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Florida Man Accused of Killing Kittens in Front of Teenage Daughter as Punishment, Authorities Say

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Tragedy struck a Florida household this week, as a father faces grave accusations of using brutal tactics to discipline his teenage daughter. Allegedly, he killed the family’s kittens in a shocking display of punishment, according to local authorities.

Footage from body cameras, released by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, dramatically captures deputies racing to a Pine Manor residence. The urgent call they received detailed horrifying attempts by a man to drown and violently assault a two-month-old kitten, Luna.

The individual at the center of this heartbreaking narrative is 48-year-old David Charette Jr. He now faces severe legal consequences, charged with aggravated animal cruelty following accusations of killing two cats and injuring a third.

Eyewitnesses recounted to deputies that Charette reportedly carried out these appalling acts against the family’s kittens mere feet from his teenage daughter. Such cruelty was purportedly his depraved method of reprimanding her when she misbehaved.

David Charette Jr. speaking with Lee County deputies

The released body camera video paints a stark image of Charette Jr. in conversation with Lee County officers after they arrived to confront the grievous accusations of animal cruelty hovering over the Pine Manor scene. (Courtesy of Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

Charette defended his treatment of Luna while speaking with deputies in the body camera video.

“The cat is in perfectly healthy condition,” Charette told deputies. “I have to give the cat a bath because it soils itself in the cage.”

“It’s covered in crap and I have to give it a bath, and it cries, and she doesn’t like that,” he added.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the allegations involving Charette’s daughter made the case particularly disturbing.

A 2-month-old kitten named Luna

A 2-month-old kitten named Luna was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment and is recovering after an alleged animal cruelty incident, authorities said. (Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

“A daughter says that when she acts up or when she’s in trouble, her father kills her kittens. This is sickening to me,” Marceno told CBS affiliate WINK.

Investigators said they later learned Charette had allegedly killed two other kittens over the previous year.

In June, Charette allegedly smothered a one-month-old kitten with a bleach-soaked rag, according to the sheriff’s office.

In a separate incident, investigators said Charette allegedly killed a three-month-old kitten with a blow-dryer.

David Charette Jr.

David Charette Jr., 48, was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after authorities accused him of killing two kittens and injuring a third. (Lee County Sheriff’s Office)

Authorities said both kittens had been buried in the backyard, but investigators recovered only one during a search of the property.

Luna was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment and is recovering, according to the sheriff’s office.

John Flaherty Embraces New Beginnings After Completing Yankees YES Network Tenure

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John Flaherty is embracing a new chapter in life, one that moves beyond the baseball diamond.

Known to fans simply as “Flash,” Flaherty filled summer days for Yankees enthusiasts for years. As a catcher from 2003 to 2005, he contributed his skills on the field before swapping his catcher’s gear for a microphone. This transition marked the start of his two-decade career as an insightful analyst with the YES Network.

However, this remarkable journey reached its end this year when Flaherty’s contract was not renewed after the conclusion of the 2025 season. The network opted to continue with David Cone, Paul O’Neill, and Joe Girardi as its primary commentators.

“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise,” remarked Flaherty, clad in his familiar pinstripes, during Saturday’s Old-Timers’ Day in The Bronx. “It was definitely something I think I saw coming.”

“It’s been an adjustment,” he admitted.

An adjustment that took a little while to sink in. But once he accepted that he did not have a big league season to cover and could choose how he spent his time, “It was fantastic.” 

John Flaherty (L.) at Yankees Old Timers Day on Aug. 8, 2026.

John Flaherty (L.) at Yankees Old-Timers’ Day on Aug. 8, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

The 58-year-old Flaherty was drafted in 1988, debuted in 1992 and played in 14 major league seasons before transitioning immediately to TV work that completely occupied him during baseball season. 

“This is my first major league season in 38 years where I haven’t been part of a schedule, so it’s been great,” said Flaherty, who had just returned from a trip to Italy. 

