 to 5’ song.

'She really didn't leave her home in Tennessee for the past year. She stayed inside,' an insider claimed (pictured with husband Carl)

‘She really didn’t leave her home in Tennessee for the past year. She stayed inside,’ an insider claimed (pictured with husband Carl)

In May, Parton cancelled her anticipated Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace

In May, Parton cancelled her anticipated Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace

‘She really tried to be brave [at the truck stop opening], but she was too sick to do anything,’ the source said. ‘She turned down invites left and right.’

While at home, Parton remained focused on DOLLY: A True Original Musical, an autobiographical Broadway show based on her remarkable life and still due to open on what would have been her 81st birthday (January 19, 2027).

‘She was working on DOLLY: A True Original Musical in New York, but could not travel to check on it,’ an insider said. ‘She really cared about the project and did not want to jeopardize it.’

Parton hailed from one of country music’s most famously close-knit families, growing up with 11 siblings in rural and poor Tennessee. Among them was younger sister Stella Parton, now 77, who also forged a career as a country singer.

Her loved ones remained fiercely protective.

‘They never spoke negatively. They didn’t talk much about her health issues,’ concert promoter Arny Granat, who worked with Parton for years, told the Daily Mail.

And as Parton’s cancer worsened, the singer is said to have found comfort in those closest to her.

‘Her sister was always there for her,’ another insider said. ‘She is very sweet and nurturing. She was by her side all the time.’

News of Parton’s death has also left her goddaughter, popstar Miley Cyrus, devastated.

‘Miley is, as you’d expect, shell-shocked by the news,’ a source told the Daily Mail. ‘It is as deep a grief as you’d imagine, as Miley has always seen Dolly as the strongest woman. The fact she is gone doesn’t seem real.

‘The immediate family was privy to her actual health struggles and the cancer, so this wasn’t out of the realm of possibility, but everyone thought she’d battle through it.’ 

The news has also left her goddaughter Miley Cyrus devastated. Above, Cyrus and Parton in 2019

The news has also left her goddaughter Miley Cyrus devastated. Above, Cyrus and Parton in 2019

'Miley is, as you'd expect, shell-shocked by the news,' a source told the Daily Mail. 'It is as deep a grief as you'd imagine, as Miley has always seen Dolly as the strongest woman. The fact she is gone doesn't seem real'

‘Miley is, as you’d expect, shell-shocked by the news,’ a source told the Daily Mail. ‘It is as deep a grief as you’d imagine, as Miley has always seen Dolly as the strongest woman. The fact she is gone doesn’t seem real’ 

Parton, who never had children, shared a particularly close relationship with Cyrus, appearing on her Hannah Montana TV show and later singing alongside her for various special musical performances.

Now, attention will inevitably turn to the extraordinary fortune and business empire Parton leaves behind.

Her net worth has regularly been estimated at between $450 million and $650 million, built through music royalties, songwriting, film and television, books, investments and her stake in the Dollywood empire.

Details of her will and estate plan have not been made public.

She is survived by six of her siblings, as well as a huge charitable legacy led by the Dollywood Foundation and her Imagination Library.

For family and fans alike it will surely be some comfort that, in her final months, the woman who spent a lifetime making the world smile was determined not to let the world see her suffer.

‘She made it seem like she would get better,’ a source said. ‘But that was Dolly. She really didn’t want to share bad news. She was always up and up.’

Newberry Man Caught Pawning a Stolen PlayStation 5 Console

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A 19-year-old Newberry resident, Laquentin Rodigques Johnson Jr., found himself under arrest after reportedly attempting to pawn a stolen PlayStation 5, authorities announced.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, a troubling incident unfolded on the evening of August 1. Around 5:47 p.m., a doorbell camera documented two individuals breaking into a local apartment, making off with several items, including the coveted gaming console, a PlayStation 5.

Fast forward to August 3, when the stolen PlayStation 5 made its way to a pawn shop. Johnson allegedly cashed in the console for $125, submitting his driver’s license, thumbprint, and signature as guarantees that the item was lawfully his.

However, the pawn shop employees quickly realized something was amiss. Upon powering up the console, they discovered the user profile tied directly to the theft victim. This revelation led to a sworn complaint against Johnson, prompting a warrant for his arrest by August 7. Law enforcement apprehended him on August 24.

