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Prue Leith Expresses Concerns Over End-of-Life Issues, Criticizes Current Practices as ‘Disgraceful

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Prue Leith Expresses Concerns Over End-of-Life Issues, Criticizes Current Practices as ‘Disgraceful

Prue Leith Joins Scottish Parliament Event To Support Assisted Dying

Prue Leith Joins Scottish Parliament Event To Support Assisted Dying (Image: Getty)

Prue Leith has opened up about her views on assisted dying, revealing her fears not of death itself but of enduring pain and suffering at the end of life. The celebrated chef, restaurateur and television judge, known for her role on The Great British Bake Off, said she is frustrated with the way proposed legislation on assisted dying is being handled in the House of Lords. Speaking to Katherine Ryan on the What’s My Age Again? podcast, Prue stressed that, while she does not fear death, the prospect of not being allowed to die does frighten her. She said: “It doesn’t scare me at all; it absolutely doesn’t scare me. What would scare me is if you’re ill, in pain and unhappy—you ought to be allowed to die if you want to.”

Prue Leith, the renowned chef and beloved judge from The Great British Bake Off, has candidly shared her thoughts on assisted dying, emphasizing her concern not with death itself but with the potential for pain and suffering in her final days. During a conversation with Katherine Ryan on the What’s My Age Again? podcast, Leith expressed her frustration over the slow progress of proposed assisted dying legislation in the House of Lords. She stressed that while the concept of death doesn’t trouble her, the idea of being denied the right to die peacefully does. “The thought of being ill, in pain, and unhappy without the option to choose death is what truly scares me,” she remarked.

At 86, Prue is a vocal advocate for assisted dying and is closely monitoring a bill currently navigating through Parliament. She voiced her irritation at the legislative delays, commenting, “I dedicate a lot of time to promoting assisted dying, but the current bill is at risk of failure due to filibustering in the House of Lords.” Leith pointed out that the bill has already garnered substantial support in the House of Commons, indicating both public and parliamentary backing, yet encounters deliberate obstructions in the Lords.

Read more: Prue Leith encountered a ‘humiliating’ moment on Bake Off and reveals the true reason for her departure.

Read more: Prue Leith discusses the health challenges that prompted her to leave Bake Off.

Dame Prue Leith Speaks At the Cambridge Union (Image: Getty)

“If a bill runs out of time because it hasn’t been properly debated, it automatically falls, and you then have to start again in the next Parliament and go right through the House of Commons,” she said. “It has already been through the House of Commons, which approved it and wants to see it made law.”

The TV star, who built her reputation with cookery schools, restaurants and television, has long been vocal on social issues, including healthcare and patients’ rights. Her candid remarks come as public debate intensifies over assisted dying legislation in the UK, with supporters arguing for the autonomy of terminally ill patients and opponents citing ethical concerns. Prue said her anger is aimed at a small group of Lords who, she says, are abusing parliamentary procedure.

“If a bill is not properly debated and time runs out, it automatically falls, necessitating a restart in the next Parliament,” she explained. “This bill has already been approved by the House of Commons, which is eager to see it become law.”

For Prue, the issue is deeply personal as well as political. Her emphasis is on the right of individuals to avoid prolonged suffering and to choose dignity in their final days. Prue described this tactic as “so undemocratic” and said it undermines the credibility of the Lords themselves.

Prue Leith (Image: Getty)

“And a lot of the Lords, even those who are opposed to assisted dying and don’t want the bill to succeed, totally disagree with what this little cabal of Lords is doing. They say that’s not what we’re meant to do. It’s not the right use of the Lords. It’s bringing the Lords into disrepute. It’s undemocratic. It means we can’t vote because it will run out of time. It’s disgraceful,” she added.

With her characteristic bluntness, the TV star made clear that her frustration is not with those opposed to assisted dying in principle, but with procedural tactics that prevent Parliament from voting on a bill supported by the elected House of Commons.

In January, Prue announced she was stepping down as a judge on Channel 4’s The Great British Bake Off. The 86-year-old said she has “genuinely loved” working on the programme for the past nine series, having judged more than 400 challenges.

She has been a judge on the popular baking show alongside Paul Hollywood since 2017, when the series moved from the BBC to Channel 4.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness Reduce Asking Price for Their New York City Apartment

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Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness Reduce Asking Price for Their New York City Apartment

Hugh Jackman and Deborah-Lee Furness are seeking to sell their expansive New York City apartment, now at a significantly reduced rate.

