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Christian Missionaries Kicked Out of Burning Man After Alleged Rule-Breaking Ignites Culture Clash

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Burning Man is now underway in Black Rock, Nevada, where the 10-day desert gathering is built around themes of creativity, community and human connection. But one Christian group says that spirit of “radical inclusion” did not extend to them.

John Hinerman, who leads the Christian outreach group Shift the Atmosphere, traveled to the Burning Man festival with the goal of sharing the message of Jesus. In an Instagram video posted Wednesday, he said organizers had told the group to leave the event.

“Burning Man is discriminating us and breaking their own rules of being ‘radically inclusive’ and KICKING us out for being Christians?!” Hinerman wrote in the caption accompanying the post.

In the video, Hinerman told followers the group was packing up after being asked to depart. “We have been asked to leave Burning Man. We’re packing up. They’re kicking us out. Satan’s mad. We have over 600 people who have given their lives to Jesus already, and Satan can’t do anything about it,” he said.

Hinerman also said he believed “God is about to move and do something huge,” adding that the group had been given just three hours to dismantle a camp he said took an entire week to set up.

He added that the festival claimed their ejection was due to his group filming people without their consent, but he claimed those were “lies” made up by the festival.


“What’s crazy to me is there’s young kids – which is wicked and sad that parents would bring their kids to these – but grown men will have their penises out and women are walking around naked without consent,” he said.

“These children didn’t give you consent to be walking around with your penises out in front of all these kids. It’s so wicked and sad.”

He concluded that post by stating, “Burning Man knows they’re wrong. God will have the last say.”

Burning Man spokesperson Dominique Debucquoy-Dodley responded to Hinerman’s claims (via SF Gate), stating, “Burning Man takes participants’ right to privacy seriously.”

“Seeking permission and consent before filming or engaging other participants in Black Rock City is a requirement and responsibility for anyone at the event. This camp received multiple warnings and opportunities to correct their behavior, yet continued to violate our policies and were therefore evicted,” he added.

The complaints stemmed from Hinerman’s group filming people while encouraging them to “take a blessing,” which violated Burning Man’s rules.

Hinerman shared another video on Instagram Wednesday, showing some encounters with friendly “burners” who helped them clean up their camp when they were asked to leave.

“Many other BURNERS are coming and JOINING us helping us clean up everything up because even THEY are against the Burning Man for kicking us out for sharing our Faith…” the post began.

“WE LOVE the BURNERS. We had such beautiful time spending with the people here. Burning Man is WRONG for kicking us Out and the devil is MAD over 800 people gave their lives to Jesus and became a LIVING temple of the Holy Spirit. One of their #1 Rules, is “Radical Inclusion”. I guess it’s Radical inclusion for everyone EXCEPT Christians,” he concluded.

Hinerman and Shift the Atmosphere appear to be moving on from the ordeal, with his latest post on Thursday revealing that they were continuing on their “mission to save souls” to Reno, Nevada.

Karen Read Lawyer Says Clancy Defense Attorney May Be Cut From a Different Cloth as Deliberations Drag On

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As jurors moved toward the close of a sixth day of deliberations in Lindsay Clancy’s case — after twice informing the judge they were unable to agree on a unanimous verdict — one of Karen Read’s former defense attorneys commended Clancy’s lawyer for his handling of the trial.

“It immediately brings back the stress and the pressure that comes from having somebody’s life in your hands and the very worst part of a trial, which is when the jury’s out,” said David Yannetti, who played a central role on Read’s defense team during both of her Massachusetts murder trials. “So I feel for Kevin now, as I feel any lawyer in that situation, but he appears to be confident.”

Yannetti said the two high-profile Massachusetts cases stand out because both involve professional women with no prior criminal records or history in court, and both defendants attracted significant public backing.

Lindsay Clancy awaits jury deliberations

Lindsay Clancy looks toward jurors as Judge Sullivan instructs them to begin a sixth day of deliberations. The jury in the Lindsay Clancy case returned to deliberations on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. (Greg Derr/Pool The Patriot Ledger via AP)

“I think by all accounts, he did a wonderful job with this case, defending this woman in what is a horrific set of facts,” Yannetti told News Media. “I think Kevin has succeeded to a large degree already.”

