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Cape May Enforces Beach Curfew, Prohibiting Minors After Hours at Jersey Shore

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No shoes, no shirts, no teens—no issues in sight.

A beach town on the Jersey Shore has taken a bold step to curb nighttime chaos by barring all unaccompanied minors from evening activities. This decisive measure aims to squelch the rise in hazardous gatherings, brawls, and underage drinking that have plagued the area.

Cape May City Council has made its stance clear through a unanimous vote to enforce strict curfews. The newly passed ordinances prevent anyone under the age of 18 from accessing the beaches past 8 p.m. without an accompanying adult and prohibit them from being in any public spaces in the city after 10:30 p.m.

“The Cape May Police Department would like to remind residents, visitors, and families about several new city ordinances designed to help keep our beaches, promenade, and community safe,” officials announced on Thursday.

These regulations are crafted to ensure a secure and enjoyable environment for both residents and tourists, particularly during the bustling summer months, city officials emphasized.

The new orders set up two curfews for the adultless youngsters to thwart any rowdiness or out-of-control partying in the beach resort town.

Cape May Mayor Zachary Mullock said the ordinances are to stop troublemakers from other parts of the Jersey Shore making their way to the popular vacation hotspot after hours.

“We really wanted to make sure we didn’t become the afterparty to some of the other towns that have already made this move,” Mullock said, according to WPVI.

“After 10:30, we all know it’s not normally the best stuff that happens then, so to me, honest as a parent myself, I think there’s a good thing,” he added.

Late-night beachgoers will also face restrictions as the new rules prohibit backpacks and other bags from the beach and the city’s famed promenade between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The restricted accessories include book bags, cinch bags, duffel bags, luggage, computer bags, camera bags, and similar bags and containers larger than eight inches in height, width, or depth.

Bags carrying medical devices, supplies and other equipment needed for the immediate care of a person were made an exception to the ban.

“We ask parents and guardians to please be familiar with these requirements and plan accordingly,” the police department said. “Thank you for doing your part to keep Cape May safe!”

Several arrests have been made in recent months due to fighting and underage drinking that have occurred in the overnight hours of the city, the outlet reported.

The two-term Democratic mayor, who is running to unseat incumbent Rep. Jeff Van Drew (NJ-2) in the US House of Representatives, praised the ordinances after they took effect Thursday night.

“Frankly, last night, they were out here and the reports I received is that it worked and we just had families out here enjoying a pleasant evening,” Mullock said.

Tourists to the city had no problem with the orders, calling it a proactive measure.

“I think that’s smart. That’s planning ahead,” Staten Islander John Christiansen told WPVI. “It’s really just a few bad kids that cause trouble, so once everyone finds out what they need to do then it’s good. What happened to game night?”

Other portions of the Shore have been inundated by out-of-control youngsters as part of the viral “teen takeover” trends that have led to mass brawls and chaos in the streets.

Just before Memorial Day Weekend, six people were arrested by Long Branch police after a large mass of teens converged on Pier Village for an unauthorized “pop-up” event.

The crowd allegedly began fighting and jumping on cars as they took over the city’s boardwalk and surrounding streets.

Ahsoka Season 2 to Adapt Iconic Star Wars Expanded Universe Narrative for Live-Action

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Star Wars enthusiasts can finally rejoice as “Ahsoka” Season 2 releases a compelling new trailer nearly three years after the debut season’s conclusion. This latest installment seems to capture the essence of “Heir to the Empire,” an iconic 1991 novel by Timothy Zahn, which transformed the scattered array of books and comics into a cohesive successor to the original Star Wars trilogy. Now, with this new season, fans might witness a vibrant, live-action portrayal of this beloved narrative, rightfully integrating it into the modern canon.

The trailer introduces viewers to two universes—the familiar Star Wars galaxy, where Grand Admiral Thrawn, portrayed by Lars Mikkelsen, and his Nightsister allies wage war on the New Republic, and a novel galaxy unveiled in Season 1, where Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) and Sabine Wren (Natasha Liu Bordizzo) are marooned. Long-time Expanded Universe followers will likely find excitement in the epic space battles between Thrawn’s forces and the New Republic fleet, featuring recognizable fighter designs and subtle nods to “Star Wars Rebels.”

Speculation has long swirled around the potential development of a “Heir to the Empire” film, especially with Dave Filoni reportedly at the helm and Lucasfilm hinting at such a possibility. Although plans may have shifted following “The Mandalorian and Grogu” not performing robustly at the box office, an adaptation via Disney+ still seems within reach.