Initially listed in 2022 at a staggering AUD$57.5 million (US$38.9 million), the 57-year-old actor famous for his role as Wolverine has cut the asking price by AUD$16 million.

This luxurious residence, situated in Manhattan’s prestigious West Village, boasts five bedrooms and six bathrooms, and is now priced at AUD$41.5 million (US$28,750,000).

Property records indicate that Jackman and Furness, 70, continue to own the home, which they purchased in 2008 for US$21.1 million (equivalent to AUD$30.5 million in 2026).

Following their divorce, finalized in June 2025, the former couple relocated to a more modest dwelling in nearby Chelsea.

Covering the 8th, 9th and 10th floors of a 15-storey high-rise, the apartment spans 1021 square metres and offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the famous Manhattan skyline.

Hugh Jackman and ex-wife Deborah Lee Furness are attempting to offload their sprawling New York apartment at a massively discounted price

Hugh Jackman and ex-wife Deborah Lee Furness are attempting to offload their sprawling New York apartment at a massively discounted price

Originally hitting the market for an eye-watering AUD$57.5million (US$38.9million) in 2022, the 57-year-old Wolverine star has slashed the price by AUD$16million. (Pictured)

Originally hitting the market for an eye-watering AUD$57.5million (US$38.9million) in 2022, the 57-year-old Wolverine star has slashed the price by AUD$16million. (Pictured)

Located in Manhattan's upscale West Village, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom pad has a new price tag of AUD$41.5 million (US$28,750,000)

Located in Manhattan’s upscale West Village, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom pad has a new price tag of AUD$41.5 million (US$28,750,000)

The 10th floor hosts a luxurious main bedroom suite and features a studio, spa bath, sauna and dressing rooms.

Meanwhile, the other two levels of the enormous property feature living spaces, a library, and a guest bedroom.

Other highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows, a recreation room and a professional gourmet kitchen.

Amenities in the sought-after block include a fitness centre, full-time doorman and concierge.

It is understood that the sale of the property was part of the Jackman-Furness divorce settlement.

Furness reportedly bought out Jackman’s stake in their other luxury New York abode – an AUD$35million (US$24million) three-bedroom Manhattan penthouse.

The property, which the couple purchased together back in 2022 for AUD$31.6million (US$21.12million), had not been listed for sale but underwent a property transfer.

The once high-profile couple, who married in 1996, announced their separation in 2023 after 27 years of marriage.

According to property records, Jackman and Furness, 70, still own the property, which they snapped up in 2008 for US$21.1million (AU$30.5million) in 2026

According to property records, Jackman and Furness, 70, still own the property, which they snapped up in 2008 for US$21.1million (AU$30.5million) in 2026

Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows, a recreation room and a professional gourmet kitchen

Highlights include floor-to-ceiling windows, a recreation room and a professional gourmet kitchen

It comes after Jackman’s wedding plans with his girlfriend Sutton Foster have reportedly hit a snag, as he works at getting the two children he shares with his ex-wife on board.

The Hollywood star has reportedly proposed to Foster, 50, his former Broadway co-star, but sources say the road to the altar is far from simple, according to the National Enquirer.

The former couple, long seen as one of Hollywood’s strongest pairings, share two adopted children, Oscar, 25, and Ava, 20.

Rumours have circulated that Jackman grew close to Foster before his marriage ended, though nothing has been confirmed.

Months after the divorce was finalised last year, Jackman and Foster made their red-carpet debut as a couple, signalling that their professional partnership had blossomed into a romantic relationship.

Entertainment outlets have reported the pair were moving quickly towards engagement, with New Idea claiming Jackman has ‘finally popped the question’. 

But not everyone in Jackman’s circle is on board, as the National Enquirer quotes an unnamed source saying his children remain ‘steadfastly loyal’ to Furness and are, at least for now, struggling to celebrate their father’s next chapter.

‘Even though Hugh is excited to start this next chapter with Sutton, he has to be sensitive to his kids. They’re incredibly protective of their mother… he wants to be respectful of that,’ the source said.

