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Catherine Zeta-Jones’ First Sighting Since Michael Douglas’ Memoir

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Catherine Zeta-Jones showed she is still every bit the Hollywood bombshell when she stepped out in New York City on Thursday, just two days after her husband Michael Douglas released his revealing memoir.

The 57-year-old actress highlighted her statuesque figure in sleek, form-fitting black leather leggings, pairing them with towering stiletto heels for an even more dramatic look.

Her glossy jet-black hair framed her radiant complexion as she walked through Manhattan with a broad smile. She showed no visible sign of being troubled by the succession of intimate revelations in her husband’s book.

Titled One Helluva Ride, the autobiography recounts Douglas’s passionate affairs with co-stars Kathleen Turner and Jeanne Tripplehorn. Both relationships took place while he was still married to his first wife, model Diandra Luker.

Douglas also shared candid details about his romance with Zeta-Jones, revealing that she made him wait nine months before they slept together.

Zeta-Jones addressed the memoir publicly for the first time on Thursday morning, saying she had never actually read it during an appearance on the Today show.

Catherine Zeta-Jones proved she remains a Hollywood bombshell as she stepped out in New York on Thursday, two days after her husband Michael Douglas published his memoir

Catherine Zeta-Jones showed she remains a Hollywood bombshell as she stepped out in New York on Thursday, two days after husband Michael Douglas released his memoir

The 57-year-old actress showed off her statuesque physique in a clinging set of black leather leggings and amplified the effect with towering stilettos

Her luxurious mane of jet-black hair billowed around her luminous complexion as she strode beaming into the Manhattan streets

The 57-year-old actress displayed her statuesque figure in tight black leather leggings, completing the look with towering stilettos

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Douglas and Zeta-Jones for comment.

She drew an audible laugh from the studio crew when she joked: “As much as I love my husband, when I’m tired at night, I have no intention of reading about him at all.”

Zeta-Jones also pointed to her packed professional schedule, which included filming Wednesday, her Addams Family spin-off, as well as her new thriller series Kill Jackie.

Still, she urged “everyone else” to pick up the memoir, saying: “The book is called One Helluva Ride and I think everybody should hold onto their cowboy hats, because I think it is.”

Today show host Willie Geist said Douglas had told him that, after the memoir was published, he “peeked around a corner” to see Zeta-Jones and was relieved when she “didn’t seem upset.”

“He got me at a good time,” Zeta-Jones said with a laugh.

In his memoir, Douglas recalled meeting Zeta-Jones at the Deauville American Film Festival in France in 1998. He was 53 at the time, while she was a 28-year-old rising star.

Aware of his reputation as a lothario, Zeta-Jones reportedly made Douglas wait nine months before agreeing to sleep with him.

Although Douglas wrote that he “was willing to take whatever time we both needed,” he continued sleeping with five other women in different cities during the early stages of their courtship.

Their first sexual encounter came after Douglas invited her to his holiday home in Mallorca. He offered her a separate bedroom and brought along Miami Heat owner Pat Riley and Riley’s wife of 30 years, hoping Zeta-Jones would see him alongside a “normal, stable couple.”

Douglas wrote in his memoir that he met Zeta-Jones at the Deauville American Film Festival in France in 1998, where they are pictured in a photo he shared to Instagram

Douglas recalled meeting Zeta-Jones at the Deauville American Film Festival in France in 1998, where they are pictured in an image he shared on Instagram

“That, I hoped, would offset my ‘reputation’ that Catherine had mentioned the first night we met,” he wrote. “And I thought that having my treasured friends around would help Catherine feel comfortable. Turns out, I was right.”

Having taken their relationship to the next level, Zeta-Jones insisted on monogamy, whereupon Douglas made ‘five quick calls.’

Douglas and Zeta-Jones welcomed their son Dylan in August 2000 and married at the iconic Plaza Hotel on New York’s Fifth Avenue that November.

Their daughter Carys, whom Zeta-Jones was heavily pregnant with when she danced at the Oscars and won best supporting actress for Chicago, arrived in April 2003.

The marriage was not without its rough patches, particularly in the early 2010s as Douglas battled throat cancer and Zeta-Jones was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. 

The couple briefly separated in 2013 but quickly fell back into each other’s arms later that year, with Douglas divulging he and Zeta-Jones were ‘working things out.’ 

While promoting his new memoir, Douglas insisted the split was ‘mutual’ and firmly shot down the suggestion that he ‘won her back,’ in the Sunday Times.

‘You know, we had our problems but I love her dearly and, 25 years, you know,’ he said. ‘I mean, I don’t know about your marital status, but marriage is a lot of work, you know. And so, you know, we’re good. We’re in good shape. It’s all I can say.’

After decades of secrecy, Douglas went public with his romance with his Basic Instinct co-star Tripplehorn in his memoir

After decades of secrecy, Douglas went public with his romance with his Basic Instinct co-star Tripplehorn in his memoir

One Helluva Ride also saw Douglas finally confess that he and Kathleen Turner conducted an affair during the making of their 1984 classic Romancing the Stone.

One Helluva Ride also saw Douglas finally confess that he and Kathleen Turner conducted an affair during the making of their 1984 classic Romancing the Stone

His marriage to Luker lasted from 1977 until 1995 and produced a son called Cameron, now 47, whose past struggles with addiction are detailed in the book.

Douglas characterized his relationship with Luker as a ‘bumpy ride’ punctuated by mutual infidelity and on-off splits so frequent he lost count of them.

However, the Wall Street icon maintained that he ‘never gave up hope that we would reconcile’ during his time apart from Zeta-Jones in 2013. 