Grand Admiral Thrawn is getting his long-awaited spotlight in Ahsoka Season 2

Grand Admiral Thrawn embodies the spirit of the old Expanded Universe, representing the unique allure of the early 1990s novels and comics that captured the hearts of Star Wars fans. The character’s reintroduction in “Rebels” marked the beginning of a journey culminating in this epic live-action showdown between the strategic Chiss leader and the battle-hardened veterans of the Rebel Alliance.

While the storyline won’t mirror the book exactly, elements from the Thrawn Trilogy have been integrated into recent Star Wars projects. Mount Tantiss made its return in “The Bad Batch,” and the Imperial Remnant narrative has been explored in “The Mandalorian.” Now, the character roster expands, with figures from “Rebels” taking center stage. The “Ahsoka” Season 2 trailer teases moments like Ezra Bridger (Eman Esfandi) reuniting with Zeb Orrelios (Steve Blum) before embarking on a daring space adventure in an A-wing to confront Thrawn’s formidable armada.

Even so, this is about as close to an “Heir to the Empire” movie or show as the modern Star Wars canon is ever likely to get. “Ahsoka” Season 2 premieres on Disney+ on January 20, 2027, with what looks to be an action-packed run of episodes.

Tragic Loss: ‘Married at First Sight’ Alum Ryan De Nino Passes Away at 40

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Ryan De Nino, known for his role on Married At First Sight, has tragically passed away at 40. A family source informed TMZ that his death occurred ‘suddenly’ in New Jersey.

According to the source, the family has decided to withhold additional details concerning the circumstances of his passing.

Earlier this week, his sister Melissa expressed her sorrowful farewell to her brother through a touching post on Facebook.

Sharing cherished memories with photos of De Nino, she wrote, “Ryan was incredibly funny and fiercely loyal. His heart was always in the right place.”

“The loss of a sibling is indescribable,” she continued. “Having shared a lifetime of memories, his absence is deeply felt. Despite challenges, my love for him never wavered. Life will never be the same without him.”

De Nino appeared on the A&E series Married At First Sight during season two back in 2015, and had been paired with Jessica Castro at the time.  

Married At First Sight star Ryan De Nino has passed away at the age of 40 as a family source revealed to TMZ that he died 'suddenly' in New Jersey; seen above with Jessica Castro in 2015 on Married At First Sight

Married At First Sight star Ryan De Nino has passed away at the age of 40 as a family source revealed to TMZ that he died ‘suddenly’ in New Jersey; seen above with Jessica Castro in 2015 on Married At First Sight

The insider told the outlet that family members will not be releasing further details of his death

The insider told the outlet that family members will not be releasing further details of his death

Daily Mail has reached out to a rep for A&E for comment, but has yet to hear back. 

Castro broke silence on her ex-husband’s passing following the shock news of his death. 

‘I have not had contact with Ryan in years so I have/had no idea what his life entailed,’ she said in a statement to Page Six on Friday. 

‘However, I do send my sincerest condolences to his family during this very difficult time. I can not imagine what they are going through. May he rest peacefully.’ 

De Nino and Castro agreed to say ‘I do’ after first meeting at the alter on Married At First Sight, and stayed together on Decision Day. 

However, the reality stars later divorced when season two ended.

In 2015, Castro filed for a restraining order against De Nino after alleging he threatened both her and her family, per People

He soon took to his Instagram account at the time to share that she had filed for an order of protection. 

Earlier this week on Tuesday, his sister Melissa shared an emotional tribute to her brother on Facebook

Earlier this week on Tuesday, his sister Melissa shared an emotional tribute to her brother on Facebook

De Nino appeared on Married At First Sight during season two back in 2015, and had been paired with Jessica Castro at the time

De Nino appeared on Married At First Sight during season two back in 2015, and had been paired with Jessica Castro at the time

'I have not had contact with Ryan in years so I have/had no idea what his life entailed,' Castro said in a statement to Page Six on Friday

‘I have not had contact with Ryan in years so I have/had no idea what his life entailed,’ Castro said in a statement to Page Six on Friday

De Nino claimed that the order of protection had left him both ‘in awe’ as well as ‘disgusted.’ 

During their time on the show, Castro had stated, ‘I come from a family of long successful marriages. The word divorce just doesn’t fall into my lifestyle.’ 

The former couple appeared on a reunion episode that aired in June 2015. 

Castro had alleged at the time that De Nino cheated on her on Valentine’s Day amid their then-rocky relationship. 

‘A week prior to that, we had a blow-up because he told me that he was gonna be busy. So, I didn’t see him,’ she explained. 

‘A few weeks later, I find a Valentine’s Day card from another female at his apartment.’  

In 2015, Castro filed for a restraining order against De Nino after alleging he threatened both her and her family, per People

In 2015, Castro filed for a restraining order against De Nino after alleging he threatened both her and her family, per People

De Nino had over 40,000 followers on Instagram, with his last post being in June 2022

De Nino had over 40,000 followers on Instagram, with his last post being in June 2022

However, he denied her cheating accusations and said he cannot ‘control people from sending me cards.’