Chalmers Confronts Economic Turbulence and Fuel Regulations in Wake of Major Financial Jolt

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As geopolitical tensions continue to ripple across the globe, Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has not dismissed the possibility of a recession hitting the nation. This outlook arises amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty spurred by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, Chalmers unveiled a series of initiatives designed to bolster small businesses. Standing before reporters, he addressed the substantial economic disruptions resulting from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint.

The Treasurer emphasized that the government is actively evaluating various scenarios to mitigate these challenges. He highlighted the urgency for a swift resolution to the conflict, suggesting that a quicker end could expedite the global economy’s recovery and return to normalcy.

“These are crucial factors in our economic forecasts,” Chalmers stated. “The longer this shock persists, the more severe the repercussions for our economy will be, whether in terms of inflation, growth, or the labor market,” he explained during a press briefing in Canberra.

“Australians didn’t choose this war. They’re paying the price for this war at the petrol bowser and more broadly as well. From an economic point of view, this war can’t end soon enough, but the consequences will linger for longer.”

Chalmers reiterated that the previous forecast inflation figure of “high fours or low fives” was now “conservative”, but stopped short of suggesting a new figure.

The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence index found inflation expectations have reached their worst on record, rising from 6.9 per cent to 7.3 per cent.

Economists at all of Australia’s ‘big four’ banks expect the Reserve Bank to lift rates again in May.

Asked whether fuel mandates could be imminent, Chalmers said the government continues its work to avoid “heavier-handed interventions”.

“We go to great lengths to make sure that people understand that we are doing our best to avoid COVID-style interventions,” he said.

New moves to ‘shield’ small businesses from war pressure

Small businesses are being offered temporary help on their tax obligations from the Australian Tax Office (ATO), as part of a suite of measures to “shield small businesses”.

“The ATO has agreed to provide temporary relief for businesses unable to meet their tax obligations due to fuel supply issues, where that’s appropriate,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“This could include more generous payment plans, remission of interest and penalties, and also support in various PAYG instalments, where there’s been a downturn in tax income.”

It includes the establishment of a dedicated channel for small businesses to help them access relief provisions.

The government will also extend the small business responsible lending obligations exemption for a further 10 years.

The measure, initially introduced in 2020, allows banks and lenders to provide fast loans and credit, bypassing some regulatory burdens.

It includes commitments from Australian banks for temporary payment deferrals, loan restructuring or emergency credit limit increases.

Small business minister Anne Aly said the government had been consulting with small businesses and peak bodies on the measures.

“We can’t control the war in the Middle East. We can’t stop the war in the Middle East, but what a responsible government can do is to do everything that it can to shield its citizens and to shield small businesses,” she said.

“They employ people, and because they give back to Australia, we’re keen to look after them as well, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

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Police Intercept Bike Mob to Prevent Bay Bridge Disruption and City Chaos

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Police Intercept Bike Mob to Prevent Bay Bridge Disruption and City Chaos

A major disruption on the Bay Bridge was averted when California law enforcement successfully intervened to stop a large group of cyclists planning to overrun one of the state’s busiest thoroughfares.

The California Highway Patrol’s San Francisco Area office, in collaboration with the San Francisco Police Department, was able to identify the group as they rode recklessly through city streets. The officers acted swiftly to thwart the cyclists’ plans before they reached the bridge on March 28.

Authorities kept a close watch on the cyclists’ movements in real time as they headed toward the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. The group eventually entered the bridge through the Harrison Street off-ramp, where they dangerously rode against the flow of traffic.

Fortunately, officers were strategically positioned at that location, ready to intercept the riders.

Aerial view of bike mob swarming ramp during Bay Bridge takeover attempt

Aerial footage from the incident captures the moment when dozens of cyclists attempted to take over traffic lanes on the major bridge, highlighting the quick response of law enforcement to prevent chaos. (San Francisco Police Department)

CHP and SFPD officers blocked the group, stopping the takeover before it reached the freeway.

Video released by CHP shows a police helicopter overhead as officers moved in and blocked access to the bridge.

Officials said the response was deliberate and based on prior incidents, where similar groups have progressed from city streets onto the bridge.

Cyclists ride up curved ramp toward Bay Bridge during takeover attempt

Authorities tracked the group as it moved through city streets toward the Bay Bridge before being stopped. (San Francisco Police Department )

“The group was observed riding through the city. Similar incidents in the past have progressed to the group entering the bridge,” a CHP spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “We worked with SFPD to stage units nearby and continue to monitor.”