Clancy is charged with three counts of murder in the deaths of her children, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, who was 8 months old. Jurors could find her guilty of first- or second-degree murder, manslaughter, or not criminally responsible under her insanity defense.

Karen Read in court during her retrial facing murder charges in connection to the death of John O’Keefe

Karen Read and defense attorney David Yannetti listen to testimony during Read’s murder trial in Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass., Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Libby O’Neill /The Boston Herald via AP, Pool)

While the facts of the cases are worlds apart, both involve intense scrutiny from both the media and the public.

Judge William Sullivan, who is presiding over the Clancy trial, explained the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt after receiving a new note from the jury Thursday afternoon.

Then he sent jurors back to continue deliberating.

Three young Clancy children in pajamas sit together on a couch, the smiling baby resting against his older brother, with their sister beside them.

Callan, left, Dawson and Cora Clancy. The three children were killed at their Duxbury, Massachusetts, home in January 2023. (Lindsay Marie Clancy/Facebook)

With jurors out of the courtroom, Reddington made a fiery request to the judge, asking for the removal of an apparent single holdout whom he said another juror accused of failing to follow the law.

Sullivan rejected the request.

Superior Court Judge William Sullivan

Superior Court Judge William Sullivan presides over day three of jury selection Wednesday, July 22, 2026 in the triple murder trial of Lindsay Clancy, who is accused of murdering her three young children in 2023 in their Duxbury, Massachusetts home. The case is being tried in Plymouth Superior Court. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via Pool)

“Refusing to deliberate and refusing to agree are not the same thing,” said retired Massachusetts Judge Carol Erskine, who is not involved with the case. She explained in an X post that judges are also required to be “extremely cautious” not to interfere with deliberations.

The court recessed for the day shortly after 4 p.m., and jurors will return Friday morning for their seventh day of deliberations.

The wait can be brutal for attorneys and their clients, Yannetti told News Media.

Lindsay Clancy in court.

Lindsay Clancy is charged with murdering her three children. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool)

“It’s torture,” he said. Trial attorneys like to be in control, he explained, but once the jurors are out, there’s nothing to do but watch and wait.

“You’re all just sort of on the frying pan, being cooked,” he said.

Read’s first trial ended with a deadlocked jury after five days in 2024. She was acquitted of all homicide-related charges after her second trial last year, when jurors deliberated for four days.

Rare Labor Day Deal: Birkenstock Boston & Arizona Under $100

Birkenstock shoppers have a good reason to browse this Labor Day weekend, as several fan-favorite pairs are now discounted to under $100, with a few select styles dipping below $50. Beloved Birkenstock designs including the classic Boston clogs, Arizona sandals, and easygoing Franca slides are currently on sale at major retailers like DSW, HSN, Revolve, and Anthropologie.

Although Birkenstocks are often associated with summer, many of the brand’s most popular shoes are just as useful for fall. The closed-toe Boston clog, in particular, is an easy seasonal transition piece, whether worn barefoot on mild afternoons or paired with thick socks when the temperature drops. They work seamlessly with straight-leg denim, leggings, wide-leg trousers, or a relaxed autumn dress for a polished but low-effort outfit.

Part of Birkenstock’s lasting appeal is how effortlessly the shoes fit into everyday life. They’re comfortable enough for errands, coffee runs, campus walks, travel days, or simply lounging around the house. With some Birkenstock deals now priced under $50, it’s a smart time to refresh your fall shoe lineup without spending full price. 

Shop the Birkenstock Labor Day deals worth adding to your cart now, below.

Photos Show Jim Thornton in Alleged Pedophilia Chatroom

Newly published photos appear to show suspended “Wheel of Fortune” announcer Jim Thornton viewing an alleged pedophilia-related chatroom during a flight.

Thornton, 61, is pictured looking at a laptop aboard an American Airlines plane in images published Thursday by TMZ. A close-up of the screen shows disturbing chat messages, including one that reads, “A nice hangout for kids. Saw a couple of cute boys and a hot little girl.”

