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Police Report: Husband Fatally Shot by Childhood Friend During Ride Home, Wife Claims Assailant Showed ‘No Remorse

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Insets, left to right: Brandon Dale Frick (Ware County Jail) and Buffy and Jacob Cothern (WTLV). Background: The area in Florida where Frick allegedly killed Jacob Cothern (WTLV).

A Georgia man, aged 29, stands accused of fatally shooting his longtime friend in a distressing incident that unfolded in front of the friend’s wife. The confrontation began when the accused allegedly behaved inappropriately, prompting the couple to stop their vehicle and address his actions.

Brandon Dale Frick faces serious charges, including malice murder, illegal firearm discharge, and possessing a firearm during a crime, as revealed by authorities, in connection with the death of 35-year-old Jacob Garrett Cothern.

The Waycross Police Department detailed in a statement that officers were dispatched around 8:22 p.m. on March 13 to investigate a shooting near Snelson Street and Old Brunel Street. On arrival, they discovered Cothern with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was declared dead on-site.

During their response, officers encountered Frick nearby. He was armed and apparently trying to escape, but law enforcement managed to apprehend him without further incident. He was subsequently taken to Ware County Jail, charged with murder.

Buffy Cothern, Jacob’s wife, shared her harrowing experience with Jacksonville, Florida’s NBC affiliate WTLV, recounting how she was in the driver’s seat during the tragic shooting and has since spoken about her husband’s final moments.

She said the couple had been giving Frick — whom her husband considered a childhood friend — a ride on the night of the shooting. During the drive, she alleged Frick touched her arm inappropriately, prompting her to pull over near Snelson Street, just outside a church.

According to Buffy, her husband told Frick to get out of the vehicle and refused to take him home after what she described as disrespect toward her.

What happened next, she recounted in detail:

“Brandon pulled a gun, shot Jacob one time, and when I see my husband . . . he fell to the ground, and Brandon is telling him, ‘Get up and take me home.’ Jacob’s holding a hand up: ‘No, Brandon, please stop. We don’t have to do it like this.’ When he realized that Jacob couldn’t get up…he shot him again, and casually puts the gun back and just takes off walking. Like no remorse whatsoever.”

Buffy Cothern described her husband as funny, outgoing, and “very loud,” someone who had worked hard to turn his life around. The couple married in 2024 and bonded over their shared commitment to recovery from addiction, she said.

According to Buffy Cothern, her husband had been out of incarceration for nearly two years — longer than he had been in some time — and was making significant strides, including securing a job with Waycross Public Works, earning multiple promotions, and planning to enroll in college while pursuing a commercial driver’s license.

“He provided me the love and consistency that I’ve never had before,” she said.

Frick is being held without bond as the investigation continues. It was not immediately clear when he was scheduled to appear in court.

IDF Warns: Iran’s Long-Range Missiles Pose Threat to Major European Cities Including London, Paris, and Berlin

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Iran has struck two communities near Israel’s main nuclear research site late on Saturday, leaving several people seriously injured, hours after its own Natanz main nuclear enrichment site was hit, as the war spun into a dangerous new direction at the start of its fourth week.
It marked the first time in the war that Israel’s nuclear research centre has been targeted.

The Israeli military reported that its defense systems failed to intercept missiles that struck the southern cities of Dimona and Arad. This incident resulted in numerous injuries, according to emergency services.

In light of these developments, Israel’s army chief, General Eyal Zamir, emphasized that the conflict is far from over, underscoring the tense and ongoing nature of the situation.

On a related front, Iran’s state broadcaster announced that over 1,500 individuals have lost their lives amidst the turmoil within its borders, as confirmed by Iran’s health ministry.

In a bold move earlier, Iran targeted the joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. This location, approximately 2,500 miles (or 4,000 kilometers) from Iran, suggests Tehran’s missile capabilities may extend further than previously believed. Alternatively, it raises the possibility that Iran might have employed its space program for an improvised missile launch, representing a significant escalation in their military reach.