“Through ongoing communications and a lot of moving parts, the theory was proven correct and the group was intercepted before gaining access,” the spokesperson said.

In total, 85 individuals were detained and cited for illegally riding bicycles on a freeway, officials said. All were released at the scene, and 85 bicycles were seized.

Officials said the bicycles will be checked through a stolen property database, and any identified as stolen could lead to additional charges. The spokesperson added that, in similar incidents, “there aren’t typically stolen bikes, as participants take a lot of personal pride in their rides,” describing the groups as similar to sideshow activity.

Authorities said the group’s behavior leading up to the incident was dangerous and escalating, with riders swerving through traffic, approaching moving vehicles and pedestrians, and in some cases intentionally riding at oncoming cars.

“Throughout the incident, riders were seen riding directly at moving vehicles, swerving in and out of traffic, and coming dangerously close to pedestrians,” CHP said, warning that such behavior “cannot be tolerated.”

Officials added that the risks would have been even greater on the freeway, where higher speeds increase the likelihood of serious injury.

Bicyclists weave in and out of traffic in San Francisco

Bicyclists attempt to take over traffic in San Francisco. (San Francisco Police Department )

A CHP spokesperson said similar incidents have occurred in the past and appear to be increasing on city streets, describing groups that engage in risky behavior and openly challenge motorists.

Many of those involved were juveniles, officials said, with the youngest participant in this incident just 9 years old.

“What we saw yesterday was not harmless fun,” said CHP San Francisco Area Captain Tim McCollister. “This is no place for games or risky behavior.”

McCollister warned that riding against traffic on a freeway creates extreme danger for both cyclists and drivers, adding that the department’s priority is preventing tragedy before it happens.

“We will continue to enforce the law and hold individuals accountable,” he said.

CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Steve Ramos praised the joint response, saying officers “stopped this group before they could wreak havoc on our freeways.”

“Teamwork at its best,” the San Francisco Police Department said.

Authorities said the situation could have escalated, but officers stopped the group before it reached the bridge and endangered drivers.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

Stepheny Price is a Writer at Fox News with a focus on West Coast and Midwest news, missing persons, national and international crime stories, homicide cases, and border security.

Isolated, Justice Jackson Labels First Amendment Ruling by Colleagues as ‘Irrational,’ Warns of Potential Disruption to Medical System

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Isolated, Justice Jackson Labels First Amendment Ruling by Colleagues as ‘Irrational,’ Warns of Potential Disruption to Medical System

Main: Kaley Chiles, a Christian talk therapist in Colorado, appears in a video about her case (Alliance Defending Freedom/YouTube). Left inset: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the nation”s highest court, speaks at the 60th Commemoration of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill). Right inset: Neil Gorsuch talks with other attendees before the start of presentation of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta).

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson found herself in solitary dissent as the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Christian talk therapist challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy. Jackson described the court’s decision as both “baffling” and “dangerous.”

The majority opinion, authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch and supported by all justices except Jackson—including Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan—determined that Colorado’s Minor Conversion Therapy Law (MCTL) infringed upon the First Amendment. The law was challenged by Kaley Chiles, who claimed it restricted what she could communicate to minors dealing with “unwanted” same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria.

Gorsuch argued that Colorado’s law was misguided, stating, “In many applications, the State’s law banning ‘conversion therapy’ may address conduct—such as aversive physical interventions. But here, Ms. Chiles seeks to engage only in speech, and as applied to her the law regulates what she may say.” He further emphasized that labeling her speech as conduct or treatment did not change its nature, asserting, “The First Amendment is no word game.”

He went on to contrast the First Amendment’s vision with what he perceived as Jackson’s stance, where contemporary consensus dictates professional speech. “Any professional speech that deviates from ‘current beliefs about the safety and efficacy of various medical treatments’ could be silenced with relative ease,” Gorsuch noted, warning against such deference to prevailing views. “Fortunately, that is not the world the First Amendment envisions for us.”

“Today, tomorrow, and forever, too, any professional speech that deviates from ‘current beliefs about the safety and efficacy of various medical treatments’ could be silenced with relative ease. It is a consequence Colorado freely acknowledges. And one the dissent embraces. So what if that kind of reflexive deference to currently prevailing professional views may not always end well?” the justice remarked. “Fortunately, that is not the world the First Amendment envisions for us.”