Charges against Johnson include dealing in stolen property and offering false information during the pawn transaction. While his juvenile record from 2022 and 2023 shows previous convictions, he doesn’t have any adult criminal history. Judge Meshon Rawls has set his bail at $50,000.

NFL Star Juwan Johnson and Wife Chanen Announce Baby Number 3 on the Way

Juwan Johnson and his partner, Chanen, have announced they’re expecting another child.

The joyful news came from the New Orleans Saints tight end and Chanen on Monday, shared via a joint Instagram video that included their two daughters, J’adore Blessing, age 3, and 22-month-old Jubilee Joy.

In the social media clip, the couple, aged 29 and 30 respectively, are captured with their daughters, all dressed in matching white attire, while the young girls proudly display sonogram images.

Their announcement was sweetly captioned, “& then there were 5.”

Juwan and Chanen’s story began as college students at Penn State, where they met at the age of 20, eventually tying the knot in February 2020 after nearly three years of courtship.

The couple welcomed their first child, J’adore, on July 8, 2023, after being told by a doctor that Chanen would not be able to have children. They later welcomed Jubilee on October 4, 2024.

“What a BLESSING! A doctor in college told her she could never have kids,” Juwan wrote in an Instagram post after his firstborn’s birth. “That she wouldn’t be able to. A year ago having a pair of miscarriages. But I know something and someone who is bigger than this giant. God has never lost. Not ONCE.”

Juwan has often spoken about how much being a dad means to him.

“Being a father is one of my greatest honors I’ve ever had in my life. It’s my favorite responsibility in the world,” he wrote on Father’s Day in June. “I will say that being a father doesn’t come with a roadmap. It also doesn’t come with perfection.”

“We don’t always get it right,” he continued. “But what a privilege it is to wake up and do it day after day. Fathering doesn’t have off days. It’s a job that we stepped into the moment of conception. It’s an opportunity to teach, guide and even learn everyday.”

He also reflected on what his daughters have taught him about love.

“Fatherhood taught me that my love doesn’t have to be earned but that it is freely given. And that there is Someone who does exactly that for us.”

Power Restored in Gary, Indiana After NIPSCO Outage as Tornado Threat Looms Tomorrow

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In the heart of Lake County, Indiana, the city of Gary began breathing a sigh of relief as power slowly started making its way back into homes on Tuesday. This much-needed reprieve came as local community groups and school officials united to aid families still grappling with the aftermath of prolonged outages—some stretching days, others even weeks.

Although residents are bracing for more potential storms on Wednesday, Tuesday’s return of electricity provided a bright moment worth celebrating.

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“We jumped up and down. I came in actually, and I was just like, ‘Oh, finally!'” Dasia Blackmon enthusiastically shared with ABC7, capturing the elation that filled the air as power flickered back on.

For Blackmon, the return of power was not just about convenience—it was about comfort. For the first time in two weeks, she could relax in front of her air conditioner, a much-needed respite from the recent summer heat.

“I was having to have my window open every night just to get a breeze, and honestly, that was terrible because the mosquitoes invaded my home,” Blackmon recounted, highlighting the challenges faced by many in the community during the outage.

Angie Hicks is one of the lucky ones. The caregiver said her service came back online Monday night.

“It’s very inviting to have our power back on because power is everything,” Hicks said. “See, we lost our electric, and God restored the power.”

Track power outages in your area with the ABC7 Chicago Power Outage Tracker

NIPSCO restored power to nearly all of Gary just hours before its restoration estimate. Some customers remained without electricity earlier Tuesday.

“My emotions are all over the place. I can’t wait for my power to be restored because the first thing I’m going to do is some washing,” Gary resident Antionette Nero said.

Nero was among the 375,000 Indiana customers who lost power when storms moved through the area on Aug. 11. On Tuesday, brush and debris remained piled along roads throughout Gary.

“It was just so much tree damage. And I think they should bury these power lines so, you know, this won’t happen again,” Nero said.

The utility said as of 5 p.m., it has restored power to 99% of customers in northwest Indiana. Gary resident Jeremy Bradley hopes Tuesday will be one of the final days that he will have to come to a community center for a hot meal.

“I’m pretty much somewhat believing what they’re saying, but then, I’ll just be glad when everything gets back on track,” Bradley said.

Sponsored by the City of Gary, the City Life Center of Northwest Indiana has been serving three meals per day since the storms hit. City officials vowed to continue help those in need even after the power comes back on.