Earlier, Iran targeted the joint UK-US Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean about 2500 miles (4000 kilometres) away, suggesting that Tehran has missiles that can go farther than previously acknowledged – or that it had used its space program for an improvised launch.

“We have beem saying it: The Iranian terrorist regime poses a global threat,” the IDF said in a post on X.

“Now, with missiles that can reach London, Paris or Berlin.

“The Iranian terror regime has carried out attacks against 12 countries in the region and is developing a capability that poses a much broader threat.”

Residents said Iran’s capital saw heavy airstrikes as they marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The US and Israel have offered shifting rationales for the war, from hoping to foment an uprising that topples Iran’s leadership to eliminating its nuclear and missile programs and its support for armed proxies.

There have been no signs of an uprising, while internet restrictions limit information from Iran.

The war’s effects are felt far beyond the Middle East, raising food and fuel prices.

It is not clear how much damage Iran has sustained in the US and Israeli strikes that began February 28 – or even who is truly in charge.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen in public since being named to the role.

This image realeased by the US Navy shows an aerial view of Diego Garcia. (AP)

Israel denies responsibility for attack on Natanz

There was no leakage after the strike on the Natanz nuclear facility, nearly 220 kilometres southeast of Tehran, the Iranian judiciary’s official news agency, Mizan, said.

The UN nuclear watchdog has said the bulk of Iran’s estimated 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium is elsewhere, beneath the rubble at its Isfahan facility. The International Atomic Energy Agency said on X it was looking into the strike.

Israel’s military said it was “not aware” of a strike by it there. The Pentagon declined to comment. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said such strikes posed a “real risk of catastrophic disaster throughout the Middle East”.

Iran later retaliated, targeting Israel’s nuclear program. Israel is believed to be the only Middle East nation with nuclear weapons, though its leaders refuse to confirm or deny their existence.

The IAEA said on X it had not received reports of damage to the Israeli centre or abnormal radiation levels.

The Natanz facility was also hit in the first week of the war and in the 12-day war last June.

In this satellite image provided by Vantor is a view of Natanz nuclear facility with damage on Monday, March 2, 2026 in Iran.
In this satellite image provided by Vantor is a view of Natanz nuclear facility with damage on Monday, March 2, 2026 in Iran. (AP)

US can use Diego Garcia base to protect Strait of Hormuz

UK officials did not give details of the strike that targeted the Diego Garcia base Friday, which was unsuccessful. Britain’s Ministry of Defence described Iran as “lashing out across the region”.

It’s unclear how close the missiles came to the island.

Iran previously asserted that it has limited its missile range to below 2000 kilometres.

But military experts said Iran may have used its space launch vehicle for an improvised firing.

“If you’ve got a space program, you’ve got a ballistic missile program,” said Steve Prest, a retired Royal Navy commodore.

Israel’s army chief, however, said Iran had fired “a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile.”

There was no statement from Iran.

Britain has not participated in US-Israeli attacks but has allowed US bombers to use its bases to attack Iran’s missile sites.

On Friday, the UK government said bombers could use Diego Garcia to attack sites used to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Global pressure increases to get shipping back on track

As Iran threatens shipping on the Strait of Hormuz, the United Arab Emirates joined 21 other countries including the UK, Germany, France and Japan in expressing “readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage”.

The Trump administration announced it was temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil that was already loaded on ships as of Friday, but that does not increase oil production, a central factor in surging prices.

The oil ministry of Iran, which has evaded sanctions for years, replied that it “essentially has no crude oil left in floating storage”.

The head of US Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper, asserted that Iran’s ability to attack vessels on the strait had been “degraded”.

He said 5,000-pound (2,270-kilogram) bombs were dropped earlier in the week on an underground facility along Iran’s coast used to store anti-ship cruise missiles and mobile missile launchers.

Strait of Hormuz
Fishermen work in front of oil tankers south of the Strait of Hormuz January 19, 2012. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

The US is deploying three more amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 additional Marines to the Middle East, an official told The Associated Press. Two other US officials confirmed that ships were deploying, without saying where they were headed. All three spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the operations.