As Law&Crime recounted during oral arguments in October, Chiles’ attorneys with the Alliance Defending Freedom made the case that Colorado’s law unconstitutionally censored and “silenced” Chiles by “ban[ning] voluntary conversation” between a licensed professional and a client under the threat of disciplinary action like “fines, probation, and loss of license.”

Telling the justices that Chiles’ work is solely speech, ADF emphasized it was her right to engage in “discussion” according to the client’s and their parents’ wishes about realigning identity with biological sex or reducing unwanted same-sex attraction and behavior.

At the time, Sotomayor and Jackson referred to studies that show conversion therapy is harmful and significantly ups the risk of suicide attempts. Jackson, in particular, found it a “little puzzling” that Chiles claimed to be subject to regulation by the state through licensure but exempt from following a science-based conversion therapy ban. In retrospect, the line of questioning was a sign of things to come.

In her lengthy dissent, Jackson said the “scientific literature confirms what anecdotal experiences suggest: Conversion therapy has harmed patients, particularly minors.” As a result, the justice concluded the state of Colorado was well within its right to “prevent its licensed talk therapists from using speech to harm the minors in their care.”

That every other justice has said otherwise raises a question about the “quality” of health care in America moving forward, Jackson continued.

“We are on a slippery slope now: For the first time, the Supreme Court has interpreted the First Amendment to bless a risk of therapeutic harm to children by limiting the State’s ability to regulate medical providers who treat patients with speech. What’s next? In the worst-case scenario, our medical system unravels as various licensed healthcare professionals—talk therapists, psychiatrists, and presumably anyone else who claims to utilize speech when administering treatments to patients—start broadly wielding their new-found constitutional right to provide substandard medical care.”

“It is baffling that we could now be standing on the edge of a precipitous drop in the quality of healthcare services in America. But the Court sees fit to bring us one step closer to that fate today,” she added.

It wasn’t baffling to Kagan and Sotomayor, however, who agreed that Colorado’s law “conflicts with core First Amendment principles because it regulates speech based on viewpoint.” The two said that if the state had “enacted a content-based but viewpoint-neutral law, it would raise a different and more difficult question.”

ADF lead attorney Jim Campbell said in a statement that the Supreme Court delivered a “significant win for free speech, common sense, and families desperate to help their children.”

In a statement of her own, Chiles hailed the “victory for counselors and, more importantly, kids and families everywhere.”

Get Ready: Tomorrow’s Pink Moon Might Surprise You in Unexpected Ways

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Get Ready: Tomorrow’s Pink Moon Might Surprise You in Unexpected Ways

Australians are being encouraged to cast their eyes skyward this week as April’s full moon, charmingly dubbed the Pink Moon, is set to make a dazzling appearance.

This celestial event will hit its peak at precisely 1:11 PM (AEDT) on April 2. While this means the moon’s fullest phase will occur during daylight hours, it could still be visible depending on the clarity of the sky and presence of clouds.

However, there’s a little twist to this lunar spectacle. Despite its vibrant name, the Pink Moon won’t actually display any pink hues.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 07: The super pink moon, the biggest supermoon of the year, rises over (L-R) Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the under construction Allegiant Stadium and McCarran International Airport on April 7, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The pink moon got its name because the April full moon occurs at the same time as the pink wildflower Phlox subulata blooms in North America. A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with its
The moon won’t actually appear pink tomorrow, but we will still be in for a treat. (Getty)

Instead, observers can expect the moon to retain its usual silvery glow. Occasionally, dust or pollution in the atmosphere may lend it a soft, rosy tint when viewed near the horizon.

Instead, the moon will appear in its usual silvery tone, though dust or pollution can sometimes give it a faint rosy tint near the horizon.

The title Pink Moon comes from seasonal wildflowers that bloom in early spring across the Northern Hemisphere, rather than the moon’s colour. 

While the exact peak falls in the middle of the day, the moon is expected to appear brightest later that evening.

In NSW, Victoria, ACT, and Tasmania, the moon will rise at 11.11pm AEDT, with the best viewing starting from 7.30pm AEDT. 

A super pink moon rises over Sydney CBD. Photo: Wolter Peeters (Sydney Morning Herald)

The April full moon is also known as the Paschal Moon, which determines the timing of Easter in many Christian calendars.