De Nino had over 40,000 followers on Instagram, with his last post being in June 2022. 

Castro is also active on social media and often posts to her nearly 100,000 Instagram followers. 

She is mom to five-year-old son Sergio Jr.  

Devastating 7.7 Quake Hits Indonesia, Leaves 5 Dead

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JAKARTA, Indonesia — In the early hours of Saturday, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the coast of Indonesia, toppling buildings and homes. This formidable seismic event claimed the lives of at least five individuals and incited panic throughout a region all too familiar with catastrophic earthquakes.

Initially, authorities responded by issuing a tsunami warning, urging those living along the coast to evacuate to higher ground. However, this warning was later rescinded after Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency confirmed that no significant changes in sea levels were observed, eliminating immediate threats to coastal communities.

According to the U.S Geological Survey, the earthquake struck the Flores region of Indonesia at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers at 5:58 a.m. local time. The epicenter was pinpointed 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende, a city in the East Nusa Tenggara province. The initial tremor was succeeded by a series of aftershocks, further unsettling the area.

A powerful magnitude 7.7 quake has struck off the coast of Indonesia, the USGS said. The quake hit Indonesia's Flores region.

A powerful magnitude 7.7 quake has struck off the coast of Indonesia, the USGS said. The quake hit Indonesia’s Flores region.

East Nusa Tenggara’s top police official, Rudi Darmoko, reported preliminary findings showing two fatalities in Sikka Regency and three in Manggarai Regency. Extensive structural damage and power outages have complicated the situation, impeding communication and making rescue operations challenging.

“We are actively working to gather more information on damages and casualties,” Darmoko stated, “but communication disruptions are proving difficult to navigate.”

Footage on local television showed patients at several hospitals being evacuated from buildings as a precaution following the quake. Hospital staff moved equipment outdoors, including beds, IV stands and oxygen cylinders, and set up temporary treatment areas to adapt to emergency conditions.

Quake felt on Flores island and other areas

The quake was felt across much of Flores island with initial reports indicating heavy damage.

Yohanna Embu, a resident of Sikka regency, said a number of buildings were damaged by the strong shaking and panicked people ran to higher ground.

“Many buildings here were damaged … I saw that the waiting room at the port terminal in Maumere had collapsed,” she said.

ABC7 has compiled a list of items that are important to have in your earthquake kit so that you’re prepared for “the big one.”

Students at St. Peter Major Seminary in Sikka who were attending morning Mass fled in panic when the roof of an assembly hall collapsed, said the Rev. Guidelbertus Tanga, rector of the seminary, which is known locally as Ritapiret Seminary on the predominantly Catholic island of Flores.

“Our students and nuns ran out in panic beneath a collapsing roof,” Tanga said. “At least one priest suffered a broken leg after jumping from the second floor of a building during the quake.”

The quake also reportedly caused panic in Bima, a city in neighboring West Nusa Tenggara province. There were also damages reported in some part of southern Sulawesi island.

Indonesian authorities initially issued a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi provinces, and urged residents to stay away from beaches and riverbanks. The agency located the shallow undersea quake near Flores island.

Indonesia prone to earthquakes

Indonesia, a vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity because of its location on the “Ring of Fire,” an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Basin.

A powerful earthquake caused a tsunami in 1992 that killed about 2,500 people on Flores, part of a group of islands in the eastern half of Indonesia.

In 2018, a magnitude 7.5 quake spawned a large localized tsunami that wiped out coastal areas, while liquefaction caused by the shaking turned entire neighborhoods into rivers of sludge in the eastern Indonesian city of Palu, on the Palu-Koro Fault. The disaster killed more than 4,400 people.

In 2010, a 10-foot (three-meter) wave struck the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia, just minutes after a massive offshore earthquake. More than 400 people were killed and hundreds of homes were destroyed.

In December 2004, a massive magnitude 9.1 earthquake off Sumatra in western Indonesia triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen countries.
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Associated Press writers Niniek Karmini and Edna Tarigan in Jakarta, Indonesia, contributed to this report.

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

Road Rage Tragedy: Witness Claims Shooter’s Chilling Words Preceded Fatal Attack

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In a tragic turn of events, a Wisconsin man expressed remorse for a fatal road rage incident, in which he allegedly said to his passenger, “Watch this” before pulling the trigger on another driver.

“I apologize to all of you,” stated Todd Gieck during his sentencing on August 12 in a Trempealeau County courtroom for the murder of Kyle Dahl. As captured in a WEAU broadcast, he added, “I didn’t mean for that to happen. I was frightened.” 