“And then, on the other side, we have supplies where they can get household supplies to help them clean their homes, clean up from not having power and things like that,” City of Gary hub head volunteer Marsa Jones said. “After this, the city is still gonna continue to support. There’s different events and things that they are planning to do just to support the citizens of Gary.”

NIPSCO has faced increasing criticism about its preparedness and response. A group of customers filed a class-action lawsuit, and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has called for an investigation.

“I do feel that this is necessary,” Blackmon said.

NIPSCO said it will cooperate fully.

“I just want to say to the workers that I appreciate them, and even though it felt so long, they still came and did what they had to do. Overall, we have power, so I really can’t complain anymore,” Blackmon said.

Additionally, Braun said Tuesday that President Donald Trump approved his request for a major disaster declaration, which makes federal funding available to affected residents.

One utility worker said his company was called in by NIPSCO from Jacksonville, Florida, to assist with restoration efforts. He said crews expect to remain in the area for several more days.

And residents said it is still an uphill battle with financial strain as they must now fight to replace what was lost. Some say the disaster has caused the community to come together to help each other, and Gary is stronger because of it.

“I just pretty much believe that it pretty much brought the community more together, just learn how to learn to pray for each other, keep our faith in trust in,” Bradley said.

Residents described a difficult stretch that left food spoiled, homes uncomfortably hot and everyday necessities harder to access.

“Two weeks without no power. It’s an experience that I don’t want nobody to experience,” Gary resident DeAndre Collins said.

Collins said support from neighbors and relatives helped his family get through the outage.

“If it wasn’t for the community and the family, we’re done,” he said.

The Gary Community School Corporation partnered with several community organizations for a Community Giveback event, where families received school supplies, hygiene kits, snacks, and shoes.

Chelsea Whittington, chief of public and community relations for the Gary Community School Corporation, said the response reflected the way residents rallied around one another during the crisis.

“With so many people losing power, we somehow found our power and became empowered to come together as a community,” Whittington said.

Organizers said the event was intended to do more than distribute supplies.

“What we’re giving away is just support. And I think sometimes people get caught up on the things that are being given, but it’s really about the neighbors and about seeing people come together,” said Heather Lindsay of Butterfly Dreams.

Butterfly Dreams board secretary Tiffany Davis said the storm highlighted challenges that already existed for many residents before the outages began.

“Food insecurity, transportation, those things were already barriers before this storm,” Davis said.

She said community members and organizations stepped up to help families throughout the recovery effort but stressed that residents’ needs will not disappear as power is restored.

“You have a city that is not void of advocacy, void of compassion and love. I think what needs to happen is people continue to listen to us and not sweep those things under the rug and not dismiss them,” Davis said.

Residents and organizers said restoring electricity is an important milestone, but many families still face the costs and consequences of going without power for an extended period.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s south suburbs and northwest Indiana are under a Level 2 risk for severe weather on Wednesday, while much of the rest of the area is under a Level 1 risk.

There is a 2% risk of tornadoes in the south suburbs and a 5% risk of tornadoes in northwest Indiana.

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Dolly Parton Unveiled: Iconic Moments Captured in Photos

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Dolly Parton, the celebrated country music sensation who transformed her humble beginnings in Tennessee into a sparkling legacy of hits, including Jolene and 9 to 5, has passed away at the age of 80, announced her family on Wednesday.

Black-and-white photo of a performer with a large hairstyle playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone on stage.

In a black-and-white photo, Dolly Parton speaks into a microphone. Johnny Cash and another man are standing next to her.

Born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee, she was the fourth of 12 siblings. Her childhood was marked by poverty, growing up in a modest family home nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Black-and-white portrait of two people seated side by side, looking off-camera, with distinctive voluminous hairstyles and patterned clothing.

Black-and-white photo of a performer with a large hairstyle playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone on stage.

Beyond her role as a singer, Parton left an indelible mark by composing 3,000 songs, gracing Hollywood’s silver screen, and contributing generously to various charitable causes both locally and globally.

Black-and-white photo of two people in formal attire walking indoors, with one carrying a bouquet of roses and large earrings visible.

A smiling blonde woman wearing a white jumpsuit stands behind a microphone. She has a guitar on a strap across her body.

Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident in ventures such as the beloved Dollywood theme park, alongside her interests in cosmetics, pet fashion, baking products, and even a successful truck stop.

Person standing at a microphone with an acoustic guitar, wearing a light-coloured embellished outfit during a live stage performance.