The Pink Moon is the fourth of 13 full moons lighting up the sky in 2026. 

It follows last month’s total lunar eclipse – often referred to as a “blood moon” – which drew attention across Australia as the moon took on a deep red hue during the rare celestial event.

GALLERY: Rare super blue blood moon rises over Australia

For the best chance of viewing the Pink Moon, clear skies and low light pollution will offer the clearest conditions, with darker areas outside the city providing the best views.

The next full moon, known as the Flower Moon, is set to rise on May 1.

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Born Again Season 2 Unveils the True Cost of Living as a Supervillain

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Born Again Season 2 Unveils the True Cost of Living as a Supervillain



Spoiler Alert: Details from “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, Episode 2 – “Shoot the Moon”


Wilson Fisk wearing a suit and looking angry in Daredevil: Born Again

Giovanni Rufino/Marvel Studios

At the conclusion of the first season of “Daredevil: Born Again,” Wilson Fisk, portrayed by Vincent D’Onofrio, seemed to have everything under control. Ascending to the position of New York City’s mayor, he executed his ambitious Freeport scheme, maneuvering goods and illicit materials with ease. His Safer Streets Initiative, effectively a martial law, helped him keep vigilantes and political adversaries in check while maintaining his popularity among the public. However, the second season quickly proves that Fisk’s seemingly unassailable position is more precarious than it appears.

Fisk finds himself beset by a myriad of challenges, including mounting political pressure from state authorities and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Meanwhile, Daredevil, played by Charlie Cox, is rallying a resistance against him, and the unpredictable Bullseye, enacted by Wilson Bethel, is further complicating matters. Compounding these external threats are internal issues: leaks from within Fisk’s own circle are undermining his authority, with the information being used in a biting online parody that eats away at his credibility.

Fisk sought the limelight and now faces the harsh reality of his choices. The transition from being a clandestine crime boss to a public figure has exposed him to vulnerabilities he hadn’t anticipated. The second episode strongly suggests that the source of the leaks is his protégé, Daniel Blake, played by Michael Gandolfini, who seems oblivious to his role in the unfolding drama.

“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 paints a vivid picture of the pitfalls that can ensnare a politically ambitious supervillain. From the very first episode, the Attorney General’s office scrutinizes Kingpin’s actions, questioning his authority as a mayor operating without state consultation. The intrigue deepens with the entrance of Mr. Charles, played by Matthew Lillard, and the involvement of CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, whose presence is felt through a decisive phone call. Although Julia Louis-Dreyfus doesn’t appear on screen, her character’s influence is unmistakable, halting state intervention against Fisk. Yet, the CIA’s involvement is not altruistic; they plan to exploit the Freeport operations for their own covert purposes, with Mr. Charles stepping in as Fisk’s overseer.

A villain doesn’t exist in a vacuum


Kingpin, Vanessa Fisk, and Mr. Charles sitting at a table in Daredevil: Born Again

JoJo Whilden/Marvel Studios

“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 does a fine job showing what might actually happen to a politics-themed supervillain with a penchant for ambitious stunts. In Episode 1, The Attorney General’s office is immediately on Kingpin’s case, since no lowly mayor should be doing stuff like this without consulting the state’s higher-ups. Then, the spookshow rolls in, as Mr. Charles (Matthew Lillard) enters the scene and CIA director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus, though tragically not seen or heard here) contributes a pointed phone call that stops state authorities from hounding Fisk. Of course, the CIA isn’t supporting a supervillain out of charity. They’ll be using Freeport to move their own shady freight, thank you very much, and Mr. Charles is set up to act as Kingpin’s handler.

As de Fontaine herself learned while attempting to turn Marvel’s multi-superpowered Sentry (Lewis Pullman) into a pet project in “Thunderbolts*,” there’s always a bigger fish. Now, her agency acts in that capacity against the Big Bad of “Daredevil: Born Again.” The turmoil Kingpin is facing is a fun reality check on what making major moves as a villain in the politics game might actually be like. Sure, your evil plan might technically succeed, but other powers with vested interests in your dealings will absolutely swoop in to see what’s what, and you’ll always be a target for parodies, ridicule, and betrayals.

“Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2 is streaming on Disney+. 