Gieck continued, explaining, “There was an incident, and I acted impulsively, resulting in what was truly an accident. I was mishandling the firearm, leading to it discharging. I have been honest about what transpired, and I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Todd received a prison term of 40 years, along with 20 years under supervised release, courtroom records reveal, as reported by Oxygen. Despite pleading not guilty, his defense team hasn’t yet given any comments to Oxygen

Judge Thomas Clark emphatically addressed Todd, stating, “Your behavior was recklessly dangerous, and it resulted in the death of Kyle Dahl. Consequences must follow.” 

Todd was found guilty of first-degree reckless homicide with use of a dangerous weapon, discharging a firearm at a vehicle and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, court records show.  

While Kyle’s death was initially viewed as suspicious, Todd’s passenger helped shed light on what allegedly occurred in May 2024. 

The passenger told police in a criminal complaint cited by WXOW that Todd was “highly amped” and “fast paced” while driving that night. At one point, he said, Todd stopped on the side of the road to check out an abandoned pontoon boat when a car behind them slowly passed by. 

The presence of the car “elevated Gieck’s level of agitation,” the passenger said in the complaint, and Todd asked what it was doing. 

Todd caught up with the other car, according to the complaint, and the passenger heard the “rack of a gun and Gieck said something like ‘watch this.’” 

The passenger said he then heard a gunshot along with the sound of breaking glass and saw the other car “kind of go off the road.”

When he asked Todd if they were going to make sure the other driver was OK, according to the complaint, “Gieck drove his car the other direction.”

Police found Kyle’s car in a ditch, according to a criminal complaint cited by WEAU. He had head trauma and, with an object embedded near his eye. That injury was later determined to be a gunshot wound, 

Kyle was flown to a hospital, where he later died. 

Todd was arrested in June 2024 for first-degree reckless homicide, first-degree recklessly endangering safety and possession of a firearm by a felon, according to a news release from the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office viewed by WEAU. 

At sentencing, Kyle’s family spoke about their loss.

“The hardest thing I’ve ever had to do was tell our 6-year-old son that his dad wasn’t coming home,” Kyle’s wife Brittany Dahl told the court. “Eventually I had to tell him the truth. How do you explain to a little boy that someone made the choice to shoot his dad while driving? How do you help your child understand that the person he looked up to, the person who made him feel safe, was taken from him in an act of unimaginable violence?”

Woman Shares Heartbreaking Story of Husband’s Indifference

A woman recently opened up about the emotional turmoil she faced after stepping away from her marriage. She revealed with surprise and heartache that her husband made no attempt to reach out, search for her whereabouts, or even contact her family.

After leaving her husband and children behind, she was taken aback by her husband’s apparent lack of concern. His indifference as if her absence was of no consequence, left her puzzled.

In moments of reflection, she found herself questioning the nature of her marriage. Was she truly married to a confidant, or had her partner turned adversarial? Her husband’s silence regarding her wellbeing left her grappling with these thoughts.

Woman reflects on husband’s reaction

This experience prompted her to deeply consider their relationship dynamics, as she struggled to understand why her husband showed no signs of missing her once she had gone.

Despite these revelations, she admitted that her husband had always been a kind man and a dedicated father, consistently striving to provide for both her and their children.

The woman said, “I left my marriage and my husband did not bother to come look for me.”

She added, “He has not asked after me. He has not even called me to ask where I am or if I’m fine.”

The experience prompted her to question what a husband’s failure to search for his wife could mean about their relationship.

Lady urges women to ask difficult questions

She further stated, “I’m going to ask every woman, when you left your marriage and your husband didn’t look for you did you ask yourself some pertinent questions like why didn’t he look for you?”

The woman also questioned why her husband did not miss her, suggesting that women should examine their own conduct when faced with such a reaction.

Her story has raised a wider conversation about marriage, emotional attachment and how couples respond when one partner leaves the home.

While she described her husband as a good man and father, her experience has left her reflecting on the emotional state of their marriage and what his silence could mean.

Watch the video below…

Speed Up Side Fat Loss with These 4 Essential Exercises for Seniors Over 60

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Revitalize your daily workout by including exercises that target and tone the sides of your body.

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The presence of side fat can often disrupt the goal of achieving a well-defined physique. It tends to accumulate quickly and can be challenging to shed. Contrary to the myth of spot reduction, focusing on trimming fat in one specific area doesn’t work. Instead, the key to slimming down effectively involves maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein and fiber, creating a calorie deficit, and committing to regular exercise. Wondering where to start? We have just the guidance you need.