Gulf countries reported more attacks. A missile alert sounded Saturday night in Dubai. Saudi Arabia said it downed 20 drones in its east, home to major oil installations.

In Israel, 15 people have been killed by Iranian missiles and four others have died in the occupied West Bank. At least 13 US military members have been killed, along with well over a dozen civilians in Gulf nations.

Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants clash in Lebanon

Israel’s military said it was conducting a “targeted ground operation” in southern Lebanon and at least four militants were killed. Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with troops in the southern village of Khiam.

Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced more than 1 million, according to the Lebanese government. Hezbollah’s civilian assets also have been targeted.

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New Hampshire Wedding Venue Tragedy: Floor Collapse Injures Six, Authorities Launch Investigation

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In a startling incident, at least six individuals sustained injuries when a floor reportedly gave way at a wedding venue in New Hampshire on Saturday. The unexpected collapse occurred at The Preserve at Chocorua, located in Tamworth, prompting an investigation by the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Authorities have confirmed that six people were transported to nearby hospitals. Fortunately, the injuries were not deemed life-threatening, providing some relief amidst the alarming situation. Remarkably, no fatalities were reported, according to the fire marshal’s office.

The picturesque venue, The Preserve at Chocorua, is well-known for hosting weddings and other events. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous occasion, leaving those involved seeking answers about how such an event could have occurred.

There were no fatalities, according to the fire marshal’s office.

Street view sign of The Preserve wedding venue

A street sign for The Preserve at Chocorua, a wedding venue in Tamworth, N.H. (Google Maps)

Multiple fire departments responded to the scene and the road to the venue was temporarily closed, according to the Tamworth Police Department.

A spokesperson for Maine Health told local outlet WMUR that the hospital received three patients by ambulance and additional victims were taken to other facilities.

Ambulance stock photo

It is unclear how many injuries were reported. (iStock)

It is unclear what led to the alleged collapse.

The state fire marshal’s office assumed lead of the investigation, which remains active and ongoing.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, New Hampshire State Police, Tamworth Fire Department, Tamworth Police Department and Maine Health did not immediately respond to additional inquiries from Fox News Digital.

New Hampshire State Police car

New Hampshire State Police responded to the scene and is investigating. (New Hampshire State Police)

City Moose Catering, a company that said it has worked at the venue, said it was “truly shaken by th[e] tragedy.”

“Our thoughts are with everyone who was on-site at The Preserve at Chocorua for today’s event,” the company wrote in a Facebook post. “We are deeply saddened by the news of the floor collapse and the ongoing mass casualty incident. … We remain mindful of the first responders still working at the scene and all those affected.”

The Preserve at Chocorua did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting Adapts Role in Red Bulls as Julian Hall Emerges as Rising Star

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In a strategic shift for Red Bull New York, a youth-driven approach has redefined the role of one of the club’s pivotal players starting from 2025.

Initially, expectations were high for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, last year’s leading scorer for the Red Bulls, to remain a central figure in the team’s offensive lineup. However, the impressive early performance by Julian Hall has dramatically altered those plans.

Except for the third match of the season, Choupo-Moting has been relegated to coming off the bench late in games, a significant change from the previous season where he started 31 of the team’s 33 regular-season games.


Julian Hall (16) of Red Bulls New York passes the ball against Charlotte FC.
Julian Hall has emerged as a starter for the Red Bulls. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Teammate and fellow Red Bull veteran Emil Forsberg noted that the biggest thing for any player in a situation like that is to just “stay confident.” 

“Believe in yourself, that’s the only thing, and just do your best at every training,” Forsberg told The Post. “You can’t moan, you can’t be [this] or that. You have to do the best you can and that’s why we have so many guys who set a perfect example. For me, Choupo is in every way exceptional. The way he works as a human and also as a soccer player, for me, is incredible.” 