Douglas also disclosed he indulged in an affair with Jeanne Tripplehorn when she played his therapist and love interest in Basic Instinct.

When Basic Instinct arrived in theaters, Tripplehorn was 28 years old and unmarried while Douglas was 47 and still married to Luker.

In One Helluva Ride, Douglas confessed he was so ‘crazy about’ Tripplehorn that he found himself on the verge of leaving Luker for her.

However, he ultimately arrived at the conclusion that the ‘worst thing’ for him would be to leap straight from what was then his 15-year marriage into another relationship. 

When the affair began, Tripplehorn ‘was unwilling to get involved with a married man, but I assured her that Diandra and I had formally separated,’ said Douglas. 

His affairs with Tripplehorn and Turner unfolded during his marriage to his first wife, model Diandra Luker, whom he is pictured with in 1993

His affairs with Tripplehorn and Turner unfolded during his marriage to his first wife, model Diandra Luker, whom he is pictured with in 1993

Nevertheless, he was determined to avoid scandal and kept his involvement with Tripplehorn hidden from even their co-stars and the crew, spending private hours with her ensconced in the residence he was renting.

‘While our intimacy in real life was amazing, it made shooting our lovemaking scenes on camera challenging. In front of the crew, Jeanne was so nervous that she kept laughing uncontrollably,’ Douglas recalled.

‘She finally stopped laughing, and we filmed an intense sex scene where I tear her clothes and bite her. She asks me to stop, but I don’t.’

Noting that the era of intimacy coordinators had yet to dawn, Douglas wrote that they ‘did have some concept of consent’ but made the scene ‘the old-fashioned way’ after a careful rehearsal process in which each move was agreed upon before the shoot.

He recalled: ‘At the point when I was supposed to bite the back of her neck, I checked in with Jeanne after each take to make sure she was okay. After the second or third time, she said: “Michael, you know you can really bite me.”‘

Douglas took the note, but ‘the scene was so intense and we were both so involved in it, she couldn’t feel a thing’ – notwithstanding the bruising that had to be concealed the following day by the hair and makeup team.

He has clarified this week that although he did not have ‘much connection with Jeanne’ after Basic Instinct wrapped, he ‘called her up and asked for her permission’ to include their romantic history in his book and she ‘said yes,’ via People.

One Helluva Ride also saw Douglas finally admit he and Kathleen Turner conducted an affair during the making of their 1984 classic Romancing the Stone.

Douglas and Zeta-Jones have welcomed tow children called Carys, 23, and Dylan, 26, both of whom have followed their parents into the acting profession

Douglas and Zeta-Jones have welcomed tow children called Carys, 23, and Dylan, 26, both of whom have followed their parents into the acting profession 

Douglas was married to Luker and Turner was dating her eventual husband, real estate mogul Jay Weiss, at the time the two movie stars fell into bed together.

Rumors of their romance reached such a crescendo that Luker traveled to the Mexican set of the film to confront Turner, who always denied the affair publicly.

However, Douglas has now admitted to the dalliance, detailing in his book how he and Turner became swept up in ‘lust’ on the set of the adventure film.

They were apparently able to conceal the fling from their colleagues, up to and including their co-star Danny DeVito and director Robert Zemeckis.

‘Following an exhausting day of shooting in the jungle, we’d go out and have a meal, or head out with the group and afterward I would sneak into her hotel room after everybody was asleep,’ the Fatal Attraction star shared.

Luker brought the affair to an end when she alighted on the set, bringing along her and Douglas’s then four-year-old son Cameron.

Turner has now reacted with equanimity to Douglas’s indiscretion about her in his memoirs, saying: ‘Good heavens, what a fuss about something 40 years ago! I love Michael and I look forward to enjoying the book.’

Florida Death Row Inmate William Thompson Spared Execution

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One of Florida’s longest-serving death row prisoners has avoided execution amid reports that he is suffering from dementia, nearly five decades after his conviction in a torture murder.

Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew William Thompson’s death warrant Thursday, just five days before the 74-year-old inmate was scheduled to be executed for a killing once described by police as Miami-Dade’s “meanest murder.”

DeSantis did not explain the decision in a letter sent to Florida State Prison Warden Randall Polk and reviewed by The Post. The governor had signed Thompson’s death warrant only on Sept. 11.

The warrant’s withdrawal follows reports that Thompson, who has spent longer on Miami-Dade’s death row than any other inmate, is experiencing dementia.

Thompson was initially sentenced to death in 1976. Although the sentence was later overturned and reimposed, he twice avoided execution in the 1980s. He has remained on death row since 1989.

The Eighth Amendment bars the execution of death row inmates whose mental illness prevents them from understanding why they are being put to death.

In an emergency petition filed Sept. 16, Thompson’s attorney, Brittney Lacy, urged Florida Department of Corrections officials to immediately transfer him to a hospital, citing his need for “emergent medical care,” according to court documents reviewed by The Post.

“He could not give counsel any details about his hospital stays,” Lacy wrote, adding that Thompson “appeared unaware.”

The petition states that Thompson “did not understand” questions doctors asked him about his surgeries.

Florida neuropsychologist Robert Ouaou examined Thompson and concluded that he “meets the criteria for insanity due to his dementia and significant cognitive decline.”

According to the evaluation, Thompson “lacks the mental capacity to understand the fact of his impending execution and the reason for it.”

Thompson also told the doctor that he was in “severe pain” and “too weak to freely move his arms or extremities,” Lacy said in the filing.

Thompson had previously been hospitalized in Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Gainesville, where doctors documented what they described as a “knowledge deficit.”