Another visible message says, “All-you-can-eat Boyffet.”

Based on the timestamps shown, Thornton — seen wearing a “Wheel of Fortune” jacket in the photos — appears to have remained in the chatroom for nearly an hour.

The passenger who alerted a flight attendant told TMZ she allegedly noticed images and messages that led her to believe Thornton was in a chatroom for pedophiles, after which she shared the photos with the flight crew.

Law enforcement officers were notified about the incident and met Thornton at the gate upon his arrival. Officers questioned the TV personality, who was then released.

Thornton has not been arrested or charged in connection with the incident, which occurred on May 14.

Page Six has reached out to Thornton’s attorney for comment on the photos.

Thornton’s attorney, Allison Hart, claimed in a letter obtained by Page Six Thursday — prior to TMZ publishing the photos — that he accidentally clicked into the chatroom by mistake when he was trying to visit a chatroom offering support to individuals suffering from suicidal ideation, after losing a close family member to suicide two years ago.

“One of the sites my client has visited is 988lifeline.org, and its chat forum chat.988lifeline.org. … Through an acquaintance in the suicide prevention space, my client was misdirected to a forum with a similar URL, the forum lifeline.chat, which my client understood to be a forum offering suicide prevention support similar to 988lifeline.org and chat.988lifeline.org,” Hart claimed.

Hart alleged that Thornton did not know the website “lifeline.chat” claims to offer mental health support to individuals with pedophilic thoughts.

“When my client understood what the website was about, he left the page and has not visited since,” Hart also claimed, adding, “The website lifeline.chat itself is not unlawful, there is no unlawful child pornography or other pedophilic content, and my client has never viewed, downloaded or consumed any child pornography, whether on that commercial flight in May or at any other time.”

Hart further stressed, “It is for that reason that my client was never arrested or charged with a crime. Law enforcement immediately confirmed that no crime had occurred and immediately told my client he was free to go. In short, my client did nothing wrong.”

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Sony told Page Six, “We have recently been made aware of allegations concerning Jim Thornton. He has been suspended from ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ and we are recasting while we conduct a thorough investigation.”

Thornton will reportedly be edited out of the upcoming 44th season of “Wheel of Fortune” as producers scramble to replace him.

Outrage After Parents Bring Young Children to R-Rated Horror Movie Buddy

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A shocking new horror movie centered on a deranged children’s mascot has reportedly sparked backlash from some parents, after they allegedly brought their kids to screenings without realizing what they were about to watch.

Buddy, which is loosely inspired by the classic children’s series Barney, follows a group of youngsters who become trapped inside a 1990s-style kids’ television program hosted by a towering orange unicorn named Buddy.

The pre-teens soon learn that the bright, smiling mascot is not the wholesome entertainer he appears to be, but a sinister creature who abducts and kills children, forcing them to fight for survival before they become his next targets.

Adding to the confusion, the film’s official poster offers little warning of its darker tone, showing only the grinning orange unicorn staring out from a fuzzy, static-filled television screen.

According to posts circulating on social media and Reddit, some parents have been seen taking children to the R-rated film after apparently mistaking it for light, family-friendly entertainment.

‘Saw a lot of kids in my auditorium last night, some younger than 8,’ one theatre employee wrote on Reddit. 

Parents are reportedly taking their young children to see the twisted horror film Buddy, which follows a cuddly orange unicorn who kidnaps and murders children

Parents are reportedly taking their young children to see the twisted horror film Buddy, which follows a cuddly orange unicorn who kidnaps and murders children

Loosely inspired by the classic kids show Barney, Buddy follows a group of kids trapped inside of 1990s children's television show with a murderous unicorn

Loosely inspired by the classic kids show Barney, Buddy follows a group of kids trapped inside of 1990s children’s television show with a murderous unicorn

‘There were so many kids in my showing for buddy. What the heck is that about!’ added a second.

A third employee wrote, ‘I saw a mom complain that it was the theater’s fault when it definitely wasn’t. Parents should do their research.’