Choupo-Moting has earned praise early on this season for his work with the club’s young crop of players. 

Adri Mehmeti, all of 17 years old, credited Choupo-Moting for pushing him during training. 

That was something that Choupo-Moting had mentioned before the season, wanting to help mentor the Red Bulls’ rising stars. 

“He has shown incredible support and really goes out of his way with our young attacking players,” Bradley said, mentioning specifically Hall and forward Tanner Rosborough. “All of our young players, but the young attacking ones especially. To help them, to mentor them and so again, we are really lucky to have Choupo in every way.” 

Andrej Stojakovic Shines with 21 Points as Illinois Secures Sweet 16 Spot with Victory Over VCU

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Andrej Stojakovic led the charge with 21 points, guiding third-seeded Illinois to a commanding 76-55 victory over No. 11 seed VCU on Saturday. This triumph propels Illinois to the Sweet 16, marking their second appearance in three years under the leadership of coach Brad Underwood.

Contributing to the Fighting Illini’s (26-8) success, Tomislav Ivisic delivered a solid performance with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Keaton Wagler added 14 points. Up next, Illinois will clash with South Region’s second seed, Houston, who recently overpowered Texas A&M with an 88-57 win.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Following the victory, an elated Underwood expressed his joy by energetically waving his arms to engage the Illinois fans.

With a significant height advantage, Illinois dominated defensively, restricting VCU to just 35% shooting and securing a 45-29 edge in rebounds. The Illini also showcased their defensive prowess by blocking five shots.

For VCU (28-8), Terrence Hill Jr. stood out, contributing 17 points in their effort against Illinois.

VCU’s Nyk Lewis went down for the game with a sprained right ankle in the opening minute and Illinois bolted to 20-8 lead.

But just as they did on Thursday night against No. 6 seed North Carolina, when they came storming back from a 19-point, second-half deficit to win 82-78 in overtime, the Rams got back in it with a series of 3-pointers to take a 28-26 lead behind 12 first-half points from Hill.

But VCU couldn’t sustain the momentum.

Illinois took control late in the first half with Stojakovic scoring all nine points during a 9-0 stretch to close the half.

Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic dribbles against VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. during the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, March 21, 2026, in Greenville, S.C.
Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic dribbles against VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. during the second round of the NCAA college basketball tournament, March 21, 2026, in Greenville, S.C.(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The second half was all Illinois.

The Illini pushed their lead to 17 early in the second half after VCU turnovers led to a high-flying transition dunk from Zvonimir Ivisic and Kylan Boswell’s 3 from the top of the key to beat the shot clock.

The lead got to 23 with 4 minutes remaining, setting off a celebration among Illinois fans.

Up next

Illinois is 3-2 all-time against Houston, but the Cougars won the most recent meeting 68-53 victory in the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2026 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Boz Saint John vs. Amanda Frances: Unveiling the Hidden Drama on RHOBH!

Boz Saint John recently opened up about her true concerns regarding Amanda Frances on the popular reality show, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Meanwhile, fellow cast member Dorit Kemsley chimed in with her own thoughts. The discussion took an intriguing turn when Amanda responded to Boz’s suggestion that her enterprise resembles a “cult.”

Boz Saint John Reveals Her Real Issue With Amanda on RHOBH as Dorit Reacts, and Amanda Responds to Claim She’s Running a “Cult”

Credit: Instagram

This season has seen Amanda’s wealth-manifestation business come under scrutiny from her costars. Amanda, known for her courses on manifesting wealth, also penned a book entitled “Rich as F*ck,” which has contributed to the buzz surrounding her financial teachings.

Boz has been vocal about her reservations, engaging in multiple discussions with other cast members about Amanda’s methods. She has raised concerns, insinuating that Amanda’s approach to wealth entails acquiring money from others in a questionable manner.

During an appearance on the RHOBH After Show, Boz elaborated on her issues with Amanda, further fueling the ongoing debate about the legitimacy and ethics of Amanda’s business model.