Court documents say he “did not know who the president was” and answered “Bush.” It remains unclear which former President Bush he meant.

His attorneys said Thompson was “unable to recall [what he had] eaten, [whether he had] been seen by medical staff [or] spoken to by anyone.”

Thompson was sentenced to death in 1976 after he and accomplice Rocco Surace were convicted in the killing of Sally Ivester at the Sunny Isles Motel in Miami Beach.

Ivester had been with another woman, Barbara Savage, when she encountered the two men, who would later become her killers.

The men demanded $200 from Ivester, but she was able to give them only $25.

The small payment reportedly enraged the pair, who beat Ivester with chains and burned her with cigarettes during the attack.

Thompson and Surace then ordered Ivester to call her mother and ask for additional money before assaulting her.

The killing was so brutal that local cops described it as “Dade’s meanest murder,” according to the Miami Herald.

Ivester died from shock and the internal injuries she sustained.

Surace initially pleaded guilty to the kidnapping, rape and murder of Ivester – before the Supreme Court reversed his sentence. He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 203 years in prison before he died in 1993 while in custody.

Thompson’s initial death row sentence was overturned – before he was spared from execution twice in 1982 and 1987. 

He was sent back to death row in 1989, where he remained for more than 30 years – before the motion was withdrawn.

“Withdrawing the death warrant for William Thompson was the correct decision. Mr. Thompson is gravely ill, not competent, and intellectually disabled,” Grace Hanna, the executive director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty said, welcoming DeSantis’ decision.

“His execution would have been an abject violation of the Eighth Amendment and an affront to human dignity.”

China, EU Trade Envoys Seek to Ease Tensions Over Trade Gap

BEIJING – China and the European Union were concluding two days of high-level trade discussions Friday as both sides sought to ease mounting friction over the widening imbalance between their economies.

EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic arrived in Beijing with a clear message: the talks needed to produce “tangible outcomes” aimed at bringing trade between China and the 27-member bloc back into balance.

Yet it remained uncertain whether negotiators could overcome the central disputes driving China’s expanding trade surplus, which reached 360 billion euros ($410 billion) last year.

Beijing is pressing the EU to lift restrictions on imports of advanced chipmaking equipment from China. The controls were introduced on national security grounds and followed pressure from Washington.

Sefcovic described this week’s negotiations as the result of three months of intensive preparation. He has set October as the deadline for securing concrete progress on trade rebalancing.

China’s Commerce Ministry called on the EU earlier this week to steer clear of protectionist policies, cautioning that efforts to shield domestic industries could ultimately produce unwanted consequences.

The negotiations come as trade relations have deteriorated, with China and the EU each introducing, weighing or threatening restrictions on imports from the other.

The EU has taken steps to curb Chinese electric vehicle and battery imports, while also adopting safeguards for its steel producers. It is additionally tightening rules on duty-free small parcels ordered through e-commerce platforms, a move that would affect Chinese fast-fashion companies in particular.

China last week responded with an anti-dumping probe into p-nitrotoluene imported from the EU. The chemical is used in the production of dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Chinese officials and companies have also expressed concern about reports that several EU countries are advocating additional measures to defend their domestic industries.

Concerns about a fresh surge of Chinese exports to Europe and other global markets — described by some analysts as “China shock 2.0” — have intensified as the United States, particularly since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, has raised tariffs and pursued other policies to narrow its substantial trade deficit with Beijing.

China’s worldwide trade surplus nevertheless reached $1.2 trillion in 2025, despite resistance from some trading partners, and is projected to exceed $1 trillion again this year.

EU figures show that the bloc’s trade deficit with China expanded to 103.34 billion euros, or roughly $116 billion, during the April-July quarter. Imports climbed to 153.63 billion euros ($172.3 billion), while European exports to China rose to 50.3 billion euros ($56.4 billion).

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

Armed Man Killed by Police After Attempted Attack at Nashville Federal Courthouse, Authorities Say

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A man armed with a pistol was fatally shot Thursday at a security checkpoint inside a federal courthouse in Nashville, Tennessee’s largest city, police said.

The man, who was in his 40s, was shot after attempting to fire the weapon but failing, according to Don Aaron, a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department.

“The security individual fired on the armed individual,” Aaron said. The man was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Nashville Federal Courthouse

Police say a suspect was shot and killed during an attempted attack at the federal courthouse in Nashville on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026 (WVTV)

Authorities believed the man was from out of state, but they did not release details about why he was at the courthouse. The library next door was closed following the shooting.

Everyone entering the courthouse must pass through a security checkpoint.

“That’s the entrance that most people in this courthouse use,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob McGuire said.

Following the shooting, officers with police dogs patrolled the courthouse perimeter while employees from nearby buildings gathered along the streets to observe the scene.

USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors Look Back on Historic 10-Month Deployment

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After spending a record 265 consecutive days at sea supporting operations in the Iran War, sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln finally stepped ashore in San Diego on Thursday.

At the naval base, emotional reunions unfolded as crew members embraced spouses, children and other relatives. Their homecoming followed a difficult deployment marked by reports of dwindling supplies, worsening mental health and suicide attempts among some sailors.

Relatives who gathered along San Diego Bay said they had spent sleepless nights and shed tears after learning about the aircraft carrier’s food shortages and harsh living conditions. Some sailors even sent their families detailed wish lists of the meals and snacks they missed most.

The Navy said 64 fathers were among the first sailors to leave the carrier, many of them meeting their babies for the very first time.

Kathy Monterrosa waited in Coronado with her 6-month-old daughter, Sarahi, dressed in a miniature blue-and-white sailor outfit as she looked forward to her husband’s return.