‘It’s amazing how many people will take their kids to movies without doing an ounce of research beforehand,’ wrote another.

‘Buddy is not Five Nights at Freddy’s – your kids aren’t making friends with the scary unicorn,’ added another.

Despite the controversy and its relatively low budget, Buddy is shaping up to be 2026’s next big horror hit.

The film opened with $5.36 million last weekend, more than doubling its early box office projections.

‘It takes a big risk, and we felt like that risk might be exactly what makes the movie work,’ Roadside Attractions head and co-founder Howard Cohen told IndieWire

‘It was specifically the risk of content, its extreme originality, provocative structure, and themes.’

'Saw a lot of kids in my auditorium last night, some younger than 8,' one theatre employee wrote on Reddit

‘Saw a lot of kids in my auditorium last night, some younger than 8,’ one theatre employee wrote on Reddit

Buddy has already earned rave reviews from critics, although some have been disturbed and confused by the surrealist horror film

Buddy has already earned rave reviews from critics, although some have been disturbed and confused by the surrealist horror film

Buddy is spotted wielding an axe with writer and director Casper Kelly at a screening in Los Angeles

Buddy is spotted wielding an axe with writer and director Casper Kelly at a screening in Los Angeles

Buddy is now set to open in even more theatres this weekend to capitalize on its unexpected performance at the box office. 

It stars Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, and Keegan-Michael Key as the voice of Buddy, and was written and directed by Casper Kelly.

It’s already received strong reviews from critics, with the New York Post writing, ‘A horror-comedy that takes a scalpel—or, more accurately, several weapons—to its jaunty protagonist, all while reveling in his darkly disturbed spirit.’

IndieWire wrote, ‘It gets harder and harder to find something that feels fresh enough to be truly shocking and executed competently enough to transcend its gimmicks, and we should all celebrate when we find one.’ 

Buddy is the latest in a growing number of surprise horror hits at the box office this year.

Curry Barker’s Obsession is the biggest of the bunch, scaring up a jaw-dropping $505 million off a $1 million budget.

Backrooms was another smash, raking in $395 million.

Other horror hits include Scream 7, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, Insidious: Out of the Further, and Send Help. 

Coco Gauff Fights Past Rival to Reach US Open Third Round

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Coco Gauff entered Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday night with recent history working against her, having dropped her previous two meetings with Paula Badosa before their U.S. Open second-round clash — including a grass-court defeat in June at the Berlin Tennis Open.

Even with five losses in their eight career matchups, the 22-year-old American still arrived as the clear favorite under the lights in New York.

Gauff avoided being pushed to a third set and closed out a tense 6-4, 7-6(5) victory, extending her winning streak to eight matches and 16 consecutive sets while reaching the third round in Flushing Meadows for the fifth year in a row.

As the final point ended, Gauff raised both fists and unleashed a loud, emotional scream in celebration.

She will meet Spain’s Cristina Bucșa on Saturday.

“I think it’s good to be battle-tested,” Gauff said. “When I won here in 2023, I think I went three sets what felt like every match. … I think, for me, it’s a good confidence booster knowing that I can get through these matches. Obviously, I would prefer maybe not to play someone who I’ve lost to so many times in the second round, but I think today was a big confidence booster, and I think getting through in straight sets, too, makes a big difference.” 

Coco Gauff celebrates after her hard-fought, second-round win at the U.S. Open over Paula Badosa on Sept. 3, 2026 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Jason Szenes for New York Post

Serving for the match twice before prevailing in the second-set tiebreak, Gauff admitted Badosa was not someone she wanted to see so early in her draw.

The 28-year-old Badosa has also been ranked as high as world No. 2, which Gauff pointed out during her on-court interview. 

Badosa was playing for a third consecutive day after she was forced to finish her first-round match Wednesday due to rain earlier this week, but she still pushed Gauff like usual. 

Gauff also said she had some nerves during the match. 

That much was evident early on in the first set, as the world No. 4 struggled to hold serve through the first few games. She had to come back from down 40-15 in her first service game to keep pace with Barbosa. 