On RHOBH After Show, Boz addressed her issue with Amanda.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with selling like feel-good tactics. When we first met, that’s what she told me she was doing, which I actually thought was very noble, because you want people to have a good relationship with their money.”

“However, if you’re going to tell people that by doing these steps, you’re going to make money, I think she just needs a rebranding,” she declared.

Dorit then reacted: “I understand her being sensitive about that. But still, if you’ve got confidence and you believe in what you’re doing, then [you wouldn’t be sensitive].”

“Also, if you want to be a real businesswoman, you got to be okay with a little bit of criticism,” Dorit added. “Now [that she’s on RHOBH], she’s in a different stratosphere. You know, she’s going to have to deal with and be okay with [people asking questions].”

In the same interview, Amanda reacted to castmates’ criticism of her business.

“[I’m] dumbfounded, like shocked, like bewildered,” she said, before addressing Boz’s “cult” accusation. “That’s insane! It’s a cult because people love me? It’s a cult because people who are in my work appreciate the work? For it to be a cult, I would have to like have some way to control them.”

“If people are interested in a course, they go to a sales page, they buy the course,” she added. “Later, if they want another course, they go get another. … We don’t even email people saying like, ‘Here’s the next course.’”

New episodes of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills air Thursday nights on Bravo.

Mamdani Observes Ramadan at Rikers Island with Incarcerated Individuals: A Discussion on Victims’ Perspectives

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, known for his democratic socialist views, marked the sacred month of Ramadan in an unconventional way: by sharing a meal with inmates at the infamous Rikers Island Jail Complex.

While most individuals might steer clear of celebrating a holiday in such a notorious setting, Mayor Mamdani chose to spend his time with incarcerated Muslims, joining them to break their fast on Monday. This unique celebration sparked a question about inclusivity: were individuals of other faiths given the opportunity to participate?

Reflecting on the experience, Mamdani shared his thoughts in a heartfelt social media post, describing the event as “a night that will stay with me for quite some time.” His message highlighted the personal impact of the visit, emphasizing his commitment to prison reform.

Mayor Mamdani has consistently advocated for significant changes to the criminal justice system. He has pledged to close the deteriorating and dangerous Rikers Island facility, despite previously opposing the construction of new jails as replacements. His strategy for developing alternative solutions remains varied and ambitious, reflecting his dedication to meaningful reform.

His tweet continues:

It was a night that will stay with me for quite some time. People sharing what little they have: breaking bread, offering prayer, making space for one another’s dignity even in the hardest place.

In a system too often defined by what it takes, I was reminded of what it means to give—mercy, dignity, and humanity.

May we extend that mercy as far as we can. Eid Mubarak to all.





Mamdani has been big on prison reform and has vowed to shut down the infamously dangerous and crumbling Rikers (although he once opposed building new jails to replace the facility, and his plans to come up with alternatives are all over the place).

We know his likely real fantasy: he would like to board up Rikers and NOT replace it with anything.

One thing I always notice about these “justice reform” types, meanwhile, is that they never seem to put on such shows for the victims of crimes and their families. Instead, Zohran would prefer to have a meal with a group that almost certainly has one or more vicious criminals in its midst.


HATE MASKED WITH A SMILE: More Headaches for Zohran Mamdani After Posts Resurface of Wife’s Praise for Terrorist Hijacker

Hot Takes: Mamdani Hears About It After Disgustingly Making St. Patrick’s Day About Israel-Hamas War


Predictably, not everyone was impressed by the socialist’s latest in-your-face stunt. Columnist Daniella Greenbaum Davis had the same question I did: what about the victims?





NYC resident and award‑winning mystery author Daniel Friedman, meanwhile, couldn’t hide his disdain:

Offenders on Rikers all have long histories of doing things so horrible that even the woke, pro-crime judges and prosecutors in NYC don’t want to be responsible for what they’ll do if they let them go.

Mamdani went out to serve these murderers and rapists a catered dinner with rapist City Council member Yusuf Salaam.  He loves these people and he hates Jews.