“She’s our deployment baby,” said Monterrosa, who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Monterrosa said it was especially difficult to hear about the conditions aboard the ship while she was pregnant.

“I was crying a lot and worried. I wasn’t sure if he was OK or not,” she said.

The sailors deployed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for a record 265 days at sea supporting efforts in the Iran War finally disembarked Thursday in San Diego

Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln completed a record 265-day deployment at sea supporting efforts in the Iran War before disembarking in San Diego on Thursday.

Many greeted and embraced their family members following an ordeal that entered the public consciousness after reports of supply shortages, deteriorating mental health and even suicide attempts among the crew

Crew members were reunited with loved ones after a grueling deployment that drew public attention because of reports involving food shortages, declining mental health and suicide attempts.

When Monterrosa finally spoke with her husband, he told her the situation aboard the carrier had been “pretty bad.”

Sailor Steven Rivas smiled broadly while holding his 7-month-old daughter in his arms.

“I couldn’t grasp the reality of it,” Rivas said, describing the moment he returned home. As the ship entered the bay, he said, emotion took over while he saw the crowd and realized his family was waiting for him.

Brent Ledbetter was preparing to meet his infant son, Nathan, for the first time. “I just want to hold him, play with him,” the sailor told NBC News.

“He’s crawling around now, so I’m excited to chase him around the house and give him all the love that has been kind of withheld for the last 10 months. I’m so excited.”

During the deployment, Ledbetter watched his son’s early milestones through videos sent by his family.

“I’ve kind of got to see him grow up through the phone and internet,” he said. “Technology’s come such a long way, and it’s incredible.”

His wife, Jessica Ledbetter, shared the relief of having him home. “My husband, my best friend is back,” she said. “We’re just so excited to see him back.”

Families waiting for the aircraft carrier´s arrival in San Diego Bay described crying and losing sleep after hearing about the ship´s food shortages and tough conditions. Many said the sailors had sent lists of the food they were craving

Families waiting for the aircraft carrier’s return to San Diego Bay said anxiety over the reported food shortages and difficult conditions had led to sleepless nights and tears. Several said sailors had sent them lists of foods they were longing to eat.

Family and friends await the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier's return to Naval Air Station North Island after deployment

Family members and friends gather at Naval Air Station North Island to welcome the USS Abraham Lincoln home from deployment.

The US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returns home

The US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln returns home

One Marine was welcomed home by the entire family, including Simba, his golden retriever.   

Others traveled as far as Nebraska, like the family of Lance Corporal Easton Tharpe, CBS8 reported. 

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth flew out to the Lincoln on Wednesday to give the crew the Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor a unit can receive.

Hegseth pushed back against what he said were efforts to turn the ‘Lincoln into some sort of a symbol, a symbol of dysfunction or a symbol of low morale or a symbol of a failed mission.’

The secretary told the crew that ‘what makes the US military and the US Navy and all these sailors different is that you adapt and that you´re resilient and you overcome – you finish the mission nonetheless.’ 

Dozens of sailors stood atop the Lincoln as it glided past the cityscape of downtown San Diego toward cheering families who were carrying flowers and balloons and ringing cowbells. 

Abel Ramirez, 20, walked off the carrier with a big grin, overjoyed that his first deployment was over.

‘It feels amazing,’ he said while headed out to search for his parents who drove from Texas. ‘There was a certain point when I never thought I would come off.’

Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Nimitz-class aircraft carrier wave to friends and family members

Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln Nimitz-class aircraft carrier wave to friends and family members

Zoe Bonter and her children, Luka, 18-months old, and Mila, five years old, wait for the ship's arrival

Zoe Bonter and her children, Luka, 18-months old, and Mila, five years old, wait for the ship’s arrival

Kathy Monterroso, center, holding her daughter Sarahi Monterroso, waits to greet her husband, sailor Chris Monterroso

Kathy Monterroso, center, holding her daughter Sarahi Monterroso, waits to greet her husband, sailor Chris Monterroso

Cassity Garduque, 14, waved as her mom in her sailor uniform frantically waved back from the top deck. 

‘It feels really overwhelming,’ she said about being reunited, adding she’s glad her mom won’t need to eat ramen almost every day.

Captain Daniel Keeler, the ship´s commander, said most of the crew was on their first deployment and that the issues they faced were normal for such a long deployment, adding everyone had access to four meals a day.

Alma Solano Velez said her husband gave his family an extensive list of the foods he has been craving over the past 10 months: oxtail, barbecue chicken, broccoli and shrimp empanadas to name a few.

He had told his wife about ‘the lack of food and showers’ on board and was looking forward to seeing their daughter, who turned four years old while he was away, she said.

The Navy initially downplayed any problems during the deployment, and President Donald Trump commented in August that the Lincoln´s lengthy deployment was ‘not nearly long enough.’

The carrier left San Diego in November and arrived in the Middle East in January. U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28.

Navy leaders eventually acknowledged there were some issues aboard.

Captain Dan Keeler, USS Abraham Lincoln's commanding officer greets his family members

Captain Dan Keeler, USS Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer greets his family members

Sailor Ryan Resurreccion hugs his son Ari

Sailor Ryan Resurreccion hugs his son Ari

In August, acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the Lincoln maintained adequate food supplies, but because combat operations limited resupply opportunities, meal options were reduced for a short time.

After more than 10 months at sea, the Lincoln´s crew got a stop in Thailand early last month on the way back from the Middle East.

Extended naval deployments can wear on service members who are away from home for long periods and increase strain on the ship and its equipment.