Shocking Arrest in Gainesville: Roommate Standoff Ends with Man in Custody

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By Staff Writer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In a dramatic turn of events, 26-year-old Muhammad Kishta was taken into custody this morning after allegedly holding his roommate at gunpoint, demanding a confession to his deity, Muhammad.

The incident came to light when an officer from the Gainesville Police Department responded to a 911 call made by Kishta himself. Kishta had requested a face-to-face meeting with law enforcement, claiming he was under surveillance by cameras and computers. The officer met him at his residence at Windsor Park, located at 3705 SW 27th St., where Kishta spoke of philosopher stones and curses. He reportedly sought arrest to gain protection under law enforcement and to be taken to the military.

As the situation unfolded, a mental health co-responder team was called to assess Kishta’s state. However, before their arrival, a neighbor reported a heated exchange coming from Kishta’s apartment. She recounted overhearing a man declare, “I don’t want to pull the trigger, I’m not here to pull the trigger,” followed by a profane outburst, although she did not hear another voice.

Upon returning to the scene with the co-responder team, officers were met with Kishta’s raised voice from inside the apartment. When they knocked, Kishta opened the door brandishing a firearm. Officers immediately drew their weapons, prompting Kishta to lower his gun. He then launched into a tirade about governmental conspiracies and the alleged global takeover by Chinese nationals.

After Kishta was arrested, officers discovered that his roommate was sitting in the living room. The roommate said he had been in his bedroom sleeping when Kishta knocked on his door. When he opened the bedroom door, Kishta allegedly pointed a gun at him and moved him into the living room at gunpoint. The victim said Kishta made him sit down on the couch and told him that he needed to confess to his god, Muhammad; he also said “something about science.” The victim said Kishta threatened to shoot him.

Kishta reportedly told the officer that he does not have any mental health diagnoses, but the officer, believing him to be a threat to others, referred him for emergency mental health services under the Baker Act.

Kishta has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping. His criminal history and bail amount will be available after he attends a First Appearance hearing.

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.


Greene County Mayoral and Sheriff Candidates Present Their Visions for Office to Local Residents

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Greene County Mayoral and Sheriff Candidates Present Their Visions for Office to Local Residents


Residents of Greene County, Tennessee, had the opportunity to engage with the candidates vying for positions in the upcoming mayoral and sheriff’s elections, as the primary set for May 5 approaches.

The candidates presented their visions on Thursday evening at a forum conducted at the Lyceum on the Niswonger Campus of Walter State Community College in Greeneville.

Current Mayor Kevin Morrison opened the discussion, highlighting his commitment to enhancing the county’s infrastructure.

“With the significant increase in population we’ve experienced, addressing infrastructure is crucial,” Morrison shared with News Channel 11. “Our roads and bridges are under more strain due to the higher number of residents. We also require expanded water, sewer, and broadband services, which are costly endeavors. However, with more residents come greater needs.”

Father Receives Sentence for Fatally Shooting Son in the Head After Dispute

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Father Receives Sentence for Fatally Shooting Son in the Head After Dispute

A Miami father has been handed a prison sentence exceeding ten years after a Ring doorbell camera captured him confessing to the fatal shooting of his son during a domestic dispute.

David De Jesus Contreras, aged 53, admitted guilt on Monday for the death of his son, Eric Contreras, a 23-year-old pursuing a degree in construction management at Florida International University. The tragic incident unfolded following a family outing to Walt Disney World in November 2023, according to a report from the Miami Herald.

Initially charged with second-degree murder, Contreras saw his charge reduced to manslaughter. Consequently, Judge David Young sentenced him to 12 years in prison, to be followed by a decade of probation.

Prosecutors revealed that the father and son had engaged in a heated argument concerning the young man’s social activities during their drive back from Disney World on November 3, 2023. It was during this altercation that Contreras resorted to gunfire.

Subsequent to the incident, Contreras contacted 911, admitting to the shooting and expressing to dispatchers that he “lost it.” He reiterated his confession to law enforcement officers upon their arrival at the family home in Kendall.

Damning footage from the family’s Ring doorbell camera also showed the father trying to explain to his wife what he had done to their son.

‘Is he alive? Is he breathing?’ the frantic wife asked.

‘He’s not breathing. He’s dead. The fighting on the way home was unbearable, we got here and it was one second to the next,’ Contreras said through tears. 