That pretty well sums it up.


Editor’s Note: New York City is now facing the consequences of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s socialist takeover.

Help us continue to report on his radical policies and expose the Democrats who support him. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to receive 60% off your membership.



Kevin Durant Surpasses Michael Jordan, While LeBron James Sets New NBA Record

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LeBron James has officially set a new benchmark by playing more NBA games than any player in history, while Kevin Durant has surpassed Michael Jordan on the league’s all-time scoring list.

“Just four more to go,” remarked Durant after his 27-point performance in Houston’s victory over Miami propelled him past Jordan to claim the fifth spot in scoring.

The 37-year-old Durant achieved this milestone by sinking back-to-back corner three-pointers during the fourth quarter, bringing his career total to 32,294 points—putting him two points ahead of Jordan.

Although Durant briefly celebrated by raising his arms in triumph after overtaking Jordan, he later expressed his deep respect for the six-time NBA champion.

“MJ has so many great moments,” Durant reflected. “He embodies an iconic, almost god-like level of greatness—everything I aspire to, he represents.”

Jordan did average an NBA-record 30.12 points per game over his career, first all time ahead of Wilt Chamberlain (30.07 ppg). Durant, meanwhile, has averaged 25.7 points a game over his 18-year career. 

Kevin Durant smiles after his Rockets beat the Heat as he passed Michael Jordan in scoring

Kevin Durant smiles after his Rockets beat the Heat as he passed Michael Jordan in scoring 

James, of course, holds the all-time scoring records with 43,229 points ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643) and Kevin Durant

James, of course, holds the all-time scoring records with 43,229 points ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643) and Kevin Durant

Michael Jordan finished his career with 32,292 points and still holds the ppg mark at 30.12

Michael Jordan finished his career with 32,292 points and still holds the ppg mark at 30.12

James, of course, holds the record for total points with 43,229 points ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643) and Durant.

The four-time NBA champion also made some history of his own on Saturday.

On a night when his Los Angeles Lakers came back to beat the Orlando Magic, 105-104 on a Luke Kennard 3-pointer with 0.6 seconds remaining, the 41-year-old James also made his record 1,612th regular-season appearance.

And with that, James has surpassed Boston Celtics legend Robert Parish for most games in NBA history.

Already first in points, seasons played, minutes, All-Star selections, field goals, and career earnings, James admittedly wasn’t expecting to pass Parish.

‘It’s not like I’m like writing things down and looking at the record book and saying: “I’m going to get that, I’m going to get that, I’m going to get that.” It just kind of happened,’ James told reporters Saturday. ‘It was not on the list of things that I wanted to accomplish.’

(From left) Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Larry Bird sit on the bench in Boston in 1992

(From left) Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Larry Bird sit on the bench in Boston in 1992 

Like James, Parish was known for taking care of his body, which helped him play 21 seasons

Like James, Parish was known for taking care of his body, which helped him play 21 seasons

Still, beating Parish’s record is a remarkable achievement.

Known as Chief, in a nod to the character from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Parish famously teamed with Larry Bird and Kevin McHale to form one of the greatest frontcourts in NBA history. The trio would win three NBA titles with the Celtics in the 1980s and Parish would later add another as a backup on the 1997 Chicago Bulls.

Along the way, Parish became known as one of the best conditioned players in basketball. The Louisiana native practiced martial arts and yoga, while relying on a strict diet throughout his playing career.

Despite all that, Parish’s total minutes fall well short of James’ mark, 60,676 to 45,704. What’s more, James has played in 292 playoff games compared to Parish’s 184.

As for Saturday, James finished with a dozen points, six rebounds and three steals, while teammate Luka Doncic had a game-high 33 points in the dramatic victory.