No, he is not watching baseball every day, even if he will check in on scores every once in a while. Flaherty, who grew up in West Nyack, did not rule out a return to a studio or booth one day if an opportunity arises, but he called having a summer to himself “pretty nice.” 

“You don’t think about it while you’re in the grind,” said Flaherty, who added he is consistently honored to be a part of Old-Timers’ Day and pal around with legends and former teammates. 

“It was a great run at YES,” Flaherty said, “but I’m enjoying this next chapter.”

Biden’s Courageous Public Appearance Amid Hunter’s Heartbreaking Cancer Update

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In his first public appearance since his son’s candid revelations, Joe Biden seemed delicate and frail. Hunter Biden recently shared that his father’s struggle with prostate cancer has intensified, as the illness has metastasized.

During an interview earlier this week, Hunter expressed that witnessing his 83-year-old father’s ongoing confrontation with the cancer has been heart-wrenching, describing it as ‘really sad to watch.’

On Saturday, Biden was spotted in his home state of Delaware, under the watchful eye of Secret Service agents. He was making his way toward a BMW after attending mass at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Wilmington.

The elder statesman wore a light blue jacket paired with a blue button-down shirt, complemented by tan slacks, showcasing a typically understated style.

A regular attendee of Catholic mass in Delaware, Biden was also seen exchanging words with fellow church-goers. Despite his health challenges, he managed a smile as he climbed into his car to depart.

Son Hunter grew emotional as he discussed his father’s deteriorating condition earlier this week, describing it to BBC as very sad to watch.

‘The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further,’ he said. ‘It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects.’

The former president revealed his cancer diagnosis in May of last year, less than four months after he left the White House.

Hunter Biden said the diagnosis had been tough on the family.

Joe Biden looked frail in his first public appearance since Hunter Biden revealed his father is in great pain as his prostate cancer has spread to other parts of his body

Joe Biden looked frail in his first public appearance since Hunter Biden revealed his father is in great pain as his prostate cancer has spread to other parts of his body

The President was seen Saturday in his native Delaware being escorted by Secret Service as he walks to enter a BMW following mass at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Wilmington

The President was seen Saturday in his native Delaware being escorted by Secret Service as he walks to enter a BMW following mass at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church in Wilmington

Biden is seen talking with parishioners as he leaves mass

Biden is seen talking with parishioners as he leaves mass

‘It’s really sad to watch,’ Hunter said. ‘The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good.

‘He is the center of our family… He is our rock.’  

The update comes after former First Lady Jill Biden told Today her husband would ‘live with cancer the rest of his life.’

‘I think if he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that’s one thing because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasized to his bones, that makes it a whole different story,’ she said in June. 

‘So I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life.’ 

Joe has previously undergone radiation and hormone treatment. He also had surgery to remove cancerous skin cells in September. 

Hunter said his father remains ‘out there,’ speaking publicly about the issues that are important to him.

‘He’s still doing his thing,’ he said. ‘He so believes in this country.’

Biden walked on a sidewalk passing tombstones as he attends Mass at Saint Joseph

Biden walked on a sidewalk passing tombstones as he attends Mass at Saint Joseph

Biden appeared to crack a smile as he got into his BMW to head out

Biden appeared to crack a smile as he got into his BMW to head out

Son Hunter said in an interview earlier this week that its become 'really sad to watch' as his 83-year-old father continues to battle the disease

Son Hunter said in an interview earlier this week that its become ‘really sad to watch’ as his 83-year-old father continues to battle the disease

'It's really sad to watch,' Hunter said. 'The only thing that I'd say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it's not good'

‘It’s really sad to watch,’ Hunter said. ‘The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good’

Joe Biden was the oldest man to serve as US president and his age was a source of concern for much of his four years in office. 

He and his White House advisers have faced intense criticism for allegedly concealing the extent of his problems, especially after he was forced to abandon his bid for re-election after a disastrous debate with his eventual successor, President Donald Trump.

However, the former president has been open about his politics since leaving office, and will publish a memoir, Promise Me, America, after the midterm elections.