By the sixth game, however, Gauff was putting the ball right where she wanted it. 

Both players traded off breaks in the second set before heading to a competitive tiebreak, which saw Badosa keep a close distance. She was able to knot the score at three-all, but Gauff came through for the victory. 

Gauff’s serve, which is much-improved and continues to be a hot topic, reached 121 mph Thursday night. 

Asked if she thinks she’d be able to hit 130 mph, Gauff couldn’t say for sure. 

“I don’t know if I can or not, that’s a good question,” she said. “We’ll see at the end of my career if I can. Maybe if if I’m up, like really up in a match, I might go for it. Sometimes, when I am up, I try to go for it. But I find when I don’t go for it, that’s when the speed is higher so. I don’t know, you have to just catch me on a real relaxed day.” 

Coco Gauff rips a backhand during her second-round win at the U.S. Open.

Coco Gauff rips a backhand during her second-round win at the U.S. Open. Jason Szenes for New York Post

Gauff is one of four women competing in the U.S. Open who could be world No. 1 by the tournament’s end.

Fellow American Jessica Pegula previously said she dreamed of being No. 1 in the world, rather than winning a Grand Slam. 

Asked how she viewed the two, Gauff said it was the opposite for her. 

“I’ve never thought about being number one,” she said. “I think just growing up watching Serena [Williams] play. … It was very clear she was focused on the Slam. So I think growing up watching her play, I just always had that mentality. Yes, it would be cool to be number one, but it’s not something that I’ve thought about, to be honest. 

“I definitely care, but I don’t think it’s something I’ll be nervous about. Honestly, if it happens, great. If not, no. I’m just more focused on winning Slams.”

Pilates Studio Faces Backlash After Calling Members Overweight Mums

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A Perth Pilates business has found itself at the centre of a social media backlash after comments referring to some clients as “overweight” mothers with “fat a**es” sparked accusations of body shaming — claims the studio has since pushed back on.

Freemove Pilates, which runs locations in Kinross, Carine and Jolimont, has come under heavy criticism online after the remarks surfaced amid a disagreement with a group of Perth-based influencers.

The controversy reportedly began when Hey Perth Mama, an Instagram account managed by a collective of local mums, approached the Pilates studio about taking part in a complimentary class in return for promotion on social media.

Freemove Pilates rejected the proposal, responding that it “takes great pride in not partnering with influencers”.

“Brand advertising… is smart business. Compared to entertaining cheapskates chasing free lunches for a post or two – yeh no thanks babes,” the studio said in its response.

‘Influencers are merely modern day panhandlers.’

Hey Perth Mama then shared screenshots of the exchange with its followers and asked whether they thought the studio owner’s response was rude.

Many agreed that it was.

Tahlia Jeffrey, who owns Freemoves Pilates in WA, has been accused of body shaming her members after saying the women are 'overweight' mums

Tahlia Jeffrey, who owns Freemoves Pilates in WA, has been accused of body shaming her members after saying the women are ‘overweight’ mums

Ms Jeffrey directed those comments to Perth mum Traci (pictured) who follows the Hey Perth Mama Instagram page

Ms Jeffrey directed those comments to Perth mum Traci (pictured) who follows the Hey Perth Mama Instagram page

Ms Jeffrey (who owns the studio alongside her husband James) made the comments in response to a one-star Google Review

Ms Jeffrey (who owns the studio alongside her husband James) made the comments in response to a one-star Google Review

Freemove Pilates responded with its own post, writing ‘F*** INFLUENCERS’ and publicly tagging the Hey Perth Mama page.

The row then escalated when one of the page’s followers, Traci, left a one-star Google review criticising the studio’s response.

‘First impressions matter, and unfortunately this business left a poor one,’ Traci said in the now-deleted review.

‘Using dismissing hostile language like ‘cheapskates’ and ‘panhandlers’ reflects poorly on the brand’s culture.’

Freemove Pilates owner Tahlia Jeffery then sent Traci a lengthy message in which she made the comments that sparked accusations of body shaming.