Jacob Siwicki, who is the visionary behind Siwicki Fitness, holds certifications from NCSF and AFAA. With an impressive background as a globally top-ranked Equinox group fitness instructor in 2019, a Dartmouth economics alum, and a former Dartmouth football player, Siwicki is a recognized fitness guru on FOX 5 DC and was also the top-rated personal trainer in D.C. in 2021. He provides us with four daily exercises designed to firm up your sides more efficiently than merely practicing yoga post-60.

“Yoga undeniably contributes to enhancing flexibility, breathing, balance, and body control, and I wouldn’t advise anyone to stop practicing it,” Siwicki says. “However, for those aiming to specifically build waist strength, these exercises offer the opportunity to add resistance and accurately track progress. You can increase the weight of the dumbbell you lift, extend the duration of your plank, or advance to more challenging exercise variations,” he further elaborates. “I selected these exercises precisely because they encompass the core’s major functions: resisting lateral bending, managing rotation, stabilizing the spine, and transferring force between the upper and lower body.”

Side Planks From the Knees

  1. Lie on your side with your knees bent to 90 degrees and stacked on top of each other.
  2. Place your bottom elbow under your shoulder with your forearm resting on the ground, pointing straight ahead.
  3. Keep your shoulders, knees, and hips in a straight line.
  4. Engage your core and press through your forearm and bottom knee to lift your hips off the mat.
  5. Hold the position.
  6. Repeat on the other side.

6 Daily Standing Moves That Build Strength and Shrink Your Waist

Suitcase Carry

  1. Begin standing tall, holding one dumbbell at your side, like a suitcase.
  2. Walk straight for 30 seconds without allowing your loaded shoulder to dip down.
  3. Repeat on the other side.

Cross-Body Chop

  1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Hold a dumbbell or water bottle with both hands.
  3. Sweep the weight diagonally high to low, starting over your left shoulder and moving down toward your right hip, contracting your abs as you do so.
  4. Reverse the motion.
  5. Do the same on the other side.

Denise Austin’s 5 Habits to Tackle Stubborn Belly Fat

Bird-Dog

  1. Start on all fours.
  2. Extend your left arm and right leg.
  3. Hold for a moment, squeezing your core before returning to the start position.
  4. Switch sides.

Nigel Farage Faces Voter Verdict Amid ‘Hit Job’ Controversy

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Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, faced the voters of Clacton in a bold political gamble, betting that they would align with him against the British political establishment. His gamble paid off.

Farage successfully regained his seat in Parliament on Friday, following a dramatically called by-election. This election was prompted by Farage himself to address allegations relating to his financial dealings, offering Clacton’s voters a chance to make their judgment. Surprisingly, his main opponent was neither from Labour nor the Conservatives, but Count Binface, a comedic candidate portrayed by Jon Harvey, known for his unique getup resembling a trash can.

The results, issued by Tendring District Council, revealed Farage claiming 22,239 votes, with Count Binface securing 9,455. The voter turnout stood at 44.37%. However, Britain’s leading political parties refrained from participating, dismissing the election as a self-serving maneuver.

An activist holds a placard urging Clacton to vote for the

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – 2026/07/08: An activist is seen holding a sign urging Clacton residents to support the satirical candidate Count Binface during a regular anti-Brexit and pro-EU protest occurring in Parliament Square. Nigel Farage had stepped down as MP for Clacton, initiating the by-election. (Photo by Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

“I initiated this by-election to let the people of Clacton and those within this constituency serve as my judges, rather than the British mainstream media and the political elite who often portray us negatively,” Farage explained to his supporters ahead of the election results. “I wanted the voters of Clacton to be my jury.”

Farage resigned from Parliament last month, forcing the vote as he sought a renewed mandate amid a parliamentary investigation into whether he should have declared a £5 million, or roughly $6.75 million, gift from a billionaire cryptocurrency investor. Farage has acknowledged receiving the money and not declaring it, but maintains he did nothing wrong. The gamble succeeded in returning Farage to Westminster — but it did not make the investigation disappear.

He had previously called the reporting around his finances an “establishment hit job” and said he had followed the rules.

Shortly after the election result was declared, the parliamentary standards investigation, which had been suspended when Farage resigned his seat, was once again listed as active, Reuters reported. Parliament’s current investigations page lists the Farage case as having opened May 13 under Rule 5, “Failure to register an interest.” Parliament notes that the opening of an investigation does not itself mean the rules have been breached.

Britain's Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage

Britain’s Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage visits The Ship, on the day of voting in the Clacton by-election, triggered by his own resignation, in Kirby Le Soken, Essex, Britain, August 13, 2026. (Toby Shepheard/Reuters)

If the investigation ultimately leads to a qualifying suspension from Parliament, it could trigger a recall petition. Under British parliamentary rules, a suspension of at least 10 sitting days, or 14 calendar days, can trigger that process. A by-election would follow only if the recall petition reached the required threshold of support from eligible voters in the constituency.