The Transformation of Kristi Noem: A Look at Her Appearance Before and After Cosmetic Enhancements




Over the years, Kristi Noem’s appearance and political trajectory have undergone significant transformations. Known for her staunch conservative views, Noem transitioned from being the governor of South Dakota to serving as Donald Trump’s preferred candidate for the role of Homeland Security Secretary. Her tenure in this position lasted just over a year before she was dismissed. Alongside her evolving career, Noem’s appearance has also noticeably shifted, adopting a style often seen among prominent figures within the MAGA movement. It appears as though aligning more closely with the MAGA group also influences one’s aesthetic choices.

Among the most striking changes to Noem’s appearance are her lips, which have seemingly grown fuller over time. While she hasn’t reached the level of transformation seen in figures like Kimberly Guilfoyle, it’s clear she’s on a similar path. Her revamped look features the classic enhancements favored by her MAGA peers—lip fillers, along with apparent additions to the cheeks, chin, and forehead, complemented by a daily heavy makeup routine. This is a stark contrast from her earlier days.

When Noem first entered the political arena, she projected a natural image, likely to appear trustworthy and accessible. Her early style, coupled with her leadership skills, painted her as someone who could be both a competent leader and a down-to-earth neighbor. Her look back then was characterized by a shorter, more rugged hairstyle and minimal makeup, which may have bolstered her relatability. Her background as a rancher further contributed to this image, although her later controversial actions regarding her pets somewhat tarnished it.

During this period, Noem’s lips appeared entirely natural, harmonizing well with her other facial features. Though naturally thinner, they were complemented by subtle lip products that added just the right amount of emphasis without going overboard.

Things started off natural in 2010

By 2012, when Noem represented South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives—a role she held until 2019—her appearance began to shift noticeably. She adopted a heavier makeup style, though the change wasn’t drastic compared to her previous look. The most significant differences were the increased use of blush and foundation, paired with an even shorter hairstyle.

Her lips seem to be completely natural during this time, though. In their natural state, Noem’s lips suited her face. They appeared to be more on the thinner side, but they still offered a presence and harmony with her other facial features. She might have used some lip products to allow them to stand out, but nothing extraordinary.

Kristi Noem was on more makeup in 2012

Things started to look a little different as 2012 rolled around. During this time, Kristi Noem officially represented her home state of South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives, a position she held until 2019. She began to wear a heavier makeup look, but it wasn’t a crazy difference in comparison to what she had before. More blush and foundation seem to be the main changes, along with an even shorter haircut.

There’s not much change in the lip department either at this time. Her lips do appear to be slightly plumper, but not by much. Perhaps she received a simple non-surgical lip procedure like a lip flip. It could also be the effect of a simple lip plumper gloss, making her lips appear slightly puffier.

Slight changes peak through in 2020

During this time, Kristi Noem became the first female governor of South Dakota. This career accomplishment gave her a huge platform to showcase her deeply conservative policies and viewpoints. Along with this came some major facial changes. Perhaps the more public appearances Noem had to make, the more she decided to adjust her face to her liking. 

Noem’s look remained pretty stagnant between 2012 and 2020, and it appears that her makeup changed with the times. We all know that 2016 makeup is notorious for its love of thick, thoroughly groomed, dark eyebrows, which became the norm. Noem’s eyebrow blindness proves that she is no exception to the trend. Her lips didn’t take on too much change during this time period. By 2020, they appear to be a bit plumper than they were in 2012, but the change is quite minimal. By this time, she still managed to keep a natural appearance about her. The most notable change has to do with her hair, which went from a shaggy, stylized rancher look to something longer, curled, and more sophisticated.

By 2021, Kristi Noem is almost unrecognizable

It appears that a few years in office as governor leads to a noticeably different face. 2021 marks the true beginning of Kristi Noem’s Mar-a-Lago face. During this era, Noem’s face begins to take on a plastic appearance, which might be a combination of makeup and cosmetic surgery. Her skin looks plump, smooth, snatched, and overall, completely unnatural and different than how she used to look. Her pumped-up cheeks give her the appearance of sculpted cheekbones combined with a heavy contour and thick, doll-like eyelashes.