‘We don’t have influencers in our studio. Why? Because most of the members are overweight and mums like you. None of them want their fat a**es splashed over TikTok,’ she wrote.

The mum of three also targeted Traci’s previous reviews.

‘I read through your whole list of b****ing and moaning, including the Salvos and the greatest kebab you ever ate. You do realise that we are a small business, not a chain,’ she said.

Her comments, which include describing the women as having ‘fat a**es’ , have been slammed online

A TikTok account believed to be linked to Ms Jeffery was also seen commenting on Traci's videos, calling her a 'plus size influencer'

A TikTok account believed to be linked to Ms Jeffery was also seen commenting on Traci’s videos, calling her a ‘plus size influencer’

When contacted directly by the Daily Mail about Ms Jeffery's comments towards Traci, her husband James acknowledged they had crossed a line

When contacted directly by the Daily Mail about Ms Jeffery’s comments towards Traci, her husband James acknowledged they had crossed a line

The dispute then spilled onto TikTok, where an account believed to be linked to Ms Jeffery was seen commenting on Traci’s videos, calling her a ‘plus size influencer’ and writing ‘Nom nom nom.’

The same account also reposted videos in recent days about rejecting criticism, including one captioned: ‘Being hated by losers is the price you pay for not being one.’

As the backlash grew, Ms Jeffery’s husband and Freemove co-owner, James Jeffery, addressed the controversy on the studio’s Instagram page overnight.

‘Hi Freemove Fam. Wording from a heated exchange between Tahlia and an influencer has been circulating as allegedly fat shaming,’ he wrote.

‘Tahlia acknowledges that her language was crude and poorly expressed. Acknowledging body size is not body shaming. Third parties have put their own spin on that.

‘I invite you to consider that her intention was positive.

‘Freemove and Tahlia are authentic, genuine, unscripted and extremely passionate – we don’t apologise for this. We do not claim to be perfect – and sometimes despite best efforts, we can be misinterpreted. That comes with the territory of being those wonderful things above.’

However, when contacted directly by the Daily Mail about Ms Jeffery’s comments towards Traci, Mr Jeffery acknowledged they had crossed a line.

‘As Tahlia’s husband, I’ll always support her, but as a co-owner, what she said to Traci was wrong and inappropriate,’ Mr Jeffery said.

He said the comments had been made in the heat of the moment.

Video: Police, Bystanders Lift Volkswagen Off Pinned Woman

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Strangers and police officers sprang into action on a busy Pennsylvania roadway, lifting a Volkswagen Beetle off an injured e-bike rider who was pinned underneath after a crash, according to dramatic body camera footage.

The 44-year-old woman sustained multiple broken bones in the Monday morning collision in Prospect Park but survived after about six bystanders helped officers raise the car and pull her free, local authorities told FOX 29.

Prospect Park Police Chief Dave Madonna said the woman was riding an e-bike at what he estimated was more than 20 mph and was not wearing a helmet when she struck the Volkswagen at an intersection on Route 420.

“She was driving way too fast for that time of day, for the road she was traveling on,” Madonna said, noting that investigators believe she may have been attempting to pass traffic while heading to an appointment.

Bystanders and police officers work together to lift a Volkswagen Beetle off an e-bike rider

Bystanders and police officers lift a Volkswagen Beetle to rescue an e-bike rider trapped beneath the vehicle after a crash in Prospect Park, Pa. (WTXF)

Surveillance and police body camera video shows bystanders rushing to the crash to help.

About six people then work together to lift the car high enough to free the woman trapped underneath.

“Got a yell to help, ran over. We lifted the Volkswagen Beetle up, pulled the girl out and pushed her to the ground so she wouldn’t move, that’s all,” FedEx driver Carl Wise told the station.

Police body camera video shows bystanders rushing to help lift a car off a 44-year-old e-bike rider

Police body camera video shows bystanders rushing to help lift a car off a 44-year-old e-bike rider following a crash along Route 420 in Pennsylvania. (WTXF)

“I’m no hero. I’m just a guy doing a job, that’s all,” he added.