The Navy told lawmakers that eight sailors attempted suicide during the record-setting deployment, though experts say that number is low in a strike group of 6,000 sailors over ten months.

According to the citation that Hegseth read to the crew, the Lincoln and its strike group executed nearly 3,700 combat missions, launched 450 Tomahawk cruise missiles, shot down 77 one-way attack drones, sank 64 Iranian warships, and destroyed 21 anti-ship cruise missiles.

The Lincoln, which set a record for days between ports of call, is the second carrier to endure an unusually long deployment during the Iran war and to receive the Presidential Unit Citation afterward, typically reserved for significant achievement in combat.

The crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford returned in May from a 326-day deployment – the longest for an aircraft carrier in the past 50 years and a record in the post-Vietnam War era. The deployment didn´t include as many uninterrupted days at sea as the Lincoln.

Another carrier, the usually Asia-based USS George Washington, relieved the Lincoln in the Middle East in August.

Keeler, the ship´s commander, said most of the crew was on their first deployment and that the issues they faced were normal for such a long deployment, adding everyone had access to four meals a day

Keeler, the ship´s commander, said most of the crew was on their first deployment and that the issues they faced were normal for such a long deployment, adding everyone had access to four meals a day

Spectators gather to view the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier as it returns to the San Diego Bay

Spectators gather to view the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier as it returns to the San Diego Bay

The Lincoln strike group carried roughly 6,000 personnel and spent months supporting combat operations connected to the Iran war. 

Cao confirmed last month that eight suicide attempts had been recorded across the carrier, its air wing and accompanying ships during the deployment. 

Another sailor attempted to go overboard in March but was stopped by shipmates and later medically evacuated, Cao said.

Families had raised concerns about food and supply shortages, fatigue and deteriorating morale as the deployment stretched on. 

The carrier also went for a record-setting stretch without a port call. 

Sailors and their relatives described 12-hour shifts, broken plumbing, moldy showers and periods when food portions were reduced as resupply became more difficult.

Despite those concerns, experts cautioned that the eight attempts alone cannot establish that the strike group’s suicide-attempt rate was unusually high. 

The Navy recorded 356 attempts across approximately 337,000 active-duty sailors in 2024, and a former VA mental-health official said more information would be needed to judge what the Lincoln figures signify. 

Sam Wood’s Lawyer Slammed Over Poor Choice of Words in Court

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An Australian influencer has launched a scathing attack on Sam Wood’s lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, after he told a court the former Bachelor star’s professional reputation was taking “a hell of a beating” amid domestic violence charges.

Cuskelly made the comment during Wood’s bail hearing at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday.

While arguing that his client should be allowed to seek professional support, the lawyer said Wood needed access to mental health professionals in an effort to protect his career and rebuild his public standing.

“Mr Wood’s depression is regarded as extremely severe,” Cuskelly told the court, referring to an affidavit from forensic psychologist Professor Ian Coyle.

“He ought to be given the chance to engage with mental health professionals to try to salvage something of his professional reputation and career, which is taking a hell of a beating at the moment.”

Lauren, who runs the maternal mental health account Mental as a Mother, condemned the language in a blistering video shared with her followers. She accused the defence of drawing attention away from the alleged victim and towards the possible impact of the charges on Wood’s career.

An Australian influencer has delivered a furious takedown of Sam Wood's lawyer Mathew Cuskelly, after he complained the former Bachelor star's professional reputation was taking 'a hell of a beating' amid his domestic violence charges

An Australian influencer has criticised Sam Wood’s lawyer, Mathew Cuskelly, after he said the former Bachelor star’s professional reputation was taking “a hell of a beating” while he faces domestic violence charges.

Lauren, who runs the maternal mental health account Mental as a Mother, blasted the choice of words in a scathing video shared with her followers, accusing the defence of shifting attention away from the alleged victim and towards the potential damage to Wood's career

Lauren, who runs the maternal mental health account Mental as a Mother, accused the defence of shifting focus from the alleged victim to the potential damage to Wood’s career in a scathing video shared online.

“Are we actually f**king serious with this s**t?” she began.

“Sam Wood’s lawyer is apparently concerned that his client’s professional reputation has taken a hell of a beating. A hell of a beating. Those are the actual words that he chose to use.

“Because apparently the great tragedy that we’re all being invited to consider here is the damage to a man’s personal brand. Won’t someone think of the brand partnerships?”

Lauren, who said she has a background in communications and crisis communications, argued that the defence appeared to be trying to shape the public narrative surrounding the case.

“But words matter. Once again, the person who’s suffering that you centre in a story matters.”

She went on to criticise what she described as a recurring pattern in public discussions about alleged violence against women, in which attention turns to the accused man’s professional consequences.

“And I’m so f**king tired of watching public conversations about men’s violence against women become conversations about the future of men’s careers,” she said.

Lauren stressed that her comments were directed at the wording used in court, not at Wood’s right to legal representation or a fair trial. She said she was not arguing that anyone should be denied due process.

The influencer, who said she had a background in communications and crisis communications, suggested the defence was attempting to control the public narrative. 'But words matter. Once again, the person who's suffering that you centre in a story matters,' she said

Lauren, who said she has a background in communications and crisis communications, suggested the defence was attempting to influence the public narrative. “But words matter. Once again, the person who’s suffering that you centre in a story matters,” she said.

However, she was particularly troubled by the lawyer’s use of the phrase “taking a beating” while representing a client charged with strangulation.

“If you’re going to publicly defend a man in the context of (alleged) domestic violence, perhaps don’t reach for a metaphor about his reputation taking a f**king beating,” she said.