Black-and-white stage photo of a performer in a long embellished gown, standing alone under a spotlight against a dark background.

During a remarkable career that spanned six decades, Parton produced timeless classics like Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, and the legendary ballad I Will Always Love You, which Whitney Houston propelled to international fame.

Dolly Parton standing beside a microphone on a dark stage, wearing a light-coloured ruffled outfit with large hoop earrings under stage lighting.

Dolly Parton holding a handheld microphone on stage under dramatic blue and purple lighting, wearing a red jacket over a dark outfit during a live performance.

Never one to downplay her striking looks, Parton essentially wrote the book on how a woman can rule the airwaves in a male-dominated industry, with songs covered by everyone from Shania Twain to Sinead O’Connor.

Two people, a younger woman and an older man, dance while holding microphones and smiling.

Two people seated side by side in an indoor event or production space, smiling and looking toward each other. One person with light blond hair wears a patterned zip-up top and rests a hand on the other person's arm. The other person wears a white shirt and black leather vest. Metal truss structures and orange equipment are visible in the background.

The US singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist didn’t seem to mind being mistaken for a ditzy blonde all too eager to play up her looks, after growing up poor in rural Tennessee.

Two women - Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus - wearing a white dress and old suit respectively, sing together.

Dolly Parton, wearing a black dress, speaks to two children.

At the height of her fame, she reached number one on the pop charts, with songs like Islands in the Stream, and starred in Hollywood blockbusters 9 to 5, for which she sang the insuppressible title track, and Steel Magnolias.

Dolly Parton seated outdoors holding an acoustic guitar in a flower garden, with a rustic watermill building and water wheel visible in the background.

Dolly Parton, wearing a yellow jacket and sitting on a grey sofa, smiling.

She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022.

Parton initially turned down the honour, saying she felt she hadn’t earned it. She released a rock album, Rockstar, in 2023, which she called an attempt to justify the induction.

Dolly Parton in a brightly coloured sequined outfit walks onto an awards-show stage with both hands raised, as a television camera operator films nearby.

Dolly Parton performing on stage with an acoustic guitar and microphone, wearing a white and gold embellished outfit under purple stage lighting.

Affording her the sort of honour given to major state figures, US President Donald Trump ordered flags across the country to be lowered for a week to mark what he called a “true loss for millions of people”.

Person holding a vinyl record album with a portrait of Dolly Parton on the cover, standing outdoors on a paved walkway with the record tucked under one arm.

— With Agence France-Presse.


Kate’s Message to Harry & Meghan Ahead of UK Return

Kate Middleton attends a ceremony at Westminster Abbey as part of Commonwealth Day celebrations

Royal family

Royal enthusiasts have been abuzz interpreting the latest image of the Princess of Wales amid recent developments about the Sussexes’ plans to come back to the U.K.

Despite the buzz surrounding the news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returning to the U.K., both Buckingham and Kensington Palaces have maintained an air of silence.

The quiet reaction from Prince Harry’s relatives has sparked as much curiosity as the return itself, leaving many speculating about how his brother, Prince William, and his sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales, feel about the development.

Hours after the news broke that Meghan and Harry are headed back across the pond, it was reported that King Charles is happy that he will be able to spend more time with family. But the Waleses don’t feel the same.

According to the king’s former butler Grant Harrold, who also looked after William, Kate, and Harry for years when they stayed at Highgrove House, William “won’t be happy” about it at all.

The former royal employee told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “We know Harry only told his father of his plans to return to the U.K. on Sunday, which is very short notice — especially as planning must have been going on for a while. It’s shocking that he hasn’t discussed it with his father. The only reason I can think of why he didn’t tell the king was he didn’t want Prince William to know. It’s very childish, but I don’t think he wants his brother to know what he’s up to.”

Speaking with The Independent, Harrold added, “William will be furious. Harry has said some extraordinary things about the family. William is somebody that when you break trust and you go beyond a certain point, there’s no going back. Before, William would have said, ‘He’s 5,000-6,000 miles away, and it’s not my problem. He’s in another country.’ But now he’s suddenly back on the doorstep. I just don’t think he’s going to be happy about the situation at all.”

So what about Kate, who like her husband, hasn’t been on speaking terms with the Sussexes for years? Well, she was photographed with William and their children as they headed to church just days ago, and her face said it all.

The princess was all smiles when she was photographed going to church at Balmoral with her family. So if anything was bothering her, she refused to show it.