Earlier this year, Joe’s inner circle were concerned that the Democrat was showing the strain of cancer treatment while still appearing publicly.

Two former Biden officials and an elected Democrat told The Washington Post in February that the former president at times appeared more fatigued in private interactions since announcing his health issues. 

Another source at the time told The Post that Biden remains ‘encouraged and positive about his prognosis given his positive response to treatment.’ 

MobLand Season 2 Premiere Date Revealed: What to Expect

At the beginning of this month, fans eagerly welcomed the return of Taylor Sheridan’s thrilling series Lioness on Paramount+.

The gripping spy saga, led by the talented Zoe Saldaña, is gearing up for its third season finale, scheduled to premiere on September 20 on the streaming platform. Yet, as one enthralling chapter closes on Paramount+, another is set to captivate audiences. What’s next in line? You guessed it—MobLand!

As anticipation builds, the crime drama’s much-loved second season is nearly upon us. The audience will reunite with the exceptional fixer, Harry Da Souza (played by Tom Hardy), as the narrative unfolds. This season, the Harrigan family battles to maintain a cohesive front despite emerging rivals challenging their precarious criminal domain. Da Souza, described by Paramount, is tasked with navigating a perilous path amid escalating family tensions.

Joining Hardy are stars Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, portraying Conrad and Maeve Harrigan. New episodes are slated to premiere on Paramount+ every Friday morning. Are you curious about the return of MobLand for Season 2? Here’s all the essential information you need.

Will There Be a MobLand Season 2?

Indeed, MobLand has secured its spot with a highly anticipated second season.

What’s The MobLand Season 2 Release Date?

MobLand Season 2 premieres Friday, September 18 at 3:01 a.m. ET on Paramount+. New episodes of MobLand will debut Friday mornings on the streamer.

How Many Episodes Will There Be of MobLand Season 2?

The second season will consist of ten episodes.

How To Watch MobLand On Paramount+:

The first season of MobLand is streaming on Paramount+.

Paramount+ offers two subscription plans, Essential and Premium. Right now, you can get started with a seven-day free trial on the Premium plan.

The ad-supported Essential plan typically costs $8.99/month, while the ad-free Premium plan (which comes with Showtime titles and live CBS) costs $13.99/month.

MobLand on Hulu and Amazon Streaming Options:

You can also add Paramount+ to your Hulu or Amazon accounts for $13.99/month. Both streamers offer free trials for new subscribers.

MobLand Season 2 premieres Friday, September 18 on Paramount+.

NFL Icon Roger Craig Announces Vascular Dementia Diagnosis in Hall of Fame Speech

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In an emotionally charged moment, Roger Craig used his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech to reveal he is battling vascular dementia.

The former San Francisco 49ers running back addressed the audience via a prerecorded video message at Tom Benson Stadium in Canton, Ohio. Clad in his iconic gold jacket, Craig shared the stage with Hall of Fame legends and was introduced by his former teammate, Jamie Williams. As the announcement resonated, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation, with many of his fellow Hall of Famers offering hugs.

Craig’s revelation came nearly eight minutes into his nine-minute address. He disclosed that his doctors suspect the dementia could be, at least partly, linked to the concussions he endured over the course of his illustrious football career.

“The changes were gradual,” Craig explained, noting that initially, they seemed like typical signs of aging. However, as time passed, his family also began to see the differences.

Roger Craig

Former NFL player Roger Craig, center, poses with other Hall of Famers after unveiling his bust during the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8, 2026. 

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

The Mayo Clinic describes the symptoms of vascular dementia as including confusion, the struggle to find words, difficulty in maintaining focus, trouble organizing thoughts or actions, challenges in planning and executing tasks, slowed thinking, indecisiveness, and memory problems.

“Two things could be true,” Craig said. “Football gave me opportunities beyond anything I can imagine. It helped shape the man I became. At the same time, we know more today about brain health than when I played. I hope sharing my story encourages people to pay attention to their health and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

“I want people to know that this diagnosis doesn’t define me. I am still Roger Craig. I am still a father, still a husband, a teammate, a friend and someone who loves this game and the people who brought it to my life. If sharing my story helps even one family or one former player, then it’s worth it. Football gave me everything: opportunity, discipline, lifelong friends and the platform to grow as a man. This honor belongs to my parents who started it all.”

Selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 1983 draft as a fullback out of Nebraska, Craig become one of the most versatile players in league history.

He excelled as a runner, receiver and blocker, helping the 49ers win three of their five Super Bowls.

In 1985, Craig became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. He was the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988.

“When I learned that Bill Walsh wanted me, that meant something because he saw something in me that others didn’t,” Craig said. “He didn’t just want a running back, he wanted a complete football player. He trusted me to do whatever the team needed. That’s why a 1,000-yard rushing, 1,000-yard receiving season means so much to me. We weren’t chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn’t realize I was making history. It just felt like we were doing something special as a team. Looking back, I can appreciate how difficult it is and how few players have done it since.

“What means the most is knowing we helped expand what people thought a running back could be. None of that happens without great teammates. What made those 49ers teams special: We weren’t selfish. We didn’t care who got the credit. We cared about winning.”

Craig was selected from the seniors category and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri.

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AP NFL:

QVC Host’s Heartwarming Reaction to Viral On-Air Blooper Captivates Millions

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Toni Brattin, a well-known host on QVC, has spoken out regarding her recent on-air slip-up that became a viral sensation. During a segment presenting wigs, she amusingly confused the term “blowout” with “blowjob,” much to the entertainment of viewers.

In an interview shared by TMZ on Thursday, Brattin shared her perspective, saying, “When you’re hosting a show, your mind is juggling countless thoughts.”

She elaborated, “Your focus is divided among your models, the lineup of mannequin heads displaying various colors, and strategizing about positioning to ensure customers receive all the information they’re looking for, right?”

Brattin illuminated the multitasking nature of her role, stating, “Your brain is engaged in almost too many tasks at once, leaving you on autopilot because these are lines you’ve repeated countless times.”

Reflecting on the incident, Brattin candidly confessed, “In that split second, you catch yourself wondering, ‘Did I actually say what I think I said?’”

“It was one of those moments, and of course, you can’t grab those words back,” she went on. “They’re out there.”

“I tried to real quick correct it and say the correct terminology — ‘a blowout at your salon’ — but by then, obviously, everyone caught it,” Brattin continued. “I was hearing snickering and then when you’re not supposed to laugh, it just makes it that much more funny.”

Brattin noted that the QVC team was “so kind” following the incident, which she explained “of course” wasn’t “intentional.”

“I mean, I’ve only been doing this for almost 30 years,” she said. “So to have a blooper like this just innocently come out, you have to go with it.

Brattin said the team told her, “I hope you’re able to not be mortified and that you can laugh about it today and in the future,” and told her she did “a great job throwing it over to [her] show host.”

Brattin was showcasing a “Salon Select Wig” from the back on Wednesday, teasing the wig with her fingers and noting its silky wave pattern and smooth texture, when she blurted out, “Again, it looks like you went and got a blowjob at your … blowout … at your salon.”

The wig designer, clearly flustered by the suggestive verbal slipup, froze up before dropping to the studio floor after the mortifying incident, as a model and co-host Teri Conn attempted to stifle giggles.

Following the gaffe, the TV personality’s husband didn’t miss a chance to make a joke of it.

During a “CBS Mornings” interview earlier this week, she recalled him waiting for her in the green room, where he told her “there’s a bar of soap waiting for you in your dressing room.”

“You know, we all make mistakes from time to time,” she added. “This one, after 30 years, just happens to be my biggest blooper ever.”

Mandarin Behind No10 North Splurges on Luxe Lifestyle: £2.2M Islington Home, Manchester Train Commutes, and Opulent Hotel Stays

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Meet the civil servant tasked with the ambitious mission of reshaping governance under Andy Burnham’s vision to decentralize power from the traditional London hub. The effort aims to establish a significant government presence in Manchester.