Local business owner Chrissy Vollmer, who also responded, described what she saw.

“All I saw were the lady’s legs underneath the car, and she was just yelling, ‘Get this car off of me,’” Vollmer said.

Madonna called the bystanders who helped rescue the woman “heroes” and later visited them to offer his thanks.

About six bystanders joined police officers to lift a Volkswagen Beetle and free a woman trapped underneath

About six bystanders joined police officers to lift a Volkswagen Beetle and free a woman trapped underneath, according to local authorities. (WTXF)

He also raised concerns about what he described as an increase in e-bike crashes.

“How many more tragedies do we have to see before some type of action is taken?” Madonna said.

The woman was taken to Lankenau Hospital and underwent surgery for a broken collarbone and other injuries, FOX 29 reported.

The Volkswagen driver is not facing charges, and  police said the e-bike rider could receive a traffic citation pending the outcome of the investigation.

Pennsylvania Teen, Mom Charged in Girlfriend’s Fatal Stabbing

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Police bodycam video released Thursday shows the moment authorities found the body of a Pennsylvania college student, a discovery that led investigators to arrest her boyfriend, who allegedly told police a “demon” instructed him to stab her, according to court records.

State police say the boyfriend’s mother is also facing accusations after allegedly helping him conceal the crime.

Royce Moser, 18, of North Strabane Township, has been charged with homicide in the death of Karoline Heintz, a PennWest California University student whose body was discovered Aug. 20 after she did not return to the southwestern Pennsylvania campus, according to a criminal complaint.

Investigators said Moser claimed he grew angry during a conversation with Heintz inside her vehicle while it was parked in his driveway. In a police affidavit, authorities said he described having a “demon take over” and tell him to stab her. A preliminary hearing for Moser and his mother, Rachel Moser, was held Tuesday in connection with Heintz’s death.

An attorney representing Royce Moser declined to comment on the charges. A message seeking comment from a public defender listed for Rachel Moser was not immediately returned.

The 37-minute video released Thursday is from an officer’s body-worn camera. It shows the California, Pennsylvania, police officer walking up to Karoline Heintz’s Jeep in the dark. The officer points a flashlight inside the back window, yells toward another officer nearby, then gets on his radio.

“Control, I need EMS here right now,” the officer said. “I’ve got an unconscious female in the back of this car right now. Any additional units, any in the available area, please.”

An operator radios back, “Is she breathing?”

“Negative,” the officer responds as sirens are heard in the background. “I’ve got blood everywhere.”

The officer then breaks two windows to gain access inside the vehicle.

“Get someone here now,” he said.

According to the affidavit, Moser said he told Heintz, “wait, I have something for you” before retrieving a knife from his home. The victim fell out of her vehicle after being stabbed and Moser put her in the back hatch before getting into the driver’s seat. Moser then asked his mother to follow him to PennWest California University in southwestern Pennsylvania to drop off the vehicle, the affidavit said.

Heintz’s father had asked police to look for his daughter’s vehicle after she failed to return to campus, and indicated an AirTag in the vehicle showed she was in a parking lot, according to a criminal complaint. Police found Karoline Heintz’s body in the vehicle. The AirTag also indicated Heintz had been at Moser’s home earlier.

Royce and Rachel Moser were later located at Rachel Moser’s residence in Beallsville. According to the affidavit, Rachel Moser told her son to bathe and change his clothes, which she placed in a washing machine. She then took the knife and put it in a garbage bag to dispose of in the trash outside her home, according to the affidavit. The knife was retrieved after investigators obtained a search warrant.

Royce and Rachel Moser both were charged with tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice. Rachel Moser, 56, also was charged with hindering the apprehension of a fugitive and criminal use of a communication device. Their next court appearance is a formal arraignment scheduled for Oct. 13.

Mother and son are being held without bail in the Washington County jail.

Heintz’s family issued a statement asking the public to respect their wishes for privacy.

“This is a parent’s worst nightmare,” the statement said. “It has been devastating for family, friends, and the whole community. Karoline was loved by all. She was a kind, smart, beautiful girl. We want justice for our “sweet” Karoline.”