Reuters reported that Farage had cast the election as a battle between ordinary voters and an establishment determined to discredit him. But with Labour, the Conservatives and other major parties refusing to participate, his principal opponent became Count Binface — whose policies included capping the price of ice cream cones and conscripting anyone using a speakerphone on public transportation.

Farage nevertheless framed the result as a sweeping rejection of his political opponents.

“Today, the voters in Clacton have stuck two fingers up to the entire political establishment,” he told supporters.

Alan Mendoza, founder and executive director of the London-based Henry Jackson Society, and an advisor to Farage, offered a similar interpretation of the result.

“A tremendous result for Nigel Farage in Clacton,” Mendoza wrote on X Friday. He argued that Farage’s increased raw vote total despite the boycott by major parties showed voters had resisted efforts to turn them against the Reform leader, calling the result a “spectacular two fingered salute” to his critics.

Farage did not appear at the official vote declaration, saying police had advised him there was a campaign to disrupt the result. GB News later reported that Essex Police said it had not told any candidate not to attend the declaration.

“I’m damned if I’m going to stand on the stage having won a resounding victory … and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies,” Farage said before the count was completed.

The election comes at a more complicated moment nationally for Reform UK.

WIGAN, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: Count Binface with the Count Binface Party speaks to the media where votes were being counted at The Edge on June 18, 2026 in Wigan, England. Local plumber and Councillor Robert Kenyon for Reform UK and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for the Labour Party are the two main contesters in the Makerfield by-election being held today. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

WIGAN, ENGLAND – JUNE 18: Count Binface with the Count Binface Party speaks to the media where votes were being counted at The Edge on June 18, 2026 in Wigan, England. Local plumber and Councillor Robert Kenyon for Reform UK and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham for the Labour Party are the two main contesters in the Makerfield by-election being held today. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)

After holding a lengthy lead in national opinion polling, Reform has seen its support decline, Reuters reported, citing both the controversy surrounding Farage’s finances and a rise in support for Labour since Andy Burnham became prime minister last month. Reuters said Labour was leading Reform 28% to 25%, while Reform also faces competition on the right from the Conservative Party and Restore Britain.

Still, Farage increased his raw vote total from the 2024 general election. He received 22,239 votes Friday, compared with 21,225 in 2024, an increase of 1,014 votes despite lower turnout, according to GB News.

nigel_farage

Reform leader Nigel Farage addresses those gathered at Holiday Inn on June 29, 2026 in Norwich, England. A by-election to choose the next Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will be held on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The election was triggered by the resignation of former PCC Sarah Taylor due to a serious illness in her family. The by-election has sparked considerable debate, as it carries an estimated taxpayer cost of £2 million for a role that is scheduled to be abolished in 2028 when the regional devolution plans introduce a directly elected mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk. (Martin Pope/Getty Images)

For now, Farage has the seat back and the renewed mandate from Clacton voters that he sought.But the parliamentary investigation he was fighting is back as well.

Hugh Hefner Exposed Jeffrey Epstein’s Crimes to the FBI

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In a startling revelation, late Playboy tycoon Hugh Hefner was reported to have alerted the FBI regarding Jeffrey Epstein after learning of grievous allegations involving the disgraced financier from a Playmate who accused him of sexual assault and trafficking.

As per the New York Post, Audra Lynn Christiansen, who graced the magazine’s pages as a Playmate in 2003, sought shelter at the Playboy Mansion. Claiming that Epstein had sexually assaulted her and ensnared her into a trafficking ring catering to elites, she implored Hefner for assistance.

In 2005, Christiansen urged Hefner to leverage his powerful status and network to report her ordeal to the authorities, hoping this influence might lend gravity to her alarming claims.

The allegations maintain that Hefner responded by contacting the FBI multiple times on behalf of Christiansen to relay information about Epstein, as highlighted in the New York Post’s coverage of the situation.

These revelations emerge from an amended complaint filed this May in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, shedding light on the deep and troubling connections intertwined within this tragic narrative.

The lawsuit, brought by Epstein victims, accuses the FBI of failing to act on multiple reports of his sexual abuse dating back to 1996.

Late Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner allegedly called the FBI to report convicted sex offender after a Playmate told him that she'd been raped and trafficked by the disgraced fancier

Late Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner allegedly called the FBI to report convicted sex offender after a Playmate told him that she’d been raped and trafficked by the disgraced fancier

Audra Lynn Christiansen, a 2003 Playmate, was living with Hefner at the Playboy Mansion when she turned to him for help, claiming that she had been raped by Epstein

Audra Lynn Christiansen, a 2003 Playmate, was living with Hefner at the Playboy Mansion when she turned to him for help, claiming that she had been raped by Epstein 

Christiansen, now 46, claims that she didn’t hear back from the FBI until October 2020 – fifteen years after Hefner, who died in 2017, had called them. 