However, surprising scenes unfolded last Monday as Sam Lister was spotted departing his stylish £2.2 million townhouse in the fashionable Islington district. Contrary to expectations, he commenced his workweek on familiar territory—within the iconic corridors of Whitehall.

Exclusive details from The Mail on Sunday reveal Lister, who recently assumed the title of Director General for No 10 North, hasn’t set concrete plans to relocate his family to Manchester. Despite the symbolic importance of the role, the allure of life in the capital remains strong for his household.

Currently, Mondays see Lister stationed at the Cabinet Office in London. Come Tuesday morning, he’s on the first train heading north, setting the stage for his midweek Manchester grind.

Once in the city famed for its industrial heritage, Lister splits his time between the temporary No 10 North headquarters and a luxury hotel in the city center. Yet, as the week winds down, he returns to London on Friday evenings, completing his transitory journey.

Including meals, his taxpayer-funded trips to and from Manchester come to an estimated £800 a week – enough, annually, to pay the wages of a new junior doctor.

Downing Street sources insisted that Mr Lister is very keen on his new role, though has yet to decide on his family’s living arrangements.

A source said: ‘Sam has only been in the job for three weeks, so there are wider things to think about, which takes time.’

Pictured: Sam Lister, the civil servant tasked with delivering Andy Burnham’s pledge to end centuries of London-centric government - despite himself living in Islington

Pictured: Sam Lister, the civil servant tasked with delivering Andy Burnham’s pledge to end centuries of London-centric government – despite himself living in Islington 

While in Manchester Mr Lister stayed at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, a 24-storey building boasting an indoor pool, spa and sauna, and Cloud 23 (pictured) - a 23rd floor bar offering panoramic city views

While in Manchester Mr Lister stayed at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, a 24-storey building boasting an indoor pool, spa and sauna, and Cloud 23 (pictured) – a 23rd floor bar offering panoramic city views

The 52-year-old, who has previously been a journalist and held roles across the departments of health, business and culture, boarded the 6.29am Avanti service from Euston last Tuesday, travelling in standard class on a return ticket costing more than £220.

He was joined on the same carriage by Will Davis, Director of Devolution and Local Growth at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, with the pair seen chatting and working on laptops throughout the journey.

Also on the train was Harriet Gordon, 34, a Cambridge-educated deputy director at the Treasury.

Heron House, a 15-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly, was previously best known as the northern hub of GCHQ. It now houses No 10 North alongside a Slug & Lettuce pub and the Manchester Register Office, as well as Wing’s, the Chinese restaurant favoured by Wayne Rooney.

Mr Lister and Mr Davis stayed at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel, a 24-storey building boasting an indoor pool, spa and sauna, and Cloud 23, a 23rd floor bar offering panoramic city views.

On Friday, dressed down in a pale blue shirt and maroon trousers, Mr Lister left Heron House at 5pm sharp and took the tram to Piccadilly for the 5.34pm train to Euston, treating himself to a seat in Standard Premium – though Downing Street sources stressed he paid for the upgrade himself.

Most of the officials who travelled up earlier in the week made the journey home on Thursday evening, with more than a dozen seen dragging suitcases towards Piccadilly shortly after 6pm to catch the 7.14pm to Euston.

No 10 said it is advertising for permanent roles at the office, which could employ up to 300. Mr Burnham announced the creation of No 10 North as his flagship policy within days of becoming Prime Minister, promising it would shift power away from Westminster.

Mr Lister on the train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the newly appointed Director General of No 10 North has no current plans to swap his life in London for Manchester

Mr Lister on the train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that the newly appointed Director General of No 10 North has no current plans to swap his life in London for Manchester 

Pictured from left to right: Chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Caroline Simpson, Britain's Minister of State in the Cabinet Office Louise Haigh, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Antonia Romeo, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey and Department for Business and Trade director general, Sam Lister

Pictured from left to right: Chief executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Caroline Simpson, Britain’s Minister of State in the Cabinet Office Louise Haigh, Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service Antonia Romeo, Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey and Department for Business and Trade director general, Sam Lister

Critics have dismissed it as a ‘gimmick’ and little more than an excuse for officials to work from home on Fridays.