Her post was applauded by many of her followers, one of whom wrote: ‘I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one that saw this and had the same thought.’ 

‘So f**king angry about this,’ another raged.

Wood, 46, was denied bail on Thursday and will remain behind bars after his arrest on Saturday night when police were called to La Mer on Hastings Street where the couple were staying with their three children, and Wood’s stepdaughter Eve, 21.

Sgt Grigoris told the bail hearing that Eve called Triple Zero and ‘referred to the victim having been choked’.

Sgt Grigoris said Snezana, 45, had not made a formal statement to police but had given a version of events of what happened in a video recording.

It is alleged a row broke out as the couple were packing their belongings to return home to Melbourne, and Snezana was pushed into a wardrobe before Eve intervened.

Wood was denied bail and remanded in custody until November 23. He has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged incident involving his wife, Snezana, (right) during a family holiday in Noosa

Wood was denied bail and remanded in custody until November 23. He has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in a domestic violence context and strangulation in a domestic setting following an alleged incident involving his wife, Snezana, (right) during a family holiday in Noosa 

Eve told Wood to stop shouting, prompting him to approach her ‘aggressively’ before Snezana tried to get between them, the court heard.

Wood is then alleged to have put his hands around Snezana’s throat and forced her to the floor, where he pinned her down and banged her head on the floor, leaving her unable to breathe.

She told police she thought ‘this was it… her life was going to end’. She said she thought Wood was ‘going to kill her’, the court heard.

The prosecutor told the court Snezana was now living in fear of retribution from the former Bachelor star.

She told police Wood was ‘volatile and prone to angry outbursts’, and said she had to ‘walk on eggshells around him’.

She told police the alleged attack ended only when one of the children called out.

The court was shown photographs of her alleged injuries and was told Snezana supported the criminal charges against Wood

‘The complainant and her children returned to Victoria the following morning,’ said Sgt Grigoris.

Wood asked to be bailed to an address in Victoria, but Sgt Grigoris said that would increase his risk of failing to appear when the matter returned to court as he had no ties to Queensland

Wood asked to be bailed to an address in Victoria, but Sgt Grigoris said that would increase his risk of failing to appear when the matter returned to court as he had no ties to Queensland 

‘However, police are in possession of the video recorded statement. In my submission, it’s strong evidence in terms of the offence.’

Sgt Grigoris said Wood had made ‘partial admissions’ in a record of interview, including referring to an argument in the bedroom.

‘He’s essentially victim-blaming in my submission,’ she said.

Wood’s solicitor Cuskelly said his client denied strangling or assaulting his wife.

The court heard Wood may rely on self-defence if domestic violence charges over an alleged attack on his wife go to trial.

Cuskelly said it would be alleged stepdaughter Eve was being hostile, Snezana approached Wood, and he pushed her away.

‘My client may indeed be entitled to a self-defence argument,’ Cuskelly said. These are matters that need to be further explored.’

While a paramedic had made a statement there was an injury to the left side of Snezana’s head, Cuskelly said two tendered photographs did not show that injury.

The lawyer added: ‘He repeatedly denied that this had occurred. Where’s the injuries to her throat? They’re not there.

‘My client denies committing these offences.

‘He’s never been before the courts before. He’s a businessman [and] Mr Wood’s depression is regarded as extremely severe.’

Wood asked to be bailed to an address in Victoria, but Sgt Grigoris said that would increase his risk of failing to appear when the matter returned to court as he had no ties to Queensland.

Sgt Grigoris said the most important factor when determining whether or not to grant Wood bail was the safety and protection of Snezana and their children.

Wood founded fitness and training business 28 by Sam Wood, which he sold for $71million to DBG Health in 2022 while remaining the face of the online platform under its new owner.

DBG Health quickly distanced itself from Wood on Monday, stating it had ‘zero tolerance’ for domestic violence. On Tuesday, the company cut all ties with Wood.

The entrepreneur married Snezana in an outdoor ceremony in Byron Bay on the NSW north coast in 2018.

The Woods live in Brighton, a coastal suburb in Melbourne where they recently bought a $7million home.

Keri Russell Told Emmy Winner Matthew Rhys He Needn’t Thank Her

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Keri Russell says she gave partner Matthew Rhys permission to leave her out of his Emmy acceptance speeches last month.

Rhys, 51, enjoyed a major night at the September 14 ceremony, taking home Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow’s Bay and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me.

Speaking with Chelsea Handler, 51, on Thursday’s episode of the podcast Dear Chelsea, Russell, 50, revealed that she had spoken to Rhys before the ceremony and told him he did not need to mention her.

According to Russell, Rhys was “just so nervous” as the pressure of the awards night built.

“We’re both nervous people—we’re not in that world that much—we visit that world, and so we were both so nervous,” Russell said. “I looked at him a few days before and I said, ‘OK, well, can you articulate what you’re most nervous about?’”

Rhys told her that speaking was what concerned him most. Russell recalled replying: “Totally. And I said, ‘Take me off your plate. Like, you don’t have to thank me. I know you love me.’”

Keri Russell, 50, says she let partner Matthew Rhys, 51, know it was fine to leave her out of his victory speeches at the Emmy Awards last month. Pictured at the event September 14 in LA

Keri Russell, 50, said she told partner Matthew Rhys, 51, that he could leave her out of his Emmy acceptance speeches last month. They are pictured at the September 14 ceremony in Los Angeles.

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Russell and Rhys for further comment.

Russell said the subject is particularly delicate for Rhys because he still receives “a hard time” from colleagues after failing to mention them in his 2018 speech, when he won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for The Americans.