She reportedly told FBI agents that she’d been introduced to Epstein after her 2003 Playboy shoot was released. 

Christiansen also briefly appeared on E!’s The Girls Next Door reality show and had a minor part in the 2007 spoof film Epic Movie.  

The allegations are detailed in a new lawsuit which was first reported by Miami Herald journalist Julie K. Brown, who shared it on her Substack blog.

The Daily Mail has contacted Playboy for comment.  

Epstein killed himself inside of his cell at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City at the age of 66 in August 2019.  

At the time of his death, he had pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking minors and conspiracy, and was awaiting trial when he died.

His suicide fueled public speculation that he was assassinated as part of a cover-up to protect high-profile individuals who were potentially complicit in his crimes.

Christiansen is pictured with fellow Playmate Michele Rogers at a Playboy pool party

Christiansen is pictured with fellow Playmate Michele Rogers at a Playboy pool party

From that, a theory emerged that the well-connected financier maintained a list of clients to whom underage girls were trafficked. 

Aside from his longtime associate and former lover Ghislaine Maxwell, who was sentenced to serve 20 years behind bars in June 2022 for her role in luring underage girls for Epstein, there have been no US arrests relating to the financier.

Hefner was also accused of rape, although all the allegations against him came out after he died in 2017 at age 91.

Many women who previously dated and worked with the late magazine editor detailed alleged encounters with him and made numerous explosive accusations as part of the A&E docuseries Secrets of Playboy in 2022.

Throughout the series, multiple women accused Hefner of sexual assault, bestiality, and other sexual misconduct.

Christiansen reportedly told FBI agents that she'd been introduced to Epstein after her 2003 Playboy shoot was released before being raped and trafficked to his wealthy friends

Christiansen reportedly told FBI agents that she’d been introduced to Epstein after her 2003 Playboy shoot was released before being raped and trafficked to his wealthy friends

However, others later defended the Playboy mogul, including actress and former Playmate Jenny McCarthy.  

McCarthy – who first modeled for Playboy in 1993 and moved into the mansion soon after – recalled the house being run like a ‘strict dormitory.’

‘We weren’t even allowed near Hef or around the house. It was almost like Catholic school, to be honest,’ she said on Zack Peter’s No Filter.

She explained that when she lived in the mansion, Hefner was married to Playmate Kimberley Conrad, who was his main focus

‘I’m so grateful that when I was there, Hef was married,’ she said.

‘I think I went in there in a window of time that was kind of safe. There were no orgies or big parties going on. But hearing some of these girls’ stories was really rough. Hearing their stories, my heart broke for a lot of these women.’

Jeanine Pirro’s Future in Trump’s Eyes After Dropped Charges Against Reflecting Pool Vandal

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In a swirl of speculation, Donald Trump continues to weigh his options over the future of US Attorney for Washington D.C., Jeanine Pirro, a figure long considered a staunch ally.

Tensions flared after a meeting on Monday, during which the former President criticized Pirro. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with her office’s decision to drop charges against David Hearn, an Olympic athlete accused of defacing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Trump colorfully remarked that Pirro “folded like an umbrella” under pressure.

Amid these developments, Trump addressed the issue at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday night. As he prepared to embark on Air Force One, he shed light on Pirro’s standing.

When pressed directly on Pirro’s job security, Trump admitted, “I haven’t made a determination,” leaving her fate hanging in the balance.

He continued, stating, “I told her I was not happy,” underscoring his dissatisfaction with recent prosecutorial decisions within her jurisdiction.

Trump continued to insist on Tuesday night that the pool had been vandalized and defended the contractors. 

‘I just think she was totally wrong. They did a beautiful job, there were a couple of little things but that was not a big deal and everybody saw the vandalism, all you have to do is look at the tape,’ he said.

‘Plus, we have a witness or two witnesses that saw the vandalism, so certainly there was vandalism. In my opinion, it was major vandalism.’

Donald Trump said he hasn't decided yet whether to fire longtime ally and US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro

Donald Trump said he hasn’t decided yet whether to fire longtime ally and US Attorney for Washington DC Jeanine Pirro

The President met with Pirro (pictured) after saying that she 'choked' and 'folded like an umbrella' when lawyers in her office dismissed charges against US Olympian David Hearn, accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The President met with Pirro (pictured) after saying that she ‘choked’ and ‘folded like an umbrella’ when lawyers in her office dismissed charges against US Olympian David Hearn, accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The President appeared to be livid with Pirro after lawyers in her office dismissed charges against Hearn.

‘I was disappointed with Jeanine Pirro, really disappointed with Jeanine Pirro,’ Trump said angrily to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. 