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: ‘The worst bit about it is the cost and the complete pointlessness of it.’

Tory MP Greg Stafford said: ‘If anything shows what a farce the idea of No 10 North is it’s this – the taxpayer having to fork out for loads of civil servants going up and down on the train just to feed Andy Burnham’s vanity. It’s ridiculous.’

Mr Lister is expected to make the same round trip again this week.

Tensions Rise on Today Show: Inside Jenna Bush and Sheinelle Jones’ Alleged Feud

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A hilarious and slightly uncomfortable moment between Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, hosts of the Today Show, recently caught the attention of social media users everywhere.

After an electrifying performance by Mumford & Sons on the show last week, Jones, who is 48, confessed she wasn’t familiar with the popular rock band but has now become an enthusiastic fan.

Hager, aged 44, jumped in, suggesting she had a different level of familiarity with the band, which led Jones to start divulging details about their encounter: ‘Jenna decided to share with them…’

However, Hager quickly interrupted, firmly stating, ‘No, I didn’t. No, I know what you mean, and we’re not saying that. Remember? I got a text that said, ‘Don’t say that.”

With an ‘Oops!’ Jones acknowledged her slip-up, possibly realizing she had overstepped.

This wasn’t the first time that the morning duo have been called out by viewers for ‘awkward’ banter and ‘no chemistry’, which some even described as ‘insufferable’ and ‘painful’ to watch.

Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones' apparent onset tension has become more noticeable in recent weeks. The pair are the co-hosts of the Today Show's fourth hour

Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones’ apparent onset tension has become more noticeable in recent weeks. The pair are the co-hosts of the Today Show’s fourth hour

'They started out as close friends but have slowly started distancing themselves,' a source told the Daily Mail (pictured together in July 2017)

‘They started out as close friends but have slowly started distancing themselves,’ a source told the Daily Mail (pictured together in July 2017)

And the dynamic is said to be ‘worse’ when the cameras stop rolling.

‘It’s no secret that Sheinelle and Jenna have had some tension on set,’ one insider told the Daily Mail. ‘And none of it is scripted. They’ve let it slip on camera but off camera, it’s worse.

‘They started out as close friends but have slowly started distancing themselves – those on set have definitely noticed.’

The insider said it was inevitable that they would ‘sour’ since they ‘both have strong personalities,’ describing their union as a ‘sisterly bond’ that is characterized by ‘ups and downs.’

‘Sometimes they’re the best of friends, sometimes they need space,’ the source said, claiming the pair have not been hanging out outside of work hours.

Jones, a Philadelphia native who spent most of her childhood in Wichita, Kansas, made her debut as the new fourth hour co-host on January 12.

Hers was a warm welcome from Hager who said she was ‘so excited about this new iteration of the show’ and that she was ‘so happy’ to have Jones by her side.

‘I’ve known [Sheinelle] for a decade but to get to fall even more in love with her will be, I think, a beautiful chapter in the show,’ she enthused.

Hager, who has co-hosted the fourth hour of the Today Show since 2019, 'likes to take on the role of the lead on the show,' per the source (pictured in October 2025)

Hager, who has co-hosted the fourth hour of the Today Show since 2019, ‘likes to take on the role of the lead on the show,’ per the source (pictured in October 2025)

'The truth is Sheinelle really wants to shine,' they said. 'She's worked so hard to get to where she's at now that she doesn't want to let anyone down'

‘The truth is Sheinelle really wants to shine,’ they said. ‘She’s worked so hard to get to where she’s at now that she doesn’t want to let anyone down’

Jones shared the sentiment, adding: ‘To have a show like this is beyond my wildest dreams. This is the real deal, and I get to do it with Jenna.’

The news anchor replaced Hoda Kotb, who left the show in January 2025, as a permanent host – after a rotation of celebrity stand-ins.

Jones has a long history with the Today Show having joined the Weekend Today team back in 2014. In January 2019, she became co-host on the third hour of Today.