The highlight of Kristi Noem’s burgeoning Mar-a-Lago face at this point in time is, of course, her lips. One cannot ignore the difference between her original lips and the lips she stepped out with in 2021. Noem went from thin to full lips in the blink of an eye, and lip plumper gloss cannot possibly be used as an excuse at this point. As of 2021, Noem’s lips take up a much larger amount of her face, making her look like a completely different version of herself.

Today, Kristi Noem’s face looks hauntingly different

Kristi Noem must enjoy her new look, considering nothing much has changed since 2021. Noem’s face remains primped and plucked, a stark difference in comparison to her neck, which shows her true age. The youthful plumpness she’s tried to add back into her face almost weighs her down as it stands out against the rest of her body. Her makeup remains heavy, and these days, it doesn’t appear to be as smooth on her skin as it once was. Texture still comes through, despite the probable filler and Botox.

Her lips seem to have gotten slightly bigger over the recent years. While it’s not completely horrible, the look just doesn’t suit her face the same way her natural lips did. They are completely plumped up and now have a totally different shape than they once did. Overall, Kristi Noem’s lips have affected her face the most as she’s transformed into her true MAGA form. The difference between what she once looked like versus now is truly shocking.



Son Ignored Mother’s Decomposing Body for Two Weeks, Continued Ordering Food Until Neighbor Alerted Authorities, Police Report

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Background: The home on Hunter Court in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, where Cynthia Bouffard”s body was found (WPVI/YouTube). Inset: Cynthia Louise Bouffard (James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc.).

In a deeply unsettling case that has emerged from Pennsylvania, a man faces charges after allegedly leaving his deceased mother’s body to decompose in their shared home for about two weeks. The grim discovery came to light after a concerned neighbor contacted the authorities due to a persistent and offensive odor.

Derrick Bouffard, 37, is charged with abuse of a corpse following the death of his 70-year-old mother, Cynthia Bouffard. Although the charges were filed on March 6, the incident dates back to late 2025, according to court documents reviewed by Law&Crime.

The situation unfolded on October 25, 2025, when Bensalem Police Department officers responded to a call at a residence on the 5000 block of South Hunters Court in Bensalem, a township just northeast of Philadelphia. The call was prompted by a neighbor who alerted the police about an overwhelming stench emanating from the home, as reported by the local ABC affiliate WPVI.

When officers arrived, Derrick Bouffard reportedly met them at the door with a startling statement, explaining, “I was just about to call you guys, my mom stopped breathing this morning.”

Upon entering the premises, law enforcement officers discovered the lifeless body of an elderly woman. Further investigation, with assistance from the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and the Bucks County Coroner’s Office, confirmed the deceased as Cynthia Bouffard.

However, it did not appear to authorities as though she had just stopped breathing earlier that day. The police department noted that “she appeared to be emaciated and had been deceased for some time in the living room of the home.”

Investigators believed Cynthia Bouffard was dead on a mattress in the living room for nearly two weeks because she was decomposing and weighed just 60 pounds, the local outlet reported. In that time span, Derrick Bouffard is said to have been ordering food to the house one to three times a day and had to walk past the living room to get to the front door.

The Bensalem Police Department said the day after officers arrived at the home that it and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office “are treating this as a suspicious death investigation pending the results of the autopsy.”

However, according to WPVI, the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office said that based on the medical examiner’s report, it appeared that Cynthia Bouffard died from medical causes.

Carrie Acevedo, Cynthia Bouffard’s daughter, told the TV station that she feels “super conflicted” because “I know my mom loves my brother very much. I don’t want to feel hate for my brother.”

“It feels like a movie,” Acevedo continued, adding that her mother may have suffered from severe dementia but was never diagnosed. “It doesn’t feel like it’s real life. I feel regret for not being there, for not doing more.”

Cynthia Bouffard is remembered in her obituary as a former nurse who “cared for countless patients with dedication and compassion for over three decades.” She “was a fiercely independent, strong-willed woman, proud of her resilience and ability to stand on her own.”

Derrick Bouffard is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 8.