Many royal fans commented that in doing so Kate was following in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II and how she would handle such situations, going with the old “keep calm and carry on” mindset and not giving much away.

It’s not yet known where Meghan and Harry will live when they get back to England, just that it will be outside of London. They will return before the new school year starts in September as their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are already enrolled.

RELATED: Meghan Markle’s Former Friend in the UK Talks About ‘Mixed Emotions’ Over the Duchess’s Return

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Reclaim Your Mobility: 5 Transformative Leg Strength Exercises Post-65

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Transform your workout routine with a few straightforward exercises that can significantly enhance the strength and stability of your lower body.

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The mid-60s are often touted as a delightful period in one’s life. With retirement on the horizon, you’re likely gearing up to indulge in activities you’re passionate about. Yet, before you dive into your newfound freedom, there’s an essential task that demands your attention: fortifying your leg strength. Whether your aspirations include hitting the golf course, playing pickleball, embarking on global adventures full of sightseeing, or discovering scenic trails for invigorating walks or runs, a robust set of legs will be indispensable.

To delve into the most effective exercises post-65, we consulted Domenic Angelino, MS, MPH, CSCS, CPT, who serves as the Chief Exercise Scientist at FitCraft. Angelino shared five easy yet powerful exercises that promise to rebuild your leg strength more efficiently than traditional squats.

Romanian Deadlifts

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<p index-data-stream="7" data-extracted-layout="normalized">"Romanian deadlifts are a fantastic way to fortify your back and directly engage the muscles at the rear of your thighs—the hamstrings—far more than squats do," Angelo explains. "This exercise also effectively works your glutes and strengthens your core by involving your lower back muscles. Together, they provide a comprehensive workout for the key muscles of your lower body."</p>

<p index-data-stream="8" data-extracted-layout="normalized"><ol>
<li>Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.</li>
<li>Hold a dumbbell in each hand. (Use light weights as you work on mastering your form.)</li>
<li>Bend your knees slightly and hold the weights in front of your thighs.</li>
<li>Press your hips back as you lower the dumbbells down your leg. Maintain a straight back as you do so.</li>
<li>Squeeze your glutes to return to the start position.</li>
</ol>
<aside class="c-article__related-link-aside"></aside></p>

<p class="c-article__related-link" index-data-stream="9" data-extracted-layout="normalized"><span class="c-article__related-link-inner">5 Bodyweight Moves That Build Strength Faster Than Dumbbells After 40</span></p>

<h2 id="dumbbell-step-ups" class="o-slide-title" data-num="2"><span>Dumbbell Step-Ups</span></h2>

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“Step-ups are great at building your quadriceps and glute muscles in a way that translates to activities that matter in your daily life. It’s essentially like climbing the stairs on hard mode, which makes it way easier to tackle stairs in your daily life,” Angelino explains.

  1. Begin by standing tall, holding a dumbbell in each hand and facing a low step or workout bench.
  2. Place your left foot firmly onto the surface, keeping your core engaged and chest tall.
  3. Press through your left heel to lift your body until your left leg is straight and you’re standing on the surface.
  4. Use control to lower back to the start position.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

4 Standing Moves That Keep You Strong Over 60, Say Trainers

Lateral Step-Ups

“This version of the step-up is better at involving muscles in your body that act in the frontal plane of motion. These are muscles that help your legs and hips move side to side, rather than forward and back,” Angelino notes.

  1. Stand beside a step or low platform, holding an optional dumbbell or kettlebell.
  2. Step up and across the surface laterally, leading with one leg.
  3. Maintain a tall posture and braced core.
  4. Use control to lower.

If You Can Pass These 3 Drills, You’re Moving Better Than Most People at Any Age

Standing Side Leg Raises

“This exercise is helpful because it lets you train your hip abductor muscles, like the sides of your butt, while also working on your balance. As you age, balance is something that’s helpful to build alongside leg strength. It essentially allows you to use the strength you build more safely and effectively in real-world environments,” Angelino tells us.

  1. Begin by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart and hands on your hips or holding onto a sturdy chair for support.
  2. Activate your core and shift your weight onto your left leg.
  3. Keep your right leg straight, and toes pointed forward as you lift it out to the side as high as you’re comfortably able to.
  4. Hold at the top for a moment before lowering.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

5 Chair Exercises That Restore Leg Strength Faster Than Squats After 60