But this was plagued with illness and heartbreak. She was forced to take medical leave for six weeks in 2020 to undergo surgery to remove lesions from her vocal cord, which left her unable to speak for two weeks.

Then in late 2024, she took another leave of absence from the Today show, this time to be by her husband Uche Ojeh’s side after he was diagnosed with aggressive glioblastoma, a brain cancer.

On May 23, 2025, the morning show announced that he had died. He was 45.

Jones was left to raise their three children son Kayin, 16, and 14-year-old twins Clara and Uche as a single mother.

After years of climbing the ladder, often in the face of overwhelming hardship, it is perhaps no surprise that Jones now wants her moment.

Jones has been part of the Today family since 2014 (pictured July 2026)

Jones has been part of the Today family since 2014 (pictured July 2026)

A source said: 'Jenna is more snappy and will tell it like it is. She's more outspoken'

A source said: ‘Jenna is more snappy and will tell it like it is. She’s more outspoken’

‘The truth is Sheinelle really wants to shine,’ said our insider. ‘She’s worked so hard to get to where she’s at now that she doesn’t want to let anyone down.

‘She’s been trying so hard to fill in Hoda’s shoes, without overstepping Jenna. But Jenna doesn’t want anyone to outshine her.’

Hager, who has been part of the Today Show since 2009 and co-host of the fourth hour since 2019 reportedly ‘likes to take on the role of the lead on the show.’

‘That’s why there’s some headbutting,’ the source added. ‘Jenna also loves to talk and assert herself into every conversation, even if that means talking over Sheinelle.

‘Sheinelle knows her place. She’s super respectful and while she might get mad, she’ll never make it known. Jenna is more snappy and will tell it like it is. She’s more outspoken.’

Viewers picked up on tensions between the co-hosts back in April, when Hager appeared to snap at Jones over a mistake she made while interviewing Victoria Beckham.

Jones said to Beckham of her years in the Spice Girls: ‘When I’m sitting here thinking about it, you really put it into perspective when you talk about Spice Girls for 40 and then the longevity of your fashion career…’

Hager quickly corrected her by saying, ‘for four, yeah,’ instead of 40 years.

Jones acknowledged the mistake, saying, ‘Right,’ but then continued on her question.

Then, the following day, when discussing Alice Hoffman’s novel Here on Earth and the film Practical Magic, stories about ‘about two sisters,’ the co-hosts seemingly clashed when discussing their siblings.

Hager said she could relate to the main characters in the film since ‘it’s a lot about sister empowerment’ adding: ‘I have a sister. So Barbara and I…’

Meanwhile, Jones, who appeared to cut her off, chimed in: ‘I’ve got like four of them.’

Referring to her twin sister Barbara Pierce Bush, Hager then snapped: ‘Well, I know but I just have one.’

A presenting shake-up could be on the horizon, our insider claimed, explaining: ‘While it doesn’t hurt to have some more attention surrounding the show, Today really strives to be family friendly.

‘If on set tension gets worse or happens more regularly, there might be some big changes happening for next season,’ they warned. ‘The head honchos are certainly paying attention to what’s being said online.

‘Viewership, at the end of the day, is the most important thing. If someone isn’t resonating with the audience, that’s a big problem.’

A decision for the next season is expected to be made ‘before the end of the year.’

‘Sheinelle has lost a lot in her life already,’ the insider said. ‘She would not want to give up the one thing she worked so hard for. No matter what Jenna does or says, she will put drama aside to 100 percent focus on work.’

Mike Jerrick, Jones’s former Fox29 Good Day Philadelphia coworker previously told the the Daily Mail that his pal ‘never heard her talk s**t about anybody else’ no matter how ‘frustrated’ they got on set.

‘She’s just the most genuine person,’ he said. ‘She’s a unique on-air talent. There’s nothing fake there… She’s just incredibly kind and funny.’

The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Jones, Hager and NBC for comment.