David De Jesus Contreras, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday for killing his son, Eric Contreras, 23

David De Jesus Contreras, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Monday for killing his son, Eric Contreras, 23

Prosecutors have said the father and son had been arguing about the college student's social plans all the way home from their Disney World trip on November 3, 2023, when the elder Contreras opened fire

Prosecutors have said the father and son had been arguing about the college student’s social plans all the way home from their Disney World trip on November 3, 2023, when the elder Contreras opened fire

Minutes later, police arrive at the property and officers’ bodycam footage captured a second confession.

‘I just shot my son,’ Contreras wails as armed police made their way over to him in the driveway.

Officers then found Eric’s body riddled with gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The father later claimed he had acted in self-defense, after suffering years of abuse at the hands of his own son. 

He painted a picture of his son as a violent man who had struggled with mental health issues. 

Family members supported David as he faced charges for his son’s death, and last year a judge even allowed him to remain with his wife and family while he awaited trial, NBC Miami reports. 

But prosecutors argued the evidence suggested Eric was kneeling or crouching down at the time of his death, according to Law & Crime.

Eric’s friends also disputed David’s characterization of the college student, as they lamented that they were not allowed to attend Eric’s funeral and burial.

‘An entire community was denied the opportunity to mourn, grieve and honor his life,’ said one friend who had known Eric since they were in first grade together. 

‘It wasn’t until everyone realized that Eric’s own family was defending his murderer that we were able to start grieving properly.’ 

David was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter under a plea deal

David was originally charged with second-degree murder, but the charge was downgraded to manslaughter under a plea deal

David De Jesus Contreras was caught on Ring doorbell camera trying to explain to his wife what had happened before his arrest

David De Jesus Contreras was caught on Ring doorbell camera trying to explain to his wife what had happened before his arrest

The friend described how he first bonded with Eric when he was in a wheelchair suffering from an injury and he kept Eric company during recess and they bonded over a shared love of the arts.

‘Eric sketched, he painted, he picked up instruments, he played sports,’ the friend recounted.

Eric’s girlfriend also told the judge that he was the most considerate person she had ever known, recounting how he purchased $300 worth of the textbooks she needed for her MBA degree when she couldn’t afford it and learned Spanish to communicate with her family.

He even joined her at the cemetery to visit the grave of her father, who died when she was just eight years old, the girlfriend testified, according to the Miami Herald.

‘His love was the kind of love that made me a better version of myself,’ she said. ‘I found a love that people search their whole entire lives for.’ 

Another friend also read a statement on behalf of Eric’s supporters, calling him a ‘great friend’ who was ‘kind, passionate and never failed to put a smile on our faces.

‘It’s disgusting to see his name slandered by his own blood,’ the friend said of David’s assertions that his son was violent. 

‘We were worried about getting justice for Eric, as his family shut us out,’ the friend continued, adding: ‘We’re here because he deserved better, in life and in death.’ 

One friend even described Eric as a ‘young man who would have cared for his parents as they aged, who would have given them grandchildren, who wore his father’s spirit and his father’s name,’ Local 10 News reports.  

‘David took from the world the very person that loved him the most.’ 

David told the judge on Monday he has accepted his fate, but that response did not seem to satisfy the judge

David told the judge on Monday he has accepted his fate, but that response did not seem to satisfy the judge

Eric's friends described him as a kind and considerate person, as they lamented that they were not able to attend his burial and funeral mass

Eric’s friends described him as a kind and considerate person, as they lamented that they were not able to attend his burial and funeral mass

David declined to address his son’s friends – leading Judge Young to say the family deprived his friends of the opportunity to properly mourn Eric. 

When he then handed down his sentence, the judge said the 12-year term behind bars is ‘for the pain you caused each and every one of them. And continue to cause them because of your selfishness and your family’s selfishness and not letting them grieve, not letting them attend a memorial service, a mass, which [is] so deeply important to those of their faith.’

David then replied, ‘I am the one that has to live with it and I have accepted it,’ as he buried his face in his hands.

But that response did not seem to satisfy the judge.

‘You have to live with it, sir? Your wife has to live with it, sir. Your future grandchildren have to live with it sir,’ Young replied. ‘A lot of people. It’s horrible.’

Following the sentencing, David’s attorney, Frank Quintero told reporters: ‘Of course he’s sorry.

‘No father intentionally wants to kill his kid.’ 
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