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Michael Biehn’s Onslaught Role Explained: Why It Matters

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Contains spoilers for “Onslaught”

Bring up the defining sci-fi and action stars of the 1980s, and the same heavy hitters usually dominate the conversation: Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Harrison Ford occupying his own adjacent legend status, followed closely by Kurt Russell and, a tier below, names like Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme. Yet that familiar roll call often leaves out one of the decade’s most essential genre presences. Michael Biehn may not have always been the marquee name, but his impact on ’80s action cinema and science fiction is undeniable. Best remembered as Kyle Reese in “The Terminator” and Corporal Dwayne Hicks in “Aliens,” Biehn now returns in Adam Wingard’s “Onslaught,” a deliberately retro action-horror movie that channels the same muscular, high-tension spirit of that era.

In “Onslaught,” Biehn appears as Baylor, the man overseeing a covert military installation where Dr. Kammler, played by Dan Stevens, is engineering a new breed of supersoldiers. Baylor answers to an unnamed and shadowy “board” about the progress of the operation, though his role in the chaos is short-lived. He meets his end alongside Kammler when the soldiers break free. Even with limited screen time, Biehn makes the most of the part, delivering the kind of hard-edged, no-nonsense dialogue that reminds viewers why he remains such a beloved figure in classic sci-fi action movies.

For director Adam Wingard, casting Biehn was more than a nostalgic flourish — it was personal. In the film’s press notes, Wingard shared just how deep his admiration runs: “In sixth grade, my friends and I created a Michael Biehn fan club,” he said. “We just thought he was the absolute coolest actor, and he was what we all wanted to look like. I used to slick my hair back to resemble his hair in ‘Aliens.'”

Michael Biehn is a legend, and Onslaught knows it

It’s also worth remembering that one of the most quoted lines in the “Terminator” franchise did not originate with Arnold Schwarzenegger. In James Cameron’s original “The Terminator,” it is Biehn’s Kyle Reese who first says, “Come with me if you want to live,” while Schwarzenegger’s famous use of the line in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” functions as a later echo. Biehn’s Cameron collaborations also include his memorable turn in 1989’s “The Abyss,” and his career continued strongly through the 1990s with major supporting and starring roles in films such as “The Rock,” “Tombstone,” “Navy SEALS,” and “K2.”

Biehn hasn’t had as many major big screen credits recently, but he’s stayed active with a wide range of action movies or thrillers, including Robert Rodriguez’s “Planet Terror” in 2007, and just last year, a voice role in “Predator: Killer of Killers.” He’s had a few high-profile guest turns on TV in the 2020s, appearing as mercenary Lang in “The Mandalorian” and survivor leader Ian in “The Walking Dead,” the latter of which earned him a Saturn Award nomination (Biehn won a Life Career Award from the same institution in 2011).

His character in “Onslaught” is classic Biehn — the scowl, the swagger, and the one-liners. The actor has featured in a number of explicitly ’80s-inspired projects over the years, like when he voiced the main character in the 2013 sci-fi video game “Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon.” And yet, he still rarely gets the credit of his contemporaries in the genre. Given how explicitly “Onslaught” shows love to “The Terminator” and “Aliens,” his inclusion is a well-deserved nod.

James Cameron’s fingerprints are all over Onslaught

Michael Biehn isn’t the only element of James Cameron’s ’80s oeuvre that can be seen in “Onslaught.” Everything from the synth-heavy soundtrack, to specific bits of cinematography, to the high-caliber slasher horror/action genre blend point back to Cameron and other superstar filmmakers of the era. It even has the protective mother-daughter framing that emerges midway through “Aliens.”

In the official press notes for “Onslaught,” Adam Wingard says that his goal was to create “a really crazy, violent action-slasher film that’s paying homage to John Carpenter and James Cameron.” Even if you didn’t know that going in, it’s pretty clear from the jump. There was an era when shooting a semi-truck full of gun-toting baddies blasting down a desert highway at night was a sort of genre unto itself, and “Onslaught” believes, correctly, that we still need that vibe every once in a while.