Local Real Estate Broker Charged with Insurance Fraud

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Submitted by the Staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – At 50 years old, real estate broker Niya Curinton Dix finds herself entangled with the law, having been recently detained at the Alachua County Jail. Dix faces five felony charges, centered around accusations of submitting a fraudulent insurance claim.

According to an official complaint from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Dix is accused of filing a dubious property loss claim with Florida Farm Bureau in September 2024. The claim involved damages to her pool’s lighting system. Reportedly, she provided a statement from a pool company indicating prolonged water damage to the lights. Based on this report, the Farm Bureau rejected the claim, citing that the damage seemed unrelated to any storm activity.

Fast forward to December 2025, Dix again purportedly filed for damages to the pool lighting, this time asserting that lightning had wreaked havoc on the electrical components, including the pool light breaker and computer board. Supporting her claim, she submitted an affidavit under the name Before and After Projects, accompanied by another quotation from the pool company. This quote differed from its predecessor, featuring only a “completion notes” section and missing the prior letterhead. Additionally, the claim bundled an invoice dated October 2025, tallying a $13,381 quote for pending work, alongside an Envisio Partners invoice itemizing the same services at an estimated cost of $12,558.

The situation began escalating on February 4, 2026, when the Department of Financial Services (DFS) was tipped off by Dix’s ex-husband. He had come across a letter from Florida Farm Bureau regarding the December claim. Curiously, upon contacting the Bureau, he learned that the claim purported to involve lightning damage.

Florida Farm Bureau reportedly told Dix’s ex-husband that payment for the claim had been issued to him, Niya Dix, and the mortgage company; however, when he examined the documents provided by Florida Farm Bureau, he realized that the pool repair estimates were identical to a 2024 quote, and he also knew he had not endorsed any check from Florida Farm Bureau. Dix’s ex-husband also reportedly told DFS that he knew the repairs to the pool had not been completed.

A DFS investigator spoke with the pool company, and a representative said the estimate and invoice that Niya Dix provided with the December 2025 claim had been altered; the representative said the pool company does not do permit and electrical panel replacements, which were both reportedly included in the document provided to Florida Farm Bureau. The representative also said the price of the lights on the claim documents was higher than the actual price and that those lights were known to be damaged since at least August 2024.

The pool company representative reportedly said Niya Dix had requested a quote for a leak detection dye test and hydraulic cement repair, and that quote appeared to have been copied and placed onto the invoice provided to Florida Farm Bureau, with the price changed from $1,225 to $13,381.

The investigator also reportedly examined the documents from the 2024 claim and found discrepancies between the documents provided by the pool company and the documents submitted by Niya Dix to Florida Farm Bureau.

The investigator sent a subpoena to Envisio Partners, which was found to provide strategic planning and performance management services, not pool repairs; the investigator reported that the company did not respond to the subpoena.

The investigator contacted the owner of Before and After Projects and reported that he said the services listed on the document were not performed by his company, the contact number and signature did not belong to anyone at the company, and he considered the affidavit to be fraudulent.

Florida Farm Bureau reportedly said the December 2025 claim was paid electronically into an account that was found to be solely owned by Niya Dix.

Dix has been charged with insurance fraud under $20,000, two counts of forgery, using the identity of another person/company, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

Dix is also facing a sworn complaint for allegedly commingling funds belonging to multiple tenants of Gainesville Housing Authority properties, with charges of theft under $50,000 from a person over the age of 65, fraud, and forgery; no warrant has been issued in that case, and she has not been booked on those charges.

Dix has no recent criminal convictions, but according to a court document, adjudication of guilt was withheld in 2000 for petit theft and in 2002 for grand theft; the document also shows 14 worthless check convictions, all more than 20 years old. A sworn complaint was filed in 2023, alleging that she drove a vehicle toward a woman after threatening to hit her with the vehicle, but the charges were eventually dropped.

According to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation’s licensing portal, Dix has an active Real Estate Broker license and an application in progress for a Construction Financial Officer license.

Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard set bail at $25,000 in the warrant, and Dix has been released from the jail.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.