“It’s so crazy. People get nuts. It’s stupid, and it’s also lame,” Russell said of the criticism.

Handler agreed that acceptance speeches can reasonably focus on thanking professional collaborators rather than romantic partners.

Russell said she had no issue with whoever a winner chose to acknowledge. “I don’t care if you want to thank the dog walker—you do whatever you want to do—that’s your minute, that’s your 45 seconds,” she said. “So I just said, ‘Take me off your plate.’”

The couple ultimately agreed that their relationship did not need to feature in their public remarks. “We don’t have to thank each other—this is private; this is for the business people. Thank whoever you want to thank,” Russell said they told each other.

While accepting his award for The Beast in Me, Rhys joked, “If you try to turn me off, I’ll stab you in the eyes with this,” referring to the statuette in his hand.

He went on to call the win “a real shock,” particularly given the caliber of the cast, and singled out co-star Claire Danes for bringing a powerful presence to the crime drama.

Rhys but did not mention Russell across two speeches, causing some users on social media to take notice.

Rhys did not mention Russell in either of his speeches, prompting some social media users to take notice.

Rhys had a huge night at the September 14 ceremony - winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow's Bay; and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me.

Rhys had a standout night at the September 14 ceremony, winning Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Widow’s Bay and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for The Beast in Me.

Russell had been seen applauding Rhys following one of his wins on the night

Russell was seen applauding Rhys after one of his victories that evening.

Rhys thanked The Beast in Me costar Claire Danes, who stood up after one of his wins

Rhys also thanked his The Beast in Me co-star Claire Danes, who stood up after one of his wins.

“Thank you for letting me join the mystery machine and bringing out the beast. You are an intimidating scene partner, but I’m very grateful for all of this,” Rhys said.

Following his victory for his work on Widow’s Bay, the Welsh star received a standing ovation from the crowd after capturing both awards for lead acting roles.

He said, ‘My apologies to the women who had to stand,’ prior to thanking the show’s creator Katie Dippold, adding that ‘her genius really does live in the recesses of her disturbed brain.’

Rhys also mentioned his parents and sister for ‘all the sage words and patient listening,’ but did not mention Russell, causing some users on social media to take notice.

Russell, who initially crossed paths with Rhys filming The Americans in 2012, had been up for multiple honors at the show herself for her work on The Diplomat. 

They included Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and, as an executive producer, Outstanding Drama Series. 

Republican New York AG Challenger Saritha Komatireddy Trounces Letitia James in Fiery Debate

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New York Attorney General Letitia James faced a fierce challenge from a well-prepared Republican opponent, Saritha Komatireddy, who repeatedly attacked the Democratic incumbent over New York’s bail laws, rising antisemitism and widespread Medicaid fraud in the Empire State.

Komatireddy branded James a “political hack” over her prosecution of President Trump. James, meanwhile, offered few direct responses to her rival’s criticism, repeatedly portraying Komatireddy as a “Trump puppet.”

“The laws are broken and Letitia James broke them. She was the largest champion for having this catch-and-release system,” Komatireddy said, blaming the attorney general for backing New York’s lax bail rules, which prevent judges from setting bail in many cases.

She pointed to the recent stabbing of an NYPD officer, who was attacked 10 times in the chest by two undocumented migrants with previous criminal records for weapons and burglary.

Komatireddy argued that the problem could be addressed without scrapping the state’s entire bail system. Her proposed fix would allow judges to consider a defendant’s “dangerousness” before deciding whether to release the person while awaiting trial.

“It doesn’t make sense. This is a way forward without repealing the entire bail law. It’s just about having a common sense solution. It has bipartisan support,” she said.

Asked to defend New York’s bail laws, James did not directly answer. Instead, she shifted the discussion to Komatireddy’s connection to Trump.

“My opponent unfortunately is supported by the president of these United States, which has cut funding to New York State mental health crisis [services]. Has my opponent said anything? No,” James said.

“All she wants to do is prosecute individuals and institutionalize [them]. No compassion. No understanding of the issues,” James added. Komatireddy then had the final response on the bail debate.

“Just to be clear, she won’t change the bail laws,” Komatireddy interjected.

Komatireddy also criticized James over the sick Cornell University gang rape case, arguing that the attorney general had prejudiced the matter by saying she stood with the victim before Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed her as a special prosecutor.

“She’s certainly never prosecuted a sexual assault case and she’s already screwed this one up,” Komatireddy said.

James defended the way she had handled the case.

“Those comments demonstrate empathy and what we need now more than ever in our body politics is empathy,” James said.

“Politics stops at the door in my office,” she added.

James gave a similar response when pressed about her investigations into Trump and his businesses. She is facing criticism after firing a whistleblower who said he was instructed to continue an insider trading case against the president, despite findings that Trump had not violated the law.

“It undermined the work that we were doing,” James said of an email that former Assistant Attorney General Daniel Wiesenfeld sent to the entire office.

Komatireddy also challenged James over her record on Medicaid fraud enforcement. She accused the attorney general’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of collecting just $19 million a year in penalties and securing eight convictions, compared with the $250 million and 100 prosecutions it previously recorded.

James has said her office is concentrating on larger targets, including nursing home companies, rather than pursuing individual providers.

Komatireddy also mocked James for highlighting the removal of 10,000 illegal guns from New York streets during her eight years in office.

“10,000 guns is pathetic. New Jersey seized 16,000 guns in one year,” Komatireddy claimed.

The two had vastly different outlooks on how to tackle subway crime as well as mentally ill and homeless people who often take refuge in the transit system.