‘She folded like an umbrella, and people get away with things, and it’s a disgrace.’

Pirro, a former judge and district attorney, joined Fox News in 2006 before she was appointed by Trump as the US Attorney for Washington, DC in May 2025. 

‘Frankly, I think she choked,’ Trump said, adding: ‘I don’t know what the hell happened.’

Pirro was spotted by reporters entering the West Wing on Monday evening, presumably to meet the president. 

The President was personally involved with the $16 million renovation of the pool as part of his goal to beautify Washington, DC ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

After the high-profile and speedy renovation, portions of the liner detached from the bottom of the pool and floated toward the surface in June, sparking public mockery of Trump’s project.

Pirro’s office moved to dismiss the charges of federal vandalism against Hearn after he was spotted reaching into the water of the reflecting pool to examine a piece of detached reflecting pool liner in June. 

The President appeared to still be livid with Pirro after lawyers in her office dismissed charges against US Olympian David Hearn, accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

The President appeared to still be livid with Pirro after lawyers in her office dismissed charges against US Olympian David Hearn, accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool 

David Hearn (pictured), the former Olympian accused of vandalizing Trump's restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, had his charges dismissed

David Hearn (pictured), the former Olympian accused of vandalizing Trump’s restored Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, had his charges dismissed

US Park Police arrested Hearn, and he was subsequently indicted on a single felony count of property destruction. Hearn pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court filing released Friday cited new evidence in the case that ‘undermines the evidentiary basis for the indictment’ and dismissed the case. 

The filing revealed that new documents indicated that the damage to the pool ‘was the result of a botched installation and not vandalism as initially represented’ by the Interior Department.

‘Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism, let alone to establish that fact beyond a reasonable doubt,’ the filing states.

The Justice Department knew or should have known for weeks that its case against a former Olympian charged with intentionally damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was flawed, and that he bore no responsibility for longstanding problems at the landmark, defense lawyers said Tuesday.

Lawyers for Hearn on Tuesday urged a judge to permanently dismiss the case and foreclose the possibility that the Trump administration could revive it. 

They took issue with Pirro’s assertion that prosecutors only recently learned about the pre-existing defects at the pool, saying the government had ‘disregarded readily available evidence’ that the liner was already failing because of installation flaws.

‘From the outset, the evidence showed that the pool liner was already failing and that Mr. Hearn did not cause the damage alleged in the indictment,” Hearn’s legal team argued in a 28-page motion filed Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court.

Investigations showed the damage was the result of a 'flawed installation by the contractor.' Hearn shared this photo he took of the pool's peeling lining with the Daily Mail

Investigations showed the damage was the result of a ‘flawed installation by the contractor.’ Hearn shared this photo he took of the pool’s peeling lining with the Daily Mail

Hearn claimed that the Trump administration was trying to build a false narrative that issues with the Reflecting Pool were due to vandalism. Workers are pictured cleaning the pool

Hearn claimed that the Trump administration was trying to build a false narrative that issues with the Reflecting Pool were due to vandalism. Workers are pictured cleaning the pool

The poor condition of the pool was ‘plainly visible’ for weeks and was publicly documented through photographs, video and news reports, the lawyers wrote.

‘Defying both decency and common sense, the government proceeded to indict Mr. Hearn before it had obtained or evaluated the information necessary to establish a good-faith basis for the charge,’ the defense attorneys wrote.

In addition, they say, the government’s key eyewitness was never presented to the grand jury, and a key prosecution witness on the question of damages ‘stated that the repairs at issue would have been necessary regardless of Mr. Hearn’s alleged conduct and could not identify any additional cost caused by Mr. Hearn.’

The contractor, Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings, ‘publicly acknowledged, before Mr. Hearn was indicted, that portions of the project required repair,’ the lawyers said. 

The firm was awarded a $14.7 million no-bid contract to repaint and waterproof the pool’s concrete floor.

Hearn pleaded not guilty last month to one felony count of property destruction and had a trial scheduled to start September 28 in DC Superior Court before the case was dismissed. 

He was facing a maximum prison sentence of 10 years if convicted, as he was accused of causing at least $1,000 in damage to the pool.

Trump appointed the former Fox host to her role in his administration last year after his initial pick, Ed Martin, could not be confirmed because of Republican senator holdouts. 

Pirro’s tenure has been plagued with failures to prosecute the president’s political opponents, despite his adamant attempts to do so. She was unable to indict former Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell for alleged wasteful spending.

The former Fox host was also unable to secure indictments against six Democratic lawmakers who had posted a video reminding US military personnel of their obligation to refuse illegal orders. 

And prosecutors under her watch likewise failed to indict vocal Trump critic New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged bank fraud and alleged false statements regarding a property purchase.