“My opponent believes that we can go down to the subways of MTA and remove individuals who are struggling with mental illness. She wants to turn back the clock of progress and institutionalize people who are suffering from mental illness,” James charged, saying that Komatireddy doesn’t understand Kendra’s law, which allows judges to order someone into outpatient mental health treatment.

“What we need is to provide resources to outpatient services and psychiatric beds,” James said, noting that she’s used some of the $3 billion her office helped secure as part of a settlement against opioid distributors on expanding psychiatric beds.

But Komatireddy blazed ahead, promising to establish an “Office of Civil Commitment” in order “to make sure that people who are a danger to themselves and others, like those pushing New Yorkers onto the train tracks, are brought inside.”

“We don’t have a lack of authority. We don’t have a lack of resources. We lack an attorney general who is willing to enforce the law. I will.”

Komatireddy made the same charge at James over antisemitism, saying she’s refused to put real weight behind her office’s power to prosecute hate crimes against Jews.

“This is the problem. She just stands there. She doesn’t do anything,” she said, also arguing that she should use Title VI of civil rights law to go after colleges for allowing antisemitism on campuses.

“She has used it for other students but not for Jewish students who have been barricaded in libraries because of their race got no help from Tish James,” she said.

James fired back, arguing that she’s built ties with Orthodox communities from when she used to represent Crown Heights and Williamsburg on the city council.

But the Brooklyn pol wouldn’t say whether she thinks Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s city hall or other entities should adopt a standard definition of antisemitism, something critics say has legally prevented hate crimes against Jews from being sufficiently identified and prosecuted.

“We are looking at the definition of antisemitism,” James weakly said.

The incumbent tried to pin down Komatireddy and force her to voice her disagreements several times during Thursday night’s engagement hosted by NY1/Spectrum News, but the GOP pol seemed more than happy to point out those disagreements.

Komatireddy said she’d defend New York’s abortion laws, would sue to ensure grant money flows like the funds frozen for homeland security grants last year, and fight any federal attempts to federalize or wrestle control of state election processes. 

She also said she’d even follow through on her duty to defend New York laws she doesn’t agree with — like newly passed anti-ICE legislation.

To wrap up the night, James was unable to name her favorite former New York Attorney General, first blurting out “all” the former AG’s.

“Actually, I support and work closely with Bob Abrams,” she quickly interjected before moderators wrapped the program.

Two People Caught Dragging Dead Body Through Apartment Lobby

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Victoria Norton and Abel Rivas

Insets, from left: Victoria Norton and Abel Rivas, according to the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office. In the background is the Woodbury County Court Administration building in Sioux City, Iowa (Google Maps).

Two neighbors in Iowa admitted to misdemeanor charges after authorities said surveillance footage showed them moving a deceased man through the lobby of an apartment building.

Victoria Norton, 62, and Abel Rivas, 65, were charged Tuesday with prohibited actions relating to cremation, a misdemeanor offense. The pair pleaded guilty that same day. Each was ordered to pay $250 in fines and court costs, along with a 15% crime services surcharge.

A criminal complaint obtained by local NBC affiliate KTIV said surveillance cameras recorded Norton and Rivas moving a dead man through Norton’s Sioux City apartment building at about 5 p.m. on Sept. 19.

Police said the man, whose identity has not been released, died inside Norton’s apartment.

According to the complaint, video showed the two removing the man’s body from Norton’s apartment and placing him upright in a chair beside the elevators. Norton then called 911, but investigators said she gave first responders a false account when they arrived. Rivas did not speak with emergency personnel or explain what had happened.

Investigators later concluded that the man died from natural causes. After learning of that determination, Norton acknowledged that the death occurred inside her apartment. Authorities have not disclosed her relationship to the man.

Norton and Rivas were arrested after the charges were filed, though neither spent time in jail. Neither neighbor was charged in connection with the man’s death.

Michigan Police Probe Possible Serial Killer in 5 Trail Deaths

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Authorities in Lansing, Michigan, are examining whether five deaths reported over the past year could be connected, raising concerns about a possible serial killer.

The Lansing Police Department said during a news conference that investigators have identified troubling similarities among the cases, FOX 2 reported.

The victims were found along the Lansing River Trail, a route that extends into Michigan State University’s campus.

“One question that we’re being asked is, do we have a serial killer in Lansing?” Police Chief Rob Backus said Friday. “What we need the public to know is we are investigating all of these cases. They are all active investigations, and we are looking at the idea or the possibility that these may be related cases,” according to FOX 2.

Lansing River Trail

The Lansing River Trail near the 200 block of East Cesar Chavez Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

image shows Lansing River Trail sign

Lansing police are investigating whether a possible serial killer is connected to five deaths along the Lansing River Trail. (FOX 2 Detroit)

Investigators said the victims in all five cases may have been attacked during overnight hours.

Lansing River Trail

The Lansing River Trail near the site where Louis Woodruff was critically injured and later died in the 300 block of East Oakland Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Backus said four of the five incidents involved “blunt force trauma to the facial area.” Investigators have not recovered a weapon.

Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus

Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus discusses the recent deaths along the Lansing River Trail during a news conference Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at police headquarters in downtown Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)

Backus said detectives are investigating whether one person may be responsible for all five deaths, including the suspect currently in custody. However, he stressed that investigators have not determined whether that person is connected to the other killings.

image shows map area where victims were discovered

Lansing police are investigating five deaths along the Lansing River Trail. (Google Maps)

Smith has not been identified as a suspect and has not been charged in the other four cases.

According to reports, all five victims appear to have been homeless White men who may have been sleeping when they were attacked.

Police continue to investigate each death.